Easiest EVER Broccoli Soup - THM FP, S or E

Hello everybody! So... as you know I am on a mission (involuntarily) to share very INEXPENSIVE recipes that are on plan (Trim Healthy Mama). I can never say it enough: YOU can be a Trim healthy Mama even with a Trim Unhealthy Wallet! And here's one of my favorite new additions in my menus... Broccoli soup! I know, I know... it doesn't seem like the "newest" or most creative of things... But soups (in my opinion) should never be overlooked or underestimated... They can be packed with nutrition, it's a great way to say "I love you" to your family and now that the cooler temperatures are close (I live in Texas so let this girl dream) I feel like soups are the perfect thing to incorporate to your meal, they can be very filling and satisfying!

This Soup can marvelously be made with 1 ingredient only! YES! You heard that right! My sister told me how she heard of this and tried it in total disbelief and how much she loved it even when she didn't even expect to do so! So... I had to taste it to believe it... and am I glad I did! I can make it in the blink of an eye! I am still shocked at how easy and yummy this is.

So... What do you need? BROCCOLI!

This soup can be adapted to eat in any of the Trim Healthy Mama settings! so... I love it for that!

Let's see how it works:

For an FP or E Setting:

Yield:
2 servings (but feel free to eat the whole thing away)

Ingredients:

• Broccoli Florets (about 8 florets or 1 medium sized broccoli crown)

Directions:

Cook the broccoli florets in 3 cups of water until the broccoli is fork tender but preferably make sure it still keeps some of its vibrant green color. Transfer the cooked broccoli to a blender, season with salt, pepper and even some garlic powder if desired, add about 1 cup of water where you cooked the broccoli (that's where all the flavor is) and blend away! add more of the liquid if needed to reach desired consistency/thickness. You can garnish this with a dollop of 0% greek yogurt... You could also use Fat Free vegetable/chicken broth to cook the broccoli and add more flavor but you'll be surprised even with just water! It's yummy!

When serving in an "FP" Setting make sure you eat this as a side, Enjoy it freely to fill you up when eating some extra lean protein such as Chicken Breast, wild caught salmon, extra lean deli meat, etc.)

If you are eating in an "E" Setting Make sure you add a good source of carbs, you could have a deli wrap using "on plan" Sprouted Wraps (like Ezekiel) and extra lean deli meats, you could also eat a yummy sandwich using extra lean meats, laughing cow cheese and lots of fresh veggies. Get creative!

For an S Setting:

Ingredients:

• Broccoli florets
• 1 tbsp. of grass-fed butter (I love salted Kerrygold)
• Shredded Cheddar cheese (garnish)
• Dollop of sour cream (garnish)

Directions:

Follow the directions given above and just add the butter when blending... season to your taste and top with the shredded cheese and sour cream. Enjoy with the protein of your choice, you can have any kind of meat you like (fatty or lean).

This soup was so successful that my 7 and 4 year old princesses are asking me to make it even for breakfast... and that is a huge thing to say for my 4 year old because while she does enjoy some green veggies, she is more of a fruit eating girl... and I am so happy to see her devour this like it's ice cream!

I hope your family will enjoy it just as much!

© Paloma K.

Italian Sausage, Peppers and Mushrooms over Pasta - perfect to get back on plan

Hello friends! Sorry about the abandonment my blog has suffered! I just moved from an apartment to our new house and these days have just been too hectic and busy! Packing, unpacking, cleaning, etc... But it's all worth it! We're thankful, excited, happy and a bit scared like with every change!

Now if you are a Trim Healthy Mama like me... I will tell you some "THM related things ahead" if you're not... you can skip all my ranting/venting and go directly to the recipe! This is an "On plan" recipe but ANYBODY can enjoy it! If you love the recipe... then come back to learn more about this plan that is designed to help you improve your health, lose weight and enjoy food freedom!

Now... so... let's see some of the discoveries I made during this move and that I will share just for the sake of "keeping it real" and to show you that we are all on the same boat... yes this plan is easier for some than it is for others but it is definitely doable for everyone!

• I don't do very good with food when moving! I totally went off plan just because "I felt like it"... I just wanted to eat, eat and eat! I had lots of ice cream too!
• I am not like one of those people who find "sugar loaded things" horrible after they've been on plan for a while... ice cream tasted just as good as ever! (maybe even better? Don't know!)
• I could've totally stayed on plan if I had planned ahead... now... I don't plan on moving again but if it ever happens I will make sure I plan, cook and freeze meals ahead of time!
• Now... this is not "news" to me... but I will share it again! all that "off plan" food was definitely not worth it... Not only my shape is suffering the consequences but also my skin, mood and my poor stomach! I won't even go into details!

But the good news! This plan is for life... so ... we just pick up where we left off! After eating the way I did it's comforting to know that I can have fried eggs and bacon for my "first meal" when on plan again! And that's what I did! Don't "punish yourself" for going off plan! That's the problem with many diets! After you "sin" then you have to suffer through horrible "cleanses" or you feel like you should now eat less than 1400 calories a day and you spend your days eating "rabbit food" just because "you deserve it" for being such a bad girl! Who can live like that though? that "punishment" only makes you want to be "a bad girl" again and binge! That's not the case with THM! You can have really yummy, satisfying food that will make you realize you didn't even need to go off plan to begin with! So... that's my focus right now that I am on plan again! I am pretty much cooking Comfort Food "THM Style" and that's what I will be sharing with you today!

I am also making lots of delicious THM Smoothies with their amazing Pristine Whey Protein! I had been pacing myself when using it because it was out of stock but it's back along with all their amazing sweeteners (my favorite is their pure stevia extract) and their yummy peanut flour! You can find it all here:

Trim Healthy Mama Store 

And now... The recipe I promised: 

Italian Sausage, Peppers and Mushrooms over "Pasta" (S)
Yield: 4 generous servings

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. raw mild -or hot- (I use mild so my children can eat) Italian sausage (I use jennie-o Lean Turkey Italian Sausage)
• 1/2 large white onion (chopped)
• 1 large green bell pepper (seeded and cut into chunks)
• 2 large cloves of garlic, finely chopped.
• 2 tbsp. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 1 tsp. dried oregano 
• 1/2 a can (14 oz.) can of fire roasted diced tomatoes (undrained) - you can also use regular diced tomatoes.
• 1/4 tsp. salt (I use Himalayan Salt)- or to taste -
• roughly chopped fresh basil for garnish (optional)
• Grated/Shredded Parmesan Cheese For topping

Directions for Stove Top:

• Using a large skillet, heat the oil over med-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the sausages and turn occasionally making sure all sides are browned (this will take about 10-12 minutes). Stir in the oregano and cook for 1 minute. Stir in the onions and peppers and cook until the onions are translucent, add the garlic, stir and cook for about 2 more minutes. Stir in the tomatoes, mushrooms, season with salt, reduce heat to low and let it all simmer together while you cook the pasta (or cauliflower)

Directions for slow cooker: (I would double the recipe for the slow cooker)

• Using a large skillet, heat the oil over med-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the sausages and turn occasionally making sure all sides are browned (this will take about 10-12 minutes). Stir in the oregano and cook for 1 minute. Add the diced tomatoes with the juices, mushrooms and add some water (about 1/4 a cup), salt; simmer for 3 minutes.

In the bottom of a slow cooker arrange ONLY half of the onion-pepper mixture and then cover with half of the sausages and their sauce, cover with the rest of the onion-pepper mixture to form another layer and top it all with the rest of the sausage/sauce. Cover and cook for 4 hours on low.

Now... "The Pasta"

Instead of Pasta I use (for myself) steamed cauliflower (and then slightly "crushed" with a Potato Masher), while still hot I add some butter, garlic powder and salt to taste. I also use Roasted Spaghetti Squash (buttered as well and with garlic powder and salt)

For non-purists (I am not necessarily a purist but I am not fond of Frankenfoods if I can avoid them) but you could use 1 serving of Dreamfields Pasta) and still keep it an "S"

For a crossover for my family I use my very favorite (not-franken food) Tinkyada Brown Rice Pasta but that's an E so if you are going to use it with this stew it would be a crossover (great for you but not weight loss inducing)  
 
Right before serving remove the sausage links from your stew and cut them on a cutting board (carefully, they are hot!), return them to the skillet or slow cooker and stir! Serve your "pasta", top with the Italian sausage and garnish with fresh basil (optional). Top with grated parmesan!

Enjoy!!!

Now... I can't promise I'll be blogging again too often too soon.... another discovery I made is that I don't actually have a desk! Our apartment had built in desks and shelves so I am typing right now with the computer on my dresser in my bedroom using a chair from my dining set... trust me... it's as uncomfortable as it sounds!

I'll be back as soon as I can!

© Paloma K.

Disclaimer: Some links in this post are affiliate links, this means that you pay the same price, but I also receive a very small compensation. I recommend products I have tried and love.

THM Menu sample One Day at a Time - Friday

 

This meal is featured on Today's Post... AND ... There's pizza for Dinner! Great stuff ahead!

Hello everybody!  And so the series for THM one day at a time continues. It's Friday... So... It's Pizza Night! Yes... lose weight eating pizza!

Remember: The Snacks are optional if you don't have "enough hours in your day" to get all these meals in... don't worry... skip 1 or both snacks... Just remember to never let more than 4 hours go without food. You should always wait at least 2 1/2 hours between each feeding (no munching in between! even if you are not switching fuels! Yes.... again... I say it... even if you are NOT switching fuels) Now... if you are switching fuels you should wait AT LEAST the 3 full hours.

This week I am sharing the SAHM eddition... Next week we can work together on a "on the go" menu.

Friday

S Breakfast:

•  Zucchini (or Poblano) Frittata  I love it with a delicious cup of coffee with some half and half.

FP Snack:

• 2 Light Rye Wasa Crackers, 1 wedge of laughing cow cheese and some extra lean turkey slices.

S Lunch: 

• Salmon and Avocado Sandwich: I use Joseph's low carb pita bread, toasted it a bit and filled it with a mixture of canned wild caught salmon, avocado, mayo, cilantro, a bit of chopped onions and tomatoes. Salt/pepper to taste and a squirt of fresh lime juice.

FP Snack:

• Smoothie made with up to 1 cup of frozen strawberries, unsweetened cashew or almond milk, a splash of vanilla, 1-2 tsp. cocoa powder, stevia to taste (I use 1-2 doonks) and 1/2 scoop of on plan protein powder (I love the Pristine Whey from THM brand)

Dinner: (S)

• Pizza (click for recipe) I absolutely love this pizza recipe! It's easy and delicious! Hubby doesn't even miss the bread! I eat lots of greens with it and a bit of ranch or blue cheese dressing! You can also use the book recipe! I love that cauliflower crust as well, just make sure you really squeeze all the liquid out of the cauliflower before putting it all together.
• Still want dessert? I'd have a couple of squares of dark chocolate (at least 85% cocoa)

Note: This menu that I've put together can NEVER replace the knowledge that comes from reading the book and applying the principles yourself... You will eventually want to be FREE and put together your own food combinations and meals, this is an aid that will allow you to "see" what a THM menu looks like IRL but reading the book is crucial to succeed on the plan. Every good thing is worth the extra work. My tip... is get the book and start reading the chapters about the different types of Settings (S, E, FP, S helpers and Crossovers), start applying every new principle you learn and keep going. I do not charge for sharing my menus and meals, The authors of the book have worked too hard on creating this plan and their own name. Those who use the THM name to sell menus and meal plans are doing so in full knowledge that they are taking advantage of someone else's work. Hopefully they will re-consider and stop. Make sure you do not support those who do so.

You could even make your own "pasta" if you want a side for your pizza




And yes... even to make my pizza I use my:



© Paloma K.

Disclaimer: Some links in this post are affiliate links, this means that you pay the same price, but I also receive a very small compensation. I recommend products I have tried and love.

THM Menu One Day at a Time - Wednesday

Featured on Today's Menu "Chicken Pecan Salad"

Hello everybody! This week I've been sharing with you day by day my "typical menus" on THM.

Remember: The Snacks are optional if you don't have "enough hours in your day" to get all these meals in... don't worry... skip 1 or both snacks... Just remember to never let more than 4 hours go without food. You should always wait at least 2 1/2 hours between each feeding (no munching in between! even if you are not switching fuels! Yes.... again... I say it... even if you are NOT switching fuels) Now... if you are switching fuels you should wait AT LEAST the 3 full hours.

This week I am sharing the SAHM eddition... Next week we can work together on a "on the go" menu.

Wednesday

S Breakfast:

•  Egg Breakfast Tacos: 2-3 scrambled eggs mixed with 2 tbsp. of no added sugar salsa (I use Pace) topped with shredded cheddar cheese. For the tortillas I use low carb whole wheat tortillas. Keep it to 6 grams or less NET carbs (carbs-fiber=net carbs) for low carb store bought products like this one.

E (or FP) Snack: 

• low fat cottage cheese (2% or less) with fruit of choice: If you use berries this would be an FP, you can use up to 1 cup of most berries, except for blueberries, you have to keep it to 1/2 cup to stay in FP territory. If you use any other fruits this would be an "E", make sure you stay within the 20-45 carb range. (Don't abuse the fruit!)

S Lunch:

• Chicken/Pecan Salad (click to see recipe)

S Snack:

• Celery sticks with peanut butter you can add a couple of slices of deli meat for extra protein.

Dinner: (S)

• Meatloaf and "Mashed Potatoes": I make my meatloaf by mixing Grassfed Beef (about 2 pounds) with chopped mushrooms, slightly cooked bacon/onions/green bell peppers, season with salt and pepper, add two eggs and a little bit of half and half and ground golden flaxseed instead of breadcrumbs. Cook in the oven at 450 for about 45 minutes. The Mashed Potatoes is just mashed cooked cauliflower with butter/cream cheese/cheddar cheese, salt and garlic powder.

If you still feel like having dessert I would choose something not as heavy... because your dinner was pretty "loaded" ... a couple of dark chocolate squares are always a great choice.

I love using my Ninja Processor for my mashed potatoes... the result is so smooth!!!

Note: This menu that I've put together can NEVER replace the knowledge that comes from reading the book and applying the principles yourself... You will eventually want to be FREE and put together your own food combinations and meals, this is an aid that will allow you to "see" what a THM menu looks like IRL but reading the book is crucial to succeed on the plan. Every good thing is worth the extra work. My tip... is get the book and start reading the chapters about the different types of Settings (S, E, FP, S helpers and Crossovers), start applying every new principle you learn and keep going. I do not charge for sharing my menus and meals, The authors of the book have worked too hard on creating this plan and their own name. Those who use the THM name to sell menus and meal plans are doing so in full knowledge that they are taking advantage of someone else's work. Hopefully they will re-consider and stop. Make sure you do not support those who do so.

 © Paloma K.
 
Disclaimer: Some links in this post are affiliate links, this means that you pay the same price, but I also receive a very small compensation. I recommend products I have tried and love.

THM Menu Sample One day at a time - Tuesday

Featured on today's Menu: Mrs. Dirinda's baked Oatmeal (Recipe via Pinterest)

Hello everybody! Yesterday I started sharing with you day by day how you can plan your meals on THM. 

Remember: The Snacks are optional if you don't have "enough hours in your day" to get all these meals in... don't worry... skip 1 or both snacks... Just remember to never let more than 4 hours go without food. You should always wait at least 2 1/2 hours between each feeding (no munching in between! even if you are not switching fuels! Yes.... again... I say it... even if you are NOT switching fuels) Now... if you are switching fuels you should wait AT LEAST the 3 full hours.

This week I am sharing the SAHM eddition... Next week we can work together on a "on the go" menu.

Tuesday

E Breakfast:

•  Baked Oatmeal, I love Mrs. Dirinda's recipe (it's a single serving), my tweak is that I use 1/3 cup of egg whites instead of 1/4 cup and most times I use small pieces of apple instead of blueberries.

FP Snack:

• 2 Light Rye Wasa Crackers with 1 wedge of Light Laughing Cow (I love the Chipotle/Queso Fresco Flavor), some extra lean turkey deli meat and cucumber slices. 

S Lunch:

• A big salad prepared with pre-washed Spring Mix (I love all the Organic Leaf Mixes from Costco), 1 hard boiled egg in slices, a few sardines (in olive oil) all dressed with a quick/easy to make mixture of EVOO, minced garlic, lime juice, salt and pepper.

E Snack:

• Apple Slices (1 apple) and Greek Yogurt/Peanut Butter Dip made with 3/4 cup plain 0% greek yogurt mixed with a tsp. of peanut butter (or 1 tbsp. of fat free peanut flour), sweetened with stevia to taste and a splash of pure vanilla extract

Dinner: (S)

• Buttered Tilapia/veggies and Mashed "Potatoes" 
• For Dessert I'll have a "Setting appropriate" sweet, Most times I go for chocolate! My favorite chocolate is: Green&Black's Organic Chocolate I usually allow myself to have up to 6 little squares of this chocolate with a cup of coffee (sweetened with stevia and with a splash of full fat half and half)

Note: This menu that I've put together can NEVER replace the knowledge that comes from reading the book and applying the principles yourself... You will eventually want to be FREE and put together your own food combinations and meals, this is an aid that will allow you to "see" what a THM menu looks like IRL but reading the book is crucial to succeed on the plan. Every good thing is worth the extra work. My tip... is get the book and start reading the chapters about the different types of Settings (S, E, FP, S helpers and Crossovers), start applying every new principle you learn and keep going. I do not charge for sharing my menus and meals, The authors of the book have worked too hard on creating this plan and their own name. Those who use the THM name to sell menus and meal plans are doing so in full knowledge that they are taking advantage of someone else's work. Hopefully they will re-consider and stop. Make sure you do not support those who do so.

TRUVIA:

DEFATTED PEANUT FLOUR

 © Paloma K.

Disclaimer: Some links in this post are affiliate links, this means that you pay the same price, but I also receive a very small compensation. I recommend products I have tried and love.

What a THM week looks like in my life (Menu Sample)

Featured on Today's Menu (Dessert)

Hello everybody! I thought I would share with you day by day how you can plan your meals on THM and how they don't have to be necessarily difficult. This is doable and enjoyable. The Snacks are "optional" if you don't have "enough hours in your day" to get all these meals in... don't worry... skip 1 or both snacks... Just remember to never let more than 4 hours go without food. You should always wait at least 2 1/2 hours between each feeding (no munching in between! even if you are not switching fuels! Yes.... again... I say it... even if you are NOT switching fuels) Now... if you are switching fuels you should wait AT LEAST the 3 full hours.

Today I share with you a menu for the first day of the week... This is what "MY MENU" would look like BUT I am a SAHM and I know it might be impossible for you to cook all this! This week we focus on a SAHM menu... next week we can work together on a "on the go" menu.

Monday

S Breakfast:

•  2 (or 3) sunny side up eggs over a bed of steamed asparagus (or steamed zucchini), topped with coconut oil or butter, an optional side of sliced avocado (or a slice of hard cheese like sharp cheddar), coffee with half and half sweetened with stevia or "chocolate milk" (unsweetened cashew milk, with 1-2 tsp. of unsweetened cocoa powder, stevia to taste and a splash of vanilla in the blender)

FP Snack: 

• "Ice Cream like Smoothie" made with 1 cup of frozen strawberries, 1/2 cup of unsweetened cashew milk, 2 tsp. cocoa powder, 2 doonks of THM stevia extract, splash of vanilla, 1/2 scoop of whey protein powder (I use the THM brand but they are out of stock right now... YES, IT IS THAT GOOD!) you can use Jay Robb's brand.  I use the Ninja "bullet" attachment that comes with the Ninja Mega Kitchen System

E Lunch:

• Turkey and cheese sandwich: 2 Slices of Ezekiel Bread, Extra lean sliced turkey, 1 Ultra thin slice of Sargento Cheddar/provolone or swiss cheese, lots of greens, tomato slices, some onion, mustard. Strawberries or 1/2 sliced apple.

S Snack:

• A handful of almonds (I use these) and 1 string of cheese 

Dinner: (S)

• Baked chicken thighs (with or without skin), lightly rubbed with olive oil, seasoned with smoked paprika, salt, garlic powder and onion powder, bake at 450 for 30 minutes. Serve with a side of buttered non starchy veggies. 

• Dessert: Pick a setting appropriate dessert... I love the Cheesecake Berry Crunch Recipe in the book (Page 373)

Note: This menu that I've put together can NEVER replace the knowledge that comes from reading the book and applying the principles yourself... You will eventually want to be FREE and put together your own food combinations and meals, this is an aid that will allow you to "see" what a THM menu looks like IRL but reading the book is crucial to succeed on the plan. Every good thing is worth the extra work. My tip... is get the book and start reading the chapters about the different types of Settings (S, E, FP, S helpers and Crossovers), start applying every new principle you learn and keep going. I do not charge for sharing my menus and meals, The authors of the book have worked too hard on creating this plan and their own name. Those who use the THM name to sell menus and meal plans are doing so in full knowledge that they are taking advantage of someone else's work. Hopefully they will re-consider and stop. Make sure you do not support those who do so.

 © Paloma K.

  Disclaimer: Some links in this post are affiliate links, this means that you pay the same price, but I also receive a very small compensation. I recommend products I have tried and love.

Buttered Tilapia, vegetables and mashed potatoes

Hello everybody! If you've been following this blog for a bit, then  you know that I gave up sugar (mostly, I'll rarely allow myself to have something with it) a while ago... And I went from going "baker extraordinaire" and the leader of a "cake baking group" (I really tried to hold on to that last one for as long as I could) to being a no sugar, no wheat (unless it's sprouted) gal! ... Well... When you hear "no sugar" "no wheat" the word "IMPOSSIBLE" usually comes to mind!  I know it did for me... but the Trim Healthy Mama Plan has so many more "YESES" than it has "NOS" that it's made it easier to fully embraced it and I am not looking back! And interestingly enough you can still HAVE A LOT OF SWEETS AND DESSERTS!  (Click here for some of those recipes) but just without the guilt that those things are usually accompanied with... These are treats made in such a way that they can actually help you lose weight!

Disclaimer: If you're still on sugar... You might still want to wait before trying these desserts... otherwise they'll taste like bitter sin in your mouth! Truvia/Stevia tastes bitter when you're still intoxicated by sugar... and it's not Stevia's fault... it's the sugar's fault that has flooded your system and even changed your taste buds (making you want more!). Trust me... I used to think all THMS were crazy for "liking such disgusting things" but... now I am in heaven when I eat them! I would've never thought I could ever, ever enjoy them.

Now... to the fun part and the purpose of today's post... share a recipe with you! A recipe that you wouldn't think of enjoying with the ultimate goal of slimming your figure! But ... in the THM plan this is what we eat! (Another disclaimer... I still have lots of weight to lose but it's not the plan's fault... I have thyroid issues that make it near to impossible for me to lose weight... with THM at least I am getting healthier and ... being able to eat like this without gaining weight is a victory in and of itself for me)

Here goes:

Buttered Tilapia with Vegetables and Mashed "Potatoes" - THM -S-

Some day I'll have money for a better camera that can make mashed things look good, for now, this will do!

This recipe is low carb, grain free, gluten free

Yield: 2 abundant servings or 4 smaller portions.

Ingredients: 

For the Fish:

• 4 good size tilapia fillets
• 2 tsp. coconut oil - I use this one
• 1/2 cup onions - finely chopped
• 6 oz. chopped white fresh mushrooms
• 1 lb. asparagus (chopped into smaller pieces, hard ends removed)
• 2 cloves of garlic Grated
• 2-3 tbsp. of butter in small pieces (I use Kerrygold, grassfed)
• 1/2 tbsp. of chicken stock (or water)
• salt and garlic powder to taste (Freshly Ground Pepper optional. I left it out)

For the mashed "potatoes" (this is actually a delicious cauliflower mash)

• 1 cauliflower head
• 4 tbsp. of butter (I use Kerrygold, grassfed) - softened -
• 2 oz. Neufchatel Cheese (1/3 less fat than regular cream cheese) - I use Philadelphia -
• 1/4 cup Grated cheddar cheese
• 2 tsp. Garlic Powder
• Salt to taste (be generous)

Directions: 

For the fish: (Before you start with the fish you want to start preparing your cauliflower mash at the same time, see recipe below)

• Lightly rinse and pat dry your tilapia fillets, season them with some salt and garlic powder on both sides, set aside.
• On a large skillet warm up the coconut oil on medium/high. When the oil is hot add the chopped onions, mushrooms, asparagus, salt your veggies and stir frequently. When the onions are translucent turn the hear to med/low, add the garlic, stir for an extra minute, add 1 - 2 tbsp. of chicken stock (or water), stir again and place tilapia filets on top of your vegetables, cover with a lid and let it steam until fish is cooked through (It should be slightly flaky and opaque in color inside. about 10-15 minutes).
• Remove lid, place butter pieces on top of the fillets, cover and let it sit for 1 extra minute, until the butter is melted. Remove lid, serve immediately. (Place a tilapia fillet on the plate and veggies on top)

For the cauliflower:

• Steam the cauliflower until it's fork tender, drain any leftover liquid from the cauliflower, while it is still very hot (just be cautious) transfer to a Food Processor or Blender, add rest of the ingredients, blend until smooth, check seasonings and adjust to your taste if needed. Serve immediately. (You can always store leftovers in the fridge, add a tiny amount of liquid and/or butter and reheat later)

YUM!!!

Now... let me tell you something... If you are a THM you will need to invest a bit of money to get a good quality blender (food processor is optional but... it is VERY HELPFUL) ... Now... I know that big names like Vitamix are amazing... But I really cannot afford it... if you can, go for it!!! For me... I am very happy with my Ninja , it is reliable, they have great customer service (in my personal experience) and it does A GREAT JOB! crushes ice, frozen fruit... like... big chunks of frozen fruit! the food processor has a big capacity, my cuisinart broke as soon as I started making my daily smoothies... Ninja crushes those smoothies like it's nothing! Pretty noisy but the Vitamix is too... You can't "warm soups up" but I have pans/pots and a stove for that. So if you can't spend over 300 in a blender... Ninja is the way to go! (The megakitchen system comes with a food processor, 2 nutricups with their "lids to go") I don't get paid by ninja in any way to promote their product... but I am that in love with it!!!

Now... this is an affiliate link, which means if you buy the ninja through clicking on my link I will receive a small (oh so small) percentage of the price BUT it doesn't mean it adds any extra cost to you. I could be trying to convince you to get something "more expensive" but I don't want you to break the piggy bank! This will get you through it all! You will also make the smoothest purees in there!

© Paloma K.

 Disclaimer: Some links in this post are affiliate links, this means that you pay the same price, but I also receive a very small compensation. I recommend products I have tried and love.

THM Week Recap and Tip of the Week

Hello friends! Ah! I feel like I have neglected my blog and even friendships in the social media world so much! It seems that I can only get 1 post a week and that's even sometimes hard! Why? I don't know... it seems like I am in the midst of a cloud right now... Filled with so much excitement and at the same time in expectation of what's to come that I am almost paralyzed... but everything is going well... I can give you a little bit of the news in advance though... Just because I can't wait any longer and just because I know you won't tell anyone (LOL!)

So... hubby wrote a book... and it will finally be published in March (God willing) the book is based on the book of Job....  his suffering... faith... everything! I don't want to spoil it for you! Whether you're going through suffering, you went through it, a friend of you is going through it and you don't know how to comfort or what to say... you must read this book! I must say it is pretty amazing... I am a very honest, objective critic... particularly of those I love... and ... this book (and the many times I've read the manuscript) has touched my heart and made me see the situation differently than the way I used to when I've read the book of Job before...  and I just got stuck in the questions of "why did God bring Job up?" or "Why was God even talking to Satan?" It truly is NOT your typical "explanation" on the book of Job or "justification" for the things that happened to him ... wait... I shouldn't share more... you should read it. So... yeah... .. There are other things going on ... very exciting as well but... that's one that I can start sharing a bit for now....

Would you be in prayer for us with it all? Thank YOU!!!

Now... Trim Healthy Mama, right? Well... Usually tending to do  a lot of  some emotional eating... Going through these things in life (even good events can trigger such bad habits) has made it a little harder to not spend the whole day eating, munching, "just tasting" a little bit... So... here comes the tip of the week:

Eat enough and drink your "sippers"

So... yes, eat enough when you have your meals/snacks... Don't skip meals and make sure you have a good batch of Good Girl Moonshine or The Shrinker ... There are other THM meals but those two really help me when I am craving something and I am just in the need of putting something in my mouth... They calm those cravings down and make me feel like I am still "having fun" (yes, I also eat just because it's fun!).... Make sure you buy a good Raw Apple Cider Vinegar I buy this one and it you're still not that crazy about the flavor, play with the recipe a little... I have so much fun varying the flavors... I buy a good box of your favorite teas I absolutely love these until you find your "cup of tea" ... get it? cup of... ? ok... maybe too predictable LOL!

Anyway... that's my tip of the day... If you're just starting on Trim Healthy Mama and you were used to having flavored drinks/juices or soda.. and you're kind of bored of water (I absolutely LOOOOVE water but I know it's not that easy for everyone to drink the recommended amount) then you have to try these drinks that will absolutely hydrate you, make you feel fuller and will also send to your brain that message of 'I am doing something healthy, I don't want to ruin it with chips' that will help you stay on track without it actually being hard... or at least I think so...

Now... if you kind of want to take a look to the things that I've been eating this week... well here I go:

Hopefully these will inspire you:

Cheesecake Berry Crunch: (- S - Trim Healthy mama Book page 373)

Fried Chicken Strips (S) and cauliflower rice (Breading for chicken strips: Salt pepper your chicken strips, pass them through coconut flour, then egg/half-half mixture and then coat with a mix of ground pork rinds and almond flour, fry in coconut oil)

Turkey Bean Soup (E), this time I actually used venison, you can also substitute the meat with chicken breast... here is the recipe: Recipe here

Mrs. Dirinda's Famous baked oatmeal (E), I made it this week but switched the berries for apples, and instead of only 1/4 cup of egg whites I used 1/3 cup. Delish! click here for pin of her recipe

 

Salmon and Avocado Sandwich: I used Joseph's low carb pita bread, toasted it a bit and filled it with a mixture of canned wild caught salmon, avocado, mayo, cilantro, a bit of chopped onions and tomatoes. Salt/pepper to taste and a squirt of fresh lime juice.

 Chicken Salad with Pecans: I used delicious Romain lettuce leaves to serve my chicken salad Recipe Here (the original recipe calls for almonds, you can use whatever you prefer)

Chocolate Cupcakes (S): These were such a big hit! We loved them, I didn't have heavy whipping cream to make whipped cream but I used a bit of sugar free Hershey's Chocolate syrup and strawberries to top them... Recipe by Tonia at "The Sunny Patch" my twist was that instead of xylitol and stevia extract I used 14 packets of Truvia.

Steamed asparagus and eggs (with butter! YUM YUM) - S - : To make these I just lightly steam the asparagus (remove tough ends) until they are tender, then add some butter, salt and carefully place two (or three) eggs on top of the asparagus bed, it all becomes one! Looks pretty too! Cover with a lid and cook until the eggs are done (I like the yolks a bit runny, about 3-4 minutes), side of avocado... Delicious for any meal of the day!

 Of course I ate other things... But I didn't stop to take a picture of everything... I hope this inspired you a bit though! Would you leave a comment and let me know?

© Paloma K.

  Disclaimer: Some links in this post may be affiliate links, this means that you pay the same price, but I also receive a very small compensation. I recommend products I have tried and love.

THM Shrimp and Rice

Agh... My from couch to half a marathon challenge has become more of a from couch to bed thing... My girls and I have the respiratory flu... and it hasn't been fun... chills, fever, coughing... the whole deal! It's been a nightmarish week... I can't wait to get back at it! But for now I thought I would share a recipe with all of you, since I've abandoned my blog as well...  hopefully it gets my mind off of things...

So... here it is... a very easy and delicious recipe...

Shrimp and "Rice"
THM - "S", Low Carb.

 

Ingredients:

For the rice:

• 1 big head of cauliflower (or two smaller ones) - cooked (steamed) until "slightly aldente" (they should be cooked through but not mushy) - preferably do this a day ahead and let it sit in the fridge overnight so it dries up even more, this is optional -
• Coconut Oil (about 2 tbsp.) or 1/2 stick of grass-fed butter 
• 1/2 small white onion (chopped)
• 1 big (or 2 small) cloves of garlic (finely chopped or even grated )
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper (or you can use half yellow/half red to add more color)
• 1/2 cup finely chopped cilantro

For the shrimp:

• 1 lb. raw small clean shrimp (you can use it already shelled or with the shell on, shell removed is best because the shrimp will keep all the flavor in its meat) - you can buy it even frozen, just make sure it is thawed by the time you're about to cook it -
• olive oil (about 2 tbsp.)
• the zest of 1 big lime (or lemon)
• salt and pepper to taste
• chili powder (to taste, I used about a tablespoon)

Directions:

- Turn on the broiler (so it gets pretty hot)

Now, let's make this!

1. In your Food Processor pulse the cauliflower until it's in "rice" size (don't over process or you'll get puree)
2. Heat a large skillet (on med-high) and add the Coconut Oil or grass-fed butter (or a combination of both) -don't let the butter brown- , when your oil is hot add the onions and green bell peppers until the onions are translucent, add the garlic and "rice" and gently stir with a Wooden Spoon until it's all incorporated and the cauliflower gets a slight golden color. Season with salt and pepper, turn off the heat and set aside.
3. Line a large baking sheet (I use my jelly roll pan) with aluminum foil, place the clean shrimp on it and drizzle with the oil, add the rest of the ingredients and toss with your hands so the shrimp is all evenly coated.
4. Place the shrimp in the broiler and cook for 5 minutes.
5. While the shrimp is cooking sprinkle your rice with the chopped cilantro, serve on individual plates (it should still be hot), get the shrimp out, serve over the rice (in equal portions) add a squeeze of fresh lime or lemon, season with a bit more salt (if necessary) and sprinkle with more cilantro if desired. I even added a bit of chopped tomato and it was yummy, if you want to go all out you can add some slices of avocado on the side.

Enjoy!!! Let me know if you enjoy this recipe.

© Paloma K.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliated links