Apple Pie Oatmeal

Oats are really good for you! But they're a bit bland. So what does one do? Add sugar, milk, syrup, raisins.... not always turning the oatmeal into a healthy breakfast. 

Well, today, I was in an apple mood so I turned my oatmeal into the essence of a slice of pie but with healthy ingredients. 

Apple Pie Oatmeal

Serves 2-3

1 & 1/2 c water

1/2 c apple juice

1 c oats

Dash of salt

Prepare the oatmeal according to directions on box. 

Put into 2 bowls

Top with the following ingredients, splitting between both bowls:

1/3 c applesauce

1/4 apple, cut into chunks or 1/4 c dried apple pieces

1/4 c chopped walnuts (or any nut of choice)

Dashes of cinnamon and nutmeg, to taste

If you're a hard core New Englander, top with a little shredded cheddar cheese

Believe me, these bowls will get emptied real quick! And it's going to stick with you all morning. Oatmeal with flavor! Yum!

A Hot Mess

I've warmed up my lunch and had to share a pic of it. I'm calling it my hot mess. 

The other day, I made some roasted carrots and baked potatoes for a dinner. Since topped potatoes are a yummy thing, I cut up a half of a potato, spread homemade veggie stew and homemade "best vegan nacho cheese sauce" on top. I plopped a couple carrots in there to complete the hot mess. 

Fruit is my choice for dessert this month. It always hits the sweet tooth spot. 

This is more filling than it looks. Any veggie would be great, like broccoli or spinach. The nacho sauce is amazingly good. Glad I tried it! This is a delicious challenge. Are you in? #E2Challenge

Feeling Good

The E2 Challenge has me bringing my own lunches to work instead of going to the drive thru. It has me doing extensive menu planning and grocery shopping accordingly. It has drastically changed the contents of my fridge. My kitchen stove and countertops are less sticky. 

All in all, I feel good. I feel healthy. I get weird cravings, like for a boston creme donut, or a hot apple pie, or a bag of greasy corn chips. But I have let those urges go as the thoughts of how good stuff is so much better than that. I am worth investing goodness and health into my body, not sugar and grease. A ripe pear, or a handful of homemade granola, or a bowl of popcorn is so much more satisfying. 

In the raging flu season, I've stayed well. (Knock) So far, I've felt no symptoms of bronchitis, which is usually an annual event for me at this time of year. (Knock) I believe my energy level has improved. I seem to feel less groggy in the morning when I have to get up. 

If you are curious about eating this way, give it a try. Start out as a cadet for a while. Even at that level, you'll feel good. Try the recipes. They're delicious! Make your own meals so you know what's in them. Take charge of your life towards healthiness. It's worth it!  #E2Challenge 

Popcorn

 I think I can safely say that popcorn is one of my all time favorite snacks. We used to make it on Sunday nights when I was a kid. I remember one time my brother and I were making some and he thought it would save a step to cook the kernels in butter. That certainly didn't work at all!

When I shop for popcorn, I never get the microwave type. It's full of junk. Whole kernel corn in a bag is what I get. And if I can find white corn, that is my preference. 

How can you deny this label?

Air poppers or microwave poppers take away all need for oil. A little herbs and spices from the pantry make it flavorful. You get a gigantic bowl when you're done. It's just plain good stuff! How do you like to E2-top your popcorn? #E2Challenge

Good Meals

When you start out with ingredients like this, 

You can be on your way to a good meal!

I have been so busy at work, I haven't been posting as much as I would like. But I will try to do better!

Here are some things I've noticed while going through the second week: 

1- my kitchen counters and stove aren't getting covered with a film of grease. 

2- I don't feel like good is laying like a lump in my stomach after I eat. 

3- the look of the inside of my fridge has changed immensely!

Veggies are so yummy. #E2Challenge

Lunch - P&L Sandwich

It occurred to me that I used to have vegetable sandwiches in the summer. Why not have them now?

Today's lunch was a pepper and lettuce sammich. There was enough moisture in the lettuce and a wonderful crunch in the peppers, it was great!

I had a perfectly ripe pear that I couldn't resist. This was all that was left after I got done with it!

Lunches can be fun. They don't have to be plain or the same every day. They can be healthy and satisfying. I look forward to more veggie sandwiches! #E2Challenge

GF Pancakes E2 Style

When I saw the Spelt Blueberry Pancake recipe in the 28-Day Challenge PDF, I knew I had to try it. I looked for spelt flour but didn't find it in my local stores so I substituted a GF baking flour mixture in its place. All I can say is "Yum!" over this recipe. If you are a pancake fan, or if you're craving blueberry muffins, make this and enjoy. You'll feel like your indulging but you are eating for your health.

I made 1/2 a batch and it gave me 9 cakes. After eating one, I felt satisfied. I always had butter and syrup with a breakfast like this but I didn't even miss the flavor of the butter. Extras will go in the fridge (or freezer) for another day. So glad I tried this one out! #E2Challenge