Strawberry and Cream oatmeal (THM E)

 

Its been a while since I have blogged…. all summer really.  Life sometimes just gets busy and I forget to share with you all the yummy recipes I create for my family.  This one is a supper easy breakfast. 

A few days ago, I was craving Strawberry and Cream oatmeal.  I use to love those instant packages of oatmeal a few years ago. This recipe only to a few minutes to whip up. Simple and easy for the busy mom.

This is a single serving recipe.

 

Strawberry and Cream oatmeal

1 cup water

1/2 cup old fashion oats

4 frozen strawberries

1 TBS heavy cream (one tablespoon has 5 grams of fat)

Sweetener of choice to taste

Optional: Whey Protein Powder for added protein

 

In a small pot place water, oats, and strawberries.. cook until oats are done, smashing up the strawberries into small sizes.

Place in a bowl, and add cream and sweeten to your taste.

*you can add your WPP at this time if you want the added protein.

 

Enjoy!

Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli

This Dish I cooked up while on a Fuel Cycle.  It’s a great Deep S meal  served over Spaghetti squash or Zucchini noodles.

Enjoy Ladies!

 

 

 

 

Deep S  Crockpot BEEF AND BROCCOLI
By: Shelby Dunning
INGREDIENTS:
1 cup beef broth
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 Tablespoons oyster sauce
3 to 4 Tablespoons of Turvia or THM Sweet blend
½ teaspoon of maple extract
1 tablespoon sesame oil or coconut oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 pounds boneless beef chuck roast, thinly sliced or  stew meat.
2 heads broccoli, cut into florets  or 1 bag of frozen.
1 teaspoon of gluccie
INSTRUCTIONS:
In a medium bowl, whisk together beef broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sweet blend , sesame oil and garlic.
Place beef into a slow cooker. Add sauce mixture and gently toss to combine. Cover and cook on high heat for  a few hours. (3 or 4 usually)
In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup water and gluccie.
Stir in gluccie mixture and broccoli into the slow cooker. Cover and cook on high heat for an additional 30 minutes. cook until the broccoli is done. 
Serve immediately. * I serve mine over spaghetti squash

 

 

IF I AM GOING TO BE GONE THE WHOLE DAY, I WILL ADD EVERTHING IN THE CROCKPOT AND LET IT COOK ON LOW … WHEN I AM GET HOME I THEN ADD THE GLUCCIE  MIXTURE …LET IT COOK FOR A FEW MINS.. THEN SERVE….

The Graduate

 

It only seemed like yesterday I was preparing her for Kindergarten.  She was excited, I was nervous!  I knew and trusted her teachers… we all went to the same church… she was at the church!  That first year of her education was great for her,but, I always knew we would eventually homeschool

I will treasure all the moments, good and bad, I had with my daughter.  All those times, when I wanted to pull my hair out due to frustration.  All those times we rejoiced together when she got that tuff math problem finally right.    Homeschooling is one thing our family has never regretted.  Yes, there have been lean financial times, when we had to make sacrifices for school work… but it was all worth it.

 

I find myself wondering… Did I do everything right?  Did I prepare her enough for the world?  Then I pray!  I pray that she would remember what I taught her.  I think that is one of the fears some of us as homeschoolers face.  Did we do everything we could to prepare our children for the world?

For me, myself, and I…. I see the young woman she has become.  I see her gentle spirit.  I see her desire to help the elderly when they need it.  I see her desire to serve the Lord in where ever He has for her.  All that tells me, if I didn’t do one thing right… I did that right!  She knows her LORD… and she has a desire to serve HIM in any area that HE needs her in!   To me that is all that matters first and for most!   Yes, she needs her education… she needs the skills to go out and get a job, etc.… and she does! 

But for me that Scripture rings true…. and it has been my theme verse all these years as I have been on been on this adventure called homeschooling…..

Deut. 6: 5-9

And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: ⁷And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.⁸ And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes.

⁹ And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.

I have taught her to Love the Lord, listen to His voice, and to know HIM!  I have written it upon the door posts of her life!  And now she can go out and do what God has called her to do.

Shortbread Cookies ~ THM, Low Carb, Gluten Free

First let me say this, I am in love with the new THM baking blend.  It is so versatile that its unreal!  It was a little splurge for me to buy it when I did, so I have been very picky as to what I use it for.   By far it has been the best thing for this gluten free mom!

A few days ago, I made a crust using the THM baking blend for a no bake cheesecake.  I feel in love with the crust.

(Who doesn’t love pie crust?!?)

The pie crust kind of tasted like a shortbread cookie to me.  I wanted to recreate all that yumminess in cookie form. 

This recipe is so simple to make.  It takes just a minute or two to mix together in a food processor.  If you don’t own one, no problem!  Just let your butter soften and mix! The best part of this recipe is it only uses 4 ingredients… THM baking blend, THM sweet blend, butter, and vanilla.  After its mixed, just roll and let chill in the fridge for two hours.  Cut and bake.   

* Just a reminder, the THM sweet blend is very sweet.  If you are using your own homemade blend, then you might need to taste the dough and add more if it needs it. *

For a Trim Healthy Mama, these are an S cookie. 

I am sure your whole family will enjoy these simple cookies. 

Enjoy!

Shortbread Cookies~ THM, Low Carb, Gluten Free

2 cups THM Baking blend

2 sticks butter (cold)

3 Tablespoons THM sweet blend

2 teaspoons vanilla

Combine all ingredients into your food processor.  Mix until its all combined.  Remove and place on wax paper.  Roll it to form a long tube.  Wrap, and place in fridge for two hours or longer to chill.  After it has chilled, cut slices about a fourth of an inch. (it doesn’t have to be perfect)  Bake on a lined cookie sheet with parchment paper at 350 for 12 minutes or until golden brown.  Allow to completely cool before removing them from the parchment paper. 

Memorial Day Recipe Roundup

 

 

I have to say.. I Love Memorial Day!  It signals the beginning of Summer.  Bring on the BBQ’s, the picnic’s, the fishing at the lake.   Last week I was searching my stash of recipes to find the ultimate  Memorial day menu.  There are so many great and yummy Trim Healthy Recipes out there, that I am still having a hard time pinning down my menu.  Here are a few “must try” recipes for your Memorial Day feast.

 

 

 

Salads

Apple Pecan Chicken Salad for Two ( a crossover)

California Cobb Strawberry Salad ( this is a S salad… just watch the dressing)

BLT Chicken Salad (THM S)

Broccoli Salad (THM S)

Bacon tomato cucumber salad THM S  by Simply Healthy Home

Sensational Strawberry Salad THM S

No Pasta Salad By The Coers Family

 Festive Pasta Salad  by Mrs. Criddles kitchen

BERRY AMBROSIA SALAD (THM S) by Mrs. Criddles kitchen

 

 

 

For your BBQ needs:

BBQ sauce  By Graceful Abandon

BBQ Sauce by Mrs. Criddles Kitchen 

 Simply Delicious Marinade by  Darcie’s Dishes

 

 

 

Sides:

Grilled Veggies ( There is nothing better than veggies on the grill.)

Salsa 

 Deviled Eggs by Mrs. Criddles Kitchen

 

 

 

 

Desserts:

ICE CREAM ( you can’t have a picnic or BBQ  without ice cream)

Strawberry Shortcake

Lemon Cake

Fudge Brownies (awesome with homemade ice cream)

 

For more BBQing Ideas.. check out this post by Darcie’s Dishes!

Enjoy your Memorial Day weekend!

Shelby

Fried Mushrooms anyone?

Who doesn’t love a good fried veggie at one point or another.  While shopping at my local Aldi’s yesterday, I saw that mushrooms were on sale. A thought came to me… Fried mushrooms with ranch sound good.  I bought a few packages.  Today I whipped some up along with some fried Zucchini.

 

I used the THM baking blend as my coating.  I was worried about how my family would like them. They devoured them!  I had to fight them for a few… LOL.

The THM baking blend fries up so crispy.. its so delicious.  You can use this batter and coating on just about any

fried veggie or meat dish you want.  Its so versatile.

 

 

 

Fried Mushrooms  (THM S )  

1 package of whole mushrooms sliced in half if huge

3 to 4 eggs

3 squirts of Louisiana Hot sauce  (more if you like your food spicy)

1 1/2 cups of THM Baking Blend

salt, pepper to taste

2 teaspoons of Cajun seasonings

Coconut oil for frying

 

For the batter:  scramble your eggs.  add Louisiana hot sauce, salt, pepper, and on tablespoon of Cajun seasonings.  Mix well.  Add in your mushrooms.  Let them marinade for a few minutes.

Add your blend to a shallow bowl.. add a teaspoon of Cajun seasonings, salt and pepper.

 

Dip the mushrooms into the flour mix.  Fry…. and enjoy!

 

 

 

 

 

Fudge Brownies--

Brownies are my weakness!  I can eat these babies once a day… I am not kidding you!  They make a great snack at work… so that’s the excuse I use when I am making me a batch .

These are very easy to make and use my baking blend.  For the Trim Healthy Mama these are a S snack.

 

Fudge Brownies

1 cup baking blend

3 tablespoon coco powder

1/2 stick butter melted

3 teaspoons of vanilla

1/4 cup of THM sweet blend  or 1/2 cup of homemade sweet blend

1 teaspoon baking powder

4 whole eggs

Optional : chopped nuts and plan approved chocolate chips

 

 

Pre Heat oven to 325.  Combine all the dry ingredients, give a stir or two.  Add your melted butter and vanilla. Stir your eggs. Add your nuts and chocolate chips if desired.   The batter will be thick!  Pour into a 8x8 pan and bake for 15 mins.  Don’t over bake!  Let sit for a few minutes before you cut. 

 

* Note--  THM sweet blend is supper sweet  compared  to my homemade sweet blend.  You might need to adjust the sweetness to your taste.

Enjoy!

Shelby

Trim and Healthy Goulash

I recently became a working mom.  I work in a daycare where they have delish looking and smelling food cooked fresh daily.  I mean its not your warm and heat type thing…. but sadly its all of plan for this THM. Yesterday, they served Goulash.  It smelled and looked so good.  I just had to come home and make some.

I don’t know why I have not made this before.. its so easy, simple and a one pot meal… which in this home is a win, win for the dish washers (aka… my girls).

 

 

There are many ways you can round out this meal.  One Make it an S by serving a low carb veggie side or salad. ( I love green beans with bacon.) Another way is an E.  I have a quick and easy sprouted garlic bread recipe that the family loves.. add these to this goulash and bam… a Fabulous E!

Anyway you look at it.. it’s a great and wonderful fast meal the family will enjoy!

 

Trim and Healthy Goulash

 

2 lbs. ground turkey

1 box Dream field elbow noodles

1 can diced tomatoes with basil, garlic, and oregano

2 small cans of tomato sauce

1 tablespoon dried onion

2 teaspoon garlic powder

salt, pepper to taste

2 teaspoons or to taste Cajun Seasoning (I use Tony’s Cajun Seasonings)

2 cups water 

 

 

Brown your ground turkey in a large enough pot that is big enough for all the ingredients.  Drain and rinse for E… (leave as is if your doing S  )

Add your seasonings, onion, garlic powder, tomato sauce and dice tomatoes to pot.

Stir to mix.  Add water, and the box of noodles.

Simmer until elbow noodles are done… about 10 to 15 mins.

Add more water if you need to  to finish cooking the noodles.

Enjoy!

Where has time gone?

Who would have thought, one Facebook post from a friend would lead me to a life changing plan?  April 1st, 2013 I began a journey to lose some weight.  I really did not think I would be so successful.  I really thought, “Girl, your about to spend 40 dollars a month on WW, so why not try this first.. if it works than great… if not get ready to spend money each month.”  

So the journey began!

I purchased my Trim Healthy Mama book in March… began reading it  March 25th… my first THM shopping trip March 29th… then began this amazing journey to FOOD FREEDOM on April 1st, 2013… at a whopping 260 pounds!   I know, I know… I can’t believe I am stating that number!   I knew I needed to do something when my body ached just getting out of bed!   I’m not even 40 yet, but my life two years ago was vastly different than it is now.   I don’t want to remember the depressed person I was back then.  I had so many aches and pains that I just  could hardly do anything.  I would be worn out from just a shopping trip to Wal-Mart or a walk around the block.   I also was showing some early signs of diabetes.  You see both my parents are diabetics, and I knew that if I didn’t do something.. I would become one too.   I set a goal that I really thought was unattainable… to lose 80 lbs.

(Me in January of 2013)

 

The beginning of  Journey:

 

The first week was the hardest for me.  Really I was addicted to sugar, so  going cold turkey with no sugar was the hardest.  To top it off, that first week also held my Dad’s retirement party… as in lots of off plan foods!  But I made it… did not even have one off plan food there.  Some of the food I made, I thought.. well this is not what I expected…  (meaning its not that sweet or its bitter tasting.. ha-ha)  As time went on, I began to realize  that my taste buds were changing.  Things began to taste wonderful;  ( them THM sweets were getting good!) my weight was dropping and most importantly… I DID NOT FEEL LIKE I WAS ON A DIET!  

 

(November 2013 with a 52 lb. loss)

 

During the Journey:

 

I was dropping weight and have a blast.. by November 2103 I had lost 52 lbs.!   Looking back at my little notes in the back of my THM book, I can see a steady loss until the stall hit!  Yap I stalled out after my loss of them 52 lbs.  I was bummed but with the holidays fast approaching I figured it would be ok.. just stick to the plan and it will start up again…  WHAT I DIDN’T REALIZE WAS THE CHANGES HAPPENING TO MY BODY!   Well, what I thought was a stall really wasn’t… I was shrinking… LOL… My body was shifting and doing some major “ rearranging”.   At the beginning of 2014 I decided to do a Fuel cycle to see if I couldn’t speed things up a little.  Well, I learned a ton for that FC and for a month or so the scale moved downward only to repeat the cycle again…. stalling, shrinking,  dropping, stalling, shrinking,  dropping….

 

(Sometime in January of 2014)

 

(one Year Trimaversary  2014)

 

Goal Weight!  

 

In September of 2014 I hit goal weight… with a loss of a whopping 84 lbs.  (you can see my story here)

 

(goal weight September 2014)

 

The Journey is still going….

Its two years later and I have lost a total of 92 lbs.. yes even after I was at what I wanted to be at.. I still have lost more pounds.  Why?  Well, I found myself at a new point of my journey.. I had to learn how to maintain and incorporate Crossover meals into my diet.   I have maintained at 92 lbs. lost for  a few months now… my Trim Healthy Mama journey will never end!  It has been so wonderful to be able to have the energy I have.. feel the way I feel..  I can keep up with a class room full of 3 year olds everyday..(its amazing)   I am a THM for life!  The Facebook community has become a big part of my life over the last two years. The new friendships I have made have blessed me abundantly. 

My Husband and I about a month ago!

 

My Tips:

Don’t look at THM as just another diet… IT’S A LIFESTYLE CHANGE!

Take lots of pictures during your journey!

Remember that each person is different, your skinny will not be the same as your friends.

Have fun! 

And remember:  Slow and steady wins the race!

 

Enjoy your Journey!

 

Shelby

J-E- L-L-O ( Sugar Free, THM FP)

Who doesn’t love Jell-O?   I know our family does!

I love this recipe I came up with for an easy snack that uses healthy ingredients.

If your  a Trim Healthy Mama, this is a great FP recipe for  your Fuel Cycle.

I do have a Lemon version at the bottom that is DEEP S Friendly!

I love Deep S foods!

Strawberry Jell-O

1 cup of frozen strawberries ( any frozen berry)

3 cups cold water

1 ½ cup boiling water

3 TBS gelatin

2 TBS THM sweet blend

or 1/4 homemade sweet blend

In a blender, blend strawberries with 2 cups of cold water

( run through the mesh strainer for the seeds… if you feel the need )

In boiling water, dissolve gelatin and sweet blend… add it to  your blended strawberries and rest of  your water…

Pour into an 8x8 pan.

Place in fridge to set.

Lemon Jell-O

3 cups cold water

1/2 cup lemon Juice

1 cup boiling water

3 TBS gelatin

1/4 cup THM sweet blend 

or 1/2 cup homemade sweet blend

a dash of Turmeric powder (optional.. more for the coloring)

In boiling water, dissolve gelatin and sweet blend.

Add it to your water and lemon juice and turmeric powder if desired.

taste, add a little more lemon juice if you love a very lemony Jell-O.  

Pour into  your 8x8 pan…

Place in fridge until firm.

Enjoy Ladies!

The best easy Pizza Crust EVER!

 

I have a confession……..

I love pizza, but I have not had any “real” pizza in a very long time.

I tried Gwen’s sour dough  a time or two… but I would forget about it in the fridge and it wasted..

yes…. I am very bad…

but when a  I seen  One Degree had sprouted Wheat flour and Sprouted Spelt flour

I knew I needed to try it…

Wow!  I love this stuff!  Best of all,  my tummy seems to be able  to handle this very well.

I am trilled!

 

My picky eater has approved this as REAL PIZZA…. it’s a win in my book!

This Pizza Crust is an E for all my THM’s.

 

I make a crossover meat lover pizza with it…

 

Pizza Crust

(makes two 12 inch crust)

 

1 pkg yeast ( fast rising or regular)

1 1/2 cups of  sprouted spelt flour

1 1/2 cup of sprouted whole wheat flour

1 teaspoon sea salt

1 cup warm water

2 tablespoons of melted coconut oil

 

Warm water in a sauce pan or microwave until its very warm but not too hot to touch.  Combine 1 cup flour (either one) and your yeast into a bowl.  Combine your water and oil to your yeast and flour… mix well with a hand mixer or with a spoon.

Continue to add  enough of the remaining flours to make a firm dough.  Knead  on a floured surface until its smooth and elastic…. adding more flour it needed. 

 

Let the dough rest 15 to 20 mins.  Divide into 2 parts.  Roll dough out into a round  circle, place on parchment paper (on a cookie sheet).  

Pre Bake at  400 degrees for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges of the crust are lightly brown.

Remove and  add your desired sauce, cheeses, and meat.

 

* For an E Pizza~ use fat free cheese and Turkey bacon or low fat meats. *

 

Place back in oven and bake an additional 15 minutes.

 

 

 

Deep S Gumbo

If you are a Southern Gal from Louisiana, you are going to love this recipe.   Feel free to make your Gumbo but please use my Roux recipe to keep it deep S.  

Deep S Gumbo

2 onions

1 bell pepper

3 celery stalks ( form the heart.. leaves and all )

4 Chicken breast and 5 chicken thighs

1 sausage links cut into slices

* Southern Ladies if you like… or non Southerns… boiled eggs slice.. as many as you need   I use 6..)

Chicken broth

Water

(or you can boil a whole chicken with 8 to 12 cups of water and use the broth)

Salt

Tony’s Cajun Seasoning (to taste) or around 2 tablespoons .. adding one at a time until you like the flavor.

1 Tablespoon Gumbo File’

 

Roux: ½ cup of oat fiber

2 teaspoons gluccie

½ cup coconut oil

Mix oat fiber with gluccie. Melt coconut oil in cast iron skillet. Add flour mixture. Cook roux  on lower temp. until its copper penny brown. Stirring so as it does not burn.

 

Meanwhile, in a blender and 2 cups of water, puree veggies …

In a big 10 to 12 quart soup pot.. add veggies and chicken cooked roux . Add chicken broth and water to cover.. add salt and Tony’s .

Simmer and cook for 1 ½ to 2 hours. Adding sausage an hour into cooking.

Before serving add file’ to gumbo and boiled sliced in half eggs.  (if you so wish to… )

Add more if needed.

Serve over Cauli rice and with Fotato salad…

 

Enjoy!

Fuel Pull Pancakes

Here is a quick and easy recipe for my fellow Fuel Cyclers… FP Pancakes!  This recipe makes 3 nice size pancakes that are sure to fill you up.  Top them off with FP Slim Belly Jelly for a wonderful breakfast, lunch, or snack. 

 

Pancakes ~  Low carb, low fat… (FP for the THM’s)

1/4 cup Baking Blend

2 tablespoons oat fiber

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon coconut oil

1/4 cup egg whites

2 teaspoon sweet blend

(I used my homemade one.  If using THM’s sweet blend, one might be enough.)

1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon unsweetened of almond milk

 

Mix well, add any spices or flavors you like… cook in a hot skillet sprayed with coconut oil spray.

My Favorite Recipes of 2014

 

 

2014 has come and gone.  It has been one wild ride for this family.   Our family loves homemade meals.  Below are some of the family’s favorite THM recipes.   If you have not tried any of these.. YOU MUST… you don’t know what your missing!

 

 

Breakfast

 

Honey Bun for One

 

Breakfast Blackberry  Cobbler

 

“Buttermilk” E Waffles

 

THM Pancakes

 

King Cake in a Mug

 

 

Lunch or Dinner

 

Joseph’s Pita Pizza ( S or FP version)

Chicken Lettuce Wraps

MY orange Chicken

Faker-tot Casserole

Un-stuffed Peppers

Bacon Wrapped Chicken

Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas

Coney Island Casserole

Meat Chunks and gravy

 

 

Side Dishes

 

Zucchini and Broccoli Casserole

Cauliflower & Broccoli Au Gratin

 

 

Desserts

 

Any of these lovely FP Cakes

Butterfinger bars

Cheesecake from the THM book

Healthy Peach Cobbler

Moose Tracks  Ice Cream

( Really any of Brianna Thomas’s ice cream recipes)

 

 

 

 

Gearing up for a Fuel Cycle

As the New Year approaches, many ladies are gearing up for the New Year’s Fuel Cycle.   The Fuel Cycle ladies are my buddies.  We love to share our menus and meal ideas with our fellow FCer’s.  One tip I share with other ladies is that planning is the key to a successful Fuel Cycle.   I love List!  Yes, I can be a little OCD with them.. but they have kept me sane during busy times.   When I plan a menu, I don’t have to worry what I am going to cook after a busy day.  Here is my menu for the first week of my Fuel Cycle. You can find most of these recipes in the Trim Healthy Mama book.  Some are my own. 

 Fuel Cycle Menu

 

Days	Menu
Deep S January 2 Fri	Breakfast: Scrambled eggs, bacon cooked with butter Lunch: Deep S salad with vinegar dressing Dinner: Beef broccoli stir fry, with zucchini noodles Snacks: Cake in a mug, gluccie pudding, skinny chocolate
Deep S January 3 Sat	Breakfast: Fried Eggs with oat fiber bread and bacon Lunch: Mexican Cabbage Dinner: Baked Chicken, salad, green beans Snacks: Cake in a mug, gluccie pudding, skinny chocolate
Deep S January 4 Sun	Breakfast: Deep S breakfast skillet dish Lunch: Deep S salad with homemade dressing Dinner: Chicken salad over spinach Snacks: Cake in a mug, gluccie pudding, skinny chocolate
FP January 5 Mon	Breakfast: Berry overnight oats with added Protein powder Lunch: Pita sandwich with laughing cow cheese, and FP tomato soup Dinner: orange Chicken over zucchini noodles Snacks: Cottage berry whip, Fat Stripping Frappe, lemon mousse
FP January 6 Tues	Breakfast: Chia Seed Pudding Lunch: Pita sandwich with laughing cow cheese and FP tomato soup Dinner: grilled chicken with creamless creamy veggies ( zucchini) Snacks: lemon mousse , FP cakes, FSF
E meal January 7 Wed	Breakfast: oatmeal Lunch: baked sweet potato with grilled chicken Dinner: Quinoa bake with chicken breast Snacks: FP cakes, chia seed pudding, gluccie pudding
E meal January 8 Thurs	Breakfast: Berry oatmeal Lunch: left overs from dinner last night Dinner: Sweet Potato and black bean soup Snacks: : FP cakes, chia seed pudding, gluccie pudding