Cauliflower risotto

I am so amazed at what can be made with cauliflower! This risotto was really delicious; both Bill and I went back for seconds. I served it with some apple chicken sausage, because even though the recipe says that it's a main meal dish, I wanted more protein. For once I really followed the recipe, except I used one large head of cauliflower instead of two. (My photo has leeks, but that was an accident. They are for something I'm gong to try later this weekend.) I considered using almond milk instead of cream, but decided to go for the full on cream experience. Maybe next time, and there will be a next time, I will try with the almond milk and maybe add some peas or shrimp. This is going to be a yummy lunch tomorrow:)
http://www.food.com/recipe/low-carb-cauliflower-risotto-191486

Melt in your mouth chicken

This is my "go to" when I am in the mood for chicken parm, but don't have the time to do all that dipping! It's not chicken parm, but it is tangy and delicious. You can decide what kind of flavors you are in the mood for with the spices that you add to the yogurt. I like Mrs. Dash Fiesta Lime. Everyone in the family likes this tender chicken, and it's good for lunch the next day with a spinach salad or in a wrap.

Kale walnut pesto

This is a nice pesto... And the best part is that it's made with kale! Of course I changed it up a bit. I didn't have enough kale, so I also used some baby spinach, and I didn't cook them. I just put them in the food processor and my spiderman helper blended them raw. I felt like it would be healthier, plus I was feeling kind of lazy. It was good, and I will be happy to bring it to school tomorrow since we are going on a hike all day. It's something that should last pretty well without refrigeration. 

http://www.realsimple.com/m/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/pasta-kale-walnut-pesto

Halloween Survival Tips

Last year I began my health and fitness journey in a challenge group that started on October 28. I was super dedicated to the clean eating part of the challenge, not so much the workouts. Because of my strict adherence to my diet, I did not allow myself even one piece of Halloween candy. I can honestly say it was the first Halloween of my life that I didn't have any candy, and that's tough for a chocoholic like me!

However, I realize that this is not the norm, and most people will not be so strict and dedicated as I was. (Even I have already caved to the candy temptations this year.) So how do you survive this holiday without a major setback? How do you prevent yourself from falling into old traps and patterns? 
Here are my suggestions-

1. Do not buy your favorite candy for the Trick or Treaters. In fact, buy candy that you don't really enjoy and won't tempt you.

2. Once you have purchased the candy, don't open it! Again, why tempt the candy gods?

3. Once the candy is opened, keep it in a cabinet or closet up high and out of sight. If it's sitting there in a bowl calling your name every time you pass by, you will be so much more likely to indulge. Out of sight is out of mind.

4. Plan your cheat. If you know that you are going to partake in a few pieces, DECIDE in advance how many and set them aside for yourself. When they are gone, you are done. Don't let it happen by accident. Those little snack size candies pack a full size punch to your problem areas when you eat them mindlessly.

5. Get rid of the extras on November 1. Bring them to work, send them off with a spouse or donate them to nursing homes, shelters or even the troops. Everyone loves candy.

6. Keep a food journal. If you want to improve with something, it helps to track it. This is something that I have resisted all along. I hate the idea of tracking my food, however I have come up with a little compromise for myself. I am only going to write down and track my cheats. That way I will think twice before popping things into my mouth, and I will REALLY know how much I am helping/sabotaging myself.

7. Exercise. It's obvious, but during the holiday season it's even more important to make your workouts a priority and schedule them into your day. Treat it like an important appointment with your boss. You wouldn't cancel an appointment with your boss, right?

8. Find healthier alternatives. Everyone loves a sweet treat, but it doesn't have to come in a fun size package. Some of my favorites are on my recipe page.

9. If you mess up and go on a candy bender, move on. Pick yourself up out of your candy stupor, don't beat yourself up, get some exercise, and look forward to a new day:)

10. Join one of my Challenge Groups to help you with motivation and accountability. I have a new group starting every month. FB message me or email me for details at hbalshem@gmail.com.

Sweet and slow pork tenderloin

What's better than coming home to the smells of dinner already made? Yummy, healthy dinner already made! This pork crockpot recipe is super quick and easy; you probably already have most of the ingredients in your kitchen. The pork just fell apart when I poked it with the fork, so tender and juicy. I followed the recipe except for adding about a third cup of chicken stock in the morning. No one was going to be home, and I was worried that it might overcook or get dried out. It didn't;)
http://myfridgefood.com/recipes/entree-pork/sweet-slow-tenderloin/#gHMwTZBO8uI749XV.32

This time when I made it I added onions and apples and served it with butternut squash souffle. Yum! 

Oatmeal cookie waffles

Trevor wanted waffles this morning, so we decided to go for it with a new cooking project. It was fun and easy to make. We didn't have any cashews, so we used peanuts instead. They were a different consistency than your usual waffle- more dense, not light and fluffy. Think oatmeal cookie waffle:)
http://www.teambeachbody.com/teambeachbodyblog/nutrition/cashew-oat-waffles?ICID=TBB_BLOG_SOCIAL

Sauteed shrimp spaghetti (squash)

This one is quick and easy once you take care of the shrimp. I loved it, especially because every bite was guilt free. Of course I changed the recipe by adding an onion and two pounds of shrimp instead of one. Everyone in my house loves shrimp, and one pound just didn't seem like enough. Next time I would drain the squash in a strainer before adding it to the shrimp.
http://www.slenderseven.com/seafood/

Jen's favorite kale salad

One of my friends who happens to be a parent of one of my former students knows that I have become a huge kale fan, so she sent me her favorite kale salad recipe which I'm calling Jen's Favorite Kale Salad, and now it's mine too! It was so yummy, and a complete meal with all of the protein from the quinoa. I also licked the bowl to get all the dressing up from this one. I did not find the nutritional yeast in my regular grocery store and didn't have time for the Whole Foods trip, so I used grated parmesan instead;)

Zucchini lasagna with ground turkey

OMG!!! I could totally eat this every day, no joke! And with zucchini, spinach, turkey, and egg whites it'a a complete meal. This was also a fun opportunity to bust out some of my kitchen toys. I followed the recipe pretty closely, but added a bit of shredded cheese blend on top because I couldn't imagine lasagna without a bit more cheese. Honestly, it would still have been good without it. This is the kind of dish that's probably even better the next day... if you have any left;)
http://www.slenderseven.com/meat

Chicken teriyaki with cauliflower rice

I am totally addicted to cauliflower rice! It's so easy, filling, and goes great with so many yummy dishes. Just rice it in the food processor and microwave for 8 minutes. I'm a sauce lover, so anything that helps soak it up is a win in my book.
The Teriyaki chicken recipe comes from a Challenger from one of my 60 day groups. I love that I am helping people to reach their goals and also learning new things myself! The chicken recipe is almost clean, but it does have soy sauce which isn't really clean. Sometimes I just have to give a little with the clean eating, and this would be one of those times. I also took every possible shortcut- precut carrots, steam in the bag broccoli, chopped garlic from the jar, ginger paste... All of this made prep super quick and easy. http://www.eatgood4life.com/teriyaki-chicken-with-vegetables/

Blueberry French toast casserole

I have made this Blueberry French toast casserole many times. It's good for when you have company coming or when you want to bring something healthier for a brunch. This time I must admit that it was missing something and came out a little bland. I did use 3 whole eggs and the rest egg whites to give it more flavor, but that wasn't enough. Maybe next time I'll add a bit more flavor extracts, maple syrup, or a dash of salt. Even though it wasn't as good as it has been, I still enjoyed it and would suggest it to a friend;)
http://www.thegraciouspantry.com/clean-eating-blueberry-french-toast-casserole/

Apricot salsa chicken with quinoa

This dish is zesty, sweet and super easy. I almost feel guilty posting it as a recipe! It's a total no brainer, but it's one you wouldn't want to miss!

Combine chicken breasts, apricot preserves (with no added sugar), a jar of salsa (again no sugar), 1 cup quinoa, 2.5 cups low sodium chicken stock. I put mine on high for about 2 hours then on low for another two, but you could do it differently. Just keep an eye on it or set it to turn off after 4 hours on low. It won't be as good if it get overcooked. This dish has really no vegetables, so I serve it with a baby kale salad. Yum!