Delicious Nutritious Breakfast

I am usually really bad at eating breakfast. I shared a while back that I've been eating Cinch shakes most mornings with a piece of fruit to start my day off. Well I needed more options and this has quickly become a favorite around my house. There are three simple ingredients; quick oats, honey, and berries. Any kind of berries you like will work, I have this frozen blend from Sam's Club.

So basically just make the oats according to directions, add 1-2 Tbsp honey and about a half cup berries. In just a couple minutes you have a delicious and nutritious breakfast that is about 300 calories, has 7 grams of protein, and 8.5 grams of fiber!

This is his 'smile for the camera' smile, but he really loves this for breakfast.

Yum Yum!

Inspired: 2x4 Snowmen

This week has been a little weird. My husband's car is having problems so we've been without one most of this week and been stuck in the house. You'd think that would lead to getting a lot done, but somehow each day just flies by and nothing seems to get accomplished. I did get one craft done thanks to our craft club.

We came across this cute project idea from Linda at Craftaholics Anonymous. Here's how my 2x4 snowmen turned out...

.

Here's hoping for a much more productive week next week.

2012 Goals Update: Losing Weight and Eating Healthy

I'm happy to report that I've been staying on track so far and have lost 3 pounds! It has actually been pretty challenging because as I mentioned before, I have to take it slow to maintain my milk supply and continue breastfeeding my son. I have to make sure I'm eating enough, yet working out too. It's a fine balance.

So what exactly am I doing? Well I start my day with a good breakfast. Most days that means a Cinch shake and a piece of fruit. Cinch gives me 24 grams of protein to start my day with lots of energy to keep up with my 2 little boys. If I get the chance I'll exercise before breakfast, if not usually just before lunch I can sneak it in.

For exercise I have been running and doing yoga. I have some knee problems so I only run a couple times a week. It's been about 2-3. I run a mile in the best time I can without hurting my body. It's not super impressive but 12 minutes has been my best time.

I just added yoga to the routine this week and I love it! I found tons of FREE yoga videos on Hulu. I was super excited when I realized I didn't have to fork over tons to go to a class. Plus there are tons of different types you can choose from (toning, flexibilty, abs, AM wake up, etc) and different lengths. So this morning I did the AM Wake up video that was only 12 minutes long. Both my boys were already up so I knew I couldn't do a long one and I had trouble falling back to sleep last night after my youngest got up. Felt so good to start my day this way!

And then there's the eating healthy part. I haven't been perfect on this but really trying to get better and better. This week I tried a new dish I found on Pinterest, Broccoli Quinoa casserole. I'm new to quinoa, but I like the fact that it is a complete protein and can substitute for rice. I really liked this casserole, it was nice and creamy. The only thing I did different from the recipe is I made my own cream of mushroom soup. 

yum yum

(source of recipe)

One 10 oz can condensed Cream of Broccoli soup (or mushroom)

1/3 cup reduced fat mayonnaise (original called for 1 full cup. WOW.)

2 tablespoons milk

1 1/4 cups reduced fat shredded cheese (cheddar, colby-jack, etc)

1/2 teaspoon Splenda/sugar

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Dash freshly grated nutmeg

.

2 cups cooked broccoli

1 1/2 cups  COOKED quinoa (see note)

Feshly grated Parmesan cheese

.

To cook quinoa:

3/4 cup quinoa

1 1/2 cups water

1/4 teaspoon salt

.

Rinse quinoa in a fine sieve until water runs clear.  In a small saucepan combine the quinoa, water, and salt.  Bring to a boil over high heat.  Reduce heat to low and cover.  Cook for 18-20 minutes, or until fluffy and the white ring/tail is visible.  Fluff with a fork.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and coat a shallow (8×8 in or 5-6 cups) casserole dish – or individual ramekins – with vegetable cooking spray.

In a large bowl combine the soup, mayonnaise, milk, shredded cheese, Splenda, pepper, and nutmeg until well mixed. Stir in the quinoa and broccoli.

Spoon mixture into prepared casserole.  Sprinkle on a couple tablespoons of Parmesan and bake for 35-40 minutes (20-25 minutes for ramekins) or until bubbly on the edges and golden.

Happy Friday the 13th!