{Faith and Fitness}: Portion Control

If I didn’t mention it before, I am a former collegiate athlete. It was great in those days having someone tell you when to work out and how hard to push yourself.  During that time I could pretty much eat whatever I wanted and still be in amazing shape.

Now that I am out in the real world without the metabolism I used to have, or the time to spend 4 hours in the gym every day, I really have to watch what I eat. I tried telling myself that I wasn’t allowed to have anything unhealthy, so I cut out all fried food, dessert, and soda…but that didn’t last very long. I battled for a while trying to figure out how I could stay in shape without starving myself. I tried finding the time to work out for at least an hour a day, but that was also difficult to maintain.

Finally I figured it out!! I could still eat the things I enjoy, as long as I practiced portion control!

In our society we are served way more food than we need, and we eat until we are full and sometimes sick. The above chart gives you an idea of how we should be eating and will help you to begin implementing portion control in your own diet.

Go here to see the previous posts in the {Faith and Fitness} series.

About the Author: Sarah Vick is the director of Worthy of the Prize Volleyball. She is the assistant volleyball coach at Birdville High Shool, where she also coaches track and teaches special education, life skills. Check out her Advocare site for all of your health and wellness needs and be sure to follow her Fit 4 Life Facebook page for healthy recipes, fitness tips and encouragement as you journey to a healthier lifestyle. Sarah is engaged to B, a Youth Pastor.

{Faith and Fitness}: Small Changes Lead to Big Results

Happy New Year! I hope that this year brings you great things in the Lord and in fitness! I wanted to take the time to give you a little encouragement as you make lifestyle changes to help you reach your New Year’s resolutions. If you are anything like me then you have said that you will be healthier in 2013! The important thing to remember is that it doesn’t take drastic changes; you don’t have to stop eating or workout for hours a day. Adding 30 minutes of walking a day and practicing portion control can make a huge difference in your overall health and doesn’t require much planning. For help on easy/healthy recipes and encouragement in your lifestyle changes, check out my page Fit 4 Life here.

There are also products out there to aid in weight loss and overall fitness. I am a huge supporter of AdvoCare and use their products on a daily basis. They are not meant to take the place of healthy eating and exercise, but to give you better results faster. They have something as simple as Spark, which is an energy drink to help you make it through a long day and keep you focused, all the way to the 24 Day Challenge, which lays out an eating plan for 24 days and the products to go with it to help you jump start a lifestyle change and weight loss! They also just came out with workout videos that only last 24 minutes! This would be a great way to add in a workout in a short amount of time! Check out Advocare here to see their products and get started on your weight loss adventure today!

Keep in mind that persistance is far more important than perfection! Growing up as an athlete there were times I was faced with challenges that I wasn’t quite sure I could handle. My favorite verse to get me through those times was Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” I always knew that whatever struggle I faced I could make it through as long as I leaned on the Lord!

Go here to see the previous posts in the {Faith and Fitness} series.

About the Author: Sarah Vick is the director of Worthy of the Prize Volleyball. She is the assistant volleyball coach at Birdville High Shool, where she also coaches track and teaches special education, life skills. Check out her Advocare site for all of your health and wellness needs and be sure to follow her Fit 4 Life Facebook page for healthy recipes, fitness tips and encouragement as you journey to a healthier lifestyle. Sarah is engaged to B, a Youth Pastor.

5 Tips to Avoiding Holiday Weight Gain

I have lost 30 lbs so far this year and have kept it off for over 6 weeks! I am not about to let the pounds start piling on again during the holidays. My goal is to keep maintaining and then hit it hard again in the new year to lose the last 10 lbs! Who's with me?

1. Keep Moving -- Try to get in a little exercise everyday if possible. If not, then at least several times a week. If nothing else, get outside and walk around the block a few times. To get the most out of your workouts, workout in the morning and include intervals. Working out first thing in the morning will get your metabolism going and intervals will increase the amount of calories burned, allowing you to keep burning calories long after your workout is over. And by intervals, I simply mean change up your pace during your workout. If you are on the treadmill, instead of walking at the same steady pace the entire time, try walking at a moderate pace for a few minutes and then speeding up for a few minutes. Keep these alternating cycles going for your entire workout. Not only will working out counteract your calorie intake, but also the stress of the holidays and we all know that stress leads to weight gain!

2. Don't Overeat -- Stop eating when you are full. Don't keep eating just because it is sitting there staring at you or because you are bored. Remember that portion sizes should be no larger than the palm of your hand and that it is better to eat several small meals in a day than a few large meals. It's okay to splurge but just a little bit at a time. When the temptation is just too strong, get out of the house. Go for a walk or drink a glass of water to take the edge off.

3. Count Calories -- Keep track of what it going into your mouth. Journal it if you have to. Count calories or Weight Watchers points. Don't just eat everything in sight, all day long. You would be surprised how much you eat when you are not paying attention. They say 80% of weight gain/loss is what you eat. Only 20% is related to your exercise regimen.

4. Drink Water -- And lots of it! You should intake at least 64 ounces a day, or more. Water speeds up the weight loss process and will help cleanse your body of the extra sugar and fat you will be consuming over the holiday season.

5. Eat Early -- Make sure to eat breakfast to get your metabolism going. And try not to eat after 8:00 pm or at least 2 hours before you go to bed. Avoid late night snacking because those calories will not get burned off. But do make sure to get some good, quality sleep which also assists in weight loss.

Hope everyone has a blessed holiday season with loved ones! Enjoy some of the fabulous food but don't blow what you have worked so hard to achieve!

Feel free to leave comments with any other ideas that you have for avoiding holiday weight gain!

About the Author: Erin Vick Franklin is the founder and director of Worthy of the Prize. Erin has a BBA in Marketing and Management from TCU and a Masters of Christian Education in Church Recreation from Southwestern Seminary. She is a published, award-winning author and poet. Purchase her book Worthy of the Prize Sports Camps: A Church's Guide to Implementing an Effective, Community-Reaching Christian Sports Camp to be used as an outreach tool for your church or mission organization. Erin is the wife of A, a Worship Pastor, and a work-at-home-momma to 2 crazy little boys, a and e.

Thanksgiving Desserts Without The Regret

As we get closer to Thanksgiving and each person starts to make plans for Turkey Day I know that each person is thinking of the food that will ordain each table and will inevitably be leftovers for the next week :) I may be the only person who actually does not like Thanksgiving food. Gasp! I know, its almost like its unAmerican :) To top if off, this year my birthday falls on Thanksgiving day. So I get to celebrate the big 2-9 with a large bird and fixins that I do not particularly like. BUT the thing that saves Thanksgiving food in my book are the desserts. Now almost every other day at the year I have no problem saying no to desserts but there is something about the made-from-scratch pies and cakes and the aroma of each of these filling the room that makes it very hard to pass them up.  So, I thought I might pass on a couple guilt free recipes that can be either for dessert on Thanksgiving or even snacks during the day. They will keep you full, fuel your body and let you enjoy that second helping with a little less guilt and shame ;)

I hope you enjoy


Protein PB Balls

-1 cup of AdvoCare Muscle Gain ( vanilla or chocolate) - you can use other forms of protein. I chose this one because it is one of the highest quality proteins on the market.
-1 cup of Peanut Butter ( natural or organic)- Walmart has "Natural Skippy" that you dont need to stir
-1 cup of Honey (try for locally made or organic)
- 3 cups of nuts (optional) and rolled whole oats

Chop or put the nuts in a food processor; keep the oats whole, mix it all up and roll into small balls. Keep in the fridge. Can be frozen. ENJOY :)


Banana Pudding

- 2 large boxes of sugar free instant vanilla pudding 
-5 cups of low fat milk 
- 5-6 oz of low fat sour cream 
-2 cups of lite Cool Whip 
-2-3 bananas 
- Low Fat Nilla Wafers 

Pour the dry vanilla pudding mix into the cold milk. ( Pouring it into the milk prevents it from being lumpy when stirring). Mix well. Add the sour cream and Cool Whip. Let the pudding set for a few minutes. When it is set, line the bottom of the bowl with Nilla Wafers. ( If preparing this ahead of time, you may want to skip this step and just add the wafers to the top before serving so they do not become soggy). Pour the pudding into the bowl covering the wafers. Garnish the top of the pudding with more wafers. 

I know a couple of you may be freaking out about the sour cream. I PROMISE you will not taste it and it actually helps give the pudding a little bit of thickness. 

I hope you enjoy Thanksgiving and get to try out these recipes! :)

LB

About the Author: Lauren Barksdale is the founder of Soul Fitness. She has a BA and Masters in Kinesiology from Dallas Baptist University . She coached volleyball at Birdville High School in North Richland Hills for the last 5 years. In college she played volleyball for Baylor's club team and at Dallas Baptist University. She has been married to Ben Barksdale for 5 years and has two children; Evie Grace who is 3 and Hudson who is 10 months old. Lauren has a passion for health and fitness and incorporating that into everyday life as a Christ follower

{Hope for the Home}: (Gluten Free) Pumpkin Donuts

When Ben and I adopted our little Judd man, we had no clue how to deal with, navigate through, or 

prepare in any way for food intolerances. In fact, we really didn't know anything about them. We were adopting a 7 year old boy from a mental institution in Eastern Europe with the diagnosis of Down Syndrome. That was pretty much the extent of our knowledge.

Neither of us were experienced in special needs. None of our children had ever had so much as a learning disability or allergies to foods (that we knew of). And when you adopt a child that you know has not received anywhere near what he or his little body has needed to grow and heal properly and who seems desperately hungry at all times, you just want to feed them. Anything, everything. Watching him eat, and smile, and get full brings you immense joy.

But after months of tummy issues, and many doctors, and many tests for parasites, we were still no where near finding a solution. He also had many skin issues. We had treated him twice to get rid of the scabies he had, but his poor face and bottom were constantly breaking out and itching. Refusing steroids and treating with lavender oil did help alot, but was not the cure!

One day I just woke up and made a decision, which I attribute to God. I decided to go dairy and gluten free for Judd. Overnight. Here we go. No clue how to do it, but we were off to see the Wizard!

Although I had read that children with DS can be much more 

apt to have Celiac's, Judd had tested negative. And I know I had a blog reader mention to me months prior that the testing for Celiac's can be tricky, but I really paid no mind to any of it. Until that morning!

Judd had a routine doctor's appointment that same week and I informed the Doctor of what I was in the process of doing. He laughed at me! He said that Judd's tests for Celia'cs were negative and that removing both items was not wise. He then laughed and said his gut feeling was that if there was any issue at all it was the dairy. Laughing at me makes me more determined!

Within 2 weeks of removing these items Judd had his first solid (if you know what I mean)

in 8 months! Within 6 weeks he was completely toilet trained, a HUGE issue resolved. HUGE!

And after about 4 solid months on this diet, I added back in a few things to see the reaction. He can handle a little Yogurt and cheese causes IBS type symptoms, so we keep mostly to our non-dairy diet. And gluten causes his skin to go haywire, not to mention the tummy issues and the most-likely behavior issues as well. Those can be hard to determine because we have so many things going on and Judd for the most part is non-verbal. 

I could go on and on. And many of you reading may be very familiar with gluten sensitivities,

and food allergies and issues. But since our decision we have met many parents that ask us questions like...

- How did you get Judd's skin so clear? 
- How did you get him toilet trained?

I tell them, beg them practically, to remove these items from their children's diets to see if it helps.

Usually their response is "Oh that would be too hard!" But if I can do it, anyone can do it! I'm not the most organized, goal-oriented or disciplined person around. Just do it. The results could be life changing! 

Your child may not have DS, but gluten especially, can cause many negative reactions in children and adults alike....behavioral, skin, health, learning, etc. Not everyone will test positive for Celiac's, but gluten sensitivity is just as real.

Now, on to the good stuff! Here is our new, favorite recipe for Gluten Free Pumpkin Donuts!

These are delicious and EASY, and the ingredients are some of the easier ones to find.

1 Cup Sorghum Flour

1 Cup Potato Starch

1/2 Cup Almond Flour

1 Cup brown sugar

1/4 Cup cane sugar

1 1/2 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. xanthan gum

1 tsp. Sea salt

1 tsp. ground cinnamon

1/4 tsp. ground ginger

Mix all above ingredients, sifting flours.

3 eggs beaten

2 tsp. Vanilla

1/2 cup expellar pressed canola oil

Beat together and add to dry ingredients.Then add 1 14oz can of Pumpkin.

Fill a donut pan 2/3 full and bake on 350 for approx 18 minutes. Make sure to spray pan with non-stick cooking spray.

(I found my donut pan at Bed Bath and Beyond for less than ten bucks!)

Original Recipe from Gluten Free Goddess.

We frosted half of the donuts with our favorite cream cheese frosting!

4oz cream cheese

4 oz butter

2 tbs Vanilla

2 cups powdered sugar

Beat with hand mixer until nice and creamy.

Random Houshold Tip: 

I just read in one of my favorite Magazines (Mary Jane's Farm) to store a sheet set in one of it's pillow cases! Brilliant!

Go here for more ways to make God apart of your everyday life and home!

Linking up with:

.

About the Author: Melanie Hartman blogs about her life on the farm and her family's rescue adoption over at Happy Hartman Farm. Her, her husband Ben, and their 5 children are just an average American (Military) family trying to serve Our Lord and Risen Savior, hoping not to live their lives in vain, with hearts that are burdened for the orphan crisis in this world.

Kitchen Aid Mixer Giveaway!

 

Welcome to the Ultimate Kitchen Aid Mixer giveaway event! 

Why ultimate? Keep reading! 

Musings From a Stay At Home Mom and Fabulous Finds by Tiffany have teamed up with Only A Breath, Worthy of the Prize, The Mama Report, and Triple Braided, along with more fabulous bloggers to sponsor this great prize!

The Prize:

One lucky winner will receive their choice of color/style Kitchen Aid Artisan5 Quart Stand Mixer, with a value of up to $350 from Amazon!

Entry:

Enter below with the Rafflecopter form. You can come back everyday for the daily tweet option - that gives you a lot of extra entries!

Rules:

This giveaway ends on November 14, 2012 at 11:59 EST. The winner will be picked randomly and will have 48 hours to respond by email before the prize is forfeited and a new winner is chosen.

  Open to the US and Canada*

*If the winner is Canadian, they will be given a $350 Amazon.ca gift card to be used toward the purchase of the mixer.

Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About the Author: Erin Vick Franklin is the founder and director of Worthy of the Prize. Erin has a BBA in Marketing and Management from TCU and a Masters of Christian Education in Church Recreation from Southwestern Seminary. She is a published, award-winning author and poet. Purchase her book Worthy of the Prize Sports Camps: A Church's Guide to Implementing an Effective, Community-Reaching Christian Sports Camp to be used as an outreach tool for your church or mission organization. Erin is the wife of A, a Worship Pastor, and a work-at-home-momma to 2 crazy little boys, a and e.

Freedom, Fireworks...and a Fabulous Summer Dessert!

It was a wonderful day celebrating the 4th of July!

Just me and Big A. We have had the house to ourselves for an entire week, ever since I returned home from the mission trip (which I still need to tell you about). I don't think that has happened since having kids, but it has been nice to get settled into our new home without constant interruptions...we have accomplished alot in a few days!

So, we began the day by sleeping in. I could sleep the entire day if someone let me. :)

Then we headed to the next town over and got a great deal on a sectional couch and ottoman! We purchased it in a 4th of July sale and are so excited to finally fill the space in our downstairs living room! We sold our futon upon leaving Green Bay, not wanting to move it again and not knowing what kind of space we would have in our new place.

It will be so nice to have a place to sit and watch tv again, with plenty of seating for family and friends!

(I will post a picture when it arrives today, I didn't think to take one when we bought it.)

We had a nice little lunch date while we were out and then we headed home to work on the house, making space for our new furniture!

Last night we went to the Greeneville Astros baseball game (the minor league team here in town) and stayed afterwards for a fantastic fireworks show! As you can see, we had great seats...although nerve-wracking because I had to pay attention to every pitch!

Upon returning home, we enjoyed this fabulous Red, White and Blueberry Trifle from Skinnytaste...

It was SO easy to make and SO yummy...a perfect summertime dessert! Go here for the healthy recipe.


I hope everyone had a blessed holiday with loved ones!

Remember, even though the 4th is over, freedom lives on...

About the Author: Erin Vick Franklin is the founder and director of Worthy of the Prize. Erin has a BBA in Marketing and Management from TCU and a Masters of Christian Education in Church Recreation from Southwestern Seminary. She is a published, award-winning author and poet. Purchase her book Worthy of the Prize Sports Camps: A Church's Guide to Implementing an Effective, Community-Reaching Christian Sports Camp to be used as an outreach tool for your church or mission organization. Erin is the wife of A, a Worship Pastor, and a work-at-home-momma to 2 crazy little boys, a and e.

{Hope for the Home}: Paving the Way + Coconut Milk Pancakes

2 Kings 16-19

"And Isaiah said unto Hezekiah, hear the word of the Lord, Behold, the days come, that all that is thine house, and that which thy fathers have laid up in store unto this day shall be carried into Babylon: nothing shall be left saith the Lord. And of thy sons that shall issue from thee, which thou shalt beget, shall they take away; and they shall be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon. Then said Hezekiah unto Isaiah, good is the word of the Lord which thou hast spoken. And he said, is it not good, if peace and truth be in my days?"

     If taken out of context, verse 19 looks harmless. The word of the Lord is good, it is good to have peace and truth. However, the preceding verses consisted of Isaiah telling Hezekiah that everything in his house would be taken to Babylon and his children would be taken hostage where they would be treated harshly as eunuchs. So in its context, Hezekiah is saying my children and grandchildren can fend for themselves as long as I have a pleasant life. Hezekiah did have a good life, he served God for much of his time as king. But to hear that your children would bare the punishment for sins you have committed did not phase him. How true is that today. 

Both Ben and I are transitional generations. Neither of us really learning God's word in our youth. I did learn of Salvation as a teenager from attending a youth group with a friend, and ended up truly trusting in Christ a few years later. Ben grew up going to church on Sunday, which I think is wonderful. It is more than I had. However, he explains it as an hour a week that was mostly a ritual. He would walk away from it with little understanding of God, his word, or how to apply it. And the rest of the week was living in the flesh. It wasn't until his early thirties that he trusted in Christ after hearing the Gospel. And together we are trying to learn and grow and break many of the chains of sin that have been passed down.

And so the question arrises "how can I instill into my children the values they need to navigate through this life?"

Whether you are a transitional generation or were raised up in a God-fearing home, raising children today is no easy task. 

And it still applies, regardless of which kind of home you grew up in, that the sins of our parents can easily become our sins as well. 

Let's ask ourselves these questions...

Are we having selfish faith? Do we truly want for our Children to do better than us? Are we giving them the spiritual upbringing they will need to honor God in their lives and relationships? Are we giving them the proper tools for life?

Do we have the courage to stand against the world and our own weaknesses? 

Can we take hard stands even if it is so much easier to go with the flow?

Can we take stands against our families or friends?

Can "WE" press ourselves to grow in spirit and in truth for the sake of our children and every other generation to come?

For me, personally, it is easier in many ways to go against the world than it is to stop my own negative learned behaviors. With 5 children now and one of those treasures, our adopted son Judd who also has Down Syndrome. I am at times pushed and tested to uncomfortable levels. Sometimes the ways that I was taught to deal with hard situations won't help grow me or my children. And I find myself in a real quick pinch of "How am I going to deal, or not deal, with this situation?" The way that I am wanting to at that very moment or the way that I ought to, might be quite different.

A few weeks back I was having this conversation with my husband as I was struggling with discipline. He spoke some much needed truth to me. And I wish I could say that I have always applied it, but I can't. I am trying though and I am thankful for his words of wisdom. I have hidden them in my heart.

He told me to look at discipline as any other thing/area/action in my life, and to think of what might be pleasing to The Lord. 

Know that He is watching you. 

Are you reacting out of anger? Are you not reacting at all because it is easier? Are you teaching? Are you loving? 

Are you honoring Christ in your parenting and discipline? 

Is it your Goal?

When a sticky situation arrises think "How can I honor God through this!"

May sound simple... But can be easier said than done!

Good Luck and Happy Parenting!

I would like to thank Erin for asking me to write for this great segment. I am honored and humbled. Erin found out about our adoption plans and joined me in my Fit for February fundraiser in 2011. Since then she has been an incredible friend and source of support and encouragement to not only me but my family.

In honor of our little Judd man, whom is Gluten and Dairy Free, I'd like to share this recipe with you!

Coconut Milk Pancakes

2 eggs

2 tbl coconut oil

1/4 tsp vanilla

1/3 C. coconut milk

1 tsp sugar

1/8 th tsp salt

3 tbl sifted coconut flour

1/8 tsp baking powder

Blend together eggs, oil, vanilla, coconut milk, sugar and salt. Combine coconut flour with bk. powder and thoroughly mix into batter. Heat 1 tbl of coconut oil in skillet. Spoon batter onto hot skillet making pancakes about 2 1/2 to 3 inches in diameter. Makes 8-10 pancakes.

About the Author: Melanie Hartman blogs about her life on the farm and her family's rescue adoption over at Happy Hartman Farm. Her, her husband Ben, and their 5 children are just an average American (Military) family trying to serve Our Lord and Risen Savior, hoping not to live their lives in vain, with hearts that are burdened for the orphan crisis in this world.

{Hope for the Home}: Banana Bread and Remembering God

Hi, I'm Sarah from Carroll Creations! I am a wife to a wonderful husband and am a second grade teacher. I am also so thankful to be a daughter of our King. I love to create - whether that be through sewing, arts and crafts, or cooking and baking.

I love food a whole lot - I definitely look forward to a good meal whether it be home-cooked or out to eat. This is not necessarily a bad thing but I have had my heart checked recently when it comes to my delights. Not just in food but in all the things of the world - it is easy to enjoy the creation and forget to worship the Creator for what He gave us!

Whether it be TV, social media, exercise, sleep, food, or other people - it can be tempting to go to that creation to find joy, peace, or comfort. Yet, God is the ultimate comforter! He is the provider of our joy and peace - through His son, Jesus Christ. And, He is gracious enough to give us those creations in order to show His glory. Food reflects God's glory! It is a gift from our good God and He has provided it for us. I was reminded to have a thankful and worshipful heart while enjoying good food.

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?" Matthew 6:25. He is so worthy of our praise!

Making bread is so peaceful for me. And making bread while worshiping my Lord is even better! I love seeing a recipe come together and this is pretty easy to pull together. I pray often to remember His goodness and for a worshipful heart. His creation can stir us to worship and I continue to remember that daily.

Banana Bread Recipe (from The Divvies Bakery Cookbook)

Ingredients:
3 1/2 cups all purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ginger
1/2 teaspoon cloves
5 very ripe, peeled bananas
1 cup applesauce
1 cup canola oil
1/2 cup water
3 cups granulated sugar

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 375 F. Spray four mini loaf pans with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Whisk together flour, baking soda, salt and spices in small bowl. Set aside.
3. In mixer, beat bananas until pureed. Add and combine applesauce, oil, water and sugar until sugar has dissolved and ingredients are mixed well.
4. Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients slowly. Beat on medium speed scraping down sides of bowl for one minute.
5. Pour batter into prepared pans. Bake for 60 minutes or until center is set after testing with toothpick. If toothpick comes out clean, loaves are baked.
6. Let cool 5-10 minutes and remove from pans.

Thanks for letting me ramble a little bit! Enjoy!

Fit Fridays {linky party}: Snacking Busters

Here are a few simple tips to help you control the snacking!

-Do not keep junk food in the house
-Replace your old snacks with healthy, fresh, low-fat choices
-When the cravings come, drink a bottle of water, take a walk, get out of the house or do something to distract you
-PRAY for strength!

Hope this helps!

Do you have any tips of your own? Link-up or leave a comment!

By the way, I tried these Spinach Lasagna Roll-ups from Carroll Creations this past week:


Yummy!!!

I used all low-fat cheeses and next time plan to substitute whole wheat pasta!

Even Big A liked it! :)

They will definitely be a regular meal at our house from now on!

Happy Friday, friends!

Linking up with:

Fit Fridays {linky party}: Recipe Links

It is nice to finally be back into a fitness routine after battling the flu, recovering from the flu and then battling a cold---SO ready for spring/summer!!!

Here is the schedule I am going to try to stick with...

Monday: meet Big A at the Y around 11:30am---he plays basketball with the guys while I do at least 1 hour of cardio plus weights. Then we take the boys swimming in the nice pool.

Tuesday: at least 1 hour of cardio at the Y

Wednesday: meet the girls at the Y for an interval/circuit-training class (alternate cardio/strength stations)

Thursday: at least 1 hour of cardio at the Y

Friday: Big A and I will take the boys to open gymnastics and then meet our friends at the Y around 11:30---guys play basketball while we girls do at least 1 hour of cardio plus weights.

Saturday-Sunday: attend Little A's soccer games, play baseball with Little A, walk/ride the neighborhood as the weather gets nice, go to baseball games

And as I mentioned last week, I am also trying to overhaul our eating---lower fat, less dairy, less gluten, less soda, less eating-out, more water, more fruits and veggies, more organic, more fresh foods, more eating at home and overall well-balanced meals.

As a result of our linky parties and in talking with friends, I have discovered a few websites that are great for cooking/meal-planning that may be of interest to you.

Some of them are healthy sites (or have a healthy page) and some not-so healthy but all of them are excellent places for you to start finding help with cooking, couponing, meal-planning, grocery shopping, etc---and you can always adjust the not-so healthy recipes and make them healthier (ie. baking instead of frying, using low-fat ingredients, using fresher/organic ingredients, etc).

Anything is better than eating-out, eating fast-food on the run or filling the grocery cart full of things that look good!

Check out these sites and let me know what you think:

http://www.sarahkaycarroll.wordpress.com/

http://www.5dollardinners.com/

http://www.skinnytaste.com/

http://www.glutenfreegoddess.blogspot.com/

http://www.thepioneerwoman.com/

http://www.pearls-handcuffs-happyhour.blogspot.com/

http://www.sparkrecipes.com/

http://www.foodnetwork.com/

http://www.allrecipes.com/

http://www.recipebazaar.com/

http://www.bhg.com/

http://www.pauladeen.com/

http://www.southernliving.com/

http://www.marthastewart.com/

http://www.rachaelray.com/

Some of them I have mentioned before and some are new to me but come highly recommended!

Also, please leave comments or link-up with any fitness routines or recipes/recipe blogs that work for you!

I am always looking for new ideas---especially if they are easy and healthy!

Happy Friday, friends!

Fit Fridays {linky party}: Healthy Recipes

As you know, I completed my goal of 100 eliptical miles in February!! Yipee!

And as soon as I got back into a "normal" workout routine again, we all came down with the death flu, as I so lovingly call it!

We took it easy this week and I was planning to return to the Y today but I woke up with a little cold so I am postponing my return to fitness until next week!

This will be my new schedule---

Monday-Friday: At least 5 miles on the eliptical
Monday/Wednesday/Friday: Strength-training routine
Saturday/Sunday: walk/ride the neighborhood
***On certain Wednesdays I will be substituting a circuit-training class at the Y that combines cardio and strength-training.

Now, what I really want to talk about today is healthy recipes!

I am really trying to overhaul our eating around here---my goal is to provide healthy, low-fat, fresh, organic meals and snacks for my family but I need your help!

I have one recipe blog that I love, that I have shared with you before.

It is called Carroll Creations and I love that all of the recipes are delicious yet healthy and that she tells you exactly what you need, how to make it and even gives you a picture of what it is supposed to look like!

Check it out HERE.

I can't wait to try her spinach lasagna rolls, yummy!

Now, I really need you to share any favorite recipes or recipe website/blogs that you love so I can continue to add to my list of healthy recipes that I can make!

I can always adjust the recipes to make them low-fat and healthier so don't hesitate to share any recipes and websites even if you do not think that they are necessarily healthy.

One other thing I am trying to do is really cut back on our dairy intake to help with Little A's and my digestive problems so if you have any good dairy-free recipes or recipes with little dairy or recipes that are made with a dairy substitute, PLEASE share them with me!!

If you have any gluten-free recipes, I would not mind hearing about those as well---we would like to cut back on our gluten intake too but I have not found anything gluten-free that tastes anywhere near decent!

Before I go, I just wanted to let you know that the winner of our {Name that Band} FB Contest is Spring Fling by BenMelanie Hartman!!

Thanks to everyone who participated!! It was alot of fun!

Stay tuned for our MVP {Most Valuable Photo} Contest coming to our FB page very soon!

Go ahead and start taking/collecting sports-related pictures of your kiddos and check back soon for contest details!

Happy Friday, friends!

mom2mom {linky party} highlights

I can testify that MJ's french toast recipe is delicious!!!

You must try it---in fact, I think I will try to make it myself---I have only had it when she made it!

And while we are on the subject of recipes, I must take a moment to share with you my favorite recipe blog Carroll Creations!

I love her recipes because they are simple and healthy!

And I love love love her blog because she tells you exactly what you need, how to make it and even has pictures of what it is supposed to look like!

Which for a cook like me, these are a must! :)

Be sure to check out her latest post Brownie Muffins!

The only ingredients are 1 box of devil's food cake mix and 1 can of pure pumpkin!

Amazing!

Since you are here, be sure to leave a comment with your favorite recipe blog or website!

And if you missed yesterday's mom2mom {linky party} be sure to check it out HERE and then link-up or leave comments of your "go-to" recipe!

$5 Dinners

I have been wanting to share a fabulous website with ya'll for awhile now and I am FINALLY getting around to it!

Erin, better known as the $5 Dinner Mom, and I actually went to college together!

In fact, she was my volleyball trainer!

She had the joyous job of dealing with all of my athletic aches and pains!

Not to mention listening to me whine, ha! ;)

These days Erin is a wife, mother of 3 boys, and the $5 Dinner expert!

Not only does she have an excellent website where you can find all kinds of healthy meals that feed the entire family for $5 and under...

But she also has her own cookbook (and a 2nd one in the works) and has even appeared on Rachael Ray!!

Go Erin!!

Be sure to check out her website here.

You will find all kinds of treasures there, including coupons and weekly meal-planning calendars!

Have fun! :)

Chicken Pot Pie

I told you that I was going to be on the lookout for healthy recipes for the family, so today I want to share with you a great blog called Carroll Creations! (you can find the link on my sidebar as well)

Sarah Kay Carroll is a dear friend of mine and she has started a fantastic blog, where she shares her creations...mostly food, but also sewing and photography!

She is married to Jonny, a very talented photographer, who takes the pictures for her blog!

Need a photographer? You can check out his work here.

I have asked Sarah Kay to do a guest post for me because all of her recipes are easy and healthy, which I love.

Plus, she does a great job of telling you exactly what to do (which is great for those of us who do not have a clue about cooking) and she even gives you a picture of what it is supposed to look like!

So now, I will turn it over to her!
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First of all, I am so excited to "guest post" on somebody else's blog. Especially on Worthy of the Prize - what a great ministry it is! A ministry that is focused on health and wellness but most importantly on developing a relationship with Christ. God is so good and has been working in my heart greatly. This past Sunday, we sang "Lead Me to the Cross" at the church that I attend. The lyrics in the song really convicted humility in me and also a remembrance of Easter coming up soon. The song says, "Lead me to the cross where your love poured out. Bring me to my knees, Lord I lay me down. Rid me of myself, I belong to you. Lead me, lead me to the cross." The love Jesus showed through the cross is indescribable. To really remember how intensely he suffered, the way he took the wrath of God onto himself that we deserved, is something that does bring me to my knees and fills me with joy and an abundant amount of gratitude for our Lord. All that to really say - God is good!

Onto the recipe! My main goal in finding and sharing recipes is to have a meal that is going to be relatively simple and healthy. This chicken pot pie is just that! This is from Betty Crocker and I just have a small thing I do different. For the original recipe, it makes one big pie that you can divide into about 4 servings. Instead, my husband came up with the idea to have individual pot pies. I make them in the small Corningware containers and they come out in all different sizes. I love it. Another thing I love about it? The nutrition facts!


Ingredients:
1 cup of cut-up cooked chicken (I use 2 chicken breasts and usually have a little extra)
1 bag frozen mixed veggies - thawed
1 can 98% fat-free condensed Cream of Chicken soup
1 cup skim milk
1 cup Bisquick Heart Smart mix
1 egg

Directions:
1. Heat oven to 400 degrees.
2. In ungreased bowl - mix chicken, vegetables, soup, and 1/2 cup milk. Microwave mixture on high for 4 minutes, stir.
3. In small bowl, stir Bisquick mix, 1/2 cup milk and the egg with a fork until blended. Pour this over the veggie mixture. (If doing individual pies, divide the veggie mixture first, then pour the Bisquick mix over each one)
4. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes (or about 20 minutes with individuals) or until golden brown.

This is a favorite around our house, one because it is super delicious and healthy, but also because it is great as leftovers. With only 2 of us, we have leftovers a lot and this meal tastes great the next day. Hope you enjoy!

(Recipe courtesy of bettycrocker.com, Picture courtesy of dtxphotography.com)
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Didn't she do a great job?!!?

I cannot wait to try it out! It looks delicious!

I am sure that this will not be the last time you hear from Sarah Kay on this blog, but in the meantime, check out her blog regularly for more easy/healthy recipes!

Thanks again Sarah Kay!