This Butter Bean, Sausage & Kale soup recipe can be made in less than 30 minutes.  It is loaded with flavor from the STAR ingredients ~ Spicy Turkey Sausage and Italian Tomatoes.  This recipe was inspired based on all the delicious soup recipes I saw in my Weight Watcher Classic Comforts Cookbook and the BIG can of butter beans I have been wanting to find a way to use.  I LOVE idea of taking flavored sausage, plus beans plus VEGGIES to create a soup that gets better with each bite.

BUTTER BEAN, SAUSAGE & KALE SOUP (print it!)

INGREDIENTS

• 2 links, 7 oz total, Lean Spicy Turkey Italian Sausage, casings removed (I used Jennie-O)
• 1 red onion, chopped
• 1 carrot, peeled and chopped
• 1 celery stalk, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups water
• 32 oz Chicken Broth
• 15 1/2 oz white beans, drained and rinsed, (I USED BIG Butter Beans)
• 14 1/2 oz can diced, Italian tomatoes
• 1/2 Kale bunch, roughly chopped
• A few pinches of crushed red pepper flakes
• Freshly Ground Pepper and sea salt to taste

INSTRUCTIONS

1.  Spray a large saucepan with nonstick spray and set over medium-high heat.  Add the sausage, onion, carrot, and celery and cook, stirring frequently to break up the sausage until the sausage is no longer pink, 8 minutes.  Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute.

2.  Add the water, beans, and broth; bring to a boil.  Add the Kale, reduce the heat and simmer, covered, for 10 minutes.

Makes 4 LARGE servings, 5 Points+ Each!!

Nutritional information per 1 HEAPING cup serving calculated using caloriecount.com

STEP-BY-STEPS:

Add your lean spicy turkey sausage plus veggies and cook over medium high heat.

Add your garlic and cook 1 additional minute.

Add your beans, tomatoes, water and chicken broth.

Add your kale, cover and cook until kale is cooked, about 10 minutes.

Tadah!!! Super fast, super easy!  Add crushed red pepper flakes.

Sprinkle with freshly ground pepper and additional crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce!

This soup freezes well too so why not double the recipe to have some now and then later for the nights you don’t feel like cooking.

Sometimes looking through my archives for recipes to share with you all this early in the morning totally makes me hungry.  I am pretty sure if I had some of this on hand, I’d be eating it right now, at ohhh, 6 am …..

Have a fantastic day all!  I will be back tonight with my daily eats!

As I have told all of you recently, I cannot get enough soup.  Maybe it’s the weather, maybe it’s the produce, but I LOVE having thick, healthy soups in the winter time and often load them up with fresh vegetables.  I put a fun spin on traditional Minestrone Soup by adding in a bunch of vegetables to bulk it up and using cheesy tortellini for the pasta.  Comfort food at it’s finest ~ this soup is chalked full of veggie goodness and a complete meal in a bowl.

MINESTRONE SOUP WITH TORTELLINI (print here)

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 6 oz lean Canadian style bacon, diced
• 1 medium red onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 large carrot, chopped
• 1 large celery stalk, chopped
• 28 oz canned kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 15 oz fire roasted, diced tomatoes with garlic
• 4 cups Chicken Broth
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• A few pinches crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/2 bunch organic kale, roughly chopped
• 1 package tortellini, I used pesto flavored or 1/4 pound uncooked whole-wheat pasta
• Sea salt and black pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, thinly sliced

INSTRUCTIONS:

1.  Heat the oil in a large sauce pan over medium-high heat. Add olive oil plus Canadian bacon and cook 1-2 minutes until slightly browned.

2.  Add onion, garlic, celery and carrot; cook until the vegetables begin to soften, about 4 minutes.

3.  Add the tomatoes, broth, beans, spices and kale, bring to a boil.

4.  Add tortellini/pasta; return to a boil and cook until the pasta is tender, about 5 minutes for the tortellini and 8 minutes for the pasta.

5.  Remove from the heat and stir in the basil, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese if desired.

* Make it VEGETARIAN by subbing the Canadian bacon for fakin’bacon or omitting.

** Make it VEGAN, by omitting the Canadian bacon, plus cheese and using Whole Wheat Pasta for the Tortellini.

Makes eight, 1 1/2 cup servings, 6 Points+ each!

Nutritional Information per serving

STEP-BY-STEP:

Canadian Bacon is by far the “healthiest” bacons you can get, in my opinion.  I liked the version at Trader Joe’s (surprised!) because of it’s awesome stats.

Start off by adding olive oil with your diced Canadian bacon to “brown” it over medium heat.

Add your garlic, onion, carrot and celery cooking until softened, about 4 minutes.

Add kale, tomatoes, beans, broth and bring to a boil.

Plus spices!

This is your optional step.  I LOVE mixing up a traditional recipe with something fun!  Why add plain WW pasta when you can add Trader Joe’s Pesto Tortellini.

Add your choice of pasta and cook according to the package instructions ~ about 5 minutes for the tortellini.

Remove from heat and stir in your chopped basil.

If desired, top with parmesan and Enjoy!

This is the type of soup that is fantastic the first day but even better the next as all the flavors blend together.  It’s total comfort that packed with veggies and healthy!  What more could you ask for? Try it and get creative with your mix-in’s.

Thanks everyone for being so understanding on my last post about my struggle to find balance and for your tips.  I know it time I will find my groove again…..for now ~ I hope you enjoyed this recipe from my archives, it is by far one I NEED to make again ~ YUM!

You still have time to win your signed copy of Rocco’s new book!

Tomorrow I head over to TJ’s Test Kitchen for a fun Fit Bloggin’ Pizza~tastic day!

Night all!

Happy Monday all!  Thanks for all your comments on creating your own Harvest Grain Blend on my last post.  I am all about trying to re-create something from Trader Joe’s so that you all can try it even if you don’t have a TJ’s near you.  I have their Spicy Peanut Vinaigrette on my list still….one day I will attempt it.

This morning started with a Cinnamon Raisin Peanut Butter Bagel Thin (6 points+)

Then, The Husband had a good laugh at how it took me 15 minutes to cut up 1 Mango and get just this much.  But, it was actually delicious ~ No Christmas Tree taste!

I spent my morning getting so many things checked off my list and feeling ultra productive.  The Husband gets major kudos for stopping by to bring me this delicious Iced Decaf Americano with 2 pumps coconut and a splash of half & half (LOVE!_

I have actually been really excited to make THIS Ruby Kale Salad with Citrus and Berries ever since I picked the flyer up at the Farmer’s Market.

I pretty much followed the recipe, but, I added 1/4 cup Trader Joe’s Dried Golden Berries and toasted sesame seeds.

I added a Trader Joe’s pre-cooked marinated chicken breast for some protein making this BIG salad 8 points+.

I LOVED the crunch of the kale, the nuttiness of the walnuts along with the sweet chewy dried fruit and juicy oranges/berries.

Delicious and it only took 10 minutes to make.

Mid afternoon I knew EXACTLY what I wanted to snack on ~ Super Sweet Melon!

2 Tbsp Trader Joe’s Jalapeno Pub Cheese and 8 Social Crackers!  I LOVE this stuff and it is totally worth the occasional 5 points+ treat.

Dinner tonight involved MORE “PUB” Food.  I picked up two types of sausages (for $6) on Friday when I stopped at Fresh & Easy.

I mean check out out the ingredients and the fact that EACH sausage is only 3 points+ ~ DEAL!

Of course this is the ONE I was the MOST excited to try ~ I puffy heart Spicy CHEESE anything!

Still just 3 points+ per link!

I cooked them on the grill until they were crispy and their internal temperature reached 160 degrees (about 25 minutes).

I started with the Jalapeno one (but it was SO HOT, I couldn’t eat it so I switched to the Sun Dried Tomato Sausage).  Topped with all the fixin’s (organic ketchup, mustard, relish, cucumber chips and cherry tomatoes) with corn on the side.

Delicious ~ 6 points+ for my sausage with the works & 2 points+ for the corn.

I see some Caramel Sea Salted Milk Chocolate in my future for dessert!

NEW AT FRIENDS FOR WEIGHT LOSS

* New Tip of the Week & Guest recipe from Shannon’s Kitchen Creations for 7 Points+ Chicken Margherita Pizza ~ check them out at the bottom of the page!

* This week’s Challenge ~ Is it an Urge or a Craving?

* Our 1st Contributor ~ Lindy writes about the FUN Factor in Simply Bliss!

Q’s

What is your favorite “Pub Grub” and have you found (or want!) a “healtified” version of it?

Night all!

Happy Friday Eve all!!  Gahhh, I cannot wait for the long weekend to begin…not that I am counting the days, minutes, seconds or anything   I actually made breakfast this morning in less than 2 minutes.

Ok, I really didn’t make it, but, it was everything I could grab as I literally ran out the door to catch the train (I made it with 2 minutes to spare!)

I WISH they would just sell these Quaker Oatmeal Square boxes just like this because they are in the perfect 4 points+ serving package.

Perfect for people like me who could easily eat the ENTIRE box and wonder where it went when I only portioned out 1 or 2 servings   It’s another reason I don’t buy ice cream too…it disappears (by the spoonful) when I haven’t even had a serving LOL.

Today was a rest day since I am walking like an old lady after yesterday’s TRAVEL BOOTCAMP!

Instead, I skipped straight to my mid morning snack.  I thought about doing my step-by-step mango cutting shots that I learned at BlogHERFOOD, but, I resisted so my co-workers wouldn’t think I was picture crazy

Instead, you all will have to settle for my Mango Monster! (2 points+)

Work has been insanely busy this week so lunch was eaten at my desk.  More Spicy Peanut Noodles with Chicken (10 points+).  I think this gets better each day as the flavors meld together.

Dessert ~ two Biscoff Cookies! (2 points+)  As I was eating these today, I decided I want to try to re-create them and maybe attempt to make their spread too.

I traded in my Mid-Afternoon snack for PopChips! when my co-worker hit the jack pot getting two bags for the price of 1

3 points+ for the entire bag….

I have been waiting to make this Weight Watchers Kale with Bacon & Cannellini Beans recipe ever since I saw it last week.  I resisted making a special trip to the store since we were out of town.

But, tonight….I couldn’t wait!

Start off by cooking up 3 slices of bacon!

Remove the bacon, leaving the bacon “juices” (it just sounds better!) and add onion, garlic and crushed red pepper flakes.

Resist eating the bacon bits while the onions cook!

You want to cook it until the onions are softened, about 10 minutes.

I skipped the saute the kale step and went straight to the add kale and broth step because I didn’t want my onions/garlic to burn.

After steaming for 10 minutes, add the beans and simmer for 5 minutes.

Remove from the heat and top with sea salt, raw sugar and balsamic vinegar.

You get 1/4 of the pan topped with 1/4 of the bacon for 5 points+ (I made 4 bacon piles and resisted eating it!)

Completely and totally delicious!  You can really taste the bacon in the kale and beans followed up with the sweet caramelized onions.  I am definitely making this again,

I served up HUGE artichokes on the side with 1 Tbsp Light Mayo (is it weird this is the ONLY way I like mayo?!) Funny….(1 points+)

The perfect filling low points+ dinner for 6 points+! Click HERE for the recipe.

NEW AT FRIENDS FOR WEIGHT LOSS

* Winner, winner, chicken dinner ~ did you win the $50 Shopping Spree?

* Check out this easy side for Memorial day ~ Crockpot Baked Beans ~ 4 points+

My Memorial Day Recipe ideas will be going up tonight or tomorrow!

Q’s

What is your FAVORITE way to eat Kale?

Up to this point, I absolutely LOVED Kale Chips and to use Kale in soups and ravioli recipes., However, sautéed in bacon juices takes the cake!

Night all!

Did you all remember to set your clocks FORWARD for Day Light Savings time?  Ummm, I remembered but DIDN’T actually do it.  Luckily I woke up in time to make it to my Weight Watchers meeting as we headed out of town to the Sacramento Antique Faire.

I was up .8 lbs today and I can’t say if it was earned or not since my week wasn’t stellar.  I can say what I am going to do differently this week to make sure the scale goes down.

This week my goals are:

1) Eat less ~ focus on my Good Health Guidelines, Power Foods and not using as many WPA.

2) MOVE MORE ~ Last week I pretty much pretended I didn’t need to workout other than my yoga and like one or two walks.  This week, I am committing to getting up early and getting my workout done 4 times. 

I had a great conversation with my friend morning and she made a good point.  I do really well with my exercise when I HAVE A GOAL in mind.   So, I am going to get back into running after my long hiatus and start the Couch to 5K Plan (C25K ) again.

3) Water, water and MORE water!  All that exercise should make me thirsty

We stopped at Starbuck’s on our way out of town so I grabbed a banana plus a Venti Iced Dirty Latte for breakfast (4 points+).

After 3+ hours of walking around, The Husband picked Willie’s Burgers for lunch.  I agreed because the location we usually goes to has options other than burgers.  However, the one in Downtown Sacramento has burgers only. 

Can I just say I NEED to have a real burger more often?!  This burger was as AWESOME as it looks.  I broke down the ingredients as follows to calculate the points+

* Hamburger bun – 4 points+

* Hamburger patty – 5 points+

* Cheese – 3 points+

* Bacon – 2 points+

* Caramelized onions, lettuce, tomato, ketchup, mustard

Our orders came with these HUGE containers of fries.  I could easily eat the entire container, but, I didn’t!

I took a small handful and gave The Husband my container telling him to not give it back to me (6 points+)

We spent more time exploring Sacramento Antique shops before heading home. I did a little prep for the week.

BREAKFASTS!

LUNCHES!

Then, I got to work on dinner.  Awhile back, I saw someone post a recipe for CAULIFLOWER PIZZA on the Friends for Weight Loss message boards.  I was intrigued and have been wanting to make it.  Its pretty simple to make.

Break down a head of cauliflower into small pieces.

“Rice” the cauliflower by pulsing it in your food processor until it breaks down into small pieces.  Do not process too much or you will end up with pureed cauliflower.

Steam in the microwave with NO WATER for 8 minutes.

I added a few extra things to my recipe.

Combine steamed cauliflower with 2 large minced garlic cloves, 8 ounces grated reduced fat mozzarella, 1/4 cup grated parmesan, 2 beaten eggs, 1/2 tsp Italian Season, 2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes, sea salt and black pepper to taste.

Stir and “mush” it together.

Shape into a “pizza” shape on a piece of foil sprayed with nonstick spray.  In the future, I would use a Sil-Pat or Parchment Paper.  You may brush the top with melted butter to help it brown if you like.

Bake at 400 for 10 minutes, reduce heat to 350 and bake an additional 20 minutes.

Slice into 10 pieces and Enjoy.  (2 points+ each)

Part 2 of dinner was a recipe sent to me by one of my readers.  I have been totally wanting to make this recipe ever since she sent it because it has everything I LOVE in it ~ Kale, Chicken Sausage, Gnocchi, Beans, Spice!  Oh and it’s so easy to make

Sauté 1 large chopped sweet onion with 1 package of Trader Joe’s Sweet Chicken Apple Sausage.   Cook until browned, about 5 minutes, then, add in 2 cloves garlic and 2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes.  Cook for 30 seconds, then, remove from pan and set aside.

You are supposed to add in 3 cups of Potato Gnocchi, but, I used what I had on hand ~ this Gnocchi Alla Sorrentina from Trader Joe’s.

4 Points+ per cup, 12 for the entire bag.

I actually forgot about the “tomato” part of the gnocchi, but, it was too late after I added it on top of the kale.

Add in one 32 oz box Chicken Broth, 15 oz can Diced Tomatoes with Green Chiles and a 15 oz can White Beans, drained and rinsed.  Simmer for 10 minutes.  Return Sausage Mixture and cook for 1 minute.

THIS SOUP IS AWESOME!!!  The Husband and I both LOVED it, although agreed next time we would use an Italian Sausage since we kept tasting the apple.

HEARTY KALE SOUP

Courtesy of Melanie

INGREDIENTS

• 5 Trader Joe’s Sweet Chicken Apple Sausages, sliced
• 1 cup sweet onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• 3 cups kale, roughly chopped
• 3 cups potato gnocchi
• 32 oz chicken broth
• 15 oz diced tomatoes with green chiles
• 15 oz cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

INSTRUCTIONS

1.  Sauté 1 large chopped sweet onion with 1 package of Trader Joe’s Sweet Chicken Apple Sausage.   Cook until browned, about 5 minutes, then, add in 2 cloves garlic and 2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes.  Cook for 30 seconds, then, remove from pan and set aside.

2.  Add Kale and gnocchi to pan.  Cook for 30 seconds, then add chicken broth, tomatoes and cannellini beans.  Simmer for 10 minutes.

3.  Return sausage mixture to pan and cook 1 additional minute.

Makes 6, 1 1/2 cup servings, 7 points+ each

I had a slice of Cauliflower pizza bread with my soup.  It is OK….you have to definitely LOVE Cauliflower because it tastes just like roasted cauliflower and cheese.  I am not sure I’d make it again even if I topped it with pizza toppings since The Husband didn’t like it at all.

NEW AT FRIENDS FOR WEIGHT LOSS

* New Tip of the Week & Guest Recipe ~ check them out at the bottom of the page!

* This week’s Challenge ~ What Healthy Guideline will you work on this week?

HERE IS WHAT IS ON THE MENU THIS WEEK

* BREAKFASTS ~ Biggest Loser Taco Muffins

* LUNCHES ~ CEiMB ~ Chinese Chicken Salad

* Genovese Chicken over Roasted Garlic/Mushroom Pasta with salad

* Crockpot Corned Beef & Cabbage! plus Dill Fingerling Potatoes

* Baked Ziti, Garlic Bread, Lemon Broccoli

* Buffalo Chicken Wraps

* TBD ~ leftovers or a new recipe

Q’s

Do you ever use vegetables to make “mock” version of your favorite recipes?

I have used Cauliflower for mashed potatoes and LOVED them as well as Jicama for Hashbrowns.  I am not sure I am loving the Cauliflower pizza, but, I want to.

Night all!

Happy Monday All!  I have to start out today by saying THANKS SO MUCH to all of you for your sweet comments on my very first ever CAKE POP Spring Chickie’s!  I have to admit that while I may bake things, I am not usually a “pretty baker”, but, more of a “practical baker”……think Pumpkin Nut Bread and Banana Nut Pumpkin Butter Flax Muffins,   I typically bake things I can eat and sit on the sidelines watching others make fancy, drool worthy cakes, cupcakes, CAKE POPS! 

I think that I am so impressed because CAKE POPS only look hard, but, really, if I can do them and make them actually look like chickie’s, anyone can – they are E-Z, but, totally require patience.

I am pretty sure I am a bit addicted to making them now and can’t wait to try something new.  Did I mention that the stats are not too shabby either because you make sooo many??? They average around 3-5 points each and honestly you can’t really eat more than one because they are SUPER SWEET….just a side note.

Moving on

Breakfast was a quick fried “eggwich” ~ 1 egg “fried” in nonstick spray with sea salt & black pepper on top of a slice of TJ’s FF Multi-Grain Bread (3 pts).

I am really digging saving the point on eggwiches by using REAL bread (not light), but, only 1 slice.

Purple & Orange Peppers! The purple peppers taste just like a cross between green and yellow.  Orange are definitely sweeter, but, the purple are crispier and juicier.

My breakfast ROCKED at keeping me full all morning as in almost 7 hours!  I need to remember that combo.

Yesterday while whipping up all those cake pops, I also thought I’d whip up a delicious batch of soup now that “FALL” is officially here or is supposed to be here!

I had some leftover Trader Joe’s Sweet Apple Chicken Sausage to use up along with a big bunch of kale….Enter Sweet, Savory & Spicy all in one pot!

KALE, WHITE BEAN & SWEET APPLE SAUSAGE SOUP

Doesn’t the title just scream fall LOL…too bad it was 104 degrees today LOL!

INGREDIENTS

4 teaspoons Olive Oil, divided in half

2 Trader Joe’s Sweet Apple Sausages, quartered and diced

1 medium onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon Dried Italian Seasoning

1 14.5 oz can white kidney beans, drained and rinsed

1 14.5 oz can fire roasted diced tomatoes with garlic

32 oz Chicken Broth

1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes

1 bunch of kale, removed from stem into 2 inch pieces

Shaved Parmesan for topping, optional

INSTRUCTIONS

1.  Heat 2 tsp Olive Oil in a large stock pan over medium heat.  Add chicken sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.  Remove the sausage and add remaining 2 tsp Olive Oil.

2.  Add onion, garlic and dried Italian Seasoning cooking until softened, about 7 minutes.

3.  Stir in beans, tomatoes, broth and reserved sausage.  Stir to combine and add in crushed red pepper flakes.  Bring to a boil and reduce heat to a simmer.

4.  Add kale and continue cooking until kale is wilted and cooked, about 10 minutes.

‘Top with shaved parmesan and Enjoy!

Makes 4 large 2 cup servings, ONLY 4 points each

Nutritional Information per serving excluding topping:

STEP-BY-STEP

Brown your deliciously sweet, savory Maple Chicken Apple Sausage in 2 tsp olive oil.

Remove the sausage, add remaining 2 tsp olive oil, onion, garlic and Italian seasoning cooking until softened.

Add tomatoes and your beans (I used white but any will work)

Add in the chicken broth.

Return the sausage to the pan.

Spice it up a bit with crushed red pepper flakes to your liking.

After bringing your soup to a boil, add in the kale.

Cook about 10 minutes until the kale is softened and cook.

Top with shaved parmesan if desired, crushed black pepper and sea salt to taste.

Dig into all that soupy goodness and enjoy! 

I LOVED this soup and am going to be enjoying it for lunches all week plus freezing a little for a quick lunch down the road on a cool winter day.

Dessert was cantaloupe that I got at the store for $0.57/each! (1 pt)

Mid afternoon I had my usual snack ~ Cheese & a beautiful white nectarine….the answer to today’s riddle a clari-“net” LOL.

The Husband met me after work to do some HALLOWEEN SHOPPING!  SO FUN, I LOVE FALL!!!  I couldn’t resist stopping at Mary’s Pizza Shake for dinner when he offered it up. 

Can you believe that this delicious salad sounded better to me than pizza?! AWESOME!!!

I think it’s because it has so many fun things to eat ( 10 pt estimate) probably less because I only managed to eat half of it:

* Iceberg lettuce – eh, but, the other toppings are fun

* Carrots

* Homemade 3 bean Salad

*Mushrooms!

* Beets

* Tomato Slices

* Mozzarella & Egg Slices you can’t see below my chicken & huge onion ring!

* Ranch dressing because sometimes you just need it!

I finished off the night decorating the rest of my CHICKIES!!!! I have to say now that I’ve done it, I am getting much faster.  I decorated another dozen in a 1/2 hour!

I can’t help it, every time I look at them, they make me smile Speaking of that

~ WHAT IS ONE THING YOU LOOK AT THAT MAKES YOU SMILE NO MATTER WHAT MOOD YOU ARE IN?

I can’t wait for the Farmer’s Market & Biggest Loser tomorrow ~ it’s going to be an awesome day!

Night all!

I LOVE Earth Day ~ Not just because we get super cool stuff at work and get a fun catered Whole Foods Lunch, but, because, it’s one day a year that everyone has a chance to think about just ONE THING they can do to be GREENER. 

If only we had Earth Month, imagine what we could do to our environment.  I have LOVED hearing all the ways you all want to be GREENER this year….For me, it is to NOT USE a single paper or plastic bag but to ALWAYS carry a reusable bag or not buy what’s in my hands if I can’t carry it.  I am also trying to used little to NO Ziploc bags.

I carry Chico Bags in my purse for shopping at any store.  Do you have one? If not, get one – they ROCK!  Or, if you want to have a “fashionable” one, you can check out the Kingdom Magic Bags in My Open Sky Shop. 

Both are fun to use whether you are at Target or NY& Co

Since we are a GREEN COMPANY (voted 2010 Best Green Company– cool, huh?!), we do some FUN Earth Day Celebrating.

When I arrived at my desk, I had a super cute Annie’s Bag waiting for me in my chair.

I LOVE the Bookmark ~ it’s made out of SEEDS you plant

We are so LOVED ~ goodies from Annie’s Friends ~  Clif, Stonyfield, R.W. Knudsen, Santa Cruz Organic, Amy’s and EO ~ *free* coupons for some delicious organic and natural food, as well as eco-information, recipes and more.

Along with an AWESOME letter from Annie, herself.

Have I ever told you how much I LOVE everything the company I work for stands for?!  It’s seriously the CORE values and the passion for the environment and the people that make each day worth it….It’s hard not to be passionate about these things yourself!

Ok….There, I finally shared a little about where I work so now you know, if you didn’t know Moving on……

My day started with another Grande FF, Decaf, “Caramel Marshmallow” latte (2.5 pts)

Plus a Cheesy, Maple Sausage ~ wich.  YUM!

Thomas Double Fiber English Muffin (1 pt)

Morning Star Maple Veggie Sausage (2 pts)

1 Melty Slice Cabot Reduced Fat Sharp Cheddar (1 pt)

The morning flew by with Earth Day Trivia questions and fun Gardening prizes to be won  

I actually didn’t mean to miss my morning snack, but, before I knew it, it was time for WHOLE FOODS FRIDAY THURSDAY (in honor of Earth Day!)

Everything we used was from Seventh Generation & 100% compostable or recyclable – I LOVE that!

I started off with a Turkey Pinwheel ~ it was just ok…so I tossed it after a bite.

Plus a TON of the BEST Broccoli Salad ever ~ it had broccoli, red onions, cashews, sunflower seeds, raisins…..Basically it was worth my 8 pt estimate!

Sesame Noodle Salad ~ sounds and looks good, but, it wasn’t really…I tossed this too after 2 bites…life is just too short to waste your points on food that isn’t amazing.

1/2 a Turkey/Ham/Cheese Wrap that had Spicy Honey Dijon on Whole Wheat…..I LOVE wraps (6 pt estimate).

I had planned on only eating half of this cookie, but, it has EVERYTHING in it ~ oatmeal, raisins, craisins, white chocolate chips. dark chocolate chunks, coconut, WHOLE almonds….Um, ya, I ate it ALL (3 or probably more pts)

I was STUFFED all afternoon, but, at least I was stuffed with Whole Foods goodness   I knew I needed to lighten up dinner a bit and get in some GREENS.

I decided to clean out our fridge and tossed a bunch of veggies with some frozen potatoes for “O’Brien Hash Browns”. 

I used 2 tsp Olive OIl at the start and added 2 tsp more while cooking to make it 1 tsp per serving!

I took the rest of the veggies and sautéed them for my Egg White Scramble….The secret ingredient ~ KALE!

Plus 1/2 cup liquid egg whites, sea salt & black pepper. (1 point per 1/2 cup!)

I turned off the heat and added a small pinch of shaved parmesan and tomatoes.

MMMM….but, do you know what was missing?

SRIRACHA!!!  My entire egg mix was only…..1 POINT!

1/2 c of my potato mix cooked in 1 tsp olive oil (2 pts!)

TWO slices of TJ’s turkey bacon for 1 point

Can you believe this entire plate clocked in at ONLY FOUR POINTS (less than 300 calories)?! 

Total contentment ~ The Kale in my eggs was AWESOME – it absorbed all the flavors and added a nice nuttiness.

ONE MORE DAY TO ENTER TO WIN A FUROCHIC ~ check it out because I guarantee you will want one – they are SO FUN and if you are like me and can’t wrap for sh*&, this is the solution

Oh, and for those wondering…..THE HUSBAND picked that title….like the song, I think??

Happy Friday Eve all!!!

Happy Friday Eve all!  One more day until the weekend ~ 75 degrees of sunshine…..I can’t wait!

I woke up this morning feeling sicker than I have all week so I figured it MUST BE because I NEED a Cold Buster.  So, I made a sorta lame call today ~ I went up to the original (Medium Size) thinking it would only add 2 additional points ~ nope ~ 8 points vs 4 for 24 oz vs 16 oz ~ boo!  I guess I can feel good about the fact that I got in my 5 a day in a cup plus an antioxidant & immunity boost.

I was starving but managed to hold off for 3 hours for my mid morning snack ~ 1 slice TJ’s Sour Dough Wheat Bread with 1/2 Tbsp Cashew Butter (3 pts)

I brought a BIG salad today, but, I really wasn’t feeling it and I had to run to Trader Joe’s to pick up a few things for dinner.  I couldn’t resist stopping at Whole foods for SOUP ~ it’s been awhile

Today’s mix was FANTASTIC as always ~ 1/2 Southwestern Chicken & White bean with 1/2 ey Chili……..Thick, chunky and good.  I had 1/2 for lunch that I scooped into my CUP (3 pts)

With Corny Corn Bread (3 pts per 1/2)!  You have to have sweet corn bread with bean soups, dontcha think?

I crumbled my half on top of my “chili soup” and mixed it in ~ SOOOOO GOOD!

For dessert and for good measure, a little Dark Chocolate wiht ALMOND and SEA SALT ~ CHOCOLOVE! (2 pts because I put one square in my mouth as I broke off 3)

I had two of the COOLEST packages waiting for me when I got home.  I was going through NUT BAR CRUNCHY ALMOND BUTTER WITHDRAWALS.  I discovered this local almond butter last year at the Farmer’s Market and couldn’t wait any longer for the market to start to get more.  I ordered up one jar for me and one for one of my FAVORITE friends in the world

THIS is why it’s so good ~ nothing but 100% home grown California Almonds!

The 2nd package you all will get to check out this weekend ~ It’s everything I need for my FRIDGE MAKEOVER.  Get ready to see the BEFORE & AFTER’S of our Fridge and WIN a MAKEOVER YOURSELF!!! I can’t wait to do it and share in the fun!!!

OK ~ that was a lot of !!! because I really don’t feel all that energetic LOL. I was planning a new dinner tonight with some fun TJ’s products, but, I somehow forgot Bell Peppers when I was at Whole Foods (it might’ve been my A.D.D when I saw the SOUP!)

So my fancy Pepper Pasta turned into a modified version of my Mushroom Ravioli’s A La Kale!

I pulled out these funky dried Mushrooms from Trader Joe’s that I’ve had sitting in the pantry waiting for me to decide how to use them.

Lots of crazy mushrooms I’m sure I’ve never eaten.

Plus BACON PROSCUITTO PERLINE PASTA

8 points for HALF the package is a pretty good deal for PASTA!

Plus more Shroooms!

I LOVE THIS RECIPE because the longest part is chopping/slicing all of the produce ~ it goes together in less than 20 minutes.

Cute little pasta “PURSES” filling with bacon.  Ok, I have to say that I couldn’t taste bacon/prosciutto/a smoky flavor at all.  They just tasted like herby ravioli’s that belong in pesto, but, I still really liked them.

Like I said ~ 1/2 a package of mushrooms, plus 1/2 a head of kale plus 1/2 a package of Perline Pasta = a lot of delicious eats for 9 points!

TODAY’S SCORE ~ An A- Thanks to Jamba Juice and 1/2 a head of Kale I am sure!  I am over on my calories and am a total CARB addict LOL ~ good info to know so I can improve on it!

Hasta Manana ~ just one day!!!

Today was day 1 of my 12 Week, 84 day Body For Life (BFL) Challenge.  I started off my morning by weighing in, taking my measurements and taking pictures.  The Husband was so funny, he wanted in on the action too.  I took his pictures and he joined me for my first workout. 

Today’s workout was an Upper Body Strength Training Session.  I am easing into everything my first week as I learn what my “high point” (level 10) is.  I really like the workouts because you start out easy at an effort level of 5 and work your way up to your all out max of 10. 

You pick one exercise for each major muscle group and go through a series of 6 sets.  I didn’t realize until I was half way through my workout that I was supposed to pick a different exercise for the last 2 sets – oops!  You rest for 1 minute in between the first 4 sets, but, go straight through for the last two.  Then, break 2 minutes between each major muscle group.  I’d like to workout to using my resting time as a way to get in crunches, jumping jacks, etc.

So here it goes ~ the lowdown on workout #1!

5 minute Warm-Up on the treadmill

Chest
Barbell Bench Press
12 reps at 45 #
10 reps at 50 #
8 reps at 55 #
6 reps at 60 #
12 reps at 55 #
12 reps at 50 # (high point)

Shoulders
Seated Dumbell Press

12 reps at 10 #
10 reps at 15 #
8 reps at 20 #
6 reps at 25 #
12 reps at 20 #
12 reps at 15 # (high point)

Back

One Arm Dumbell Rows

12 reps at 10 #
10 reps at 15 #
8 reps at 20 #
6 reps at 25 #
12 reps at 25 #
12 reps at 20 # (high point)

Triceps

Tricep Press

12 reps at 5 #
10 reps at 10 #
8 reps at 15 #
6 reps at 20 #
Cable Extensions

12 reps at 15 #
12 reps at 10 # (high point)

Biceps

Alternate Dumbell Curls

12 reps at 10 #
10 reps at 15 #
8 reps at 20 #
6 reps at 25 #

Hammer Curls
12 reps at 15 #
12 reps at 10 #

I did a few minutes of stretching after.  My entire workout took 50 minutes which isn’t far off from the 46 minute goal.

I was starving by the time I was done and ready to dig into breakfast.  I made up a quick Egg Scramble for my protein + veggies ~ 1 egg, 1/4 c liquid egg whites, 1 c bok choy, sea salt, pepper & Tapatio Hot sauce.

Plus 2 slices dry Ezekiel Toast for my carbohydrates.

All together with a big cup of ice water.  Breakfast was totally filling and only 5 Weight Watcher Points.  I LOVED my first BFL meal – YUM!

After breakfast I went on a quest for EAS Whey Protein Powder.  I’ve seen Janetha rave about their protein powder all the time on her site and I knew I needed to give it a shot.  I went to TWO Costco’s with no such luck.  I finally ended up at Sam’s Club and they had it ~ yeah!

They were also sampling  bars that I think fits into the BFL guidelines with equal protein (20g) and carbs (18g).  I had all 3 types (about 1/2 a bar) for my mid-morning snack.  These bars totally rock!  They taste like a candy bar but they are not loaded with sugar/calories of all the other bars.  Each bar has less than 3 g sugar (they do contain splenda) and they are all under 200 calories.

I also picked up a new Low-Fat Sargento Cheddar Cheese – LOVE how they are in sticks.

Lunch was a BIG chicken salad.  I took leftover chicken we had in the fridge and added a ton of veggies, plus healthy AVOCADO fat.

Organic Mixed Greens

Organic Cucumber

Organic Mini Peppers Sliced

Organic Cherry Tomatoes

1/4 Organic Avocado

1 Lowfat Sargento Cheese Stick

4 oz chicken

After the picture, I topped my salad with 1/2 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil and 1 Tbsp Balsamic Vinegar.

I did my best, but, it was too much to eat.  I was full and didn’t see the point in stuffing myself.  The only bummer was I had planned on having a cup of watermelon for my carb for dessert, but, I didn’t have any room

I broke out the new 5 LB bag (that is more protein powder than I’ve ever bought in my life!) EAS Chocolate Whey Protein Powder to make up a “Chocolate Milk Shake” for my snack.

** If you sign up for their newsletter HERE, they will send you a FREE SAMPLE!

1 scoop of EAS Chocolate Protein Powder

1 banana

handful of ice cubes

8 oz water

Blend and enjoy!  WOW!  I am seriously amazed by how good this protein powder is.  It’s completely smooth – no gritty, powdery-ness at all and it doesn’t taste like protein powder.  It really does taste like a milk shake.  I DEFINITELY will be adding more ice next go round to make it like ice cream.  YUM ~ I LOVE it and highly recommend this brand if you are looking for a protein powder.  I can’t wait to find different ways to use the 5 lbs LOL.

For dinner tonight I made one of my all time favorite Cooking Light MyRecipes.com recipes ~ Sloppy Joes.  I LOVE this recipe because it is super easy and loaded with veggies, but, honestly the flavor is better than any can you could ever buy.  Click HERE to get the recipe.

Start off by adding all your veggies to a pan over medium heat with 1 tsp Extra Virgin Olive oil.

Add your ground meats.  I used all lean turkey instead of mixing turkey and beef.  I’ve had it both ways and they both are fantastic.

Mix in your sauces and spices and let simmer covered for 20 minutes.

Tadah!  So easy and you can prep all your other sides while it simmers.

The first side I made was Kale Chips (Thanks Kath!).  I have had these on my list of my try things forever and tonight I finally did.  I added some washed, chopped kale with the stems removed, a drizzle of Extra Virgin Olive Oil and sprinkles of sea salt & parmesan.  Here are my “chips” going into the oven.

And coming out of the oven.  I cooked them at 375 for 10 minutes and they came out really crispy and good.  The Husband actually LOVED them and asked me if he could have more of those “fry” things.  A true test that they really do taste like chips.  I really liked the addition of parmesan cheese – I recommend adding that any time you make these.

The other side we had was something new I picked up at Trader Joe’s Today.  It’s fresh baby asparagus in a ready to eat pack.

How cool is it that you cook and eat in under 5 minutes.  LOVE that!

To assemble my “Healthy Joes”, I toasted a whole wheat hamburger bun and topped it with a THICK slice of tomato.

Spooned on a big scoop of my Healthy Slop!

Topped with the bun topper – it’s ready to chow down on.  YUM!!!

Kale Chips ~ I think next time I’ll dip them in ketchup too – they were fun to eat since they were so light and crispy. The almost melted in your mouth.

Perfectly steamed baby asparagus.  I really missed seasoning it up – I should’ve added lemon juice or something.

All together with some extra slop on the side it was a fantastic meal!

The little container you see on the right is my vitamins.  I put them out every night for us (The Husband’s vitamins are all gummy LOL).  Tonight I had a multi-vitamin with iron (I am anemic) and the GNC Omega Chew I got as a sample today.  The chew was so funky in texture but flavored like an orange Starburst.

Dessert tonight was a couple of cherry tomatoes from our Sweet 100 Plants.  I shared with The Husband.

Wow ~ I guess I had more to say about today than I thought LOL! 

Overall ~ I think day 1 went well.  I wasn’t 100% perfect, but, I feel good with how it went.  I have all our meals planned out for the week and I cannot wait to get back into the kitchen cooking.  I honestly think this challenge was just what I was needing to get motivated.  I will share more with you all each day as I review BFL along with my personal goals, etc.

I am off to figure out how to use my fat calipers (the last measurement for today), read and zonk out!  Nite all!

***Edited for stats:

Calories consumed: 1,906

Calories Burned: 3,027

Steps Taken: 10,075

Ratios: 30% Prot, 38% Carbs, 32% fat

100+ oz water!

One of my most anticipated packages arrived today!  I was contacted a little while back to ask if I wanted to try Gayle’s Barbecue Sauces.  You all know how I LOVE barbecue sauce and the flavors of Gayle’s Sauces sounded amazing.  I think what really sold me though was the story.  I LOVE how her dad owned a BBQ sauce, she bottled it up and sold it for everyone to enjoy.  But, the story gets better and you all have probably had Gayle’s BBQ sauce without even knowing it. This is the BBQ sauce that they use on the California Pizza Kitchen Pizzas which are AMAZING!!!!

My Gayle’s Barbecue Sauce box was packed with a bunch of fun stuff.

A super cute Gayle’s Barbecue Sauces shirt ~ LOVE the little girl on the back.

The offer 5 different flavors of sweet & sassy barbecue sauce.

* Sweet & Sassy ~ Original

* Extra Sassy

* Honey Sweet

* Apple Cider Smoked

* Chipotle

The nutritionals are fantastic on every bottle and they are made with REAL ingredients.  I LOVE that.  The sauces are all natural, gluten free, cholesterol free, fat free, saturated fat free, preservative free to boot!

4 out of 5 flavors survived the shipment to me. I think the Extra Sassy got a little attitude being stuck in a box with the other 4 for a few days.

Plus, RECIPES and IDEAS for using their amazing BBQ sauces!  Gayle’s BBQ seriously knows the way to my heart.  I am so excited to try all the flavors, I am not sure where to start

I almost went out and picked up some stuff to BBQ tonight but I stuck to my plan.  I promise reviews, reviews and more reviews coming soon!!!  Thanks again Gayle’s Peeps ~ I am beyond excited to try all the sauces and ideas!

I wasn’t feeling salad for dinner tonight since I had salad for lunch.  Instead I opted for Mushroom Ravioli’s A La Kale (can you tell The Husband picked the name?).  It actually took a lot of self talk and convincing because I really didn’t want to cook at all.  But, I told myself this IS FAST FOOD and it was.  Dinner took about 30 minutes or less from start to finish.

Mushroom Ravioli’s A La Kale

Ingredients:

½ oz dried portabella mushrooms

1 cup boiling water

1 bunch green onions, diced

1 (8-ounce) package sliced cremini or white mushrooms

¾ teaspoon salt

4 large garlic cloves, minced

2-3 Pinch crushed red pepper

1 (14 ½ oz) can vegetable broth

4 cups thinly sliced kale

¼ teaspoon freshly ground pepper

2 (9-ounce) packages fresh cheese ravioli’s (pick our favorite flavor or use reduced fat)

2 tablespoons grated parmesan

Instructions:

1. Place the portabella mushrooms and boiling water in a small pot; cover and let stand about 10 minutes. Pour the portabella mushrooms and water in a strainer, reserving liquid.   If you want to use the portabella mushrooms, remove the mushrooms from the liquid, rinse thoroughly, and chop coarsely. Line a strainer with a paper towel. Pour the mushroom liquid through the strainer and set the liquid aside.
2. Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the green onions, cremini or white mushrooms and ½ teaspoon of the salt’ cook; cook, stirring frequently, until the mushrooms are browned and tender, about 5 minutes. Add the portabella mushrooms (if using), the garlic, and crushed red pepper; cook, stirring about minute. Stir in the vegetable broth, arugula, and the reserved mushroom liquid; bring to a simmer. Stir in the remaining ¼ salt and the pepper.
3. Cook the ravioli according to package directions’ drain and divide between 4 shallow bowls. Ladle the mushroom sauce evenly over each serving. Sprinkle with the cheese if desired.

Yields 4 servings, about 2 cups at 8 Weight Watcher Points+ each.

Time Saver Note: Want so speed up the portabella prep? Instead of soaking the dried mushrooms for 10 minutes, combine them with 1 cup water in a small microwavable bowl and microwave on high 1 minute. Complete step 1 as directed.

Here are the dried mushrooms I used.

After a 10 minute hot bath, the mushrooms reconstitute and create a nice, earthy mushroom broth.

Drain the broth, separate and rinse the mushrooms in using.  I do not use them, but, I know some people LOVE to use them.  Be sure to re-strain the liquid to get the specks off the bottom.

Over medium-high heat, add the olive oil, mushrooms, green onion and salt.  Sauté until browned, about 5 minutes.  I prepared my mushroom sauce while the mushrooms soaked.

Add your 4 cloves of minced garlic with crushed red pepper.  Cook for an additional minute.

Add your kale, broth, and remaining salt/pepper.  Continue cooking for about 5 minutes or until kale is tender.

Cook your ravioli’s according the packaged directions while the kale mix cooks.  I used Trader Joe’s Spinach Ricotta Ravioli’s.

When the ravioli’s are done, spoon into 4 dishes and top with your Mushroom/Kale mixture and a sprinkle of freshly shredded parmesan.

I LOVE all in one meals ~ this was the perfect vegetarian dish that was so satisfying.  I think it would be fantastic in the fall because that is what it reminded me of – maybe it was the mushroom part   Adding in the mushroom broth with the veggie broth really gives it an amazing flavor.

Dessert tonight was a “mock” Key Lime Pie.  I took a crumbled lowfat cinnamon graham cracker, topped it with a 0 Weight Watcher Point Fiber 1 Key Lime Yogurt and a little fresh whipped cream – YUM!  I think next time I’ll sprinkle a little cinnamon over the top.  Not bad for 2 Weight Watcher Points (rounding up!)

The fun for The Husband’s birthday begins tomorrow.  He is already talking about it being his birthday “eve’” LOL.  I know I am making his cake (fingers crossed it turns out – the concept is so cool and colorful!).  But, I am not sure about the rest of the plans.  I’ll keep you all posted.

Nite!