I like white potatos and miss home fries, hashbrowns and hash. This recipe helps satisfiy that craving some.
1 large cooked sweet potato diced
2-3 strips bacon diced
(or similar portion of another meat like hamburger or ground turkey)
4 eggs over easy or any style you like
1/2 c diced onion (optional)
butter or oil if needed
Saute diced bacon until done to taste, remove from pan, leave some oil for cooking.
Add diced onion to pan, saute until soft.
(Add any spices now. Salt, pepper, cinnamon, cayenne, garlic powder. Just play around with it.)
Add diced sweet potato and bacon too, mix to coat with oil.
Flatten all gently into pan and cook until heated through or until crispy on bottom, flip and do the same on the other side.
Remove from pan and cook your eggs so the yolk is still a little runny.
Serve a portion of hash with 2 eggs on top. The soft yolks add moisture and create a yummy "sauce". Love it with hot sauce too.
Maked 2 servings
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Finding Your Spark
When I meet new members at the gym, Justin (the owner of CrossFit Victrix) often asks me to share with them, “The one change you made that was the most effective in achieving your fitness goals.” And when he asks, I usually draw a blank. (Nothing like being put on the spot!)
Seriously though, if I had to name one change, it was making my health a priority….and finding something that motivated me to go out and get fit. (OK, that is two things, but you get the idea.)
When I was young and single, I hiked, ran, and went camping often. I loved being active and felt my best (mentally and physically) when I was moving around. In fact, my love of the outdoors was a major factor in me and my husband connecting and eventually marrying. Seven years and two kids later however, things had changed.
Our hiking and camping trips were few and far between. My days were filled with work, taking care of the kids and the household chores. Even with my husband’s help, there never seemed to be enough time in the day to get everything done, let alone exercise.
Not only had I become less active, but I’d gained weight when I was pregnant and hadn’t lost any of it. My body had changed so much, I no longer felt like myself. So I tried some popular diets (Slim Fast, Body for Life, Weight Watchers) and had moderate success, but the weight never stayed off for long. I wanted to exercise, but with two small children to care for, I felt guilty spending the time away from home. While I adored my family, I was 50 pounds overweight, always exhausted and generally miserable.
What’s worse is my story is pretty common. As life changes and our responsibilities increase, activities related to health and well being often become the last items on our to-do lists. (This is where I jump on my proverbial soap box and let you know, it doesn’t have to be that way.)
What motivated me to change? The picture below, taken in August, 2009 on my 38th birthday. (I’m the one in pink.)
When I saw this picture, I could no longer deny my weight gain. I was over 216 pounds and the heaviest I had ever been.
Coincidentally, that other gal in the photo, she was my motivation…my spark. She’d recently started to CrossFit (the bruise on her shoulder was from a dumbbell push press work out) and she'd started eating a more “primal/paleo” diet. She loved both! Her enthusiasm was overwhelming and since my diet and fitness routine was not working, her endorsement was the push I needed to try something new. (Thanks Sally!!)
Even though I feared I’d make a fool of myself, I attended a few CrossFit classes. Well, I LOVED the workouts, the people, all of it! I was hooked! I now work out three days a week and enjoy being part of a fantastic, supportive community of friends. I never skip workouts (even when the posted workout looks like it may kill me) and I no longer feel guilty taking time for myself. That was almost nine months ago and this is me now, May, 2010 and 180 pound.
I am a happier, healthier, more active mother and wife. I have lost 35 pounds and I am still losing. (Just 15 more to go!) But more importantly, I am stronger, faster and I feel beautiful again for the first time in years! This is the best feeling.
(I’m stepping off my soap box now.)
I know this story reads like a CrossFit advertisement, but that was not my intention. I fully understand this is my story and all the things that inspired me personally may do nothing for you. So instead of feeling pressured to follow my lead, consider yourself encouraged. Encouraged to find that spark (whatever it may be) that gets you on the path to good health and fitness. Or better yet, be that spark that encourages others to do the same.
Looking foward to a healthier future,
MM
Seriously though, if I had to name one change, it was making my health a priority….and finding something that motivated me to go out and get fit. (OK, that is two things, but you get the idea.)
When I was young and single, I hiked, ran, and went camping often. I loved being active and felt my best (mentally and physically) when I was moving around. In fact, my love of the outdoors was a major factor in me and my husband connecting and eventually marrying. Seven years and two kids later however, things had changed.
Our hiking and camping trips were few and far between. My days were filled with work, taking care of the kids and the household chores. Even with my husband’s help, there never seemed to be enough time in the day to get everything done, let alone exercise.
Not only had I become less active, but I’d gained weight when I was pregnant and hadn’t lost any of it. My body had changed so much, I no longer felt like myself. So I tried some popular diets (Slim Fast, Body for Life, Weight Watchers) and had moderate success, but the weight never stayed off for long. I wanted to exercise, but with two small children to care for, I felt guilty spending the time away from home. While I adored my family, I was 50 pounds overweight, always exhausted and generally miserable.
What’s worse is my story is pretty common. As life changes and our responsibilities increase, activities related to health and well being often become the last items on our to-do lists. (This is where I jump on my proverbial soap box and let you know, it doesn’t have to be that way.)
What motivated me to change? The picture below, taken in August, 2009 on my 38th birthday. (I’m the one in pink.)
When I saw this picture, I could no longer deny my weight gain. I was over 216 pounds and the heaviest I had ever been.
Coincidentally, that other gal in the photo, she was my motivation…my spark. She’d recently started to CrossFit (the bruise on her shoulder was from a dumbbell push press work out) and she'd started eating a more “primal/paleo” diet. She loved both! Her enthusiasm was overwhelming and since my diet and fitness routine was not working, her endorsement was the push I needed to try something new. (Thanks Sally!!)
Even though I feared I’d make a fool of myself, I attended a few CrossFit classes. Well, I LOVED the workouts, the people, all of it! I was hooked! I now work out three days a week and enjoy being part of a fantastic, supportive community of friends. I never skip workouts (even when the posted workout looks like it may kill me) and I no longer feel guilty taking time for myself. That was almost nine months ago and this is me now, May, 2010 and 180 pound.
I am a happier, healthier, more active mother and wife. I have lost 35 pounds and I am still losing. (Just 15 more to go!) But more importantly, I am stronger, faster and I feel beautiful again for the first time in years! This is the best feeling.
(I’m stepping off my soap box now.)
I know this story reads like a CrossFit advertisement, but that was not my intention. I fully understand this is my story and all the things that inspired me personally may do nothing for you. So instead of feeling pressured to follow my lead, consider yourself encouraged. Encouraged to find that spark (whatever it may be) that gets you on the path to good health and fitness. Or better yet, be that spark that encourages others to do the same.
Looking foward to a healthier future,
MM
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
“Sick of Eggs” Breakfast Bars
I don't know about you, but I get tired of eggs for breakfast. Below is a recipe from Elena's Pantry for gluten free/vegan breakfast bars, that I modified (original recipe linked below). These are great as a snack as well as a tasty breakfast on the go.
Recipe
1 ¼ cup blanched almond flour
¼ teaspoon sea salt
¼ teaspoon baking soda
¼ cup butter melted
¼ cup honey or maple syrup
1 egg beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla
½ cup shredded coconut
½ cup pumpkin seeds
½ cup sunflower seeds
¼ cup sesame seeds
¼ cup raisins
¼ dark chocolate chips (optional)
1. In a small bowl, combine almond flour, salt and baking soda.
2. In a large bowl, combine butter, honey or maple syrup, egg and vanilla.
3. Stir dry ingredients into wet.
4. Mix in coconut, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds and raisins.
5. Grease an 8x8 baking dish with butter.
6. Press the dough into the baking dish well, wetting your hands with water to help pat the dough down evenly.
7. Bake at 350° for 20 minutes or until golden.
8. Chill and Serve. (Chilling makes the bars stay together better, esp while cutting)
This version is gluten and grain free, but get creative. Other ingredient options: dried cranberries, chopped dates, apple sauce (to replace the sweetener), coconut oil (instead of butter), cinnamon, oats, flax seed, dried fruit, spirulina powder.
If you want to see the original recipe it is here: http://www.elanaspantry.com/breakfast-bars/
Enjoy!
MM
Recipe
1 ¼ cup blanched almond flour
¼ teaspoon sea salt
¼ teaspoon baking soda
¼ cup butter melted
¼ cup honey or maple syrup
1 egg beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla
½ cup shredded coconut
½ cup pumpkin seeds
½ cup sunflower seeds
¼ cup sesame seeds
¼ cup raisins
¼ dark chocolate chips (optional)
1. In a small bowl, combine almond flour, salt and baking soda.
2. In a large bowl, combine butter, honey or maple syrup, egg and vanilla.
3. Stir dry ingredients into wet.
4. Mix in coconut, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds and raisins.
5. Grease an 8x8 baking dish with butter.
6. Press the dough into the baking dish well, wetting your hands with water to help pat the dough down evenly.
7. Bake at 350° for 20 minutes or until golden.
8. Chill and Serve. (Chilling makes the bars stay together better, esp while cutting)
This version is gluten and grain free, but get creative. Other ingredient options: dried cranberries, chopped dates, apple sauce (to replace the sweetener), coconut oil (instead of butter), cinnamon, oats, flax seed, dried fruit, spirulina powder.
If you want to see the original recipe it is here: http://www.elanaspantry.com/breakfast-bars/
Enjoy!
MM
Monday, March 1, 2010
Sugar Free?
When a guy at my gym announced he was attempting to go without sugar for one month, I was curious. Curious as to, “Why anyone would want to do that!?!?” but I was in no way interested in participating.
However, the next day, the idea popped up again and lingered. After asking a few questions and getting a loose idea of the concept, I privately reconsidered. Could I actually do this? Maybe I could.
My “No-Sugar” Challenge
For one month, I would refrain from adding sugar to anything. "Sugar" includes white sugar, brown sugar, honey, brown rice syrup, agave syrup, maple syrup, corn syrup, Stevia™, Spelnda™, Equal™ or any other sugar substitute. As well as refrain from eating obviously sugar laden foods, like cookies, candy, donuts, BBQ sauce, ketchup, soda, vanilla lattes, jelly or jam. Thankfully February is the shortest month of the year!
Week One: Not Too Bad
I usually have a little chocolate after dinner or a cup of tea with honey, but these things were easy to avoid if I went to bed earlier. I also realized these late night indulgences were more of a habit than anything else. I managed to eat well during the Super Bowl and even skipped my husband’s famous, homemade chocolate chip cookies. OK, fine. I wrapped a few cookies and put them in the freezer, but I haven’t eaten them. Freezing the cookies made me feel like I hadn’t missed out.
Highlights: I avoided the Super Bowl Binge.
Lowlights: I had a hard time adjusting my nightly snacking habits and going to bed earlier.
Week Two: Much Harder Than I Expected
I had forgotten about Valentine’s Day and the unavoidable candy frenzy. My Valentine’s project for my husband even included a heart-shaped box of chocolates! What was I thinking?! I felt like candy was everywhere. I almost stumbled when my daughter came home from school with a sack full of cards, candy and cookies. But we kept to our holiday routine; she handed over the loot, we picked out a few items for her to keep and the rest we threw away. After two weeks of hard work, it was going to take something spectacular to sway me, like a slice of Godiva Chocolate Cheesecake™, not a box of hot pink Nerds™.
Highlights: I survived Valentine’s Day without a hitch.
Lowlights: I have been reading labels more carefully and I am continually surprised to find added sugar in foods I wasn’t aware contained sugar.
Week Three: Portion Control
Since I wasn’t eating sugar, I felt I was allowed larger portions at breakfast, lunch and dinner. This wouldn’t be bad, if I had been eating a ton of sugar before. However, the treats I’d given up were in no way equal to the larger portions I was consuming. I knew I was eating more because I felt deprived, so I allowed myself to eat heartily for a few days without guilt. I also discovered mandarins were in season and bought a five pound box. These were the sweetest mandarins I had ever eaten and they helped satisfy my sweet tooth. Which got me thinking, were these mandarins really super sweet or had cutting out processed sugar reset my taste buds?
Highlights: Even an army of Girl Scouts with their evil cookies couldn’t derail me and I’d lost six pounds!
Lowlights: Can a person overdose on mandarins? The last week of the quarter was coming at work and I was scared.
Week Four: Quarter End
I have never been so happy about budget cuts! With the down turn in the economy, our quarter ends were no longer the snack food free-for-all they used to be. We used to have five pound bags of M&M’s™, giant bins of brownie bites, huge tubs of licorice and sugary granola bars galore. This year things were toned way down. I also made sure to bring my own snacks; keep hydrated and not let myself get too hungry. At midnight on February 28th, 2010, the quarter was over and so was my "no-sugar" challenge. I had made it all month long without sugar.
Highlights: I am the ruler of my diet destiny!
Lowlights: Now what?
Conclusion
After a month without it, will I reintroduce sugar into my diet? Yes, I will.
While I know sugar is not necessary to survive or thrive, in moderation certain sugars (like honey) increase my enjoyment of the food I eat. I mean, have you ever tried to prepare a nice honey Dijon salad dressing without the honey? ICK! And what fun is eating, even healthy eating, if you do not enjoy the taste of your food?
Don’t get me wrong, I am glad I completed this challenge. It was an eye-opening experience for me on levels both dietary and personal. If I had to sum up what I learned with a quote, this quote by Mark Twain would do the job best: “All things in moderation, including moderation.” Moderation…what a novel concept!?
So, even if my story doesn’t prompt you to start a "no-sugar" challenge of your own, I hope it encourages you to take a closer look at the amount of sugar you eat every day. You may be surprised. Now please excuse me, I have a hot date with some frozen chocolate chip cookies.
However, the next day, the idea popped up again and lingered. After asking a few questions and getting a loose idea of the concept, I privately reconsidered. Could I actually do this? Maybe I could.
My “No-Sugar” Challenge
For one month, I would refrain from adding sugar to anything. "Sugar" includes white sugar, brown sugar, honey, brown rice syrup, agave syrup, maple syrup, corn syrup, Stevia™, Spelnda™, Equal™ or any other sugar substitute. As well as refrain from eating obviously sugar laden foods, like cookies, candy, donuts, BBQ sauce, ketchup, soda, vanilla lattes, jelly or jam. Thankfully February is the shortest month of the year!
Week One: Not Too Bad
I usually have a little chocolate after dinner or a cup of tea with honey, but these things were easy to avoid if I went to bed earlier. I also realized these late night indulgences were more of a habit than anything else. I managed to eat well during the Super Bowl and even skipped my husband’s famous, homemade chocolate chip cookies. OK, fine. I wrapped a few cookies and put them in the freezer, but I haven’t eaten them. Freezing the cookies made me feel like I hadn’t missed out.
Highlights: I avoided the Super Bowl Binge.
Lowlights: I had a hard time adjusting my nightly snacking habits and going to bed earlier.
Week Two: Much Harder Than I Expected
I had forgotten about Valentine’s Day and the unavoidable candy frenzy. My Valentine’s project for my husband even included a heart-shaped box of chocolates! What was I thinking?! I felt like candy was everywhere. I almost stumbled when my daughter came home from school with a sack full of cards, candy and cookies. But we kept to our holiday routine; she handed over the loot, we picked out a few items for her to keep and the rest we threw away. After two weeks of hard work, it was going to take something spectacular to sway me, like a slice of Godiva Chocolate Cheesecake™, not a box of hot pink Nerds™.
Highlights: I survived Valentine’s Day without a hitch.
Lowlights: I have been reading labels more carefully and I am continually surprised to find added sugar in foods I wasn’t aware contained sugar.
Week Three: Portion Control
Since I wasn’t eating sugar, I felt I was allowed larger portions at breakfast, lunch and dinner. This wouldn’t be bad, if I had been eating a ton of sugar before. However, the treats I’d given up were in no way equal to the larger portions I was consuming. I knew I was eating more because I felt deprived, so I allowed myself to eat heartily for a few days without guilt. I also discovered mandarins were in season and bought a five pound box. These were the sweetest mandarins I had ever eaten and they helped satisfy my sweet tooth. Which got me thinking, were these mandarins really super sweet or had cutting out processed sugar reset my taste buds?
Highlights: Even an army of Girl Scouts with their evil cookies couldn’t derail me and I’d lost six pounds!
Lowlights: Can a person overdose on mandarins? The last week of the quarter was coming at work and I was scared.
Week Four: Quarter End
I have never been so happy about budget cuts! With the down turn in the economy, our quarter ends were no longer the snack food free-for-all they used to be. We used to have five pound bags of M&M’s™, giant bins of brownie bites, huge tubs of licorice and sugary granola bars galore. This year things were toned way down. I also made sure to bring my own snacks; keep hydrated and not let myself get too hungry. At midnight on February 28th, 2010, the quarter was over and so was my "no-sugar" challenge. I had made it all month long without sugar.
Highlights: I am the ruler of my diet destiny!
Lowlights: Now what?
Conclusion
After a month without it, will I reintroduce sugar into my diet? Yes, I will.
While I know sugar is not necessary to survive or thrive, in moderation certain sugars (like honey) increase my enjoyment of the food I eat. I mean, have you ever tried to prepare a nice honey Dijon salad dressing without the honey? ICK! And what fun is eating, even healthy eating, if you do not enjoy the taste of your food?
Don’t get me wrong, I am glad I completed this challenge. It was an eye-opening experience for me on levels both dietary and personal. If I had to sum up what I learned with a quote, this quote by Mark Twain would do the job best: “All things in moderation, including moderation.” Moderation…what a novel concept!?
So, even if my story doesn’t prompt you to start a "no-sugar" challenge of your own, I hope it encourages you to take a closer look at the amount of sugar you eat every day. You may be surprised. Now please excuse me, I have a hot date with some frozen chocolate chip cookies.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)