Quick/Healthy Meal ideas

Things have been a little crazy around here, so I apologize for the delay in my posts! In January 2009, I became inspired to live a healthier life by revamping my diet and exercise program and by doing some internal work. I started in my home with a complete overhaul on our diet. My oldest daughter was having some "focus" issues at home and school. We took her to a doctor, and after spending 30 minutes with us, looking at a 10 question questionnaire I filled out, and completely ignoring my daughter, the doctor diagnosed her with ADHD. He wrote out a prescription for Stratera and sent us on our way! She was 5 at the time! While I am not completely against medications, this just didn't sit right with me. So I spent the next month driving around town, popping in on doctors, facilities, researching herbal remedies, etc. Finally, I was referred to another doctor who spent way more time with us, and one on one time with Lauren, had her teacher fill out a huge questionnaire, and the end result- he did not believe she had ADD or ADHD. He gave us some behavioral modification ideas and sent us on our way. Even with his diagnosis, I was convicted about what I had been feeding her (or not feeding her) and felt that may in some way be contributing to lack of focus. I figured we ALL could use a big dose of healthier eating, so my quest began. I started with a cookbook called "Eating for Life" written by Bill Phillips. I had done his "Body For Life" program back in 2000, and knew his plan consisted of small balanced meals, eating 5 to 6 times a day. The cookbook had a picture of every single recipe, so I sat down with my daughter and we went through every page. I had her put a check mark by the recipes that she would be willing to try. If there was any protest as I presented a new meal to try, I would simply show her the check mark and remind her she had said she would try it!

So what is our result over a year and a half later...
I am 12 lbs lighter, my husband is 30 lbs lighter, and we all have more energy and focus. We eat out less and cook more. I like to plan meals in advance and prepare several at the beginning of each week, so I end up cooking less. Here are a two easy to prepare, kid approved healthy meals:

Crock pot chicken:
2-3 FROZEN chicken breasts (I buy organic)
1 jar organic peach salsa (I have also substituted regular salsa, organic bbq sauce, and organic spaghetti sauce for different taste options)
1 can organic black beans (rinsed)(optional)
sauteed onion and red peppers (optional)

Place breasts in crock pot, pour 1 jar of salsa on top
Cook on high two hours on until chicken easily shreds

I usually saute onion and red pepper to add to this when it is done along with the black beans. You can put this over greens, in a wrap, over brown rice, or alone!



Another easy recipe:
Meatballs
1 lb ground beef (I use Bison)
1 egg
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup bread crumbs
1 clove garlic, minced
several leaves of torn fresh basil (sometimes I use spinach if it's all I have on hand)

Mix all ingredients together, roll into small balls, place on greased foil lined cookie sheet and bake 10-15 minutes in 425 degree oven or until done!

Great over whole wheat spaghetti, with organic spaghetti sauce, or in a wrap, or over greens or rice!