HEALTHY SNACKS FOR THE KIDDOS

So I've been fretting a bit lately over processed foods. Mainly snacks for the kiddos (and myself). So my solution (of late) is to try really hard to take more thought and care into buying and mainly making some heal thing options.

I gave up microwaving popcorn some time ago and really enjoy making our own on the stove. 

I make the munchkins lunch which usually consists of a sandwich of sorts (cheese, jam, sun butter, mini bagel with cream cheese), two choices of fruit (or fruit and veggie) something salty (i.e. tortilla chips) and something sweet (i.e my sister sends crates of Oreos for munchkin) she's a chocolate girl. And so am I for that matter.  Also, she's allergic to nuts.

So I'm trying really hard to replace the sweets with something home made. Last week I made these yummy chocolate chip banana muffins. And am going to attempt a healthier version Sunflower Seed Butter cookie. I'm no expert, but at thew send of the day, I'd just like to feel good about the things I'm giving my brood to eat. But I digress..

For snack,  I've been doing a couple of popcorn combos including this one. Popcorn (made with olive oil and kosher salt), pretzels and white grape raisins.


Some other combo ideas: chocolate chips, dried apricots, banana chips, dried cranberries. Looking for more ideas so please shoot me a note with any?

I like to decorate a brown paper bag with little notes or jokes or throw it in one of her little lunch boxes like this hello kitty one I grabbed from the dollar spot at Target.

Not little h is a whole different ball game. This little boy only eats 5 things. This short order cook routine is starting to get on my nerves..

xxB

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ONE LAST SUMMER SALAD | COOL AND CRUNCHY MELON SALAD

I will admit, I haven't lost any weight this summer. In fact I think I've gained a pound or two. In all my efforts to snack healthy during the day.. It all comes down to the Ben and Jerry's at bed time..  I also made the mistake of not doing summer camps with the kiddos which made tons of time to cross things off our summer bucket list, but also tons of time for impromptu ice cream and froyo stops..

But enough of my whining.. I"m hoping like heck that once school starts (less than a week to go -WOOT) the routine will get me back on track - fingers crossed.. In the mean time I wanted to share the recipe for this delicious salad.

The watermelon has been on sale as of late, so we've been stocking up. And I LOVE these crunchy english cucumbers.. the seeds are nearly non existent. A little olive oil, salt, pepper, and drizzle of lemon or lime juice is a super easy (and my favorite) way to dress a salad.

INGREDIENTS
- 1/2 cup watermelon cubes or balls (I scooped these out with a round measuring (table) spoon.
- handful of grapes
- 1/2 cup sliced (English) cucumber
- 1/2 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon or lime juice
- salt and pepper
- basil leaves

PREPARATION
Combine fruit and cucumbers. Drizzle with olive oil and (lime) juice. Season with salt and pepper. Stir to combine. Garnish with basil leaves.

I bet this would be so good with mint (instead of basil) and a little feta..

xxB

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BACK IN THE RING: FIGHTING THE BABY BULGE | HEALTHY SNACKING

this yumminess is what gets me in trouble every time. the perfect reward for meeting my first goal? 

me thinks so. recipe here via brooklyn supper.

for some summer is almost over but for me we aren't even half way there yet. Munchkin (and little h) still have about 6 weeks left Jesus Take the Wheel  before school starts. Which means plenty of time to cross things off of our summer bucket list and plenty of time to raid the refrigerator on a daily basis when we come in from galavanting through the city (and the back yard) all day.

H is two years old now.  Apparently I've lost 10 and then gained five pounds since this time last year. Booo! Hissss!

And I'm certain of the culprit. SNACKS and lack of exercise.

While I think I've done a decent job of maintaining I haven't yet gotten down to a weight I'm comfortable with (i.e. I can fit into the seven pairs of jeans I've anointed with oil and prayed over tucked away in my closet for safe keeping).

I can't totally get rid of the decadent and caloric snacks I have around the house, because unlike me, the other folks around here could stand to gain a few pounds. So in order to combat my wandering (to the snack cabinet) eye, I'll need to have some artillery of my own.

Cue the:

HEALTHY SNACK LIST:
-a hard boiled egg with a half cup of grapes
-a savory parfait made with two tablespoons of low fat cottage cheese, a quarter of an avocado chunks, and a table spoon of raisins.
-a packet of instant unsweetened oatmeal with cinnamon and chopped nuts
-hollowed out zucchini halves topped with guacamole
-a low fat Greek yogurt with a cup of your favorite berries
-a cup of baby carrots with two tablespoons of hummus
-Kind Bars
-a cup of steamed in the pod edamame
-a half cup of high fiber cereal with skim milk
-a 100 calorie pack of almonds and a banana
-a handful of whole wheat crackers and a wedge of laughing cow cheese, cucumbers

I've taken the liberty of creating a printable list to take to the grocery store here.

Keeping it real: My mom has gotten on the healthy eating and exercise kick and lost like 40 pounds?! If she fits into my jeans before I do, I may spiral into a deep depression. The good news is, my sister has gained a few pounds, so I'm not totally the chunky one anymore:-)

So lets set some goals…

First to lose 5 pounds. READY, SET, GO!

You in? #bhOPERATIONSKINNYJEANS

xxB

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MY FAVORITE BREAKFAST + HAPPY LIST

photos via me

I've been a bit anxious over the last week or so. Maybe the anticipation of having our parents visit last weekend. The school year is coming to a close and I am doing CAMP MOM (sans summer camps) which means my work load is about to double.  Also, I've been thinking a lot about my friendships and how they have changed over the last few years.. . Its been making me feel some kinda way:-/

So in an attempt to get some Woosa!! happening over here, I'm taking a moment to find my happy place. And hang out there for a bit. Listing a few simple joys that make me happy and are guaranteed to  put a smile on my face.

Stripy or polka dot straws and anything in a mason jar.

My hair when its freshly blown out (makes me feel vivacious.. raaawr!).

The biggest Iced Soy Chai Latte I can find (preferably dancing goats). Somehow I always seem to finish it before I get back to the car:-(

Manicured brows. They make me look like a human.

Kissing my babies on the lips while they are sleeping (that's weird I know).

When Tony rides his skate board (super sexy).

An early morning run all by my lonesome.

Fresh cut Peonies

A new hand bag to fill with a gazillion things. I've got my eye on this one.

Oh and this yumminess. Fage Greek Yogurt, Apples, Pecans, Cinnamon, a drizzle of honey. I  eat it almost every day.

What's your happy list? Ooooh! link back to me and tag #bhcohappylist (bunnie hilliard and co happy list).. OOH or top five in the comments!! I'd love to know.

xx,
Bunnie

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HEALTHY SNACKING: ASIAN QUINOA SALAD

I'm starving over here. As I try to shed some pounds for the summer (and for good), I realize how much of a snacker I really am. I mean its really bad. Not just a handful of nuts, try 5. I've been trying to find some healthy snacks that are a bit more filling and stumbled upon this yumminess. I love nothing more than throwing together something tasty from a bunch of things I already have in my fridge. I had some leftover quinoa from this soup along with some fresh and frozen veggies - pulled this together quite quickly while little h was napping. SO GOOD.

ASIAN QUINOA SALAD

ingredients:

1 cup cooked quinoa
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup shelled and cooked edamame
1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
1/2 cup shredded carrots
1 cup diced cucumber

For the dressing:
1/4 cup lite soy sauce or teriyaki sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
2 tablespoons chopped green onion
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
1/4 teaspoon minced ginger
1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Salt and black pepper, to taste

directions:

1. Place the quinoa in a large bowl and add the cabbage, edamame, red pepper, carrots, and cucumber. Set aside.

3. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice wine vinegar, green onions, cilantro, sesame seeds, ginger, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.

4. Pour the dressing over the quinoa salad and stir to combine.

**This salad is good served at room temperature or chilled.

adapted from this recipe

Any suggestions on healthy snacks would be greatly appreciated. I'm also considering hypnosis. You are getting veeerrry sleeeepppyy… step away from the oreooos.. now.

xx,

Bunnie

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Battle of the Baby Bulge - Checking In

I had major minor set back at the beach a couple of weeks ago. Ice Cream and Cocktails (see link) daily. Way too much fun!! But now I'm back to business. 

I'm in a good place now.  Instead of arm wrestling with the cupcakes and rocky road, I'm preparing healthy foods ahead of time so that I'm not scrounging and eating whatever is around to satisfy my hunger. I have a cookie every now and again, but I've convinced myself that I dont need FIVE.

Oh and Zone Boot Camp. I've been kicking butt on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday (weather permitting) at 5:45 AM with some AWESOME and ENCOURAGING folks! Building stamina, and strength, and patience. Its an awesome start to the day (me time before anyone else is even awake!!). Makes me feel like I've already kicked the days patooty (Bring It!) and the rest will be a piece of cake.  The trainers are AMAZING. I missed today because of the monsoon yesterday. They are hard core and I wasn't up for rolling around in the mud early this morning. I took the kids out for a jog with the double stroller in lieu of. Looking forward to hitting it hard on Monday.

In the mean time:

What things are looking like over here:

Breakfast: A banana, turkey sausage, coffee, water....
Snack: Half of an avocado on wheat toast (a dash of sea salt). SO DOG GONE YUMMY!
Lunch: Tuna on Romaine or just tuna salad with light mayo, onion, fresh herbs and hard boiled egg.
Snack: Berry Smoothie (see link for recipe)
Dinner: Roasted chicken, cabbage, and sweet potatoes

Starting Weight: 143 (see link)
Current Weight: 132

The narcissist in me really wants to be in the low 120's but I'd be satisfied with 125.  I'm only 5'2 (and three fourths!) so that would make me happy. Is this too much information? Just trying to keep it real.

Only Crazy People Pose For Pics Like This?

(Cover Up: Ann Mashburn, Sunglasses: Target)

Whatcha got up for the weekend? Any tips for keeping it tight?

xx,
Bunnie

p.s. the husband found out he inadvertently loss 15 pounds (with out even noticing or trying). i could scratch him:-)

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Easy {Flavorful} Sautéed Kale - Bunnie's Recipe Box

The munchkin agreed this was very lovely, but she much preferred a fruit salad. I obliged her. But for the rest of us, this (plus roasted chicken and sweet potatoes) was SUPER YUM.

Kale is all the rage now. In salads, smoothies.. I think some people are even smearing it on their faces?!  If you are trying to get it into your diet regularly, or give it a try for the first time, this is quick and easy, and super flavorful.

Some people like to remove the stems, but I prefer them.

Add this one to your 30 mins or less recipe file.

Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds young kale, stems and leaves coarsely chopped
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1/2 cup vegetable stock or water
Salt and pepper
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
Handful of diced roma tomatoes

Directions
Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and cook until soft, but not colored. Raise heat to high, add the stock and kale and toss to combine. Cover and cook for 5 minutes. Remove cover toss in diced tomatoes and continue to cook, stirring until all the liquid has evaporated. Season with salt and pepper to taste and add vinegar.

Any quick, easy, and flavorful side dishes you can share?

xx,
Bunnie

Real {Moms} Women - Making Their Mark - Lindsay H. Hill

Hooray! Its a beautiful March day, the sun is shining, little h is napping and I am grateful to be able to share an inspiring series I'll be doing this month.

In honor of celebrating Women's History and Awareness Month Ive decided to reach out to a few ladies, entrepreneurs, moms, friends who inspire and encourage me to live my best life now. They are creating and defining success for themselves and making their mark!  And you can too... Just like:

Lindsay H. Hill
Mom of two boys, Owner and Health and Nutrition Coach of InHabit Health and new author of the upcoming book: The Get Real Diet - Say Goodbye to Processed Food, Learn to Love Whole Food, and Never Worry about Your Weight Again.


What were you doing career wise when you decided to create your own business?
I had recently stopped teaching Pilates and was primarily a stay-at-home mom but I was craving a different challenge, a more intellectual one.

What’s a typical day in the life?

No day is the same. I grab moments when I can (when the boys are playing happily rather than fighting, during nap time, during their allotted television time each day) to promote my business and write. A few nights a week I work between the dinner hour and the bedtime hour. I hire help about ten hours a week and use that time to exercise and work in addition to running errands and all the things every mom has to do every day. The thing about being a stay at home parent is that the weekends and weekdays all feel the same – up early and things to do! While it can be taxing, I also find it gives me freedom to work when I feel like it, which may be early Saturday morning or late Tuesday night. I am lucky to be able to do what I love and be with my kids, and I count my blessings every day. 

What’s your advice on balancing being a mom and a business owner?   

I am not the breadwinner of my family so for me personally there is no doubt that the children are my first priority. For women who contribute equally to the family finances or make the majority of the family’s income, this can be a real struggle and I have a lot of respect for women who are able to balance both. I have had weeks where I felt like I was poor parent because I was focused on writing my book or meeting a deadline and weeks where I felt like I couldn’t compete in the business world because I was a stay-at-home mom.  All I know is that you have to be kind to yourself and others and if you can do both of these things most of the time, you are doing your best. Women tend to feel guilty more than we should. Sometimes you can’t change the facts of your life but you can change how you handle stress and process your emotions in a more productive way.

What was your biggest obstacle?

My biggest obstacle is and probably always will be my lack of motivation to make big money. I was a very high achieving student and worked hard to get good grades, but I have never felt the need to be a big financial success and sometimes this stops me from going that extra step. My husband laughs because he says I crave the praise or “the good review” more than money and he’s probably right. Fortunately for us, he’s the opposite so it all works out!

How did you maintain your confidence when doors where closed in your face or things seemed like it might not happen?

I’m working on that right now.  I’m self-publishing my book through an Amazon subsidiary and due partly to my own naïveté about the process and partly to missed deadlines and mistakes on the design team’s side, it’s taking a lot longer than I thought to get done. I’m trying to tell myself it doesn’t matter because I know the content is good, but I am a little embarrassed that I said the book would be available for purchase by now and it’s not (as of March 2nd).

Where do you work from?

I write from home but meet coaching clients wherever works best for them.

How have you been using Social Media to grow your business?

Absolutely! It’s a lifesaver for someone like me who doesn't have the time (or the personality type) to pound the pavement and drive sales the old fashioned way. However, I think myself and others can fall into a trap of hiding behind social media rather than putting ourselves out there. Once the book is out, I plan to do a mix of events and social media to spread the word.

Do you have any role models that inspire you in your business? What about them inspires you?

There are a lot of people out there doing great work in this field. Certainly Michael Pollan’s books were a huge inspiration to me a few years ago when I discovered his writing and subsequently changed my approach to a balanced, healthy diet. And I am always impressed by the people who work very hard without high pay for non-profits like The Environmental Working Group (www.ewg.org) and Local Harvest (www.localharvest.org) that are dedicated to making the world and it’s inhabitants healthier.

What’s your best healthy living advice?
Eat well. Start every day with a healthy breakfast that contains protein to boost your metabolism and healthy fat to satisfy you. Set a good example for your children by avoiding junk food. Be sure to move. You don’t have to hit the gym to be fit. Walk to a park instead of drive, chase the kids a bit. If you see housework as an opportunity to burn calories, it makes it go by faster!

Stay tuned for the upcoming release of Lindsays book which should provide excellent ideas to get healthier this year (its not too late!) and will be a great aid in my battle of the baby bulge.


My favorite thing about Lindsay is she speaks her mind and keeps it REAL. Oh and she's hilarious!


You can follow her here:

twitter.com/inhabithealth
facebook.com/inhabithealth
www.inhabithealth.com

xx,
Bunnie

True Story/Smoothie Recipe

So a very good friend has been visiting while interviewing in the city the past week or so. With that she has also been getting the inside scoop on what really goes down in Bunnieville. Hair in a bun, cute boots, some lipstick and I'm off to be Super Mom!  The 530am wake ups, smelly poopy clothes, cleaning like a Hebrew slave all day, smart mouthed kids, and a husband who will eat chocolate peanuts for dinner if I dont cook all while carrying an extra 20lbs (in an Ergo strapped to my chest). 


Then after hours, a little work, a little yoga, and quiet trips to the book store, a glass of wine in the evenings. 


Ah.. the life right? NOPE. 


I thought I was showing her how a real Glamamom, can DO IT ALL. So I asked, do you think you'd want to leave corporate and to be at home with kids someday. Her reply, "absolutely not." "Well maybe with one child, but definitely not two." "It looks like much more fun when reading your blog." 


Oh.


I guess the secrets out. I think I said too much during one of our evening talks over wine.  


In the interim, I will continue to run around like a crazy person all day. Pretend to have "me" time in the evenings..  and put pretty pictures on the blog. Whatever helps you sleep at night right?


Speaking of which, here's a quick smoothie recipe I've been putting together. I got a new Cuisinart Smart Stick Hand Blender, and I think I can make almost anything with it. Its my fave.


xx,


Bunnie