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.

Delicious, creamy, frozen custard...

Hello everybody! I was looking for a good ice cream recipe! Ice cream has been my "stumbling block" more than once while on Trim Healthy Mama... Particularly because I am not satisfied with just any ice cream... and while I had found really great recipes out there that could kind of keep the cravings at bay... I hadn't really found what I was looking for... Especially because I had been spoiled with the best ice cream of all: "Wisconsin Frozen Custard" while I lived up north for 4 years when I had just gotten married.


You already know Wisconsin is famous for its dairy... the delicious cheeses! YUM! Custard is a specialty there.... whether  you get it at places like:

Leon's

Adrian's is our very favorite

or even "old style" at Grandma and Grandpa's backyard

... When you have frozen custard there... you become an "ice cream snob" whether you like it or not.

Culver's has great frozen custard as well... and when we first moved to Texas (about 4 years ago) we were so thrilled to find out there was a Culver's less than 1 mile away from our new home... But, then, I wasn't so happy when, in my efforts to lose weight I felt I had to just forget about frozen custard entirely... unless I "cheated" so cheating I did... not often because I am pretty strong and strict when it comes to staying on plan... but when I did OH I DID! So just recently I took on the challenge to make my own frozen custard at home... but this time... it would be SUGAR FREE!!!

What's even better, my recipe is simple yet truly satisfying (even for the most strict critic)... it does require a bit of patience but the result is definitely worth the effort! This recipe is so good that you could even have it for breakfast! Why not?

If you are a "Trim Healthy Mama" you know why a "heavy" dessert like this one is COMPLETELY GUILT FREE ... if you don't know what Trim Healthy Mama is yet... You are missing out! Get your Trim Healthy Mama book here

Here's my recipe:

Paloma's guilt-free VANILLA frozen custard
THM - "S" for Satisfying

Yield: 1 pint
Servings: 2

Ingredients

• 4 egg yolks
• 10 Packets of Truvia
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cashew milk
• pinch of sea salt
• splash (about 1/2 teaspoon) of vanilla extract

Directions:

1. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, whisk together egg yolks and truvia until well combined. Whisk in cream and cashew milk until yolk mixture is fully incorporated.
2. Place pot over medium-low heat (from 1 to 8 it would be a "2") and cook, constantly whisking (don't stop or you'll get scrambled eggs, don't turn the heat any higher either), until a thin (it won't thicken much yet) custard forms on a spoon and a finger swiped across the back leaves a clean line, or until custard temperature reaches 170°F. Stir in salt and vanilla.
3. Strain custard through a Fine Mesh Strainer and chill in the refrigerator until it is very cold (at least 4 hours). Churn in Ice Cream Maker according to manufacturer's instructions, then serve right away or transfer to an airtight container and chill in freezer for 1 hour to let custard firm up slightly. Serve custard within two hours of it being made, don't store for another day.
4. Optional and not so purist: Drizzle sugar free chocolate syrup on top!

Enjoy!!!


© 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.

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 One Day at a Time - Saturday

Featured on Today's Menu: Crispy Hot Wings (Baked!)

Woah! I am so overwhelmed!  Thank you, thank you, thank you for all the pins, likes and follows! You are all so amazing! Thank you also for letting me know that this is helpful! I loved it that someone told me they were thankful because they didn't even have to modify my menus, they are that simple! And that's what you're going to get with me... I don't use many specialty products. I am on a tight budget but I try to get creative with the resources I have... I hope you find all these doable and enjoyable.

And now the traditional reminder: 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... I am hoping that next week we can work together on a "on the go" menu.

Saturday

  E Breakfast:

•  THM Pancakes (page 223) I absolutely love them! Hubby does too! You can find the recipe on the book (some have posted similar recipes on pinterest too) remember to use low fat cottage cheese (2% or less) so that you don't "crossover".

FP Snack:

• 1 Triple Zero Oikos Yogurt with 3 strawberries (optional).

S Lunch: 

• Egg Salad:  

•  3 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
• 2 tbsp. Real Mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp. plain 0% greek yogurt
• 1 Tbsp. thinly sliced green onions
• 1 tsp. garlic powder
• 1 tsp. (or to taste) Yellow or Dijon Mustard
• Salt and ground black pepper to taste  (mix it all together, you can have 1 light rye wasa cracker with it). Serve over a bed of green leaves or chopped romaine lettuce.

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)

• HOT WINGS  I love that I can eat delicious hot wings on THM, there is a recipe on the book but I experienced that the skin didn't result that crispy. My tip is: Marinade (for at least 2 hours) the desired amount of wings in a generous amount of Frank's Hot Sauce (about 3/4 cup for about 24 wings). and 1 tsp. of garlic powder. Heat your broiler to high and arrange a rack one level above the middle. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on it (that way it will cook and crisp evenly without sogginess)  Place the wings on the rack (or on two racks if needed) on a single layer (and don't let them touch if possible). Broil for about 10-11 minutes, turn and broil for 11 more minutes on the second side. Meanwhile combine 1/3 cup of hot sauce and 1/2 stick of melted butter in a bowl and set aside. Once the wings are cooked toss them in the bowl with the sauce/butter mix. Serve immediately!
• Still want dessert? I'd have a couple of squares of dark chocolate (at least 85% cocoa) or you can enjoy some delicious "Skinny chocolate" (recipe in the book) or one serving of Carb Smart Breyer's Ice Cream (don't overdo this one)

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.

Some tools I use in my kitchen for the "hot wings"





 © 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 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.

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.

Apple and Cinnamon Quinoatmeal - THM E

 Hello fellow foodies! Let's talk super foods, shall we? If you are part of the Trim Healthy Mama community then you know about the difference when it comes to "E, S, FP and Crossover" Meals/Snacks... If you are not part of that plan but you love good, healthy and tasty food ... don't leave... this recipe is for you too!

So... Before we get to the recipe let's talk a little bit about something, and let's be honest fellow THMs... Dairy... don't you love it? I do! What would I do without cheese? it's so good! But at the same time many of us tend to overdo it... No judgment here... just speaking out of my very own personal experience... And if we're not careful, the "frankenfoods" start to occupy way to many places in our menu... The THM plan gives you lots of freedom... but sometimes I like to switch things around a little bit to keep my metabolism moving and on its toes... And I like to give it a shock of energy not only with tons of veggies but with some amazingly good for you ingredients like:

Red Quinoa and Steel Cut Oats ,


Quinoa is rich in amazing nutrients for you, it is gluten free, it has all the essential amino acids (including Lysine), it basically has more and better protein than most grains, it has a glycemic index of 53 which is low for a grain and it's even better when soaked -soaking removes the phytic acid-, it is high in minerals like magnesium, is loaded with antioxidants and IT IS EASY too cook and incorporate into your meals.

I hope I just convinced you in case you were doubting...

Now... what are Steel Cut Oats? and what's the difference between them and the old fashioned rolled oats? or even the quick cooking oats? The difference is mostly that they are less processed, steel cut oats is the first best option, rolled oats is the second best and the quick cooking or instant I would just avoid them... because the more processed they are, the faster they convert into sugar in your body. Steel cut oats is basically the whole groat cut in pieces while rolled oats go through the process of steaming/pressing between rollers and drying them... They are still a very good choice but not the very best... Nutritionally there's no difference BUT the glycemic value is a bit different and it can change how our body reacts to the conversion of carbs to sugar in the body. (Don't be afraid of rolled oats, they are still a good option and definitely THM approved! Just don't use the "quick cooking" or "instant" kind).

Now after all that I am sure you want me to get into the recipe... Right? This breakfast is sooo delicious and so... dare I say SATISFYING? (I am always a bit afraid of using the word "satisfying" when talking about an "E" THM meal... I don't want anybody to be confused!) BUT... This stuff is sooo good! You can even have it for lunch! Why not?

This recipe requires a bit of preparation ahead of time... but it's totally worth it!

Apple Cinnamon Quinoatmeal 

Servings: 2
GLUTEN FREE, DAIRY FREE, VEGAN, SUGAR FREE
Nutrition PER SERVING:
CARBS: 39 grams, FIBER: 4 grams, NET CARBS: 35 grams, FAT: 2.9 grams, PROTEIN: 5.5 grams.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup Red Quinoa (why red? because it's pretty! But you can also use white quinoa)
• 1/4 cup Steel Cut Oats
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cashew or almond milk, plus more for serving
• 1 pinch sea salt 
• 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
• sweetener to taste (I used 1 doonk of pure THM stevia extract) - click here to know what a doonk is 
• splash of vanilla 
• 1 apple cubed or shredded

Preparation

• The night before cooking, rinse quinoa thoroughly and drain. Combine oats and quinoa in a medium saucepan and cover with 1 cup boiling water, (put a lid on it and forget about it 'till the next day).
• In the morning, bring oats and quinoa to a boil. Stir in almond milk, salt, and cinnamon and reduce heat to low. Cook, stirring occasionally, until quinoa grains are tender, 8–10 minutes. Remove from the heat, add splash of vanilla and sweetener, give it a stir to incorporate.
• Top quinoatmeal with apple, and sprinkle more cinnamon, if desired. Drizzle with unsweetened almond or cashew milk to thin or enjoy as it is (like I do! it's pretty thick... but you can thin it to your own liking!)
  
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  This is what the oatmeal and quinoa looked like when I covered them with the boiling water in the night.
  

  

  
  
  Now this is what the mix of grains looked like the next morning
  
  

  

  
  Once the quinoatmeal is ready it yields 1 1/2 cups.... 3/4 of a cup is ONE serving.
  
  

  

  
  

Now... if you want to pair this with some more protein... Go ahead! You can use 0% Greek Yogurt and now it doesn't even have to be UNFLAVORED... There is this new (DELICIOUS) Yogurt from Dannon that is sweetened WITH STEVIA! YAY!!! I have tried strawberry, vanilla and coconut... they are all delicious but I can't wait to get my hands in a BANANA CREME one!

So... it's been confirmed to be plan approved! It has 15 grams of protein and it will keep you in a very healthy "E" because it has no fat! (if you eat it by itself it would be an FP)

So... Let me know how you like this delicious SUPER breakfast packed with nutrition and flavor... I'll love to hear from you.

© Paloma K.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links.