Jayson's Peanut Butter Muffins

My son Jayson is the pickiest eater I have ever known, so I wanted to try something new. I asked him if he wanted to make breakfast this morning. He wanted cereal at first, but when he realized it was going to be just him and mom, he got excited. Told him that we were going to make some healthy muffins. I asked him what he wanted in his muffins, and he said peanut butter. So that's where we started. I let him do all the measuring and stirring and I explained each ingredient to him. He was having a blast with his momma! So this recipes is my boys. He actually loved them too, he liked his with honey and some chocolate hazelnut spread. Kaylee ate hers with Jam.

Jayson's Peanut Butter Muffins

3/4 c. firmly packed brown sugar

1/2 c. natural creamy peanut butter

1/2c. applesauce

1/2c. banana (pureed)

1 large egg

8-10 drops of SweetLeaf Vanilla Creme Stevia

1c. whole wheat pastry flour

1 tsp. baking soda

1tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. sea salt (fine)

1 Preheat oven to 350. Coat a 12 cup muffin pan with spray or I like to rub coconut oil on my pans.

2 In large bowl mix first 6 ingredients.

3. In separate bowl mix flour, powder, soda, salt in bowl, and then add to the wet mixture and stir just until it's combined, don't worry if it's a little lumpy, just don't overmix.

4 Distribute the batter evenly between the muffin pan and bake 15-20 min until golden brown on top and tooth pick comes out clean. Let cool about 3-5 min then turn muffins out on a rack. (mine were done right at 15 min)

* These will keep in freezer for about a month, and they taste best when you eat them in the first two days...keep them in an air tight container or zip lock bag.

TIPS

* Try to use organic if you can.

* If you don't have stevia just substitute the 8-10 drops with 1/4 c brown sugar. I don't like using refined sugar at all..but I was to scared to substitute all the sugar completey with stevia just yet. I will work towards that though!!

My Guiltless Banana Bread w/ Stevia

Since we all must know by now, how bad refined sugar is for us. I finally was brave enough to start baking with Stevia. You can find Stevia at Trader Joes (powder form), Central Market and PCC both have Stevia in both powder and liquid forms... I suggest you have both on hand. Don't get stevia confused with Purevia or Truvia which you can find at any grocery store or drug store..these are NOT true and pure Stevia...these knock off brands have fillers in them such as maltodextrin.

Here are a few sites that you can check out to see the benefits of Stevia and also see how refined sugars and artificial sweetners can harm our health and body:

http://www.stevia.com/

www.steviashop.com/stevia.php

http://www..steviabenefits.org/

http://www.sweetleaf.com/

www.youtube.com/watch?v=UYh5bkwyuRs

Okay now we are finally to my Guiltless Banana Bread w/ Stevia Recipe:

2 Eggs ( try to use organic if you can)

2/3 c. Applesauce

1 c. Mashed up banana

1/3 c. Milk (I used vanilla almond milk, or you can use rice milk too)

1 tsp. Pure vanilla extract

2 1/2 c. Whole wheat pastry flour

1/2 tsp. Sea Salt finely ground, i like my anient sea salt by Real Salt

1 tsp. Baking soda

1 1/4 tsp. Stevia (powder)

1/2 c. Chopped walnuts (optional)

1/2 tsp. Cinnamon (optional)

Mix all wet ingredients in large bowl (first 5 ingredients) . Sift all remaining ingredients in seperate bowl then add to wet mixture. Mix well. Pour into a greased (I greased mine with coconut oil) 9x5 loaf pan bake in preheated oven at 350 for 60 min. ( mine was done at about 55 min, so keep eye on it) Take it out and let it cool, then enjoy!!

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Tropical Protein Smoothie

Just made up this smoothie this morning after a tough cardio workout. This smoothie is perfect after an intense workout as your recovery drink or even for breakfast or snack. It's packed full of wonderful nutrients and vitamins. Try it!!



-Tropical Protein Smoothie -


1/2 Large Banana
1/2 c. Frozen mango
1/2 c. Frozen pineapple
1/2 small avocado
1/2 c. yogurt (lowfat vanilla or plain)
2 T wheat germ
1/2 scoop vanilla protein powder
1 t vanilla extract
1-2 T agava nectar or honey (depend how sweet you want it)
1/2 C milk (any kind 1%, skim, soy etc.)


Add all ingredients to blender in order as shown and blend until creamy and smooth, pour and enjoy! Makes 2 servings 12oz each or 1 large 24oz


Nutrition Facts :
Tropical Protein Smoothie
2 Servings

Amount Per Serving
Calories 304.9
Total Fat 6.2 g
Saturated Fat 1.7 g
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.0 g
Monounsaturated Fat 2.7 g
Cholesterol 6.7 mg
Sodium 111.6 mg
Potassium 727.2 mg
Total Carbohydrate 52.6 g

Dietary Fiber 5.3 g

Sugars 21.5 g
Protein 12.6 g
Vitamin A 10.7 %
Vitamin B-12 10.4 %
Vitamin B-6 22.1 %
Vitamin C 38.8 %
Vitamin D 7.9 %
Vitamin E 4.7 %
Calcium 20.8 %
Copper 11.0 %
Folate 23.1 %
Iron 10.0 %
Magnesium 16.2 %
Manganese 104.0 %
Niacin 7.6 %
Pantothenic Acid 12.1 %
Phosphorus 25.1 %
Riboflavin 23.7 %
Selenium 7.1 %
Thiamin 17.9 %
Zinc 14.5 %

6 Foods that keep you full and satisfied

The big, fat (pun intended) irony about trying to drop pounds is that cutting calories has a pesky habit of making you eat more, and more of the wrong types of foods. Think about the last time you nibbled a plain green salad for lunch. How did you feel by 6 pm? Ready to eat an entire anything and then have seconds? Hunger is a real, physical need you can’t overcome with willpower alone. So eat already—and stock up on these foods, which will keep you satiated for hours:

Eggs: They’re a great source of hunger-quelling protein (about 6 g per egg), plus a recent study found that women following a low-fat diet who ate 2 eggs for breakfast at least 5 days a week lost 65% more weight and averaged an 83% greater reduction in waist circumference. Not a fan? Low-fat yogurt is a great source of (breakfast-happy) protein.
Almonds: These tasty nuts contain the healthy monounsaturated fatty acids, good-for-you fats that keep your appetite sated for hours. Studies back this up—one found that after 6 months, dieters whose eating plan included almonds lost 63% more weight, lost 50% more body fat, and shrunk their waistlines 55% more than those on a high-carb diet. They’re not exactly calorie free, so watch portions (1 ounce—or 28 nuts—is about 170 calories).

Avocados: How do I love these? In many many ways, but a few slices with a little lime juice is rich, satisfying, and loaded with so many important nutrients, including those healthy monounsaturated fats, plus vitamins and minerals like potassium and folate. No, they’re not calorie free, but a few slices have between 50 and 75 calories and will make any salad or sandwich SO much more satisfying (you can even throw avocado in a smoothie, which is common in Thai food).

Apples: I’m going to resist the urge to write anything about absentee doctors and regular apple consumption, but needless to say, eating one or two of these crunchy, portable fruits really can benefit your waistline: One study found that subjects who ate one apple before every meal lost 40% more weight than those who didn’t. Plus, they’re low in calories—about 65 for one that’s medium-size.

Oatmeal: This is the food weight loss dreams are made of. It contains high amounts of soluble fiber, which slows digestion and keeps you full for hours, and one study found that subjects who ate oatmeal for breakfast every day and also walked an average of 15 to 30 minutes daily lost about 10 pounds in 12 weeks.

Peanut butter: Despite the name, peanuts are actually a legume, not a nut, but they’re still high in those craving-quashing monounsaturated fats, and research has found that dieters who snack on peanuts or peanut butter lose more weight than those who don’t. My advice is to stick with the natural kind because it’s lower in added sugars—and spread some on those apple slices next time you get the 4 pm munchies.

Avocado Love

I can't get enough avocado. I love them. I love the creamy texture, the nutty, fresh flavor , the bright green beautiful color. I know most people are unsure of the avocado, they think it's just a fatty, unhealthy fruit (yes the avocado is a fruit). Yes, it's true they are fatty but it's a myth about them being unhealthy. In fact the avocado is super healthy. 90% of an avocado's calories come from monounsaturated fat. Monounsaturated fat actually helps you control your appetite and lose weight.

How does it do this? Well the monounsaturated fat in avocados speeds up your basal metabolic rate, which makes you feel full a lot faster and helps you control the urge to over eat. The high fat content in avocados also helps you resist the temptations to binge on unhealthy foods that are high in sugar or saturated fats. Avocados are also full of the antioxidants that help protect us against arthritis, cancer, cataracts, heart disease, and even the effects of aging. They provide more than 25 essential nutrients, including fiber, potassium, vitamin E, B vitamins and folic acid. Don't ever be fooled by fat-free diets, avocados are healthy and they will help you lose weight.

Here is some more interesting tid bits about the wonderful avocado:

Avocado Nutrition Structure/Function Statements

Avocados contain 81 micrograms of the carotenoid lutein, which some studies suggest may help maintain healthy eyes.

Avocados are included in Fruits & Veggies-More Matters™ consumer educational program to promote increased consumption of fruits and vegetables for good health.

Avocados contribute nearly 20 vitamins, minerals and beneficial plant compounds that can contribute to the nutrient quality of your diet.

Avocados, due to their mono and polyunsaturated fat content, are a healthy substitution for foods rich in saturated fat.

One-fifth of a medium avocado (1 oz) has 50 calories and contributes nearly 20 vitamins and minerals making it a good nutrient choice.

Avocados contain 76 milligrams beta-sitosterol in a 3-oz serving of avocado. Beta-sitosterol is a natural plant sterol which may help maintain healthy cholesterol levels.

Avocados and Babies

The avocado's smooth, creamy consistency makes it one of the first fresh fruits a baby can enjoy. Sodium- and cholesterol- free, avocados contain valuable nutrients including 8% of the recommended Daily Value (DV) for folate; 4% DV for fiber and potassium, 4% DV for vitamin E; and 2% DV for iron. A serving of avocado also contains 81 micrograms of the carotenoid lutein and 19 micrograms of beta-carotene. Per serving, avocados have 3.5 grams of unsaturated fats, which are known to be important for normal growth and development of the central nervous system and brain.

Avocados Nutrient Profile:

One-fifth of a medium avocado, or about one ounce, has 50 calories and contributes nearly 20 beneficial nutrients to the diet.

Avocados contribute nearly 20 vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients. Phytonutrients are thought to help prevent many chronic diseases.

Avocados contribute nearly 20 vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients, including 4% of the recommended Daily Value (DV) for vitamin E, 4% vitamin C, 8% folate, 4% fiber, 2% iron, 4% potassium, with 81 micrograms of lutein and 19 micrograms of beta-carotene.

Avocados act as a "nutrient booster" by enabling the body to absorb more fat-soluble nutrients, such as alpha- and beta-carotene as well as lutein, in foods that are eaten with the fruit.

Avocados and Heart Disease:

Avocados can help consumers meet the dietary guidelines of the American Heart Association, which are to eat a diet that is low to moderate in fat. The fats should be primarily unsaturated and low in saturated fat and cholesterol. The avocado is virtually the only fruit that has monounsaturated fat.

Avocados help assist consumers in meeting a major dietary goal of reducing saturated fat in the diet, when they are consumed in place of saturated-fat containing foods.

Avocado and Weight Loss/Maintenance:

When used instead of other fats, avocados contribute nearly 20 vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients and can be part of a calorie-reduced diet.

Avocados can be a satisfying addition to a calorie-reduced diet, when they are eaten in lieu of other fats.

When enjoyed in place of other fats, avocados can be a satisfying addition to a calorie-controlled diet.

Spread and Dip Nutritional Comparison for Fresh Avocados:

Fresh avocado on sandwiches and toast or substituted as a spread in place of many other popular foods may help reduce dietary intake of calories, fat, saturated fat, sodium and cholesterol.

Want to reduce your cholesterol intake? Try fresh avocado on sandwiches and toast or substitute as a spread in place of many other popular foods to reduce your intake of cholesterol, calories, fat, saturated fat, and sodium.

Looking for a twist on spreads and dips? A 1-ounce serving of fresh avocados contain 0mg of cholesterol, 0mg of sodium, 0.5g saturated fat. See the chart below for examples of how fresh avocados are a great substitute on sandwiches, toast or substituted as a spread in place of many other popular foods.

Try fresh avocado on sandwiches and toast in place of many other popular foods to reduce your intake of cholesterol, calories, fat, saturated fat, and sodium

Avocados are a good way to get more lutein in the diet. An ounce of avocado contains 81 micrograms of lutein. Lutein has been shown to be concentrated in the macula of the eye, and research suggests that it may help maintain healthy eyesight as we age.

Lutein is a natural antioxidant that may help maintain eye health as we get older. By adding avocado to foods like salads, salsa, soups or sandwiches you can get more of the phytonutrient lutein in your diet.

* So eat up your avocados, I'll have to post some of my favorite recipes that I use the delicious avocado in!!

Coconut Dreams Smoothie

I love making up smoothies, whatever I got on hand I use. Here is one I just came up with today.. it's so smooth and creamy and delish!!

Coconut Dreams Smoothie

1 cup light coconut milk

3/4 cup frozen mango

3/4 cup frozen pineapple

1/2 cup Nonfat milk

2-4 T of honey (to your desired sweetness)

Dash of nutmeg

1 tsp vanilla extract

2 T wheat germ

1 cup ice cubes

Throw all ingredients in your blender blend until smooth and there you go a fabulous, creamy, smooth, smoothie! Enjoy

I haven't calculated the calorie count yet.. i will make sure to add it soon!!

Weight loss journey

When I was in my 3rd trimester with Kaylee..I was a borderline with having gestational diabetes and my doctor had put me on a special diet for the remainder of my pregnancy. This is when I started realising that I needed to do something about my weight. I gave it a little thought..but not too much. After Kaylee was born..pretty much immediately I was diagnosed with severe Postpartum Depression and was put on antidepressants. I was miserable..a big mess..and even though I was breastfeeding..I was packing on those pounds, with no care at all. I ate and ate and ate and ate.

After another appt with my Dr. he warned me that if I was thinking of getting pregnant again there would be a 99% chance that I would get gestational diabetes if I didn't lose some weight. He also warned me that I was at very high risk for developing diabetes when I got older. Even after hearing that from my doctor...I was a little cautioned, and I didn't really care, but it was not the thing that made it "click" for me to lose my weight. It happened almost a year later.

It all started November 3rd, 2006, actually it started just the night before, or that's when I truly new my life would change. I had just put the kids to bed, Jayson had just turned 3 and my princess Kaylee had just had her big 1st birthday :) After they were asleep I hopped in the shower..when I got out and dried off a little bit I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror (I usually NEVER look at myself naked) but I decided to look, and when I did the tears just started pouring. I couldn't believe what I was seeing, I could not believe that the image staring back at me....was ME. I was grossed out, disgusted and disappointed. I couldn't believe that I had let myself get so dang obese... yes not just fat, I was OBESE. Then after just a few minutes it was like a light switched on in my head..all the sudden I thought to myself, " I don't have to be this way, I can change, I can take control of my own body, it's going to be the hardest thing I've ever done, and I know it won't be easy, but I WILL do it"

I went to bed that night more determined than I have ever been in my whole life, I was excited for the next day.

Then next morning I woke up full of unexplained energy. The very first thing I did was raid my kitchen. I went through my cupboards, pantry and refrigerator and threw out every nasty thing I could. Which was anything highly processed. I threw out all white breads, chips, tortillas, crackers, flour, pastas..boxed dinners.. you name it I threw it out. After I was done..my kitchen was pretty much empty but i was excited to fill it with tons of good complex carbohydrates (wheat pastas, breads, grains, flours..etc.) that's exactly what I did. Now this was no big deal to me at all...I love everything wheat so this was no big change to me..I know for some people it's a bit harder.

That same day I started to work out too. Even though I was very active as a teenager and played sports...my body had changed and was not used to any kind of activity. So I started out working out 6 days a week with low impact and low intensity,this way I new I wouldn't want to give up if the workouts were too hard. I started out doing Walk Away the Pounds by Leslie Sansone. It's an in-home walking program. Even though I felt like an old lady doing some in home walking.. it really helped. It was easy to follow, I never once got discouraged and I never wanted to give up. I was happy with how I was starting out on my weight loss journey. Just after that first day I really felt like I was on the right track and that this is something I could finally do for myself..with no ones help! I lost 20lbs in my first month of my journey. I couldn't believe I was actual doing it.

I started bumping up my workout routines, still working out 6 days a week and taking Sundays as my rest day...I did Walk Away the Pounds for the first two months..then my body started get use to it..so then I started doing some Tae Bo..then I would just do as many different kinds of cardi0 workout as I could. I lost 58 pounds in 8 months, that's an average of about 7 pounds a month. That might not seem a lot to you, but when you are trying to lose weight and be healthy for life SLOW and STEADY is the way to go. Now that coming from a very IMPATIENT person , well that say's a LOT..and I hope it shows you how serious I am about losing weight.

Course there is down sides. The dreaded plateau.....oh and did I ever have a plateau. I was in a plateau for over a WHOLE YEAR. Yes it's true. I couldn't lose anymore than 58lbs for over a year!! I didn't gain weight..but I sure the heck could not lose any more. Finally.... I started doing lots of research on the web and learned that I needed to start strength training (weights, resistance etc.) So I quickly incorporated that into my workouts. I bought some dumbbells and started doing a program called P90X (awesome, highly recommend it) That first week of introducing strength in my cardio and lost 2lbs I was 60 pound DOWN..that was a huge milestone for me!!! I was ecstatic. Finally this last December I finally reached my first goal of being 150lbs that was a weight loss of 66 pounds (yes do the math I weighted 216lbs when I started). I surpassed that by 1 pound and weighed in at 149lbs! I think I almost fainted when I saw that.

Thatwas short lived because that was right before Christmas. I gained about 9lbs during the holidays. I'm very use to this fluctuating weight now. It's going to be a never ending battle for me. When I reached my 40 pound milestone..my husband and I went to Hawaii and I gained 12 pounds in 5 days.. yes you heard that right. I was devastated...when we got back from Hawaii it took me a whole month to get those 12 pounds back off. Living this life is not easy. I'm easily tempted by food...sweets are my down fall. When ever I go back home to visit my family it's extremely hard to control my portions and stay on track. I gain about 3 pounds every time I go visit. I always lose it..but it's just a struggle.

Sometimes I get so depressed when I see skinny girls who can eat whenever they want..and not gain an ounce. Yeah yeah ..I know they are just "skinny fat" meaning that even though they are skinny and beautiful..they probably couldn't do 1 single push up to save their lives..and have absolutely no muscle on their skanky little bodies..but still it hurts. I have to work hard every single day for the rest of my life to keep my body the way it is. The sad thing is... I still see the FAT Krissy. When I look at myself even now..I still see fat girl. My body has changed so much. After having 3 babies by c-section and losing lots of weight..I got lots of extra saggy skin..and it makes me cry every time I see it. That's why I'm so determined to get a tummy tuck someday, I even made appointment to have a consultation to see a Plastic Surgeon to see what he said. He said that I will never be able to lose that..because it's just loose skin, and he said I'd be a perfect candidate for having the procedure! It needs to go. All this work I've done..and all this maintaining..I want to be able to look at my body and be proud of all my work.... not to hide it and get sad.

I wouldn't change anything though. I'm more healthy then I have ever been in my life. I have tons of energy..I love playing with my kids..and I don't get out of breath doing simple house hold chores. I got my life back and my goal is to help and inspire many others, let them know that they CAN DO IT!!!

Snowboarding

Just this last spring break I found my new favorite past time, hobby and love. Snowboarding! Snowboarding is something that I have always wanted to try but never had the chance to do before. When we moved out to Randle, WA. over 7 years ago I always thought that snowboarding would be such a fun thing because we are only 25 minutes away from White Pass!!

Well my chance finally came earlier this month during the kids spring break. My parents came and got the kids for the whole week. One night while we were wondering what to do with the kids gone my husband say's, "lets go snowboarding this week" I was SHOCKED hearing this come out of his mouth... I got so excited. Two days later we went snowboarding.

My husband our good friend Aaron and I headed to the pass. On the way up it was snowing and beautiful. I could feel my heart pumping with excitement when we reached the pass and I saw all the skiers and riders out there. I couldn't wait, I felt like a little kid waiting in line at disneyland for Splash Mountian or something..hehe. After we got all our gear on and our tickets we headed to the lift. For some reason..this was the thing I was most nervous about..not the actual going on the lift..it was getting off and on the lift that I was nervous about. To my surprise the getting on..was a piece of cake...then comes the getting off...and yes I fell, I fell all day long.

I didn't start out on the bunny hill, I wanted to..but Jeff didn't want to..so we started on the second biggest hill. It took me almost an hour to get down that hill..when now It only takes me a few minutes. Lucky for Jeff..even after 10 years of not riding..he picked it up right away. Aaron stayed back and help me try to get the basics down.. the balancing, toes and heels and getting up after falling. I swear I probably fell down 100 times...and I had a few really good slams, one that knocked the beegeezes right out of me. There were a few times that I just wanted to give up and cry..because after falling so much..getting up was SOOOO tiresome my energy was just sucked right out. I didn't give up though, I was so determined to get it down. I think our last run of the day.. i made it without falling, and that was such an awesome feeling.

The next morning..... oh yes, the next morning.... boy was I SORE. I had never felt pain like that in my life. I had muscles ache that I never even new I had before, and here I thought that my working out daily would save me from soreness, yeah right. I secretly loved the soreness, just knowing I found and worked other muscles was very fascinating to me.

I have gone twice since my first time, each time keeps getting better and better. This last weekend we spend the whole day on the big run. I have conquered getting off the lift and i'm really good with my heels and edging..but I need to work on my toes. The thing I love about snowboarding is cold crisp air, the quietness and just the freedom and the control you have over your board. I love that I can control everything...I love the feeling of when I straighten out my board and the speed just comes...hits you in the face and the adrenalin just courses through your veins...it's such and exhilarating feeling.

I am so sad that this season is coming to a close, there is only one more weekend left and I hope we can make it up once last time!! We did get season passes our last trip up...so i'm very psyched for next season!!! Hoping we can get the kids into it next season too!!

P.S. If snowboarding isn't wonderful enough......I have burned 1500 calories and over each time I have gone up..and that's buring 50% fat!!! AMAZING!!!!

Green Pea & Carrot Soup

I was never a huge fan of Split Pea Soup, but I always ate it.(but then again what didn't I eat..hehe) Then I was watching food network and saw a recipe Ellie Krieger made and wanted to try it. Course I switched mine up a bit and made it my own. This soup was SOOOOOO yummy and so comforting, you can eat so much of it because it's SOOO low in calories !!!! If you try it let me know how you like it!

Green Pea & Carrot Soup

1 teaspoon olive oil
1 large onion, sliced (about 1 1/2 cups)
2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 bay leaf

1 clove garlic minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1 (10-oz) bag frozen peas

1/2 c frozen carrots (I added a little carrot to sweetin the soup up just a little more)
4 teaspoons plain nonfat yogurt, optional

Directions:

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over moderately-low heat. Add the onion, garlic, bay leaf, cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the broth,bay leaf, salt and a few turns of freshly ground black pepper and bring to a boil. Add the peas and cook just until defrosted. Take out bay leaf just before blending.

In a blender, puree the soup in 2 batches until very smooth. If serving hot, return the soup to the pot and bring just to a simmer. If serving cold, transfer to the refrigerator to chill. Ladle into bowls. Stir the yogurt so that it is smooth and top each serving with a swirl of yogurt.

Nutritional Analysis

per Serving 1 1/4 cups each
Calories:94

Total Fat:2.5 grams

Saturated Fat:0

Protein:7 grams

Carbohydrates:13 grams

Fiber:3 grams

A healthy snack your kids will LOVE!!

My son is a very picky eater, to get him to eat anything healthy is a huge chore. I found a recipe today and made it my very own..and packed a whole bunch of nutritional goodness in them so you can feel good about your kids eating them and more importantly your kids will love them. These are also a great breakfast bar for grown ups on the go... just cut them into bigger pieces and head out the door !!

Pecan and Chocolate Power Bars

Ingredients
1 cup quick-cooking oats
3/4 cup whole-wheat Pastry flour or regular whole-wheat flour
1/4 cup toasted wheat germ
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup honey

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/4 cup canola oil
1 egg, beaten to mix
1 egg white
1/4 cup mini chocolate chips

1/2 cup finely chopped pecans
Cooking spray

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a medium bowl, whisk together the oats, flour, wheat germ, cinnamon and salt.
In another bowl, whisk together the honey, applesauce, oil, vanilla, egg and egg white until well combined. Stir in the oatmeal mixture until well combined. Add mini chocolate chips and pecans.
Coat an 8-inch square baking pan with cooking spray. Spread the mixture into the prepared pan and bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out
clean, 30 to 35 minutes. Cool completely and cut into 12 bars, about 4 by1 1/2 inches each.

Nutritional facts per serving ( 1 bar = 1 serving )
Calories 211.3; Total Fat 10.4 g; (Sat Fat 1.3 g, Mono Fat 2.7 g, Poly Fat 5.2 g) ; Protein 4 g; Carb 27.4 g; Fiber 2.8 g; Sugar 14.8 Cholesterol 18.4 mg; Sodium 60 mg

Excellent source of: Manganese

Good source of: Thiamin

Birth Mommy Tattoo

While I was pregnant with Rylee, my birth daughter back in 2001 and when I decide on doing an open adoption..I always new that one day I wanted a tattoo honoring Rylee and my sacrifice. Well it finally happened.
I have been searched and searched online for a tattoo that I felt told my story and my feelings about my love for Rylee and my pain. I could NOT find anything that really did any justice. I asked my very good friend Jen for some advice, right away she told me that I should go to her brother, Jason Kunz (http://jasonkunz.com/ ) he is a tattoo artist and has his very own tattoo shop.
I thought that would be a good idea. She emailed him with a brief description of my story and he came up with a beautiful drawing! It was so perfect.

Yes, it was a bit more painful then I had expected, a lot more painful then the little chinsy tattoo I got when I was 18... but I think I fared well. After it was done (2 1/2 hours later) I looked in the mirror and immediately got teary eyed...it was perfect..he did an amazing job and I was so pleased!

I love it so much, and look at it way to many times throughout the day!

This is a sacred heart tattoo. If you notice at the top of the heart there is a big piece of heart missing with rays of light pushing out the pieces and that sends a crack through the heart, well that of course represents that Rylee is the missing piece of my heart and the broken heart says that there will always be pain. The halo reminds me of the heart wrenching sacrifice I made and that God will never forget that sacrifice. Wings of course always remind me of peace....which I hope that someday I will have.

This is an old blog from Myspace, I had this tattoo done in June 06.

Southwest Salad

Southwast Salad

6 cups torn romain lettuc

1 cup frozen corn thawed

1 cup beans (black beans or kidney beans)

1/2 cup salsa

1/2 cup light ranch dressing

1/2 cup chedder cheese cubed or grated

1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion

1/2 of an avocado sliced

1/2 cup sliced black olives

1 medium tomato sliced

1 cup broken tortilla chips

Directions:

Place lettuce on a serving platter, bowl or you can do it individually like I did. Layer with the remaining ingredients. Drizzle with salsa and ranch on top and sprinkle with chips. Makes about 4 servings

Nutritional Facts:

Calories 350

Fat 18 g

Sodium 585

Carb 37g

Fiber 9g

Protein 13g

I took this picture before I put on the chips, chesse, and dressings... but the nutritional value does reflect all ingredients

Kids Favorite Chocolate Peanut Butter Smoothie

Choclate Peanut Butter Smoothie

Ingredients

1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1 cup non fat milk
1 cup vanilla yogurt
1 frozen or ripe banana
3 tbsp choclate syurp
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp wheat germ (optional)
1 cup ice

Directions
Throw all the ingredients in the blender and blend until smooth.... if you like it sweeter add more chocolate syurp or you can use honey too. I have also made this with chocolate soy milk..replacing the use to choclate syurp....and it tastes fantastic also!!This makes about 3 -10oz servings or 2 big 16oz servings!!Number of Servings: 3

Nutritional Info
Servings Per Recipe: 3
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 405.8
Total Fat: 22.2 g
Cholesterol: 1.6 mg
Sodium: 275.7 mg
Total Carbs: 40.3 g
Dietary Fiber: 3.9 g
Protein: 16.7 g

Raspberry Walnut Bran Muffins

Krissy's Raspberry Walnut Bran Muffins

Ingredients
1 c. Frozen or fresh raspberries

1 c All purpose flour

1 c Wheat Bran

1/4 c sugar

3 tsp Baking powder

1/4 tsp salt

1 beaten egg

1 c fat free milk

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/4 c cooking oil

1/4 c chopped walnuts (optional)

Directions
In bowl stir together flour, bran , sugar, baking powder, and salt. Make a well in center. in a small bowl combine egg, milk, vanilla and oil: add all at once to flour mixture. Stir just till moistened. Fold in raspberries and walnuts. Grease bottoms of muffin pan or line with paper bake cups. Fill 2/3 full. Bake in 400 oven about 20 minutes or until done. Remove from pan. Cool slightly on wire racks. Makes 12 Good drizzled with honey.Number of Servings: 12

Nutritional Info
Servings Per Recipe: 12
Amount Per Serving 1
Calories: 132.9
Total Fat: 6.1 g
Cholesterol: 18.1 mg
Sodium: 331.9 mg
Total Carbs: 18.2 g
Dietary Fiber: 3.2 g
Protein: 3.5 g

Mexican Turkey Soup

Mexican-Style Turkey Soup

Ingredients:
1 cup chopped onion
1 large sweet red pepper, chopped
1 tbsp cooking oil
1 tsp group cumin
1 tsp chill powder
1/2 tsp paprika
5 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
1-1/2 cups cubed,peeled winter squash
1 large tomato, chopped
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 cups cooked turkey, chopped
1 cup frozen whole kernel corn
2 tbsp snipped fresh cilantro (optional)

Directions
In a Dutch oven cook onion and sweet pepper in hot oil over medium heat about 5 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally. Stir in cumin, chili powder, and paprika; cook and stir for 30 seconds.Add broth, squash, tomato, salt and black pepper. Bring to boil; reduce heat. Simmer, covered, about 20 minutes or until squash is tender, stirring occasionally. Stir in turkey, corn and cilantro. Heat through.Have a fresh fruit salad and warm crusty bread with it.Number of Servings: 6


Nutritional Info

Servings Per Recipe: 6
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 182.7
Total Fat: 4.4 g
Cholesterol: 31.9 mg
Sodium: 543.5 mg
Total Carbs: 19.6 g
Dietary Fiber: 4.3 g
Protein: 18.2 g

A Birth Mother's Love Slideshow

I'm crying already just posting this blog. This song, this slide show is very personal to me. I hope you watch it and really listen to the beautiful song, because this song is a part of me. If you watch closley..you can see the picture of Rylee and I, I'm kissing her for the last time as her mommy and I am about to place her in the arms of another. Click the link below to watch..thank you.

I love you Rylee

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQXHVKsJr2c

Here are the lyrics:

With so many wrong decisions in my past, I'm not quite sure.If I can ever hope to trust my judgement anymore.But lately I've been thinking, 'cause it's all I've had to do.And in my heart I feel that I should give this child to you.

And maybe, you can tell your baby when you love him so that he's been loved before.By someone who delivered your son, From God's arms to my arm's to yours.Now if you choose to tell him and if he wants to know.How the one who gave him life could bear to let him go.Just tell him there were sleepless nights I prayed and paced the floors.And knew the only peace I'd find is if this child was yours.

Now I know you don't have to do this, but could you kiss him once for me?The first time that he ties his shoes or falls and skins his knee, And could you hold him twice as long when he makes his mistakes.Tell him that he's not alone, sometimes that's all it takes -I know how much he'll ache.
This may not be the answer for another girl like me.And I'm not on a soapbox saying how we all should be.I'm just trusting in my feelings and I'm trusting God above.And I'm trusting you can give our baby both his mother's love.
{Repeat Chorus}

Twi-hard, Twilighter...call it what you will... I'm proud of it!

I'm sure you can already tell by my profile that I'm a Twilight fan. Yes, it's true...I love the Twilight Saga.. it's the best series I have EVER read. Yes, even better than Harry Potter, but I can't lie I still have a place for Harry in my heart. If you haven't read this series I highly recommend you to go out and buy it RIGHT NOW...go..fast...haha!!! No but seriously, buy it. You will read it over and over and over again. I was very skeptical when I first heard about it at my sister's bridal shower last July. Close family friends of ours said that there is a must read series. When I heard it was about vampires I was very weary of it. I never cared for that sort of thing..so I kinda just forgot about it. Then in November I kept hearing more and more about it..so finally I was at Fred Meyer and saw a copy for $5 and decided to buy it. It sat at home for about a month before I decided to read it...and when I did, boy was I HOOKED!!! You just can't get enough of it. You just want to read and read and read until your eyes are red and dried out and then you are walkin around bugged eyed and can't even blink because your eyelids are stuck to your eyeballs...hehe. It took only a couple weeks to read all 4 books, it's very fast. So please go read this series...you will NOT be disappointed!!

hmmmm..did I really just post a blog about Twilight...geesh I must be a Twi-hard. There will be more to come...I can talk about this book forever!!

Biggest Loser

I am a HUGE Biggest Loser fan. I have been watching it since my own "FAT" days...when I wish I could be on the show. Well this season is probably my most favorite season so far. There is one girl in particular that I very much relate too or I think I just wish she was my BFF, hehe. I just love her, she is Tara Costa. This girl is a PURE MACHINE. I have never seen anyone on BL as dedicated, determined and as disciplined as her. She is so motivating and very inspiring. She works harder than anyone I have ever seen on the show. In challenges she is competitive, fearless and unstoppable. It is amazing to watch...she makes me want to work even that much harder at my own weight loss journey. I can only hope that she is inspiring people just as she has inspired me. If she can do it, if I can do it.....I know YOU can do it!!!!!

My first post

Finally after a year of starting this blog..i finally am posting for the first time. It took me awhile to figure this all out, I really lost my touch after not having DSL for over a year!! Now lets see if I can keep up with this thing. I know I will have tons to post about!!!