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- 1/2 cup raw oats, I ground mine (use gluten-free oats)
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 2 Tablespoons PB2 powdered peanut butter
- 1 Tablespoons chia seeds
- 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, diced
- High-Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS)
- Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)
- Partially Hydrogenated Oils (trans fats)
- Artificial Colors
- Artificial Sweeteners (including acesulfame potassium, or Ace-K; sucralose [Splenda], and aspartame)
- Artificial Flavors
- Preservatives (including: sodium benzoate, sulphites (sulphur dioxide), polysorbate 60, 65 or 80, nitrites, TBHQ, and BHT/BHA
- Diet sodas
- Processed foods
- Doritos
- White flour tortillas
- Fried foods
- 2 ripe bananas
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1/4 cup soaked pearled barley
- 2 Tablespoons cocoa powder
- 2 Tablespoons PB2 powdered peanut butter
- 2 Tablespoons chia seeds
Cinco de Mayo Recipe Ideas
May 4th, 2012 |
| Spicy Black Bean Enchiladas |
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| Portabella-Poblano Fajitas |
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| Tofu Rancheros |
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| Watermelon Margaritas |
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| Bean Sopes |
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| Chilaquiles |
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| Vegetarian Tostadas |
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| Flautas with Tomatillo Salsa and Pine Nut Crema |
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| Fresh Prickly Pear Lemonade |
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Strawberry Vegan Overnight Oats
May 3rd, 2012
I say this now, but the last 2-3 days have been rough because I cannot tell whether she has been teething or going through a growth spurt. She has been staying awake for 4 hours instead of 2 hours and we are back to her sleeping in my lap and in my wrap. It is hard to see her tired but so excited to continue playing and rolling around This too shall pass!
She resorts to playing with blankets and even covering her face for fun. Luckily I am around to make sure she does not do anything silly. She simply loves the comfort of a blanket and I can somehow see a blankie being a friend in the future.
What puts me at ease is the fact that she has more control of her hands. She stares at her fingers and watches them move. She grabs items at her side and has wonderful control. Notice her holding this marble pestle. She picked it up so quickly it was hard to imagine she has such control!
We have lots of fun in the kitchen and we are soon going to start solids. Baby-led weaning here we come!
I believe she will like these oats sometime next year or two but in the meantime, you can enjoy this simple breakfast. Feel free to substitute any fruits of your choice.
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Unjunk Your Junk Food {Book Review}
April 30th, 2012
I realized when I said I was not going to be able to post anymore this week or weekend due to a busy schedule I knew I had to be wrong. I knew I had a certain deadline to meet with a book review and I thought I would get it in at the tail end of my dessert and sweets-free 2 weeks.
Thanks to Naturally Savvy, I recently have become part of their blogger program or a “Naturally Savvy Approved Blogger.” The first assignment was to read UnJunk Your Junk Food, written by the creators of this site, so I was really excited.
I am so glad I finished my 2 weeks of going sugar-free with completing this book. I highly recommend reading it because it will change your mind about the “danger” foods you might have in your pantry. Some might say they rather NOT read it because they would not want to get rid or stop eating certain foods but isn’t health more important?
There are 11 chapters in this attractive and colorful book. Here are the titles of each chapter:
Chapter 1: The Key to Unjunking
Chapter 2: Back-to-Basics Nutrition
Chapter 3: The Worst Ingredients
Chapter 4: Chips, Dips, & Party Foods
Chapter 5: Ice Cream & Other Frozen Treats
Chapter 6: Cookies
Chapter 7: Chocolate
Chapter 8: Cakes & Others Desserts
Chapter 9: Granola Bars & Other On-the-Go Snacks
Chapter 10: Candy
Chapter 11: Soda & Other Drinks
Are these not interesting chapters? It is wonderful that this book has been written in order to educate us on how to read labels so that the more we can help them to make better (and healthier) food choices when shopping for groceries. I certainly know I have been doing it a lot more than what I’ve been doing in the past.
The biggest focus of this book is to inform the reader about how important it is to not consume highly processed foods and to also inform how many packaged foods have certain dangerous additives and chemicals. Some of them have names that seem safe but in reality can harm he body over time. The book focuses on Seven DAngerous Additives called the “Scary Seven”
Yes, Oreos have high-fructose corn syrup and vanillin, which is an artificial flavor.
There are other food items in my pantry that at the time my husband is used to eating and cannot give up eating because he likes the flavor but hopefully some day he would choose other options. All I can do is choose the best foods for our family as best as I can the more I read about food labels.
I know that the biggest thing I can take-away form reading this book is to look even more closely to packaged foods and look for specific names that could be disguised as even healthy ingredients. This means it will affect EVEN more the way I shop.
Why not make my life easier by eating more foods closer to their natural state, eh?
Another plus to the book is that the authors have a HUGE list of recommendations for healthier alternatives for the more processed foods in stores. Now I know I can stick to just buying Newman’s O’s, Creme-Filled Chocolate Cookies even if they do cost a little more, it just means I will prevent from having any artificial ingredients into my life and body.
I think that is the biggest factor for folks. The desire is present but the excuse is that organic and healthier options are way to expensive, so why CHOOSE to buy the cheaper, full-of-fake-ingredients products? Better not to purchase anything at all. Better yet, make it at home!
New incentive for sure. I hope this has been eye-opening to anyone reading this because there is a food industry that is sure interested in SELLING unhealthy foods causing people major health issues.
Choose to be informed!
What to know more about Naturally Savvy? Like their page on Facebook and follow them on Twitter for more interesting facts and stories.
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Raw Chocolate-Banana Chia Pudding and Sugar-Free Week #1
April 23rd, 2012
Hello beautiful Monday! This weekend went by so quickly but we enjoyed a nice stay in Holland for the weekend. Even though we had 2 sunny days, they were nippy and windy! Despite that we had this view:
Julianne and I enjoyed a 30 minute walk with blankets because despite the winds and cool air, I thought it important to take a lovely walk. We both enjoyed it a lot!
After I mentioned Friday that Julianne was almost on the verge of rolling, she finally rolled and now loves it! After I worked with her for 2 days, she rolled for her daddy after I walked out of the room. It was funny!
I expected to go through worse withdrawals. I believe I had nausea the first two days and maybe a slight headache but overall I cannot believe how incredibly easy it has been. My energy level is high and I am not having feelings of sadness and apathy nor did I feel anxious.
I also have to say that my clothing feels a little better. I do not actually know how much weight I lost but all I can say is that I have felt pretty great. Here is to week 2! Check out the pictures of the yummy sugar-free treats I have been posting on Instagram. If you are on there follow singerinkitchen!
One of the recipes I want to share is what I made last night. It was super easy and even my husband asked if he could have the second serving, wha??? Hey, sure thing baby! My babe is an ice cream man, so I am amazed when he wants to taste my creations. It was SO creamy, thick and delicious that I cannot wait to make it again. Enjoy this simple recipe1
*How to soak barley: Cover barley in water and soak for 2 hours or overnight in the fridge. Drain water and add to recipe.
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5 1/2 months and counting
April 19th, 2012
We recently were gifted an exersaucer, so Julianne seems to have been waiting for it. We promptly placed her in it and she started bouncing her little bum in it. We have been laughing with her and she gets super excited jumping up and down. She even figured out very quickly how to rotate around in her seat.
Julianne has not quite learned how to roll even though she has done it once all by herself. She went from tummy to back, then from back to tummy in order to get a toy. I try putting her on my tummy a lot so she continues to strengthen her neck but sometimes we get like this:
Hahaha. Cutie Patootie! I actually have been trying different things in order for her to start rolling. I feel like the play mats restrict from moving to the tummies but that is just my opinion over this past week. I love trying new things to see how she will start moving more. I am taking one day at a time and really just being patient.
I believe taking a break from sugar will help a lot of things. I will be writing about my experience soon and how it has already helped my moods and my stamina. It has been great for this working-at-home mommy.
What are your tips or tricks for staying more alert and energetic during the day?
