Homemade Peanut Butter

When I was younger my mom would occasionally buy almond butter. My brother and I would watch in amazement as mom set the clear plastic cup under the machine at the store and with the push of a button the cup would fill with the almond butter. It was amazing to see the whole almonds change into paste. It was mom's special treat with her special crackers. As a child I didn't understand why mama got special treats and we didn't. Of course we got special treats... just in those moments as a child you don't see it that way.

Being a mama now I understand what it's like to have those special treats. Mr. Sideline Chef once brought home a bag of smoked almonds from a smokehouse he visited while working on the road. It was so thoughtful of him and I wanted to make them last. I would ration them out for itty bitty since he takes after me and could eat an entire can of nuts in one sitting, especially cashews. If I wanted some of those smoked almonds while he was awake I'd sneak into the kitchen and as quietly as could be I'd open the bag and pull out a handful.

Typing this almost makes me feel selfish.

If itty bitty wants or needs anything he always comes first. If he really wanted I would have given the bag of almonds to him but he was happy with his portion and I got to have my special treat that was bought with me in mind.

Nuts have been making an appearance on every shopping list since starting the Flat Belly Diet because of the healthy fats they contain. Peanut butter is another food item that is always in this house. Mr. Sideline Chef requires it for his cheese sandwiches. You read that right. Itty bitty loves "pean-fur san"(dwiches) as well. They are a part of his lunch rotation.

I was giddy when I saw a recipe for homemade Peanut Butter in the Flat Belly Diet Cookbook. While making Old-Fashioned Peanut Soup (recipe tomorrow) I ran out of peanut butter that I had bought from the store. I only had about a tablespoon left and then I remembered the recipe was in the cookbook and I had all of the ingredients to make it homemade instead.

3 ingredients. A food processor. That's it folks! Don't think I can ever buy it from the store again. It's cheaper to make it at home as well. That's a big plus.

The taste of homemade Peanut Butter is unlike the store bought stuff. Much more of a nutty taste, fresh, and I know exactly what went into it. Amazingly simple to make.

Homemade Peanut Butter

Flat Belly Diet Cookbook

Makes about 1 cup



Stars of the Show:

• 2 cups shelled, roasted peanuts
• 1 tbsp peanut oil
• 1 tsp salt (optional) - My peanuts were unsalted so I added the salt.

And Action:

Process all ingredients in a food processor until smooth or to your desired texture. Make sure to use a rubber spatula to scrape down the sides on occasion. Transfer to a jar and keep in the fridge.

Granola Parfait

I hear that a lot of people dread grocery shopping. I don't get that. I absolutely love picking out recipes, making a list, checking it twice, and taking my time walking the aisles to get the items I need. This morning we got down to the last of our food and I only had enough to make one Flat Belly meal. After eating I flipped through my Flat Belly Diet Cookbook and picked out a handful of recipes to try.

After a somewhat stressful morning with having to take the dog in to get his manhood striped from him I needed to destress. Shopping was it for me with itty bitty. A cart full of produce. I noticed that since starting this diet I mostly shop the perimeter of the store with the occasional walk down the snack aisle for the nuts and peanut butter or baking aisle for my oils. I avoid a lot of the processed junk in the middle aisles.

Once home it was nap time for itty bitty. After laying him down I got to making a Granola Parfait. It was just what I needed. Something quick and easy and oh so delicious. Bananas, raspberries, plain yogurt, and granola layered in a tall glass. I kicked my feet up and took a couple minutes to myself and enjoyed my snack. The granola and bananas tamed the tartness from the raspberries. So yummy!

Granola Parfait

Flat Belly Diet Cookbook

Makes 2 Servings

Stars of the Show:

• 1 banana, sliced
• 1 cup raspberries
• 1 container (5.3 oz) fat-free Greek yogurt
• 1 1/2 cups granola

And Action:

Layer the banana, raspberries, yogurt, and granola in 2 tall glasses. Grab your spoon and serve immediately.

Nutritional Information Per Serving:

MUFA: Your nut of choice that is in the granola. My granola had cashews.

Calories: 420

Protein: 14 g

Carbohydrates: 67 g

Fat: 13 g

Saturated Fat: 1 g

Cholesterol: 0 mg

Sodium: 140 mg

Fiber: 14 g

Poundin' The Pavement

My lungs held up to a 45 minute workout after being sedentary for a month and recovering from a lung infection.

A success!

Happy to be able to workout again and feel the sweat pour down my face. I sure did miss that "after workout high" and feeling like I worked my ass off... um... well with being on the Flat Belly Diet it'd be more like worked my waist off. Just doesn't sound as intense.

Looking forward to tomorrow's sweat session and that sore muscle feeling and the rewarding post-shower.

Birthday Diet Disaster

Itty bitty and I were invited to his best friend's 3rd birthday party yesterday. I had the best of intentions to follow the diet making sure to eat veggies and fruits and a MUFA while there. I had no idea what the menu would be so I was only hoping these items would be available to choose from. What I didn't know was that I was going to be served the food. I never touched a serving spoon. My plate was brought to me. How can you say no to grilled fajita beef and chicken, rice, guacamole, corn tortillas, and charro beans? What I could have said no to was another helping. But I couldn't help myself. It's not everyday I get to celebrate a birthday and eat like this. After looking at the plate I did follow the rule of having a MUFA. The avocado in the guacamole. I ate before the four hour mark and later that night I did have a slice of the tres leche cake. I've never had it before and I am glad I didn't miss out on that opportunity.

The Flat Belly Diet does have a section about what to do for the occasional slip up and how to get yourself back on track. You definitely want to skip the guilt. I wasn't the least bit guilty. I enjoyed the hell out of my time at the birthday party with great friends and watching itty bitty and the other toddlers jumping to their heart's content in the bounce house. It also states to compensate by adding in some exercise. I got in my "exercise" alright! I chased itty bitty around and made sure that our playdate afterward was extended an hour or two. Parenting is a workout. Do you know how many times a day I pick up 30 pounds?

In the Flat Belly Diet Cookbook it states that even when you overindulge they do NOT want you skipping meals because of it. The Flat Belly Diet is not about deprivation. Instead pick and dust yourself off and get right back on the wagon.

I knew that I made a conscious decision to throw the diet out the window once I saw the other partygoers with their plates of food and I knowingly ate until I was uncomfortably stuffed.

In a way, my inner fat kid will always be a part of who I am. I was born a foodie. I live to eat. Not the other way around.

I feel that the Flat Belly Diet has taught me a lot in just this past week. I can still eat delicious and nutritious meals that help fuel my body and keep me going for hours until the next fill up even with an occasional indulgence. Eating every 4 hours, 400 calories each meal, and adding a healthy fat has given me a few noticeable changes. Nothing to do with my weight or waist measurement. My energy level has improved, my skin feels softer, my hair is shinier, and the biggest change... my confidence level is throw the roof.

The confidence comes from feeling like I'm actually accomplishing something. Making a commitment to my mom to do this with her and to help spread the word to others has me standing a little bit straighter than normal. I feel proud.

Whether you are on a diet or not be proud to be living your life the way you want to and let that confidence shine through.

Flat Belly Diet and One Week Down

My mama and I have been on the Flat Belly Diet for one week now. It's the morning of Day 8. Sunday mornings are my weigh ins. I actually ended up gaining a half pound bringing my total weight loss to 1 1/2 pounds and 1/2" lost from my waist. The reason this is not surprising to me is because I was sick this entire week. I was on prescription medication for steroids, not able to catch my breath long enough to take even a five minute walk, and the 1600 calorie meal plan is set to help you maintain the weight loss from the 4 Day Jumpstart. For being sick I'm still proud of my results.

This upcoming week will be different for me. I'm off the medicine and will be able to go back to building up my workouts. The diet claims you don't need to workout but I don't see how you can lose weight on 1600 calories a day (unless you've been eating way more than this prior to the diet). I'll weigh in again next Sunday and see if I'm getting the results I should be seeing.

Speaking of seeing the results... my mama has been having great success. She actually sent me an email this morning and wanted me to share with you all. So in the words of my mama (copy and pasted, of course) I bring you her testimony...

"My daughter, Rochelle, and I began the Flat Belly diet one week ago.  I eat CONSTANTLY on this diet!  Much planning in advance and that part of the program is getting easier.  Making meals in advance to freeze will be my next move.  There are a lot of easy options to choose from.  That is a plus, especially when traveling.  Any grocery store has an abundance of my needs...and believe me I can be very needy!  Five pounds lost and 2" reduction off waist and 1" off of hips. My main goal is not weight loss.  I just wanted to feel better and have more energy.  And that I do!  I just wanted to share this with you because I believe we as women are taught deprivation when it comes to food and made to feel guilty by society regarding food. I feel my connection with food is a healthy one now and without the guilt whenever I enter the kitchen. Please do not take offense that I am sharing this with you.  It is not intended to point a finger .  This is with only love in my heart because I want to share the success of my recent energy level change and feel very vibrant internally. I have been losing my hair again and due to stress or not enough of the the right foods, a change for me was in order. The secret is pairing the right fats with the right foods.  Amazing! Yesterday I was able to go for a 30 minute walk.  Huge accomplishment because I have really only been able to actively do anything for 5 minutes at a time.  If you would like to check it out on the internet just look up Flat Belly Diet, it is by the Prevention folks. One of the guilty pleasure snacks is popcorn and cashews drizzed with dark chocolate."

 

My daily check in calls confirm my mama's energy levels. She sounded as though she was bouncing off of the walls last night while just preparing her stir fry dinner and talking a mile a minute. Her excitement is contagious. I couldn't help but be excited for her and more willing to be a support system to her.

 

Keep in mind with any diet... every body is different and everyone will see varying results. Case in point.

 

The key to success is to continue trying to make each day healthier than the last. Even better, make each meal better than the last. Drink lots of water and get your bodies moving!

 

Wishing you all a happy, healthy, and safe day!!!

Chocolate-Drizzled Popcorn

My mom provided some of the best childhood memories. Fridays in particular were my favorite days. We would be woke up with our feet being tickled and a laugh to start the day. Mom would send us on our way to school after preparing a warm breakfast and a sack lunch in hand. Mom didn't just send us to school with the run of the mill sack lunch. My sack lunch was true bartering material. Gourmet sandwiches... my mom once sent me to school with a spruced up tuna sandwich on pumpernickel bread... a foodie in the making was born. Sliced fruits, veggies, and then the giant chocolate chip cookies. No sack lunch would be complete without a note from mom as well. It made my day... everyday!

After stepping foot off of the school bus my brother and I would be in a foot race to see who would be first through the door to see what after school snack mom had whipped up for us. Most days the house would smell of roast chicken and vegetables in the oven for our dinner. At that point I could care less about the snack and would instead count down the hours until we were pulling juicy pieces of chicken apart and dunking it into those pan drippings.

The best part of our Friday nights was what followed an hour or so after dinner. Mom would have us hang out in our rooms and get our homework done so that way we could have the entire weekend dedicated to fun. While we were at it mom would be setting up the "party". A large blanket would be spread on the floor, TGIF (remember when ABC network use to have their Friday lineup?), and snacks galore. One of my favorite snacks was the popcorn! Mom would make Jell-O popcorn balls or buttered popcorn. Then we would spend the night watching Full House, Home Improvement, Family Matters, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Boy Meets World, and Hangin' with Mr. Cooper.

Looking forward to our Friday nights made the school weeks go by so much quicker with things to look forward to during the week. Just wait until I tell you more about Wednesday night family workouts and Survivor Thursdays where mom set up immunity challenges for us as a family. Unfortunately we weren't allowed to cast any members off our "island" though.

Itty bitty is only 2 1/2 but I'm already looking forward to carrying on these "traditions" my mom etched in my memory. It's Friday and I made Chocolate -Drizzled Popcorn to celebrate! Best of all it's in the Flat Belly Diet. A sweet ending to the week and beginning of the weekend!

Chocolate-Drizzled Popcorn

Flat Belly Diet Cookbook

Makes 4 Servings

Stars of the Show:

• 12 cups air popped popcorn - Easy to do with just a brown paper bag and the kernels!
• 1/2 cup roasted, unsalted, cashews
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

And Action:

Spread the popcorn and cashews on a large baking sheet.

Melt the chocolate in a small bowl over a saucepan of boiling water. Stir often until the chocolate is melted. While the chocolate is still hot use a spoon to drizzle the chocolate over the popcorn in a back and forth motion. Let cool at room temperature for about 20 minutes or until chocolate sets.

Make sure you have a paper towel nearby. Oh hell. Who am I kidding? Lick those babies clean!

Nutritional Information Per Serving:

MUFA: Cashews

Calories: 392

Protein: 7 g

Carbohydrates:  51 g

Fat: 22 g

Saturated Fat: 9 g

Cholesterol: 0 mg

Sodium: 9 mg

Fiber: 6 g

Linked this recipe to:


7 days down, 25 to go!!!

Pineapple and Pork Tacos with Avocado Crema

Mamas really do know so much. During my check in call with my mama about how the Flat Belly Diet is going for her I asked if she knew how to speed up the ripening process for the avocado I just bought. "Put it in a brown paper bag overnight." Before starting this diet I wouldn't have even been able to do that considering the fact that I've never had reason to buy brown paper bags before.

I pulled out the brown paper bag (I have them for the Popcorn Drizzled with Chocolate.) and placed my bright green avocado in the bag before bed. I woke up this morning to a black skinned avocado that was slightly tender to the touch. Magic I tell you!

My sights have been set on making these tacos as long as that Chicken Pad Thai was. The reason I wanted to make these Pineapple and Pork Tacos with Avocado Crema was because when I was 13 years old my brother and his wife came to visit us. We decided to take a day trip and visit Multnomah Falls and then head to the Dalles for kite flying. After a couple hours of kite flying we decided it was time for lunch. My brother suggested a taco stand he knew of and I had my first ever tacos al pastor. The pork and pineapple were a memorable combination. I have not found a better place for that kind of taco since. I don't even recall the name of the place or where it was located exactly. What 10 years does to the memory! After filling our bellies on these tacos we finished the day out by touring the "Fruit Loop" and hitting up every produce stand we came across. I even had my first taste of blackberry soda. The bounty of produce and memories we walked away with that day was unforgettable.

When I was reading through the Flat Belly Diet Cookbook and came across the recipe I immediately bookmarked it. The flood of memories came back. I miss my brother and his wife terribly. Too many miles between us. They are quite a duo. Always a party when they are around. Cupcake and dance parties! You're sure to feel like you've had a great abdominal workout after a visit with them from all of the laughs. I love them both so very much!

These tacos are a tad bit time consuming to make. Took about 45 minutes to prepare but so worth it. The serving size of 3 tacos left me uncomfortably stuffed but in a good way. It was one of those meals you keep eating because the punishment tastes so good. I can't get over how filling the foods are on this diet. I'm about an hour away from my next meal time and not even hungry yet.

Pan searing the pork tenderloin kept the cooking lean and it also intensified the sweetness of the pineapple. The pork was flavored beautifully and the ground cumin really stood out. The avocado crema was cool and refreshing. Next time I would leave out the sour cream though. I want to be able to taste the avocado (one of my favorite foods and I like to really taste it) and I felt the sour cream took over. I try to like corn tortillas because I knew they are a better choice but I still can't really say I'm crazy over them. With that all said these tacos truly were outstanding and packed a flavor punch. They are crave worthy. I think when I reheat the leftovers I will bake the corn tortillas into chips instead and make these as nachos. After the diet though I will use flour tortillas for the tacos.

These are a must try!

Pineapple and Pork Tacos with Avocado Crema

Flat Belly Diet

Makes 4 Servings

Stars of the Show:

• 2 tsp sugar
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp ground coriander
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground red pepper
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 12 oz pork tenderloin, trimmed and cut into 1/2" cubes
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 fresh pineapple, cored and sliced crosswise
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
• 12 corn tortillas (6" diameter), warmed according to package directions
• 1 avocado, mashed
• 2 tbsp fat free sour cream
• 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice
• 1/8 tsp salt

And Action:

To prepare the pork and pineapple: In a one-cup measuring cup mix the sugar, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, pepper, and salt. Mix half of the spices with the pork and toss with the oil. I did this in a ziploc bag. Mix the remaining spices with the pineapple. Let stand at room temperature for 15 minutes.

Prepare the avocado crema while the pork sits. Mix the avocado, sour cream, lime juice, and salt in a small bowl.

Coat a large nonstick skillet with olive oil spray and heat over medium-high heat for 2 minutes. Add the pork and cook, turning a couple of times, for 8 minutes or until browned and cooked through. Add the cilantro and toss to combine. Transfer to a plate and cover loosely to keep warm.

Add the pineapple to the pan and cook, turning a couple of times, for 3 to 4 minutes or until golden. Remove from the heat.

Assemble the tacos by placing 3 tortillas on each plate. Divide the pork and pineapple between each tortilla. Top with the avocado crema. Roll 'em up and enjoy!

Nutritional Information Per Serving:

MUFA: Avocado

Calories: 420

Protein: 24 g

Carbohydrates: 50 g

Fat: 16 g

Saturated Fat: 3 g

Cholesterol: 56 mg

Sodium: 310 mg

Fiber: 9 g

6 days down, 26 to go!!!