Eat your veggies

My bi weekly local organic produce delivery came today. I incorporated a lot of it to make tonight's dinner.

After thinking about what to make for dinner, I thought back to the black bean burgers I made a while back. They were so good and really easy to make. I decided on a chickpea variation to make for dinner.

Mediterranean chickpea balls
1 can drained chickpeas
3 TB. spelt flour
1/4 tsp. baking soda
dash sea salt
garlic and chili flakes
1 grated carrot
1 grated cucumber and 1/4 of a grated red pepper
(with the excess water squeezed out of both)
mix and mash together and let rest in the fridge for 20-30 min.
Roll into balls and bake on a non stick baking sheet for 30 min.

The chickpea balls were a little softer then I wanted, but still delicious. I think they needed a little extra flour. I also roasted some chunks of sweet potato, these were the star of the meal. They were slow roasted for about an hour with a little seasoning. They were crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

On the side I had a salad with TONS of diced celery, a little reduced fat Monterrey jack cheese, and a drizzle of Annie's Tuscan Italian vinaigrette.

I topped my little chickadees with a little hummus hat. When having chickpeas there must be some hummus involved.

On a side note I planted my new chili plant today. I bought it at the farmers market when I was at the beach for my parents 35th wedding anniversary. It's suppose to grow all winter long and I'm planning on using the chili's in recipes and also drying some for my own chili flakes. Most of all it's just pretty and a great conversation piece.

Change of plans

I had a change of plans this morning. The sun was shinning bright, the sky was blue, and my upper body muscles were sore. Every reason to skip the gym and go for a run.

I haven't gone running in weeks, ever since I got my new cycle bike.

I started with a good pace and my body felt really good. It was one of the best runs that I have had all summer. I was just really feeling it today. The thing I love most about running is that its my form of meditation. It gives me that time to just run and think about all kinds of things. I come back refreshed and renewed.

I ran about 7 miles, towards the end my abs, quads, and glutes were screaming at me that they were done.

Upon returning home I did some much needed stretching, re hydrated, showered, and now I'm enjoying lunch.

Adaptations

The summer flowers are still in full swing around here. The weather has been a mix of sunny and rainy days, providing lots of continuous summer blooms.

While pondering what to have for breakfast I kept coming back to those delicious oatmeal pancakes I had the other morning. I decided to make an adaptation of the original recipe, I love experimenting.
In the mix
1/2 cup oats
2 TB. Kodiak cake pancake mix (the pancake mix made for a thicker pancake)
3 egg whites
splash of soymilk
mix together
microwave for 30 sec.
mix again
cook in a non stick pan on both sides

Topped with
some sunflower nut butter on one pancake
some raspberry all fruit spread on the other pancake
1/4 of a sliced banana
a side of warmed up spiced chunky applesauce (for dipping)

The pancakes came out pretty dry. Next time I would only use 1 TB. of the pancake mix and only two egg whites.

Since it's Wednesday I'm off to dancers workout and then Kickboxing, followed by a long day at work.

A suprise at the door

Workout
Nothing too exciting. I worked out early this morning and was feeling kinda sluggish, tired, and sore from yesterday. I did 45 min. on the spinning bike and finished with some yoga.
Dinner

I have an enormous amount of tomatoes in the fridge that have been staring at me for days, actually a week. I had plans to stew them and put them in the freezer, but I just never found the time. I didn't want them to go to waste, so I decided to roast them in the oven and make my own pasta sauce.

In the oven I roasted some chopped in half tomatoes, red onion, scallion, and basil chicken sausage. I roasted everything on 400 degrees for about 30 min. The veggies were tossed in sea salt, basil, garlic, and a little olive oil.

For the pasta I cooked up some whole wheat cappellini . Once it was done I seasoned the noodles with a HEAVY handful of Italian seasoning, basil, and oregano. Along with some more sea salt, chili flakes, olive oil, balsamic vinaigrette, and Parmesan cheese.

This dinner was all about fresh real food. The sauce I made was simple and VERY tasty.

Over Labor day weekend we went to a bbq at our friends grandparents house. There grandma made a salad that was so good and I wanted to try to recreate it tonight. I came close but I think it was just missing that special touch that grandmothers have that makes everything better.

I made a romaine salad topped with shredded carrots, sliced crimini mushrooms, and diced sugar snap peas.

When I arrived home from work today I saw food sitting outside my front door. I was so confused at first why there would be food out there, and also where it came from. After seeing the bag of veggies I knew it was from my parents. My mom and I share a garden that we planted together, so it was my delivery of veggies. The bonus was it came with the most delicious peach cobbler that my dad made. I wanted just a little taste before dinner and I ended up with half of a peach. But it was so good, they were fresh peaches straight form the peach farm. Our whole family just loves farm fresh fruits and veggies.

Mental Illness in School: No Child Left Behind?

By Molly McVoy, M.D.

How much do I tell my child’s teacher about her depression? About his bipolar disorder? About her ADHD? Will he fall behind if the teacher doesn’t know? Will she be judged if I tell the school? When do I get testing, an IEP, special Ed? What do those mean?

Parents of children with psychiatric illness struggle with these questions and many others. Often, there are no easy answers. A child’s success at school may be one of the best predictors of future success. Giving a child and his/her family the best tools to succeed in school is one of my top priorities as a child psychiatrist.

When deciding how much to tell your child’s school about his/her psychiatric illness, consider your child’s ability to function at school rather than his/her specific type of illness. You are not required to tell the school anything; that is up to you as a parent. If telling your child’s teacher about his/her psychiatric illness will give him/her a better chance to do well, then consider telling the teacher. If your child’s illness is affecting his/her day to day functioning and behavior at school, then consider telling the teacher. Teachers are your partners in helping your child succeed. If the illness is relatively well controlled and is not affecting his/her daily behavior at school, the school may not need to know. For more information, visit the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.

When it comes to accessing special education services, most schools and teachers want to do everything they can to help your child. I usually recommend families listen to the principal and teachers.They are the experts in education. However, if you are dissatisfied with the educational services you are receiving, my next recommendation is know your rights, know your state’s laws. Every state must provide a free education that meets the needs of each child – no matter what those needs are. What varies widely, however, is how each state manages that requirement. The U.S. Department of Education website has basic information on your rights as a parent and offers links to each state.html. Know your state law, know your rights. Come armed with that information and work with your doctor and school for your child to succeed!

Overnight oats

I'm sure enjoying the mini pears. When I showed Jeff my mini pears and mini apples he laughed and said those are only a few bites, it's not worth it. It is the perfect size for me, and for making into toppings.

I made a double batch of oatmeal yesterday and split it between two bowls. I saved one bowl for this morning. Oats warm up in the microwave very easily, just add a ting of water or milk of choice. I topped my oats with half of a mini diced pear, dried cranberries, a sprinkle of unsweetened coconut, and almond butter.

I loved getting up and having breakfast already to go. It's kinda like overnight oats in a way.

The orchards bounty

Workout
As per my usual Monday's I was up early to workout. Monday's are my most hectic work day, so I always make sure to get my workout in first thing. I started with 20 min. on the spinning bike followed by a full body resistance workout and finished with another 20 min. back on the bike.
Dinner

Let the pear festivities and enjoyment begin.
After my trip yesterday to the pear and apple orchards I am digging in to pear bliss. I do love pears in lots of things, but on top of a salad is one of my favorites.

I made a simple romaine salad with a diced carrot and half of a mini pear. Topped off with some Drew's lemon goddess dressing, Himalayan salt, and a sprinkle of thyme. A little sprinkle of seasoning and high quality salt add another element of flavor.

On the side I had a leftover mini pizza half.

Just a warning, you will see lots of apples and pears for the next month or so. I must enjoy it's peak of perfection while it's here. I'm sure you understand. I promise to show lots of versatility.

Local and fresh

This morning I used some of the local products that I purchased yesterday to make the most delicious oatmeal.
In the mix (for two servings)
1/2 cup oats
1/4 cup Bob's spice n nice hot cereal
1.5 cups hot water
splash almond milk
dash salt and cinnamon
mix together
cook in a pot for 5-10min.
1/4 of a diced white peach stirred in at the end

I used a handful of the delicious blueberries I picked up. They are a little soft so I think I'm going to have to freeze most of them. The tip for storing blueberries in a paper towel lined bowl is one of the best tips. I use it all the time and berries stay fresh for a week or two.

Topped with some of the last reminders of summer.

I also topped my oats with this unprocessed pure white honey. I'm not sure what the difference between this unprocessed honey and raw honey is, or even if there is a difference. It was one of the best honeys I have EVER tried. It was was pure, delicate, but strong in flavor, almost like a high grade honey.

Mini pizza

I've been planning this dinner for days now, and each night plans seem to change and I never get the chance to make these mini pizza's.

The other day while at Bob's red mill I saw the most delicious fluffy 10 grain buns. I knew I wanted some and would put them to good use, other then as traditional hamburger buns.

I cut two buns in half and topped each half with my own pizza sauce made form one can tomato paste, garlic, and basil. Each bun was also topped with grated carrot and zucchini. Important tip when grating zucchini, you must give it a squeeze to get out any excess water. Each pizza was finished with some Applegate farms spinach feta chicken sausage, Organic Valley reduced Monterrey jack cheese, and basil.

I baked them in the oven for 10 min. at 350 degrees.

These were yummy, and really quick to make. I enjoyed one half and it was plenty. I probably should have added a small salad or fruit as a side.

Road trip

I hit the road for a day trip to Hood River. Hood river is famous for there summer produce, it is perfect farming and produces some of the best produce.

I headed down the famous fruit loop in search of apples and pears for my applesauce.

Pears and apples were in full swing.

I stopped at several fruit stands on the loop.

I picked up a bag, about 2 pounds for only $2.00. Looking back I should have got more then one bag and froze them.

They may not look like it but they are very small mini pears. Perfect for using to top oatmeal or salads.

I also picked up some more mini fruits. Some mini honey crisp apples. Usually honey crisps are HUMONGOUS, so I'm looking forward to these minis.

I also picked up some other little tasty oatmeal toppings.

Perfect fall breakfast

It's back to raining this morning. I was planning on going on a bike ride, but I guess that's probably not going to happen. I should have went yesterday when the weather was perfect, but not enough time in my schedule yesterday.

I wanted a perfect rainy fall day breakfast this morning. So I decided to make the most perfect chunky apple oatmeal pancakes.

Chunky apple oatmeal pancakes
1/2 cup oats
1 TB. whole wheat pastry flour
dash salt and cinnamon
1/4 tsp. baking soda
2 egg whites
splash almond milk
mix together
microwave for 30 seconds
mix again
cook in a non stick pan on both sides
I made mine into two smaller pancakes

Topped with
Tj's chunky spiced applesauce (it's so good, and really chunky)
drizzle of pure maple syrup
sunflower nut butter
sprinkle of Yogi walnut spice granola (this is one of the best granola for toppings)

These pancakes were amazing. The applesauce reminded me that I need to make my own applesauce. Every year I make homemade pear applesauce and freeze it to enjoy throughout the year. Since it's the end of September I really need to get on it and start making some.

Experiment

I wanted to try a little experiment this morning with a new product that I picked up at Bob's red mill the other day.

I love oat bran so I thought I would give wheat bran a try. Let's just say they are two totally different things. I think the wheat bran is best left for baking with, such as muffins or pancakes.

In the mix (serving for two)
1/2 cup wheat bran
1/4 cup Bob's apple cinnamon hot cereal (for some added taste and texture)
1 cup hot water
dash salt and cinnamon
cook in a small pot for about 5- 10 min.
I mixed in some blueberries at the end

Topped with
a sprinkle of unsweetened coconut
sprinkle of Galaxy granola in not sweet vanilla

This mix was kinda a flop, sad but true. You just don't know unless you do some experimenting.

A glorious fall day

Workout

It was the most beautiful fall day today, perfect for a ride in the country. It was sunny and about 75 degrees out.

After work I changed in to my workout clothes and quickly jumped on my bike. I traveled all over, clocking about 15 miles. It was a glorious ride in the sun and fresh air, a perfect way to clear my mind.

I returned home sweaty, looking frazzled, and legs that felt like I was walking in mud. I finished my workout with some abs and legs. I like to get them in before the end of the week so I have the weekend to recover.
Dinner

I made a roasted assortment, it included carrots, sweet potato, orange cherry tomatoes, broccoli, and Applegate farms spinach and feta chicken sausage. Everything was piled on top of some brown rice.

Last days of summer

Good Friday morning, wow the week went fast.

Today's oatmeal is a little reminiscent of the end of summer. I'm still trying to get in those last few precious peaches before they are officially gone for the season.
In the mix
1/2 cup oats
1/2 cup water
dash salt

Topped with
1/2 of a diced white peach (the peach was fantastic)
drizzle of raw honey
dollop of raspberry all fruit spread
sprinkle of unsweetened coconut
sprinkle of Yogi walnut spice granola

The incredible edible egg

Workout
I went to the fancy gym after work today and did an upper body workout with some very heavy weights. I finished with 40 min. on the stairs, I have a love hate relationship with the stairs. I love how it makes me sweat and gives me a tough workout. But I hate how fricken hard it is, sometimes it's the longest 40 min. OF MY LIFE.
Dinner

When it comes to egg's I am the queen, I love eggs every which way. In my opinion they are the most delicious and versatile food. I eat egg's every day for breakfast and sometimes even for lunch or dinner also. It's the incredible edible egg!

Tonight was no exception to my powers of egg making. I created the most perfect egg white omelet. I'm even pretty impressed with myself.
Pause and take a moment to enjoy the view.

In a bowl whisk together 3 jumbo egg whites and a smidge of egg yolk from one of them. To the egg's I seasoned them with some dill and sea salt.

Cooked in a pan until bubbly and almost done. Fold in half and flip after a few minutes to cook both sides.

I served my perfect omelet with a light sprinkle of reduced fat Monterrey jack cheese.

Okay moving on to my snacking tray of crudite, some carrots, cucumber sticks, and peppercini's. All enjoyed with a little dip in some hummus.