tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27564730671270251992024-02-18T19:47:54.138-08:00Low Carb UndergroundChange your way of eating. Change your life. Low carb eating is about eating healthy to lose weight, control blood sugar, feel better, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger79125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2756473067127025199.post-7082104425947633652014-09-03T09:45:00.002-07:002014-09-03T09:45:41.749-07:00Diabetes Sucks<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
My blood sugar is 268. I feel like a wet mop. Diabetes sucks. I'm struggling to get it back together and under control. I've done it before, but can I do it again?<br />
<br />
This time I'm older. I'm struggling with weight, asthma, menopause, migraines, and stress. I'm a hot mess. I'm on insulin and fast acting insulin and a pill, and now my doctor tells me my cholesterol is high and my white blood cell counts are elevated. I never learn, do I?<br />
<br />
Or I never keep it up and follow through. I go for so long before I peter out. Hit. The. Wall.<br />
<br />
That wall hurts!<br />
<br />
So here I go again. For the gazillionth time. I want to triumph. I really do, but it's so damn hard.<br />
<br />
This time I'm trying some of the low carb My Fit Foods. Doctor recommended. Outrageously expensive. At least they taste good.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2756473067127025199.post-30950992676757685672014-09-01T13:26:00.001-07:002014-09-01T13:26:54.089-07:00Low Carb Breakfast of Champions<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I need breakfast.<br />
<br />
In fact, if I don't eat early on I start to feel sick. But sometimes bacon or sausage and eggs just isn't enough to get me through until lunch (or at least mid morning). In order to fight the temptation of eating carbs when I don't feel quite full, I've devised a breakfast that gets me through.<br />
<br />
THREE eggs (not just two) - Anyway you like them: boiled, scrambled, or fried.<br />
2 pieces of sausage or 4 slices of bacon<br />
1/4 cup Guacamole (or just plain avocado)<br />
3-4 strawberries<br />
<br />
The fat from the avocado really makes a difference. The strawberries gives just enough of a sweet taste to balance the rest of your breakfast out. </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2756473067127025199.post-73712128658214921102014-09-01T13:22:00.000-07:002014-09-01T13:22:00.402-07:00Low Carb Crash<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The effects of eliminating sugar from your diet...CRASH!<br />
<br />
Blood sugar is going down, but I'm experiencing headaches and feeling funky. It's the low carb crash. My body is CRAVING carbs right now. I want to get some ice cream so bad that I can almost taste it. I'm trying hard to push through this awful feeling because I KNOW that I will feel so much better once I remove this toxic waste called SUGAR from my body.<br />
<br />
This crashing feeling is normal, but difficult to handle. A nap is in order. And lots of water. </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2756473067127025199.post-5414980236213163332014-08-08T09:41:00.000-07:002014-08-08T09:41:25.609-07:00Starting Over...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Again.<br />
<br />
I've had my ups and downs. I've lost weight and gained weight. I've gotten my sugar under control and let it get out of control. I've let life stress me out and effect my decision making in the form of food.<br />
<br />
It's a constant battle.<br />
<br />
Eating low carb isn't easy, and a lot of times it really, really sucks.<br />
<br />
Why can't I just have a piece of chocolate cake without guilt, high blood sugar, brain fog, and extra pounds on the middle portion of my body?<br />
<br />
Or a damned potato!<br />
<br />
As I sit in a brain fog, no energy, extra pounds, I realize that my lack of productiveness has everything to do with what I put in my mouth.<br />
<br />
Self-control or even self-care at times has become an issue. I tell myself that I really want to live, and live a productive life, yet I fail again and again.<br />
<br />
I guess I will throw away that candy I bought yesterday. What was I thinking?<br />
<br />
My mouth feels sticky and sick from a donut. I just want to crawl into bed and sleep. What was I thinking?<br />
<br />
My pants are tight. What was I thinking?<br />
<br />
My vision is wonky. What was I thinking?<br />
<br />
I'm on insulin now. What the hell was I thinking?<br />
<br />
Starting over...NOW.<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2756473067127025199.post-79410410651866586932013-04-22T12:57:00.000-07:002013-04-22T12:57:00.796-07:00Low Carb Snacks<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Sometimes we need a little something to cut the edge of hunger between meals. What are some great low carb snacks?<br />
<br />
1 oz. of walnuts (14 halves), 2 carbs<br />
1 oz. of pecans (20 halves), 1.23 carbs<br />
1 oz. of roasted almonds (22 whole almonds), 2 carbs<br />
1 Babybell cheese, 0 carbs<br />
1 oz. green olives, 0.63 carbs<br />
1 boiled or deviled egg, 0.38 carbs<br />
1 medium dill pickle, 1.88 carbs<br />
1 cup sliced cucumbers, 1.77 carbs<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2756473067127025199.post-12650372920092861862013-04-21T08:25:00.003-07:002013-04-21T08:25:49.896-07:00Get Smart with Your Water <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=effecteachsol-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B005T12ZXK" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe> Gatorade was invented for athletes to replenish their electrolytes in order to keep from dehydrating. What are electrolytes? They are minerals in your blood and body fluids such as calcium, chloride, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, and sodium. Your body loses electrolytes when you sweat, so you need to replace them with liquid. Water is the best liquid out there, but now you can get water with electrolytes minus all of the sugar that they put into products like Gatorade. Glaceau Smart Water has added electrolytes, and is available at stores everywhere. I'm not an athlete, and I avoid sweating at all costs, but I've found that Smart Water can help alleviate headaches and is great for flushing out my system when my blood sugar gets too high. You can also get dehydrated when you get sick, so Smart Water is perfect for days when you are not feeling too perky. It's my go to water, and now my dancing daughter drinks it instead of sugary electrolyte drinks. </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2756473067127025199.post-26041429084571244972013-04-21T07:54:00.002-07:002013-04-21T07:54:31.097-07:00Low Carb Dinner Menu for April 21 - April 26<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I'm back and I'm ready to kick my own butt! I had a scare this week. I'm talking a "life pass before your eyes" kind of scare. I watched a colleague and friend go into a diabetic seizure. I was shaking over the incident two hours later. My friend is stable and at home, but it's a moment that will forever live in my memory. Talk about a wake up call! I'm planning my week and getting ready to hit the grocery store.<br />
<br />
Breakfast: eggs (fried or scrambled), bacon or sausage, and a couple of strawberries<br />
Lunch: left overs from dinner and Sadler's Beef Brisket (precooked from Sam's) w/low carb BBQ sauce<br />
<br />
<b>Sunday</b><br />
Yesterday I bought a large package of ground beef at Sam's, so tonight I plan to make two containers of meatloaf (one for tonight and one to freeze). I also plan to make two cheeseburger pies to freeze as well. I'm going to try a salad I found on Pinterest: cucumbers, cherry tomatoes (cut in half), onion, ACV, olive oil, and salt and pepper.<br />
<br />
<b>Monday</b><br />
I'm planning on making garlic butter chicken dipped in crushed French's Fried Onions and broccoli. I need something fairly quick tonight since my DD has dance at 7:00 p.m.<br />
<br />
<b>Tuesday</b><br />
I'm going to drop a turkey breast into the crockpot (seasoned with Tony Chacheres) with a little water and let goodness happen. Since we are all on different schedules in my house on Tuesday, I will probably just heat up some green beans or make a quick salad.<br />
<br />
<b>Wednesday</b><br />
I bought a Sadler's Beef Brisket from Sam's yesterday. It's already cooked and sliced. All I have to do is heat it up and add some low carb BBQ sauce. I'm going to get a bag of broccoli slaw and mix in some Bacon Ranch Dressing as a side. Yum!<br />
<br />
<b>Thursday</b><br />
This is another busy night for my family. We are on the go and not at home at the same time. I think I'll pick up some pre made chicken salad from Krogers -enough for lunch on Friday as well. DH works late on Thursday, so he'll have to take leftovers from earlier in the week.<br />
<br />
<b>Friday</b><br />
Bunless burgers topped with bacon and cheese tonight! Simple and quick! I'll add a salad on the side.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2756473067127025199.post-24891545515330391812013-04-07T08:15:00.000-07:002013-04-07T08:15:00.224-07:00The One Week Fast Diet<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I've done this before, and now, I'm going to do it again. I've lost 7 to 10 pounds more than once eating this way for a week. I don't recommend it as a forever diet (it would get quite boring), but it's a good jump start for losing weight and getting back onto low carb.<br />
<br />
This is the PLAN:<br />
<br />
1. On Sunday, I'm going to bake enough chicken for lunch and dinner for the week. I plan to line a baking pan with foil, and fill the pan up with chicken breasts. I'm going to fold the foil to make sections in order to keep one recipe from seeping over to another recipe. In order to create variety, I will season the chicken breasts in different ways. I'm making enough for DH and I, so I've decided to use five different recipes for 20 pieces of chicken (4 pieces per day).<br />
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Tex-Mex - Season each breast with low carb taco seasoning. Top with diced onion and bell pepper on top of each piece before baking. When you're ready to warm it up in the microwave, add a little Mexican cheese blend.</li>
<li>Garden - Season each breast with Greek Seasoning. Top with diced onion, bell pepper, tomato, squash and zucchini. Add a slice of cheese when you warm up your chicken for your meal.</li>
<li>BBQ - Spoon a little low carb BBQ sauce onto each breast.</li>
<li>Italian - Season each breast with Italian seasoning. Spoon a little low carb pasta sauce of your choice over each breast. When you warm up your chicken for your meal, add mozzarella cheese.</li>
<li>Bacon Wrap - Season each breast with salt and pepper. Wrap the chicken breasts in bacon. I'm going to bake the bacon wrapped chicken in a different pan to keep the grease from the other breasts. I might top it with some cheese when I warm it up during the week.</li>
</ul>
<div>
2. For breakfast, I plan to have eggs and bacon or sausage each morning. It's our standard fair anyway.</div>
<div>
3. I've bought a bunch of small cans (8 oz.) of low carb vegetables (a lot of green beans) to go with my chicken, but DH wants me to pick up the small packages of frozen microwavable veggies for him. </div>
<div>
4. So...for an entire week, I will live off of chicken, veggies, eggs, bacon, and sausage. No bread, sugar, flour, or processed carbs. </div>
<div>
5. Need a little something extra? I'll allow myself a small helping of nuts, pepperoni slices, ham cubes, cheese, deviled eggs, and protein shakes to cut the edge of hunger (if I get hungry). I'm going to try to avoid snacking, but better these snacks that hitting the snack machine in desperation! Desperation usually means I'm stressed to the max.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This is my chicken and green beans diet! Haha! Every time I've done this, I've lost weight. I'm looking forward to wearing my pants comfortably again.</div>
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2756473067127025199.post-71755681559590787922013-04-06T07:37:00.002-07:002013-04-06T07:37:14.981-07:00Sugar is Evil<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Just saying...<br />
I realized that when I'm good, I'm very, very good, but when I'm bad, I'm wicked. I've been wicked for months now. This little thing called stress eats my lunch. Being wicked has consequences. I'm suffering from them right now -yeast infection (feeds on sugar), tired, run down, achy, and wacky vision. You would think I'd learn, but for some reason when life throws me curve balls, I tend to cave. Cave in to sugar. Wicked, wicked sugar. Ice cream, Girl Scout cookies, bread, you name it. The thing is -I know what to do and I know how to do it, but my discipline only lasts so long. Sometimes I'll go days or weeks or even months on low carb. I always feel better, lose weight, and gain energy. How many times have I come back to this blog and started over? Please don't count. I'm not sure I want to know. My issues started last week (the female kind). It's miserable wake up call. Unfortunately, I was out of town at a funeral when it first cropped up, so it was another day before I could deal with my little problem. By then, I was on fire. I left an urgent care center in tears, promising myself I'd remember this moment and avoid sugar at all costs. This week I've been very, very good. I've even lost five pounds, but I'm still dealing with my issue. It's better, but not over. I'm getting ready to take my second dose of prescribed meds, and I just opened up my package of stinging nettle to make tea (I've read this tea can help with this, and yesterday I read an article on all of it's health benefits -worth a try). I've been taking my vitamins and probiotics this week too! For those of you who are saying, "TMI", so sorry, but sometimes lessons come hard. Sugar is truly evil with all of it's sweet goodness. Yeah, right! Sugar is a slow murder weapon. It's slowly killing me. I'm not a fan of dying, and especially not dying early, so I guess I'd better kick my own ass, and get off the sugar kick. Are you in?</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2756473067127025199.post-45520754507929156952012-09-08T06:54:00.001-07:002012-09-08T06:54:18.813-07:00Staying on a Low Carb Diet<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The last three weeks have been unbelievably busy between work and family. I haven't had much time for myself. I feel like I'm in a constant state of rush. Somehow I've managed to stay on my low carb plan despite my hectic schedule and added stress. I worked hard during the summer to plan for the school year, but my weekends have been consumed with non stop "go" to the point that my plans have gone down the drain. I've digressed four times: In my rush out the door I drove through Whataburger and had egg, bacon, and cheese taquitos. And twice I've eaten out for dinner, gave in, and indulged in a roll (okay, three rolls last night -my bad).<br />
<br />
I've been lucky that my indulgences didn't add to my weight. I'm still in a 3 pound bouncing stall. Sigh... My lifesavers over the past few weeks has been: grilled chicken salads (fast food versions w/LC dressing), Hillshire Farms precooked grilled chicken breasts (2-3 carbs, but great in a pinch and very tender and tasty), and tuna/chicken salad.<br />
<br />
I have a lot of running to do today (just waiting for the clothes to dry), and lots of work to do tomorrow, but I'm determined to take the time to plan out my week. I'm also trying egg creams today. I just made a chocolate egg cream using egg beaters, club soda, heavy whipping cream, Jay Robb's chocolate protein powder, and chocolate DaVinci's (yum and I can't taste the egg). I'm going to try another one for lunch (pumpkin perhaps), then eat a sensible dinner of fish and steamed veggies for dinner. I will stick to this plan for tomorrow as well. My hope is that the egg creams will shake my body up a bit and earn me a visit from the whoosh fairy. I'll let you know how it goes. Have a great weekend!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2756473067127025199.post-44643085907440871992012-08-12T06:47:00.003-07:002012-08-12T06:47:48.954-07:00Low Carb Dinner Menus, August 12-17<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It's back to school time! I need to plan and organize in order to get through a very busy week. So here is my dinner menu for August 12-17.<br />
<br />
Sunday - pork ribs with Walden Farms Sugar Free BBQ Sauce, broccoli slaw with Walden Farms Sugar Free Cole Slaw Dressing<br />
Monday - bacon cheeseburgers sans bun, salad<br />
Tuesday - chicken breasts with vegetables<br />
Wednesday - grilled pork chops, broccoli and cheese<br />
Thursday - shrimp in Cajun garlic butter (from HEB), salad<br />
Friday - taco pie (using Carbquik)</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2756473067127025199.post-54629327728915592572012-08-09T06:57:00.002-07:002012-08-09T06:57:36.701-07:00Low Carb Taco Muffins<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Last night I played around with a Bisquick recipe -without the Bisquick. I wanted to try making mini pot pies in a muffin tin, but of course, I wanted to create a low carb version. I used leftovers from taco salad from the day before and Carbquik as my magic ingredient.<br />
<br />
<b>Directions:</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>In a bowl, combine:</b><br />
1/2 c. Carbquick<br />
1/4 c. whole milk<br />
1/4 c. heavy whipping cream<br />
2 beaten eggs<br />
1/8 tsp. xanthum gum<br />
1/8 tsp. baking powder<br />
<br />
Put 6 muffin papers into a muffin pan and spray with Pam. (Next time I'll probably just spray the pan well instead of using the papers.) Put about a tablespoon of mixture into each muffin pan (about 1/3 full).<br />
<br />
I confess I didn't measure anything for the next step. I just eyeballed the ingredients.<br />
<br />
<b>In another bowl, combine:</b><br />
cooked ground beef in taco seasoning (I made my own.)<br />
salsa<br />
shredded cheddar cheese<br />
chopped green onion<br />
chopped black olives<br />
salt & pepper<br />
<br />
Spoon the taco ingredients into the muffin tins until almost full, but not quite. Spoon the rest of the Carbquik mixture into each tin to cover the taco ingredients. Sprinkle taco seasoning onto each muffin. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes. They came out so good that I won't tell you how many I ate by myself! They are approximately 1.5 carbs each.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2756473067127025199.post-65539663583676528482012-08-07T19:56:00.000-07:002012-08-07T19:56:00.193-07:00Low Carb Lemon Cake<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
My daughter wanted lemon cake, but I refused to bring an entire cake into the house to satisfy her sweet tooth. I bought her a lemon cupcake instead, but that got me to wanting lemon cake...<br />
<br />
Mix together the following dry ingredients in a bowl:<br />
<br />
1 T. Splenda<br />
1/4 c. almond flour<br />
1/4 c. Jay Robb Vanilla Whey Protein<br />
1 tsp. baking powder<br />
a dash of salt<br />
<br />
In another bowl, mix together the following wet ingredients:<br />
<br />
1 T. melted butter<br />
1 beaten egg<br />
1 T. whipping cream<br />
1 tsp. real mayonnaise<br />
1/4 tsp. lemon extract<br />
2 T. Torani Sugar Free Lemon Syrup<br />
<br />
Whisk the wet and dry ingredients together. Pour the cake mix into a Pyrex rectangular microwavable container. Microwave for approximately 4 minutes (you may need more or less time depending on your microwave). I used a spatula to move the cake to a plate. It pops out easily.<br />
<br />
<b>Lemon Cream Cheese Icing</b><br />
<br />
Mix together in a bowl:<br />
<br />
1 1/2 T. of cream cheese (soften in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds)<br />
1 T. butter (melted)<br />
1 T. Splenda<br />
1 T. Torani Sugar Free Lemon Syrup<br />
1/4 tsp lemon extract<br />
<br />
Spread the lemon cream cheese icing onto the cake. Cut the cake into 6 small pieces. 1.5 carbs per slice. You can return the cake to the Pyrex container, cover it with the lid, and store it in the fridge. You might want to warm it up for 15 to 20 seconds when you decide to indulge in a second piece.<br />
<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2756473067127025199.post-29234122250048543042012-08-06T11:48:00.000-07:002012-08-06T11:48:00.371-07:00Low Carb BBQ Sauce<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Are you ready for some seriously sweet BBQ sauce that will make your mouth water? I made this sauce, then spooned it onto my pork butt roast. I let the roast sit (covered in foil) for one hour. I turned on the oven at 475 degrees and let it warm up for 15 minutes, then I put in the roast, and immediately turned the oven down to 200 degrees. I cooked my roast for 4 hours. I poured the rest of my sauce over Hillshire Farms Little Smokies in a small <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000AB32PE/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000AB32PE&linkCode=as2&tag=effecteachsol-20%22" target="_blank">Crockpot</a>. (Little Smokies have 2 carbs for every five smokies - sad face, right? I made these for my kids.)<br />
<br />
<b>Directions:</b><br />
<br />
1. Chop two strips of bacon into small pieces. Fry the bacon in a pan that comes with a lid.<br />
2. Add chopped onion (I threw in two handfuls. I buy the pre chopped onion at the grocery store.) Saute the onion for about 5 minutes or until soft.<br />
<br />
<b>Add the following ingredients:</b><br />
<br />
1/4 tsp. garlic powder<br />
1 6 oz. can of tomato paste<br />
1 - 12 oz. can of Diet A&W Root Beer<br />
2 T. paprika<br />
1 T. <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001AIWAAE/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001AIWAAE&linkCode=as2&tag=effecteachsol-20%22%3EBragg%20-%20Apple%20Cider%20Vinegar,%2032%20oz%20liquid%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=effecteachsol-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B001AIWAAE%22" target="_blank">Apple Cider Vinegar</a><br />
1 tsp. of <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00099XKXG/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00099XKXG&linkCode=as2&tag=effecteachsol-20%22" target="_blank">Frank's Hot Sauce</a><br />
<br />
Stir well, cover, and let simmer for 20 minutes. 10 servings, 1/4 cup, approximately 3 carbs.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2756473067127025199.post-23299524695197827342012-08-05T10:37:00.000-07:002012-08-05T10:37:00.212-07:00Low Carb Strawberry Almond Breakfast Cake<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ_1jK7KylGGBHikIQnWyER21ebQszibnd4b3d_qwaxtaeIjtJrap6nU1OXboCvAYv7hiT-LPSQjemOADtNI-YjEj8qumKlcpBLnz-hccfxxv3eexWm2QXQ-EmXMbfsysMJHma8jEq3ao/s1600/strawberry+breakfast+cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ_1jK7KylGGBHikIQnWyER21ebQszibnd4b3d_qwaxtaeIjtJrap6nU1OXboCvAYv7hiT-LPSQjemOADtNI-YjEj8qumKlcpBLnz-hccfxxv3eexWm2QXQ-EmXMbfsysMJHma8jEq3ao/s200/strawberry+breakfast+cake.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Low Carb Strawberry Breakfast Cake</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I created breakfast happiness this morning. I decided to take my Blueberry Bliss recipe and tinker around with it to make a strawberry breakfast cake. It was so good I'm chomping at the bit to make one tomorrow morning.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><b>Instructions</b><br /><br />Use a fork to mix the following dry ingredients in a bowl:<br />1 T., 1 tsp. of <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000EDG598/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000EDG598&linkCode=as2&tag=effecteachsol-20%22%3EBob's%20Red%20Mill%20Almond%20Meal/Flour,%2016-Ounce%20Packages%20(Pack%20of%204)%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=effecteachsol-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000EDG598%22" target="_blank">Bob Mill's Almond Flour</a><br />1 T., 1 tsp.<a href="http://www.blogger.com/%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000EDBQ6A/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000EDBQ6A&linkCode=as2&tag=effecteachsol-20%22%3EBob's%20Red%20Mill%20Organic%20%20Flaxseed%20Meal,%2016-Ounce%20Packages%20(Pack%20of%204)%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=effecteachsol-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000EDBQ6A%22" target="_blank"> flaxmeal</a><br />1 T., 1 tsp. <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00140UI48/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00140UI48&linkCode=as2&tag=effecteachsol-20%22%3EJay%20Robb%20Whey%20Protein%20Powder%20Strawberry%20--%2024%20oz%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=effecteachsol-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00140UI48%22" target="_blank">Jay Robb's Strawberry Whey Protein Powder</a><br />1/2 tsp. baking powder<br />1 tsp. <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003WPWVMA/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B003WPWVMA&linkCode=as2&tag=effecteachsol-20%22%3ESplenda%20No%20Calorie%20Sweetener,%20Granulated%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=effecteachsol-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B003WPWVMA%22" target="_blank">Splenda</a><br /><br /><b>Add in:</b><br /><br />1 T. heavy whipping cream<br />1 T. <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000P650ZE/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000P650ZE&linkCode=as2&tag=effecteachsol-20%22%3EDa%20Vinci%20SUGAR%20FREE%20Strawberry%20Syrup%20750mL%20with%20Splenda%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=effecteachsol-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000P650ZE%22" target="_blank">DaVinci's Sugar Free Strawberry Syrup</a><br />Whisk the wet ingredients well.<br /><br />Pour the dry ingredients into the microwavable bowl with the wet ingredients. (I used a 2 cup Pyrex microwave safe bowl). Mix together well.<br /><br />Dice 3 to 4 strawberrys. Fold half of them into mixture, and a small amount of almond pieces (I broke up several slivered almonds).<br /><br />Microwave for 1 1/2 minutes (my microwave is old and slow, so adjust accordingly), or until done (cake like). Your breakfast cake pops right out and onto your plate. Top your breakfast cake with the rest of the strawberries, whipped cream topping, and a few almond slivers. Approximately 2 carbs per cake. One cake equals 1 serving.</span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2756473067127025199.post-45844716124320440132012-08-04T10:24:00.000-07:002012-08-04T10:24:00.119-07:00Hot & Spicy Mock Fried Chicken<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I love the version of French Fried Onion chicken that I developed (based on the original), but tonight, I took it to a whole new level. Instead of French Fried Onions, I used <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004MTOJC0/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B004MTOJC0&linkCode=as2&tag=effecteachsol-20%22" target="_blank">Baken-ets Hot & Spicy Pork Rinds</a>. OMG! Prepare each step prior to dredging your chicken.<br />
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Step 1: Mix a cup of <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000G0EP78/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000G0EP78&linkCode=as2&tag=effecteachsol-20%22%3ECarbquik%20Baking%20Mix%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=effecteachsol-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000G0EP78%22" target="_blank">Carbquik</a> with spices of your choice. I used the <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001QHC46O/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001QHC46O&linkCode=as2&tag=effecteachsol-20%22" target="_blank">Dr. Tea's All Purpose Tea Rub</a>. Dredge each chicken breast through the <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000G0EP78/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000G0EP78&linkCode=as2&tag=effecteachsol-20%22%3ECarbquik%20Baking%20Mix%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=effecteachsol-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000G0EP78%22" target="_blank">Carbquik</a> and spices.<br />
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Step 2: Beat 2 eggs in a bowl, then add salt and pepper to taste. Dredge your chicken breasts through the egg wash.<br />
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Step 3: Pour a bag of <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004MTOJC0/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B004MTOJC0&linkCode=as2&tag=effecteachsol-20%22" target="_blank">Baken-ets Hot & Spicy Tender Pork Cracklins</a> into a large zip up baggy. Use a rolling pin to crush the pork rinds until they are a fine powder. Coat your chicken breasts with the pork rinds, pressing the pork rinds into the chicken.<br />
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Step 4: Place your chicken breasts into a greased baking dish. Pour any leftover pork rinds on top of the chicken breasts. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes.<br />
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<b>Variation: </b>Use <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001FA1KVC/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001FA1KVC&linkCode=as2&tag=effecteachsol-20%22%3EFrench's%20French%20Fried%20Onions,%20Original,%206-Ounce%20Can%20(Pack%20of%206)%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=effecteachsol-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B001FA1KVC%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22" target="_blank">French's French Fried Onions</a> instead of pork rinds.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2756473067127025199.post-31336635608411520842012-08-03T10:15:00.000-07:002012-08-03T10:15:00.538-07:00Whooshie Burger<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Perhaps you've heard of Whooshie Pie -the pie that makes low carb dieters go "whoosh". It's kind of huge, and kind of yucky looking and not that tasty, so I did a little reinventing and created a Whooshie Burger with the same whoosh, but a much better taste!<br />
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<b>Instructions:</b><br />
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Break off enough hamburger meat for one nice sized patty. Add 2 tsp. of Worcestershire sauce, 1/4 tsp. prepared yellow mustard, and 1/4 tsp. horseradish. Generously sprinkle salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix the ingredients into the hamburger well, then shape it into a patty. Fry it up in a pan. Add a thin slice of cheese, if desired.<br />
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You can also try adding a little softened cream cheese and a small egg to your Whooshie Burger.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2756473067127025199.post-2151015674199779892012-08-02T12:31:00.000-07:002012-08-02T12:31:00.535-07:00Blueberry Pecan One Minute Low Carb Breakfast Cake<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I've been experimenting in the kitchen again, and this time I invented heaven. Imagine a mouthwatering low carb cake like breakfast treat with blueberries and pecans? OMG! And I made it in a minute (okay, 5 minutes maybe)!<br />
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<b>Instructions</b><br />
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Use a fork to mix the following dry ingredients in a bowl:<br />
1 T., 1 tsp. of Bob Mill's Almond Flour<br />
1 T., 1 tsp. flaxmeal<br />
1 T., 1 tsp. Jay Robb's Vanilla Whey Protein Powder<br />
1/2 tsp. baking powder<br />
1 tsp. Splenda<br />
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In a microwavable bowl, melt 1 T. of real butter in the microwave. Add in:<br />
1 egg<br />
1 T. heavy whipping cream<br />
1 T. DaVinci's Sugar Free Vanilla Syrup (you could possibly substitute vanilla extract)<br />
Whisk the wet ingredients well.<br />
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Pour the dry ingredients into the microwavable bowl with the wet ingredients. (I used a 2 cup Pyrex microwave safe bowl). Mix together well.<br />
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Fold in 24 blueberries and a small amount of pecan pieces (I broke up 8 whole pecans).<br />
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Microwave for 1 1/2 minutes (my microwave is old and slow, so adjust accordingly), or until done (cake like). Your breakfast cake pops right out and onto your plate. Approximately 2 carbs per cake. One cake equals 1 serving.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2756473067127025199.post-11939148847702884082012-08-01T08:27:00.000-07:002012-08-01T08:27:00.757-07:00Butter, Butter, Butter<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
One thing I love about low carb living is butter! Real butter. Not fake Fabio margerine. If you want to give your vegetables a kick, then try some yummy butter and extract or spice combinations.<br />
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<b>Orange Butter</b><br />
I bought a bag of frozen (steamers) broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots with nothing else added (I check the ingredients). I put the bag in the microwave and half a stick of butter in a pan. About a minute before the vegetables were done, I turned on the stove and melted the butter. Once the butter was melted, I added a teaspoon of orange extract. I stirred the extract and butter together, then added the vegetables. Then I stirred the vegetables (along with some slivered almonds) into the butter until they were well coated and snapping hot. I also topped the vegetables with salt and pepper. The end result was a light buttery orange flavor added to my vegetables, and let me tell you - it was dee-licious!<br />
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<b>Garlic-Lemon Butter</b><br />
This time I stirred up some fresh cut zucchini and squash in butter with a teaspoon of lemon extract, and a heavy dash of garlic salt and cracked pepper. You could also cook a chicken breast in garlic-lemon butter. Yum!<br />
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<b>Almond Butter</b><br />
Add almond extract to your butter, plus some slivered almonds to go along with your vegetables (try it on green beans).<br />
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<b>Italian Herb Butter</b><br />
Melt your butter and stir in Italian herb seasoning and use it stir up whatever vegetables suit your taste buds.<br />
<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2756473067127025199.post-86265638143641784602012-07-31T18:40:00.000-07:002012-07-31T18:40:00.484-07:00Best Crockpot Turkey Breast Roast Recipe Ever<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Sometimes I create something wonderful by pure chance. This is one of those times. I bought a boneless turkey breast roast, but couldn't decide what to do with it. I searched online for a crockpot recipe, but I couldn't find one I liked. In the end, I poured a half cup water into the crockpot, and the generously sprinkled Tony Chachere's Creole Seasoning all over the turkey breast, threw it into the pot, turned it on low for 8 hours...<br />
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And OMG! I wasn't really looking forward to dinner. I was expecting a tasteless, dry turkey. I blown away at how moist and yummy my turkey turned out. It was so good I ate more than my share! DH loved it too. So simple, yet so delicious. </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2756473067127025199.post-14548456979289928372012-07-30T19:03:00.000-07:002012-07-30T19:03:00.652-07:00Root Beer Float Protein Shake<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I've been trying to stay away from diet soda, but once in awhile, you simply need a treat (especially after you talked yourself into going to the gym for the first time in ages). Tonight I made a root beer float protein shake.<br />
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<b>Ingredients:</b><br />
3/4 cup of diet root beer<br />
1/3 cup of heavy whipping cream<br />
1 scoop of Jay Robb's Vanilla Whey Protein Powder<br />
ice<br />
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Blend. Pour into a glass. Enjoy! </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2756473067127025199.post-43397257397657398492012-07-29T10:41:00.000-07:002012-07-29T10:41:00.191-07:00Low Carb BLT Wrap<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Today, I made the most scrumptious lunch - a BLT wrap!<br />
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<b>Directions:</b><br />
1. Cook 4 slices of bacon.<br />
2. Peel off a large iceberg lettuce leaf, wash, pat it dry with paper towels and lay it on a plate.<br />
3. Spread 2 tsp. of Hidden Valley Ranch Bacon Dressing on the lettuce (1 carb for 2 T.).<br />
4. Spread 2 T. of guacamole on the lettuce (I use either HEB's Natural Guacamole or Wholly Guacamole Classic).<br />
5. Slice a tomato. Cut one slice in half and place both halves on top of the guacamole. Sprinkle salt and pepper on your tomato.<br />
6. Sprinkle cheddar cheese over your tomato.<br />
7. Top with your four slices of bacon. Roll the lettuce wrap and eat!<br />
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Approximately 1.5 carbs</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2756473067127025199.post-89207887181545256512012-07-28T15:17:00.000-07:002012-07-28T15:17:00.759-07:00Chicken Breasts with Vegetables<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Several years ago I was experimenting in the kitchen and came up with this recipe. It's one of my DH's favorite dinners.<br />
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<b>Instructions:</b><br />
1. Sprinkle salt, pepper, and Greek seasoning on each chicken breast. Place the chicken breasts in a greased baking dish (I spray with Pam).<br />
2. Dice up 1/2 cup fresh tomatoes. Place a small amount of tomatoes on top of each chicken breast.<br />
3. Dice up 1 small zucchini and 1 small summer squash. Put a generous amount of each on every chicken breast.<br />
4. Sprinkle the vegetables with Greek seasoning.<br />
5. Bake for 30 minutes at 350.<br />
6. Top each chicken breast with cheddar cheese. Bake for another 5 minutes or until the chicken is melted.<br />
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Approximately 2-3 carbs.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2756473067127025199.post-5927377038566927512012-07-27T14:46:00.000-07:002012-07-27T14:46:00.640-07:00Low Carb Breakfast Salad<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I've been thinking about how I can get more vegetables into my morning. I came up with this crazy idea of making a breakfast salad! Who would have thunk?<br />
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<b>Ingredients:</b><br />
1 cup lettuce and / or spinach, torn very small<br />
1 boiled egg, diced<br />
2 slices of bacon, crumbled (save the bacon grease)<br />
1/2 oz. shredded cheddar cheese<br />
3 cherry tomatoes, cut into fourths<br />
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Toss the salad with bacon dressing.<br />
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<b>Bacon Dressing:</b> Put 3 T. of the bacon grease (the fat) into a small saucepan. Add 3 T. of red wine vinegar, a dash of salt and pepper, 1/2 tsp. of Dijon mustard, and a few drops of Stevia (or a tsp. of Splenda). Whisk the mixture over low heat until warm. Pour over your breakfast salad! Approximately 3 carbs.<br />
<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2756473067127025199.post-83383924997183478742012-07-26T13:57:00.000-07:002012-07-26T13:57:00.620-07:00Tea for Weight Loss, The Tea Series, Part 1<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I've decided to post a series about tea. I am a bit of a tea connoisseur. I love a good cup of hot tea, or a tall glass of iced tea. I've made a point to educate myself about tea, and I've learned some exciting things. The first and foremost thing I've learned is that tea can help with weight loss!<br />
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All teas (white, black, green, oolong, pu-erh) are harvested from the same plant: the tea plant, also known in scientific terms as <i>camellia sinensis</i>. The different types of tea are based on how they are processed. They all have the same properties that help us with weight loss. Tea has three synergistic properties that work together: caffeine, L-theanine, and epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG).<br />
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Tea has about 65 mg of caffeine per brewed cup (8 ounces). Coffee has about 90 mg of caffeine per brewed cup. But we are comparing apples to oranges. You see, tea has L-theanine, an amino acid that counteracts the negative effects of caffeine. This works to send your brain a message telling you that you are satisfied and full, rather than hungry. So basically, it works as an appetite suppressant. And then there is the EGCG which is an antioxidant that helps kick your metabolism into fat burning mode. How cool is that? Tea by itself won't cause you to lose weight, but it acts as an effective supplement to your low carb diet.<br />
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To top it off, tea is much healthier than diet soda. Let's face it -diet soda is chemicals and fake sweetner. Tea is an ancient drink that comes from nature. It's totally safe to drink tea all day long! Now I know what you are thinking: how does the caffeine effect your sleep? Well, I can tell you from personal experience that about a week and half into low carbing and full time tea drinking, I am now sleeping through the night.<br />
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In Part 2 of The Tea Series, we will talk about the different kinds of teas.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0