Monday Morning Mix-up

Yes, I am on vacation... 

I decided on Thursday to write a couple of posts to auto-post while I am enjoying some much needed time with my 3 WONDERFUL boy!!!

Thursday I made this AWESOME smoothie... It is a special treat kind of smoothie!!! It is AWESOME!

Pumpkin Banana Bread Smoothie

1 banana
2 TBSP Pumpkin Puree
1 TBSP Shredded Coconut
5 ice cubes
1 tsp cinnamon
splash or two of Almond Milk (Coconut Milk would be good too!)

BLEND until smooth!!!

Depending on diet -- you can add a vanilla yogurt or protein powder!

Hope you have a wonderful week!!!

Applegate Coupons

Hey guys!!!!

So sorry that I did not post the WINNERS yesterday! We are on vacation and spent 12 hours in the car! I just ran out of time on Thursday to write the post! :)

I went to random.org before I left and picked two numbers. I do not have the random numbers with me but I do remember who won. I thought I would hop on here quickly and post the WINNERS!!!!

The final winners of the Applegate Coupons are The Clothes Make the Girl and Jos. Please email me at enjoyinghealthyfoods@yahoo.com and I will mail the coupons as soon as I get home!!!!

CONGRATULATIONS!!!! and already have another giveaway in the works!

Barefoot Children

Barefoot Truth & Spinal Health

In recent times we have seen a major shift from going bare-foot to wearing shoes and in recent times we have seen the number of problems stemming from the foot increase as a result.

There was no mention of foot troubles in Biblical times like today and it wasn’t until renaissance times that heel laden and pointed toe shoes were introduced into society starting the birth of foot and developmental issues in adults and children.

Studies have shown the benefits of going barefoot and these are only some;

• Few incidences of deformed toes
• Greater foot flexibility
• Denser muscles on the bottom of the foot
• Greater agility
• Well shaped legs from natural and balance gait
• A more natural motion, free from the weight brought on by shoes
• Prevention of blister, ingrown toenails, and plantar warts
• Less chance of plantar fasciitis and bunions
• Better proprioception and developed nerve system
• Greater spinal health

The benefits of barefoot are enormous as mentioned above. Stronger feet are created and ultimately a stronger body. All of us have seen someone who has had a broken limb and wore a cast for the average of 6 weeks. When the cast was removed we noticed that in comparison to the opposite side the effected leg or arm was much smaller. This is because that limb didn’t get any use and the muscles were weakened. This is the same concept as in the foot. The foot is home to 20 muscles who all need to work individually to maintain proper biomechanics. This well working machine needs to be in balance for proper spinal and nerve system development, and health and well-being of our future. By wearing shoes this results in a weakened structure and poor health.

CSA week 2

Food Share week 2

radish, asparagus, spring mix, two heads of lettuce (different kinds), Swiss Chard, Green Onion and Strawberries..

These strawberries are UNREAL... Have you had fresh strawberries lately??? AMAZING! It is crazy how red and how red the insides are of these strawberries... 

I have grown accustom to the store bought white or pink inners... These are NOT those and WOW the flavor is so great!!! 

If you have the chance this summer to visit your farmer's market or a local U-Pick Garden, GO! Pick fresh and delicious strawberries!!!! You will not be disappointed!

Shrimp Tomato Pasta

I am so excited to share this recipe with you!!!! :)

It was one of those meals that just kind of happened but man am I glad it did... and that I wrote it down! This dinner was awesome! Hubby said the rue flavoring is similar to something he has had before but could not figure out where and even what the dish was... he LOVED it!!!! :)

Here is what I did! 

Baked Spaghetti Squash

Baked the Spaghetti Sauce at 400 degrees for 30 minutes.

Separated the spaghetti squash and baked it again for another 20 minutes.

Then for the Rue. I had seen a recipe for a coconut rue, here, from Family Living Simple. I have been eyeing the recipe for a couple of weeks. I had zucchini but did not have chicken... so I took a little different route.

The Coconut Rue --- creamy, smooth and wonderful!!!

I topped the Spaghetti Squash with the shrimp mixture!!!! AMAZINGLY Delicious!!!

I should add that I do think Asparagus or maybe a red pepper. I can't put my finger on what I want to add next time but I do think a vegetable would be WONDERFUL! :)

Alright - enough teasing here is the recipe!!! 

For directions on how to cook Spaghetti Squash, go here! or here!

For the Cream Sauce:

The Ingredients:

2 Tablespoons Coconut Oil (or Ghee)

1 Can of Coconut milk

2 Tablespoons of Coconut Flour ( I added a little more

Pepper

Parsley

Rosemary
1 cup cherry tomatoes, diced
1 bag of fully cooked Shrimp (from Trader Joe's)


The Directions:
For the sauce add the coconut oil (or ghee) to a sauce pan and melt on medium heat. When melted add coconut flour. Stir the oil and flour until it is smooth. Once the clumps are gone  add the coconut milk. Heat to a slow boil and stir frequently with a whisk. I then decided to add another TBSP of coconut flour. The thickness was just how I wanted...  Let simmer for about 5 minutes and add spices. Add 1 cup of diced cherry tomatoes and the frozen shrimp. (yes, frozen!) Cover the Rue and turn heat to low. Cook until the shrimp is thawed. Maybe 5 minutes MAX....

Plate Spaghetti Squash and top with the creamy shrimp mixture...

ENJOY!!!!
Don't forget to enter to win Applegate Coupon, here!  Today is that last day to comment!

Part of Pennywise Thursday, Full Plate Thursday

Roasted Chicken

Have I mentioned that I will be out of town next week??? My wonderful family and I will be heading to the Poconos Mountain. I am sorry but I have decided that I will not blog next week. 

I am in need of a break and some quality with the sweet boys of my life! :) We are going to spend the week hiking, fishing, swimming, boating and much much more... 

Oven Roasted chicken seasoned with Rosemary, 21 seasoning spice, garlic powder and coconut Oil.

Brussels Sprouts and Asparagus cooked with the chicken. Seasoned with Olive Oil, Sea Salt and Pepper. 

Ground Beef Veggie Burgers

Have you seen the TLC show, Extreme Couponing?

It is madness... Women work 60+ hours gathering, printing, stealing, dumpster diving coupons each week. They make a plan and go shopping and spend $500+ and might spend after coupons $25 at most. We have even seen a show where the store actually owed the buyer money... 

CRAZINESS...

It is neat to watch but, yes there is a but, but, have you noticed the food in the shopping carts????

PROCESSED PROCESSED PROCESSED.... 

One gal had 96 LARGE sport drinks, 200 cans Coke, 40+ frozen pizzas, 40 boxed cake mix, 50 pieces of candy...

Although the show is neat to watch but I do not plan on becoming an extreme couponist! I like my food ALIVE... from my local farmer (well dead), csa, farmers markets. I would rather have a higher grocery bill. I could see myself coupon to just give all the food away to shelters but I do not see the entering our house. 

The neat thing... There was one gal who got diaper boxes for $0.25. That is awesome. Yes, I do not use cloth diapers. I just couldn't deal with the cleaning of them....  

Onto an once alive meal! :) 

Before I start with the recipe, I want to tell you that this creation is all HUBBY... I wish I could take the credit for this delicious burger but I can't :) I did enjoy one in a BIG salad with more vegetables and it was great! I also ate one plain!!! They were WONDERFUL!!!!! 

Hubby usually makes dinner on Friday's just to give me a break and because he secretly loves creating dishes!!! shhh!!! :) He is real good in the kitchen and his mixtures are always delicious! Although he did have a mishap with Chicken and Apples -- YUCK. We wont talk about that today! :) 

He made us delicious ground beef veggie burgers!!! 

 He chopped broccoli, green bell pepper and red bell pepper

and added it to the ground beef and formed burgers.

We then splurged and topped it with cheese. This was great in my spring lettuce salad!!!! :)

The Ingredients:
1 cup chopped (almost minced) broccoli
1 chopped green bell pepper
1 chopped red bell pepper
1 lb ground beef

* If you want to splurge a piece of cheese for each burger!

The Directions:
Hubby chopped all the vegetables and then mixed with 1 lb ground beef. Form into 1/4 lb burgers. We made 6. Then grill until desired pinkness! :)

ENJOY!!!

P.S. If you haven't done so already---- don't forget to enter to WIN $10 off coupons to Applegate!

Part of Real Food Wednesday

New Product

I have GOT to tell you about my **NEW** find! 

AMANDE an Almond Milk Yogurt

 I have been on the look out for these at Whole Foods after reading this post. I was so excited to finally spot them about a month ago!!!! I do not eat much dairy/yogurt but I thought that this would be a great snack for my boys. Baby enjoys Almond Milk bottles, instead of formula or milk. I knew he would love it!!!

 They are 3/$5 but worth it! My boys love this little treat!!! :) They all contain live active cultures!

I tasted them before offering them to my boys. They are delicious. You can taste the Almond Milk and the fruit flavor was mild. It was wonderful!!! 


It’s definitely different than typical yogurt.  It was very light and smooth.  It’s wasn’t runny at all, like I expected.

While it’s ingredient list is short, it does include things like rice starch, locust bean gum, and a few others I can’t remember.  However, after stirring and taking a few bites, I loved it.


But it is a nice treat for the little ones!!! 

$10 off APPLEGATE take 2!

GIVE-AWAY now CLOSED

Congratulations to the first 3 coupon WINNERS!!!! 

Two blog winners and one random facebook drawing! 

This week I am going to give away another 2 sets of $10!!! I will draw the name, again on Friday! :) 

Same rules apply for this weeks drawing! 

1) Follow me. If you already do great! Let me know.

2) Follow me on the facebook. If you already go great! Let me know.

3) Tell your friends about the giveaway. Blog about it. Facebook it. Tweet about it. (If you do all three that is 3 entries!)

4) Like Applegate on Facebook. Please comment on their page "visiting from Enjoying Healthy Foods"

Alright - I will draw two (2) names Friday morning!!! 

Good Luck!!!! 

p.s. I decided to take those who commented on the other post and didn't win and enter them in this weeks drawing... 

p.s.s. If you commented last week you can add 5 more entries by commenting on this post!

First 2 Winners

Congratulations to the first 2 winners! CONGRATULATIONS Kell and CR!!! To claim your coupons please email me at enjoyinghealthyfoods.blogspot.com and I will put them in the mail for you!

Winners numbers were chosen by random.org. We had 32 entries and the 2 numbers that were picked were 14 and 32.

For those of you who did not win,  Thank you for playing and come back Monday when I post the next 2 chances!

THANK YOU APPLEGATE for allowing me to giveaway this coupons to my readers! THANK YOU!

It's CSA time!!!!

Oh how I love this time of year!!!! It is warming up... not really. It has been 50 here all week...  The flowers are blooming... Fresh fruits and vegetables from the CSA and Farmers markets.

 Last year, hubby and I joined our first CSA and were so excited!!!! Our expectations were met and exceeded! We enjoyed weekly bag full of delicious goodies!!! :) And yesterday, this years CSA began.

I start my week off with Monday waiting to see our newsletter from our farmer. It is then that I know what to expect and start planning and looking forward to pick up. Wednesday around 2 the delivery was made and we make our way for pick up sometime after that. Yesterday along with the vegetables  pictured above we got a dozen farm fresh eggs. We also had some extras, which I happily picked up! Applemint, Oregano and Peppermint!

I also love this time of year because I plan and plant my garden. With the weather being so rainy and cold, I have not had the chance to get everything planted... I am behind but that is OK! :) This is my second year so I am looking forward to some new tricks I have read and studied up on!!! I am really hoping for a great gardening season!!!

I will post pictures from both our CSA and our home garden!!!!

UNTIL THEN!!!! I have found a new Brussels Sprout recipe that is awesome... Might be my favorite!!!! :)

The Ingredients: 

1 bag of Brussels Sprouts, ends cut off and cut in half

1/2 TBSP Olive Oil or Coconut Oil

1/2 TBSP Balsamic Vinegar

1/2 TBSP - 1 TBSP Maple Syrup

 The Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a mixing bowl add cut Brussels Sprouts. Add Olive Oil, Balsamic Vinegar and Maple Syrup and mix well.

Pour Brussels onto a cookie sheet with Parchment paper.

Bake for 10 minutes and take out and stir around, mixing the Brussels into the juices. Put back in the oven for 10 - 15 more minutes.

THESE are hands down AMAZING, sweet tasting, delicious!!!!

I also made Almond meal and coconut crusted salmon!!! DE-LISH!

 The Directions:
Wash and pat dry Salmon. Lay on salmon on broil pan. Coat Salmon with 1 TBSP Olive Oil. I brushed the Olive Oil around, so the salmon was COMPLETELY covered. I then sprinkled Almond Meal over the salmon. I think I used 1 - 2 TBSP of Almond Meal. Just enough to cover the Salmon. I then sprinkled 1 - 2 TBSP of shredded unsweetened coconut on the salmon. Topped the coconut with nutmeg and pepper.

Cook the Salmon at 400 degrees for 15 - 20 minutes or until the salmon flakes away.

 Maple Syrup would have been another nice sweet thing to add.

Finally,
Saute Asparagus with just a little Olive Oil and Shredded Coconut seasoned with Lemon Pepper.

It was nice adding the coconut in while cooking the asparagus because some of the coconut browned and was a little treat in my mouth!

3 year old kept saying "look there is candy on here!" He loved it!

Yes - he ate dinner in an elephant costume! 

There you have it!!! Our dinner!!! Delicious and extremely quick.

and the best part...

Clean up was easy!!!

Don't forget to check out my Applegate giveaway!!! 

Part of Pennywise Thursday, Full Plate Thursday, Tip Day Thursday

Mixed Vegetables and Ground Beef

 I really love the dishes that have no recipe just throw together and come out tasting AMAZING! 

Once a week we make a dish very similar to this but different each time. The vegetables vary and the spices vary. It is a great end of the week dish to finish up the remaining vegetables!!!! :)

Do you have a dish that you make weekly with different ingredients to rid of the extra vegetables???
I'd love to hear your dishes and maybe try them!!!!

This one is spaghetti squash, broccoli, zucchini, asparagus, red bell pepper, garlic, Ailois garlic mustard sauce (from trader joes), local grass fed ground beef

 Or what about this mixture...

Local grass fed ground beef, carrots, broccoli, sugar snap peas (cut in half that then half again), scrambled egg, cauliflower rice, garlic and seasonings!

The possibilities are ENDLESS!!!! I love my garbage meals. ha!!! 

ENJOY! 

Don't forget to share your throw together, use up all the vegetables up dish!!!! Looking forward to reading and trying them!!!

Don't forget to enter to win this weeks Applegate coupons!!!

$10 off APPLEGATE

GIVE-AWAY now CLOSED

 Yesterday, I mentioned, my friends at Applegate Farm sent me coupons! 

I asked for help on what to do... and thank you for all that commented!!!! :) 

Here is what I decided to do... 

The next 4 Fridays I will giveaway $10 off to 8 lucky readers! 

2 Lucky Readers the next for Fridays will win $10! 

I will also give 2 lucky Facebook followers $10. 

For your chance to win this weeks $10 coupons here is what you have to do!

1.) Follow the blog. Already officially do? Comment that you are a follower!

2.) Follow the blog on Facebook.  Already officially do? Comment again that you are a follower!

3.) BLOG, Tweet, Facebook it. JUST Share with your friends. Comment that you did so and send me the link! 

4.) Visit Applegate Farms website and look around! Learn about the company and their AWESOME product! Comment that you did so and let me know what your favorite Applegate product is! 

There you have it, 6 simple ways to win!!!! Make sure you use all 6 ways to up your chances and comment separately for each option!!!

I will draw the first 2 winners Friday and post on the blog!!!!

Recipe to come later this afternoon... If I get time! :) 

 Yesterday, I mentioned, my friends at Applegate Farm sent me coupons! 

I asked for help on what to do... and thank you for all that commented!!!! :) 

Here is what I decided to do... 

The next 4 Fridays I will giveaway $10 off to 8 lucky readers! 

2 Lucky Readers the next for Fridays will win $10! 

I will also give 2 lucky Facebook followers $10. 

For your chance to win this weeks $10 coupons here is what you have to do!

1.) Follow the blog. Already officially do? Comment that you are a follower!

2.) Follow the blog on Facebook.  Already officially do? Comment again that you are a follower!

3.) BLOG, Tweet or Share with your friends. Comment that you did so and send me the link! 

4.) Visit Applegate Farms website and look around! Learn about the company and their AWESOME product! Comment that you did so and let me know what your favorite Applegate product is! 

There you have it, 6 simple ways to win!!!! Make sure you use all 6 ways to up your chances and comment separately for each option!!!

I will draw the winner Friday and post on the blog!!!!

Recipe to come later this afternoon... If I get time! :) 

100 coupons for my readers

I love my friends at Applegate! They are too kind to me and to my readers!!!!

I received in the mail 100 $1.00 off coupons. Instead of keeping them for myself, I would like to give them to you!!!! 

I have not figured out the details... 

I am not sure if I want to give 100 readers a $1.00 off coupon or if I want to give 10 lucky readers $10.00 off. Or maybe 5 lucky readers $20.00 off... HELP! :)

WHAT DO YOU THINK I SHOULD DO!?!?!? I would love your feedback! 

ABOUT APPLEGATE --- If you do not know. 

Applegate is a Family Farm that raises their animals humanely. They do not give their animals antibiotics or hormones. Their meat is delicious and fresh! There are no scary ingredients... WE LOVE APPLEGATE!!!!

Chicken and Carrot Soup

Poor 3 year old has MONO and Strep... Poor guy has a very swollen and red throat, tongue and hanging ball. Poor guy has been very selective on the foods and drinks he consumes. Poor guy has not eaten a lot in the past few days. And I do not blame him... He is so swollen any food would hurt going down. 

Last night I boiled chicken (all day) making it real soft for my sweet boy! I then added carrots and sweet potato spears and loaded it with basil and lots of oregano. I then boiled it again to make the carrots EXTRA tender for smooth eating. 

Poor guy was still in pain eating this simple and smooth and OVERCOOKED soup... Thankfully he ate some!

I had made a chicken roaster the other day. When it was time for clean up we placed the chicken (skin, bones and meat) into a container. I threw the whole chicken (skin, bones and meat) into a pot of boiling water. I added garlic and oregano and let the chicken warm up before discarding the bones and skin. I then cooked the chicken on low for 4 - 6 hours before adding carrots and sweet potato. I cooked the soup for another 1 - 2. I then added garlic powder and basil. 

I am hoping for a better eating day by my sweet 3 year old!!!! 

Lettuce Fajitas

I love Fajitas! I love the flavor and the simplicity! I make these often!!!  

I love the mixture of chicken and peppers. You can enjoy the mixture as a soup or alone or on top of a bed of lettuce!

In the Crock cook a chicken roaster with salsa verde, lime and a little pepper. Cook on low for 6 - 8 hours. Take the chicken out of the crock pot and let cool before taking the skin and bones out. Add bell peppers (and onion, if you'd like) to the crockpot and let sit in the juices for as long as you'd like. My were in the crock for 20 before I added the chicken back in and then soaked with the chicken for another 20 minutes until my hubby came home. 

We served with lettuce wraps and avocado. If you are doing cheese, this would be awesome topped with raw cheddar cheese! Also, some times I add sliced Zucchini and Squash in this mixture!!! WONDERFUL!

ENJOY!

Spinach and Strawberries

Good Morning and Happy Monday Morning Mix-up!!!!

These past two weeks have been CRAZY! Baby was sick one week and 3 year old was sick last week. When my boys are sick it takes everything out of me. They sleep patterns are different and demand (which I do not mind) my FULL attention. 

I did not realize how tired I was until I laid down for a nap yesterday. I took a 3 hour nap while baby napped. I then woke up for an hour. I took a shower and feed the baby and figured out what was for dinner and then was back in bed at 5 pm. I slept 13.5 hours... 

I NEEDED it!!!! 

Here is a delicious smoothie!!!

Strawberries (WHOLE)
Spinach (Kale would be good too!)
Shredded Coconut
Almond Milk
Ice

ENJOY!