Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Day 209 - Gumbo w/Catfish

WHAT was I thinking?  I made this gumbo w/catfish in my crockpot for the family.  Well, first the crockpot did not work and I thought it was dead.  Then I realized the plug outlet was the problem, not the crockpot, so I got it going.  I had these frozen catfish nuggets that I wanted to use up - so I tossed them into a batch of gumbo and let it cook all day.

I did not even like the smell, but I still wanted to try it - after all I did make it myself - so I kind of owed it to myself to try it, right?  Ugh.... hated it.  Awful.  No gumbo for mama.  Girls liked it - boys did not.  OH well.

Tomorrow is December 1st.  Hard to believe... Christmas is upon us.  Got all your shopping done?  Me neither.

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Day 208 - Kashi GoLean Crisp - Toasted Berry Crumble


Okay -until today - I had never even heard of this cereal.  I have certainly heard of Kashi GoLean - and usually the cereals are a 'crunch', not a 'crisp' ... at least in my limited experience.  Anyway - I decided to give this one a whirl.

I hated it.  Yep - hated it.  I did not like it one bit.  Sorry to disappoint - I had really hoped it would be a winner.  Sounded good anyway.  The texture was a problem for me, and it seemed kinda dry, even with milk.  Hard to explain.  Anyway, a no go for Deb.

Hope you had a good day.

Monday, November 28, 2011

Day 207 - Dark Chocolate Covered Pomegranate Seeds


Okay - found a new love.  These things are heavenly.  Not entirely sure if they qualify as clean or not - but I do suppose they are better than some alternatives.  It always worries me when I see 'natural flavors' in the ingredient list - - we all know that doesn't really mean all natural.  AND what the heck is gum arabic?  Just wondering!

At any rate; here is the nutrition breakdown:


NUTRITION FACTS & INGREDIENTS


Semisweet chocolate [contains: sugar, cocoa mass, cocoa butter, soy lecithin(an emuslifier), vanilla] Pomegranati arils, sugar, citric acid, lemon juice concentrate, pomegranate juice concentrate, natural flavors, gum arabic, confectionser's glaze, natura.
Serving Size 40g (~1.4 oz.)
(Approx. 11.4 Servings/Pound)
Amount Per Serving
Calories170
Calories From Fat80
%DV
Total Fat9g13%
Saturated Fat5g26%
Cholesterol0mg0%
Sodium0mg0%
Total Carbohydrate27g9%
Dietary Fiber3g11%
Sugars22g
Protein2g
Vitamin A0%Calcium2%
Vitamin C0%Iron8%






Sunday, November 27, 2011

Day 206 - Kashi GoLean Roll (Chocolate Peanut)

OMG, this is the third time I am writing the same blog.  Computer and internet keeps crashing and not holding the clipboard contents or saving my work.  Frustrating.  Now hubby has had the laptop for an hour or so, so let's hope he did his genius magic and we can actually get this blog posted sometime tonight.

I saw a Kashi GoLean bar for cheap at Big Lots, only .80 cents.  I had never heard of it before, so decided to give it a try.  It is called a Kashi GoLean Roll - and the flavor is Chocolate Peanut.  It is suppose to have slow release carbs and be high in fiber and protein, so as to help keep you satisfied (full) longer.  Well, I'll never find out because I barely ate more than a bite.  It was adequately average at best.  Not in love with it, by any means.  Toddler boy seemed to like it though, so I suppose my eighty cents was not all lost.

Meanwhile, we spent a lot of today shopping for a REAL Christmas tree and getting it set up at home, decorating, etc.   In our 18 plus years of marriage, we have never had a real tree, so we shall see how this goes.  The kids are excited, and so am I for that matter.  Hope you had a nice and productive weekend.  I know I did.



Day 205 - Salami

So, I tried something I have no business eating - and it was salami.  No, I did not like it - so that is probably a good thing, huh?   My kids are fascinated with this pseudo meat, so I wanted to see what the fascination is.  Ugh, what in the world is the appeal?  I just don't get it.

Happy Saturday.

Friday, November 25, 2011

Day 204 - Whole Wheat Ritz Crackers


Okay, okay - mama is going to have to be a little careful with these, because they are quite heavenly.  Yes, I have a small weakness for Ritz crackers, but have been trying to avoid them - but now I have tried Whole Wheat Ritz Crackers, and they are completely yumm-o.  I really cannot even taste or tell the difference, honestly.  I know they are still not all that healthy - no worries - not going to go overboard or anything.

Hope you had a good Friday and did not overdraw your bank account or max out your credit cards.  As for me, It'll be a cash-n-carry Christmas for us!  Nothing on credit.

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Day 203 - Thanksgiving


So I did not do a blog yesterday for day 202 because I knew today was Thanksgiving and I would have a chance to try new things today.  We were invited over to some friends to share their Thanksgiving meal, and how awesome is that?  We had a really good time, and the kids were so happy.  The fun, food and fellowship is such a blessing.  I am so appreciative for the invitation, truly.

I tried a sweet potato thing she had made.  I have no idea what exactly was in it, but it was okay.  I have been  feeling nauseated last night and today, so one bite was all I really needed.

She also made these amazing home-made rolls from scratch.  My oh my - I am in awe of her talents.  They were heaven on a plate I tell ya.  I may just have to learn how to make such things :)

I also have to confess, I am always nervous about eating turkey at someone else's house.  Just me being weird and neurotic, I know, but still after all these years, it freaks me out just a bit.  So I am quite proud of myself for not really worrying about it, and enjoying the turkey.  I ate some -a serving worth I'm sure.  It was really good.  I liked it a lot.  Yay for awesome turkey.

Our hostess also made a pumpkin pie that I was really tempted to taste, but alas, I did not.  I was a bit afraid of the nausea factor ... and I am pretty darn certain that I would love it and not want just one bite.  All of my kids were fascinated with her pumpkin pie and thought it was fantabulous.  I was really tempted, but I passed.

Anyway, hope you had a happy Thanksgiving ... many blessings to all.

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Day 201 - Tartar Sauce

WHO in the world eats this stuff?  Yeah Yeah,  I know - pretty much everybody ... but why oh why do they eat this stuff?  IT is gross.  Yucky to the max.  I tried tartar sauce and hated it.   NO more for me.  NO thank you.  Anybody else have any thoughts on it?

Monday, November 21, 2011

Day 200 - Chicken Marinara Cheese Creation

So - I am terrible, I did not get a picture of the dinner I made.  Oh well.

Tonight I decided to use some frozen chicken thighs I had, and some leftover marinara sauce, leftover cheddar cheese (shredded) and leftover parm. cheese (shredded) - and throw it all together.  The marinara sauce had basil in it.  I basically put the frozen chicken in a pan, spritzed it with a little olive oil, covered all the chicken with the marinara sauce, and then sprinkled half the cheese all over.  Baked until half way done - about 30 minutes covered.  Took it out - poured the rest of the cheese on top of the creation, uncovered, and baked 20 more minutes.   Everyone loved it - well everyone except me.  I took a small bite of a small piece of chicken that was not really a thigh, but more like a random piece that came out of the bag.  It was done way before the actual thighs were done, so I took my opportunity to try it.  I cannot say I liked it.  I wish I did.  The smell was pleasant, and I thought for sure I would probably be okay with it.  But alas, no, it was not.  Everyone else loved it though, so that means it was just me.  Oh well.

I also made peas to go with the dinner.  I tried them again (have done it before in this challenge).  You can probably guess the outcome.  Still hate them.  Ugh.

Meanwhile - I saw a neat photo/saying that I just love, so I will share it here.  Hope you had a good day.


Sunday, November 20, 2011

Day 199 - Pumpkin Pie Yogurt

Well, they say it is a limited edition flavor - - but man I wish it would be around all year.  Can we say YUMMY?  Oh yes we can.  Yummy and heavenly ... can you tell I enjoyed it?  Yes, I tried it - Yes, I loved it.  Woo Hoo.

Other than that - I also had a bite of some kind of cake called Boston Cream Pie Cake.  I have never had Boston Cream Pie in my life, except maybe a yogurt flavored that once I think, can't even remember now.  The cake was okay - but I know better than to have beyond a bite.  

Hope you had a good day so far.

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Day 198 - Weight Loss Booster

So I had heard about this in my Fab Fit group, and then I also read about it on Pinterest.  It is a great tip for boosting weight loss!  So I finally decided to try it.

Mix - 2 Liters of water, 1 medium cucumber, 1 lemon, 10-12 mint leaves. Steep overnight in fridge and drink every day. Also good if you had a heavy meal or high sodium meal and trying to reduce bloating. Works like a charm.  Believe it or not, I actually kinda liked the creation.

Please note the picture below is not my own - I got it off of Pinterest.  My phone battery has been dying a lot lately, dying super fast (not sure why) ... and I didn't get a pic.  Ooops.  Oh well.  Forgive a mama.

Friday, November 18, 2011

Day 197 - A Fishy Mystery

SO I definitely tried something new today -- yet for the life of me - - I cannot figure out what it is.  Sounds strange, I am sure.  Well, I am experimenting with different fish and seafoods now, these days.  I want to expand my horizons on this front.  I also seem to be CRAVING fish a lot lately.  Not sure what is up with that.

Anyway, I went to a little fish place and I ordered a COD dish ... and it was seasoned.  This is usually a big NO NO for Deb.  I tried some anyway, and loved it.  I have no idea what this seasoning was or is ... but I wish I did - because it is great.  It did not make me sick.  Major progress.  So, then,  I had my daughter try some, and she is usually quite the expert with these things, and she has no idea either.  So oh well - - that does make it a bit hard to re-create.   I just may have to go back there and ask somebody.  NO biggie, just gives me another excuse to go buy fish again, huh?

Happy Friday.  I saw Breaking Dawn today - this morning really.  It was awesome, and I am not ashamed to admit that I loved it.

Day 196 - Yakult

What the heck is Yakult?  Well, it is a small little probiotic drink.  WHY drink it ?


You may not think about your digestive system when you think about your overall well-being, but that’s where good health and proper nutrition begins. Drinking Yakult daily may help balance your digestive system. For 75 years, people around the world have been making Yakult a part of their daily diet – really?  That many, huh?!

On top of all the benefits Yakult tastes great! Yes, I said that.  It does indeed taste great.  I was surprised, for some reason I expected it to be kinda gross.  They claim that over 28 million children and adults around the world enjoy the delicious taste of Yakult every day.  I guess now I'm one of them.

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Day 195 - Kefir (Strawberry)

Found a new love ... ah yes, this is good stuff.   I tried a Kefir -  strawberry flavored - probiotic drink, kind of like a smoothie I guess.  Ahhhh, good stuff indeed.   Does anyone know anything about Kefir?  Is it really good for you?  Anyone have experiences I should know about ? :)

Meanwhile, my daughter colored my hair .... she says I'm strawberry blonde now.  I'm not so sure.  BUT it does seem like a lighter color.  I tried to get a photo, but seems like the light is never right.  Oh well - at least I tried.

Have a good day.


And my attempt at pictures of myself ... hate the way my face looks - - 
not the bright smile I'm known for at all - and I hate the lighting,
but maybe you can see the difference in color.  You tell me.


Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Day 194 - Not feeling Peachy

OMG ... the thing I tried today, was a total accident.  The one thing I have always hated (smell, taste, touch, whatever) ... is peach.   I do not like anything remotely resembling peach.  I hate peach scented candles or lotions.  I hate to touch peaches.  I certainly do not like actual peaches or peach flavored things.  I am not sure if it is mental or physical or what, but I had an experience as a child where we went peach picking.  We came home and my mom threw me in the tub with the other kids we went with.   I had a terrible reaction to it.  My skin was just awful.   I felt yucky for days.  I was little when this happened, little enough to be thrown in a tub with other kids ... but I definitely remember it ... and have hated all things peach ever since.

So anyway, I went to Sonic to get just a plain iced tea.  That is what I ordered.  That is what I expected.  So I take a big drink, and holy cow - it was PEACH SWEET TEA.  Nasty stuff.  I literally gagged.   I tell you what, it is one thing to gear up for trying something new ... to think about it, to plan it, to embrace it.  It is totally another thing to be bambooozled and shocked by something you were NOT expecting.

I don't know about you - but I am counting that as my NEW thing for the day.  Not sure I could handle any other adventures right now, tee hee.   Moral of the story ... no peach nothing for this mama!

PS:  Just for the record, I was NOT eating food at Sonic - - was purely there for the plain tea.  :)

Monday, November 14, 2011

Day 193 - Seafood Pate (smoked salmon)


Oh my gosh - can we say GROSS?  I really have no experience whatsoever with any form of pate, so I guess I was in uncharted territory.   This was not for me, that is for sure.  I love smoked salmon, so I thought this may be a good thing to try ... uh ... NOT!

Does anyone out there have any opinions, advice or thoughts on pate ??   I am a clueless fool.

Sunday, November 13, 2011

Day 192 - Greenberry Shamrock Shake

Here is the recipe I made:


Greenberry Shakeology Shamrock Shake Recipe

  • 8 oz of milk
  • 4 oz of water and ice
  • splash of peppermint extract
  • 1 tsp of peanut butter  (note, I used almond butter)
  • 2 tbsp of sugar free vanilla or cheesecake jello instant pudding mix
  • packet of greenberry shakeology
All you do is blend all of this and that’s it! 
I wish I could say that I was madly in love with this, but not really.  It was good enough that I could see the potential.  Apparently the recipe was totally serious when they said 'a splash' of peppermint extract.   I think I put too much in there, because it was way too strong ... like clear your sinuses kind of strong.  I really did not think I put much in there when I made it in the blender, but clearly, I did.
I love the Greenberry Shakeology shake by itself, and it is oh so good for you.   I just wanted to try a new variation.  But maybe I'll just try this recipe without the mint all together.   My husband is not a fan of mint at all, so he was not even remotely interested in tasting my adventure.  My son tasted it - the one who is usually willing - and said 'uh, no thanks, no more'.  Oh well.  I put the rest in the freezer, and will come up with something to do with it later.  Would welcome suggestions :)
Meanwhile, happy shakin' everybody!

Day 192 - Poppy Seed Muffin (lemon)

So, I ate me a lemon poppy seed muffin, kinda.  I ate a couple of bites, is more accurate.  I was really wanting to just see if I like poppy seeds because I saw an interesting recipe for poppy seed chicken.   Yes, it was okay.  I will likely prefer it more on the chicken.  I'm not really much of a muffin person.  They are not all that good for me anyway, so it's no major loss not to be a big muffin eater.    I have seen a lot of good clean uses for muffin pans lately, and some things like turkey muffins and whatnot.   Ahhh - the possibilities to try.


Friday, November 11, 2011

Day 191 - life Cinnamon Roll Bar

So today's new adventure was in a soft baked bar made by the Life people that make Life cereal - - the flavor is cinnamon roll with raisins and pecans.  It is not remotely clean, so for those of looking for a 'clean' treat, this ain't it, the list of ingredients is LONG.

Did I like it?  Not really.  I mean, I could tolerate it probably if I had to, but it wasn't really yummy or satisfying as a 'treat', and I didn't see the point in taking more than a bite.  I satisfied the need to try something new, and I did, so that is that.

I also had catfish for lunch today.  I tried that earlier in this blog challenge.  YUM - I liked it even more this time than I did last time.  Woo Hoo for new things.

Hope you had a good Veterans Day - or 11/11/11 day - and the weekend is good to you.


Thursday, November 10, 2011

Day 190 - Sushi Anyone?

OMG ... I cannot believe I tried Sushi.  You can probably guess the outcome.  I hated it.  I really hated it, it even made me gag a bit and I thought for sure I was going to hurl.  It took me a few moments to recover from it.  I realize there are a million different kinds of sushi out there, different ingredients and variations, this is just a package that came from the grocery store.  Maybe in a restaurant it would be better, who knows.  Not sure I am too eager to repeat the experience in the very near future, though.

So, yay for tomorrow being Friday.  Carry on.

Wednesday, November 09, 2011

Day 189 - TLC Kashi Bar (Peanutty Dark Choc. Layered Granola Bar)

So in keeping with the dark chocolate theme, I tried a TLC Kashi bar today ... specifically it is called a Peanutty Dark Chocolate Layered Granola Bar.  I cannot say I am a fan.  I liked that the box said 'no high fructose corn syrup' ... but the bar itself, not so exciting.   I gave it to my son - and he wasn't too thrilled with it either.  Oh well, onward and upward I guess.

Hubby had the 2nd surgery today on his face ... hopefully he'll heal up all nicely, and there won't be any complications or infections.  So far so good.

Tootles for now.

Day 188 - Hershey's Special Dark Choc w/Almonds

Yes, I tried a candy today.  So sue me - and don't judge.  It's been a crazy week and events surrounding my husband's 2 surgeries on his face.

So - I hear a lot of good stuff about dark chocolate, and was given this little miniature piece of candy, so I decided to give it a shot.  I did like it, but must say it seemed to have a weird aftertaste.  Is that normal? Not sure.  It was just a small piece, and I did not eat more than one.  Even though many more were available, tee hee - but one was enough.  Moving on.

Hope you had a great day.

Monday, November 07, 2011

Day 187 - Coleslaw

So, I tried something today that I really never thought I would.  Yep, coleslaw.  I know it's such a common thing, and everyone everywhere has probably had some.  My daughter loves the stuff, as does one of my sons.  I ordered some fish in a restaurant today and they gave me some coleslaw by mistake.  I did not ask for it - but it was given to me nonetheless.  The OLD me would have immediately become upset and hurled it back and demanded a whole brand new order for fear it may have 'touched' something.  Today, I was like ' oh well ' .. it's just an excuse to try something new.  My oh my - we've made progress I tell ya.

Did I like the coleslaw?  No - not one bit.  But, hey - at least I tried it. I still feel like somewhat of a success though because I didn't freak out about the whole thing. I also realize there are like tons of different variations on it, so it probably makes a difference as to who makes it or where you get it, etc.

Sunday, November 06, 2011

Day 186 - Cheese, Ham and Ants on a Log

So, today was my son's 8th birthday party.  We had it at the fire station in our neighborhood. It was so fun, total success - - in my humble opinion.

For the party - we had cupcakes - and they were yummlicious.  Yes, I had about half of one.  I'm not really a cake person by nature - - but I did have some - and it was quite good.  We also had pineapples - in which we stuck toothpicks all over it - and the toothpicks had ham cubes and colby jack cheese squares on the toothpicks.  I had two of these at the party.  I did eat the ham/cheese thingy ... did not care for it at all ... but, hey I gave it a whirl -and the pineapples looked pretty.  I also had a tray of ants on a log ... basically celery and peanut butter and raisins.  I gotta tell ya - I did not like this either.  I really hate celery - and I cannot even stand the smell of it.  I was hoping with the peanut butter - I might like it better, but no dice.  Oh well.  At any rate, the party was fun - and the kids loved our treats.

At dinner time, my daughter cooked up that asparagus I bought.  She did it in the skillet on the stove and added all kinds of seasonings to it.  I did not brave a taste.  The smell alone, kept me far away from the kitchen, wasn't going near it.   Will have to give asparagus a try another day.


Saturday, November 05, 2011

Day 185 - Catfish and Shrimp

WOW - tried a new place today, as I took my daughter and our foreign exchange student out to lunch to a new fish restaurant we hadn't been to before.  I must confess, I was a bit nervous to try catfish and shrimp - it was off my daughter's plate.  She was insistent that I give it a whirl.  Funny, I've been doing this for a while - this new food every day thing I mean ... and sometimes things still freak me out.   The shrimp especially was freaking me out.  I tried both though - and loved both - and let me just say WOW.  I will definitely go back to that place.  They had other things I want to try as well, like salmon and such.   I also tried one of their hushpuppies, and I did not like that at all.

SO YAY for a new place and new things.  Would love ideas on other things I can do with shrimp and possibly catfish.  I have a bag of frozen catfish tenders that I have YET to figure out what to do with ...

How was your day ?

Friday, November 04, 2011

Day 184 - Pumpkin Smoothie

Want a taste of heaven - try this recipe.  I did - and it was fabulous!  Would love ideas on variations for it, maybe throw some extra 'good' stuff in there.

PUMPKIN SMOOTHIE


Ingredients:
  • 1/2 cup canned pumpkin (be sure to use canned pumpkin, not canned pie filling)
  • 1/2 cup vanilla soy milk (it called for Soy but I used Vanilla Almond Milk)
  • 1/2 cup crushed ice
  • 1 tbsp. honey (I used pure local honey)
  • 1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
Directions:
Place all ingredients in blender and process until smooth.
Nutritional Info:  162 calories | 5 grams protein | 34 grams carbs | 4 grams fiber | 2 grams fat
If you have not discovered the wonderful benefits of pumpkin - you should give it a try.  It is a very versatile food, that is for sure.
Pumpkin Nutrients
Pumpkin is low in fat and calories, but rich in these nutrients:
  • Alpha-carotene
  • Beta-carotene
  • Vitamins C and E
  • Fiber
  • Potassium
  • Magnesium
  • Pantothenic acid
Pumpkin Nutrition Facts
Alpha-carotene and beta-carotene both work as antioxidants in the body and are pro-vitamin A carotenoids, meaning they’re converted to vitamin A by the body.  Carotenoids boost immunity and reduce heart disease risk.  Beta-carotene may help reverse skin damage caused by the sun and act as an anti-flammatory.  Alpha-carotene is also thought to slow the aging process, prevent tumor growth and is very good for your eyes, helping reduce the risk of developing cataracts.
Pumpkin is a great source of fiber, with one half cup containing 5 grams of fiber.  We all know the benefits of fiber; it reduces bad cholesterol levels, protects the body against heart disease, helps control blood sugar levels, promotes healthy digestion and may also play a role in weight loss.
Pumpkin is rich in Vitamin C, which boosts immunity, reduces the risk of high blood pressure and heart disease and aids regulation of cholesterol levels.  A good source of Vitamin E, pumpkin promotes healthy skin by protecting the body from sun damage and may also reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s and certain cancers.

Thursday, November 03, 2011

Day 183 - Weird Turkey Salad

So today I was feeling adventurous and tasted a turkey pineapple craisin salad.  No, I do not really even like pineapples - but I thought maybe mixed in with the other stuff I wouldn't mind so much.  I was wrong.  The turkey was also not very good in this salad.  This was something put together at a deli, and it was just yuk in my opinion.  I don't know what all else was in there, but I was not impressed.

Meanwhile, tonight I purchased an oil spritzer and a nice big bottle of Olive Oil - - with the intention that I will try roasting vegetables more, as has been suggested by many of my fitness friends.  I bought a bunch of asparagus tonight ... that will be my first test probably.

Wednesday, November 02, 2011

Day 182 - Shakeology Greenberry

So, in honor of signing up to be a Team BeachBody Coach, I tried the Greenberry flavored Shakeology.  I mixed it with milk, peanut butter and a banana. It was awesome.   Some people seem to be 'on the fence' about the greenberry flavor, or just prefer the chocolate.  I liked it this way a lot.  I know other people have used mint with it and various things.  I want to try it that way as well.   The recipes and combinations are endless.

I also got a surprise gift in the mail today - a fitbit ultra.  It is a wireless device to keep track of sleep and activity, like steps, etc.   I am excited to give this new piece of technology a whirl.

I created a website for my 'Healthy Habit Gal' branding, it is pretty easy...Healthy Habit Gal!

Hope everyone had a happy HUMP day !

Tuesday, November 01, 2011

Day 181 - Tomato Basil Pasta Soup

So Randall's (which is also Safeway) has this brand called 'Eating Right'.  They have soup cups and various things.  I tried one today called Tomato Basil Pasta Soup....

NOPE - NO GO - YUK - hated it.   Did not get in much - and threw the rest away.  I was alone, so there was nobody to give it to.  Oh well - maybe I'd like some kind of homemade version  better.  Everyone knows I'm not too fond of things involving tomatoes anyway, but I'm trying.