Ingredients:
1 8 oz package of veggie sausage patties
1 stalk of celery finely chopped
1/4 cup whole wheat bread crumbs
1 large egg beaten
4 (4inch) portabello mushrooms
Preheat oven to 425F Spray baking sheet with nonstick spray.
Crumble sausage patties. Combine sausage, celery, bread crumbs and egg in medium bowl. Spoon sausage mixture evenly onto mushroom caps mounding slightly. Lightly spray tops with nonstick spray
Transfer mushrooms to baking sheet and loosely cover with foil. Bake 10 minutes. Uncover and bake until mushrooms are browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes longer.
Per Serving (1 mushroom) 152 calories, 5G total fat, 1 G sat Fat, 0G TransFat, 0 mg chol,512 mg sodium, 15gtotal carb, 4g total Sugar, 5G Fiber, 15G protein, 60mg calcium
4pp for weight watchers.
Totally Delicious
(From the "JUST 5" weight watchers cookbook)
I'm a busy mom determined to find a way to have my kids eat healthy nutritious meals, whether they like it or not!
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Vegetarian is a great alternative
Having trouble getting your kids to eat veggies? Well, did you ever consider some vegetarian options? I love vegetables in all shapes, sizes, colors and textures. However, I know this is an issue for kids. However, though I mentioned that I didn't really care for the "sneaking" in of food; I'm not unrealistic. I realize that some kids just need to be hornswaggled.
Last night I decided to try a vegetarian sausage. Sounds gross, right? Well, I have to tell you....though it isn't a slam dunk; these vegetarian companies have worked really hard to mimic what we are used to. But, you still have to go in with an open mind.
I saw a recipe for stuffed mushrooms, with vegetarian sausage and it looked really good. The kicker in all of this was, I was still in a food coma from Sunday's superbowl party, and the recipe looked easy on my digestive tract as well is a very healthy option for what is otherwise known as a decadent delight.
The sausage came in a roll and it was called "Gimme Lean" (a take on Jimmy Dean...how cute, huh?). When I opened the package and put it in the pan, it rolled out JUST like sausage. The only difference here was, I could actually eat it if I got it on my fingers, which I would NEVER do with the real thing.
I realized right away that my "Gimme Lean" would not render like real sausage as there is NO FAT!! I almost burned it, because in my mind, it WAS sausage. However, I quickly realized it just needed a quick stirring to warm through. After that, I mixed it with minced celery, bread crumbs and an egg, and filled my very large portabello mushrooms. I baked it according to the directions and voila - a delicious stuffed portabello, which served as my main dish. It looked beautiful and tasted wonderful. It had all the elements I was looking for - EXCEPT THE FAT!!! Not that I am against a healthy dose of lard, but it's always good to arm yourself with healthy alternatives.
What does this have to do with feeding my kids? Not so much, as I didn't even offer them a bite. However, I found it wonderfully inspiring to broaden my horizons and get some good quality foods into my kids' mouths.
One trick I have already done, is adding minced celery into their tuna salad sandwiches. I have also taken them shopping and let THEM pick out their choices for veggies. And, though they would not be MY choices; I have found that when they are given a voice, they are much more reasonable than we give them credit for.
When they opened my new recipe book to see which recipes looked appealing to them; they went straight to the dessert page (no suprise there). One chose a cherry smoothie, while the other chose a chocolate mousse with strawberry slices. All healthy recipes as this is a weight watchers cookbook.
And, to indulge them, I WILL make their recipes - if only to inspire them to try more new and exciting foods that will expand their palates to a more exciting and healthy way of life!!!
Happy Eats!
Cat
Last night I decided to try a vegetarian sausage. Sounds gross, right? Well, I have to tell you....though it isn't a slam dunk; these vegetarian companies have worked really hard to mimic what we are used to. But, you still have to go in with an open mind.
I saw a recipe for stuffed mushrooms, with vegetarian sausage and it looked really good. The kicker in all of this was, I was still in a food coma from Sunday's superbowl party, and the recipe looked easy on my digestive tract as well is a very healthy option for what is otherwise known as a decadent delight.
The sausage came in a roll and it was called "Gimme Lean" (a take on Jimmy Dean...how cute, huh?). When I opened the package and put it in the pan, it rolled out JUST like sausage. The only difference here was, I could actually eat it if I got it on my fingers, which I would NEVER do with the real thing.
I realized right away that my "Gimme Lean" would not render like real sausage as there is NO FAT!! I almost burned it, because in my mind, it WAS sausage. However, I quickly realized it just needed a quick stirring to warm through. After that, I mixed it with minced celery, bread crumbs and an egg, and filled my very large portabello mushrooms. I baked it according to the directions and voila - a delicious stuffed portabello, which served as my main dish. It looked beautiful and tasted wonderful. It had all the elements I was looking for - EXCEPT THE FAT!!! Not that I am against a healthy dose of lard, but it's always good to arm yourself with healthy alternatives.
What does this have to do with feeding my kids? Not so much, as I didn't even offer them a bite. However, I found it wonderfully inspiring to broaden my horizons and get some good quality foods into my kids' mouths.
One trick I have already done, is adding minced celery into their tuna salad sandwiches. I have also taken them shopping and let THEM pick out their choices for veggies. And, though they would not be MY choices; I have found that when they are given a voice, they are much more reasonable than we give them credit for.
When they opened my new recipe book to see which recipes looked appealing to them; they went straight to the dessert page (no suprise there). One chose a cherry smoothie, while the other chose a chocolate mousse with strawberry slices. All healthy recipes as this is a weight watchers cookbook.
And, to indulge them, I WILL make their recipes - if only to inspire them to try more new and exciting foods that will expand their palates to a more exciting and healthy way of life!!!
Happy Eats!
Cat
Friday, January 7, 2011
Watch them closely
I have learned as a mom to NOT trust my kids. Most parents feel this way, it just took me a little longer, because I thought my kids were "perfect". HA! Gotta love reality!
When asking if they ate everything, and they say, "Yes!" it usually means everything THEY wanted! So, the question is, do I force them to eat their veggies, or try to sneak them in, making them feel like they won? There has to be some middle ground here. As they are guests in our house, they must adhere to SOME rules. So, what do you do???
I have actually found, that when I give them a choice AHEAD of time, they tend to feel more empowered about making wise decisions. And I have also found, it is in the WAY you ask them what they want that makes a huge difference.
First, don't ask Yes/No questions. The bottom line here is that I WILL get my way, but I'm willing to let YOU give input so we can compromise. When asking which veggies they want, I leave it open ended; "WHICH veggies do you want tonite?" My children aren't perfect, but they aren't unreasonable either. However, one is kind of stuck on Carrots Only!!!!! So, I'll be doing my best to work on a way to expand her tastes by having her at least TRY new foods. But as I have seen with my older daughter, this does come in time. As long as I KEEP RE-introducing items to them.
Recently, I offered them fish; to which they both said NO!!! But by the end of the night we all found ourselves LITERALLY standing at the stove eating the remnants out of the pan. All it took was me standing there saying, "OH MY GOSH, I can't believe how GOOD this turned out". Curiosity got the best of them, and we all benefitted. (well, except I got less than I was going to because the munchkins dove in).
So to be honest. It isn't about coniving, cajoling, bribing (though sometimes this does work), my children to eat what I want them to eat; sometimes, it's as simple as saying, "how are you willing to meet me half way?" Children change when you actually give them a voice. But as parents, sometimes we forget to do that, because we think WE KNOW BETTER!!! And though that may be true sometimes....well....ya know!?
When asking if they ate everything, and they say, "Yes!" it usually means everything THEY wanted! So, the question is, do I force them to eat their veggies, or try to sneak them in, making them feel like they won? There has to be some middle ground here. As they are guests in our house, they must adhere to SOME rules. So, what do you do???
I have actually found, that when I give them a choice AHEAD of time, they tend to feel more empowered about making wise decisions. And I have also found, it is in the WAY you ask them what they want that makes a huge difference.
First, don't ask Yes/No questions. The bottom line here is that I WILL get my way, but I'm willing to let YOU give input so we can compromise. When asking which veggies they want, I leave it open ended; "WHICH veggies do you want tonite?" My children aren't perfect, but they aren't unreasonable either. However, one is kind of stuck on Carrots Only!!!!! So, I'll be doing my best to work on a way to expand her tastes by having her at least TRY new foods. But as I have seen with my older daughter, this does come in time. As long as I KEEP RE-introducing items to them.
Recently, I offered them fish; to which they both said NO!!! But by the end of the night we all found ourselves LITERALLY standing at the stove eating the remnants out of the pan. All it took was me standing there saying, "OH MY GOSH, I can't believe how GOOD this turned out". Curiosity got the best of them, and we all benefitted. (well, except I got less than I was going to because the munchkins dove in).
So to be honest. It isn't about coniving, cajoling, bribing (though sometimes this does work), my children to eat what I want them to eat; sometimes, it's as simple as saying, "how are you willing to meet me half way?" Children change when you actually give them a voice. But as parents, sometimes we forget to do that, because we think WE KNOW BETTER!!! And though that may be true sometimes....well....ya know!?
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Busy indeeeed
Well, it's true....as the name of this blog states; BUSY MOM FOODIE!!! This season took me for a ride! I can't believe it's been SO long since my last post. And to be honest, this one will likely be short and sweet! As with many of you; the holidays took over my life! It was hard to formulate a thought, let alone, get anything productive done! However, I have gotten through the holidays; and all that is left, is to tear down our now crusty tree, and set our house back together. Nothing ships out quicker than holiday cheer after the holidays!
So....what's in store for the new year, you ask? GOALS!!!! I'm not a huge resolution person, but I do believe we should have tasks at hand that need to be dealt with. My first line of order? Getting organized! I need a plan to make a plan! How about you?
I'm still having issues, trying to figure out creative ways to feed my children. I have resorted to "quick and easy" meals, which don't always equate to HEALTHY meals. I will ask my girls to formulate their lists of likes and dislikes (in the form of a ready made checklist of course) and start from there!
I have heard many things about "sneaking" veggies into your kids meals. Some do it in the form of pureeing them. I don't mind the idea of puree's; but I DO mind that there is a scant amount per recipe, which is unacceptable! I think our kids can handle more than that, and it's my goal to get it in there and make them like it!!! .......ha ha ha ha ha.... Okay MAKE is a strong word! Let's say "Trick" them into it!
Now, with that said, I DO believe that we as parents should have SOME say in what our children eat! Not, necessarily to feed them things they HATE....but they should learn to realize that veggies, for example, have serious HEALTH benefits! They need to be educated in order to learn to make wiser decisions! My children are 8 and 10. These are good reasoning/negotiating ages. I intend to use this to my advantage! However, I WILL first start with my checklist just to be fair!! No use feeding them brussel sprouts when they will NEVER be willing to eat them. (THAT is something I will puree and sneak in). I will start with those they like....entice them with those I can negotiate in, sneak in that which they don't care for...and puree those that they think will kill them! Soon, they'll be in a haze of healthy eating and craving more!!!!!
But first..... Baby steps......
Stay tuned!
And....HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
So....what's in store for the new year, you ask? GOALS!!!! I'm not a huge resolution person, but I do believe we should have tasks at hand that need to be dealt with. My first line of order? Getting organized! I need a plan to make a plan! How about you?
I'm still having issues, trying to figure out creative ways to feed my children. I have resorted to "quick and easy" meals, which don't always equate to HEALTHY meals. I will ask my girls to formulate their lists of likes and dislikes (in the form of a ready made checklist of course) and start from there!
I have heard many things about "sneaking" veggies into your kids meals. Some do it in the form of pureeing them. I don't mind the idea of puree's; but I DO mind that there is a scant amount per recipe, which is unacceptable! I think our kids can handle more than that, and it's my goal to get it in there and make them like it!!! .......ha ha ha ha ha.... Okay MAKE is a strong word! Let's say "Trick" them into it!
Now, with that said, I DO believe that we as parents should have SOME say in what our children eat! Not, necessarily to feed them things they HATE....but they should learn to realize that veggies, for example, have serious HEALTH benefits! They need to be educated in order to learn to make wiser decisions! My children are 8 and 10. These are good reasoning/negotiating ages. I intend to use this to my advantage! However, I WILL first start with my checklist just to be fair!! No use feeding them brussel sprouts when they will NEVER be willing to eat them. (THAT is something I will puree and sneak in). I will start with those they like....entice them with those I can negotiate in, sneak in that which they don't care for...and puree those that they think will kill them! Soon, they'll be in a haze of healthy eating and craving more!!!!!
But first..... Baby steps......
Stay tuned!
And....HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Well tomorrow is Thanksgiving. A day when we celebrate from dawn to dusk, giving thanks along the way. It is also a day that we tend to write off as far as calories go, (because it's only one day, right?) Whom do we have to thank for that? And whom shall we thank when we sit in our food coma that we so excitedly expect to achieve? As Thanksgiving starts on a Thursday, and we usually have family members to deal with until Saturday or Sunday... Have we actually calculated how many days we will REALLY be writing off? And don't get me started on leftovers.
Though I agree that we should all take pause and give thanks, for literally EVERYTHING we have: let us be reminded that we always have "the power of choice" on our side. Choose well this thanksgiving and keep it real. It's easy to let it all get away from us if we let it. So let's be thankful for our power of choice and have a great holiday. Choose wisely. And, happy Thanksgiving!!!
Though I agree that we should all take pause and give thanks, for literally EVERYTHING we have: let us be reminded that we always have "the power of choice" on our side. Choose well this thanksgiving and keep it real. It's easy to let it all get away from us if we let it. So let's be thankful for our power of choice and have a great holiday. Choose wisely. And, happy Thanksgiving!!!
Friday, November 19, 2010
Say CHEESE!!!!
Happy Friday!!! I'm not sure how often I will update as I'm sure people will get sick of hearing from me. After all, my husband says these blogs are emotional vomit, and who can argue with that?! He meant it in the best way possible, because he's NOT an emotional person, and I tend to be OVERLY emotional. For those of you who know me, you know what I'm talking about!
I have been thinking lately about the choices we make and which ingredients seem to (usually) top the charts. And because I have small-ish children, one ingredient screamed out at me. It seems to me that the easiest ingredient (and probably most beloved) is CHEESE! And why not? It's so versatile and there are a million renditions of this meltable creamy deliciousness. You can put it in a tortilla and call it a quesadilla; throw it in pasta and call it Mac n Cheese, throw it on Broccoli and get your kids to actually eat the "green thing", so whats the beef????
The problem isn't the ingredient itself; rather the amount that we consume when we decide to put it first on our plates!
One portion of cheese is however much you choose to eat, but one serving of cheese is the amount equivalent to an 8-ounce glass of milk. That amount is consider to be one serving from the dairy group. One serving of cheese is:
Now as a side note; please keep in mind; I'm not AGAINST cheese. I'm all for it! I DO, however, believe that this is one of the areas....for the sake of our children....we should be aware, AND approach with caution!
I hope you have an AMAZING Thanksgiving week! If you have suggestions on topics, please feel free to let me know! YOU, will inspire me to lead in a new direction!
Take care, and thanks for letting me vent!
Cat
I have been thinking lately about the choices we make and which ingredients seem to (usually) top the charts. And because I have small-ish children, one ingredient screamed out at me. It seems to me that the easiest ingredient (and probably most beloved) is CHEESE! And why not? It's so versatile and there are a million renditions of this meltable creamy deliciousness. You can put it in a tortilla and call it a quesadilla; throw it in pasta and call it Mac n Cheese, throw it on Broccoli and get your kids to actually eat the "green thing", so whats the beef????
The problem isn't the ingredient itself; rather the amount that we consume when we decide to put it first on our plates!
One portion of cheese is however much you choose to eat, but one serving of cheese is the amount equivalent to an 8-ounce glass of milk. That amount is consider to be one serving from the dairy group. One serving of cheese is:
- 1½ ounces natural, hard cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, Swiss, Parmesan)
- 2 ounces processed cheese (American)
- 1/3 cup shredded cheese
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups cottage cheese (cottage cheese is low in calcium and so you need to eat a lot)
- In terms of visual inspection:
- 1½ ounces of hard cheese is as big as a 9-volt battery or your index and middle fingers
- 1 ounce of processed cheese is as big as your thumb
- 1 cup of anything is as big as a baseball or your fist
Now as a side note; please keep in mind; I'm not AGAINST cheese. I'm all for it! I DO, however, believe that this is one of the areas....for the sake of our children....we should be aware, AND approach with caution!
I hope you have an AMAZING Thanksgiving week! If you have suggestions on topics, please feel free to let me know! YOU, will inspire me to lead in a new direction!
Take care, and thanks for letting me vent!
Cat
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Diets and Hamsters
GOOD MORNING!!! Wow, I had THE hardest time logging into my account today. I'm no genius, no surprise there! However, the log in was confusing, because it prompted me to sign in using my "GOOGLE" account. And, since I HAVE a google account, I tried and tried and tried and it didn't work?!! So...what is the definition of INSANITY???? Trying the same thing over and over and expecting DIFFERENT results!!
Why did I tell you that? Not to prove I'm an idiot; moreso to prove that we try over and over doing the same things, HOPING for different results! I'm NOT the only one in this, I assure you! I always picture a hamster on it's wheel in the cage. Does it ever think about where it's going to end up for all that effort? Is it ever disappointed when it gets off and says, "Oh, wow.....still 'here'!"
As a WW leader, I find that many people start this "diet" so they can lose the weight and get back to eating pizzas and drinking beers like "normal" people.
I totally get this, because I was the same exact way! Somewhere in my mind, it didn't occur to me that I had to change my approach to eating and STAY that way, if I expected to maintain the weight loss I had achieved. But the truth is, we need to change our whole approach to eating, and realize that what we have been doing isn't working for us. And for most of us, our choices are VERY unconscious. We equate so many things with food! Food is Celebration! Food is Reward! Food is Comfort! It's everywhere you go. Birthday parties, sporting events, weddings, even funerals! We can't change that part of it. What we CAN change is how we deal with it.
Convenience is a big problem for us. If it's quick; we'll take it! Now, I'm not against convenience foods, per se; because lets face it; we are busy and we need help! Thank GOD to the person who first thought of this! However, there is a limit to everything. Convenience is great, but we need to be wise about whether it's helping us or hindering us. I love that I can go to Costco and pick up a Rotisserie chicken, because that is something I don't have the time to do. But, that bag of chips....when I can't have just one (cuz they advertise it that way) might not be the best choice for me! Conversely; baby carrots? GENIUS! If I don't have time to cut up a carrot, I'm going this route for sure!
It's time to start questioning the choices we are making for our families. As a person on her own weight loss journey, I was ALL OVER making good choices for myself. But....I didn't really take into account my kids. I guess I figured they'd be fine! I survived Sugar Pops, won't they? Well, let's just say, it took me two years to learn that my issues started forming in childhood. Bad food isn't a RIGHT in any way. Not that we should bar it from our lives completely..... But if your pantry is filled with cereal, potato chips, high fat crackers, cookies, white pastas, and high fructose fruit snacks, (something my mother in law kindly suggests IS "Fruit"), then it's time to rethink what you are doing!
My best suggestion: START SMALL!!! It's so important to take things that aren't a devastating loss and go there! Look for healthier replacements! If you can't replace...then minimize!
I'm open for suggestions on topics. I think tomorrow I'll be talking about CHEESE! The ultimate kids food!
TIP OF THE DAY: Buy a Rotisserie chicken from Costco or where ever, and debone the WHOLE THING as soon as you get home and put it in a Zip Top bag. That way you can have it ready to throw into anything you want! Sandwiches, Burritos, Wraps, Enchiladas, Salads....the skys' the limit!
note: As I'm still figuring out this blog thing, I will try to incorporate quick meals. If it doesn't work, then I'll just start adding them to my posts.
Thanks for following!
Cat
Why did I tell you that? Not to prove I'm an idiot; moreso to prove that we try over and over doing the same things, HOPING for different results! I'm NOT the only one in this, I assure you! I always picture a hamster on it's wheel in the cage. Does it ever think about where it's going to end up for all that effort? Is it ever disappointed when it gets off and says, "Oh, wow.....still 'here'!"
As a WW leader, I find that many people start this "diet" so they can lose the weight and get back to eating pizzas and drinking beers like "normal" people.
I totally get this, because I was the same exact way! Somewhere in my mind, it didn't occur to me that I had to change my approach to eating and STAY that way, if I expected to maintain the weight loss I had achieved. But the truth is, we need to change our whole approach to eating, and realize that what we have been doing isn't working for us. And for most of us, our choices are VERY unconscious. We equate so many things with food! Food is Celebration! Food is Reward! Food is Comfort! It's everywhere you go. Birthday parties, sporting events, weddings, even funerals! We can't change that part of it. What we CAN change is how we deal with it.
Convenience is a big problem for us. If it's quick; we'll take it! Now, I'm not against convenience foods, per se; because lets face it; we are busy and we need help! Thank GOD to the person who first thought of this! However, there is a limit to everything. Convenience is great, but we need to be wise about whether it's helping us or hindering us. I love that I can go to Costco and pick up a Rotisserie chicken, because that is something I don't have the time to do. But, that bag of chips....when I can't have just one (cuz they advertise it that way) might not be the best choice for me! Conversely; baby carrots? GENIUS! If I don't have time to cut up a carrot, I'm going this route for sure!
It's time to start questioning the choices we are making for our families. As a person on her own weight loss journey, I was ALL OVER making good choices for myself. But....I didn't really take into account my kids. I guess I figured they'd be fine! I survived Sugar Pops, won't they? Well, let's just say, it took me two years to learn that my issues started forming in childhood. Bad food isn't a RIGHT in any way. Not that we should bar it from our lives completely..... But if your pantry is filled with cereal, potato chips, high fat crackers, cookies, white pastas, and high fructose fruit snacks, (something my mother in law kindly suggests IS "Fruit"), then it's time to rethink what you are doing!
My best suggestion: START SMALL!!! It's so important to take things that aren't a devastating loss and go there! Look for healthier replacements! If you can't replace...then minimize!
I'm open for suggestions on topics. I think tomorrow I'll be talking about CHEESE! The ultimate kids food!
TIP OF THE DAY: Buy a Rotisserie chicken from Costco or where ever, and debone the WHOLE THING as soon as you get home and put it in a Zip Top bag. That way you can have it ready to throw into anything you want! Sandwiches, Burritos, Wraps, Enchiladas, Salads....the skys' the limit!
note: As I'm still figuring out this blog thing, I will try to incorporate quick meals. If it doesn't work, then I'll just start adding them to my posts.
Thanks for following!
Cat
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