Measurement Monday 8/27/2012

I know.....it's Tuesday. Sorry. Work is keeping me CRAZY busy! Wow!

Anyway, I weighed in at 211.8 today. That means I lost two tenths of one pound. At least it is in the right direction. Next week I'll be back under 210. Deal.

Sorry there haven't been any posts in the last week. It'll get better on my end as soon as I figure out how to balance my new work schedule with my life....

Measurement Monday: 8/20/2012

Wow! Doesn't Spicy look incredible?! Holy cow! I am so happy for her. She is such an inspiration!

I measured today and am back to 212.0. I gained almost four pounds this past week. I'm not surprised because I have had more stress this week than I have had in probably a year, and four of the days I did not have a choice for what to eat for at least one meal! Today I didn't have a great day either, but as of right now I am recommitted! I want to show my own progress pics when I get to "one"derland and I hope that will be in 2-3 weeks.

Again, Spicy, you look amazing! What a huge difference!

Spicy Progress Pics 8/20/2012

I said I would take a picture of myself to give a better progress pic at 150 so there it is. The before pic is over a month after giving birth. Those shorts were tight on me (now they are comfortable) and my belly hung over them (no longer a muffin top). And the tank was skin tight, but you can see I had to roll it to show my frame now. I had just finished running this morning and realized I hadn't taken pics yet so I changed into the same clothes I was wearing in the before pic and took some pictures. I must say, I am shocked by the difference. I still feel like my before pic sometimes, but I know it will take time to see myself for what I really look like.

I don't have my beginning measurements on me at the moment, and I didn't measure this morning because I don't want to measure until 150. But if I remember correctly my beginning measurements were somewhere around these...

Before

Chest: 41 inches

Rib-cage: 37 inches

Waist: 36.5 inches

Lower waist(pouch area): 38 inches

Hips: 45 inches

That makes me want to go measure, but I know that was my before and I promised myself I wouldn't measure until 150 so I am sticking to that. :)

You can see though, that pretty much everything looks better. :) I must say I do like the difference between my chest and tummy now. :D Oh ya! And my sports bra doesn't do it's job anymore! You can see the black strap of my other bra I have to wear with it now. I'm looking forward to getting a new one. Anyway! There are some progress Pics! 

Until Next Time!

Spicy

Spicy Saturday: 4.75 Miles!!!

I scheduled a post to publish itself this morning while I was running and let me tell you, I thought about that post while I was running. The longest I've run so far is 3.05 miles and I was jumping up to 4.75. Not the smartest thing, but necessary and I knew I could do it. That 3.05 miles was while pushing LW in a stroller and that is SO much harder. Just because I knew I could do it didn't make it any easier. I was nervous. I woke up to the alarm today and tried to roll over and go back to sleep, trying to pretend I didn't have to go on a long run today. Luckily the Hubs made me get out of bed and on the road and he encouraged me all the way. He told me good luck, that he knew I could do it. He even sent me a few texts while I was running to encourage me! He's the best! I love him so much!

The people who always say the first couple miles are the hardest... they are right! After three miles I kind of forgot I was running and I was just going! That first three though... they were hard. I knew they would be. I was constantly talking to myself. No joke! I even almost yelled at myself. I felt like I was yelling... but it really wasn't that loud.

I kept telling myself...

"I control my body!"

"I have a goal, I said 4.75 miles and that is what I'm going to do! I've made up my mind and NOTHING will change that!"

"I am strong!"

"I will not quit! If I quit, how can I teach my children not to quit?"

"I control my body, I am STRONG!"

Seriously, someone would have thought I was nuts if they heard me. There was an older lady I passed on my last mile who was walking, and she heard me say, "One more mile." I saw her smile, but she didn't look at me or say anything.

But I did it! I completed 4.75 miles! I even ran a little extra. I stopped my run at 4.78 miles!

I ran 4.78 miles in 1 hour! No walking either! :D

Mile 1: 12:22 min 4.8 mph
Mile 2: 12:32 min 4.8 mph
Mile 3: 13:14 min 4.5 mph
Mile 4: 12:54 min 4.6 mph
Mile 5:   9:57 min 4.7 mph
Average: 12:46 min mile 4.7 mph! AWESOME!!!
Total time: 01:01:02 (so close to 01:01:01, how cool would that have been?)

I also weighed in this morning before my run and I am 159.0! I not a big weight loss, but it's that time of month and really... who loses weight during that time? I'm excited to see the real drop next week! :D And run 5.5 miles! YAY!!!

Oh and, I just realized something. My goal is 120, so I should be doing progression pics on the ten's right? I'm going to take a pic of myself sometime today and put it up next to my starting picture so you can see it. Pretty sure, it's going to blow both yours and my mind. :) Check in later to see that! :D

Until Next Time!
Spicy

Why Am I Doing This?

I write this in anticipation of my run tomorrow.

By the time this posts tomorrow morning...

I will be on the road.

Pounding away to the music on my phone

Hating the fact that I am a runner.

Yes, you read that correctly.

HATING it. Every single step after about half a mile.

I will curse the day I started running, then I'll try to distract myself, to keep the negative thoughts away.

I'll focus on the few cars that pass me at 6:00 am on a Saturday.

How the birds chirping at the morning light is really nice and pretty.

Then I'll feel something in my feet, or my bad ankle, or maybe my knees and I'll remember how much I hate running.

But you know what?

Running--is a mind game.

That's what I'm going to tell myself, every step of the way, because it is! I know I can run 4.75 miles! And my body WILL obey me!

I will focus on why I am running; for LW, to be an example, to prove those who called me fat wrong, to prove myself wrong--that I AM beautiful, healthy, fit, and thin! That I can have the dream body I want! To prove to myself that I can run 4.75 miles and more! I will cross that finish line on race day with a smile on my face!

I will remember all those hurtful comments said about me and use them to fuel my legs during my run. I will remember every single reason I started running, why I push through the pain of my legs wanting me to stop, but knowing that will pass. Why I'm pushing for a better me.

People always say once you get passed the 3rd and 4th mile, you start flowing. You get in a groove and you just go. I guess I'm finding that out right now. As this post, pins itself onto Spunky and my blog.

And you know what?

I love running.

I do.

I LOVE running.

But in that moment. When my feet are hitting the pavement.

I will hate it

Until I'm done.

Then I'll love it again.

 The feeling of accomplishment. Over whelming joy. I may even cry. Knowing that I pushed myself and I made it. Knowing that once I put my mind to it, NOTHING and NO ONE will ever stop me.

My Mom used to tell people all the time about my stubbornness. How when I set my mind about or on something, there was no stopping it. I will use that strength on my run. I will think of Spunky and my Mom, who will be running the half marathon with me, I will think of all of you, reading this blog. I will think of the Hubs, of LW, and how I am making a difference in their lives...

I am making a change in my life. :)

Peanut Butter Cup Banana Ice Cream Pie

I must tell you...

When I was looking for a dessert to review for today, I was not expecting to create my own!

This is really exciting for me! I've never made my own dessert! I have a few main courses that I've created since being married to the Hubs, but never a dessert! AWE-SOME! My cooking ability is growing!

Although, that wasn't hard to do at first because it started from nothing. Haha. ;)

While looking through a billion different desserts, I found I was looking at a lot of pies, but none of them were making my mouth water just by looking at them. My taste buds have changed so much; I don't crave food just at the look of it anymore, unless it's something really amazing. :D

I started looking at other desserts, trying to find SOMETHING that would spark my interest... nothing. Then I realized I was looking at a LOT of Peanut Butter stuff. I may have mentioned a few weeks ago that I love oatmeal. Well... there is something I love more then oatmeal. A million times more then oatmeal.

This something I would carry around in my purse, along with a spoon, just so I could snack on it all day long!

That is very rare for me...

This something... is peanut butter.

My major and total weakness. I love it. Everything little tiny thing about it.

So then I got to thinking... pie? peanut butter? banana soft serve? hmmm.... Oreo crust? And I came up with... this heavenly little number...

This is also my first tutorial, so go easy on the photos and the commentary and the directions. :) I'm learning.

Blend Oreos until dusty texture

Mix together with melted butter and press Oreo Butter Mixture into pie pan. Chill in freezer

Meanwhile; blend frozen bananas, peanut butter, almond milk, cocoa powder, pudding mix, and cottage cheese together until smooth.

I know the cottage cheese sounds weird, but it helps make it fluffy and you won't even notice! :D It blends out really smoothly. :)

 Fold in chips and... 

whipped topping!

Pour Pie Filling onto chilled Oreo Crust and chill in freezer for at least one hour.

While that's happening take a minute and enjoy the leftover pie filling! The Hubs sure loved it!

Or take an Oreo and dunk it! :D YUM! Or save it as "soft serve" and eat later.

Pour remaining whipped topping over pie filling...

 Chill in freezer for at least one hour...

First slice in attempt to make a pretty picture with it... I wanna eat it... even if it isn't as pretty as I wished it to be...

Add toppings before serving...

Including the chocolate syrup... oh man...

And  the melted peanut butter... it's speaking to my soul... Serve and enjoy!

The hubs said it tasted more like a Banana Split, with real ice cream, and gave it 5 Stars!!! WOOT!!! There were some bites where it really tasted like a banana split and then other bites where it tasted like a Peanut Butter Cup. All in all... it was... DELICIOUS!

Please, Please, PLEASE Enjoy!!!

Peanut Butter Cup Banana Ice Cream Pie

Crust:

26 (Approximately) Low Fat Oreos

5 Tbs. Melted Butter

Pie Filling:

1/2 C. Almond Milk (Unsweetened)

3 Bananas (pre peeled, sliced, and frozen)

1/4 C. Peanut Butter

3 Tbs. Cocoa Powder

2 1/2 Tbs. Chocolate Pudding Mix (Sugar Free)

1 cup Cottage Cheese

Mini Chocolate Chips

Peanut Butter Chips

Mini Reases Pieces

Whipped Topping (Light)

Toppings:

Whipped Topping (Light)

Mini Chocolate Chips

Peanut Butter chips

Mini Reases Pieces

Chocolate Drizzle

Melted Peanut Butter Drizzle

1.) Blend Oreos until dusty texture and mix together with melted butter.

2.) Press Oreo Butter Mixture into pie pan and chill in freezer.

3.) Meanwhile; blend frozen bananas, peanut butter, almond milk, cocoa powder, pudding mix, and cottage cheese together until smooth. Fold in chips and whipped topping.

4.) Pour Pie Filling onto chilled Oreo Crust and chill in freezer for at least one hour.

5.) Pour remaining whipped topping over pie filling and chill in freezer for at least one hour. Add toppings before serving, then enjoy!

Until Next Time!

Spicy

What's For Dinner?

Sunny Bean Burgers

Beans will keep you satiated, help to reduce blood sugar and may help to burn off fat. 

Ingredients
Serves 2

1/4 cup raw sunflower seeds
2 cups cooked or canned red or pink beans, no-salt-added or low-sodium, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup minced onion
2 tbsp low sodium ketchup
1 tbsp wheat germ or old fashioned rolled oats
1/2 tsp chili powder

Directions
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly oil a baking sheet with a little olive oil on a paper towel.

Chop the sunflower seeds in a food processor or with a hand chopper. Mash the beans in the food processor or with a potato masher and mix with the sunflower seeds. Mix in the remaining ingredients and form into two patties.

Place the patties on the baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly, until you can pick up each patty and compress it firmly in your hands to re-form the burger. Return the patties to the baking sheet, bottom side up, and bake for another 10 minutes.

If desired, these may be done on a grill. Serve on small whole grain pitas or buns with lettuce, tomato and chopped red onion or on a bed of lettuce with tomato and chopped red onion.

Recipe courtesy of Dr. Joel Fuhrman. Found here.

I found that this recipe made about 3 burgers for our needs. I will also use whole wheat buns next time. You will definitely want to dress the burger with lettuce, tomato, onion, condiments, etc. These burgers do fall apart easily, but I enjoyed it enough to make it again and use it for lunches to take to work.

Tip For Tuesday: Ditch the Soda!

Seriously, it's bad news in the fight against obesity! Among other things.

I know, that image is gross, but think about it. All of those calories for no nutritional value! Some people drink their daily caloric intake and more, plus food! No satiety! You don't stay feeling full; that means you eat more. Need more info?

High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS), the main sweetener in soda, has been shown to directly cause leptin resistance. 
Why is that a big deal? What does leptin do? 

Leptin is a hormone that is tied closely to regulating energy intake and expenditure, including appetite, metabolism and hunger. It is the single most important hormone when it comes to understanding why we feel hungry or full. When present in high levels, it signals to our brain that we’re full and can stop eating. When low, we feel hungry and crave food. Source

Fructose doesn't suppress our hunger hormone, either! 

Your brain literally cannot tell you when you are full! 

Every corn syrup- or sugar-sweetened drink a child consumes each day increases his or her obesity risk 60 percent! JM p.102

The most common associated risks include: obesity, nutritional deficiencies, tooth decay, diabetes, osteoporosis and bone fractures, heart disease, food addictions, blood sugar disorders and other eating disorders, neurotransmitter dysfunction from chemical sweeteners, and neurological and adrenal disorders from excessive caffeine. Source

High phosphates, low calcium, high sodium = increased risk for osteoperosis and bone fractures

Sugar, acid = decreased tooth enamel

Drinking one or more soft drinks per day was also correlated with an increase in these symptoms: A 32% higher chance of having low HDL levels; a 31% higher risk of becoming obese; a 30% higher chance of increased waist circumference; and a 25% greater chance of having increased blood triglycerides or fasting hyperglycemia. Source

Think Diet Sodas are better? Think again!
For each can of diet soft drink consumed each day, a person's risk of obesity goes up 41 percent!

 Normally, when we consume sugar our body recognizes the sweet and understands that sweet things mean lots of calories. BUT, when we "fake out" the sweetness, the body begins to understand that sweet things have little to no calories. Then it doesn't recognize the real sugar and calories when you do have them and you can overeat them! As we continue to eat "fake sugar" the metabolism starts to forget that sweet has calories. Furthermore, aspartame (NutraSweet) negatively effects our appetite center.

And this doesn't even address the preservatives and artificial colors!

 Then, there is the issue of caffeine! Caffeine makes your endocrine system think you are under stress/threatened. Your adrenals pump out their hormones to help you out. These stress hormones begin a myriad of fattening hormonal actions. 

Liver releases sugar, pancreas releases insulin, blood sugar dips, blood vessels constrict so you feel like your sugar is dipping even lower! Short term energy burns out! You grab another caffeine loaded drink! When this happens over and over again, your adrenals get worn out, your body is inflicted with long-term effects of REAL stress (oxygen to the brain slows, immune system is suppressed, excess cortisol increases appetite and encourages belly fat, continued insulin spikes create insulin resistance!)  
JM p. 117-118

Caffeine is also a diuretic, so you could be losing precious water and nutrients, too! Spicy wrote a great article here on water intake!

Tip for Tuesday: Ditch the Soda! Drink Water!

(JM: Master Your Metabolism by Jillian Michaels)

Measurement Monday 8/13/2012

I lost 1.2 pounds this week. I have to say I am a little disappointed though. I was really hoping for 1.5. I know it is in the right direction, so I have to be happy with it. I also had a terrible, with a capital T, diet the first few days of the week...I'm sure that had something to do with it!

I did better when I didn't set a goal and just wanted to see the number go down....maybe I'll say the same this week (although I already have a number I want to see). Oh well. This week will be better!

Spicy Saturday; 8-11-2012 Back to the 150's

I'm so happy to report that I am back in the 150's! I weighed in at 159.4 this morning! Woot!!! That means I lost almost three pounds! I'm super excited about this next week! I've got a nice workout schedule figured out to help me train for my half marathon! This is what I'll be doing this week...

Monday-
      3 Mile Run
Tuesday-
      30 Min Cross Train
Wednesday-
      3 Mile Run & Strength Train
Thursday-
      3 Mile Walk & Yoga
Friday-
      30 Min Cross Train
Saturday-
      4.75 Mile Run

I'm determined to be 150 by September 8th and I know I can do that! :D I know it's a little more then two pounds a week, but with my running and other workouts, plus eating right, I'm positive the weight will practically fall off. I have the weight to lose, so I'm not worried about losing that much in the next month.

Don't forget to come back to see Spunky's Measurement Monday! :D

Until Next Time,
Spicy

Berry Orange Oatmeal

Sorry for the late recipe post! Apparently both Spunky and I forgot...

hehe...

... oops...

I made this delicious recipe up this morning! It was SO good, I can't wait to have it again, but I have another oatmeal recipe idea I want to try on Friday. In case your wondering, I generally have oatmeal Monday, Wednesday, Friday.

I'm an oatmeal fiend!!! Haha.

Sorry, it's late... for a mommy, I'm tired and therefore a little loopy. I'll try to keep this as sane as possible.

No promises... haha. *shifty eyes*

I also have some news for you before I show you the deliciousness that delighted my tastebuds this morning. I wanted you all to know that I have gained a few pounds. I'm not excited to report that, but I felt like I needed to tell you. I haven't done a Spicy Saturday post in a couple of weeks because I've been out of town, a lot. on Monday morning I was 162 lbs. Ya... bad... I know... That's up five pounds. But! I weighed myself today and was delighted to see I was at 160.0! My goal this week was to be back in the 150's and I KNOW I can do that!!! :D Wish me luck!

I'll also be running 4 miles! YIPES!

Okay, back to the real reason I started this post...

Pineapples!

Nah, just jokin'! I'm pullin' yer leg!

Okay, sorry...

Here it is...

Berry Orange Oatmeal!

Ingredients

1/2 Cup Oatmeal (old fashioned)

1 Cup Water

1 - 1 1/2 cups Berries

1/4 - 1 Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice (the amount is up to your tastebuds)

Optional: add whipped topping

Cook Oatmeal according to directions, using the 1 cup of water. Add in Berries and freshly squeezed Orange Juice when you are almost done. I use frozen berries so I added them a bit sooner. Stir the oatmeal allowing the berry juices to naturally color the oatmeal before dishing it up and enjoying a wonderfully delicious and healthy breakfast. I added whipped light topping for the display, but it actually made it a little too sugary for me! The berries and Orange Juice are plenty! :D Enjoy!

Tips For Tuesday - Water Water Water

I wanted to share with you everything I've learned about the benefits of water (through getting fit and losing weight and my cosmetology school) and also a few effects of being dehydrated to really express the importance of water consumption.

There is nothing your body needs more, except oxygen, then water!

And the sad thing is... over 75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated! 

Did you read that?

Let me repeat it...

CHRONICALLY DEHYDRATED!

That's pretty severe.

Even MILD dehydration will slow metabolism as much as 3 percent!

Lack of water is the principal cause of daytime fatigue, draining your energy and making you tired.

Even only a 2-percent drop in body water can trigger fuzzy short-term memory, trouble with basic math, and may cause difficulty focusing on a computer screen or printed page.

Symptoms of Dehydration are...

• Dark Urine - Dark Yellow or Orange in Color: Urine is generally pale yellow to clear when you are drinking enough water and shouldn't stink.
• Dry Skin: Skin is the largest organ we have and it NEEDS water. During summer time most people blame the heat for their dry skin, but if you're drinking enough you shouldn't need to use lotion all the time. Unless you're doing dishes ALL THE TIME. 
• Thirst: I know that sounds weird, but if you are thirsty then you are already dehydrated. Drink BEFORE you get thirsty!
• Hunger: Between meals, many people mistake hunger with dehydration! Therefore; they eat more, which will make you gain weight if you aren't making smart choices. Next time you feel hungry drink a glass of water and wait to see if your still hungry. Drinking a glass before dinner time will also help to make sure you don't overeat.
• Fatigue: I have already mentioned this, but dehydration is the main cause of tiredness. Water is the source of energy and gives you a boost! So drink up!!!

Once you are already dehydrated there are harmful effects... some of which are...

• Tiredness
• Migraines
• Constipation
• Muscle Cramps
• Irregular or High blood pressure
• Kidney Problems
• Dry Skin
• 20% Dehydrated = Risk of death!!!

Alright, alright, alright! ENOUGH with the dooms day of dehydration! 

NOW! Let me tell you about ALL the benefits!

Both body and skin rely heavily on water to function properly! Water sustains the health and life of cells!

Which helps with the condition of your skin! Who doesn't want better looking skin? It helps keep the skin healthy, vital, and attractive. It even replenishes the skin tissue, moisturizes your skin and helps with its elasticity! Elasticity is what keeps your skin nice and tight, which will help with the saggy skin from being pregnant or having excess weight. It will pull that skin back together! :D

Water also helps with...

• Elimination Toxins and Waste - Which will help keep you healthy and regular.
• Regulates the body's temperature
• Aids in proper digestion - which will ultimately help with weight loss.
• Stops hunger pangs
• Carries nutrients to your cells
• Provides a moist environment for ear, nose, and throat tissues.
• Natural remedy for headaches
• Lose Weight
• Better Productivity at Work
• Better Exercise
• Sleep promoting benefits
• Helps in Digestion and Constipation
• Less Cramps and Sprains
• Less likely to get sick and feel healthy
• Relieves Fatigue
• REDUCES THE RISK OF CANCER!!!
• Helps with back aches - learned this the hard way, your kidneys start hurting.
• Puts you in a good mood

Since this blog is mainly on being healthy and losing weight I figured this post would be a great one to have and the benefits of being healthy and losing weight from proper water consumption are amazing!

So, how much water should you drink?

That saying; "drink eight (8-ounce) glasses of water a day" should be reformed as: "Drink AT LEAST eight (8-ounce) glasses of fluid a day."

Your water intake depends on a lot of different things; your weight, your health, your activity level, and the area you live in.

An easy formula is to take your body weight and divide it by 16. So, if you take a 160lb. person, they are supposed to drink 10 eight ounce glasses(which isn't that much, 8 ounces is one cup). 

You need to add at least one more glass per hour of exercise. If you lose weight during your workouts, which most people do, then you need to drink between 16-24 ounces of water per pound lost to replenish the liquids you lost. 

This chart is awesome!

Drink Water	How Much?	When?
Before Exercise	8-16 oz	At least 15 minutes before workout
During Exercise	4-8 oz	Every 15-20 minutes
After Exercise	16-24 oz per pound* lost	As soon as possible

With hot or humid (or both) climates you will need more water also. Heated indoor air (like during the winter time) can make you loose moisture and fluids as well. For those who live in higher altitudes (like me), may trigger increased urination and more rapid breathing, which uses up more of your fluid reserves. 

If your sick, have a fever, vomiting or diarrhea, your body loses additional fluids. In those cases you should also drink more water. Water will also help heal you and make you get well faster. However, if you have doctors orders to limit your fluid intake, please do so! Neither Spunky nor I are doctors! We are just regular people giving advise on what we have learned.

With all of these AMAZING benefits, who wouldn't want to drink the right amount of water!?

Pass the Water PLEASE!

Measurement Monday 8/6/2012

WAHOOOOO!

Last week I said I didn't want to set a goal because I knew it was too much; I wanted to loose 4.4 pounds this week. So my written goal ended up being anything in the right direction. Well.........

Stepped on the scale this morning and it said 209.4! That is a 5 pound loss!!!!!!!! I am SOOOOOO happy!!!

Oh my gosh, that also means that I get to cross off two more of my goals! The first two were old goals. I am so happy to cross of the next two!


Goals:
220s
2-teens
212.4 (10%)  I have lost over 10% of my weight! This is so cool and I've learned has a major impact in getting your health back on track!
200s
"one" derland!!!  This one is next and I will have to have a HUGE celebration!



I also measured since today is the first day of the month.


B: 50
W: 40! One more inch and I'll be in the 30s!
H: 45.5
Arms: 14.5
Thighs: 24
Calfs: 17
Rib cage: 37

This week my goal is 1.5 pounds. That will be 207.9! Stay tuned! Oh, and we love it when you leave comments. If you don't have time to leave a comment, leave a smiley face please! Tell your friends and family, too! Love you all and thank you so much for your non-judgmental support!

Fun Recipe Friday

PB Banana Soft Serve 

A dessert Elvis would love!

2 frozen bananas

1 TBSP PB

2 TBSP Vanilla Almond Milk, unsweetened

Combine all ingredients in food processor adding more liquid as needed to desired consistency. 

Eat immediately or freeze.

I added 10 milk chocolate chips to my serving. I saved half of it for tomorrow! Yummy!

Inspiration from: Oh She Glows

White Bean Dip

This is super yummy! I've learned that beans are very good for you and help fight fat! So, I've come up with a super simple way to add beans to your food. 

1 15oz. can light sodium White Beans

1-2 TBS Almond Milk, unsweetened

Seasonings to taste: salt, pepper, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder

Combine all ingredients. (I use my food processor, you could use any sort of masher, blender, or mixer probably.)

This is about 385 calories for the whole recipe. Only 3.5 grams of sugar, and 21 grams of protein. Divide that by however many servings you want. 

Use these beans to dip veggies or crisp pita pieces in or as a condiment on your favorite burger! This turkey burger was delicious! The spiced bean dip was a great compliment to the flavors.

Another quick tip: I really like to personally season my turkey meat, but when I am in a hurry, I take one packet of onion soup mix and mix it into the meat! Delicious!

Apple Cinnamon Chicken

Okay, I know that sounds weird, but trust me when I say, it's delicious!

I was really worried about this meal because it's my own creation. I'm ALWAYS worried when I create something. I don't want it to turn out bad. 

While feeding LW a couple weeks ago the Hubs saw I was feeding him Apple Chicken and he started thinking about it out loud, wondering how that would taste. Due to his ramblings I decided to undergo a journey of coming up with a recipe. I looked around trying to find one that I could make, but after failing to find one that pleased me, I decided I would make my own. 

Now, I will warn you...

I'm not the best picture taker. Spunky is the professional photographer, not me. I took one picture while everything was in the crock-pot and another of the piece of chicken I was about to eat. I should have taken a picture with the chicken on the plate with the YUMMY stir-fry I made too, but I didn't.

Hey, it's a learning process. 

So!!! Without further delay, here is the recipe!

Apple Cinnamon Chicken

Serves 3

3 Chicken Breasts

1 Cup Water

3 Apples (peeled, cored, and cubed) I used Two Granny Smiths and One Gala

1/4 Cup Sugar

Spices: Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Thyme, Garlic Powder, Minced Onion, Pepper, Salt (I'm sorry, I didn't measure on the spices...)

Cover the bottom of the crock-pot with apple chunks. Pour in water. Place Chicken Breasts on top of apple layer before covering with the remaining amount of apple cubes. Add Sugar and Spices. 

I pretty much did a quick once over with all the spices except Cinnamon, I went over the crock pot twice with Cinnamon.

Cover and let it cook for a while. Come back every so often and push things around so the spices get spread around evenly, coating the chicken. Flip chicken over halfway through cooking. 

Serve Hot with your choice of side and enjoy!!!

Oh! And another reason I know it was good, not just because my taste buds told me so, but because the Hubs rated it a 5 STAR dinner on a scale of 1-5. It is extremely rare that he gives anything a 5 stars! Woot!

One piece of Apple Cinnamon Chicken with some of the Apple pieces from the crock-pot.