Mixing It Up in the Kitchen in 2017

I don't know if it is just me or what, but I like to mix things up. I like variety in my life. I can't eat my eggs the same way every day. I can't do the same workout every day. I love trying new things.

If you feel the same, you are going to love these ideas on how to mix it up (in a healthy way) in your kitchen.

The beginning of a new year is a great time to take inventory of your kitchen. Do you have dressings that expired 3 years ago? Yes, it is time to toss them. Kimchi that you've had stuffed in the back of your refrigerator since who knows when? Frozen veggies that have a layer of frost around them that is more than the actual veggies inside? (those may or may not be examples from my own home) 😼You get the idea. Toss them.

Now that you have space in your cupboards, freezer and fridge, try out some new goodies.

For those of you who don't live in Alaska and can get fresh Alaskan fish whenever you'd like, there is
Wild Planet. I love Wild Planet. It is safe to say we eat some kind of Wild Planet in our house every single day. Whether it is skinless and boneless sardines, wild mackerel fillets or Alaskan salmon, we love their fish.

Yes, we eat fish out of a can, which I normally don't recommend. But Wild Planet has NO BPA in their cans, which is one of the main reasons we choose them. They are also super picky about what is inside the cans, which is the other reason we choose them. And now they just added organic roasted chicken breast, which is so easy to add to veggies and have a quick meal! All of these products are sustainably-sourced and contain zero added preservatives. The Organic Roasted Chicken Breast, for example, contains only two ingredients: chicken and sea salt. A great source of protein, calcium, phosphorus, iron, and Omega-3s, you've got to try them out soon.

Now we don't eat many grains in our family. We love our popcorn on Sunday nights as a family, but we eat mostly Paleo. However, sometimes we like to mix it up with breakfast. We always and only choose sprouted grains, and I love how easy Ezekiel 4:9 Food for Life makes finding sprouted grain products. I used to only think they had bread, but no! I was just recently introduced to their Sprouted Grain Flax English Muffins and Sprouted Grain Waffles.

These are some tasty sprouted grains! They have the perfect crunch, do not fall apart as you spread them with Kerrygold or ghee, and they are full of their own flavor. I kid you not, my kids didn't even ask for syrup. Oh, and make sure you try out their Cinnamon Raisin bread. Delish!

Now for the sweets. I don't often eat ice cream. But my hubby - that's another story. I mean, we live in the frozen tundra of Minnesota, and he still wants ice cream all winter long. Weird, but true. So I try to turn his head towards Halo Top Creamery, because they are a more natural, better-for-you ice cream that still comes in mouth-watering varieties like Red Velvet, Oatmeal Cookie, Cookies & Cream, Peanut Butter Cup, and more. Believe it or not, these only have between 240 and 360 calories per PINT! I like that they are Non-GMO and made with zero artificial preservatives. They're also low in sugar and high in both protein and fiber. Win-win.

Change it up in your kitchen. Throw gross stale food away. Try something new. And fuel your body with the best. 

Big thanks for the products I was sent to review. No other compensation was given.

Paleo Banana Bread Recipe

We are celebrating March as National Nutrition Month with Carrington Farms and T-Fal as part of their healthy baking challenge. Thanks to these companies sending me some awesome cooking supplies,  you get a new healthy delicious recipe!

I have been a lifelong banana bread lover. So it was a mission of mine to find a really good Paleo version. I have found it! It is super moist, very tasty, nutritious, grain free, sugar free, and easy to make. Try it tonight!

 Paleo Banana Bread

You will need:

 4 Bananas

4 eggs

1/2 cup peanut butter, almond butter, or sunflower seed butter

4 tbsp coconut oil (I used Carrington Farms Liquid Coconut Oil because it retains the benefits of traditional coconut oil, but stays liquid - perfect for baking) 

1/2 cup coconut flour

2 tbsp of organic flax/chia seeds

1/2 tsp baking soda

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp vanilla

pinch of sea salt

1. First, mix all the wet ingredients: mashed bananas, eggs, nut or seed butter, coconut oil, vanilla.

2. Next, mix all the dry ingredients: coconut flour, baking soda, baking powder, sea salt.

3. Spray your bread loaf pans or use an 8x8 pan, like I did. I usually grab a hunk of coconut oil and smother it all over the pans, but this time I tried the Coconut Oil Cooking Spray from Carrington Farms. Worked perfectly!

4. Bake your banana bread at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes in the 8x8 pan or a little longer for the bread loaf pans.

5. Let it cool and enjoy - just plain or with a little Kerrygold butter. Delicious!

 Who else loves to bake healthy, nutritious treats? What is your favorite?

Enter below to win your chance at some delicious baking products!  

One winner will receive (1) T-Fal Airbake natural baking set, Carringtons Farms coconut oil, flax/chia seed blend, and coconut oil cooking spray. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thanks to Carrington Farms and T-Fal for sending products to use on this post. No other compensation was given.  

Brew It Yourself Bone Broth

You have probably heard about the awesome benefits of homemade bone broth - from stronger joints and bones to better skin, teeth, hair and nails. I love making my own homemade bone broth! You just need grass-fed animal bones, veggies, spices, herbs, and water and you are ready.

Recently, I have been trying to drink a cup of bone broth almost daily. It can be hard to make enough bone broth with my own stash of bones and other supplies, so I have been relying on this awesome BIY (Brew it Yourself) Bone Broth, which make it easy for people to make high-quality bone broth at home.

All the nutritious goodies you need to make your own broth comes packed into one handy bag. All you need is a 5-quart slow cooker and a gallon of water. Since my clay slow cooker is not that big, I just used a big old stock pot. All you have to do is open up the bag, pour everything into the empty pan or slow cooker, making sure to open up the little sachet of veggies and herbs. 

Next, dump water over it all and cook for 12 hours or whatever time you like.

 

Each package yields 16 flavorful cups - and you can enjoy a cup every day.

Remember, this is not your average broth from the store. This is like a nutritional supplement. I love this company because they understand this, and their broth kits are made using the very best ingredients.

The beef kits only use grass-fed bones, ribs and/or tendons full of healthy fats and essential marrow. Their chicken kits contain free-range backs, wings and/or feet necessary to deliver collagen and all the savory goodness you can trust in each mug. They choose very specific vegetables and herbs that have been dehydrated at their peak freshness to preserve nutrients and concentrate maximum flavor.

 

The finished broth is a hit with my entire family! In fact, I have already ordered 5 more kits! (and got free shipping) :-) Anything that makes life a little more simple and healthy is welcome in our house.

Make sure to check out their Kickstarter campaign. Who else will be enjoying a warm cup of bone broth today? 

 

I was sent a bag to try out. No other compensation was provided. I am now a lifelong fan and customer. :-)

Paleo/Primal In 5 Ingredients or Less!

Who else scans their cookbooks and recipes, skipping over the meals with super long lists of ingredients?

Maybe it is just me, but I don't have time for extra grocery trips to pick up unheard-of ingredients that I don't usually use. I like simple. I like delicious. I like easy. Which is why I am doing a lot of my cooking out this awesome new cookbook I just received for review, Paleo/Primal in 5 Ingredients or Less.

In this new book, Bestselling author Dana Carpender helps readers remove the processed convenience foods like frozen entrees and takeout, but still make healthy, fast, easy meals that everyone loves. Dana gives the modern caveman 200 recipes that can be made from 5 or fewer ingredients. All recipes are also sugar-free, grain-free, and gluten-free. Yay!!

One of my favorite recipes is for their Basic Stir-Fry Sauce. This one is so versatile. I feel I am always stir-frying veggies, chicken, shrimp or whatever I have on hand, so this is great to have waiting in my refrigerator.

Basic Stir-Fry Sauce

1 cup coconut aminos

4 cloves garlic, crushed

1/4 cup dry sherry or white wine vinegar

1 tablespoon grated ginger root

2 tsp dark sesame oil

In a bowl, just mix it all together and store in a tightly lidded container in the fridge. Then you will already have it ready for a super quick dinner. 

I have to share one more recipe that you will love. It is unbelievably easy, but tastes so good you will be begging for more.

Roast Chicken with Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce

2 lbs chicken pieces (thighs or whatever you would like)

Salt

Ground black pepper

1 clove of garlic

1/3 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes

1 cup coconut milk or heavy cream

Preheat the oven to 400 F. Season the chicken with salt and pepper all over and arrange it in a metal baking pan. Roast the chicken until it is done, about an hour or less depending on how big your chicken pieces are. 

Remove the pan from the oven and transfer the chicken to a platter. Pour the excess grease off the drippings and put the pan over a low burner. 

Crush the garlic and stir it around for just a minute. Now add the tomatoes and coconut milk. Stir the mixture, scraping up all the nice brown stuff, dissolving it into the sauce. 

Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until it thickens up a bit and then serve over the chicken. You can add some riced cauliflower for a delicious meal. 

Now, who wants their own book? We are giving away (2) copies of Paleo/Primal in 5 Ingredients or Less. Enter below.

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I was given a cookbook to review. No other compensation was given. All opinions expressed are my own. 

Waste-Free, Plastic-Free, Healthy Lunch Time

If you had an easy solution to cut down on waste in a big way, eliminate plastic and BPA from your lunches, save money and eat healthier, I bet you would jump right on that!

Lets transform your lunch to do all those things! Instead of grabbing fast food from the nearest restaurant, how about saving some money and making your own. How about instead of wasting plastic bags full of chemicals, using reusable, completely safe stainless steel storage containers?

I am loving my new Seal Cup Trio sent over by ECOLunchbox. It is the perfect container set for packing three different items, keeping the foods separate, stopping all leaks, and keeping chemicals out of your healthy food.

Not only are they great for your child to take to school, but they are adult enough for you to use at work!

My son loves taking homemade applesauce to school. Finally, we have a container that will not leak all those delicious juices!

Try bringing your leftovers from dinner last night as your lunch for today. I love grilled salmon and some raw veggies. The cooked salmon is even good cold!

Here are a few more delicious ideas for healthy lunches that will save you money, keep our planet healthier and happier, and fuel your body properly for a great day!

 

5 Healthy Lunch Recipes

Paleo Meatloaf and Sweet Potatoes

Southwest Frittata  

 

Thanks to ECOLunchbox for their product to try out. No other compensation was given.

Easy Tips for the Perfect School Lunch

School lunches. I personally think school provided lunches are out of control with the ick factor. Processed foods galore. Low in nutrition. High in pesticides. Full of gluten and dairy and sugar. No thank you.

What is a mom to do? Well, pack your child's lunch. It really doesn't have to be hard.

Check out these ideas for how to get started with a healthy easy lunch for your child or yourself!

• Five Easy Paleo/Gluten Free Lunch Ideas

• Make Your Own Clif Bars!
• More Lunch Ideas with Rock the Lunchbox
• Make Your Own Larabars!

There are many mornings, I do not want to go through the hassle of making my son's lunch. But, then I remember that it really only takes me about 3 or 4 minutes to make, and it will give him all the healthy nutrition he needs to have a great school day. Totally worth it.

Start off with making sure your child gets lots of good protein, vegetables and food that will give them energy and keep them sustained.

Here are some ideas to get your started:

• hard boiled eggs
• raw or cooked veggies like carrots, peas, broccoli and cauliflower
• a piece of fruit or handful of dried fruit
• fish - my son likes sardines or skipjack tuna
• leftovers from dinner last night
• celery, sunflower seed butter, and raisins

I depend a lot on nuts and seeds to give my son the nutrition he needs. Nuts and seeds are full of protein, healthy fats, and lots of other vitamins and minerals. We love SunRidge Farms for their fantastic trail mixes and huge variety of organic nuts and seeds. They offer so many great choices for healthy lunches, from their baking goods and spices to nut/seed butters and trail mixes. I am always looking forward to my packages from Sunridge Farms in the mail!

One of our favorites is the Organic Supreme Fruit and Nut Mix. It has a variety of all of your favorites, so you get even more nutrition packed in a handful of flavor.

Almonds, raisins, cranberries, peanuts, cashews, and dried apples. All organic, all delicious!

We also love to change things up by adding in organic pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds, which are both full of vitamins and minerals your body needs!

What are your favorite lunches to pack? Any tips to share?

Thank you to Sunridge Farms for their products to try. No other compensation was given. All opinions expressed are my own.

Three Ideas to Brighten Someone's Day

It is Monday.


The weather is getting colder. Less sunshine. Less Vitamin D. Less time spent outdoors. More colds. More grumpiness.

Let's not get stuck in this depressing cycle. There are many positive things you can do each day to help brighten up your own day and someone else's, as well. I am sharing a few of my favorite tips with you today. Cheer up!

1. Write a handwritten letter. Give a few genuine compliments, write about how much that person means to you, or share a special memory that will make them smile. Something so simple can mean so much. And it will probably only take you one minute to do this. Easy peasy!

2. Random Acts of Kindness. Do we only give gifts when we feel others deserve them? It can get easy to fall into that habit. What about giving a gift today for no reason at all? One fantastic gift idea is a beautiful plant that will not only brighten their day today, it will brighten their day for many weeks, months, and maybe even years.

I recently received a vibrant Grateful Red Hydrangea from Nature Hills. Isn't it beautiful? I kept it inside for a few days to brighten up my kitchen table, but then I planted it outside in a spot I can see every day. It will grow 3-4 ft high and will not wither like a vase of picked flowers, so you can continue to enjoy this gift that keeps on giving. It will provide you or your friend with armfuls of flowers for your vases all season. (extra tip: it is half off right now on the Nature Hills website) Every time you/they see it, they will remember your thoughtfulness and love and feel that special feeling all over again.

3. Make a special treat! My husband knows there is hardly anything I love better than when he makes me treats. Chocolate treats, to be exact. What is that old saying? The way to a man (or woman's) heart is through their stomach. Hmmmm...sometimes that can be true.

Here are a few of my favorite homemade healthier treats:

Coconut Chocolate Chip Cookies - paleo, gluten free, dairy free, yum!

 

Chewy Cinnamon or Chocolate Brownies - paleo, gluten free, dairy free, delicious!

 

Award-winning Chocolate No Bake Cookies - gluten free, dairy free, melt-in-your-mouth 

 

Make a difference in someone's day today, and I guarantee that you will feel better as well!

Everything You Want to Know About Coconut: Recipes, Uses, Benefits

It is World Coconut Day!

Whether you have never heard about the awesome health benefits of coconut products, are a newbie to trying them out or have been in love for years, I want to celebrate with you!

I am sharing some of my favorite posts, which help you learn about why coconut oil, flour, milk and more is sooooooo good for you! I am also sharing more information about oil pulling, and all my favorite recipes that use coconut!

It is all right at your fingertips below. Check it out, have fun, enjoy some coconut today, and let me know if you have any questions!

35 AWESOME ways to use coconut oil - smoothies, in your coffee, shaving lotion, and so many more!!

Everything you want to know about oil pulling - get the why and how and start doing this healthy habit today!

Top 5 Reasons to LOVE coconut oil - if you have not discovered all the awesome powers of this oil, this is a must read!!

Keeping Skin Supple Naturally - you will find some helpful recipes and tips for your skin, some with and some without coconut oil

Coconut Chocolate Chip Cookies - gluten free, dairy free, and paleo

Gingered Carrot and Coconut Soup - also check out the 200 Coconut recipe book mentioned

Award-winning Chocolate Melt-In-Your-Mouth No-Bake Cookies - to die for, and dare I say, a bit healthy??? :-)

Crockpot Sweet and Spicy Carrot/Sweet Potato Ginger Soup - one of our family favorites, perfect for a fall or winter day

Coconut Vanilla Ice Cream - creamiest ice cream ever!

Crockpot Italian Chicken Soup - one of our most popular recipes ever!! A Pinterest fave with over 15,000 pins.

Now, tell me, how do you use coconut? What is your favorite recipe? Favorite use? Favorite benefit?

Paleo Coconut Chocolate Chip Cookies

Thanks to Nutiva for sending me some of the ingredients to make these cookies! Nom, nom!

I admit it, I have a sweet tooth. I love chocolate. I love cookies. I also love to make chocolatey cookies healthier. You may remember my award-winning Chocolate Melt-In-My-Mouth Cookies. They are my daily treat, and so good. When I want to switch it up and go for something I can bake, I have a new recipe that is deeeeeelicious!

A healthy spin on the traditionally chocolate chip cookie, this recipe uses Organic Coconut Flour, Oil, Sugar, and Shortening to whip up a tasty batch of gluten-free, paleo-ish cookies that are much healthier than the typical chocolate chip cookie recipe!

Coconut Chocolate Chip Cookies 
credit to Nutiva for this delish recipe - Nutiva is a great high quality source for all things coconut and yummy!

Serves: 12

INGREDIENTS

⅓ Cup Nutiva Organic Shortening

1 Egg

2 Tbsp Nutiva Organic Virgin Coconut Oil

½ Cup Nutiva Organic Coconut Sugar

2 Tbsp Honey - I like raw, organic or pure maple syrup

2 tsp Vanilla Extract

1 Cup Almond Flour

5 Tbsp Nutiva Organic Coconut Flour

½ tsp Sea Salt

½ Cup Chocolate Chips or Chunks or you can go with raisins for a dairy free option

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat oven to 350.

Blend shortening, coconut oil and egg, room temperature, in a food processor or mixer.

Add coconut sugar, honey and vanilla; blend to cream.

Sift coconut flour and add to almond flour with salt, mix into wet ingredients; blend for 30 seconds into soft dough. Let sit for 5 minutes to firm. Dough will be tacky; if it's too wet, add 1 tbsp. almond flour and mix well.

Place into a bowl and stir in chocolate chips or chunks by hand.

Spoon out dough and press into 2"cookie forms on parchment paper lined baking sheet.

Bake for 15 minutes, until lightly brown. Let cool on rack.

Try them! You will be glad you did!

Favorite #Paleo Snacks for Road Trips

I was provided snacks to review. No other compensation was given. All opinions expressed are 100% my own.

We are getting ready to go on our second big road trip of the summer. 10+ hours in the car with my four little ones, age 7 and under. One thing I learned the first time around is have plenty of food. Hungry kids are not happy kids.

So, what should a health conscious, paleo mom do?

Let me give you a few basic paleo foods that are great for road trips and anytime snacks.

• hard boiled eggs
• dried fruit - we love to get our organic dried fruit in big bags from Costco
• cut up veggies - carrots, sugar snap peas, and celery are especially easy
• DIY trail mix - pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, cashews, almonds, walnuts, raisins, cranberries, goldenberries, coconut flakes, etc.

And here are two of my new favorite pre-packaged paleo snacks. These are so nice, because you just throw them in the car and go!

• EPIC bars, bites and medleys - These are not your typical protein bar. Instead of just nuts and seeds, fruit and a little honey, these are full of delicious animal proteins. Bison Bacon Cranberry bar? YUM!!! Want some white meat? How about Chicken Sesame BBQ? Mouth-watering yet? Even better...EPIC uses only the best quality proteins! They really set the industry standards by sourcing their meat from ranchers that provide proof of certification that they really do treat their animals as well as they should. The animals EPIC uses are pastured, happy, and healthy. Remember, you are what you eat!
  
  If the thought of a protein bar with meat in it creeps you out, just hold on a second. I want you to think about jerky mixed with a handful of nuts and dried fruit with awesome flavor combinations. Besides their delicious bars, they also offer bites, which are like the best jerky you have ever had. These are easier to share in the car. And do not forget their mixes. I love their Mountain Medley, which is organic and grass-fed beef jerky mixed with organic dried apples, almonds, pecans, macadamia nuts, and spices - basically the best trail mix ever!
  
•  If you are looking for a bit of a more traditional paleo snack bar, look no further than The Paleo Diet Bar. These gluten free, grain free, soy free, dairy free, fiber-rich, and protein-rich, preservative free bars are not only healthy, but they really stop all cravings in their track. Since they are powered by rich-protein sources containing all 9 essential amino acids, they make a great road trip snack or addition to an on-the-go meal. Instead of grabbing some sweet treat, full of junk, from the gas station, choose one of these bars instead. You will feel fuller and stop your cravings in their tracks with either their Cranberry Almond or Cinnamon Raisin bar. 

When I first saw The Paleo Diet Bar on the show, Shark Tank, I knew I wanted to try them. They did not disappoint! They are super chewy, full of flavor, and I love that they use egg protein which is a source of all nine amino acids that can only be derived from food. 



All of these snacks are delicious, healthy, paleo and make road trips that much more fun! What is your favorite paleo snack? Any tips for road-tripping with little kids?

4 Homemade Healthy Frozen Treats

I did receive products to try out for free. No other compensation was received. All opinions are my own.

It is getting really hot this summer! Who loves to cool off with a nice icy treat?

Put away the artificial Popsicles and unhealthy ice cream treats in favor of your own homemade icy treats! I have four ideas that you and your kids will love - and they are all healthy, no guilt treats too!

Have you heard of Acai? It has become a very popular berry, loaded with powerful antioxidants and healthy omegas. I love to use Sambazon Smoothie Packs, because they make smoothies and icy treats so easy to make! You can also just eat them straight out of the package for a refreshing treat! We love to simmer them with fresh rhubarb and refreeze for a fantastic healthy treat! They are available in Acai Berry + Guarana or Unsweetened Pure Acai Berry, and they are all USDA Organic, Non GMO Project Verified, Ecocert Fair Trade, vegan, and gluten free.

If you want to make a new kind of frozen pop, you have got to try beet juice! Beets are full of antioxidants, low in fat, and an excellent source of folic acid, and they are all the rage right now. It is easy to see why, since they have been shown to help reduce blood pressure, increase stamina, and can help fight the progression of Dementia. Don’t have time to peel and steam beets? Beet juice from Biotta Juice is what I have been using. I just pour some in my awesome BPA free molds, by itself or with a bit of another juice, and freeze. A frozen veggie treat that you will enjoy!

If you are in the mood for something a bit more creamy, try freezing kefir for a healthy kick! I love to use
Lifeway Foods organic kefir. Yes, that is right, organic! I did not even know they offered organic versions, but they do! Hurray!! Grass-fed and organic, full of probiotics, gluten-free, 99 percent lactose-free, and a great source of calcium and protein. And now you can try it frozen in a pop! They come in several flavors, but I personally like to use the plain and just add my own berries.

One more awesome recipe for you - the one ingredient homemade "ice cream"? Check out this gluten free, dairy free, Paleo version of "ice cream"! It is delicious, and you can make it so many ways! Be creative!

How do you like to cool down and stay healthy this summer?