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    Two Balanced Bento Lunches with Power Your Lunchbox Promise®

    September 5th, 2018


    Nothing starts the first day of school like a good hearty lunch. These balanced bento boxes were a hit with my girls and were a perfect way to enjoy a new day as a student.

    First Day of School

    Happy First Week of School! Many might have already started but we started this week and the girls have been really anticipating going back. As of this year, I will have 2 in school and I do not know how to process it. I looked at the clock multiple times in the day thinking of my oldest daughter in 1st grade! One thing I did not have to worry was the fact that she might be eating junk. I was so excited to pack her a healthy lunch.

    When she came home, and after sharing about her day, I asked my daughter how she enjoyed her lunch. She liked it a lot! I always dreamed of getting my girls ready for school and I officially get to do it.

    Inspiration

    One thing is for sure. The excitement will wine down and inspiration will wane but luckily I have my friends over at Produce for Kids who have an awesome resource for recipes and tips. Not only that but every Produce for Kids recipes are approves by their registered dietitian Katie of Mom to Mom Nutrition.

    Not only are there many lunch ideas, but there are also amazing after-school snack ideas and easy weeknight dinner recipes to look through. Make sure you check it out so you can have your meal plan all set.

    Power Your Lunchbox Promise®

    I have partnered with Produce for Kids for many years in their amazing campaign called The Power Your Lunchbox Promise®. It was created to empower families with expert advice and tips from fellow parents on how to make and enjoy eating healthy.  Won’t you be encouraged to eat healthier lunches with your family this year?

    What happens when you make a promise? Every promise equals $1 (10 meals) to help families in need through Feeding America. Classrooms can pledge too and access lesson plans and activities for a healthy classroom. When you also sign up you get a chance to win some awesome products and have access to some money-saving coupons.

    Two Balanced Bento Lunches and Sponsors

    We have probably had our share of carbs this summer but one thing I made sure to give the girls was a good amount of fruit, veggies, fats, and carbs. I know a lot of energy can be used throughout the day for small kids so ensuring that there is enough in each category to hold them over until the end of school is important.

    Thankfully I was introduced to the campaign sponsors for the Power Your Lunchbox Promise that helped with making delicious and fun bento boxes for my kids. They also made for healthier snacks for mom too!

    Here are TWO balanced bento lunches that I created for my girls that make me want to steal them for myself.

    Two Balanced Bento Lunches with Power Your Lunchbox Promise®

    1. Baby Carrots and Grape tomatoes
    2. Bee Sweet Citrus mandarin with a Nut Free Rice Milk Chocolate piece
    3. Wholly Guacamole Minis with plantain chips
    4. Cheese, turkey, and Pero small sweet pepper skewers with a side of mustard for dipping

    1. Plantain chips
    2. Sun-maid Sour Lemon Golden Raisins ( amazing!) and Enjoy Life Rice Milk Chocolate piece
    3. Pero sweet mini peppers and carrots with Opadipity (Lifehouse product)
    4. Turkey and cheese roll ups with green olives and mustard.
    5. Crispy Green All Pear crispy fruit

    I hope these were an inspiration as you start the school year. Kids will have fun with these lunch bento boxes and have a balanced meal the whole year.

    Go and make your promise to make and eat healthy lunches this year!

    During the 2017-2018 school year, Produce for Kids were able to donate nearly 450,000 meals* to families in need through Feeding America® thanks to you.

    Be sure to follow Produce for Kids on FacebookInstagramTwitter and Pinterest for year-round healthy eating inspiration and updates on the Power Your Lunchbox Promise.

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    Cranberry Corn Fritters with Guacamole

    August 29th, 2018

    I love entertaining a lot so when it comes to creating a dish, I usually try something new with my guests. I know it is not the general rule, but sometimes I like taking risks. These Cranberry Corn Fritters with guacamole will have your guests asking for more.

    Cranberries: Not just a Fall ingredient

    Cranberries can mistakenly be thought of only as an ingredient to be consumed during the fall and winter season but cranberries are really versatile in drinks, salads and even savory dishes. We love eating them dry and sweetened or even in muffins or squares.

    Cranberries can also be very intimidating since they tend to be very sour. With the help of a couple of ingredients, you can have a delicious recipe in no time.  I made these fritters with corn kernels, Cape Cod Select frozen premium cranberries, jalapenos and corn flour. They whip up pretty quickly and fry in delicious coconut oil.

    A simple guacamole adds as the dip that pairs well with these delicious savory fritters.

    Cape Cod Select Cranberries

    Cape Cod Select is a small women-owned family business where they have been growing cranberries on their 800 acre cranberry farm for more than 75 years. It is now in its fourth generation. The cranberries are grown to some of the industries highest standards and are Non-GMO verified and hold GLOBALG.A.P. Certification (https://www.globalgap.org/uk_en/for-consumers/)

    The lovely thing about Cape Cod is that you can buy fresh cranberries from them seasonally or you can buy them all year long in frozen bags. Check out their store locator online to find where you can purchase them. I see them all the time at Giant Food Stores near me so I love having them available. You can also order online.

    I received frozen cranberries in order to create a few recipes for a recipe contest, so I was happy to create this yummy recipe. It pairs well on a cheeseboard too!

    Check out Cape Cod Select on social for info and inspiration.

    Facebook Cape Cod Select Premium Cranberries
    Instagram @CapeCodSelect
    Twitter @CapeCodSelect
    Pinterest www.pinterest.com/capecodselect

    Cranberry Corn Fritters with Guacamole

    A simple guacamole makes for great dipping with these Cranberry Corn Fritters. They were a hit with my little girls as well.

     

    by Noelle Kelly

    Prep Time: 15 minutes

    Cook Time: 6 minutes

     

    Ingredients (12 fritters)

      Cranberry Corn Fritters

      • 2/3 cup corn flour (masa harina)
      • 1/3 cup cornmeal
      • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
      • 3/4 teaspoon salt
      • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
      • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
      • 2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped
      • 2 eggs
      • 1 cup milk
      • 2 small jalapenos, deveined and deseeded, chopped
      • 2/3 cup Cape Cod Select premium frozen cranberries
      • 1/3 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
      • 2/3 cup corn kernels, fresh or canned
      • Coconut oil for frying

      Guacamole

      • 2 avocados, pitted and peeled
      • 1 lemon, juiced
      • 1 teaspoon salt
      • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
      • 1/4 cup red onion, diced

      Instructions

      Cranberry Corn batter

      In a small bowl, add the corn flour,cornmeal, salt, spices, cilantro.

      In another bowl, add the milk, eggs and mix until the eggs are whipped.

      Add the wet to dry ingredients and mix well.

      Add the diced jalapenos, cheese, cranberries, and corn kernels.

      Mix well and set aside.

      Guacamole

      Mash the avocados in a small bowl. Add the lemon juice, salt, black pepper and onions and mix well.

       

      Frying

      Add 1/3 cup coconut oil to a cast iron pan and heat on medium. Allow oil to heat up, about a few minutes.

      Add 1-2 Tablespoons of batter into the hot oil and flatten. Repeat 3 other times in the pan and fry for about 3 minutes. Flip the fritters and cook another 3 minutes or until golden brown.

      Repeat with the rest of the batter. Makes 12 fritters. Serve with guacamole.

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      Savory Chicken Kebab Veggie Bowl

      August 8th, 2018

      This Savory Chicken Kebab Veggie Bowl is so easy to put together when you have all the ingredients prepped in the fridge especially with a big tub of Sabra hummus. It is such a balanced lunch for any busy individual, especially for moms like me.

      Sabra Disclosure

      Savory Chicken Kebab Veggie Bowl with Sabra- Hero

      I have come to learn and enjoy so many different types of cuisines. It definitely makes it easier not to get in a rut. There are some weekends where I feel like meal prep like a boss and then other weekends where I have no time to do anything.

      On the weeks where I get things prepared, I grill a variety of proteins so I can have them readily available in the fridge. Sometimes I like cooking the meat fresh but with three little girls and a busy schedule, it makes it easier just prepping the veggies at the last-minute.

      Since I love cooking, I tend to complicate my life sometimes, trying to make really fancy meals for my family but logically, making something quick, healthy and balanced is the right fit for a specific day. Add a variety of ingredients to a bowl makes everything seems a little more easier.

      Savory Chicken Kebab Veggie Bowl with Sabra 5

       

      Instead of having a green salad, I grill a lot of veggies or leave a few items chopped so I can quickly throw them in a skillet. When it comes to lunch on most days, I only have time to make lunch for the girls. Then 2 pm rolls around and my lunch time has flown by leaving me to eat a late lunch or an early dinner.

      Lately I have not felt as hungry at dinner time, so I have a salad with a protein. I have been making the same bowls for my kids so they can be exposed to a larger variety of vegetables. I find they do not eat as much because they get full quicker but that is okay because they are getting a balanced meal.

      Savory Chicken Kebab Veggie Bowl with Sabra 3

      I love my Sabra hummus with everything. They offer so many different styles like Caramelized Onion, BBQ Hummus with Jackfruit and Smoked Paprika. I tend to pair those special ones with carrots, other raw veggies, pretzels and crackers for my kids snacks or for guests. 

      I like the simpler Sabra dips, like the garlic, spicy, and roasted red pepper for pairing with meals. My kids will eat a whole tub by itself if I let them. It is THAT good!! You should try them! Here are some coupons for you to try!

      Savory Chicken Kebab Veggie Bowl

      by Noelle Kelly

      Prep Time: 20 minutes

      Cook Time: 20 minutes

      Ingredients (4 bowls)

        Chicken Kebab

        • 1 pound 98% ground chicken
        • 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
        • 1/4 cup parsley. chopped
        • 2 garlic cloves, minced
        • 1 teaspoon cumin
        • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
        • 1 teaspoon sea salt
        • 1 teaspoon black pepper, chopped

        Grilled Veggies

        • 2 small yellow squash, sliced
        • 2 small yellow bell peppers, chopped in large pieces

        Broccoli Rice

        • 2 cups broccoli florets
        • 1 tsbp coconut aminos
        • 2 teaspoons olive oil
        • pinch of salt

        Tahini Sauce

        • 3 Tablespoons tahini paste
        • 1 1/2 Tablespoons lemon juice
        • 1/3 cup water
        • 1 garlic clove

        Additional ingredients

        • 1 1/3 cups cooked brown rice
        • 4 Tablespoons raw pepitas
        • 1/2 cup raw purple cabbage, chopped
        • 1 cup Sabra Garlic Hummus

        Instructions

        Grilled Veggies

        Spray a large non-stick skillet with olive oil spray. Add yellow squash slices and yellow pepper and cook on medium heat for about 8 minutes, rotating every 3 minutes. Remove from heat and place in a bowl and cover.

        Chicken Kebab

        Mix all the ingredients in a medium bowl and form into 16 balls.

        Heat the same large non-stick skillet and spray with olive oil spray.

        Heat on medium heat and chicken for 10 minutes, rotating every few minutes until cooked, 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Set aside.

        Broccoli Rice

        Place 2 cups of broccoli florets in a food processor and pulse until the broccoli is broken down, resembling small pieces.

        Cook in the same skillet, spray with a little more olive oil spray. Add the coarse broccoli and cook on medium heat for 5 minutes. Add the coconut aminos.

        You can use more broccoli rice instead of brown rice.

        Tahini Sauce

        Wash the processor and add the tahini sauce ingredients and blend until smooth. Set aside in a small bowl. This is the dressing for the bowl.

        Assembly

        Add 1/3 cup warmed cooked brown rice to a bowl. Then add another 1/3 cup of broccoli rice. Next, add a few slices of the yellow squash and yellow bell pepper. Add 2 Tablespoons of purple cabbage on the side. Add 4 chicken kebabs and add 1/4 cup of the Sabra garlic hummus in the middle of the bowl. Sprinkle with 1 Tablespoon of pumpkin seeds and drizzle with 1-2 Tablespoons of tahini sauce.

        Enjoy!

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        Savory Chicken Kebab Veggie Bowl with Sabra 1

        More recipes using Sabra

        Here are a few more recipes that I have created using Sabra.

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        Tutti Frutti Coconut Swirl Popsicles +Giveaway

        August 7th, 2018

        These Tutti Frutti Coconut Swirl Popsicles are a hit for the whole family. Not only is it healthy using Barleans Superfruit Greens, but when you use the Zoku popsicle molds will ensure everyone will have one to enjoy on a summer evening.

        _Barleans Disclosure

        Barleans Coconut Swirl Popsicles - hero

        Summer is in full bloom here at out house. Despite all the rain and crazy weather, we have been making the most of it by going to the beach, visiting museums, and exploring new playgrounds. We have only been in our area for 8 months and there is still a lot to discover especially with kids. 

        I love exploring and going out so we dedicate at least 2-3 days to go exploring for a day. Even so, there are some days we just stay home or go to local places in order to take care of every day tasks. When I do that, I make sure to have something fun or exciting for my girls.

        Coconut Swirl Popsicles -taste testers

        Since it has been hot, we have not been turning on the oven very often so we have been enjoying making popsicles. Zoku popsicle molds have come in VERY handy and fit very well into my freezer, making 6 popsicles at a time. Sometimes we have leftover morning smoothies and I just add the rest to the molds to have as a breakfast popsicle or as a treat after a hot outing.

        Tutti Frutti Coconut Swirl Popsicles 4

        When it came to creating a popsicle on an afternoon with my girls, they each chose what fruit to have in their popsicles. They each chose their favorite fruit to add to the blender.

        1. Mango
        2. Orange
        3. Kiwi

        I then peeled and sliced 1 cup worth of mango and added it to the Vitamix, along with 1 kiwi, and one peeled and 1 orange that had been juiced. I added about 1/4 cup water and added 1 scoop of the Barleans Superfruit Greens to the mix.

        Tutti Frutti Coconut Swirl Popsicles 5

        Barleans Superfruit Greens comes in different flavors but I used the Strawberry-Kiwi flavor. It is a vegan antioxidant powder consisting of the following:

        1. Greens, Fruits and Vegetables Blend: spirulina, broccoli juice, parsley leaf, and more.
        2. Fiber Blend: chicory inulin and flaxseed powder
        3. Antioxidant Blend: acerola extract, milk thistle extract, matcha green tea, and more

        When I added 1 scoop to the popsicle blended fruit, it made it a vibrant red color. After I blended everything in the blender I filled the popsicle molds 3/4 of the way. I then blended lite coconut milk with Barleans Culinary coconut oil and stevia drops. I then divided the milk between the popsicle molds. I froze the molds over 6 hours and the popsicles were ready to eat.

        How delicious do they look?

        Tutti Frutti Coconut Swirl Popsicles 3

        Giveaway

        Want to try a tub of the Barleans Superfruit Greens? Leave a comment here or on any of my social media posts sharing this popsicle recipe. Winner will be announced August 14th. Thanks!

        Tutti Frutti Coconut Swirl Popsicles

        by Noelle Kelly

        Prep Time: 10 min and 6 hours for freezing time.

         

        Ingredients (6 popsicles)

          Tutti Frutti blend

          • 1 large mango, peeled and sliced (1 cup worth)
          • 1 kiwi, quartered
          • 1 orange, juiced
          • 1/4 cup water
          • 1 scoop Barleans Superfruit Greens Strawberry-Kiwi Blend
          • 10 drops stevia ( I use NuNaturals)

          Coconut Milk Blend

          • 1/2 cup light coconut milk
          • 10 stevia drops
          • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

          Instructions

          Add the peeled and sliced mango into a Vitamix or high-powered blender.

          Add the kiwi and orange juice and the rest of the ingredients. Blend for 45-60 seconds until completely smooth.

          Divide the blended fruit into the 6 molds, making sure it only reaches 3/4 of the way.

          Wash the blender and add 1/2 cup light coconut milk, stevia and coconut oil and blend well.

          Add the blended coconut to each popsicle mold until it reaches the fill line.

          Using a long skewer or knife, slowly swirl the coconut milk with the tutti frutti.

          Seal the popsicle molds according to directions. Place in freezer for 6 hours.

          Remove and thaw slightly according to mold directions. Enjoy.

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          Choices Matter for all Women

          July 28th, 2018

          Thanks to Moms Meet for reminding me that Choices Matter when it comes to pain management. It reminds me that it is important to help others see the safety and benefits of non-opioid, pain-relieving options for C-sections.

          My youngest daughter just turned 3 this weekend and it made me realize how quickly time passes. My oldest daughter, who is 6, asked me to share all my pregnancy stories for each daughter which took me down memory lane. Looking back, I would not do too much differently. In fact, now that I know what steps I took to handle childbirth, I feel like I need to share my experiences more so that more women are encouraged.

          Birth Experience

          How could women be encouraged? At one point, I wanted to have my girls at home, but knowing that I was nervous being a first time mom, I decided to have a midwife. The support I received and encouragement to read and educate myself on the type of birth I wanted was empowering. Of course there is always the matter when childbirth does not come out the way you expected.

          I never really thought that I had a high tolerance for pain, BUT, I decided I wanted to make the choice to experience childbirth without an epidural and without any pain management in case I had an emergency C-section. I made a birth plan and I talked to my husband about all my plans especially since he was going to be in the same room with me.

          After having 3 babies, I can thankfully say that while all of them were very different, I did not receive any pain medication or management during, before, or after childbirth. Well, you might be shrugging your shoulders at the fact that since I did not have a C-section I might not really know what PAIN might be, but let me share with you my friend’s experience.

          My friend had her daughter almost 3 years ago, and while she planned on having her naturally, she ended up having a C-section. Knowing she was going to have a C-section, she knew first that she had a high pain tolerance. She really did not think she needed more than the high dose NSAIDS. She was hesitant about side effects as well, namely constipation and drowsiness. A the end of her experience, she only decided on using NSAIDS, with no regrets.

          Choices Matter in Childbirth

          I was made aware of Plan Against Pain, a resource that gave me so much information about how, as women, we need to know more about pain. Knowing about our pain tolerance makes a difference in preparing before, during and after pregnancy. Not only that, but having an educated discussion with a physician on how to prepare and what options are available can help with managing pain.

          Did you know that women are prescribed nearly TWICE as many prescription opioids as men after surgery??

          There have been discoveries based on a new research that proves women become more persistent opioid users following surgery!  Wow.

          Here are a few more statistics:

          • More than 1 in 3 women had C-section deliveries; overall, 1 in 5 C-sections were unplanned
          • More than 1 in 3 (36%) women did not have a birth plan, which is an opportune time for a patient to speak with their doctor about pain management options, including non-opioids
          • 38% of women are open to pain management options, but think some kinds of pain medications are or could be harmful to them or their baby

          Opioids and childbirth:

          • 19% believe they are fine for other procedures, but not childbirth
          • 25% believe they will be able to handle the pain without opioids
          • 21% have no issue taking opioids
          • 35% prefer to let their doctors decide what is best
          • Nearly nine-in-ten (88%) of mothers have concerns about taking opioids during and after childbirth. Despite these concerns, more than half (51%) of C-section patients are prescribed an opioid


          In Retrospect

          Plan Against Pain is such a great resource and really educates every female dealing with any upcoming surgery. Thankfully I did not need opioids or even consider it when I had my hysterectomy but this website gives insight on what to ask your physician, as well as how to find the right medical help.

          This was a shock to me from the website:

          And, despite increased efforts to reduce opioid use for treating pain after surgery, overprescribing of postsurgical opioids resulted in 3.3 billion unused pills flooding into communities, making these drugs available for diversion and misuse.

          With effective non-opioid options available, we can help control pain without the need for these harmful medications. In fact, a 10 percent reduction in opioid prescribing could result in 300,000 fewer people becoming at risk for opioid dependence or addiction.

          I just took the pledge to join the movement against opioid prescribing. Join me in spreading the message of #onelesspill.

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