Pecan Crusted Chicken

Pecan Crusted Chicken

4 chicken breasts

1/2 cup dijion mustard

2 TBSP honey

1 cup pecans

sea salt

1. Preheat 350 degrees. Spray dish with olive oil.

2. Mix mustard and honey.

3. Finely chop pecans in food processor.

4. Remove any excess moisture from chicken.

5. Place chicken in mustard and honey mixture and then in pecan mixture.

6. Place chicken on greased glass backing dish. Sprinkle with sea salt.

7. Bake for 45 minutes.

Baked Walnut- Cinnamon Apples

Baked Walnut-Cinnamon Apples 2 apples 1/2 cup raisins 1/8 tsp cinnamon 1/4 tsp vanilla 1/4 cup water 1/8 cup walnuts 1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. 2. Core and make small cuts in the apple near the center so that it does not burst while cooking. 3. Combine raisins, nuts, cinnamon and vanilla in bowl and fill center of each apple. 4. Place apple in glass backing dish and pour water into a pan. Cover with foil and bake for about 30 minutes.

Dry Ranch Mix

Ranch Dry Mix 5TBSP minced onion 7 tsp parsley 4 tsp salt 1 tsp garlic powder **This stores in a sealed container for up to 3 months!** Dressing: 1TBSP dry mix 1 cup light mayo 1 cup buttermilk Dip: 2TBSP dry mix 2 cups reduced fat sour cream

Pecan-Praline Snack Mix

Pecan-Praline Snack Mix

*I have changed this Weight Watchers recipe up a bit to make it even healthier!*

4 cups whole wheat chex

3 cups of granola

1/2 cup pecan pieces

cooking spray

3/4 cup firmly packed light brown sugar

6 TBSP honey

3 TBSP light stick butter

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/4 tsp salt

1. Preheat oven to 250 degrees.

2.Combine first three ingredients in a foil lined roasting pan coated with cooking spray.

3. Combine brown sugar, honey, and butter in small saucepan. Cook over meduim heat 2 minutes or until sugar and butter melt, stir constantly. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla and salt. Immediately pour syrup mixture evenly over cereal mixture, toss quickly to coat well.

4. Bake at 250 degrees for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes. Spread warm snack mix in single layer on wax paper to cool. Break cooled snack mix apart. Store in airtight container.

Serving size: 1/2 cup Calories: 160

Mexican Chili

Mexican Chili

This takes no time at all and you can even make it the night before. It tastes just as good if not better the next day!

1 pound of ground turkey (or beef)

1 cup of prechopped onion

1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes with garlic, undrained

1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained

1 cup hot water

2 TBSP chili powder

1 ounce of semisweet chocolate, coarsely chopped (I used chips)

1 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp dried oregano

Cook meat and onion in large saucepan over medium-high heat 5 minutes or until meat is browned, stirring to crumble. Drain, if necessary, and return meat mixture to pan. Add tomatoes and remaining ingredients; cover and bring to boil. Reduce heat, and simmer 5 minutes.

Serving: 1 cup Calories: 215

How sweet...

So I went to the mailbox to find a package from my sister with this and a message inside...Congratulations on your first race! So proud of you! Love you, Lori
I was so suprised and super excited...I love philosophy and she knows what scents I like! Thanks Lori...love you too!

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Gulfstream 5K Results!

My time was 33:28 for the race. I thought it was the same time down to the second as my last race but, I beat my time by 7 seconds. My goal is to really work on my speed for my next two races coming up. We had a great time seeing lots of friends from Andrews work and also my instructor Didi came out (she placed 1st for her age division 50-55 (you would never know it) at 24 minutes...she is awesome!)

Couple pictures before the race and Lucas' running shoes! :)

Here we are after the race eating a banana and some water...Lucas ran very hard and came in a second ahead of us! :)

Here we are all together, Lucas and Linda, and Didi receiving her trophy!
In the end everyone received a running medal for coming out to be active and healthy!

Upcoming races: Ronald McDonald House...April 9, 2011 & Susan G. Komen...April 16, 2011

Gulfstream 5k Tomorrow!

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Shamrock Run...more pictures!

A couple pictures before the race...Andrew was still at work.

Andrew, Lucas, and I before the race!

Lucas holding this sign that Tiffany made for a suprise. He was holding it when I came around the corner to the finish line!

The first picture was only about 3 minutes into the race where they all came to see me before they would go to the finish line and wait for me. The last two pictures was me coming up to the finish line!

Asparagus Guacamole...Biggest Loser Receipe

I made this Sunday night for a little treat while Andrew and I watched a movie! It was just like guacamole dip that I have made but with less calories and did not have to worry about it turning brown from the avocados. I had a couple whole grain baked tostitos with it but also had a couple green peppers with it....such a yummy one to keep on hand!!!

6 large spears of fresh asparagus

1/2 cup fat free sour cream **I used reduced fat sour cream because that is what I had on hand**

2 1/2 TBPS guacamole seasoning mix

1 medium tomato, seeded and chopped

Bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Place asparagus in pan for 3-5 minutes on boil. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool completely. Pat dry. Place asparagus in food processor 30-60 seconds until smooth. Add sour cream and seasoning. Process 30 seconds or until smooth. Stir in tomato in seperate bowl and stir until mixed well. Refrigerate at least 2 hours or up to two days.

23 calories, 1 g protein, 4 g carbs

A couple things to share...

I've been looking a little bit into the "Paleo Lifestyle diet". I am not going the whole way of course I could never give up a lot they tell you too, but I have been switching products I use and adding to my diet, things I have never tried before. Almond milk was a first this weekend and yummy! Its like a little milkshake and so much better for you than milk. Also a new favorite Larabars. They are made with dates (gross!) but these...to die for! You don't even taste the dates and you get one serving of fruit. A great snack to fill you up...you feel like you just ate a whole meal! Banana bread one my favorite right now...still have some other flavors I have not tried yet! Also, tried Edamame dry in a nut form...very good but make sure to have water with you because they dry out your mouth! You can find all these in the organic section at your grocery store! Trying some new dinner receipes this week and I will share if they are a good turn out! Lucas and Andrew have been trying all this new stuff and they have been champs!

Gulfstream 5K Saturday, March 26th

Andrew Lucas and I are running our first 5k together as a family. Andrews work does a 5K once a year to get their employees and their family active and fit. This is their 5th annual. We are excited and will take lots of pics. It starts at 8am and I am excited about that!

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Yummy Breakfast!

Scrambled egg with whole wheat toast and some yummy almond butter! Tropicana 50 Orange Juice that is half the calories and sugar mixed with half sparkling water.

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Shamrock 5K Results

Sorry it took so long to post the results. I was visiting with my Mom and Dad for the past week and also had a Wedding in Atlanta over the weekend. We have been VERY busy!



The race went well and I finished in 33:35 at a pace of 10:50 per mile. I was a little disappointed with my time because it was what I had been practicing at and I thought I would do better. The two nights before the race I did not get the rest I expected to because Lucas had a bad reaction to his 15 month shots he got Wednesday afternoon. He was up Wednesday and Thursday with one night of fever and throwing up and the other crying and not wanting to be in his crib because he was still not feeling good. Also, the race included about 1700 people so it was a little overwhelming for me. When it was time to take off we could not even move because there were so many people. It took a couple minutes just to get up to your pace. I was starting to get a little anxiety and worked up about that. There were so many kids and stollers in the race that got in your way also. I am looking forward to my other races that will not be as busy and hope to get a better time! I am glad I did this one though and it was a lot of fun to begin a great holiday St. Patricks Day!

These were a couple of pictures before the race started.

Lucas was holding this sign when I came around the corner to the finish line!

I have more pictures of me in the race and Lucas actually holding this sign but, I have to wait until my Dad sends them to me from his camera. I will post them as soon as I get them! My next race is a 5K on March 26 for Gulfstream and it is a family race so, Andrew will be racing with me and we will be strolling Lucas with us! I am super excited!

Update on race...

Will be posted Wednesday with pics! I have been so busy with wedding in Atlanta and the last couple days of parents visit. I have lots to tell and pictures to show but will have time Wednesday to post! Thanks for all of your well wishes!

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Perfect Attendance!

I had perfect attendance in February for my 5am class MWF. Didi does little gifts and incentives to make you come and work hard! She is too cute! I got snack clips...she said they were for my "healthy" snacks!

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Another race coming up soon...

Just found out Gulfstream has a 5k coming up March 26th. Andrew is looking into it at work today. I also have another 5k on April 16th. It will keep me on track and start training for my 10k. I know it might sound silly (it does to me) but, I want to try and do a half marathon on July 17th in Erie around the peninsula! We will see. Looking at my training schedules I have time to get ready and it is possible! Keep you posted!

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LOVE IT!!!!!!

"Unless You puke, faint, or die...keep going!" -Jillian Michaels

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4 More Days!

My first race is Friday, March 11th at 6:00pm. This also starts all the St. Patrick's Day festivities in Savannah! I am so excited and even more excited my Mom and Dad will be here to see! I will keep you updated on how it goes and how I do!

A little bit of this and a little bit of that...

A whole week has gone by and I have not posted a single thing! I was so busy this week and it was tough at the gym having our instructor out with a lung infection. We got a workout with the sub but, it was not the same and she did not push us hard enough like Didi does...and I NEED that. I was getting a little frustrated too because it was the week before my race. I did a practice run yesterday and had a melt down. Oh yes...stopped and cried right on the track! I started out well and then my music messed up and was on repeat but, didn't know that until the first song was over. So I had to stop and fix that after 3 minutes into my run and start my timer over. Then of course I was all worked up and started running too fast and my lungs could not catch up to that pace It was also a very, very windy day so I had to push harder. About 2 miles in I started crying right when Lucas and Andrew strolled to meet up. I was beating myself up about not training hard enough and felt like I was going so slow because of the wind. I wanted to just quit! Andrew was very motivating with his encouraging words and I came through and did finish. I finished at exactly 34 minutes. I did not improve my time but, I guess that was okay with my music failing, crying, and the wind beating me down! I hope we have no complications for RACE DAY!


Yummy Breakfast, Lunch, Snack, or Dessert!

This is so yummy and filling! I take a spoon of granola and put it into a plastic cup ( I feel like it is a McDonald's fruit and yogurt :) and enjoy it more!) Then a spoonful of yogurt, sprinkle of sliced almonds and then top with fruit! I mix it up with the different fruits. My favorites are black raspberries, blueberries and raspberries! I like it for a quick on the go breakfast or lunch and it is so yummy if you are craving that sweet treat!

Tough day but, it's my favorite day...BIGGEST LOSER TUESDAY!

Thought I would share with you my tough day! I feel so emotionally drained today. I woke up tired and feel like doing nothing but sleep. All I want to do is eat and I am not going to give in to it! I am so close to race day and I have come so far. I keep drinking water to keep my mouth busy. I am not hungry I just want to munch! All that is keeping me going is that tonight is my favorite night!
Andrew and I started something a while back where we have a fast food day and it is on my favorite day...Biggest Loser day! We put Lucas to bed and then he runs out and gets a $5 footlong (so cheap) for us to split...of course it is done up the healthy way. (Whole Wheat, no cheese, I have to have my mayo but I go light and sparingly) Then we watch Biggest Loser and enjoy and healthy "Fast Food"! It is my treat for the week but, I am not even CHEATING! :)
Let's see how the contestants do this week when they get sent home for two weeks to test them in real life situations. I love this episode and of course makeover episode when they get to see their families! If you have not watched it ...give it a try! It is so motivating and of course I love Bob and Jillian! When I first started at the gym on the elliptical and treadmill, I would just want to leave. I would always picture Jillians face right there screaming at me and everyone in the gym looking at me! Boy, would my butt move even quicker! It sounds silly but, whatever you need to do to keep you motivated and moving!
I already feel better after taking a moment to come on here and type this all out!
Happy Biggest Loser Day!

March is National Nutrition Month

I will be sharing with you some tips that I find helpful from the National Nutrition Month website. I also receive good information from my instructors at the YMCA and will be happy to share any advice that I get. Also, if you have any questions I would be happy to find out the answers for you! ( I am ALWAYS asking questions! It is the only way to find things out! :))

Here are a couple tips to get us started for the month...

Small Changes Add Up
Here are more great ideas that will cut calories from your daily intake, possibly without your even noticing:
1. Downsize Your Dishes. Use smaller plates and bowls to help you eat less. We tend to fill up the dish we’re using and then eat it all. Our brains also think we are getting more when the same amount of food is placed in a smaller dish.
2. Savor Your Meals. Eating slowly helps you consume only what your body needs to feel satisfied. Eating too quickly, in less than 20 to 30 minutes, leads to overeating and feeling uncomfortably full afterwards.
3. Leave Some Food on Your Plate. This is especially important if you grew up in the “clean plate club.” By leaving even a few bites, you can focus more on your internal signals of satisfaction and less on eating food just because it is there.
4. Don’t Eat Out of a Bag or Box. When you eat out of a package, you are likely to keep eating until it’s all gone – no matter how many servings the package actually contains. Pour one serving into a small bowl.
5. Choose Your Glass Wisely. Here’s another place where our eyes play tricks on us. When glasses are short and wide, we tend to fill them with more fluid and to drink more. Use a slender glass for any beverage except water.
6. Rethink Your Drinks. High-calorie beverages like soft drinks, juice drinks, energy drinks, specialty coffees and alcohol add calories just like solid foods. Whenever possible, replace these drinks with plenty of water.

**Information taken from: www.eatright.org**


I have started using #1 a couple months ago and have noticed a big difference with my portion control for dinner. Then even if you do go back for seconds you don't feel as bad! :)
I also stopped drinking my calories. This is something I stopped right from the beginning. I was even drinking diet soda and what I difference when I took it out of my diet. Now when I have one as a treat I almost regret it because I feel bloated and sick feeling. You don't know what it is doing to you till you stop drinking it!
Just take it slow and maybe try one or two of these changes and see how wonderful you can feel and smile cause you can do it!