Apple Turnover with Apple Cream Sauce

These little babies were so easy to make, tasted excellent, and only took about 30 minutes to make! It worked out perfectly for an easy meal during the Thanksgivings break. These apple turnovers are not only a crowd pleaser but also a great meal to make with the kiddos!! 

Here's how I made them. 

Apple Pecan Granola

I've failed making granola 9 out 10 times...literally. I either burn it, roast it, make a cajun blackened granola (aka BURNT), or it doesn't have any taste. I really want to start eating Greek yogurt again, but I HAVE to have something crunchy with it. I'm really weird with food textures, especially foods that giggle such as pudding, tapioca, or cottage cheese.  Am I the only person who does that?

I wanted really crunchy hearty tasting granola with nice clusters! The secrets ingredient to crunchy granola is: egg whites! When making this it'll seem really gooey but don't worry it just makes for a crunchier granola in the end. I also added chia seeds for more fiber! 

One thing to look out for when your granola is baking is the color and texture. Your granola WILL NOT get crunchy while baking. Once it's lightly browned take it out to cool completely, once it's hardened you can break into clusters. 

Cut the Crap week 3 - FINISHED!

Cut the Crap -21 Day Detox

Well I made it through my last week of the Cut the Crap program! It's finished, it's over, I learned a lot, learned how to make this program work for other people! Throughout the course of the 21 days I actually ate good food that tasted great and took less than 15 minutes to make each night, mainly because I meal prepped which also didn't take much time!

Throughout the course of the 3 weeks I did experience some up and downs, there were days I did not bring enough snacks and I of course was hungry but I was able to deal with it and work through it. My snacking options changed from snacking on random unhealthy foods to grabbing a low fat cheese stick or piece of fruit.

After my first week I was able to loose 5 pounds. This was a great achievement in my opinion, I literally haven't lost weight since the last time I had the flu like 6 years ago lol. The second week wasn't as bad but I thought after my weekend in Cincinnati I thought I ruined all my progress. I knew I had to hit it hard week 3 and that's exactly what I did, when the whole program was completed I lost a total of 4 pounds in 3 weeks. This was completely due to eating clean and making good sound decisions.

Now lets keep it real...

This program was created for people like me, people who work, people who don't have extra time, people who don't know much about diets, people who just don't have the motivation. I had all the knowledge in the world to make a change, but I had no motivation and no drive! Something in me changed and that's why I created this program, it's not a cold turkey go vegan, eat raw, be a vegetarian, squats not shots type of thing. It's for people who are ready to make small yet meaningful changes to gradually transition into a better lifestyle.

Cut the Crap - Week 2

Week 2 weekend was by far the hardest time for me. Monday - Thursday was good,  I had my meals planned and prepped for lunch and dinner. I made 3 bean chili with baked chicken and salad for lunch, but work was really tiring for me and I didn't have much energy after work to work out much.

Then the weekend came... and I went to Cincinnati. This was a major setback as far as my eating goes, I wasn't nearly as disciplined as I should have been! I felt so guilty for having chicken wings, red beans and rice, macaroni, and cornbread. Then I looked back over my weekend today and realized a good point that I have learned throughout this detox... PORTION CONTROL! The amount of food I actually ate was very small, I never overate!!

This really made me smile on the inside. As I enter my last week of this process I am so hopeful that I can continue with meal prep, portioning my meals, and having healthy snacks! It's so easy to grab chips and sweets and say "Oh I'll only eat a few" unfortunately I don't. I eat a bowlful when I'm tired, when I'm craving something, or when I'm hungry and dinner isn't ready; now I grab an apple, carrots, or pears.

As I enter my third week I will stay positive and not get distracted! As soon as I finish I will be calling on YOU to start the program and let me help coach you through it!

Stay hungry my friends...

Ray B.

Nashville's Local Fest @ the Mansion

      

Local fest is a great event located at The Mansion that not only is hosting a splendid pop up dinner (with top Nashville chefs), but also introduces the community to awesome artisans and farmers.  

There is a slew of participants, no one will get bored at this event! I mean there will be food trucks, local brews, yard games, local vendors and farmers! 

It's only fitting that the Local Fest take place on one of the city's most beautiful properties! The Riverwood Mansion is a local gem for East Nashvilians! PLUS, this event will also benefits the Vets and several bands will be on site for performances as well! 

Cut the Crap - Week 1

I made it through my first week of the detox with no major hiccups! The next 2 weeks don't seem to bad, the hardest day was day 3 because my hunger was at its highest point. I mean I was hungry all day from start to finish, I felt very weak and lethargic. Seriously, I was dying for some coffee but that was nixed seeing how I like more cream than coffee and that clearly goes against the whole detox. So I attempted to drink very black unsweetened coffee... I don't see how people do it, it was terrible. I chugged it and vowed never to drink coffee black lol. 

I did a pretty good job at meal planning, it was my first time prepping that much food that for that many days, lucky for me it ran pretty smooth with the help of my Crock Pot and Sam's club! I also developed a few new recipes for a Clean Breakfast Bar, a juice, and a vinaigrette! 

 

Shopping List for Sam's Club: 

bulk sugar snap pea's 

bulk mixed veggies 

bulk baby carrots 

Pomegranate seeds 

boneless skinless chicken breast 

romaine lettuce 

red and yukon potates 

apples 

salmon 

light cheese sticks

(chicken and potatoes in Crock Pot)