he’s on a horse + crunchy almond butter brown rice crispy treats

by

happy mothers day!! i mean, wait… wrong sunday. ah well, i was honored and grateful to participate in my very 2nd MD.

mommynchiso

this is one of my fave pics of two of my fave people.  7 day old Chiso and his new Granny.

Scan 131320001

Sonny treated the special ladies in his life (l to r: our moms and i) to a SCRUMPTIOUS dinner at Capital Grille.  excuse the crappy pic- ALL of our phone batteries were too low to use the flash, smh. 4 outta 4. what are the odds…. so our waiter used the restaurant’s digital camera and even printed us all hard copies. what a nice touch to our special date!

IMG_20130512_211500yes, yes, yes, and yes.  lobster mac n’ cheese, my mom’s pan seared chilean sea bass with citrus and pea tendrils, creamed spinach, and of course i got the salmon which had green beans and onions on the side.  everything was cooked and flavored to peeeeerfection.

IMG_20130512_141757

so beautiful and true.  i love when my own little family can all sit down and eat a meal together, but  i definitely miss eating at home with my ‘rents…. i often find myself reminiscing about my childhood memories when hanging out with Chiso.

anyway, that creamed spinach and mac n cheese had my tummy upset with me until about wednesday!  i’ve been keeping my dairy consumption super low, but i went HAM that afternoon. i had to.

IMG_20130513_152008

however these guys helped me forget aaaall about my tummy troubles! i love, love, LOVE receiving health and fitness gear for any occasion! do you even need a reason?! thanks hubby!

PhotoGrid_1368931158454

so that was last weekend.  THIS weekend, i had been to the gym all week and didn’t want to go anywhere near one saturday morning. i stepped outside instead! Chiso and i had some birthday parties to attend, so i ran to Walgreens (yes, last minute as always) to get some cards.  Walgreens is about 3 miles away, so i ran there and back. literally.  it’s always great to switch things up a bit.

PhotoGrid_1368930512107

 one of our events for the day was Rilee’s 1 1/2 birthday fun fest!  this was our first 1 1/2 party and i thought it was the coolest idea ever.  i love when people do their own thing!  Kudos to Tinnell and Marcus.

PhotoGrid_1368930359868

Chiso had THE time of his lil’ life lol.  he went from the bounce house, to the petting zoo, to stuffing his face with James Coney Island hotdogs and fries nonstop from start to finish.

PhotoGrid_1368929995927

and he even got to experience his first pony ride!

IMG_20130516_214118

sooo about the ebook!!!!! the sweetest girl in entire world, Ogechi, came over to proofread it for me again.  i claimed May for the book’s completion date and i’m sticking to that. for one of the books anyway;)   i posted about the sweet snack above on IG- they are crunchy almond butter brown rice crispy treats and taste DARN GOOD. see for yourself!  i made some of them for us to snack on, yum.

crunchy almond butter brown rice crispy treats

the stuff: 

  • 1/4 cup brown rice syrup
  • 1/4 cup crunchy almond butter or cashew butter
  • 1 tbsp Enjoy Life dairy-free dark chocolate chips or plain dark chocolate chips
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 2 tbsp Walden Farms Pancake Syrup
  • 2 cups gluten-free crispy brown rice

do this:

in a medium pot, set your burner to medium heat.

add brown rice syrup, vanilla, Walden Farms syrup, and almond butter together and stir until well combined.

shut off the fire and add in your cereal.

mix well and transfer to a pan that has been sprayed with no stick cooking spray (rectangle, circle, square, don’t matter) and press the cereal flat into an even layer.

refrigerate for at least an hour so it can firm up before you cut it in squares.

gluten-free and dairy-free treat!  as always, sprinkles are optional but you gotta have’em.

makes: 10 bars. serving size: 1 bar. 79 cals – 1g fat – 66mg sodium – 18g carbs – 9g sugar – 1g protein.

it wasn’t as crowded as expected for our Mothers day date this year.  just curious, where did you celebrate ? (celebrate = eat) answer below!

le

knock, knock

by

supermom-2

it’s me. so if i’m going to be a nationally known blogger, i might need to blog then, huh. hi. my head is spinning with a full to-do list all day every day and i can’t even begin to tell you how much i miss blogging consistently!  even though i haven’t blogged consistently since i started :lol: anyway, i have given my all to these ebooks for the past few months and i am sick of them!! i’m waiting on one last mandatory piece to this puzzle before i put these bad boys on out there. i do thank you sincerely for being so patient with me.  if you’ve been with me for a while, you know how me and the balance thing goes…  i’m still growing, learning, and getting better.  i’m not even gonna attempt to try to play catch up with yall this time smh, but hopefully you’ve been following me on Instagram and keeping up with me there!

PhotoGrid_1367970971980

and if you are, then you would’ve  seen my 1000th photo!!! like you haven’t seen all of these photos at one time or another :roll: they’re just all in one place now for this nice little transformation collage.

20130511_223034

what’s new?  the Fit Foodie Finisher silicone bands are finally IN. i am super pleased at the way they turned out!  they serve as a token of appreciation for each person that commits to run with me, and hopefully they serve as a reminder to keep up the running habit.

IMG_20130510_171843

the Esprit De She 5k went down this past Thursday night juuuust before the rain storm moved on in. it was super humid at 6pm but that’s Houston for ya.   it was a great turn out despite the weather and it being their very first year!  this brings the Fit Foodie Finisher’s total to 40k for 2013 so far. AWESOMENESS.

20130511_201922

during my last visit to Walmart, i went extract crazy on accident-  i just kept seeing different flavors i wanted to try!  i got coconut, strawberry, lemon, butter, almond, vanilla, maple, and raspberry. after i got home, someone posted an IG pic of peanut butter extract. i would have gotten that too had i seen it.  anyway i’ve been trying them in my recipes:

20130506_152442

i tried the strawberry extract in yesterday’s bowl of oats.  i cooked them in water, unsweetened vanilla almond milk, vanilla extract, strawberry extract, cinnamon, and stevia, then topped them with fresh strawberries.  Chiso ate that UP!

20130506_152424

divine.

20130506_094145

next, i tried some of the maple extract in those cakes up there. this recipe is featured in my ebook!  maple banana oatbran pancakes…and check their stats:

245 cals – 4g fat – 10g fiber – 12g natural sugar – 16g protein

20130509_213108

so this pic got a lotta IG love, wow! i’m as excited about this super healthy, low-calorie, sweet potato pizza crust as you are.

20130509_213716
i topped my pizza with low sodium pizza sauce, yellow and orange mini peppers, cilantro, zucchini, extra lean ground chicken, and jalapeno jack almond cheese.

and ate the entire thing, solo.

ohwells

did i EVER picture myself  as a published author? heck no!  but when you follow your passion and do what truly makes your heart happy, that’s when the magic happens.  this book is just one of the many doors health and fitness has opened for me… i’m extremely excited, nervous, yet READY for whatever the future holds!  THANK YOU for reading, supporting, and being apart of my journey.

le

Esprit De She 5k + glute bridges

by

IMG_20130501_085642

breakfaaaast this morning!  just an egg white omelette chock-full of kale, roma tomatoes, baby bella mushrooms, mrs. Dash onion & herb seasoning. cheddar almond cheese, sriracha and avo on top. super filling!

let’s get physical.

Phonto

basic glute bridge: with your head on the floor and heels on  the bench or floor, raise your hips off the ground while squeezing your glutes and pressing your heels into the step or floor.  when your glutes are level with your hips, stop. lower and repeat.  mix it up with different counts- singles and pulses set those buns on :shock: FIRE :shock:

leg variations: 

  • left foot on your right knee (pictured) 12 x 2
  • right foot on your left knee (pictured) 12 x 2
  • right leg extended at hip level (pictured) 12 x 2
  • right leg straight up in the air 12 x 2
  • left leg extended at hip level 12 x 2
  • left leg extended up in the air 12 x 2
  • heels down, toes up 12 x 2

tips:

  • this can be done on the floor without the bench; alway make sure your surface is stable. an elevated surface provides a wider range of motion to perform the exercise.
  • keep a neutral chin; slighty tucked in towards your chest
  • avoid pushing your hips too high as this can hyperextend your back
  • you should feel this primarily in your glutes. if you feel lower back discomfort, try doing them without elevation.

have fun!

IMG_20130501_124631

i added a new recipe to the ebook today- roasted, curried cauli (as in cauliflower) mash.  i used to eat broccoli and cheese like nobody’s business but neither one of them are kind to my tummy. soooo, this was a great, flavorful replacement.  i also had some roasted butternut squash sprinkled with cinnamon, and pan seared lemon pepper tilapia.

IMG_20130501_110020

are you on IG? of course you are. i’m doing @fitnessfoodandstyle’s May Photo A Day challenge this month cause i love me some Dani and it looks fun! you should join me.

IMG_20130430_091844

‘don’t copy, compete with or compare yourself to others. their path is not your path, nor should it be. everyone has a unique gift to offer. what is yours?’

-mary frances winters

with that said, this next event is for my fit ladies only. let’s finish this race and compete together as a team. the Athleta Esprit de She Houston 5k/10k will be making its debut on May 9th, 2013!  yes, 8 days away!

 Screen Shot 2013-05-01 at 2.31.45 PM

let’s make their very first year one to remember.  if you would like to run with the Fit Foodie Finishers, send me an email (le@fitfoodiele.com) so i can send you the link to sign up!   we will be running the 5k, so whether you’re a veteran or first timer, come oooooon.

le

 

go for it- this girl did!

by

i received some outstanding and heartwarming news this past weekend that i’d like to share with you.

*****

‘I remember the day that I decided to start living a healthier life; it was the day after I got laid off from my corporate career. Before that, I thought I was a pretty healthy individual. My diet consisted mostly of fruit, veggies, meats and a little water. Of course there were the indulgences, such as chocolate (I am sorry, but who can resist?) especially when you sit in a cubicle for hours at a time. I did the occasional cleanse and I looked healthy but I simply wasn’t. I knew I needed to do more but HOW?! I didn’t want to spend my life writing down everything I ate or spend my time waiting for cleanses to end. I needed something else; I need a lifestyle change…a new way of looking at my health…. I realized that if I was going to make a lifestyle change, my perspective had to change as well. Instead of wanting to lose weight…I decided that feeling great was now going to be my motivation. During this transition, so many things for me changed; the way I lived, the way I socialized and the way I thought! I found myself wanting to change everything about me, IN A GOOD WAY, and I did! I grew very fond of a childhood friend who you guys know as FitFoodieLe. Her obsession with favorable food made me feel like I could actually make this a permanent change and enjoy every minute of it. I watched Leah blossom in so many aspects! I was drawn to do better, achieve more and conquer all that I can because she was making her dreams come true through a thousand pictures for everyone to see. Talk about inspired and motivated, I felt obligated and that obligation forced me to obtain my Group Fitness Instructor certification! Everyone that knows me, knows I absolutely LOVE Step…it’s an ancient workout but with a great instructor, great audience and some great music you are forced to have a great,long-lasting workout. I am so honored to know through the hard work and dedication of a super gorgeous sister, mother, friend, daughter, wife and motivator; I was able to achieve my own dreams as a Step Aerobics instructor!

sharondaa

Ms. Leah thank you so much and never stop; I can only imagine how much work it takes to be in your shoes for a day but I want you to know that it never goes unnoticed because I am INSPIRED I am MOTIVATED I am FIT!’

Thanks again,

sharondaadigitalrun

Sharonda Ausbie

*****

say WHAT!? beaming from ear to ear is an understatement.  Sharonda has made my YEAR and i cannot wait to take her class!! she is such a positive, energetic spirit and is headed straight for greatness.

bestrong

health and fitness is pouring out of me and i will NOT put a cap on it!  it’s a sincere honor to inspire someone to finally go for their dreams and goals or  to simply try something new and different.   i am completely humbled to have been apart of her health and fitness journey.  much love, Sharonda, and thank you for sharing a piece of your story!

le

my 1st guest post!

by

i have been so blessed by my fitness journey thus far and i find great pleasure in showing LOVE right on back to others any way i can.  so, i present to you,  Melanie Bowen, fit foodie le’s first guest poster!


MBowen

you are making history, lady!  Melanie believes exercise can be a conduit for the healing of many different diseases (including cancer) by giving back energy levels, reducing stress, creating better blood flow, elevating fitness and mood levels, and encouraging a more positive outlook on life.  i could not agree more with her as exercise and fitness has always played so much more than just a physical role in my life.  read up!

*****

How Fitness Benefits the Cancer Patient

When a person is diagnosed with any critical disease such as cancer, including mesothelioma, the tendency is to relax, rest and just take the exhaustion brought on by the illness. Patients may believe that by sleeping and simply taking treatment prescribed by the doctor, that is the best they can do. What those diagnosed with cancer do not always realize, are the steps they can take outside of traditional treatment to better themselves and their prognosis. One thing modern research has shown is a strong connection between health and fitness.

Most know that for humans to be healthy they need to have adequate exercise and a good diet. Once cancer has diagnosed, somehow this knowledge become subjugated by concerns about treatment and life itself. While exercise and striving for fitness will not cure a critical disease, a fitness program, along with other treatments, helps the body fight the illness.

Even moderate exercise decreases the risk of getting cancer. After a diagnosis, exercise provides any number of positive benefits. According to the National Cancer Institute and many other studies, exercise increases the quality of life for those fighting cancer.

Exercise helps keep the body toned and the blood circulating more freely. This strengthens blood vessels and nerves, which can be damaged during certain treatments. Lying around only brings on depression and a feeling of helplessness and hopelessness. Exercise gets a person up and moving and feeling alive. Attitude means a lot during cancer treatment and helps predict who will survive and who will succumb. Exercise and fitness elevates mood, which encourages a more positive outlook on life, possibilities and treatment.

Fitness promotes health in those fighting cancerby keeping weight at an optimum level, reducing the possibility of developing either diabetes or high blood pressure, and by helping to maintain the strength and flexibility of bones and joints.

Some cancers cause weight loss and loss of muscle mass. Exercise helps keep muscles strong and flexible. This, in turn, means the cancer patient can be more active and self-reliant. The more those with cancer can do for themselves the better they feel about themselves and the more self-confident they will feel.

Of course, any fitness program needs to be geared to the abilities and health situation of each individual. Those newly diagnosed and those in remission may be able to follow more difficult regimens than someone who is weak from the disease and treatment. Exercise should be tailored to strengthen weaknesses, allowing the body a better chance to fight the cancer. So, talk to your doctor and get started on a program today!

*****

‘Lying around only brings on depression and a feeling of helplessness and hopelessness.’ so powerful and so true.  exercise produces and stimulates those awesome endorphins that helps us feel better, physically and mentally.  right on, Mel, right on.  does this apply to you or someone close to you?  spread the word on the benefits of physical activity! even better, join them and do it together!

thank you sharing your article and story with my readers, Melanie. many thanks!

le

 

green 6.2

by

PhotoGrid_1367247510811

after a restful friday night, i woke up Saturday ready to take on the Green 6.2 with a few Fit Foodie Finisher friends:

Ijeoma Ikechi

Ijeoma Okoli

  Ijeoma Ugoezi

YES, 3 Ijeomas ;)

PhotoGrid_1367247339008

they did their thing!!! so happy they were able to come out and run for the cause!  i enjoyed hanging out and learning more about them, and i look forward to growing our team.  i love the way fitness brings people together!!! the Houston humidity was present as always, but there was no rain and the temperature was perfect.

IMG_20130427_110456

obviously i missed the thumbs-up memo, whoops.  there were a ton of vendors at the post-race party held in the City Centre courtyard.  we refueled with bagels, bananas, muffins, and water.

there was also a kids 1k as well- look at little Superman!

PhotoGrid_1367249003316

i cannot WAIT to do that with Chiso!!! it was the cutest thing EVER.  the kids were all so happy to just run!

IMG_20130427_142554‘

after getting home a little later, i finally got to make my REAL breakfast, even if it was late afternoon!  i had fun fetti birthday cake pancakes (minus the fun fetti) and topped them with regular PB2 and fresh sliced strawberries. (recipe derived from GoSuperSisters)

light and fluffy pancakes

the stuff:

  • 1/4 cup coconut flour
  • 3 egg whites
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
  • 1 tbs nonfat greek yogurt
  • 2 packets stevia
  • 1/4 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp vanilla extract

do this:

mix the dry with the dry, and wet with the wet.  slowly add the dry into the wet until combined.  batter will be THICK! cook them up on a medium heated griddle until golden brown on both sides.

IMG_20130428_222724

i put all entries (Facebook fan page, blog post commenters, IG (Instagram) reposts) into my random name picker app and it spit out these guys:

@raceylee109 – Tracey Spicuzza

@cboutarfa92 – Courtney Boutarfa

@gorgeouswifey – Brandy McGhee

@karoniepooh – Karone Roger

@cecelisimon – Cecelia Simon

i’ll be sending out their precious Fit Popcorn bags today, whoop!  i thank each of you ladies for participating and spreading the word about this giveaway.  i am so honored to be able put smiles on their faces, especially via free, healthy, FOOD!

le

Popcorn Indiana giveaway + clean, shrimp fried brown rice

by


IMG_20130417_221237back to back giveaways?! WHY NOT!

if you’re following me on Instagram, then you already know by now what was in that big box.

IMG_20130423_174639

 oooh just one of my fave snacks ever-  POPCORN!!!! THANK YOU TONS, Popcorn Indiana!
IMG_20130423_215347

they sent me two phenomenal flavors of their new Fit Popcorn:

PhotoGrid_1366772160753

i have my eyes straight PEELED for the onion & dijon flavor for sure. so far my Sprouts Farmer’s Market hasn’t carried it.  anyway, on to the contest rules!

  • Instagram: share the Popcorn Indiana giveaway pic on your own IG page!  remember to tag #popig and @fitfoodiele in the comments so i don’t miss your vote.

for multiple entries, you can:

  • Facebook fan page: ‘Like’ it!
  • Follow: http://www.fitfoodiele.com via email (top right corner of this page;))
  • Comment: on THIS post telling me your absolute, hands down, favorite Popcorn Indiana flavor. mine is dark fudge chocolate chip kettle corn…. :shock:

 Fit Popcorn stats: ★approx. 40 cals per cup★ all natural, gluten-free ★whole grain ★zero trans fat ★and non-GMO.

I just want to make somebody else’s tummy and face SMILE!!!!!!!!!!! please share!

IMG_20130423_084729

this fine tuesday morning started out with a crazy Total Body Conditioning workout as it usually does.

IMG_20130423_085430

then breakfast.  just an egg white omelette topped with alfalfa sprouts, low carb ketchup, greek yogurt, and dijon mustard.  pancakes were super ugly and did NOT make the cut. heck that omelette barely did.

IMG_20130422_131042

oh and i wanted to post my baby bella almond cheddar grilled cheese sammich from yesterday’s lunch as i received quite a few inquiries on what the heck almond cheese is and where can you get some!  it’s a dairy-free cheese substitute that shreds and tastes darn close to dairy cheese IMO.  it will melt, just takes a little longer to do so.  i  learned about the Lisanatti brand via Instagram, and i have always stuck with it.  i’ll have to do a product review on some of those other brands at a later date!  you can find Lisanatti almond cheese in the cheddar, jalapeno jack, and mozzarella varieties at Sprout’s Farmers Market, Whole Foods, Central Market, and most other speciality food stores.  i just read on their site that they no longer ship orders out though :(

IMG_20130423_213304

so my first chicken fried rice recipe is super old…. a revamped was needed.  so here it is!

IMG_20130423_222258

i used shrimp this time though as you can see ;)

IMG_20130423_200732

clean, shrimp fried brown rice

the stuff:

  • 2 cups brown rice, cooked
  • 5 whole baby bella mushrooms, sliced
  • 2 tbsp red bell pepper, diced
  • handful of sprouts (bean, alfalfa, your choice)
  • 2 tbsp Bragg liquid aminos
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 3 egg whites
  • 2 green onion stalks, chopped
  • 1 medium shallot or 2 cloves of garlic, chopped
  • 1/2 – 1 lb shrimp, marinated
  • 2 carrots, chopped thinly or shaved
  • 1/4 cup yellow onion, chopped
  • 1/4 cup green peas (optional)
  • 1 tsp red pepper flakes

shrimp marinade

  • 2 tbsp Mrs. Dash fiesta lime seasoning
  • 2 tbsp Bragg liquid aminos
  • 2 tbsp cilantro, chopped

do this:

1.marinate your shrimp for at least 30 minutes.

2.then, add them to a medium to high heated wok or skillet sprayed with no-stick cooking spray.

3.they cook quickly, so about 3-4 minutes max will do.  remove them from the pan and set them aside for now.

4.add all onions  (1 green onion stalk though) and garlic or shallots, carrots, mushrooms red bell pepper and aminos into the medium heated pan and cook covered until the onions are translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

5.make a well in the middle of your wok and pour the egg whites into it.  let them cook and scramble as you continuously stir until they are done.

6.add the cooked rice, shrimp, pepper, red pepper flakes and green peas into the wok.

7. incorporate and mix well, then let it sit covered for 2-3 more minutes over low heat. chop the remaining green onion stalk and top your dish with it.

8. devourrrrrrrr!

IMG_20130422_084328

 learn to look for the good in EVERY situation; i promise you it’s there.  think positive, be positive, and positive things WILL happen.

le

fit eggplant parm

by

foodisfuel-2

same concept when you apply it to your body, aka, your temple. put great stuff in, get great results right on out!

20130415_084116

yesterday i had vanilla oat bran with banana slices, Walden Farms syrup, and Trader Joes cinnamon sugar,

20130415_084834

and this morning it was rolled oats cooked in unsweetened vanilla almond milk, pure vanilla extract, and some cinnamon and granulated stevia stirred in.  some days i flip a coin! they are both great starts to the day.  this bowl was sooooo creamy.  i topped it with one strawberry cause that’s all i needed since they are so dang GIANT this season.  and a small tsp of Justin’s chocolate hazelnut butter. so, so good.

20130415_084120

today’s eggs weren’t pretty at ALL so i didn’t take a pic.  these were from yesterday and were topped with some alfalfa sprouts and pineapple salsa from Sprouts.  i love getting a little bit of charr mixed in with my eggs from the skillet- gives them extra flavor.

who’s got some core exercises for you? I DO!  did’em this morning after teaching my total conditioning class!

IMG_20130416_144210

i’m sure you’re familiar with the basic high plank on your palms and toes. right? yeah you can do that one in your sleep.

IMG_20130416_093936

but when you mount up on a medicine ball (any solid ball will work really) then you really put that core to work.  this is one of those exercises that looks uuuuber easy until you do it yourself.  so, grab yoself a medicine ball and do these semi-advanced core exercises that promote core strength and stability!

 ★1st things 1st- engage your core by sucking your belly button to your spine, but DON’T hold your breath!★

  • high plank (top pic) – start on your knees. grip the ball on either side and press your palms into it as you elevate your body up into a straight high plank balancing on your toes.  maintain a neutral spine while keeping your head and chest lifted.  even if you don’t add the variations, you are still working to balance yourself without even moving! you’ll see!  hold for 30-60 secs or for as long as you can take it. ***you can also go down a level and perform this on your knees keeping your body flat and pushing your hips and glutes towards the floor***

****

  • high plank + leg lift (bottom pic) - keep your hips square, squeeze the heck outta your glute, and lift that leg up off the ground and hold it for 30-60 secs. repeat on the opp side.

****

  • high plank + pendulum leg lifts - while that one leg is in the air, take it out to the side from right to left in a controlled swinging motion going no wider than shoulder width. repeat on either side for 30-60 seconds or until burnout.

what a :shock:  BURN :shock:  !

 this exercise works glutes, core, and your shoulders & back definitely feel the wrath of supporting your bodyweight the entire time. try’em at the gym or at home during commercial breaks.

IMG_20130416_185420

well hello there, fit eggplant parm.  i whipped up a crazy good fit chicken parm that will be going into the you-know-what!  for now, enjoy this healthier classic, fit foodie le style.

fit egg plant parm

the stuff:

  • 1 large raw eggplant, sliced into 1/2 in rounds (you can peel them if you’d like- i kept the skin on)
  • 2 egg whites
  • 3 tbsp Bragg liquid aminos
  • 2 tbsp  unsweetened almond milk
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, finely shredded
  • 1 cup Lissanati almond cheese, shredded
  • 3/4 – 1 cup homemade breadcrumbs*
  • 28 oz Sprouts all natural low sodium crushed tomatoes with basil & garlic
  • 1 tsp basil, dried
  • 1 tsp oregano, dried
  • 1 tsp thyme, dried
  • 1/2 tsp parsely
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • olive oil cooking spray
  • 5 baby portabella mushrooms (optional!)
  • fresh basil leaves for garnish

*homemade breadcrumbs: toast 4 slices of Sara Lee 45 Calories & Delightful Whole Wheat with Honey bread until crispy, and toss them in your food processor.  pulse until breadcrumb-like consistency.*

do this: * important S/N* this can totally be dairy-free if you use only almond cheese, (or rice cheese, or your fave vegan cheese) throughout the recipe. but then you’d have to call it fit eggplant almond.  or whatever. you know me- i needed some nutty, creamy parmesan in my dish cause cheese is my thing, so i added it.  just a little.  and you can too. if you want. also if you don’t have the same brands i’m using and naming, no big deal!

1. lay the eggplant slices flat in a shallow baking dish and pour the liquid aminos all over them. let it soak in real good, about 10-15 minutes or so.

2.  in a shallow dish, combine the egg whites and unsweetened almond milk; mix.

3.  grab another shallow dish and pour in your breadcrumbs.  add: the finely grated parmesan cheese, pepper, basil, thyme, oregano, and parsley;  mix.

IMG_20130416_195251

4. dip each eggplant slice into your egg mixture with one hand, then immediately drop it into your breadcrumb mixture. i only coated one side with breadcrumbs cause i was lazy and didn’t want to have to flip them halfway through. lol. spray a flat baking pan with the olive oil spray and bake your slices for about 15-20 minutes in a 400 degree oven.

IMG_20130416_195215

5. when the eggplant is almost done, go ahead and start the first layer of the dish by spooning some of the crushed tomatoes in the bottom of your olive oil coated baking pan. eyeball it.

IMG_20130416_195140

6. when the eggplant is ready and cool enough to handle (surprise, i didn’t wait), create the second layer. i know mushrooms are untraditional in this recipe, but so am i!  and come on- melted cheese and mushrooms just go together. so i added a few sliced baby bellas for the 3rd layer,

IMG_20130416_215351

7.  top with 1/4 of the almond cheese. or more. way more.  

IMG_20130416_195018

8. and finally, top that with more sauce and repeat until you run outta ingredients.  the last layer should be CHEESE! and lots of it.  now don’t put those fresh basil leaves on there yet cause you will torch them in the oven. i put them there cause it looked pretty.

IMG_20130416_1949359.  back into the oven on 400 degrees for about 20 more minutes, or until the cheese is nice and melty and brown and stuff.

this made about 6 servings; stats are for 1:

eggpp

we killed the pan but there are certainly a couple things i’ll be doing differently from here on: take note!

  • NOT burning the breadcrumbs in the toaster smh – it made the eggplant darker and harder on the eyes. i didn’t want to waste it and used it anyway
  • using the small side of the grater for the parmesan cheese cause the large shreds don’t stick to the eggplant as easily
  • pan frying the egg plant instead of baking (however i’m not sure the cheese in the breadcrumb mixture would hold up in the hot skillet…i’ll just have to see)
  • OR, roast the eggplant solo first,  assemble the dish, and save the breadcrumb mixture for the topping only. <——i really like that idea!!!!! if you try it this way, upload a pic to the Fan Page or tag me on IG (#fitfoodiele #fitclean2013).  i’d LOVE to see your creations.

cooking is ALL about having fun and trial & error for me. get in there and make your own masterpiece!

IMG_20130415_115402

i’d like to give a big THANK YOU to Bragg for sending me a few samples of their seasonings recently!  i’ll be testing the nutritional yeast, the sea kelp delight seasoning, and the 24 herbs and spices seasoning this week. 
 idontcare-2

ooooh the joys, blessings, and lessons of good ol’ parenthood :lol: it was just one of those days.

20130415_214144

thank God for electronic devices!!!!!

le

p.s., if you haven’t entered to win some FREE FOOD, then click there and go see what’s up! contest ends this saturday.

La Tortilla Factory Giveaway!!!

by

 

IMG_20130413_224829

did she say giveaway?  YES SHE DID.  i am straight blown away, still!

you know those tortillas i am always raving about and using in my recipes like the ones up there^ (quesadillas, wraps, homemade chips, burritos, tacos, etc) well, ahem,  because i’ve been showing La Tortilla Factory so much love,  they decided to show me some right on back!  talk about ‘give it to get it‘, hello!!  they go like hot cakes at my Sprouts Farmer’s Market and i have not been able to snag a pack since the grand opening last month.  however… they handled up on that and helped a Fit Foodie out, BIG TIME!  they sent  me a variety pack that included their Smart & Delicious Light flour tortillas,

IMG_20130414_001701

and some Fiber & Flax White and Yellow corn tortillas.

IMG_20130414_001422

 also, because of them……. i am honored to be hosting my first edible giveaway for all of YOU! not with the ones they sent me though, those are mine. :lol:  La Tortilla Factory would like to shower one of you lucky ducks with 1,2,3,4 *FIVE* packages of Smart & Delicious light flour tortillas for YO-SELF!!!!! sweet deal, right?

so how the heck do you enter?  remember what i said about the jumping through multiple hoops thing… yeah that’s annoying and not gonna happen here.  i appreciate simplicity.  comment on this post and just tell me why you want the wraps and what you plan to make with them!  i wanna know!

now, to INCREASE your chances of winning lol, you can certainly either Like the Fit Foodie Le fan page if you haven’t already,

fflfbfp

or, just follow my blog by clicking that follow button up at the top right corner of this page.

Screen Shot 2013-04-14 at 1.16.01 AM

 be creative with your comments and ideas like i know you can!

rest assured there is a wrap to fit your nutritional needs, whatever they may be. they are tasty AND healthy, and there are plenty to choose from!  definitely FFL approved ;)

20130412_211023

this was my meal 5 from last night- i perfected the whipped sweet potato recipe for the e-book and enjoyed some with a pan seared tilapia fillet cooked in Bragg liquid aminos and Mrs. Dash onion & herb seasoning! that was all over some fresh, steamed asparagus.

20130412_210945

i had some grilled pineapple left over, so i made a super quick ‘salsa’ to go on top of the fish.

grilled pineapple salsa

the stuff:

  • 1 cup grilled pineapple, chopped
  • 2 tbsp red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh lime juice

do this:

chop it all up and mix it together! super quick and easy topping for any protein.

last night we attended a home going celebration for a close family member.

20130413_001436

if you’re Nigerian, then you can name every single thing on my plate, especially those wonderful, delicious PLANTAINS!!!! my favorite.  if you’re not lol, it’s jollof rice, stewed stock fish and vegetables, spinach, plantains, and there is some super tender goat meat in there somewhere.  i’ll be adding more Nigerian dishes to my repertoire, don’t worry.

PhotoGrid_1365907171954

this boy was so serious with that chicken wing and those greasy lips!!! this was too funny not to post.

IMG_20130413_184633

you still with me?  today, we met up with a former 6 Pack USA client and Instagram #fitfam member @waltlewjr and chowed down on some Ruggles Green eats! good times, good food & good peeps! I had a mixed greens salad topped with jicama, dried blueberries, and tomatoes and tore up that roasted chicken pizza with Chiso. Sonny had the kobe beef burger with sweet potato fries.  no fish tacos, this time. s/n: why couldn’t Chiso have smiled like that for our family pictures :roll:

20130413_141300

the last time i ate RG’s roasted chicken pizza was in 2010 when i was preggo and i ate the entire thing, solo!!! i mean, we.

La Tortilla Factory is also hosting another fun contest on their Facebook Fan Page page for the upcoming Cinco De Mayo  holiday!  another one of you guys could win more free tortillas, a margarita making machine and fun party decorations just by entering their “Cinco de Mustache” photo contest. the deets are on their FB page- check’em out!

IMG_20130414_003933

THANK YOU again, La Tortilla Factory!

this contest will run for 1 full week, fyi. so on saturday, April 20th, it’s a wrap. :shock:

p. s. we are officially TWO weeks out from the Green 6.2 10k!!! have you registered yet? are you running with Team Fit Foodies?!  we’d love to have you! email me if you’re interested: le@fitfoodiele.com.

night!!

le

homemade, creamy vanilla-strawberry-banana popsicles + kopy kat kale salad revamped!

by

20130410_194143

so he loved the homemade popsicles!!! i did too.

20130410_121847

made with all natural ingredients!

creamy vanilla-strawberry-banana popsicles

the stuff:

  • 1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
  • *2 packets granulated stevia OR 5-7 drops of liquid vanilla creme stevia
  • 5 strawberries
  • 1 banana
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1 heaping tbsp of plain greek yogurt (optional)

do this:

*you can use 1/4 cup of your fave sweetener  (honey, agave nectar, etc.) but i used stevia simply because i must monitor and regulate Chiso’s sugar intake as he asks for fruit all day long.  never veggies :( so i wanted the sugar to come from the fruit only.  this also keeps the nutritional stats of the pops low as well.  use what you and your family like best though!* throw everything into your blender and pulse it to your desired consistency.

20130410_120646

i left my ‘batter’ chunky cause i liked the bits of real fruit that appear as you eat the pop.  but you can liquify it completely – it’s always your call!  the greek yogurt gives it more creaminess and a shot of protein of course. however, they won’t be considered dairy-free anymore if ya add it, fyi!

for 1 pop:

vanillastrawberrybananapopsicles

my recipe made 4.  you can also try freezing them in ice-cube trays if you don’t have the popsicle mold. no biggie.

20130410_121335

frozen, guilt-free treat!
 20130410_194029

the flavor combos that can be made with these things are endless. so expect more where that came from!

20130410_090634

Chiso enjoyed half a stack of spanana pancakes this morning,

20130410_090717

and he finished off the other half for lunch.

i’ve been able to add a few more recipes to the ebook as of late and i’m happy with its progress!  thank you guys for being so patient.  i stopped by Sprouts today to get some red potatoes for a new recipe i’m creating, but i forgot that their sale goes from Wednesday to Wednesday and, well, ….
 20130410_192914

  let me explain!!!! i have never, ever, in my life seen fresh asparagus for under 1 buck per lb, ANYWHERE. i didn’t think it was possible.  so i got a few bunches. i had to.  Chiso loves the cuties, i ran outta alfalfa sprouts for my sammiches, Indiana Popcorn is just too hard to resist (it was on sale 2 for 5) and i grabbed THE last package of La Tortilla Factory 80 calorie light flour tortillas!!!!!! i mean it was literally perfect timing! they have been sold the heck out since my Sprouts opened, so i didn’t expect any there. can i get a WHOOP, WHOOP.  oh i really did get the potatoes too.

20130410_202333

now, here’s our post-workout dinner tonight!  pan seared onion & herb tilapia, the other half of my roasted acorn squash from last night topped with cinnamon this time, and a cleaner, better, revamped version of my copy cat Central Market kale salad!

20130410_200141
 FFL’s  Kopy Kat Kale Salad

  • 1/4 cup fresh squeezed orange juice
  • 2 tbsp Bragg Liquid Aminos
  • 1/4 cup Bragg Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 1 packet granulated stevia
  • 2 tbsp crystallized ginger, chopped
  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/4 cup roasted, unsalted pepitas
  • 2 tbsp sliced almonds
  • 1 big fresh bunch of raw kale
  • 1 tsp sesame oil (optional)

do this:  wash, dry, and chop kale into bite sized pieces.  add all liquids to your mixing bowl as well as the stevia; stir until dissolved. toss steamed kale into your bowl and incorporate.  add the chopped ginger, almonds, pepitas, and cranberries and toss/mix well once more.  eat those greens UP!  they will taste even better tomorrow after the flavors do their thing in the fridge.

the big difference?  steaming the kale in my wok for about 2-3 minutes first made a significant one.  it gives the salad so much more flavor vs raw kale.
20130410_200459

hope you had a fab hump day.  enjoy those recipes!

le