Pick of the week...

Spring arrived on the calendar, but it hadn't arrived weather wise until recently.  I think it's safe to say it is officially here.  We've have consistent warmer days and flowers and trees are blooming.  Our picnic table is out and our yard is looking better!  So many things to love about spring time, and for me a few things I dread as well.  Spring clothes shopping for one.  According to some of my children they need "spring" clothes.  I didn't know there was such a thing.  Spring is such a short season you can get by with t-shirts and pants and sweat shirts with jeans.  Silly me!  I did not realize all the options until we hit the mall yesterday.  I had all 4 kids in tow which was the first mistake.

After two stores I needed a drink!  I was dehydrated, hot, cranky, and frustrated.  I found the juice bar and had a concoction of fruit, veggies, and ginger.  Man did that hit the spot.  I felt better and was able to conquer the rest of the shopping extravaganza with little stress.  If there was a shot of vodka in it, I probably would have been too generous with my wallet!  The juice was a hit with kids as well, so we'll be experimenting with smoothies.  I just need a good blender.  Any recommendations would be appreciated.

Since the warmer weather is here, I've been grilling often.  My pick of the week was a huge hit with my family, Lemon Chicken with Avocado Corn Salsa from Power Foods cookbook.  It is simple, healthy, and delicious.  I had some of the salsa left over and used it the next day with fish.  This is a great recipe to use when you invite guests over because you can make a lot of it and it's great with tortilla chips, beer, Margarita's, etc!

Full recipe:

INGREDIENTS

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken cutlets (each 8 ounces)
• 4 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 ears corn, husked
• 2 teaspoons seeded, finely chopped, fresh red, hot chiles (such as cayenne or jalapeno)
• 2 tablespoons peeled, minced fresh ginger
• 1/2 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1/2 medium red onion, chopped (1/2 cup)
• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
• 10 cherry tomatoes, quartered
• 2 ripe Hass avocados, halved, pitted, peeled, and diced
• 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
• Freshly ground pepper, to taste

  4 ounces baby arugula

DIRECTIONS

1. Combine chicken with 2 tablespoons each oil and lemon juice. Marinate in refrigerator for at least 1 hour (or up to 3).
2. Stand an ear of corn on one end, and using a serrated knife, cut off kernels; repeat (you should have 1 cup total).
3. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add corn, chiles, and ginger, and cook until softened, 3 to 4 minutes. Let cool.
4. Preheat grill to medium. (If you are using a charcoal grill, coals are ready when you can hold your hand 5 inches abovegrill for just 5 to 6 seconds.) Grill chicken, flipping once, about 5 minutes per side. Remove from heat.
5. Stir together beans, onion, corn mixture, lime juice, and 1 tablespoon oil. Add tomatoes and avocados. Season withsalt and pepper, and stir gently to combine.
6. Toss arugula with remaining 2 teaspoons each oil and lemon juice.
7. Divide arugula among plates, and top with chicken and avocado-corn salsa.

ENJOY!!!

Happy Spring!

Best,

Donna

Healthy Eating

It is always hard to return from a great vacation and jump back into reality!  Luckily warmer weather is here so it cheers you up a little bit.  While away touring Washington, DC and visiting friends and family in North Carolina and Maryland, my family and I walked everywhere.  We were busy some days from 8:30 am until 7:00 pm when we would stop and find a restaurant for dinner.  My four children were always amazed that they went so long with only breakfast and lunch and minimal snacks along the way.  We all realized that sometimes we eat out of boredom or confuse thirst with hunger.  Now that we are back home, I want to continue the minimal snacking and encourage eating 3 healthy meals with light snacks in between.

My oldest son has become very interested in being fit and healthy and wants to try and eliminate processed foods.  We are going to take on this challenge together and try to get the others on board.  We are tracking our calories as well on the "My Fitness Pal" app.  His goal is to gain a pound a week and mine is to maintain my weight.  It is amazing how quickly the calories add up!  Tracking your daily food intake is a great way to notice how important it is to eat a sufficient meal rather than filling up on snacks.  It teaches you portion control and makes you aware of what you are eating.

During vacation we enjoyed different fish dinners when out.  In our attempt to be healthy, my goal is to prepare fish at least twice a week.  It can be expensive, so when preparing I will incorporate other vegetables and starches as well.  My pick of the week is Grilled Fish Tacos.  The recipe is in one of my favorite cookbooks, Power Foods, from the editors of Whole Living.  It is an easy recipe to follow and one where you can make adjustments to fit your family's likes.  I use either striped bass or red snapper fillets, chopped lettuce, tomatoes, peppers, corn, avocados, corn tortillas, and many spices -ground cumin, oregano, chili powder and salt.  I also make brown rice with  fresh cilantro to have on the side for the kids.

Vacation is a perfect reminder of what is important.  Once back home it's easy to become lost again in the business of our daily routines.  I hope we all remember to take time to enjoy good food and family and enjoy conversation around the table.

Here's to warmer spring weather!

Best,
Donna

Real Women

I usually share some recipes on my Sunday blog,  a "pick of the week" that is a favorite of my family's.  While looking through magazines this week in search of new ideas and menus, I became a little down and wished I was in better shape and looked more youthful.  All I saw was young women exercising with almost perfect bodies.  I get it, the magazines need to sell and fit,young bodies are selling points!  I read the articles and try some of the exercises suggested.  I particularly like the recipes and always enjoy trying out some "new" moves.  But this made me start thinking.  It's much easier to be fit and healthy when you just have yourself to worry about.  Maybe you have a demanding career and a significant other, but there seems to be more time for yourself.  Things begin to get more challenging when you are trying to balance a career, partner, family, and yourself.  Many women tend to put others first and take care of themselves last.  YOU need to make yourself a priority.  When you take care of yourself, it is easier to care for others.  You have more energy and become more successful juggling your many tasks.  You also become a role model for your children and they in turn will make health and fitness a priority.

It's easy to look through magazines and compare yourself to the models wishing you were more toned, and younger looking.   Then take a step back and look at what you have accomplished.  Being healthy is what matters most.  There is no such thing as perfect.  Aging gracefully is a good thing.  It shows that we have lived.  So don't hate your stretch marks or wrinkles.  Wear them proudly because we are real women who balance multiple tasks and still make time for ourselves!

When you do make time for yourself make it count.  Think about why you want to exercise and set real goals.  You do not need three hours, 30 minutes can be enough time to get your heart racing and muscles tired.

So next time I am flipping pages of a magazine instead of feeling longful for my youth, I will remind myself of what I am able to do and keep things in perspective.  I hope you do the same!


Best,
Donna