7 Foods to Avoid

Take a look at this list from Fox News of 7 foods not to eat.  Very informative!

 

Celebrating Advent – The Bethlehem Candle: the Candle of Peace

Celebrating the Second Sunday of Advent The Bethlehem Candle- the candle of Peace:

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“But as for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Too little to be among the clans of Judah, From you One will go forth for Me to be ruler in Israel. His goings forth are from long ago, From the days of eternity.” Micah 5:2-5

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register.

 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. Luke 2:1-7

Health Magazine and Whole Living Magazine Deals

Now through December 3rd, you can get Health Magazine on Amazon for just $5!

Or you can get Whole Living Magazine for just $3.50 when you enter the code TOTALLYTARGET at checkout. This offer is good through midnight only.

My New Favorite Mini Meal

Last week, I posted my recipe for sweet potato home fries. I have made this a couple of times since then, and it has become one of my new favorite go-to mini meals. My snacks always contain a protein with my carbs, so what I am loving right now is topping some cold, 2% cottage cheese (I use Friendship or Organic Valley- both are all-natural) with the warm sweet potatoes and a dash of hot sauce. Make this a complete meal by adding a green salad with an all-natural dressing.

My “Marathon” of Thank Yous

After 4 months of training, my first marathon is finished! Yesterday I surpassed my goal and came in at 4:17! While I was the one out hitting the pavement, I surely could not have done this without the sacrifice, dedication, and encouragement from others. So here is my “thank you” list:

  • To my husband – He likes to sleep in a bit more than me, and there were many times that he was up early with the kids while I was out running. It was just as much of a sacrifice on his part as it was on mine.
  • To my sister-in-law and training partner, Terri – Thanks for the vision and the long talks on our long runs ! Great job yesterday!!!
  • To my oldest, Aleyah – When Daddy didn’t hear Joel in the still-dark morning hours, she would go into his room and entertain him. That girl is definitely self-sufficient!
  • To my mom- Thanks for the post-race meal! Mom’s homemade veggie lasagna- yummy!!
  • To the man in the “I Dream of Jeannie” outfit at the mile 13 water break – The hairy chest under the pink Jeannie outfit was a much-needed, comical sight. You rock Mr.. Jeannie!!
  • To the little 7 or 8 year old boy around mile 15 – Thanks for the high five! What a way to encourage all of us!
  • To the man who ran tied to his blind friend – What dedication and selfless act of friendship! You definitely inspired me!!
  • Most of all, to Jesus – Thank you for creating the human body that is capable of doing such amazing feats! I am grateful for my health and the ability to accomplish what I set out to do. May I never forget the ultimate sacrifice made for me- your death on the cross. I pray that I will always “race” to become more like You.

For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. Phil. 1:6

With that, I must say that this will also be my last marathon. It was very taxing on my body, and I have listened to it along the way and know that this was a one-time stint for me. I am proud to say that I’ve completed a marathon, but just as proud to say that I know when my body has reached its limit. The half-marathon is a much more reasonable goal for me, and I look forward to completing one in the not-so-distant future.

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Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving! May your day be filled with family, friends, and love!

Know that he LORD Himself is God ; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves ; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture. 4 Enter His gates with thanksgiving And His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him, bless His name. 5 For the LORD is good ; His lovingkindness is everlasting And His faithfulness to all generations. Psalm 100:3-5

Sweet Potato Home Fries

I made this for lunch today, and I loved it so much I made it again for dinner and paired it with our grilled pork, grilled veggies, and Giada’s Parmesan Frittata.

Sweet Potato Home Fries

  • 2 large sweet potatoes, cooked and cut into 1″ pieces

  • 1/4 cup onion, diced

  • 1 yellow pepper, sliced and cut into strips

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 Tablespoon coconut oil

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • Fresh parsley

Heat coconut oil in pan over medium heat. Saute onion, garlic, and peppers for about 5 minutes. Add potatoes and increase to medium-high heat. Allow to cook several minutes until potatoes are browned and then flip and cook another 4-5 minutes. Remove from pan and season with salt, pepper, and top with parsley. Serve immediately.

Makes 4-5 servings

 

As I Approach the Thanksgiving Table…

As I Approach the Thanksgiving Table…

  1. I make sure I am not starving. I keep up my regular, daily eating plan so that I do not overeat when it is dinner time.
  2. I plan. Because my diet and food desires have changed over the past several years, I don’t crave the extra-heavy sides and accompaniments on the grazing table. My typical meal is smoked turkey breast and a large salad. It is what I like and what I enjoy, so that is what I stick to. Then, I am able to enjoy one of my homemade desserts without feeling miserably full or terribly guilty.
  3. I bring my own healthy dishes if need be. I know that my stepdad will be smoking turkey and that my uncle will be bringing a large tossed salad, so I am set there. However, I am making a couple of desserts so I know that my after-dinner treat is clean and light.
  4. I don’t let one day dictate my success or failure. Since I very rarely eat dessert, I will not allow this one meal to make me feel like a failure. I will savor my Thanksgiving dinner and know that this one treat will not disrupt my lifestyle of healthy eating.

Here are some other stay-healthy tips from the Cleveland Clinic for all the upcoming holidays:

  • Keep up with your regular exercise routine, and stick to a regular schedule of healthy, nutritious meals.
  • Get plenty of sleep each night.
  • Find a few minutes to do something fun each day.
  • Make sure your holiday goals are realistic.
  • Enjoy the season with people who are supportive.
  • Take a break from your hectic schedule when you need it.

Happy Thanksgiving!!

VitaCost Deal -$15 for $30 Worth of Vitamins, Supplements, and Organic Groceries

Here is an awesome deal through Groupon and Vitacost … Get $30 worth of clean foods and supplements for just $15. Shipping is only $4.99 or free if you decide to make a purchase of $50 or more. Vitacost.com offers a great selection of all-natural and organic foods and supplements. I was able to score a deal on my staple protein powder – Jarrow’s Brown Rice Protein- and Dr. Otker’s organic cake mixes. I spent about $20 (including shipping) on what would have roughly cost me  $55 at the local vitamin and health food stores. And since these are items that I typically use, it is a great deal!

Wilted Celery, Asparagus Tips, and Dry Carrots

I would venture to bet that we all have some vegetables in our crisper drawer that have seen better days. Rather than just tossing out all those well-intended vegetables, I like to throw them in a large pot of water with salt, pepper, garlic, and other herbs and seasonings to make a vegetable broth. I bring everything to a boil, cover, and simmer on low for an hour or so. After it cools completely, I store my broth in 4 cup increments in large ziploc bags. I lay the bags flat and freeze them that way so they take up minimal space.  If you need the broth in a hurry, just cut the bag straight down the middle and place the block of frozen broth in a pot to heat on the stove or a glass bowl to nuke in the microwave.

So rather than tossing all your leftover Thanksgiving vegetables in the trash, put them to good use and make broth for all your winter soups like my Black and Orange Chili or Stonyfiled’s Vegetable and Chicken Curry.