Tuesday, 9 February 2016
Split pea soup with salt lamb - Saltkjöt og baunir
Today is Shrove Tuesday. This day is called Sprengidagur (Bursting Day) in Iceland. This is the last day before Lent, and during the time when Icelanders still observed the fast, it was the last day on which meat could be eaten until Easter. The origins of the Icelandic name for this day are uncertain, but today it is generally taken to mean "eating until you feel like you're bursting". Split pea
Friday, 5 February 2016
My Berry Favorite Valentine's Day Desserts
Looking for some no sugar added, protein-packed, Valentine's Day sweet treats for you and your loved ones that are delicious but won't massacre your health goals. Here's some of my very (or should I say berry) favorite Valentine recipes that are guaranteed to win anyone's heart.
This is my favorite of the zillion versions of microwave protein cakes I make. It tastes like Crunch Berries cereal.
Shelly's Pretty in Pink Microwave Protein Cake
1 Egg, beaten
3 Tablespoons Milk
2 Tablespoons Sugar Free Vanilla Torani Syrup
2 Tablespoons Canola Oil
3 Tablespoons Multigrain Pancake Mix
1 teaspoon Sugar Free Strawberry Jello Powder, dry
1 scoop Vanilla Protein Powder
Pinch salt
1 - 2 cup Measuring Cup or Microwave Safe Mug
In a measuring cup mix egg, milk, syrup and oil and combine thoroughly. In a separate bowl, mix pancake mix, Jello powder, protein powder and salt. Tip dry into wet and stir till combined. Nuke in microwave for 2-2 1/2 minutes (start with 2 minutes and add 15 seconds or so at a time.... you want a dry top) Let it sit for three or so minutes (it pulls away from the sides) before tipping the cake onto a plate. Yields 4-5 slices.
I served it with sliced Strawberries tossed with a little Sugar Free Strawberry Syrup (Smuckers) and No Sugar Added Homemade Whipped Cream sort of self serve, build your own dessert style.
Berry-topped Chocolate Mini Protein Muffins: All of my Microwave Protein Cake recipes can be turned into 12 mini muffins when baked at 350 for 10 minutes in the oven. I glazed some of them with a little melted sugar free chocolate, topped some non-pareils or a strawberry with a little heart food pick stuck through them to keep them together (like cupid's arrow.)
Shelly's Chocolate Protein Mini Muffins
1 Egg, beaten
3 Tablespoons Milk
2 Tablespoons Sugar Free Torani Syrup (any flavor)
1 Tablespoon Canola Oil
3 Tablespoons Multigrain Pancake Mix
2 Tablespoons Unsweetened Cocoa
1 scoop (50 cc-ish) Chocolate Protein Powder
Pinch salt
Measuring Cup
In a measuring cup or microwave safe mug, Mix egg, milk, syrup and oil and combine thoroughly. In a separate bowl, mix pancake mix, cocoa, protein powder and salt. Tip dry into wet and stir till combined. Pour into a non stick mini muffin pan that has been sprayed with Pam. Bake at 350 for 10 minutes.
Strawberry Cannoli: My favorite quick and easy dessert. A take on one of my childhood favorite Sicilian desserts: the cannoli. This version is waaaay better for you. Sweet farmer's market strawberries + creamy protein packed ricotta filling = Heaven.
Shelly's Strawberry Cannoli
12 Large Red Ripe Strawberries, washed & cored
1/2 cup Ricotta Cheese
1 Tablespoon Sugar Free Torani Syrup (any flavor)
dash of Cinnamon
Optional toppings:
Unsweetened Coconut
Grated Sugar Free Chocolate
Chopped Nuts
Wash and core strawberries. Leaving a hollow in the berry. Set aside. Mix ricotta, SF syrup (or whatever sweetener you choose) and cinnamon together till well combined. Spoon mixture into a snack size Ziploc bag. Seal. Cut end off and pipe mixture into hollowed strawberries. Dip into optional toppings.
This is my favorite of the zillion versions of microwave protein cakes I make. It tastes like Crunch Berries cereal.
Shelly's Pretty in Pink Microwave Protein Cake
1 Egg, beaten
3 Tablespoons Milk
2 Tablespoons Sugar Free Vanilla Torani Syrup
2 Tablespoons Canola Oil
3 Tablespoons Multigrain Pancake Mix
1 teaspoon Sugar Free Strawberry Jello Powder, dry
1 scoop Vanilla Protein Powder
Pinch salt
1 - 2 cup Measuring Cup or Microwave Safe Mug
In a measuring cup mix egg, milk, syrup and oil and combine thoroughly. In a separate bowl, mix pancake mix, Jello powder, protein powder and salt. Tip dry into wet and stir till combined. Nuke in microwave for 2-2 1/2 minutes (start with 2 minutes and add 15 seconds or so at a time.... you want a dry top) Let it sit for three or so minutes (it pulls away from the sides) before tipping the cake onto a plate. Yields 4-5 slices.
I served it with sliced Strawberries tossed with a little Sugar Free Strawberry Syrup (Smuckers) and No Sugar Added Homemade Whipped Cream sort of self serve, build your own dessert style.
Berry-topped Chocolate Mini Protein Muffins: All of my Microwave Protein Cake recipes can be turned into 12 mini muffins when baked at 350 for 10 minutes in the oven. I glazed some of them with a little melted sugar free chocolate, topped some non-pareils or a strawberry with a little heart food pick stuck through them to keep them together (like cupid's arrow.)
Shelly's Chocolate Protein Mini Muffins
1 Egg, beaten
3 Tablespoons Milk
2 Tablespoons Sugar Free Torani Syrup (any flavor)
1 Tablespoon Canola Oil
3 Tablespoons Multigrain Pancake Mix
2 Tablespoons Unsweetened Cocoa
1 scoop (50 cc-ish) Chocolate Protein Powder
Pinch salt
Measuring Cup
In a measuring cup or microwave safe mug, Mix egg, milk, syrup and oil and combine thoroughly. In a separate bowl, mix pancake mix, cocoa, protein powder and salt. Tip dry into wet and stir till combined. Pour into a non stick mini muffin pan that has been sprayed with Pam. Bake at 350 for 10 minutes.
Strawberry Cannoli: My favorite quick and easy dessert. A take on one of my childhood favorite Sicilian desserts: the cannoli. This version is waaaay better for you. Sweet farmer's market strawberries + creamy protein packed ricotta filling = Heaven.
Shelly's Strawberry Cannoli
12 Large Red Ripe Strawberries, washed & cored
1/2 cup Ricotta Cheese
1 Tablespoon Sugar Free Torani Syrup (any flavor)
dash of Cinnamon
Optional toppings:
Unsweetened Coconut
Grated Sugar Free Chocolate
Chopped Nuts
Wash and core strawberries. Leaving a hollow in the berry. Set aside. Mix ricotta, SF syrup (or whatever sweetener you choose) and cinnamon together till well combined. Spoon mixture into a snack size Ziploc bag. Seal. Cut end off and pipe mixture into hollowed strawberries. Dip into optional toppings.
Thursday, 4 February 2016
CARNIVAL AND PANCAKES
It's Carnival time again. What do you prefer? English pancakes, American Pancakes or Filloas ?
VOCABULARY
Watch the video to learn some vocabulary about Carnival:
-Carnival in the World:
SONGS
This funny song "PANCAKE SONG" is from the British children's sitcom , retelling of the legend of Robin Hood, placing Maid Marian in the role of leader of the Merry Men, and reducing Robin to an incompetent ex-tailor.
-This is the song "HOT WINGS" by WILL.I.AM from the movie RIO
Pancake Song
Mix a pancake,
Stir a pancake,
Pop it in the pan;
Fry the pancake,
Toss the pancake,
Catch it if you can.
You can listen the song in the following video:
Five crispy pancakes
Five crispy pancakes in a frying pan,
Flip them and toss them and catch them if you can.
Along came Garrett for a pancake one day.
Mom sprinkled it with sugar and he took it away.
Four crispy pancakes in a frying pan,
Flip them and toss them and catch them if you can.
Along came 'Nessa for a pancake one day.
Mom sprinkled it with sugar and she took it away.
Three crispy pancakes in a frying pan,
Flip them and toss them and catch them if you can.
Along came Eleanor for a pancake one day.
Mom sprinkled it with sugar and she took it away.
Two crispy pancakes in a frying pan,
Flip them and toss them and catch them if you can.
Along came Lainey for a pancake one day.
Mom sprinkled it with sugar and she took it away.
One crispy pancake in a frying pan,
Flip it and toss it and catch it if you can.
Along came Murphy for a pancake one day.
Mom sprinkled it with sugar and she took it away.
STORIES
Read a story for Pancake Day
-"If you give a pig a pancake" story :
GAMES
watch this video to play the game "Who's behind the mask?"
LIFE IN BRITAIN
-The following video is in READING on Pancake Day and you can watch a Pancake Race .
-"How to make English pancakes" video:
Tuesday, 2 February 2016
4 Heart-Healthy Ingredients + Recipes for Game Day and Beyond
February is American Heart Month and Friday, February 5th, 2016 is National Wear Red Day - a day to wear the color red to help raise awareness about heart disease being the number one killer of women. Close behind Wear Red Day is another February day many will get together to celebrate - Superbowl Sunday. In honor of American Heart Month and Wear Red Day, let's challenge each other to make our game day buffet a little healthier and try some new good-for-you foods and recipes.
When the American Heart Association reports that more than 1 in 3 people have some sort of cardiovascular disease and every 85 seconds, someone dies from heart disease, every day is a good day to focus on getting healthier, including a day notorious for filling us up with fried, greasy, salty foods. With those statistics, there is a good chance someone close to you is at risk for or has some sort of cardiovascular disease, so offering healthier options during the big game is good for everyone.
This post will take the guess work out of your game day menu so you have plenty of healthy snacks on hand to last through the end of the big game.
Chili is the ultimate comfort food, and makes a great tailgating or game-day meal. Unfortunately, some of the favorite white chili and creamy soup recipes are full of high-fat sour cream, cheese, and cream. A good substitute for cream in these soups is cooked, blended cauliflower. I know, it sounds weird, but even cauliflower-haters can't sense the presence of this nutrient-packed vegetable
Based off the recipe for White Turkey Chili from Whole Foods Market and this Creamy (No Cream!) Sweet Corn and Potato Chowder from Iowa Girl Eats, this Healthier Turkey Chili is a great option for game day because it's light, packed with protein and fiber, and can be topped with all your favorite chili toppings.
Ingredients
1/2 lb. dry Navy Beans
1/2 lb. dry Great Northern beans
or 1 lb. of whatever dry beans you like
2 cups water
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 lb. ground lean turkey
1 7-oz can green chilis
1/2 large onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
2 cups frozen corn
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp chili powder
2 tsp cumin
1 tsp oregano
1 large head of cauliflower, chopped into florets
1/3 cup milk (skim, 2%, whole, coconut)
4 cups broth (I used homemade turkey stock, but you could use vegetable broth to make the recipe vegetarian)
2-3 cloves of garlic, diced
Soak the dry beans overnight in water. The next day, rinse and drain the beans, and add them to the bottom of the crock pot. Add all spices (reserving 1 tsp of cumin for the turkey), chopped bell peppers, frozen corn, diced onion, and the can of green chilis (drained or undrained). Pour water into crock pot.
Cauliflower cream:
Bring broth to a boil, adding cauliflower florets to the pot and cooking until cauliflower is soft (you'll be able to spike easily with a fork). Remove from heat and allow to cool. Once cool enough to blend, pour broth and cooked cauliflower mixture, diced garlic, and milk into blender and blend until smooth. Alternatively, you can blend in the pot if you have an immersion blender. Add this mixture to the crock pot.
Turkey:
Finally, heat 1 Tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add raw turkey to the pan and stir frequently, cooking until browned. Add cooked turkey to the crock pot, give the ingredients a good stir, cover crock pot and turn on low for 6-8 hours until beans are cooked/soft.
Top chili with some of your favorite toppings: avocado, cilantro, onions, Greek yogurt/sour cream, a little cheese, and enjoy.
More healthy chili recipes from Epicurious || Healthy Chili Recipes for the Superbowl and Your Heart
When the American Heart Association reports that more than 1 in 3 people have some sort of cardiovascular disease and every 85 seconds, someone dies from heart disease, every day is a good day to focus on getting healthier, including a day notorious for filling us up with fried, greasy, salty foods. With those statistics, there is a good chance someone close to you is at risk for or has some sort of cardiovascular disease, so offering healthier options during the big game is good for everyone.
This post will take the guess work out of your game day menu so you have plenty of healthy snacks on hand to last through the end of the big game.
1. Avocados
Avocados are rich in monounsaturated fat (a good kind of fat!), fiber, antioxidants, B vitamins, vitamin K, folate, and many other nutrients. Eating more of those good monounsaturated fats can help you lower your LDL or "bad" cholesterol, which is one of cause of heart disease. Replacing saturated fats (found in animal fat like meat and dairy) with healthy fats found in avocado is a heart-healthy choice. Many people enjoy guacamole on game day, but avocado is versatile and can be used for so much more:
Avocado Central || Fresh Avocado Guacamole Recipes
 |
| Festive "Guaca-Bowl-E Nachos Stadium" |
2. Nuts
Nuts are another "healthy fat" food, and while all nuts have different nutritional benefits, all nuts (especially walnuts) contain a healthy dose of those LDL-lowering, inflammation-reducing, unsaturated fats. They're also rich in omega-3 fatty acids that help prevent heart disease and stroke, improve blood vessel function and lower inflammation and triglyceride levels. Nuts make a great every-day snack, and can be spiced up for a great game-day snack:
Ellie Krieger || Spiced Nuts
Greatist || Energy Bites for On The Go Snacking
Real Simple || Dark Chocolate and Nut Clusters
3. Whole grains
Whole grains contain the entire grain (bran, germ, and endosperm), which makes them more nutritious and full of fiber compared to refined/white flour or grains. Diets rich in fiber, such as a diet rich in whole grains, can help reduce the risk of diabetes, high blood pressure and other types of heart disease. The beta-glucan (a type of soluble fiber) found in whole grains can help lower cholesterol and improves heart health and all that fiber keep you fuller for longer, which is good for weight control.
Whole grains foods don't have to be boring - you can find hundreds of recipes for tasty whole grain versions of your favorite foods in cook books and on the internet:
Cookie and Kate || Whole Grain Pizza Recipes
The Skinny Fork || Whole Wheat Lasagna Rollups
Buzzfeed || 23 Whole Grain Desserts You'll Actually Love
4. Beans
Beans are a staple food in many parts of the world for good reason - they're packed full of protein, fiber, B-vitamins and minerals.
Based off the recipe for White Turkey Chili from Whole Foods Market and this Creamy (No Cream!) Sweet Corn and Potato Chowder from Iowa Girl Eats, this Healthier Turkey Chili is a great option for game day because it's light, packed with protein and fiber, and can be topped with all your favorite chili toppings.
Ingredients
1/2 lb. dry Navy Beans
1/2 lb. dry Great Northern beans
or 1 lb. of whatever dry beans you like
2 cups water
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 lb. ground lean turkey
1 7-oz can green chilis
1/2 large onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
2 cups frozen corn
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp chili powder
2 tsp cumin
1 tsp oregano
1 large head of cauliflower, chopped into florets
1/3 cup milk (skim, 2%, whole, coconut)
4 cups broth (I used homemade turkey stock, but you could use vegetable broth to make the recipe vegetarian)
2-3 cloves of garlic, diced
Soak the dry beans overnight in water. The next day, rinse and drain the beans, and add them to the bottom of the crock pot. Add all spices (reserving 1 tsp of cumin for the turkey), chopped bell peppers, frozen corn, diced onion, and the can of green chilis (drained or undrained). Pour water into crock pot.
Cauliflower cream:
Bring broth to a boil, adding cauliflower florets to the pot and cooking until cauliflower is soft (you'll be able to spike easily with a fork). Remove from heat and allow to cool. Once cool enough to blend, pour broth and cooked cauliflower mixture, diced garlic, and milk into blender and blend until smooth. Alternatively, you can blend in the pot if you have an immersion blender. Add this mixture to the crock pot.
Turkey:
Finally, heat 1 Tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add raw turkey to the pan and stir frequently, cooking until browned. Add cooked turkey to the crock pot, give the ingredients a good stir, cover crock pot and turn on low for 6-8 hours until beans are cooked/soft.
Top chili with some of your favorite toppings: avocado, cilantro, onions, Greek yogurt/sour cream, a little cheese, and enjoy.
More healthy chili recipes from Epicurious || Healthy Chili Recipes for the Superbowl and Your Heart
What's your favorite healthy recipe for game day?
Monday, 1 February 2016
Healthy Valentine's Day Ideas for Kids and Adults
It's tradition to give little gifts and messages to your loved ones on Valentine's Day. This usually means way too much chocolate and sugar is received and consumed. As an alternative (or at least a balanced response) here's oodles of healthy (no candy, no chocolate) Valentine's Day treats and messages to give the kids and adults in your life.
Healthy & Fun Valentine's Day Ideas:
Apple, Applesauce, or Freeze Dried Apple Snack - You're the apple of my eye, I love you to the core.
Banana - I'm bananas for you.
Cutie Mandarins - You're a cutie!
Cheese Sticks - Stick with me Valentine.
Nuts - I'm nuts about you! Note: Be aware of nut allergies if given out in a classroom.
Popcorn - You make my heart go pop!
Jerky - I'd be a jerk if I let you go, Valentine.
Water Bottle w/a Drink Stick - Hope your Valentine's Day is a big splash!
Tea - You are my cup of tea. You are my strength in hot water.
Starbuck's Card - I love you a-latte.
Cocoa, Tea or Coffee - You warm my heart.
Fuzzy Socks - We make a nice pair!
Mug - I've been mugged, you stole my heart!
Flashlight or Glow Stick - You light up my life.
Fan - I'm your biggest fan.
Lottery Ticket - Hope you get lucky.
Sugar Free Mints - We're "mint" to be.
Tissues - I'm love sick over you.
Shaker Bottle with Protein Travel Packet - You've got me all shook up!
Protein Bars - You're the best, bar none.
Soup Packet - I think you're "soup"er.
Ready to Drink Protein Shake - You shake me up!
Toy Dinosaur - Hope your Valentine's Day is "Dino" mite!
Toy Bug - A Love Bug for you.
Toy Car - You drive me wild!
Spinning Top - You make my head spin, Valentine.
Ruler - You rule!
Stickers - I'm stuck on you.
Bubbles - Don't burst my bubble. Be my Valentine.
Happy & Healthy Valentine's Day to all!
More Healthy Valentine's Ideas and Recipes
Healthy & Fun Valentine's Day Ideas:
Apple, Applesauce, or Freeze Dried Apple Snack - You're the apple of my eye, I love you to the core.
Banana - I'm bananas for you.
Cutie Mandarins - You're a cutie!
Cheese Sticks - Stick with me Valentine.
Nuts - I'm nuts about you! Note: Be aware of nut allergies if given out in a classroom.
Popcorn - You make my heart go pop!
Jerky - I'd be a jerk if I let you go, Valentine.
Water Bottle w/a Drink Stick - Hope your Valentine's Day is a big splash!
Tea - You are my cup of tea. You are my strength in hot water.
Starbuck's Card - I love you a-latte.
Cocoa, Tea or Coffee - You warm my heart.
Fuzzy Socks - We make a nice pair!
Mug - I've been mugged, you stole my heart!
Flashlight or Glow Stick - You light up my life.
Fan - I'm your biggest fan.
Lottery Ticket - Hope you get lucky.
Sugar Free Mints - We're "mint" to be.
Tissues - I'm love sick over you.
Shaker Bottle with Protein Travel Packet - You've got me all shook up!
Protein Bars - You're the best, bar none.
Soup Packet - I think you're "soup"er.
Ready to Drink Protein Shake - You shake me up!
Toy Dinosaur - Hope your Valentine's Day is "Dino" mite!
Toy Bug - A Love Bug for you.
Toy Car - You drive me wild!
Spinning Top - You make my head spin, Valentine.
Ruler - You rule!
Stickers - I'm stuck on you.
Bubbles - Don't burst my bubble. Be my Valentine.
Happy & Healthy Valentine's Day to all!
More Healthy Valentine's Ideas and Recipes
Drum roll...
Thank you to all who entered The World According to Eggface Comforting Care Package Giveaway
The random generator has selected:
Betty P.
bbrock1975@xxxxx.xxx
Congratulations Betty! You are the winner of the latest Eggface Giveaway! You win a care package filled with some of my favorites to have on hand when I'm feeling under the weather including great products from Celebrate Vitamins and other healthy weight loss friendly items. You have mail!
Want to learn more about any of the contents of the giveaway above: Click here for more info and sources. Not a winner this time... no worries February is always a fun month on the blog and another Eggface Giveaway will begin very soon! Follow along on the Blog, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram for the latest eggciting announcements and pop-up giveaways!
The random generator has selected:
Betty P.
bbrock1975@xxxxx.xxx
Congratulations Betty! You are the winner of the latest Eggface Giveaway! You win a care package filled with some of my favorites to have on hand when I'm feeling under the weather including great products from Celebrate Vitamins and other healthy weight loss friendly items. You have mail!
Want to learn more about any of the contents of the giveaway above: Click here for more info and sources. Not a winner this time... no worries February is always a fun month on the blog and another Eggface Giveaway will begin very soon! Follow along on the Blog, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram for the latest eggciting announcements and pop-up giveaways!
Saturday, 30 January 2016
Tackling Obesity: Top 100 Influencers and Brands
Onalytica shared their Top 100 Obesity Global Influencers List. I was honored to be on the list among many community advocates, academics, medical professionals, and others who are leading the online discussions of obesity.
I believe our voices are powerful and hope that through engagement online and in the real world, good things can happen in reducing the health impact of obesity, allowing those that choose to seek treatment for excess weight and obesity access to those treatments and reducing the stigma and bias those affected by obesity face. I am happy to share those messages and my personal journey with obesity anywhere I can.
To read the report and see who else is on the list: Tackling Obesity: Top 100 Influencers and Brands
I believe our voices are powerful and hope that through engagement online and in the real world, good things can happen in reducing the health impact of obesity, allowing those that choose to seek treatment for excess weight and obesity access to those treatments and reducing the stigma and bias those affected by obesity face. I am happy to share those messages and my personal journey with obesity anywhere I can.
To read the report and see who else is on the list: Tackling Obesity: Top 100 Influencers and Brands
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