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Honor My Temple Prayer Challenge Weightloss Journey Workout Wednesday

Why switching to a Biblical based diet worked for me?

Changing to a Biblical Based diet

In the last few years, so many things have changed for me inside and out.  My perspective I think has had the greatest change in my life.  I think through my seeking God to help me, trusting in Him and be grateful in the moment has revealed lots.  What I think has become more than just a habit but a lifestyle change for me is eating a Biblical based diet.

Through Bible study and my own, I have researched in the great instruction book for life, the Bible.  Where all questions are answered. So, when people ask what should I be eating, drinking, shaking you can take it back to the Word.  God has something to say on that subject and I promise you Hot Pockets is not on it.

What Should I eat?

Now, grains, vegetables, and meats that come naturally from God’s earth is but we were not meant to be putting the extra additives that are added to Hot Pockets to fuels God’s good creation.  So, when flipping through the good book even if you start from the beginning very quickly after man is created he is instructed on what he can eat.

Genesis 9:3 “Every moving thing that lives shall be food for you. And as I gave you the green plants, I give you everything.”

Genesis 9:3 made it easy. All of those things can be found at your local grocers around the outside parameters.  I didn’t see any reference that the food that can be found in “Aisle 9” on the list.

What’s your definition of convenience food?

I don’t think that we appreciate that meats and vegetables are in this modern time prepared for our convenience. They come pre-cut meats and fish as well as pulled and washed fruits and vegetables. For most of American Society that is not convenient enough.

We now see it as a chore to take the precut meats and veggies and fruits and then prepare them.  We want it already prepared, fast, and ready to serve.  Still even with the convenience of not having to slaughter our food. We still “need” to have to be completely prepared and already cooked.

We would prefer driving up to a window, placing our request to our specific likes and receiving it cooked, hot and truly ready to eat. That was me Drive Thru Junkie and I spent most of my time in the car and very little time enjoying things of life other than my children.

29 Then God said, “I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food. 30 And to all the beasts of the earth and all the birds in the sky and all the creatures that move along the ground—everything that has the breath of life in it—I give every green plant for food.” And it was so. Genesis 1:29-30

Then I found myself with post baby and some “extra bad decisions” weight and no one to blame but me.  I know that I needed to changes some habits and do things differently and possibly be inconvenienced.

It’s hard to eat “clean”

I remember how daunting it initially was to prepare every meal AT HOME or to have things for the girls to take to school or sports, just snacks. Making a lifestyle change meant ceasing to rely on Hot Pockets and Goldfish for food and adopting better options that God has provided.

Once I figured out a list of do’s and don’ts (taking straight from the Word) in Leviticus 11 and how to prepare it took time but I made changes.  So, that’s what I did trial and error. A few bad meals here and there that eventually became delicious and you never missed the extra additives. Meal prep and preparation was quicker. And I began seeing miraculous effects on my body that did not only involve weight loss.

7 Reason I maintain a Biblical Based Diet

  1. 1. I feel AMAZING!

    I believe it is why I have the energy to do all that I do each day and go to bed beat.  No longer the highs and lows of sugars and processed foods. My skin has also cleared up! I have not changed my skin care routine just the things I eat. I’ve gone from lots of dark marks to just a few and it’s nice to not do anything or pay anything extra for skincare just needed to eat right.  “It was written all over my face.”

    2. I know longer suffer from seasonal allergies!

    Seriously, people didn’t believe especially my family until they witnessed it themselves.  I have suffered since I was a child with seasonal allergies. I had to get an allergy shot every week to just maintain some sort of normalcy on top of daily allergy medicine.

    Since changing how and what I eat. I have not taken any allergy medicine, no sniffles, no itchy eyes, or scratchy throat. In my entire life, I have never gone through spring or fall without symptoms.  The allergist probably still needs to confirm but I do know that I only eat whole foods and other than that nothing has changed.

    3. I know longer have digestion issues!

    I used to always complain after every meal “my stomach hates me.” Since going Whole or Biblical I only have complaints when I eat things that I am allergic to or are heavily processed.  A survey stated that over 74% of Americans who were surveyed complain of digestive issues.  For me if it’s something that is, “Just add water” makes my tummy HURT! But since eating a Biblically based diet I can eat without remorse ant that in itself has been worth it.

    4. I have amazing energy!

    Seriously, I no longer need coffee I  just drink it for the taste. I used to be dependent come 2:30-4:30 I would be wiped out and no longer able to have energy for the day. When I eat well I feel well and I have the energy to power through my day!

    5. I have lost weight!

    If you have been following my journey you have seen the transformation but if you haven’t I’ve lost 70 lbs within 18 months. My Drive Thru junkie diet was a direct correlation with my weight and how I felt. Since switching to a Biblical Based diet,  It has also propelled my weight loss and allowed me to achieve my goal faster than most. Nutrition is 80% of the journey. I exercised to lose the weight but by eating what God has provided has helped me tremendously. It’s actually made it simple when making food choices.

    6. It’s simple!

    Eating a Biblically based diet is easy. I don’t stress organic or ecological we focus on perishable.  The most complicated part is how to eat a Biblically based diet and still enjoy the foods you love. It’s is possible! I would love to show you how.  In our Bibles and Bootcamp, we spend two weeks exclusively on how we fuel our temple.

    7. I feel I am honoring my temple!

    This is the best benefit of them all.  I am honoring my temple which gives me the energy to care for others, love others and share God with others and that is what we are called to do.

Changing to this lifestyle has changed my life, health, and mind and I want to share it with you.  If you need help with Nutrition, Fitness and how to make it a lifestyle change that will stick.

Join us for our Bibles and Bootcamp where I will give you a nutrition guide and accountability with a meal plan and step-by-step family-friendly recipes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner as well as a weekly shopping list with my 6-week Transformation program.

I also have a Free download for women who have been trying but just having a hard time achieving their goals. There are

What are some things that you are struggling with on weight loss?

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Dinner Mealtime Monday Product Review Product Reviews

Plate Joy makes Meal Planning Simple

Plate Joy is Making Meal Planning Simple for me

Here it is again, Sunday! Time to meal plan and nowadays I just use Plate Joy to make it simple for me. Busy schedules, short weekends and lack of time. Plate Joy has made meal planning so simple and tasty for my family.

Why did I start using Plate joy?

In the last year, I have transitioned from being a stay at home mom of twelve years to a working mom and entrepreneur.  Despite my efforts, life got pretty crazy for a while, and I found myself overwhelmed and over anxious.

A lot had to give, so I did just that.

I went from working at three gyms to only one. I have also been more discerning in where I go and the people I spend my time and how I spend my time.

I needed to simplify my busy life

I was also injured earlier this year and while off my feet it gave me plenty of time to stop think, reflect and rearrange some things.  I sometimes feel that my day is filled with lots to do, but nothing ever gets done.  I had to take some advice that a business coach gave me a few years ago.  First, she said to focus on one thing, master that and then move on.  Second, if you don’t like to do it and it is killing your time-outsource it.

Outsourcing my chores

It’s funny how an outsider can give you such a perspective, but she was right. I didn’t have to do all the things and with modern technology, apps and three able-bodied children.  Her words of wisdom gave me a great idea.  I am going to stop doing the stuff I hate and start outsourcing it.

We have been working on chores in our household, and my girls are 14, 10 and four years old.  I am not doing them or me any favors by being their housekeeper.  Lately, the Bolton diva’s have been contributing more to the house.

One thing that my oldest daughter is pretty good at is meal planning which is something I hate. I am so indecisive and it just a lot of pressure so I usually ask her to help.  She is also great at organizing and grocery shopping.  She took over for a while, but we got tired of eating the same thing.

New Meals and Meal Plans

When I got asked to try the app Plate Joy, it was just what my family needed.  Personally am tired of cooking the same thing, and my oldest has worked to be as creative as possible so having an app for that has been a God sent.

Plate joy is an app that is available for Android and iPhones.  I have been praising it’s amazingness to all of my Mommy friends and some clients.  So many things not sure where to start.

First, you enter each one: size and age.  You can specify any diet restrictions, things your family will not eat and pretty much customize the meal plan to exactly your needs. When creating your meal plan, Plate joy uses this information to make some fantastic seven days, cost friendly and reduced food waste meals.

Next, you tell Plate Joy what is already in your cabinet.  That way when creating your shopping list it will avoid or indicate the amount you need for the recipes. You can print it, use it off of your phone.  The recipes are printable too if you find one you love or want to share.

Then, the best part with all of your specifications, family size, portion control and budget in mind; Plate Joy creates a menu for the week. You can even have all of your groceries delivered or go shopping yourself with your list in hand.

The menu items sound so fancy, but it’s all food that my lil divas will eat.  I was beyond impressed with the menu.  Most of the meals were easily made under 40 minutes, and except for one chickpea salad my family loved and ate every meal.

Not only did they taste every meal but Plate Joy took into account Leftovers and even added that to the meal plan to reduce/eliminate food waste.

Plate Joy for my clients and others

The meals are nutritionally appropriate and by being able to customize it works perfectly for my personal training clients who have certain goals in mind.  I also instead refer them to the app than to help them get some creative, healthy, easy meal ideas.

Plate Joy also has a fantastic new program that recently came out, as highlighted on CNN for taking this nutrition program a step further and helping with disease prevention caused by obesity.  I have recommended it to some of my diabetic patients.

Over 20 million people can now qualify for this program which is 16-week disease risk prevention and reduction program.  If you are eligible, you will receive a free connected scale, a free Fitbit, virtual coaching, video lessons, and the PlateJoy meal planner all compensated by your health insurance. If you want to apply or know someone who could benefit from this program, please apply here to learn more.  

This is an excellent opportunity for someone to take back their health or like my family already making strides towards a healthy lifestyle but can use a little help.  I have been using Plate Joy for a month, and it has given me a little sanity, saved my pockets and given my family some new favorite meals.  I would like to share the wealth and offer you $20 off your own freedom from meal planning.  Got to Plate Joy and Use PROMO CODE: “FAITH10” to try it out yourself receive $10 off and let me know what you think?

Is meal planning a chore you would like to outsource?

This is a sponsored post. I received this product in exchange for a review from Plate Joy there are also affiliate links that I make a commission.  I’d tell you if I didn’t like it and why. My Full Disclosure Policy

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Fundamentals of Macronutrients

While I was prepping me macro counting, I also took a few nutrition classes in school. So, that makes me an authority on macro’s, right? Nope, but I am going to let you in on my notes from my research.

What are Macro-nutrients?

According to Visualizing Nutrition Everyday Choices, macros are “Carbohydrates, lipids (aka fats. Proteins, and water.” I do not include alcohol although it is a macro; it is not a nutrient required to live. It does contain calories which is why it is a macro but let’s try to keep it out of our count.  These are all considered macronutrients and what we need in large amounts. There are also micronutrients which are vitamins and minerals, and we only need a little that is why they are micro. 

 So, when someone is counting macro’s they are measuring their Carbohydrate, Fat, and Protein.

carbohydrates

 Carbohydrates

Let’s tackle that monster first!  Should I eat them? Shouldn’t I? Please do eat Carbs.

The purpose of Carbohydrates is to fuel our bodies with energy.  They are stored in the liver, brain, blood, and muscles as glycogen. 

You can get carbohydrates from Starches, sugars, and fiber.

 You can get carbohydrates from:

  • Fruit
  • Vegetables
  • Grains: Amaranth, Sorghum, Barley, Quinoa, Farro and more
  • Oatmeal
  • Steel Cut Oats
  • Sweet Potatoes/Yams
  • Brown Rice
  • White Rice
  • Whole Wheat Bread
  • Ezekiel bread
  • Cream Of Wheat
  • Cream of Rice

You can also get them from processed foods and drinks but since you’re trying to make healthier choices stick to Whole foods.

 How much is enough?

We all are different. Thank God.  It can range from zero-700 grams per day.  The daily recommendation 130 grams of carb per day. If you are counting macro’s, I would go to a macro calculator. When taking into account your macro numbers, there is usually activity level, body weight, body fat percentages, and goals.

You need to know your Lean Body Mass

A range that I saw consistently was .5-2 grams per pound of lean body mass.  Lean body mass everything (including organs, blood, bones, muscle, and skin) that is not body fat.

 Body-Fat = Lean Body Mass

The Lean Body Mass Formula:

Body Weight- (Body Weight x Body Fat Percentage) = Lean Body Mass

Or you can use an automatic calculator. Which is secure and google away.

Lean Body Mass is a good thing to know.  It will help you to track changes that you have in your Body Fat versus whether the scale decides to behave or not it can give you a more accurate idea of weight loss! It also helps to make sure you are just losing your fat and not muscle too!

Protein

Assist you in building muscles if consumed correctly it can also prevent muscle loss if you have a calorie deficit.

Protein has also been linked to controlling appetite and helps keep you full longer better than fats and carbohydrates do.

Another thing about protein is that it requires a lot more energy to digest than other macronutrients.  It has been said that protein is an excellent example of effective calorie burning gram for gram.

That is why a lot of high-protein diets have been associated with better fat loss.

You can get your protein from both vegetables and animal sources:

  • Egg
  • Skinless Chicken Breast or Cutlets
  • Lean Turkey
  • Top Round
  • Steak Filet Mignon
  • Fish
  • Beef
  • Cottage Cheese
  • Pork Tenderloin
  • Wild Sea Bass Wild Swordfish

Vegetable Sources:

  • Chia
  • Hemp Seed
  • Soy
  • Seitan
  • Quinoa
  • Natta
  • Spirulina
  • Legumes

How much is enough?

Again, this is all dependent on YOU! Your weight, body fat percentage and goals need to be accounted for.

A consistent range that I found was .5 grams-2 grams per pound of lean body mass.

According to Authority Nutrition, “The DRI (Dietary Reference Intake) is 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight or 0.36 grams per pound. This amounts to 56 grams per day for the average sedentary man. Forty-six grams per day for the average sedentary woman.”

Example:

You weigh 140 lbs. and you are at 25% body fat; your lean body mass will be

140 – (140*25%) = 140-32.50 = 107.5 is your Lean body Mass what is left AFTER the body fat.

108 x .5 g of protein = 54 grams of protein. If you planned on consuming .5 grams of protein per day for your goals. That is why with macro’s-goals matters!

 fats

We need Fats in our diet

Despite the low-fat nonsense you see in the store. Fat can be good!

Say what? Yep, we need fat to survive it helps us with vitamin absorption, hormones and their regulation, keeps our brain functioning properly among some of the things which are pretty significant.

How much is enough?

Always ask this question, huh? Well, we all know too much is too much but how much is enough?

Good question but guess what that depends on? Yep, you got it your body weight, body fat percentage, and your goals.

A consistent range is 15-45% or .35-.7 grams per pound of lean body mass. That can be calculated just like the protein.

Although, a lot of people give that range. According to Health.gov, you should strive for “a total fat intake of no more than 30 percent of calories, as recommended in previous editions of the Guidelines.”

You can get good sources of fat and poor just like any other macronutrient.

My suggestion:

  • Olive Oil
  • Flaxseed Oil
  • Coconut Oil
  • Grapeseed Oil
  • Safflower Oil
  • Fish Oil
  • Almond Butter/
  • Cashew Butter
  • Almonds
  • Pecans
  • Walnuts
  • Cashews
  • Natural Peanut Butter
  • Avocados

What does all this mean?

When someone is counting their macro’s, they are tracking the Protein, Carbohydrates, and Fats they eat in a day versus calories.

Now each macronutrient has caloric value in your diet which is where former calorie counters find a little peace.

macroscalorievalue

When counting your macros as long as you focus on the grams of macronutrients and use an amount according to your goals.

With the information from a nutrition label instead of counting calories you can create your Macros:

For Example:

This is an example of how although you are counting macro’s it still equals your calories. Why? Calories are the amount of energy food gives you. Macronutrients are where the calories come from they are the nutrients that provide you with energy.

Are there any other things that need to be counted when calculating macros? No!

NOT:

·         Saturated Fat

·         Cholesterol

·         Sodium

·         Dietary Fibers

·         Sugars

·         Added Sugars

·         All the Vitamins, Calcium, Iron and Potassium are Micronutrients so, not these either.

What do I do if it doesn’t have a label?

Google it! My Fitness Pal it, get a educated idea of the macros in your apple, chicken breast, or baked potato.  Gift of modern day technology. You can track everything on My Fitness Pal if you like.  I just wanted to break it down, so you understand what the macros look like and are coming from.

countingmacronutrients

Still concerned? Or, Ready to try?

For those who are still a concern, I will address a few issues I had at first!

This seems complicated why not just track my calories?

Macro tracking or counting helps you make sure that the weight that your loss is not the muscle you have worked so hard to gain.

Most weight plateaus are from eating their macros disproportionately.

A typical weight loss strategy is to reduce calories but by cutting calories; Do you know if you’re getting the adequate amount of carbohydrates to fuel your workout?

You can remain counting calories but if you’re looking to improve your health. Maintain your muscle definition and work to your bodies best ability. Make sure you’re getting your adequate macronutrients for today. It’ s really up to you I say at least give it a try!

Do you use macros? Have you heard of counting macro’s?

References
Grosvenor, Mary B. Visualizing Nutrition Everyday Choices. 2nd ed. Hoboken: Wiley Visualizing, 2012. Print.
http://www.fda.gov/Food/GuidanceRegulation/GuidanceDocument sRegulatoryInformation/LabelingNutrition/ucm385663.htm http://www8.nationalacademies.org/onpinews/newsitem.aspx?Rec ordID=10490 http://www.nationalacademies.org/hmd/Reports/2004/DietaryReference-Intakes-Water-Potassium-Sodium-Chloride-andSulfate.aspx  b+

 

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Fitness and Health Mealtime Monday

Intermittent Fasting Lowdown

My Full Disclosure Policy

Intermittent Fasting has been pivotal in my weight loss

I have a confession I haven’t been 100% forthright in my weight loss journey.  For about ten months I have been intermittent fasting.  When people ask me how I lost 70 lbs, I always say it was through Pray, Eat Well and Exercise. It never occurred to me that Intermittent fasting had something to do with it too but looking back it probably has helped me tremendously.  It wasn’t until I was talking to someone about how I intermittent fast and she said, “Well, De that sounds like your secret formula.” I never thought of it like that because at this point it’s second nature I have been doing it for almost a year now.  

Intermittent Fasting is an eating pattern that alternates through fasting and feasting periods.  Fasting has been practiced since Biblical days and now modern day science can give you a definition of the benefits of this longtime practice.  It is also prevalent in the Fitness and Health Industry, and now there is a resurgence of people fasting other than for Biblical purposes.

According to the National Institute of Health, there are so many benefits to fasting:

  • Reduces inflammation. Inflammation can have some adverse effects on the body. It’s the way your body responds to outside threats like stress, infection, or toxic chemicals. An overreaction can cause your body to “fight” itself which can lead to chronic diseases among other things.  Fasting has been
  • Optimize energy metabolism- your body uses what it has more efficiently during fasting.
  • Bolster brain function.  According to a National Institute of Health Study, “The behavioral responses to Intermittent Fasting are associated with increased synaptic plasticity and increased the production of new neurons from neural stem cells” (Lee et al., 2002). Meaning your brain sends signal better and creates new signals more often.
  • Protects against diabetes, cancers, heart disease there has been studies that intermittent fasting during chemotherapy has helped reduce the toxicity levels in cancer patients and improving they’re well during treatment. (Lee et al., 2012).
  • Protects against neurodegeneration (such as Alzheimer’s). When you are fasting your body will utilize fatty acids for energy; meanwhile, your brain is using ketone, amino acids, and other free fatty acids. Studies show that “a human can survive for 30 or more days in the absence of food.”  It has also been hypothesized that the process of Ketolysis that happens during prolonged fasting has had improved the aging process and had a positive effect on mice with Alzheimer’s disease.
  • Reduces obesity, hypertension, asthma and rheumatoid arthritis.
  • Fasting has the potential to delay aging 

How I do it?

You’re going to find a lot of different methods.  Everyone has the secret sauce but if you do your research, follow common sense you can fast too.  Three methods of intermittent fasting can be found with lots of different names and variations, but I will give you the fundamentals.

There is the controversial 5:2 Method: Where you eat your calorie regimen for five days but two days consecutively you eat 500-600 calorie.

There is the 16/8 Method:  This method was popularized by Leangains and has been called “Leangains protocol”; You do a 16 hour fast and then an 8-hour feast or eating period.

There is the Eat-Stop-Eat Method: This is when you feast you fast for 24 hours 1-2 times per week.  It’s usually dinner to dinner, so you have overnight, but it’s still hard to withstand from food for 24 hours.

I do a combination of the 12/16/8 method and Eat Stop Eat Method.  It sounds very confusing but like anything, once you’ve been doing it for so long becomes second nature.  I do a 12 hour fast daily; kitchen curfew is 8:30 pm (which is late) and then the I don’t resume eating till after 8:30 am.  On arm days I typically do a 16 hour fast I will do kitchen curfew at 8:30 pm and then begin eating the next day at 12:30p.  On Sunday’s I usually do a stop to eat.  From Saturday dinner time to Sunday dinner time I fast. I’m not going to lie at; first, it was crazy hard, but now I don’t have an appetite until dinner Sunday.  I don’t usually do anything other than Church and nap. It’s a beautiful day to relax, fast and worship.

Why I do it? How

When I fast I feel better and I have more energy. I am not snacking all day, and it’s easier to hit my macros in my 8-12 hour feasting span. I plan fewer meals, and they are more massive and more nutrient dense to get all that I need.  Having lots of small meals has me in the mindset of continually nibbling, and I need to sit and eat meals if not I end up biting more than I intended. It helps to boost my metabolism as well while I am eating for my goals.  I have found it very useful in my weight loss journey and contribute it to my belly fat loss as well.

Should you do it?

If you are currently underweight or have a history of eating disorders, I would not recommend fasting.  If you want to try another approach at your nutrition and the way you eat I would try it for a week and see if it makes a difference.  Try it longer to have a lasting effect.  It’s really up to you, but I would inform myself before “joining a challenge.” The most adverse side effect of intermittent fasting is hunger.  Other than that it is beneficial unless you have a preexisting condition that prolonged fasting would effect such as diabetes.  With any nutrition program, you should consult your doctor first. Also, intermittent fasting is not going to replace getting prayer, rest, exercise and eating nutrient-dense food.  This is in addition to your existing exercise routine.

Where do you begin?

Begin with a 12 hour fast for at least three days a week and graduate as it gets easier.  Nothing crazy stop eating at a specific time every night and don’t begin again until 12 hours later.  I would also encourage you to drink up your water during this time it will help you with cravings and meet your hydration needs.  It’s that simple. The more complicated it, the less efficiently it is adapted.  You’ll know when you’re ready to try other methods of intermittent fasting.

Some basic considerations:

  • While fasting it is okay to drink, water, coffee, tea, and no sugar beverages.  I like to start my days off with BulletProof coffee which is Organic Coffee, 1 Tbsp. Coconut Oil, 1 Scoop of Vital Proteins Collagen and a little Cinnamon or Chai Spice Mix I don’t do Protein Shakes, Meal Supplements or Dairy Products while fasting
  • I thought breakfast is the most important meal of the day and it should not be skipped.  Breakfast is essential, but the positive effects of fasting on your body supersede the impact of well-balanced lunch.
  • Should I take supplements or medications while fasting? Most supplements and medications recommend consuming with a meal because they are fat-soluble. Of course, consult a physician, but you should probably wait until you resume eating to take your supplements and medications.
  • If you workout early in the morning and concerned about fasted workouts they are found.  There has been lots of research on the benefits of a fasted exercise.  I also recommend Branch Chain Amino Acids or BCAAs to drink before or during your workout.
  • I don’t want to lose my muscle gains.  Muscle gains are from proper protein intake.  During your feasting time, you should be making sure you are getting the appropriate amount of protein to nurture muscle growth and prevent loss. There have been studies that intermittent fasting will result in less muscle loss than if you restrict your caloric intake.
  • I don’t want to get Metabolic Damage from fasting and slow down my metabolism.  GRR!  Another lack of research that is going around I’m not sure if it’s to scare women or people don’t check their facts but short term quick boost metabolism.  It’s fasting for long periods of over three days that can cause damage and a suppressed metabolism.

Have you ever intermittent fasted?

 

 

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Dinner Gluten Free Recipes

Bruschetta Chicken

BruschettaChicken

I live in New Jersey also known as the garden state and for the last three years, I have had a Spring, Summer, Fall garden that is getting larger with every year. We have a small backyard, and I am either going to have to move to some acres or just forget to let the kids play and take the whole yard for my garden. I never thought I would be the type of girl to garden, but it has taught me patience. I usually start my seeds in the winter end of January indoors and by Mother’s Day, they are ready to be planted. Usually around now is where I am reaping my rewards. My herbs are first like my oregano and basil that I use in this recipe and then my tomatoes. This year I have four varieties all heirloom tomatoes. I cannot wait for more garden to table meals to come from them. I have six different peppers. This year will be my first year trying Cruciferous veggies like Broccoli, Orange Cauliflower, and Red Cabbage. I have already harvested my first crop of Arugula, Spinach, Lettuce, Mesclun, and Kale. I still don’t think I could live in the country, but I do prefer my garden fresh over store bought veggies any day.

BruschettaChicken

This meal is a great summer time easy meal you can make in minutes. Its low in fat and high in taste. A real crowd pleaser, and anything that my in between diva can’t get enough of must be good because she has a very sensitive pallet meaning she hates everything. I used to make this meal with a lot more oil, crushed tomatoes and just lots of unnecessary processed extras. Now, that we’re clean eaters I find when I take out the garbage; add fresh herbs and ingredients. It not only tastes better that processed meals it also leaves you feeling better afterwards. All the helpers and one pot skillet starters are no comparisons to fresh ingredients. So, whether these ingredients come from your backyard or the store, please choose fresh over canned when it comes to trying this recipe. Are you a gardener or do you save that for the farmers?

[amd-yrecipe-recipe:23]

Meal Time Monday

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