happy tummys :: happy tinys (3 of 3)

today's word :: phytonutrients

do you know what they are?

definition ::Chemicals in plants (apart from vitamins, minerals, and macronutrients) that have a beneficial effect the body. There are hundreds, if not thousands of them, and they have effects such as antioxidants, boosting the immune system, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, and cellular repair. Highly colored vegetables and fruits tend to be highest in these chemicals, but tea, chocolate, nuts, and flax seeds are all excellent sources as well.

The lycopene in tomatoes and pink grapefruit, the anthocyanins in berries, and the flavanoids in chocolate are all examples of beneficial phytonutrients.

(above info from about.com)

the cauliflower :: contains phytonutrients

not our favorite veggie, we're training our taste buds to like it more,

so for now we're gonna mix it with cheese!

whole grain double fiber bread

foosey thought it was snack time

lillibug mixing cornstarch, cauliflower puree and mozzarella cheese

roll them in the bread crumbs then accordian fold them

in aluminum foil and freeze for 20 min

(recipe from deceptively delicious :: jessica seinfield)

1 C whole wheat bread crumbs*

1 TBSP flaxseed meal

1 TBSP flaxseeds/sesame seeds(optional)

1 C shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

1/2 C cauliflower puree

1 TBSP cornstarch

1 TBSP olive oil

1/4 tsp salt

*i use two pieces whole wheat double fiber bread and food process it to make bread crumbs

mix breadcrumbs and flaxseed meal and flaxseed/sesame seeds

make 3"x1/2" bricks with the cheese, cauliflower, cornstarch mixture

(be really gentle)

then coat the 'bricks' with the breadcrumb mixture

accordion fold in aluminium foil and stick in the freezer for 20 min

the recipe says to stick in a pan in oil for 3-4 min until its brown

(i tried to cook them in a saute pan after the 20 min in the freezer, the cheese ran, and they were piles of mush)

so i stuck them back in the freezer and will bake next time instead of cook in olive oil

happy tummys :: happy tinys (2 of 3)

guess what lillibug, these muffins have vegetables in them :: "are you serious?"

oh snap :: the wreckage of mess, where's the maid?

thank you auntie sara for the apron to keep me clean!

the goodies

'caught ya' :: liam eating choc chips

THE best butter!

we were out of cute muffin cups, but here they are!

Fiber-licious Muffins

(basic recipe is from deceptively delicious :: jessica seinfield

i have modified and added several ingredients, she calls them applesauce muffins)

we double this recipe so that it makes 24 regular size muffins & 18 mini-muffins

keep some in the fridge and freeze the rest

1 1/2 cups all purpose flour (or whole wheat flour)

1 C old fashioned oats

1 tsp baking pwder

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1 C unsweeteed applesauce

1/2 C nonfat milk

1/2 C carrot puree*

1/2 C grated zucchini**

1/2 C firmly packed light brown sugar

1/4 C canola oil

1 large egg

2 TBSP flax seed meal

1/2 Cup semi sweet or dark choc chips

*peel and dice several carrots, then steam til tender, then put in a food processor til pureed. may need to add a little water to completely puree ( i always make extra to freeze)

**completely wash one zucchini, grate and then puree

(you will probably have more than 1/2 C, bag and freeze for next time!)

mix dry ingredients together, mix wet ingredients together

fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients

batter will be lumpy

preheat oven to 400

bake 18-20 min

hope you enjoy them as much as we do!!

one, two, three cups four, five cups for the birthday girl

a house full of tiny giggling girls all dressed 'fancy'

we sang i'm a little tea pot to let the 'tea fairies' out!

made a craft, ate fancy sandwiches, drank 'tea', and of course ate cupcakes.

they played hopscotch, and ya ya taught us button-button-whos-got-the-button!!

it was so fun to watch these tiny girls play and celebrate Lillian!

i am convinced that she was born in february

just so we could use peeps on the cupcake!!

our craft!! each girl made one with their own name!

lillibug insisted that she have christmas lights too!

my brambly hedge plates and cups from when i was a little girl!

my grandmother's gloves, napkins and tablecloth made this tea party extra special

"i'm a little tea pot"

foosey LOVED hopscotch!

yaya teaching us button-button-who's-got-the-button

adalyn . elle & lillian

maryn . kylie & sarah

sweet sisters sorelle and sela

happy tummys :: happy tinys (1 of 3)

so start a conversation with me about exercise, fitness, or healthy eating and I'll talk your ear off. its something we have become extremely passionate about for ourselves and our tinys.

we've cut out most processed food, sugar and saturated fats.

the tough part means that, yes, without all that around i spend more time chopping, cutting, prepping, and mixing

i take seriously the responsibility of eating things in their purest form.

if i can create it from scratch i do.

i like food without junk in it, if we can't pronounce it :: we don't eat it

our pantry stays pretty empty with the exception of some canned beans, rice noodles, oatmeal, protein powder + cliff bars + lara bars.

the fridge however is bursting

i do have picky eaters, and our oldest has been having some tummy issues

so meal time can be really stressful

and not being a planner by nature, the less organized i am, the more chaos

so instead of folding and staying frustrated

this mommy is sucking it up and being more intentional

its no secret that I LOVE to be in the kitchen. love to eat healthy and get totally inspired by making something from random ingredients in my kitchen!

and even though it usually means more mess, the tinys love to help!

we do 90% of our grocery shopping at trader joes. price comparison for us its the best place that fits our budget and way we eat.

yes we still eat pizza, mac+cheese and an occasional Mcdonald's cheeseburger!

so . . . to be continued

i took some photos as we made some yummy muffins & mozzarella sticks :: that are full of goodness