Stay Healthy Fish Tacos...Make in 20...no kidding

YOU CAN MAKE THIS IN 20 MINUTES!!!!

Hi Readers.....Ok let me just share that this recipe is OH so simple good. So....grab your can of albacore tuna in water and favorite can of beans....and meet me in the kitchen:)

Ingredients:

1 can albacore tuna in water (drained)

1 15 oz can of beans of your choice (black, pinto, veggie refries for example) drain off water

Your favorite Salsa

1 package of taco seasoning (will use this to taste)

Crushed Red Pepper (also use this to taste)

1 Jar of sliced jalapeno peppers (the juice is wonderful to add to the fish)

1 Red pepper, chopped

1 Green pepper, chopped

1 Red onion, chopped (some will be cooked with peppers, and save a bit for fresh topping)

1 Avocado (sliced and quartered for fresh topping)

1 Small Bag shredded cabbage (another fab fresh topping)

Fat Free Sour Cream (optional, but I love it on mine)

La Tortilla Factory Hand Made Style Corn Tortillas (Chipotle Flavor is the Bomb!)

Heat a large skillet and spray with PAM. Chop the peppers and onion and add to the skillet. Sprinkle a little taco seasoning over the vegies, cook and fork stir until the peppers look a bit roasted and onions release juices. I am a taster at this point...so go right ahead and check the flavor and see if it is to your liking. Pour the pepper/onion mixture into a bowl and cover with a foil to keep warm. In the same heated pan, you will be splitting the pan in 1/2...tuna on one side and beans on the other (multi tasking here). Add your drained tuna on one side and begin forking apart. Add the beans on the other side. If they mix a bit...no big deal...all is good in the kitchen. Pour a bit of salsa over the tuna and sprinkle with a bit of taco seasoning mix and crushed red pepper, add a bit of jalapeno juice from the jar, and combine all the flavors. Again, taste test to see if the fish is to your liking...I like mine spicy...but everyone is different. On the bean side, add a bit of salsa to the beans and keep stirring to heat through. I sometimes add a bit of the taco seasoning mix to the beans as well. Once everything is heated through...we are ready to build. Heat a griddle prepared with PAM to warm the tortillas. Have ready your sliced avocado, remaining onion, bag of shredded red cabbage, fat free sour cream, and jalapenos (optional). Remove heated tortillas from the griddle and start building this healthy taco....fish and beans first, add cooked pepper and onions, a dab of fat free sour cream (optional), fresh chopped onion, jalapenos, shredded red cabbage and avocado. This will be messy good!!!! Have a fork on standby to not miss what drops on your plate. Let me know how you like these....this is absolutely one of my favorite meals and no kidding, I make it in 20 minutes. Less if you make it with a friend:)

Stay Healthy!!!!

Darla:)

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Stay Healthy Omega Bran Muffins

Hi Readers....Check These Out!!!!

I have created a MUST BAKE for you and they are absolutely delicious, moist, and contain the very important nutrients we should all be consuming on a daily basis. These power packed tasty treats house the fabulous Omega 3 fatty acids proven to reduce the risk of heart disease and high blood pressure just to name a couple of the many health benefits. Did you know you should include 25-38 grams of fiber daily??? The protein is an added boost. This muffin has it all....I guarantee you will enjoy starting your day with this healthy and tasty meal....I must admit...I sometimes have 2 per day...one for breakfast and a fabulous afternoon treat:)...they are THAT GOOD!!! Pass along to friends and family.....you will be glad you did:)

Stay Healthy Omega Bran Muffins

1 cup Old Fashioned Oats (grind or blend to flour consistency)

1/2 cup vanilla whey protein

3/4 cup flax meal

3/4 cup oat bran

1 cup brown sugar

2 tsp baking soda

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt (optional...I leave it out)

2 tsp cinnamon

1 1/2 cup shredded carrot (wash 1 large carrot, leave skin on, and grate to shredded)

2 medium apples (peeled and grate to shredded)

1 cup chopped walnuts

3/4 cup light vanilla soy milk (yes you can use regular n/f or skim milk)

2 eggs beaten

1 tsp vanilla

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare muffin pans with a nonstick cook spray or use paper liners. This recipe does not require a mixer....simple and delicious!!!

Mix together the ground oatmeal, protein powder, flax meal, oat bran, brown sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon, set aside. Mix grated carrot and apples into the dry mixture with a spoon until well combined. The mixture will be very thick moist. Stir in walnuts. In a separate bowl, beat eggs, vanilla and milk together. Pour this mix over the prepared ingredients, and stir until well combined. Fill muffin cups 3/4 full (sometimes I take it all the way to the top). Bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes. I find that darker pans cook faster and the product will be done at the 15 minute timer. This recipe yields 12 power packed muffins!!!

Enjoy and Stay Healthy!!!!

Darla;)

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A Fistful of Blueberry Pancakes

YOU CAN MAKE THIS!!!!

Good Morning Readers!

This morning I am powering up the pancake recipe by adding 2 fistfuls of blueberries. As you know I am on a mission to show that eating healthy is easy and fun....

Before we begin, did you know that the blueberry is the #1 most powerful antioxidant? What does that mean for you and me.....by incorporating blueberries into our daily nutrition plan, we are protecting our bodies from a multitude of health issues to include heart disease and cancer, and in addition slowing the aging process...now who does not want that? So let's get cooking.....

Have ready your griddle, spray with PAM, heat on low, otherwise your pancakes will cook too fast on the outside and be gooey on the inside, and a bowl. Nothing fancy....my tools here are a bowl, a fork, and a stirring spoon for mixing.

You Will Need:

1 very (turning brown) ripe banana

1 whole egg

1/2 tsp vanilla

1/2 cup old fashion rolled oats

1 scoop whey vanilla protein

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tbsp flax meal

1/2 tbsp wheat germ

1/2 tbsp oat bran

Vanilla soy milk (yes you can use n/f milk instead)

2 Large fistfuls of blueberries

1 Handful of blueberries to sprinkle on top

In your bowl, smash ripe banana with your fork until it stirs well and juices release, add your whole egg and fork stir into banana until well combined, add 1/2 tsp vanilla and stir again. Put the oats in your electric blender and grind until flour consistency and add to the wet ingredients in the bowl, add your vanilla protein powder, the flax meal, wheat germ, and oat bran, and stir well. The mix will be thick at this point. Add just enough soy milk to make the mixture pourable (careful not to make runny), so add a bit, stir and check. I like my mixture a bit "thick pourable". Now add the 2 fistfuls of blueberries and gently stir into the mixture. Pour 2 equal amounts of batter onto your prepared griddle, cook on one side a few minutes, (check for color by gently lifting an edge), if to your liking, flip over and cook the rest of the way. This recipe makes two large pancakes. Place one pancake on your plate and sprinkle with a few blueberries. I sometimes drizzle a little honey across the top. I eat one and save one for the next morning so I do not have to cook. Really, this only takes about 10 minutes to throw together....you will be done before your tea or coffee is done brewing. Also, a time saver since you have an extra that you can have tomorrow, or for a snack later.

Let me know what you think of this Power Pumped Blueberry Version???

Stay Healthy!!!
Darla:)

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Stay Healthy Oat Protein Cookies...YUMMMMM

Why Buy Them When You Can Bake Them!!!!

In today's economy where health bars/cookies can be anywhere from .88 cents to over $3.00, it is so worth a little bit of time to save sooooo much money. Even at .88 cents, your investment in the health bar/cookie is almost $20.00 per month if consumed daily. Also, being creative in the kitchen is so much fun, a fabulous stress relief, and you can involve your family and friends in the adventure. There is nothing better than a sample of a fresh cookie right from the oven...I think we can all agree on that. A fabulous note...you are in control of what you are consuming and even understand what you are eating. No lengthy food labels where words that seem to not exist in Websters ever venture into self baked healthy goods. The fats and sugars have been greatly reduced in this recipe, as well as any empty calorie white product ingredients. Guilt free enjoyment awaits the first batch out of the oven:) and the perfect power snack that you can carry with you on the go, giving no excuse to not fuel that body!!! Now let's get started.....

Stay Healthy Oat Protein Cookies

Created by Darla Benfield

6 Tbsp "Real" butter @ room temp (no margarine...fake chemicals)

2/3 cup vanilla fat free yogurt

1 1/2 cup brown sugar

1 whole egg

1 Tbsp Pure Vanilla Extract

2 1/2 cups ground old fashioned rolled oats

1 cup vanilla whey protein powder (I have not tried this with a soy product)

3 cups old fashioned rolled oats

1 1/2 tsp baking soda

2 large handfuls of Craisins (dried cranberries)

1 large handful flaked coconut

1 12 oz bag semi sweet chocolate chips or white chocolate chips (you may choose to use 1/2 bag)

Preset oven temperature to 300 degrees. Have ready a cookie sheet and line with parchment paper. If no paper, then spray the cookie sheet with PAM. I personally like easy clean up by tossing the paper when I am done.

Dry Ingredients:

Place oats in your blender, and grind until flour consistency and until you reach 2 1/2 cups in a separate mixing bowl. Add the 1 cup of vanilla protein powder, and 1 1/2 tsp baking soda.

Wet Ingredients:

Place soft butter in your mixer bowl, along with vanilla yogurt and cream together. Add the brown sugar and continue to blend until creamy. Add the egg, and continue to mix thoroughly. Add the pure vanilla extract, and continue to cream together.

Together:
Time to add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Slow the mixer down, and slowly pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until thoroughly combined. Now, add 3 cups old fashioned rolled oats, mix; add the coconut and mix; add the Craisins and mix; and lastly add the chocolate chips and mix slowly. You should have a wonderful cookie dough ready for baking at this point.

I use a large tablespoon to make large cookies. This recipe will create 20 large cookies or approx 80 tsp size.

Scoop a large tablespoon of the dough onto your prepared cookies sheet and continue this process until the sheet is full. Place in your pre-heated oven and bake between 15-18 minutes. Be careful not to overcook these, as they will be dry. There should be a slight give to touch the top of the cookie in the oven and only very little browning. They will continue to cook on the sheet when you remove them from the oven. Transfer to a cooling rack and repeat the baking process until all the dough is used. Don't forget to lick the bowl:)

Enjoy and Stay Healthy!!!
Darla Benfield, LCPT, LCMT

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My Banana Oat Protein Pancakes for Breakfast!!!!!

YOU CAN MAKE THIS!!!

Good Morning Readers!

This morning I am sharing my breakfast with you. I am on a mission to show that eating healthy is easy and fun.....so get in that kitchen and let's go...

Have ready your griddle, spray with PAM, heat on low, otherwise your pancakes will cook too fast on the outside and be gooey on the inside, and a bowl. Nothing fancy....my tools here are a bowl and a fork for mixing.




You will need:

1 ripe banana

1 egg white

1/2 tsp vanilla

1/2 cup old fashion rolled oats

1 scoop whey vanilla protein

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tblsp flax meal

1/2 tblsp wheat germ

Vanilla soy milk (yes you can use n/f milk instead)

In your bowl, smash ripe banana with your fork until it stirs well and juices release, add your egg white, 1/2 tsp vanilla and stir again. Put the oats in your blender and grind until flour consistency and add to the wet ingredients in the bowl, add your vanilla protein powder, your flax meal and wheat germ, stir. The mix will be thick at this point. Add just enough soy milk to make the mixture pourable (careful not to make runny), so add a bit, stir and check. I like my mixture a bit "thick pourable". Pour 2 equal amounts of batter onto your prepared griddle, cook on one side a few minutes, (check for color by gently lifting an edge), if to your liking, flip over and cook the rest of the way. This recipe makes two large pancakes. I eat one and save one for the next morning so I do not have to cook. Really, this only takes about 10 minutes to throw together....you will be done before your tea or coffee is done brewing. Also, a time saver since you have an extra that you can have tomorrow, or for a snack later.


Let me know what you think....


Stay Healthy!!!!

Darla:)

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My Chicken Salad for Dinner Tonight!!!!

You Can Make This!!!!!

Hi Readers!!!

Tonight's blog is having dinner with you tonight. I want to show that eating healthy is fun, simple, requires no measuring, and is not about getting caught up in the numbers, percentages, etc.... I put this together in about 25 minutes (less if the chicken was pre-cooked). All you have to do is open one can, chop a few vegies, throw over mixed greens, and enjoy a Stay Healthy Meal!!!

1 chicken breast seasoned with Trader Joes 21 Salute Seasoning and cayenne pepper (I like things spicy) and placed in Pam sprayed pan, and a drizzle of Yoshida's gourmet sauce and water, cover and simmer, turn over 1/2 through cooking and continue to simmer until chicken is cooked through, about 25 minutes. Cut the chicken breast in half or thirds....they are always too big. Save the remainder for meals tomorrow.

The Rest of the Ingredients...

1 can kidney beans (drain and use 1/2)

1 bag of spring mix (I use one large handful)

1 sweet onion (as much as you like)

5 small red and yellow peppers (chopped)

1 roma tomato (the whole thing)

1/4 fresh avocado (sliced)

Grab a dinner plate and start layering...handful of spring mix, 1/2 can kidney beans, chopped onion, pepper, and tomato, and sliced avocado. Slice or chunk the chicken and place as the last layer. I dig into this without dressing....enjoy the textures and tastes of every bit of the dish!!!!

I will be sharing ideas like this one on my virtual online personal training site available soon. http://fitness-4-you.com/Upcoming%20Events%20Page.htm

Stay Healthy!!!

Darla

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The Mental Side Of Fitness Continued

Think your only support is in the house or only with your friends…WRONG…It is healthy to have your own interests……
Are you waiting around for your family to be active with you….waiting for spouse, teen, etc….guess what…YOU are in charge of YOU. I realize that being by yourself can be a bummer, feel lonely, and even scary…hell…I have more fun working out with a friend, but it is absolutely up to you to love yourself enough to make “ME” time for you regardless of your couch potatoes. Check out the classes at your local gym or recreational facility….You have nothing but good health to gain from the experience. Are you single and using the EXCUSE of… I have no one that will go with me to work out at the gym, or walk. This kind of thinking will never get YOU going. It is important to LOVE yourself enough to do it for YOU….eat healthy, enjoy exercise for the sake of moving your body…forget about waiting for someone else…think about it….that other someone may never come through for you…then what…give up…continue to make that your EXCUSE (yes, I am a hard ass here)….I say STOP today, put on your walking shoes and get out and absorb some vitamin D, breathe some fresh air, and MOVE!!! Love yourself THAT MUCH!!!

Reach out to others if your partner is not motivating you…..
OK…as much as you may want that perfect workout partnership….guess what…it may take time to happen. It is really OK and a fabulous idea to reach out to friends that share your interest in getting healthy, and getting in some great “ME” time with someone other than whom you live. You will probably be pleasantly surprised on how this will actually spice up your relationship because you will have new fun experiences to share. Do you feel guilty leaving your loved one behind or like you need permission to do something without them? Why? How healthy is this type of thinking…..not very….if it is keeping you from getting healthy. You will have to be your own motivation here, face any insecurity or fear, put the excuses in the trash, and call a friend today. If you do not have a friend that will help you be accountable and visa versa, try checking out your local gym for classes, or recreational facilities. I say start today by putting on your walking shoes, and MOVE…..enjoy the moment, take some deep breathes, appreciate your surroundings, and SMILE!!!!

Be strong in light of the pizza being offered….
You want chicken salad and he or she wants pizza….do not succumb to the temptations of your non supportive partner. This will be hands down the HARDEST part of getting healthy especially if you are accustomed to eating the same unhealthy foods together to begin with. Most pizza places also have salad bars and even deliver….imagine that. Stick to your guns, and set the example of good health with your nutrition. I realize it will not seem fair to have two different ways of eating going on at the same time…but think about it…YOU are the one who wanted the change, right? OK…so your eventual benefit will include an overall health improvement inside and out, and there is no greater reward than that:)

Unable to feel good about self….
This can be a difficult one. You may be in a very down place mentally, unable to get self motivated, and may not even want to see anyone. In this situation, start by letting some nice sunshine in your home, and take the first step to call a friend. There is nothing like the wisdom and support of a good friend to get you on the road to feeling better. You may also want to get in touch with your doctor for a few counseling sessions. It may take a while, but YOU are worth it. You are worth being happy and healthy….ask your friend for help in keeping you accountable. Take your chats outside for a power walk/talk…..a few sessions like this should boost your motivation and hopefully help get you on the path to feeling the best you have ever been!!!!

Talk yourself out of going to the gym…
Why Why Why!!!! This is what I call a big EXCUSE, and not acceptable…I am being the accountability police here. I can’t go because my work, my husband, my wife, my child, my chores, my school, blah blah blahhhh already. These are usually the same people that are getting in the TV programs, not missing social events, and simply wasting time doing other things while life is passing them by. I say if you have an extra hour watching TV….and usually it is hoursssssssssssssss, if honestly added up over the course of the week, you HAVE the time to exercise. Time to get honest, stop the EXCUSES, and get healthy!!!

TV over fitness…
I can’t emphasis this one enough….this society is technology driven, and media based. The television offers so much at the touch of the fingertips….let me ask you are you visiting the FIT TV channel and joining in on a fun workout? The answer to that question is usually NO. I challenge each and everyone of you to limit your TV watching to one hour per day for just ONE WEEK, and get to know yourself, be active, talk with your family, husband, wife, your girlfriend/boyfriend, meet with friends, take walks, play with your pets, and enjoy being active and real quality time that very often gets pushed to the side. After that fabulous walk and conversation, pull out a fun board game and laugh laugh laugh. Life is too short not to. I would love to hear how this experiment goes....

Stay Healthy!!!!!

Darla:)

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