This Weeks Dinner Plans

Hey guys! I know I am not the only one when I say that sometimes I am so clueless when it comes to what to make for dinner. Well, I have taken a personal pledge to "Get it together" and make my weekly dinner plans ahead of time. So this morning, I spent all of 30 minutes figuring out some simple yet, HEALTHY recipes I can throw together in a pinch. I checked some of my favorite meal planning, go-to sites:

Self
Food Network
Real Simple

These recipe databases are ideal for me. I like them merely for their easy to follow recipes [for the amateur cook in me] and their nutritional information they provide. What more could you ask for?

Here are couple of recipes that I am incorporating in my kitchen this week:

Lean Lasagna - I have been craving a comfort dish! This recipe looks like it will satisfy my cravings while not undoing all my hard work at the gym ; ) I am also banking on leftovers for a lazy or late night when I just can't get home fast enough to even throw a sandwich together. I can also freeze leftovers and just whip 'em out for nuking!

Chicken and Bok Choy Stir Fry - A healthy alternative to our favorite japanese and asian dishes. I am really looking forward to this dish! It's hardly a damper on the daily calorie allowance!

Taco Salad - With the help of Real Simple, I am making a take on my own version of this taco salad. All the same ingredients sans sour cream, cilantro and tortilla add extra salsa! Not because it necessarily makes it "healthier" but I am just not a huge fan of those ingredients on my ideaaaal taco salad!

A lot of these websites (especially Real Simple) have a ton of tools to help you in your kitchen. It's ultimately fool proof; With grocery lists for your selects recipes, meal planning and cooking tips!

Get cookin'!

New Gadget

Hey guys! Check out these great little measuring cups I got...

They came in 1 cup, 1/2 cup, 1/3 cup and 1/4 cup increments

Here I am using the 1/2 cup bowl to portion out my blueberries for my fruit smoothie I was making

I got this widget at Pier 1 Imports but I have seen some lookalike's on the Food Network website. For me, it was one of those moments when I was shopping for something other than kitchen gadgets but eyeballed these things and OBVIOUSLY,  it was love at first sight!

I think these are great tools for portion control and could be fun little bowls to snack out of. This way you know exactly how much your nibbling on!

Speaking of Food Network, Next Food Network Star started tonight...thank goodness for DVR.

I am starting it now...goodnight!

Calcium

Calcium is an essential mineral required for ample growth and strength for your bones and teeth.

Often times we come across the occasional consumer who would rather eat cardboard than a dairy product. Sound familiar? Well, heres a couple nondairy items that can sneak calcium into your diet...

Sesame seeds

Bok choy

Almonds

Salmon
 
Tofu

Rhubarb

Sardines

Collard greens

Spinach

Turnip greens

Okra

White beans

Baked beans

Broccoli

Peas

Brussel sprouts


Are you getting enough calcium?
How much calcium do your kids need?

This for that

or tit for tat! Sick of nut butters (peanut, almond and cashew butters...), have a peanut allergy, or want to try something new? Swap that nut butter for this SunButter!

I have personally tried a sample of SunButter and loved it! It was so creamy, flavorfull and delicious. The flavor is comparable to your average nut butter.
From the SunButter website: SunButter® is a great tasting alternative to peanut butter. A seed butter that is made in the USA from specially roasted sunflower seeds, SunButter® products are completely peanut-free, tree-nut free, and gluten-free. The sunflower seed spread products are all processed in a peanut-free and tree-nut free facility, making them an excellent choice for people with peanut allergies or gluten intolerance.

*A great alternative for a childs lunch in an allergy laden enviornment or try it for yourself. Your never to old for a SunButter and Jelly Sandwich ; )

So, are you going to try it? Click here to find SunButter near you!

On the hunt

Hey guys, I seriously went the whole weekend without internet...crazy, right!? Not going to lie, I didn't hate it. It sure was completely relaaaaxing. This long weekend, actually felt long and tranquil for once! It was pretty funny...everyone I asked today, had the same calmed feeling : )

So get this; I was traveling...of course and came across a new farmer's market, just inside the Delaware state line, by Middletown, Delaware. I was on the hunt for some good eatin'...

It was this cute barn looking building offering everything from vegetables, breads, fruits, jams/jellies, dairy and homemade ice creams to honey sticks and marinades!

I got some fresh cherries for snacking, juicy-just-picked strawberries that we threw into our salad and a mini blueberry loaf for breakfast! Don't think I got outta there without some homemade ice cream and whipped cream for left over berries and dessert!?

The homemade ice cream came in the perfect little cups for sharing. We got vanilla, strawberry and chocolate...hands down, creamiest vanilla bean ice cream I have had to this day!

Farmer's Markets are a great place to stop in for a snack or when planning a meal.

Did you find a new one yet?

I'm working in VA for a couple of days...than I'll be home and off the road for a few weeks! Yaahoo. For now...

...hi ho hi ho it's off to work I go!!