I made homeade pizza sauce...can you believe it!

Well the tomato plants are really doing great this year and I'm getting into something other than my family famous fajitas, southern tomato mayo sandwich and salsa. I decided to try my hand at a tomato sauce and since tonight was pizza night it was the perfect time. I think this would be great with spaghetti or any pasta dish. It would compliment chicken, steak, shrimp...I'm just so pleased at how it turned out and everyone in the family liked it. I will definitely make this often even if I have to used good canned tomatoes in the off season. So without further delay...

2 onions, chopped
1 tbsp minced garlic
olive oil
tomatoes on hand (I had 3 large ones)
Italian Seasoning
1 tbsp sugar
salt and pepper

I put some olive oil in my pan and sauteed my onions with salt and pepper until translucent and then added my garlic and Italian Seasoning. While this was going on I cored my tomatoes and removed about half the skin...most of the tomatoes were so ripe the skin was thin so it really didn't require it and it cooks down so I don't think it is necessary, then I diced them up and added them to my pan and brought to a boil and added my sugar. I let it boil for about 10 minutes and then turned it to medium low to simmer and reduce.

I'm so proud of myself...this was a first. I will never (well never say never) by tomato sauce again. I will try to always make mine and I'm sure it will make me famous. I forgot to take a picture but since it will be a regular recipe I'll get one on here soon. You know what this has to be good for any diet...

Red Beans and Rice with Cajun Sausage

Only 440 calories per serving. Click on my livestrong.com link for the recipe. This was an awesome throw together hit with the family. Enjoy.

http://www.livestrong.com/recipes/red-beans-rice-w-cajun-sausage/

250 Calorie...Quick Satisfying Lunch

This is my pick for a low calorie quick pick. I keep these on hand for when I just want a fast lunch. With only 250 calories you can still have a piece of fruit or yogurt if you like. I'm a kid and like to chop up the steak and mix all together like a mini shephards pie. YUMMO!

Healthy Steps

Weight has been a struggle all my life. I can't remember when it wasn't ever an issue. As a child hearing about every little thing I put in my mouth and every little activity I did made me want to shut people (at least their voices) out. I don't want my children to have the same issues. Cameron never had to deal with weight until a few years ago when he started his psychotic medications. If anyone has ever had to take or knows someone who has had to take these medication you know that it can pack the weight on you. Cameron gained 60 lbs. on his first medication in this category in about 4 months time. We have battled it in so many ways. I think as a child you just don't see the necessity of worrying about weight and activity level. Well his weight and health was a huge concern and that was what led his doctor and me to take him of all medications and start from scratch so to speak. Any parent that deals with any ADHD or psychotic issue with their child will find that you need to do this every few years anyway to make sure they are really benefiting from the medication. I know it has reminded us of how bad things can get. You tend to only remember what recently happened and forget what it was like a few years back. This has been a trying time for the whole family, but we are committed to always help our children grow in the best way possible (even when it means we have to step into an uncomfortable zone). So now Cameron is only taking a medication that is a hormone replacement for his bladder (actually common) and a new medication called Intuniv (used for ADHD but also for impulsive behavior...since we have both), which is not a psychotic medication. His medication that was causing weight gain should be out of his system in about 2 weeks (can you believe a medication can stay in your system for so long). Well with Cameron you can't spring things on him and this summer has been filled with a lot of changes. I've just quit my job, got him in a Christian Home School, ordered his curriculum, planned his days, and worked on my lesson plans (all including Cameron, so it has been a slow process). We haven't conquered the weight loss as of yet but today was a first step to getting him on board. I found a wonderful site, seems like I heard about it before but never checked it out. Livestrong.com is where I found myself a few days ago. I looked around and it really reminded me of the Weight Watchers online site I had done a while back for a few months. Online is easy for me and Cameron is very interactive so I thought maybe I should think about this. After further investigation...IT"S FREE! Weight Watcher's cost $20+ per month (couldn't remember exactly what I paid) and this would allow Cameron to have his own login so he would be the one watching his food and activities instead of me asking (nagging). So today I set myself up and he set him up an account (had to fudge his year born so he could do this...of course I never told him, don't want to give him any ideas). So far we have logged breakfast and a few activities. I just want him to be aware that he has choices and has the power to control them. I will update every now and then on how its going. I know for the next few weeks I will have to remind him to go online and record things since new things are hard to make a habit but I am very hopeful. I know lots of people struggle with weight/health issues so why not join us and give it a try. I'd love to hear how you are doing.

General Tso Chicken

My family is a HUGE fan of Chinese food. One of our favorite dishes is General Tso Chicken. I've made it from scratch before and it took time and well I'm into quick dishes. I was in Walmart a while back and looked in the Oriental isle and looked around the sauces. The fact that I lived three years in Japan makes me a bit picky with certain flavors. I just can't help it. I found a sauce packet that I thought I'd like to try.

I of course didn't follow the recipe as it told me to but it really turned out good. Cameron had two helpings. This a definate purchase again for us.

GENERAL TSO CHICKEN

1 pkg Sunbird General Tso Chicken Seasoning Packet

1/4 cup sugar

3 Tbsp Soy Sauce (I used Bull Dog sauce, a Japanese sauce used in Yakisoba)

3/4 cup water

1 bag pre-breaded chicken pieces (makes this a quick and easy dish)

Directions: I put my chicken in the oven to bake following the package directions (use real chicken pieces not nuggets). When chicken was almost finished I mixed all other ingredients together in a sauce pan and brought to boil, stirring frequently (this doesn't take long). In a large bowl with lid I dumped all my chicken in it and poured my sauce over the top. Placed lid on top and shook until all chicken was coated. I served with steamed white rice. This was a real winner and I will definately make again. I had dinner on the table in less than 30 minutes. I love it!

Yummy Snack

I have found the best snack for only 140 calories (3 thins). I have always been a fan of Fig Newtons since a kid. But my best snacks have a crunch to them. These little crisp cookies are so yummy. I decide to brew some French Vanilla coffee this morning and had 3 of these for breakfast and all I can say is I'm in heaven. I bought the Blueberry Brown Sugar (anything blueberry is my favorite) but the have three other flavors. They also are a whole grain product with 8g per serving. I will definately buy more of these and try the other flavors. I hope you get a chance to try them before they are all sold out or sad to say stop making them.

Caffine is our choice now.

Amoung Cameron's issues, he deals with ADHD like many other children and adults. He was diagnosed at a typical age in the first grade. We have had many stuggles with medication. I prefer no medication and I don't feel that all individuals that have been diagnosed with ADD or ADHD have to rely on medication. You should look at all options and choose the one that best suits your families needs.

In the beginning it was a struggle to find what type of medicine and dosage worked best. Over the years we have tried mulitple things on the market and in different dosages and combinations. We have also checked into diet adjustments. It is a trial diagnosis. Summer-time is the best to adjust diet and medications. It gives your child the flexibility to be his/herself. My concern was always how others were effected by Cameron's stuggles. I was concerned at what people might think at school, church, resturants, stores and of course family gatherings. I never wanted his issues to be obvious to anyone (we are and have always been very open about Cameron's diagnosis) or be any sort of disruption. We have modified his behavior greatly over the years and that, as he has grown has been the most effective way at controlling his day to day life issues.

About a month and a half ago we went to a new psychiatrist and he decided for my reasons to ween Cameron of his medication. I had been investigating articles about higher doses of caffine rather than taking a medically prescribed pill to control his ADHD. His new doctor seemed very incouraged that it might me an option to try now. So from that point on Cameron either drinks a Mountain Dew or coffee with breakfast and then another high caffine drink at lunch. I haven't been confortable with energy drink (Cameron keeps pressing me) yet. I think they might just be over the top for me and am thankful that it is all my choice as a parent. I have noticed Cameron is as settled on caffine as he is with his ADHD medication. I think as we move into our homeschool year I will be able to evaluate his focus better but it does look promising.

If you have the desire to try other options for ADHD in yourself or your child please consider this option. I'm not sure if it would have worked earlier or not but I'm very happy that we have tried it and for now it is the right choice for us.

Brunswick Stew

Brunswick Stew

1 lb Pork Roast, cubed (I bought a 3 lb Pork Roast and cut a 1/3 of it up for this and reserved the other for BBQ to save money)
8 medium Potatoes, diced
1 can Corn, drained
1 can Peas, drained
2 cans Carrots, drained
1/2 cup Worcestershire Sauce
2 cans Tomato Sauce
Dash Pepper
3 Tbsp Minced Onion
1 tsp Salt
1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
4 cups Water (make sure everything is covered)

Brown Pork in pot, add all ingredients and bring to a boil for about 15 minutes and reduce heat to medium and cook for about 45 minutes. Make a wonderfully thick gravy for a satisfying meal.

Serves 10
247 Calories per Serving

I usually make this in the Crock Pot but today I really wanted to speed it up. I also have my meals planned or the weekend and had both Crock Pots busy at the time. This was very yummy and filling.

Panko Oven Fried Drummies

Panko Oven Fried Drummies

Heat oven to 400 degrees. Line baking sheet with foil and spray with non stick spray.

30 Drummies

Dry Mix (put everything in a Ziploc baggie and shake)
1 cup Panko Crumbs
1/2 tsp Salt
Dash Pepper
1/2 tsp Onion Powder
1/2 tsp Garlic Powder

Wet Mix (put everything in bowl and mix)
2 Eggs
1/4 cup Milk

Rinse your Drummies and coat in the Wet Mix then in the Dry Mix and lay out on your baking sheet. Make sure each Drummie is completely covered.

Bake 20 minutes and then turn over an bake an additional 20 minutes.

Makes 8 Servings
Serving Size 4 Drummies
264 Calories

Fried Chicken is a staple in the South and dieting shouldn't have to change that. I came up with this recipe so we could eat what we wanted healthy. I've never been much on frying anything in oil anyway, mostly because of the mess it makes in the kitchen...I hate a big clean up. This was really good and the whole family liked it. I think you could do some easy variations in this by just adding some different spices or hot sauce. ENJOY!

-3.7 and counting!

Well the Biggest Loser weigh in was tonight. I knew I had done good but the dreaded walk from the car to the church door was a little long, not to mention the wind chill was turning my blood to ice. You have to wonder how much frozen blood weighs, lol. Well everyone lined up was in good spirits and seemed to be coming out with good results...could I measure up? In I went for my weigh in and whoooooohoooooo down 3.7 pounds. I'm proud of myself!!!

Goal for this week:

1. Have as much fun planning my menu and coming up with recipes as I have this week.

2. Step up the exercise to twice a day (I'd like to double my time).

3. Praise God every step of the way...without him this wouldn't be possible.

Now what will we have on the menu tomorrow?????

Cameron got his report card today. He did pretty good. Remember this year he is not on any special curriculum, he is doing what the rest of the class is doing. I got a note that is IEP meeting will be Thursday, so we will see what everyone thinks. I'm very proud of him and I pray that he keeps up the good work. Middle school is just around the corner and I'm not ready.

We see his psychiatrist in the morning and I feel like it will go pretty well. I know we may have to adjust some meds so I'm prepared for that. I'm interested to see what he will say so I can report back to everyone at the IEP on Thursday.

Okay, I'm a bit tired tonight since I basically had a boring day at home. Car acted up again this morning. After having it checked out the solution is to drive it and see what happens, lol. Don't you just love that one? I think it will be fine, God takes care of us in every way and he always has.

Spicy Black Bean Chili

Spicy Black Bean Chili

1 lb Ground Chicken (could use turkey or beef)
2-15 oz cans Black Beans
1-10 oz can Rotel
1-14.5 oz can Diced Tomatoes
1 pkg Chili Seasoning
1/2 tsp Ground Pepper
1/2 tsp Salt
1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
1 tsp Crushed Red Pepper
1 tsp Onion Powder
1 tbsp Cumin
1 tbsp Minced Onion
4 cups Water (less if you want it to be thicker)

Put Ground Chicken and all spices including Chili Seasoning packet in pot and brown meat. You may have to add a 1/4 cup water to keep Chicken from sticking since there is no oil in this recipe. When meat is brown add Black Beans, Rotel, Diced Tomatoes and Water then bring to a boil. Reduce to Medium heat and allow to continue to boil for 30 minutes. It is ready to serve. If you want it to be thicker let boil with lid off and reduce amount of water you add by at least 1 cup. This is so low in calories that you can top with a little shred of cheese or sour cream, just remember to add those calories in.

Makes 10 Servings
151 Calories per Serving

Breakfast Surprise!

Okay like everyone else I live for the quick meal. Breakfast is no different. I have been eating instant oatmeal (the low sugar kind) forever. Mostly because it was quick and it seemed crazy to make a pot of oatmeal for just me. This morning since I had so much time on my hands I decided to pull out the Quick Oats and make my own. First of all it didn't take any longer to make than the instant oatmeal did. Second...I was able to just make a one serving size portion. I just followed the recipe on the back of the package. Third...the portion that you are allowed to have is so huge I couldn't finish it. Fourth...the best of all is that you get more for your calorie intake. One packet of low-sugar instant oatmeal is about half the serving of the quick oats serving and the same calories...so this is a no brainer. I added a tsp of Splenda and a splash of Skim Milk to mine. I also stirred in a tbsp of Peanut Butter since all diet sites and blogs rave about it. Well it wasn't for me. No PB in my Oatmeal! I am however going to buy me some of that Splenda Brown Sugar Blend. I haven't tried it and think it would be a real treat for some things.

Ham and Bean Soup in the Crock Pot

Ham and Bean Soup in the Crock Pot

1 lb Mixed Beans (or whatever you have)
1 medium Onion, chopped
1 lb Ham, diced
1 cup Carrots, chopped
1 tsp Salt
1/2 tsp Pepper
1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
10 cups Water

Look and rinse your Beans. Put everything in Crock Pot, adding Water last and stir. I put mine on High overnight and then switched to Low in the morning until ready to serve. It is very tasty and low in calories.

Makes 10 Servings
129 Calories per Serving

Peanut Butter and Banana Waffle Sandwich

Peanut Butter and Banana Waffle Sandwich

2 slices Double Fiber Wheat Bread
1 tbsp Peanut Butter
1/2 Banana

Spread Peanut Butter on Bread. Slice the Banana and place on sandwich. Heat your waffle iron up and spray with non-stick spray, then place sandwich inside. Press down and let cook until browned.

250 Calories per Sandwich

This is a Yummy Sandwich that anyone of all ages will enjoy. Heating the Bananas makes it a little sweet. I'm sure you can find a lower calorie Peanut Butter but I just used regular.

Splenda Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies

Splenda Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies

1 cup Splenda
1 cup Peanut Butter
1 Egg
1 tsp Vanilla

Mix all ingredients together and bake 10 minute at 350 degrees. I use non stick spray on my pans to insure they don't stick.

Makes 2 Dozen (I like to make them small so I can feel like I get to eat more, lol.)
32 Calories Each

I was trying to think of something really good today for a snack and a little sweet. Finally I remembered a this recipe and how good they were.

In my search I found a website that I've been to several times but didn't realize how fun and helpful it might be for me...so I joined today. Check out recipezaar.com and you will fall in love.

New Orleans Corn Bisque with Smoked Sausage??? Or Chowder?

Remember I told you I had found a recipe on the Internet. I found it at all recipes.com in case you were wondering and if I happen to be liable for mentioning that, lol. Safe and clean...whew! Well I made it tonight and all I can say is YUM! I changed it up to lower the calories.

New Orleans Corn Bisque with Smoked Sausage
(After tasting it I think it is a chowder, but I guess their name will draw more viewers, lol)

1 package (14 ounce) Turkey Smoked Sausage
1 medium Onion, chopped
1/4 cup Butter or Margarine
1/4 cup All-Purpose Flour
1/2 tsp Salt
1/8 tsp Ground Black Pepper
1 (15.25 ounce) can Whole Kernel Corn, drained
4 cups Skim Milk
2 cups Cubed Cooked, Potatoes, cooked, drained
Chopped Parsley (optional) ~ I used 1 Tbsp of Dry Parsley
Shredded Cheddar Cheese (optional) I left this off to save calories, not sure if it was figured in to begin with

Prepare Potatoes and set aside. Cut Sausage into 1/2 inch cubes. Melt Butter in large saucepan over medium heat. Add Onion; cook and stir until tender. Add Flour, Salt and Pepper (this is where I added the Dry Parsley); cook, stirring constantly for 1 minute. Add Milk. Increase heat to medium-high and bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Boil and stir 1 minute. Add Corn and Sausage; return to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer 10 minutes. Stir in Potatoes; heat through. Top each serving with Parsley and Cheese if desired (didn't do this to save the calories).

Serves 8
263 Calories per Serving

I just have to say again this was great and a good choice for a snow day...the kids loved it!

Chicken and Veggies

Okay here is our healthy dinner for tonight. Kids loved it, well Cameron said he would rather have carrots out of the can instead of the bag, lol. Good Grief!

Crock Pot Roasted Chicken

1 Whole Chicken
2 tbsp of McCormick Garlic & Herb Salt Free Seasoning
1 1/2 cups Water

Rinse Chicken and sprinkle Seasoning inside and out. Place in Crock Pot and add Water. I plan to use my stock in a soup for Friday so if you don't plan on doing that you might not need as much water. I was really surprised at how brown it got. Anyway I put my on low the night before and waited this morning for a few hours to see it it would brown before turning it to warm.

I think there would be at least 6 Servings
335 Calories per 1 cup Serving (this is the only way I knew how to figure it, I used a website to help me calculate)

Aluminum Foil Oven Roasted Veggies

1 can Corn drained
1 can Green Beans drained
1 cup Baby Carrots
2 tbsp Olive Oil
Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Salt & Pepper to taste

I made a foil packet and just put Corn, Green Beans and Carrots inside. Sprinkled on the amount of seasonings that I thought would be good (didn't need much) and then covered with my Olive Oil. Tossed it with a fork and closed the packet. Baked at 400 degrees for an hour and just turned the stove off and let it sit until I was ready to serve it. It was great. I went really low on salt since I'm always afraid to over do it, so ended up added some when we ate.

Serves 4
165 Calories per Serving

As shock to me the whole meal came to 500 Calories. We all drank water so we stayed healthy.

Did great on Caloric Intake and Exercise today, YEA!

Well kids are so tired from the first day back at school. They are taking baths and then asked to go to bed early. I'm going to oblige them, lol.

Low Calorie English Muffin Breakfast Sandwich

Low Calorie English Muffin Breakfast Sandwich

1 Multi-Grain English Muffin (I toasted mine)
1 Egg (fixed how you like it, I fried mine and Kevin scrambled his)
2 slices of Bacon

I put a little bit of light mayo on mine and seasoned with salt and pepper. I would have added a slice of tomato but forgot to pick them up yesterday when at the store. If you prepare your bacon once a week it will save on the time to prepare.

260 calories per serving

I wanted to come up with a healthy and quick way for us to eat breakfast everyday. Kevin is always running out the door so this works out great. He even scrambled his egg the night before. I couldn't do that, yuck! I needed my egg to be fresh. I also put 2 slices of Bacon but really you can get by with 1 and cut back the calories even more, just minus 40 calories. Be sure to use a no calorie cooking spray. Tomorrow I think I'll make Oatmeal, a favorite of mine and good for you.

I've been looking up some tasty recipes and making them low-calorie so that we can eat them. I'm going to try one tomorrow and I'll post it and let you know how it is. I meant to take a picture or my Breakfast Sandwich but forgot. I'm sure I'll be having that often. I've got a whole chicken in the crock pot and I want to use up some of my pantry items so I think I'm going to make green beans and try to roast a can of corn and some baby carrots in the oven for dinner. Should be good. I'm going to save my broth and may make my Leftover Turkey Soup again Friday. It really went fast.

I am officially looking for some part-time work. As of February 1st I will no longer be at the charity. I need to make a little money and of course they can't compensate me like I need to be. So if you hear anything. I need something at home or during school hours if at all possible but would consider other times.

Yesterday's diet and exercise plan went very well for me. Stayed on track. I have to admit that needing a snack before bed will be an obstacle to overcome. Today I'm learning to drink my coffee black, done it before so it should be good.

Kids started back to school today and very tired I might add. Breanna came home and said she had slept good during her visit. We have such a strict routine and it is hard on her to come back from not as much structure to our schedule. Of course we had been working on Cameron's schedule for past several nights so he was pretty good. He woke up several times in the night and was a little tired tonight. Both said they were going to bed real early tonight, lol. I told them we had church but I may see how they feel after school and may just stay home and let them get in bed early.

Of course it didn't help getting home from picking up Breanna until 9 pm. My car broke down and was fixable it just took a little while to do it. So it delayed us at getting the kids in bed on time. Well I have a few things to do on my schedule today so I will try to post more later. I've never cooked a whole chicken in the crock pot so I'll let you know how it is. All I know now is that it smells very delicious.

Biggest Loser Diet

I was wondering what to expect when we start the Biggest Loser Challenge at our church tomorrow night, so I went to the Internet and here is what we all want to know. This seems pretty simple explained this way. Hope this is helpful to you if you are interested.

What You Can Eat

The book includes one-week sample meal plans for 1,200-, 1,500- and 1,800-calorie diets, along with some recipes. Forty-five percent of the total calories come from carbohydrates, 30% from protein, and 25% from fat.

The 4-3-2-1 Biggest Loser Pyramid sets the stage for number of servings from each of the food groups:

• 4 servings of fruits and vegetables
• 3 servings of protein -- lean, vegetarian, or low-fat dairy
• 2 servings of whole grains
• 1 extra of fats, oils, sweets, alcohol, or your choice, equivalent to 200 calories

Here's a sample meal daily plan:

Breakfast: 1/2 serving protein, 1 serving whole grain, 1 serving fruit

Snack: 1/2 protein, 1 fruit

Lunch: 1 protein, 1/2 whole grain, 1 vegetable

Snack: 1/2 protein, 1 fruit

Dinner: 1/2 protein, 1/2 whole grain, 2 vegetables

Dieters are urged to choose foods that are not processed and contain no added fats, sugar, or salt. "Read food labels, and if you can't pronounce some of the ingredients on the list, don't buy it," suggests Forberg.

Whole fruits and vegetables are preferred over juices or dried fruits. Foods should be eaten raw or prepared simply without extra fats. Whenever fats are used, they should be healthy fats -- not saturated or trans fats.

Dieters should choose whole grains that are less refined and have at least 2 grams of fiber per serving of bread or 5 grams of fiber per serving of cereal, with no more than 5 grams of sugar. Protein choices include lean meat or fish, vegetarian protein, or low-fat dairy. Your calorie level determines portion sizes and your protein options.

Still hungry? You can eat more than four servings a day of fruits and vegetables.

found this on Internet at:

http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/biggest-loser-diet

Leftover Turkey Vegetable Soup

Leftover Turkey Vegetable Soup

32 oz Chicken Broth (4 cups)
1 can Carrots
2 med. Diced Potatoes
2 cups Diced Leftover Turkey
4 cups Water
1 cup Macaroni Noodles
3 cups Baby Spinach
1/2 tsp Salt (leave off if concerned with sodium)
1/2 tsp Pepper
1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
1/2 tsp Onion Powder
1 Tbsp Minced Onion
1 Tbsp Parsley

Pour Chicken Broth and Water in Pot and bring to boil. Add Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Minced Onion and Parsley. Dice Leftover Turkey and Potatoes and add to pot, drain carrots and add to pot. Once potatoes are to liking at Macaroni Noodles and cook until done. Stir in Baby Spinach and let boil for about 5 minutes. Yep it is ready to serve.

Serves 8
266 Calories Per Serving
Takes about 30 minutes from start to finish...not to bad.