Lunch box

Sometimes I just go blank when trying to plan the snacks for school. It has to be healthy, edible (as deemed by the kids), and packs well. Sounds easy enough.



So I made a list of snacks that pass both the Mom test and the picky kid taste test.



Veggie sticks sometimes ranch or salsa

fresh fruit cubes or kabobs

Popcorn

pretzels

nuts

trail mix

celery with pb and raisins

soy yogurt with fresh fruit

crackers

graham crackers

dried fruits

tortilla chips with salsa

soup

pickles

hard boiled eggs

apple sauce

Rooty tooty. Still fruity.

Why are fruits healthy? Good question.



Carotoids in Fruits.

Beta Carotene in Mango, cantaloupe, apricots, papaya, kiwi, pumpkins

good for slowing aging process, reduces risk of cancer, reduces complication associated with diabetes.



Lycopene Watermelon and grapefruit

reduces risk of prostate cancer and heart disease



Flavonoids in Fruits

Anthocyanin, hesperidin, resveratrol, quercetin, tangeritine, phenolic compounds, ellagic acid

limonene

Feeling fruity?

For some reason, spring fever makes me crave fruit. Why is that?!



Crepes are a great way to serve up some fruit. It is no secret that I love french crepes. I served them at our wedding. I thought I would share with you my healthier version.



Crepes make about 15

1 cup whole wheat pastry flour (I buy in bins from whole foods)

pinch of salt

1 1/4 cups rice milk (or soy)

2 eggs

2 Tablespoons soy margarine, cooled melted

2 Tablespoons margarine



Combine flour, salt, and milk in a large bowl. Beat until smooth. Beat the eggs in a small bowl and stir in teh melted margarine. Add to the flour and milk mixturee and beat until smooth. Refrigerate for an hour and beat again.



Place a small nonstick skillet over medium heat. When pan is hot, add 1/2 teaspoon of magarine. Put the 1 Tablespoon of batter into the skillet and swirl it around to form a thin layer. Pour out the excess.

When batter is dry looking (about 1 minute), flip and cook about 15 seconds.



Crepes can then be filled with fruit or jam. Enjoy!

Happy Earth day!

I hope you are enjoying Earth day today.

Yesterday I read an article about how the crazy gas prices were affecting families. One income families are cutting back on their food dollars. At first I thought that sounded like a good place to cut back. But the article reported that people are cutting back from more healthy to junk food and foregoing organic choices altogether. That does not sound like a good long-term choice to me.

Eating healthy can be less expensive.
Here is how to cut food costs the Healthy Express way:

• Drink water. Cheaper and better for you.
• Refill your water jugs with filtered water. Prices on individual bottled water are predicted to rise even further. Also, it is earth-friendlier to reduce your packaging consumption. and cheaper too!
• Buy organic when possible. Being healthy saves on medicine, doctors bills, etc. Being healthy also gives you more energy and makes you more productive. You cannot put a price on good health.
• An apple is cheaper than a bag of chips. and a better choice for you.
• Plant an organic garden. Vegetables and herbs are great gardens to plant. Share your crop with a neighbor. Or plan your garden with a friend to have a good variety between the two of your gardens. Also, gardening is a good way to get your children to eat their veggies.
• Be careful in planning your meals. Try to limit wasted food or overbuying.
• Avoid convenience boxed foods. They are usually high in sodium, low in nutritional value, and more expensive.
• Brown bag it more often. another healthier and less expensive option. You may have even time to take a brisk walk outdoors during your lunch break.

Healthy eating! Make those calories count! and make your pennies count too!~

Good health, ole! (that's Spanish, y'all)

I love Mexican and Tex Mex. LOVE it!

So I thought, what can I make tonight that is quick and healthy? This is a daily pondering.



and this was my answer...

carne asada with saffron rice. black beans. Yummy!

I also made some queso sauce. not the healthiest. but I took shredded some cheese. Melted it with some milk and a tablespoon of salsa. Chopped some artichokes and a little leftover spinach. Then threw the queso over some steamed cauliflower. Not super healthy, but healthier.

Viva la vida healthy.

Today's thought

Your stomach shouldn't be a waist basket. ~Author Unknown

This quote has me thinking.

As a mom, I am the worst about nibbling while I prepare our meal and then finishing the children's leftovers so not to be wasteful. Lots of extra calories. I need to stop doing that and be more mindful what I put in my body.

Healthy eating

Grateful

I am so thankful to all of our visitors. We have folks from all over the globe visiting us. I find that a little crazy, but so grateful to have you join us.

So thanks for popping by.

On the menu here for today, scallop salad on a bed of spinach, melon soup.

Tightening

my pursestrings and my waistband. Can you do both at the same time?
The answer is "yes!"

I have been buying lots of convenience foods because my kitchen was out of commission for a couple of weeks. and my wallet was squealing. I cannot believe how much more my grocery bill was. This was just the motivation that I needed to re-examine what I am eating. and hopefully make better, healthier choices. making my calories count. and making my pennies count too.

It does not take a lot of money to eat healthy.