Grilled Curry Chicken with Mint Chutney

The consistent request I get is to blog more recipes.

Dinner was amazing tonight!

I adore my garden boxes and the vegetables and herbs they produce!

Tonight I made

Grilled Curry Chicken with Mint Chutney

on top of a

Corn Off the Cob Salad

sprinkled with

Chia and Hemp Seeds

Recipes:

Grilled Curry Chicken

3 boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into big chunks

3 t curry powder

1 1/2 t black pepper

1 t kosher salt

1 t ground cumin

Herbs & Spices:

Cumin, Kosher Salt, Black Pepper,

Curry & Fresh Chopped Curry from my garden!!

Combine the above and rub into chicken pieces.

Skewer!

(Wood skewer are great too; just be sure to soak

them in water for 30 minutes prior.)

Marinate rubbed chicken up to an hour in the fridge.

Spray your grill with oil before heating to prevent the meat from sticking.

Grill on low-med heat until desired doneness.

(YUP... this was my dinner! LOVED IT AND SO DID MY FAMILY!)

Serve it on

Corn Off the Cob Salad:

Torn Green Leaf Lettuce

(from my garden!!)

Spinach Leafs

(from my garden!!)

Steamed Corn Cobs

(cut corn from the cob)

Spritz with Olive Oil

Sprinkle 1 t each of Chia Seeds and Hemp Seeds (optional)

NOW... on top of the Curried Chicken is a simple

Mint Chutney:

• 1 bunch fresh cilantro
• 1 1/2 cups fresh mint leaves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 medium onion, cut into chunks
• 1 T lemon juice
• 1/4 cup water, or as needed

Puree all of the above. Chill.

It's Ok To Slow Down

On May 29, 2010, in celebration of my 19th Wedding Anniversary, Kevin surprised me with a weekend in Sparta, WI., the biking capital of the U.S.

And with the weekend came a new bike!

I was ecstatic!

We biked 35 miles on Friday night...

And 35 miles back the next morning.

We loved it!

However, almost two weeks ago, I jumped on my bike to pick up my two little girls from summer school so we could ride home together. With a small decline increasing my speed, I was riding fast. I came to a major road... got distracted, clamped down on my very sensitive new brake, locking my front tire, catapulting me to the pavement in front of me.

Nice!

My body went into shock...(that's never happened before) and several strangers ran to help me.

It was all I could do to keep from passing out or losing my cookies,

ok not cookies but breakfast.

I was in some serious pain!!!!

Not good.

I could go on and on with what the last couple of weeks has entailed for me but overall I am grateful.

What!? Grateful!

Amidst my 'here and there' bruising, my hands took the brunt of it.

Oh my poor hands.

(If you'll notice those cute biking gloves in the pictures above, which I've had since age 16... I did not have them on that day. But if only......... they would have saved my paws.

However, I did have my helmet on... thank goodness.)

This time a couple years ago a dear friend from High School Chris Kendrick, sent me his wife Courtney's blog.

There I came across her sister Stephanie's blog.

A short time later, Stephanie and her husband Christian were in a near fatal airplane crash where my friend Chris & his wife took in their children while they endured months of healing in the hospital.

I followed both the Kendrick's story as they became instant parents to their nieces and nephews and the Nielson's inspiring recovery.

You can see a video snippet of their inspiring story by clicking here

or visit

Stephanie's Blog by clicking here

I have thought a lot about Stephanie these last several days and not being able to take care of my family or do the things I love.

My life has taken a slight detour.

I've had to slow way down.

It's allowed me to step back and take a look inside.

I'm happiest when I'm at home serving and caring for my family and friends.

I feel 'crazy' when I get 'running' faster (or in my case cycling) in life than I know I should.

Doing too much...

Getting ahead of myself...

Feeling stressed...

I'm grateful I've been able to step back and give myself permission to

Slow down...

Say "no"...

Go to bed early...

All of which are part of being well and living a healthy life.

I don't ever want to take my health for granted.

I want to be grateful and I understand what that means.

p.s. Thank you so much for your phone calls and emails.

I feel loved.

Real Life Insight Will Inspire You

With permission I am sharing a message I received from a reader who had an 'ah-ha'!

I think you'll be inspired to take a 'lookey loo' at what you're eating.

And let me say, this reader really rocks and thank you for allowing me to share!

Stacy, I just wanted to drop you a little not about something you have on your blog....

about the little steps....not the one giant step......

Sooooo, for a long time now, I have not been able to figure out why I can't lose weight.....driving me nuts (as you already know). :0) However, I recently decided to take some pretty drastic measures and REALLY look at what is hitting my plate and what is going into my mouth via "little bites" here and there. The moral of the story is, it has been all the "little" things here and there that have helped keep the weight in place.....bites of kids' food; cream in coffee; handful of this or that etc.....you get the idea. It was not the one "giant" step of eating a whole pizza and endless cheeseburgers and fries. I just don't eat like that.
I have to say I am floored at how all of that adds up......it is CRAZY. Good news however, since my little lookey-loo at my diet....I have dropped 7 pounds. YAY!! I am finally making headway and am on track to keep going!!!
Little Steps!!!!!!!

Recipes 5 Ingredients or Less

I would love your help!

I am adding a recipe section to the book I am writing!

And I want your recipes! It can be for breakfast, lunch or dinner or somewhere in-between.

Criteria:

1. Healthy

2. 5 ingredients or less

3. Easy to prepare

4. YUMMY!

Send to:

myhealthyweigh@sbcglobal.net

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

With Every Step

The Infamous Kale Chips

Believe it or not these taste wonderful!

If I were on the phone talking to you while eating Kale Chips

you'd think I was crunching on actual potato chips.

A family favorite.

(If you live in the area, you can find a big bag of chopped

kale at Woodmans near the fresh leafy greens. Otherwise, your

local grocery stores will most likely have it bound and in bunches.)

Kale is a POWERHOUSE of nutrients!

One Superfood... Super good for your body!

• 1 bunch(es) (10-ounce) kale, rinsed and dried well
• Olive Oil Spritz or Spray
• 1/2 teaspoon(s) kosher salt

---

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. From kale, remove and discard thick stems, and tear leaves into large pieces. Spread leaves in single layer on 2 large cookie sheets. Spray leaves with nonstick cooking spray to coat lightly; sprinkle with salt. Bake kale 12 to 15 minutes or just until kale chips are crisp. Cool on cookie sheets on wire racks.
   
   

   Nutritional information is based on a 1-cup serving.

   Nutritional Information
   (per serving)

   Calories	15
   Total Fat	0
   Saturated Fat	0
   Cholesterol	0
   Sodium	175mg
   Total Carbohydrate	3g
   Dietary Fiber	1g
   Sugars	--
   Protein	1g
   Calcium	--

Replacing the Soda

It's not about getting rid of an old habit, it's about replacing it!

Regular soda is nothing but liquid candy and

artificially sweetened soda is nothing but harmful chemicals.

The phosphoric acid found in most soda's can do quite a number on your bones...

Try this! This fizzy beverage is called La Croix.

They come in flavors like

Cran/Raspberry, Lime, Lemon and Orange.

If it's been a while since you last tasted one and you're thinking BLEH... give it another try!

Please note-

It is not SWEET tasting like the soda you are use to drinking.

It has a VERY light taste.

I drink it straight from the can or...

tomorrow I think I'll try pouring it over a glass of fresh pineapple and frozen berries.

I'm convinced there's always a healthier alternative to the 'not so healthy' foods and drinks.

I'm always searching and looking.

If you happen to come across a healthy alternative... I would love to share it!

Email me at

myhealthyweigh@sbcglobal.net

• Made by
  Everfresh/Lacroix Beverages Inc.

• Ingredients

  Carbonated Water, Natural Flavor.

• From the maker

  No calories. No artificial sweeteners. Sodium free.

  
  

Nutrition Facts

• Serving Size 1 can
• Servings Per Container 12

• Amount Per Serving
• Calories 0Calories from Fat 0
• % Daily Value*
• Total Fat0 g
• Sodium 0 mg0%
• Total Carbohydrate 0 g0%
• Sugars 0 g
• Protein 0 g0%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your Daily Values may be higher or lower depending on your calories needs.

Jessica's "Daily Affirmation"

Now this is what I call some serious Positive Self Talk!

We can learn a lot from this little gal. (In order to hear, you may have to turn the Funky

Fusion Playlist down found at the bottom of blog... or close this blog page once the video comes up.)

"I like my hair!"

"I like my haircuts!"

"I like my 'paw-jaw-maws'-"

"I like my STUUUUFFF!"

"My whole house is great!"

"I can do anything great!... better than anyone... yah!"

Once a Year

Spring is a great time to schedule your annual exam.

I set my appointment this time every year!

It's always good to know your numbers.

Numbers like your cholesterol and blood pressure.

Be good to yourself.

See your doctor.

I was reminded of this quote by Derek Bok,

"If you think education is expensive, try ignorance."

Many diseases and illnesses are caught early on in annual exams.

Ignorance is not bliss especially at the expense of your health.

Part of living a healthy lifestyle is seeing your doctor.

STAY HEALTHY!

Whatcha gonna do about it?

Down to the wire

I wanted water but
But I'll walk through the fire
If this is what it takes
To take me even higher
Then I'll come through
Like I do
When the world keeps
Testing me, testing me,testing me

"Vultures" by John Mayer

While teaching class today, I had every participant write down 2 short-term goals (to be accomplished this week) and 2 long-term goals (to be accomplished by the end of the summer).

Not only did they write them down but I had them explain how they were going to go about it.

A couple months ago, I started writing a book.

A workbook and guide for living and achieving a healthy lifestyle every single day.

I know this is what I need to do.

I can feel it.

I know it.

BUT....

IT JUST MIGHT BE THE DEATH OF ME!

It is all encompassing and consuming.

However, my dad recently gave me more sound council.

He said,

"Stacy, why don't you just enjoy the process & the journey of it."

(He said it as a statement, not a question.)

But... I thought of it as a question...

"Well, why don't I?"

Well.... because it's stressful!

It's hard work!

My brain is on overload & won't stop sending me a gazillion thoughts per second!

I can only type so fast!

I want to go outside and play.

No matter the goal. The means to an end is a big deal!

We're always being tested, tried, stretched and encouraged to do better...

The only way to hit the bulls-eye is to zero in.

Practice.

Do it over and over.

Even when it's hard.

Walk through the fire.

Now... whatcha gonna do about it?

Take Care... of YOU

MY DAD.

When my 4 girls were smaller...

I was overwhelmed with my responsibilities,

a hubby who travelled extensively,

and living a thousand miles from extended family (literally).

It did not help my homesickness, along with the weight I felt on my shoulders.

I was struggling one day and the phone rang.

It was my dad.

"I felt like I needed to check in on you. You Ok?"

The flood-gates opened. I was a mess.

I cried

and I cried

and then I cried some more.

He taught me a lesson that day.

One I will never forget and continue to refer to often in my life.

My dad's a smart man.

He said, "There are two things that CURE all the 'crummy' that life has to offer."

It's simple really.

You have your choice:

1. A hot bath

or

2. A nap

And if it's really "bad" then do both.

He then explained that if the hot bath or nap did not cure my life's struggles...

It was out of my hands.

And to turn it over...to let it be.

To learn.

To overcome.

To pray.

To heal.

And if needs be... take another hot bath or nap.

And... to Take Care.

Our bodies are very smart. Listen to them.

When they are exhausted... sleep.

When they are honestly hungry... eat.

So many times these two signals get crossed

and it becomes difficult to separate them.

Our bodies are talking to us CONSTANTLY!

Are you at an "honest hunger" or are you just tired?!

When feelings of anxiety, loneliness and/or sadness creep in,

the pull of the

pantry or refrigerator can become magnetic!

Call your "head hunger's" bluff!

Recognize it for what it is.

Re-group.

Hit the "pause" button.

Step back.

Be willing to work through the "bitter" so you can ultimately nail your sweet prize,

that of living a healthy life with

too many blessings to name.

I've never claimed living a healthy lifestyle as easy.

It's hard work.

But isn't anything of real worth, privy and subjected to that of hard work?

My lifestyle is easier at times than at others and a lot of what I do now is

automated because I created it that way.

All due to working at it... everyday.

When you Take Care of YOU,

your body will pay you back.

Thanks Dad.

Places I Shop

Besides the local grocery stores here are some of my favorite places to buy my

favorite foods, spices, oils, balsamic vinegars and herbal teas.

If you live in the Fox Cities... Check them out!

Click here the THE RED RADISH

Click here for THE FREE MARKET

Click here for the BULK FOOD STORE

Click here for THE GRANARY

Click here for the FAVA TEA COMPANY

Click here for SAVORE

Click here for The Olive Cellar

Also check out Steger Nutrition, next door to the Olive Cellar.

Market It!

Manufacturers spend millions and millions of dollars on marketing junk food to our children. They like to use bright colors and cartoon figures.

I've been asked to teach a group of young girls this week how to make

healthy snacks for themselves.

Well looky here, I see bright colors and cartoon figures!

Here's a sneak peek at what we'll be making.

How can your family not love you and your efforts here!

Even if you don't have little or big kiddos around...

it's bound to make the adults at the table smile for sure!

Fiber Focus Foods!

Bob's Red Mill High Fiber Hot Cereal

Ingredients:

organic whole grain oats, organic flaxseed meal, organic high fiber oat bran,

organic wheat bran, organic wheat germ

FIBER: 10 grams per 1/3 c.

ADD:

1/2 c berries - 2 grams fiber

Plus 1 T Chia Seeds - 4 grams fiber

Lowfat Milk: I like Vanilla Rice Milk

That's 16 grams of FIBER just for breakfast

& under 300 calories!!!

Talk about "holding you over!"

It's not about Perfection.

No one is perfect in living their healthy lifestyles.

No one.

All to often we are so hard on ourselves.

Guilt sets in for whatever reason and then people give up.

No one is expected to be perfect in their eating & exercise.

I know I'm certainly not.

But we are expected to do a little better than we did the day before...

.....to jump back on the wagon if we've fallen off....

......to love ourselves more than that 3rd slice of pizza.....

.......to respect food.....

......to respect our bodies because they carry us each day & that makes them beautiful......

You don't have to be perfect to be

healthy, kind,

beautiful, human & gracious!

There's always room for improvement but-

Never give up on your health.

Know What You Eat

You'll love this! I sure do!

Ever create your own recipe's?

Enter in your ingredients under the

"CUSTOM ENTRY TOOL"

and it will generate your own nutrition facts!

Just like this!

CLICK HERE for NutritionData.com.