~*HAPPY BLOGIVERSARY!*~

How time flies! 

Although June-December 2010 I did a grand total of 4 blog posts, never looked at any other blogs but my own, and had no clue about blogging, it has been a whole year since my first post on June 30th, 2010!

*First postie: My New Fav Breakfast*

You Have to *CHANGE IT UP* in your work outs and your food

Goooodmorning!  I don't work till noon-thirty today so I got to sleep in today..and sleep is good! :-)

Anyways...
I admit that I can get into a bit of a routine with my workouts and my food.  But it really does help to *change it up* in both categories!

Who says you can't have *PIZZA*??

Good evening,

Pizza seems to be one of those "diet" no-nos.  Sure, a lot of pizza places load it with fat and grease but that is the case with a lot of fast-foods.

There are ways to make pizza...semi-healthy :-)

I couldn't resist today at the grocery store when I saw the FRESH pizza's the store's chefs make.  I had to snag a hamburger pizza!  Although I usually cook just for me or me and the BF...(the BF is outa town for THREE WEEKS!!!)...I decided to get the pizza and hopefully freeze part of it and eat leftovers!  Somehow I still managed to buy a cartfull of groceries...all pour moi:

*Applesauce* Cookies are POSSIBLE

Happy Saturday everyone!!  It was a rainy morning so I didn't have to go into work at the farmer's market!  (Woo-Hoo)


Sometimes I like to EXPERIMENT with baking...which is a tricky thing because baking is a science.

I bought some CRAISINS at the store the other day...thinking I should use them somehow.  That's how it started.

I decided to make Oatmeal Craisin Cookies but then I thought...why not go further?  My grandma makes cookies with APPLESAUCE sometimes...so I got to googling!

One gal said that baking with applesauce was a DISASTER.  I thought I'd still go for it (grandma does it after all) and I substituted the stick of butter (1/2 Cup) with the same amount of applesauce.  Applesauce can also be substituted for sugar...but that makes me a little wary of how the texture of sugar vs. applesauce will translate.  Like I said, it's a SCIENCE.

So...I made some
OATMEAL CRAISIN APPLESAUCE COOKIES

Firstly, I mixed the egg and applesauce together..and it looked pretty! :-)

 I like to chop up my craisins because I actually don't care for the texture (this is why I don't like raisins)...but I found that if I chop them up it works out and they are more distributed throughout the dough.

 These were really sticky and juicy and stuck to my knife!

After chopping the craisins I added my floury mix (store bought oatmeal for quick cookie-making) and then kept adding chopped Craisins...about 1 cup.

I also added about a cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips...because what can I say...I love me some chocolate!!

 

I baked these yummy guys at 350 degrees for 9 minutes...I usually start at 8 then experiment with the time after that cause I like em chewy!!

The texture WAS noticeable different and not as flavorful sans butter, but hey they weren't a disaster like one blogger said and I think they are scrumptious!  They will be perfect with my bedtime green tea!  :-)  I like the Lipton Mixed Berry with a little bit o' honey.

That is all for today folks!  It's time to get to some Nutrition homework!  (Hopefully an informative blog post will follow.)

Have you ever tried baking with applesauce?

What other substitutions have you made to a recipe (that were or were not a disaster)?

*Proteinaholics*

How much protein do you get each day?

https://www.fitday.com/

This is a site that we used to figure out all of our caloric intake as well as protein, fat, carbs, etc in my online Nutrition class. I got way more protein than I needed the day I recorded my calorie intake. My total protein intake for June 9th (a typical eating day) was 82.8grams of protein.

I just learned today of a formula to figure out how much protein we need each day.

LET'S DO SOME MATH!

Take your weight (if you are over OR underweight, check out a BMI chart and go with a number in the healthy portion. I know there are certain issues with the BMI chart, but basically unless you are a body builder or an intense weight lifter, the BMI charts are usually decent)




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My weight=105lbs (normal for my height…shorty here!)

Convert weight to kilograms

105lbs x 1lb/2.2kg = 48kg rounded

Now multiply this number times .8grams/kg to get your total

My total= 38grams

SAY WHAT? My recommended intake is 38grams and I TOOK IN 82.8grams on a typical day!! Holy buckets (as my friend Susie would say)!!

HOWEVER:

On that same website from above, it shows my caloric intake needs and I seem to be right on track! On the website, you can set your “lifestyle” activity level (I put mine to “sitting with some movement”) and then you can add workouts in. My daily recommended caloric intake is about 2200 calories. Numbers numbers numbers!

According to my textbook our calories should come from:

Carbs: 45-65%
Fat: 20-35%
Protein: 10-35%

Mine on June 9th are: (I am seriously proud because these are on the money!)

Carbs: 50%
Fat: 28%
Protein: 22%

Go figure. Daily activity really does play a part in the amount of food we need to put into our bodies! :-)

But in general, in the good ol' U.S. of A. we tend to be protein junkies. 
With all of the high-protein-low-carb diets out there (Atkins, Zone Diet, Protein Power, Going Carnal)...why wouldn't the average uninformed person believe that carbs are bad and protein (in any quantity) is good?

Protein is good,






• It is a major component of hair and nails.  You can definitely tell if someone isn't getting enough protein.
• Protein builds and repairs muscles and is especially handy after hard workouts.
• Our bodies also use proteins to make enzymes and hormones.
• Protein even makes us feel full and satisfied.

 



Protein is good, but

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• A lot of the protein we get is loaded with saturated fat, which is not good (more on that later). 

• When our body has more protein than it can handle, it is stored as fat as well!  This is a concern to the American Heart Association because too much fat in our body clogs our arteries!! (High Protein Diets)
• Too much protein and we won't have room in our bellies for other nutrients from veggies and fruits therefore missing out on essential vitamins.

Web MD The Benefits of Protein says this on the recommended amounts:

"For older children, teen girls, active women, and most men, the guidelines give the nod to two daily servings for a total of six ounces.

Everyone who eats an eight-ounce steak typically served in restaurants is getting more protein that their bodies need. Plus they're getting a hefty amount of artery-clogging saturated fat as well."

So...

• Don't get more than your recommended amount of protein in a day
• Try to get your protein from more than one source, such as lean meats, beans, and whole grains.




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• Check out this site and input your info!https://www.fitday.com/  What are your stats??

Questions, comments? 
Let me know!

Have a great weekend!! :-)



Busy Weekend and Back to Work!! :-)

Good Afternoon,

I have a tendancy to write a blog post when I should be doing homework...and if you guessed that I am procrastinating now...YOU ARE CORRECT!!

I was in my sweet friend "Shlee"'s wedding this weekend and it was so amazing!

We started Friday off with mani and pedi's and then had some delish Panera's.

http://www.paneranutrition.com/

CHECK THIS SITE OUT BEFORE YOU GO TO PANERA!  Unless you prefer not to know the crazy calories going into your body.

I only had half of the Sierra Turkey, but it was a good amount of calories for one meal!

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Guess what the calorie count was?  (Did you really take a guess?)

Whole sandwich:
Calories: 920 yowza!!
Fat: 49g
Protein: 40g
Sodium: 1900mg

Chipolte Mayo Spread: 300 calories!!  I will order this on the side for sure next time!!

Get black coffee at Panera and add your own sweetner...your bod will thank you!

I was wired on coffee from Panera so I actually got some Nutrition studying in (my book came in!!) and a load of laundry before the rehersal dinner!

I opened up to the chapter we were on this past week and got SO EXCITED because this is what I love: The BALANCE of healthy and enjoyment out of food (and life).  This particular chapter is about Lipids (fats) so much info!  Will have to share later (after I get the homework done!).

Saturday was the b-e-a-UTIFUL wedding outdoors.  You know it's a good wedding when you need tissues!  I took many pictures but since I don't generally put pics of people up...these are some I'd like to share with you all!

Cupcake dress

The groom's mom MADE all of these!



Bride and Groom



[Update: more pics with peeps!  I've gotten less paranoid about putting pics up!]

Beautiful bride and me

Chili's friends

Junior-high dancing

Lace and Nammy

Me and BF.  This was taken on his camera and when I transferred it from his usb stick it was labeled "good one."  Awww!!

Perfect wedding!!  Classy and yet casual.  Congrats John and Shlee! :-)

Time to learn about Amino Acids (protein).

What are your perfect wedding must-haves?

Have you ever learned of an outrageous caloric count for a fav food?

Let me know how you like my blog!!

Get-to-know-me

Hey bloggies!


Decided to go in a different direction today...I saw someone post a get-to-know you quiz and I thought why not!  Check out my answers and feel free to copy-paste and give me your answers!

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT?

Turkey! I get it every time at subway!

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DO YOU HAVE KIDS?

Nope but someday! The mom just told me recently she was excited for grandkids soon...

IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?

I love this question and I sure hope I would be! I think I am a good friend but I can definitely say I can be hard to get to know.

DO YOU USE SARCASM ALOT?

Yes and that’s not necessarily a good thing

DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS?

Yes

WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP?

Maybe...I am not afraid of roller coasters and I have done the ripcord before but something about hanging there upside down weirds me out.

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DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF?

Not unless they are my “good” gym shoes.  (Asics!!)

DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG?

Yes, have you seen my guns?

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM?

This girl is lactose intollerant, but when I steal a few bites from someone I hope it has cookie dough or heath bar in it.

WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE ?

Hmmm eyes? And if they are smiling or not.

RED OR PINK?

PINK

WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING?

Well they are black shorts due to the A/C being broken temporarily and no shoes.

WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE ?

A left over cupcake

See Baking Machine Post :-)

WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?

The crazy birds out my window

FAVORITE SMELLS?

Any kind of Christmas smells like cinnamon and baked cookies.




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WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE?

My dad

FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH?

False

HAIR COLOR?

Blondish

EYE COLOR?

Blue

DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS?

Yes- but sporting the glasses as of now

LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED?

How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days

WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING?

Cerulean (blue)

SUMMER OR WINTER?

How about spring? I like the spring weather AND my bday is in the spring!

HUGS OR KISSES?

Hugs are alwas a good thing; I like hugs AND kisses from the BF.

FAVORITE DESSERT?

Any kind of cookies!

WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW?

In between books...but about to start reading my book for Nutrition in the Lifecycle Class.  It is on it's way from amazon now!

WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD?

I have a laptop so no mouse pad needed!

WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED AND WHY?

Monday after work because my boss treated me like an idiot and hey, I am an intelligent and capable person so it’s frustrating to be demeaned.

I love hearing from you!  Feel free to comment or e-mail me at semihealthnut@yahoo.com.

Have a healthy day!

Linking up to A Few of my Favorite Things

BaKiNg MACHINE + Party Tips: Don't over-do it

Good evening,

My BF's graduation party was yesterday!  Happy graduation to him!!  He graduated with a degree in Engineering and already had a job set up for him at an amazing and successful company where he started management training this past week.  SO. PROUD. OF. HIM.  He worked so hard at his schooling and applying for this job that he deserved an AMAZING party with DELISH goodies.  :-)

I made some crazy cupcakes...

Confetti cupcakes that I tried to dye red...for school colors



I used gel icing for the lettering and I do not recommend it...hard to use and then SUPER runny later on.



Cinnamon and chocolate sprinkles

and delectable oreo balls...

 

I smash the oreos with a rolling pin in a ziplock bag about 5 at a time.  You have to be careful though because after awhile the bag gets weak and can tear.

 I add one small container of cream cheese to the bag and smoosh it all together.  Then I put it in the fridge for at least an hour before rolling the balls because it can get messy!  I made the middle of the oreos two days in advance and stored the oreos in the freezer so I could break up the amount of time I spent in the kitchen with all of the goodies I made AND it makes it a little easier to work with.

 Decorate with almond bark!  :-) (Use the instructions on the bag and don't overheat the bark!)  And of course make sure to put sprinkles, etc. before it dries and hardens.

AND chocolate covered oreos for the grad party....

Much faster to just dip the whole oreo in the almond bark.  I tried to do a vanilla chocolate swirl in the bark if you can tell.

The oreo balls and almond covered oreos went FAST.  I'm glad I took the time and effort to make them..there were still quite a few cupcakes leftover (anybody want one? just kidding..but seriously).  I made a TON of them thinking those would be the only sweets there but it turns out BF's mom made her famous rice krispie treats AND lemon bars AND BROWNIES!  Can we say sugar high??!

*Little grad party food-fun anecdotes*:
At grad parties there is usually A TON of food!  What to choose from?? 

• First of all, I always grab the smallest plates for food.  Why?  It's one of those weird brain things.  We like to load our plates, and when the plate is small, well, limited space.  You can usually go back for more food but this just helps to portion.  Never pick food off here and there!  Always use a plate so you know how much you have eaten!  
• There are usually fruits and veggies, so I grab a plate of those first and maybe some cheese. 
• Then I get a main protein dish (sloppy joes was on my second plate). 
• When I am done with fruits, veggies and the main dish...I put my desired dessert on the plate and savor it. 

~*You CAN enjoy grad party food without going overboard!*~

My dad also hired me to make him and his co-workers some cookies for their work outing on Friday...

I went with a simple oatmeal mix from a bag and chocolate chips...easy and pleasing to the taste buds.

Well, this girl is all baked out for a little while!  We will see how long that lasts...

How was your weekend?  Any graduation parties?

What do you do to be food-smart at parties?