Food Addict

Hello Friends, I will warn you that this post is not about food or exercise...it's not even about Christmas or a suggestion that you buy something from my clothing store this Holiday Season.  No, this post is about the heart, my heart, a heavy heart because of what happened in Newtown,Connecticut.  A sentiment I'm sure you all share because you are parents, and even if you are not, you are human. I don't want to talk about gun control, or de-ranged people...I want to talk about EVIL...that vile presence that we try to keep out of our daily existence...yet sometimes it is just too big and powerful to block out. What is it's purpose? I am struggling to find some sense in the slaughter of children.  I find myself awake in the early morning hours with terrifying images in my mind.  More than once I've had to get out of bed to 'walk them off'. We have seen the pictures of the beautiful children, the moving tributes but many people are very far away from

Hello Friends, This one is so simple...but so darn good and a great as lunch leftovers.  I love a good stir fry...lot's of delicious veggies, meat and of course flavour, flavour, flavour!  Garlic, ginger whatever your heart desires.  It's been a busy day and while I wanted to make a stir fry, I didn't relish the idea of standing over a wok cooking everything in stages.  I though about throwing it all in together, but it would still require me to stand and watch...so why not bake my stir fry? I still like to brown the chicken, I like that carmalized flavour.  To make extra sure the chicken was tasty, I quickly sauteed my onions in the pan first.  In went the chicken and some Mrs. Dash Lemon Pepper.  When it was browned and mostly cooked I added a some black bean sauce.  (So full of flavour, but full of sodium too, so use a light hand!) ...about this much While that finished cooking, I chopped veggies I had in the fridge.  Red, yellow and orange peppers, a bag

Hello Friends, Just dropping in quickly to answer a question that I've been asked more than once in recent days.  What do you eat on the run? Let me start by saying I really am the Queen of food prep and planned leftovers.  I practice what I preach, so it's not very often I find myself without chicken, hard boiled eggs or some other protein to eat. Today, however, I find myself in this very predicament.  My daughter had a Band Concert at school, from there I was off on a quick trip to the grocery store and then had literally 20 minutes to eat some lunch before heading back to school to pick up the girls.  I have to admit I was starving while grocery shopping (not recommended)...and a box of Dark Chocolate Mint Oreos may or may not have found their way into my cart!!  Here's the lunch I came out with... This Western Family Chicken Soup is a pretty good choice, actually.    Calorie, fat and carb wise it fits the bill.  It's ingredient list reads like a

Hello Friends! Looking for something to keep that sweet tooth satisfied?  This is the time of year when temptation is everywhere...baking, candy,  hors'deurves...a little treat can quickly turn in to an all out binge event! Here's an easy recipe for a protein packed treat that will leave you satisfied.  Whip it up and enjoy before you head out to a party...it will actually have you 'passing' on the most decadent of treats.  A few bites also puts those 'sweet cravings' to bed after dinner when you just need a little something! Here's what you need... 1TBSP Natural Peanut or Almond Butter 1 Scoop Chocolate Protein Powder 1TBSP Cocoa Powder 1tsp Stevia (agave or honey work too - adjust amounts to taste) 2 TBSP + of Almond Milk (skim milk or water) Mix the first four ingredients to disperse the peanut butter...it's powdery, don't worry!  Add milk and mix into a thick batter.  You may need more liquid but 2 TBSP is a good place to st

Hello Friends! As we head into a weekend and the potential for social gatherings, snack foods enter the equation.  Just wanted to share a snack that I love...introduced to me by my beautiful Sister-in-Law, Vanessa. They're called CheeChas. They're a great alternative to potato chips in that they are crunchy, potato-based and come in several flavours as well as a 'gluten free' option.  I love Salt & Vinegar, Dill Pickle and Cheddar! Check out the ingredients... Chemical free!  They are big on flavour and small on calories.  Two cups, 90 calories...seriously worth it.   Compare that to the calories, fat, and carbs in regular chips and you can see there's no comparison. Sodium a little higher than the Whole Grain Tortilla example below...but these CheeChas are  the SALT & Vinegar variety! They are a bit tricky to find in Kelowna.  Save On Foods has the Salt & Vinegar flavour only. I believe Safeway has a a better selection! I&

Hello Friends! Ok, time for a little rah rah.  We are now into the busiest season of the year (for most of us!)  Celebrations, shopping, lot's of tempting treats that find their way into our diets. IMO the most imporatant way to stay on track both physically and mentally when you're overwhelmed is to cut yourself some serious slack, and that starts with the little voice in your head. The way you talk to yourself, when your mouth isn't moving, has a big impact on your mood, the way you treat others and the choices you make about food and exercise. None of us can get behind each other's eyes. How I see the world is not how you see it, and vice versa...but we can all do the  same thing to give ourselves a fighting chance at having a 'good' day!  Keep your 'self talk' positive.  Starting right now, take notice of what runs through your mind when you look in the mirror, or make a mistake...chances are it's not how you would talk to a good frien