Tuesday, January 27, 2009

EAT CLEAN

I have recently returned to my roots of clean eating, like when I was a competitive bodybuilder and fitness model. I've let too many years pass me being less than careful about what I put into my body, which as you can guess has led to extra pounds. I was turned on to a great "diet" and I use that term loosely, by a fellow fitness buff and friend. It's the "Eat-Clean Diet" by fitness personality Tosca Reno. I don't like the term "diet" because that generally conjures visions of restriction, fads and failure. This is more of a lifestyle change, the way our bodies are meant to function and the proper nutrition. My parchment baked chicken is from Tosca's cookbook and as suggested by Jo (thanks Jo) I am going to post the recipe. I will also put a link over on the left to her book if you are interested.


Here's the recipe:
INGREDIENTS:
4 12"x18" parchment sheets
2 cups arugula, torn
4 (4oz) skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
2 tsp fresh sage, chopped
2 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped
1 cup plum tomatoes, chopped
3/4 tsp sea salt, divided
1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper, divided
4 tsp olive oil, best quality
4 tsp Kalamata olives, sliced and pitted (optional)
cooking spray

INSTRUCTIONS:
Preheat oven to 450 F. unfold parchment and coat lightly with cooking spray, leaving a two inch border. Place 1/2 cup arugula on one side of the parchment so it touches the fold but not the ungreased border. Place the chicken breast over arugula; sprinkle with 1/2 tsp sage and 1/2 tsp rosemary. Top with 1/4 cup chopped plum tomato. Sprinkle with one-fourth of the salt and black pepper, and drizzle with 1 tsp olive oil. Top with 1 tsp sliced olives if desired. Fold paper; seal edges with narrow folds. repeat with the remaining parchment paper, chicken and other ingredients. Place the packets on baking sheets. Bake for 20 minutes or until puffy and lightly browned. To serve, open packets and transfer arugula and chicken breast to plates. Pour juices over top. You can also serve right out of packets; carefully transfer to plates and pierce each to allow steam to escape.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION PER SERVING:
185 calories; 27g protein; 7g fat; 2g carbohydrates.

I served mine with wild rice and colorful string beans. All that nutritious food, whole grains, nothing processed, for about 350 calories. You can't beat that.

Sunday, January 25, 2009

BABY SHOWER

I'm going to a baby shower today, my friend has had the quickest pregnancy ever! Seems like yesterday that she announced she was pregnant and here she is due next month! WOW! I don't think it went by as quick for her. LOL! It will be a fun time for Ethan because he will get to be around some more babies.


I made a piece for her to hang, not sure if she's having a boy or girl so I tried to keep it neutral.

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

12 OF 12

A new year a new set of 12 of 12's! If you don't know yet, 12 of 12 is the brainchild of Chad Darnell. It's a peek into a day in your life. You should stop by Chad's blog and check out some of the contributors.


I have gotten back to my roots of eating clean, here's proof: my breakfast of yogurt, raspberries, muesli and flax seed

Ethan was certainly enjoying his


I heard the Blue jays outside screaming like crazy, when I went to the window there was a hawk on the vines. It was chasing a little chick a dee it had cornered. It eventually gave up and flew off but not before I got this picture


Ethan exercising with the stability ball. He screams with delight when it's on top of him like this



It was a beautiful day and we had to head out to run some errands.


One of our stops: our dinky little post office



Ethan helped me address the package


This building has been a reoccurring theme in my 12's, it's been a couple years now and it's still not done. Yes that is a log cabin on the roof.


We had a poop explosion and a bath was a necessity




My healthy dinner: parchment baked chicken with spinach, wild rice and colorful string beans




Ethan's asleep and I miss him! His little EMUS waiting for him a top his new book.


On my home sweet home fitness forum I belong to (Thunder Crush), one of the member's little girl had a birthday so I made a banner.


Thanks so much for stopping in and checkin' out my 12's.