Getting Life Back on Track...the Clean Way

This weather in the Midwest has been not so Summer, but Fall like! Last week it was all of 75*! Our norm around here is in the upper 80's! Other than not being able to enjoy the pool, I'm really excited that the weather is so nice that walking and getting back to running, yep I said it running! I've got to get my body back in shape!

I keep seeing all over Facebook people clean eating so I thought I'd check it out. It's a pretty simple plan, no dairy ( no problem, I can't eat it anyway!), gluten free, sugar free, no pork (I guess those little devils are as dirty inside as they are on the outside!), organic fruits and veggies, and no nitrates in your meat. That pretty much sums it up. Soooo, I've decided to do clean eating for 30 days!!  The best part is my kids 13 & 11, and my Momma are gonna join in on it!! Wha better support than your family!! 

I plan to blog daily with what we're eating, and how we're doing. I've asked the kids to journal how it's going for them too. I think it's nice to see a kids point a view. Mom doesn't live with us, but she is plans on journaling too! 

We have semi planned meals, so let's see how it goes! 

Day 1

Starting my day with a detox tea. I'm using a mix of Tealightful Teas, Spa Day and Traditional Medicinals EveryDay Detox. I prefer mine iced so here goes!

Now to a protein shake! Arbonne (it's vegan!!) protein powder, unsweetened almond milk, 3 strawberries, and a cour cubes of ice thrown in the Bullet! Down the hatch!

Some of my vinyl designs

These are just a few of my latest projects. If you like what you see, check out my Facebook page Erin's Designs at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Erins-Designs/428334173930753?ref=ts&fref=ts

2 lb Banana Nut Bread (for the bread machine)

Today I made a new recipe for banana nut bread. It smells fabulous! I searched the web and came to http://themarathonmom.com/banana-nut-bread-a-bread-machine-recipe.htm 

I'll let you know how he kids like it tomorrow! I love the smell, but not a fan of baked breads! Crazy, I know!!

Morning Routine Sign

Need a visual for the kids' back to school morning routine?

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Avocado Chicken Salad

2-3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 avocado
1/4c onion, chopped ( I love onion so I added more, you may like less...)
juice of 1/2 a lime (this is so the avocado doesn't turn brown)
2-3 sprigs of cilantro (you can substitute with basil if you don't like cilantro)
salt and pepper, to taste

Cook the chicken breast whole. When cooked thoroughly, dice it up in bite size pieces.

Mash the avocado until a creamy consistency. Add the onion, cilantro leaves, lime juice, salt and pepper. IF the chicken is cool, blend it into the mixture. Don't mix the warm chicken in, you don't want to "cook" the avocado. 

Place in refrigerator until completely cool, then ENJOY! 

This would taste fabulous on croissant, but to keep things low fat, I'm simply enjoying by itself.    

I may add sun dried tomatoes for a little extra flavor and color next time too!

 

Kid Friendly Garb

I needed to come up with an after school snack that I could feed kids from 1 year to 12 years old. I mixed sweet, salty and dried fruit to get this! "This is the best snack ever, can we have this everyday?" Is just one comment I received!!

1 box animal crackers
1 box Chocolate Cheerios
1 bag stick pretzels
1 bag Craisins-blueberry
1 bag Craisins-cranberry

Strawberry Icebox Cake

3 lbs strawberries, sliced
2 tubs Cool Whip
1 ENTIRE box of graham crackers
1/4 c chocolate chips (for the drizzle)

In a 9x13 glass pan layer first three ingredients. Leave crackers whole. they should fit in the pan five across two on the bottom.
Layer in this order:
Whip-crackers-strawberries-crackers-whip-strawberries-crackers-whip-strawberries
put the chocolate chip in a baggie and melt in the microwave. Do 10 sec increments until they're melted. Cut tip off bottom of baggie to use it to drizzle or the cake. Cover and put in the refrigerator for 4 hours ( we cheated, it was only 3 1/2, but it was still good!!!) Mmmm...