New recipe and counting calories...

As most of the people that read this know...I actually lost weight and didn't gain any during my pregnancy.  One week postpartum I ended up weighing almost 50 pounds less than I did the day I found out I was pregnant.  CRAZINESS!  Let's just say the past few years I haven't been the healthiest and survived on campus food and vending machines every day.  After I graduated last May and found out I was pregnant I knew I had to change the way I ate.  I didn't "diet"...but rather cut out soda almost entirely, cut out fast food, and walked with my friend Anna Grace that was also pregnant. 

I want to continue with this healthier lifestyle and getting to a healthy weight.  I've decided to track my calories so I can be a little more organized and smart on losing weight.  It's really not about the number or size BUT being healthy and setting a good example for my son.

SO if you want to follow me on MyFitnessPal my username is MrsArnold609.  I just finished my 1st day of logging my food.  It really wasn't that bad.  With cooking so much and creating recipes I was worried it was going to be time consuming but the app has a recipe maker which made it really simple.

 

Todays food included: turkey sausage and fruit, chicken salad, and beef lo mein.

 

Beef Lo Mein

 

Ingredients:

8 ounces thin spaghetti

1 teaspoon sesame oil

1/4 cups hot boiled water

1 tablespoon beef better than bullion

3 tablespoons soy sauce

2 tablespoons brown sugar

1 pound beef

2 large carrots

2 cups broccoli

1 large onion

4 garlic cloves

 

 

 

Cook spaghetti per box instructions.  Into cooked spaghetti add sesame oil and stir to combine.  Into hot, boiled water add better than bullion and brown sugar; stir to dissolve.  Into the mixture, add soy sauce and set aside.  Using a hot skillet, brown both sides of the beef.  Let beef cool and slice it into two inch pieces.  Add sliced beef into the same skillet, fry until completely cooked.  Into the cooked beef, add sauce mixture, cook all together for about a minute, set aside.  Dice carrots, broccoli and onion into two inch pieces.  Using the skillet, where you've cooked beef, sauté onions until golden brown.  Remove from the heat.  In a separate oiled skillet, sauté carrots until softened, add broccoli and cook for about three minutes.  Press garlic into the same mixture and remove from the heat.  In a large dish, combine spaghetti, vegetables and beef, together.  Toss to combine, serve hot.

 

Servings: 8

Calories: 833

 

***This recipe is not one of my own.  Found on pinterest!!!



 

I'm back!!!

What a busy and crazy year we've had already!!! Here is a quick recap:

On January 24th at 5am I was induced to have our son.

 

Unfortunately, I was not dilating and we had to have an caesarian.  They had to put me fully under so Jamie had to anxiously wait in the lobby.

 

We welcomed our son that evening at a whopping 9 pounds and 3 ounces!!!

 

We took a trip to Nashville in February to introduce James to the family.

 

We rushed home a few days later because daddy got a phone call about a new job opportunity.

 

The job ended up being exactly what we have been praying for the last 6 months! However, it moved us from Arkansas to his new job location in Illinois. We decided to take a mini fishing vacation before we moved.

 

Our good friends the Graves threw us a going away party the night before we left. 

 

We arrived at our new home March 29th.

 

Jamie LOVES his new job.  I have finally finished unpacking the house and gotten back into a routine.  I'm really thankful for all the blessings God has given our little family this year.

 

 

 

 

 

 

False Alarm

Yesterday morning was quite eventful for me and Jamie.  I had thought my water had broken when I woke up so I immediately called my doctor.  However, after a few hours at the hospital we realized it was a false alarm and baby James wasn't ready to come out yet.  I'm still dilated to a 3 and my doctor said he's sitting even lower than he was Tuesday.  All good signs but still no clue when the BIG day will happen. 

Last night I tossed and turned.  Very uncomfortable and lots of pelvic pain and constant mild back pain.  I keep thinking "Today is the day!" but nothing ever happens.  Praying he will come soon...ready to be back to normal. 

Jamie has been doing most of the cooking lately...which is why I haven't posted any recipes.  I still have managed to make his breakfast and lunches on our food prep days so he only has to worry about dinner.  Hopefully, I can keep this up till I go into labor but standing for a few hours cooking is less than ideal right now. 

Anyways, I will keep everyone posted if anything changes...

"Perfect mom"....?

As most of my family and friends know I've had a difficult week.  Discouraged and exhausted are two words that come to mind.  Your body getting ready for labor can leave you quite hormonal and emotional in the last few days.  I worry most about being able to take care of a newborn, being a good role model and raising Godly children, and overall just being a "perfect mom". 

 

With all the expectations comes excitement from our family and friends.  I know everyone wants him to be here NOW (trust me...so do I).  Every morning I wake up to several dozen emails and texts asking how I'm feeling and if I think today is the day.  It has left me feeling inadequate and rushed.  I know I can't do anything to get him here quicker but I feel like I am doing something wrong and he should be here NOW.  I am so thankful to have so many people that genuinely care and are excited as we are to welcome baby Arnold into the world.  I've realized that I need to just relax and enjoy my last few days of solitude and rest. 

 

Yesterday, a light bulb went off and I knew what I should have been doing all along instead of wallowing in discouragement.  I needed to be spending time meditating over scripture and being in prayer with God.  I know the next few months I will be away from my church family and my daily quiet times with God will be few and far between.  So...the last few days I've been soaking up all the time I can.  I've been reflecting on what it truly means to be a "perfect mom" and studying scripture on what GOD (not everyone else) calls me to do as a mother and wife.  Knowing that God has chosen me and blessed me to be a mother is so humbling.

 

I was led to read this book this week and it has been such an encouragement and so inspiring when I desperately needed it.  The author talks about being a "Proverbs 31 Woman" and she gives so many great examples and tips to do this and what it truly means. 

 

I also found great insight and encouragement on being a homemaker and how big of a responsibility and role that is.  I get rude and sarcastic comments ALL time about not working and staying at home.  I feel the judgment and stigma that is put on me.  I have become somewhat private in discussing a lot of my parenting views with family and friends because of the backlash I've already been given. 

  

Just my decision on cloth diapers caused such an uproar.  I cannot tell you how many negative comments I've gotten on this (even from complete strangers).  The decision for us strictly came down to money.  Trust me...no one wants to wash poopy diapers. :)

 

In the end, you have to do what is right for you and your family by seeking and asking God through prayer and scripture.  I hope to share more tidbits on here what that means for our family but for now this soon-to-be momma is going to rest and relax.

Green Smoothie

Baby Arnold Update:

Went to the doctor today and not much has changed.  He said he "wouldn't be surprised if it was today" but to "not shoot him if it was next week"...so that is where we are at.  I'm dilated to a 3 and 80% effaced.  So we are getting closer.  Praying for encouragement and strength to not let the aches and pains steal my joy.  Thankful to be healthy!!!

 

 

Green Smoothie

Ingredients
8 oz. water
1/2 lemon (peeling and all)
1/2 banana
4 cups of baby spinach
1-2 cups of frozen fruit
1 Tbsp. flax oil (optional)
1-2 Tbsp. Stevia (optional)

 

I start out by blending my water, lemon, banana, stevia, and flax oil.  I then add the spinach and blend till smooth.  Lastly, add your frozen fruit (I prefer strawberries and mango's). 

 

This is a simple meal that fills you up and you get loads of calcium and other vitamins.  By just replacing one meal a day with this you're getting all your daily servings of fruits and vegetables AND it's under 150 calories.  Most importantly...IT TASTES GOOD!!!

Eating healthy on a budget...

 

Let me start by saying I do not use coupons.  I wish I was one of those crazy coupon ladies and had a garage stockpile of food and toilet paper.  BUT living in Walmart land restricts me from couponing.  I DO use coupons occasionally on toiletries and such items but that's another story. 

 

I also don't buy in bulk.  Yes, it does save money but we are on a limited income and budget so I rarely am able to buy in bulk.  The only thing I can really say I buy in "bulk" is eggs.  We always buy the 30ct. eggs. 

 

Living on one income has taught me a lot about budgeting and planning.  I budget $75 a week for groceries and non-food items (toiletries and such).  This means that on weeks I need shampoo or toilet paper I have to cut other areas.  For example, I love to buy canned beans and minute maid brown rice (they just seem less starchy than when you cook it yourself).  BUT I know that a box of minute maid rice will cost me $2.98 for 14oz. and a bag of loose rice costs $1.56 for 32oz.  That is triple the cost!!!  So, there are some weeks I know I have to go with price rather than convenience. 

 

Buying fresh isn't always the cheapest.  What I mean by this is always check the frozen aisles at the selection of vegetables.  When making fajitas, quesadillas, or anything with onions and peppers I always buy frozen.  I don't know why but bell peppers are EXPENSIVE.  A big bag of mixed fruits (apples and oranges) aren't always the best way to go.  A lot of those bags are $5-8+ and have less than 10 pieces of fruit.  Go for bananas which are .54 cents a pound.  That usually adds up to 5-7 bananas for around $2.50.  Also, check to see what is in season (duh).  I try to buy 2 fruits and 2 vegetables for the week to snack on.  For example, this week I'm buying strawberries (splurge), bananas, green beans, and carrots. 

 

You have to decide what you're willing to sacrifice.  Trust me...you will sacrifice something for something else.  We would rather spend more of our budget on fresh veggies and fruit than on expensive cuts of meat.  That means we eat a LOT of chicken.

 

ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS make a grocery list and plan your meals ahead of time.  I can't stress this enough.  I make a weekly menu and then make my grocery list.  I am weird and keep all my Walmart receipts so I can look back and know prices and then plan accordingly.  This helps me change my menu if needed or add things if I'm going to be under budget.  The picture above is an example of my grocery list with prices.  If prices have changed I'll take note (this is especially important when buying veggies and fruits since they are constantly changing). 

 

I hope to post a lot more recipes and ideas on the blog for those interested... 

Black Bean Chicken Quesadillas

This recipe is one of my hubby's favorite.  We've seriously had this every week the last two months!!!  I hope y'all enjoy...

Black Bean Chicken Quesadillas

Ingredients
6-8oz. of thawed chicken breast (this is usually 4-5 tenderloins)
1/2 can of black beans (no salt added or low sodium)
16oz. bag of frozen pepper stir-fry (birds eye)
1 1/3 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
8 whole wheat/whole grain flour tortillas
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. black pepper
1 tsp. chili powder (give or take depending on how spicy you like)
Optional: sour cream, avocado, salsa, and lettuce

Servings
4 large quesadillas

Nutrition
Calories 409 (per quesadilla)

Cost per serving: $2.07

 To make these it's super simple.  First, add seasonings to chicken and cook in a skillet (you may need to add a few tablespoons of water to keep it from sticking but try to stay away from the olive oil if you're counting calories).  Then, shred or chop up your chicken and set aside.  Now you are ready to sauté your pepper stir-fry mix in a large skillet until soft and all moisture has been absorbed.  Next, drain and rinse your black beans.  Lastly, you are ready to assemble and cook your quesadillas.  We have a George Foreman Quesadilla Maker (we are fancy like that) but you can do these in a skillet as well.  If you are cooking in a skillet just be sure to spray your skillet with non-stick spray and to cook evenly on both sides (about 3 minutes per side on medium-high heat).  Garnish with lettuce, avocado, salsa, or sour cream.