Caffeine....in a healthy way

The hardest thing for me to give up during my fitness journey is caffeine. My morning coffee with loads creamer and sugar, what helped me get out of bed in the morning. A nice cold Dr.Pepper was heaven when in the afternoon for a quick pick me up, or if I didn't feel good. When I decided to take my health seriously I knew I had to give up my 2 fave things. HOWEVER, I have found the best replacements. I still let myself have a coffee twice a week. I generally chose Saturdays and Mondays. I love to awake up and chill out in my chair with a nice cup of coffee on a Saturday morning, and I don't know about 
y'all but I have a bad case of the Monday's...EVERY Monday, so I allow myself a cup. Instead of using creamer I use unsweetened almond milk, and two packets of Truvia, instead of sugar. It is just as good, and way better for you.  Here is an awesome blog post from one of my fave bloggers Taralynn. She explains the benefits of coffee! 

http://simplytaralynn.com/2014/05/06/benefits-of-coffee-by-running-blogger-courtney-brown/

There really isn't a substitute that compares to my beloved Dr. Pepper...even though I know how awful it is, it will always have a place in my heart. :) I have been trying to drink tea instead. I am one of those weird southerns that HATES sweet tea, so I usually just drink unsweetened. On the days that I do not have coffee, I warm up a nice cup of green tea. Its so soothing and relaxing. And helps you feel better If you are feeling under the weather. I decided to do a little research on the health benefits of Green tea and thought I would share. 

• Weight Loss- The polyphenol found in green tea works to intensify levels of fat oxidation and the rate at which your body turns food into calories.
• Diabetes. Green tea apparently helps regulate glucose levels slowing the rise of blood sugar after eating. This can prevent high insulin spikes and resulting fat storage.
• Heart Disease. Scientists think, green tea works on the lining of blood vessels, helping keep them stay relaxed and better able to withstand changes in blood pressure. It may also protect against the formation of clots, which are the primary cause of heart attacks.
• Esophageal Cancer. It can reduce the risk of esophageal cancer, but it is also widely thought to kill cancer cells in general without damaging the healthy tissue around them.
• Cholesterol. Green tea reduces bad cholesterol in the blood and improves the ratio of good cholesterol to bad cholesterol.
• Blood Pressure. Regular consumption of green tea is thought to reduce the risk of high blood pressure.
• Depression. Theanine is an amino acid naturally found in tea leaves. It is this substance that is thought to provide a relaxing and tranquilizing effect and be a great benefit to tea drinkers.
• Skincare. Green tea can apparently also help with wrinkles and the signs of aging, This is because of their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Both animal and human studies have demonstrated that green tea applied topically can reduce sun damage

Paleo Spicy Chicken Stir Fry

Paleo Spicy Chicken Stir Fry 

Spice Ingredients:

2 1/2 Tbsp Paprika

2 Tbsp Garlic Powder

1 Tbsp Sea Salt

1 Tbsp Black Pepper

1 Tbsp Onion Powder

1 Tbsp Cayenne Powder

1 Tbsp Dried Oregano

1 Tbsp Dried Thyme

Stir-Fry ingredients:

2-3 cooked chicken breast

1 diced red pepper
1 diced green pepper

1/2 diced red onion

1 bag of frozen chopped broccoli

Olive Oil

Spice mix

Directions:

Heat olive oil in large skillet.

Add all diced veggies & let cook for a few minutes while stirring.

Add diced chicken.

Sprinkle mix with more olive oil & then generously sprinkle with spice mix.

Zucchini and Squash Lasagna

Zucchini and Squash Lasagna 

1 pound ground 99% fat free turkey breast 

1 jar spaghetti sauce

1 large zucchini

1 large squash

1 8 oz bag moz cheese

1 pound ground turkey browned and drained. Then I added one jar of spaghetti sauce.  Then I sliced 1 large zucchini and 1 large squash. I placed a small amount of sauce on the bottom of the pan so the veggies would not stick. I started with a layer of squash. I made these overlay to prevent hole between the laid out veggies. Then I spooned the meat sauce over the squash and added a layer of moz. Cheese. Then, layered the zucchini, layer of meat sauce and final layer of cheese and baked at 375 for 45 min.

Crock Pot Salsa Chicken

So I am momma always on the go and on a budget!
I have started a late shift at work, with working and going to school, finding time to cook is hard! But, I have come so far to start back on old habits ( pizza, drive thru, hamburger help *tear*)  So most of my recipes are going to be quick and easy, and easy on the pocket book.

Salsa Chicken

In the mood for Mexican?  Oh do I have a easy treat for you!!

What you need:

• Crock pot
• 4 chicken breast
• jar of salsa

What you need to do:

• place the chicken in the crock pot
• pour the salsa (whole jar) over the chicken
• set the crock pot temp on low and the time 8 hours
• before serving shred the chicken
• add cheese if you like, but I have cut out cheese.

TIP: I top mine with brown rice and the warmed up salsa. It is amazing!! And Super EASY!!