Recipe type: Fat Flush Drink

Recipe type: Fat Flush Drink
Author: Kim Lyons
Prep time: 10 mins
Total time: 10 mins
Serves: 1

This is a great concoction to mix up and drink three times a day or more if you choose! This recipe is for one serving ONLY.

Ingredients

• Ingredients, per 8-ounce serving  
• Water
• 1 slice grapefruit
• 1 tangerine
• ½ cucumber, sliced
• 2 peppermint leaves
• Ice – as much as you like

Instructions

1.Wash grapefruit, tangerine cucumber and peppermint leaves. Slice cucumber, grapefruit and tangerine (or peel). Combine all ingredients (fruits, vegetables, 8 oz water, and ice) into a large pitcher.

2.Stir & Enjoy!

Notes Triple the entire recipe to prepare enough for the entire day! This recipe makes one 8 ounce serving, triple this recipe if you intend to make enough for the entire day. 8 ounces of the fat flush drink, three times a day = 24 ounces needed for entire day. Again, you CAN eat the ingredients if you so choose, but they are mainly there for the taste. Drink 8 ounces before each meal 3 x’s a day for 10 days.








Just Me
©2006-2012 emptynester, all rights reserved.

Fat Flushing Recipes

Fat Flushing Recipes! Flush Fat With These 5 Delicious Drinks!


Fat Flush Water. Yes, that is the real name. The fat flush water was introduced by Kim Lyons, who introduced this concoction on The Biggest Loser, combined with other weight loss tips. The drink is comprised of Water, 1 slice of grapefruit,1 tangerine, ½ of a cucumber (sliced), 2 peppermint leaves, and ice. Mix together in and enjoy. You should consume at least 8 ounces at least three times a day. Kim adds that this drink tastes better the longer it sits. The vitamin C turns fat into fuel, while the tangerine increases your sensitivity to insulin, and the cucumber makes you feel full. Try this fat flush water for the next 10 days and see how great you feel.

Cranwater. We all know water is a diuretic and great for the entire body, but combined with cranberry juice, it’s a great fat and water flushing drink. Combine 56 ounces of water and 8 ounces of 100% cranberry juice, mix together and drink throughout the day. Make sure it is 100% cranberry juice and nothing else added. The cranberry juice contains high levels of organic acids, and when consumed on a regular basis may help your body actually dissolve fatty deposits.

Grapefruit Juice. Fresh squeezed grapefruit juice is one of the best things for your body. Grapefruits contain high amounts of Vitamin C, which helps your body detoxify naturally. This drink helps your liver detoxify and can do the job it was meant to do – detoxify and metabolize your body!

Water. Yes, we know what a shock! Plain old water! But, truly your body needs plenty of water to facilitate the breakdown of fat in your body. Drinking AT LEAST your weight in ounces of water will help flush out toxins and keep you energized, enabling your body to perform at it’s best. Keep in mind, drinking tons of water is not the answer to losing weight, you still need a proper diet and exercise regime, but it will keep your body clean and pure and allow all of your organs to work properly and do the job they were intended to do, instead of working overtime to keep your body going.

Green Tea. Green tea is one of the most famous fat flushing drinks. Like cranberry juice, green tea is extremely high in antioxidants. It is known for helping many dieters lose fat quicker than usual when consumed 2-3 times a day. Green tea not only flushes fat, but also is packed with other helpful benefits for your body.

These 5 drinks can be consumed throughout the day to help you flush fat quickly along with the proper diet and exercise program. These drinks won’t work miracles alone, but are a great start and will help increase the benefits of a healthy diet and cardio regimen.





Just Me
©2006-2012 emptynester, all rights reserved.

Late Night Snacking

Came across this and want to place where I would find it.

Best Late-Night Snacks

Popcorn Popcorn is a great late night snack as long as it is air popped and not topped with fattening butter. That doesn't mean it has to be flavorless, however. Before you curl up to watch a movie with a bowl full of popcorn, sprinkle it with toppings like cayenne pepper or cinnamon, which will add taste without fat or calories.

Cottage Cheese Cottage cheese is a good choice for a late night snack due to its high protein and low sugar content. It's even better if you can find some that has live cultures.

Greek Yogurt Greek yogurt is a better choice as a late night snack than regular yogurt because it is lower in sugar and has about twice as much protein. You can also add sliced fruit for extra flavor and an added healthy kick such as pomegranate, papaya, strawberries, blueberries or whatever you choose! NOT A FAN OF GREEK .. PASS

Dark Chocolate If you have a late-night sugar craving, dark chocolate is a good choice because it has less sugar than other chocolate choices. It is also high in antioxidants.

Pretzels If you feel like you need some carbs late at night, pretzels are a good choice due to their filling nature. You can have enough to fill you up without racking up many calories. Opt for the multi grain kind for an even better health benefit.

Crackers Multi grain crackers are the best choice for some healthy fiber and carbs to fill you up before bedtime.

Cheese Quesadilla A cheese quesadilla is a good choice as a late night snack if you use a tortilla that is high in fiber, giving it a good balance of protein and healthy carbs to silence your rumbling stomach.

Bananas Bananas are a good late-night snack, not only because they are healthy and filling, but also because they are a good source of tryptophan, which can help promote a restful sleep.

Oatmeal Oatmeal is an excellent choice for a nighttime snack because it is full of healthy fiber, plus oats are a good source of melatonin and tryptophan, both of which promote sleep.

Frozen Blueberries Frozen blueberries are so tasty you can eat them like candy and not feel guilty. They are high in antioxidants, fiber and tons of vitamins!



I try not to snack late at night. But least these will be helpful reminder.


Just Me
©2006-2012 emptynester, all rights reserved.

Rambling, Recipes, Weight Loss

I have gotten where I just do see the sense in cooking. I just cook for me. Boy never eats here. He is always on the go. (Though his checking account shows :( it.) The hub he eats on the run. Mostly he sleeps and works. So I have got to where I just do not see the reason to cook. Though it has stalled my weight loss journey I am on. So today I decided to set goals for myself. (Haven't made them yet, but they will be there soon .. ha)

I did go to store tonight and picked up some items to try 2 new recipes. I have really been diggin the seafood. I eat it at least 2-4 times a week. I had been eating Tilapia. But now I am craving the Salmon. I looked around to find a recipe to change around (healthier) of the Salmon Patties mom makes. I found this one I am going to change up a bit and try it.
Then of course I am still big on the Sweet Potato. I tried the Sweet Potato Fries BK has right now, and though good. Last couple times they were limp and soggy. So again I went on a hunt to find another option. HERE

So that is what's for Dinner tomorrow night.

Temps are climbing back into the triple digits. I can not even remember when it has rained. Sprinkles here & there maybe. But a good soaking .. not for a while.

Still trying to recover from last week and helping mom with all the nieces and nephew. Though really I just had the 2 year old most of the time. I did take the all three girls to the movies a couple times. It was crazy. No one should have that many unruly children under one roof. (That is nothing but bad parenting. PLAIN and SIMPLE)

Plus all that going on, Hub was on Vacation. So tiring week for sure. I am thinking early night tonight.

I did a much better job tracking my food today. Plus I got up and walked like I should everyday. So that is another Plus. So today ended up not being a bad day.

:)


Just Me
©2006-2012 emptynester, all rights reserved.

Oven Sweet Potato Fries

Oven Sweet Potato Fries
From EatingWell: EatingWell Serves Two

2 servings
Active Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cut into wedges
• 2 teaspoons canola oil
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Pinch of cayenne pepper

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 450°F. Toss sweet potato wedges with oil, salt and pepper. Spread the wedges out on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake until browned and tender, turning once, about 20 minutes total.

Nutrition

Per serving: 122 calories; 5 g fat ( 0 g sat , 3 g mono ); 0 mg cholesterol; 19 g carbohydrates; 0 g added sugars; 2 g protein; 3 g fiber; 323 mg sodium; 429 mg potassium.
Carbohydrate Servings: 1
Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 fat



Just Me
©2006-2012 emptynester, all rights reserved.

Baked Salmon Cakes

Baked Salmon Cakes
4 ServingsPrep/Total Time: 30 min.

Ingredients

• 1 can (14-3/4 ounces) salmon, drained, bones and skin removed
• 1-1/2 cups soft whole wheat bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup finely chopped sweet red pepper
• 1/2 cup egg substitute
• 3 green onions, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup finely chopped celery
• 1/4 cup minced fresh cilantro
• 3 tablespoons fat-free mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon hot pepper sauce

• SAUCE:
• 2 tablespoons fat-free mayonnaise
• 1/4 teaspoon capers, drained
• 1/4 teaspoon dill weed
• Dash lemon juice

Directions

• In a large bowl, combine the first 11 ingredients. Place 1/3 cup salmon mixture into eight muffin cups coated with cooking spray. Bake at 425° for 10-15 minutes or until a meat thermometer reads 160°. 

• Meanwhile, combine the sauce ingredients. Serve with salmon.
• Yield: 4 servings. 

Nutrition Facts: 2 salmon cakes with 1-1/2 teaspoons sauce equals 266 calories, 9 g fat (2 g saturated fat), 48 mg cholesterol, 914 mg sodium, 17 g carbohydrate, 3 g fiber, 28 g protein.

© Taste of Home 2012

--------
Going to tweek this recipe. Removing the crossed of things. Will come back & post how it goes. Not sure how it will change the Calorie Count but working on that.

Just Me
©2006-2012 emptynester, all rights reserved.Bake Salmon Cakes

Recipe: Slow Cooking Enchiladas

Slow Cooking Enchiladas

Yields: 6 servings | Serving size: 1 enchilada | Calories: 249 | Total Fat: 6 g | Saturated Fats: 2 g | Trans Fats: 0 g | Cholesterol: 26 mg | Sodium: 470 mg | Carbohydrates: 31 g | Dietary fiber: 2 g | Sugars: 0 g | Protein: 18 g

Time: hours 4-6 Temp: low Yield: servings 8 Minimum Crock Pot size: 5-6 quarts


Ingredients
•2 half chicken breasts
•1 (16 oz.) red enchilada sauce (no sugar added)
•1 (4 oz.) can green chile peppers
•1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
•1 teaspoon cumin
•1 teaspoon chili powder
•1/2 teaspoon black pepper
•1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, reduced fat
•1 (8 oz.) container sour cream, fat free
•6 whole wheat tortillas, low sodium
•

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place chicken breast on the bone, with skin, in a covered baking dish, bake until juices run clear when pierced with a fork, about 45 minutes. Chicken should have reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees. Allow to cool. Remove skin and bones, discard. Shred chicken or cut into bite size cubes.

In a medium mixing bowl, add chicken, garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, black pepper and salt to taste. Add to seasoned chicken, green chile peppers, 1/2 cup of enchilada sauce, 1/2 cup sour cream and 1/2 cup cheese, mix well. Place 1/2 cup chicken mixture in the center of each tortilla, leave about 2” at the bottom without filling and fold up lengthwise. Continue until all 8 tortillas are filled.

Lightly spray the bottom and sides of the slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray. Lay enchiladas seam side down in the slow cooker, add a little of the sauce below to each layer as you stack them. There should be 3 layers.

Combine the remaining enchilada sauce and 1/2 cup sour cream. Pour over the enchiladas, cover and cook on low 3-4 hours, or until hot and bubbly. Cut between each enchilada and carefully remove, one at a time, with a large spatula. Sprinkle with remaining cheese and any liquid still in the slow cooker, after removing enchiladas. Garnish with diced tomatoes and shredded lettuce.


Just Me
©2006-2012 emptynester, all rights reserved.

Recipe: Tex Mex Style Mac & Cheese

Tex-Mex Style Macaroni & Cheese



Yields: 4 servings Serving size: 1 cup Calories: 185 Total Fat: 2 g Saturated Fats: 1 g Trans Fats: 0 g Cholesterol: 4 mg Sodium: 451 mg Carbohydrates: 30 g Dietary fiber: 6 g Sugars: 12 g Protein: 8 g

Ingredients
•8 ounces (dry) whole wheat macaroni
•1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained
•1 (24 ounce) jar Picante sauce, no sugar added
•1 teaspoon cumin
•1 teaspoon chili powder
•1/2 teaspoon black pepper
•kosher or sea salt to taste
•1 cup 2% sharp cheddar cheese, grated (block cheese is best)

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Cook macaroni according to package instructions, drain. Combine in a large mixing bowl, cooked macaroni and remaining ingredients. Add to medium casserole dish, spread evenly, bake approximately 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly. Add additional cheese if desired.




Just Me
©2006-2012 emptynester, all rights reserved.

Heat Wave BROKE

Heat Wave finally broke. It has been horrible. I can not wait (yeah really can) for the electric bill to come in for this.

10 long days. It's been 10 consecutive days at 100 or hotter. That's 2nd best to the record for consecutive days of 100 or hotter of 13 set in 1936. The hottest of this stretch was Thursday June 28th at 108 (the hottest day since the 1950s). 8 of those 10 days set record high temperatures. Also, this is the warmest start to a year on record (through July 7th)

And all this comes after last year's 4th hottest summer on record and 2010's 5th hottest summer on record.

Below are the daily highs for this heat wave with an R next to any new record high temperatures for that day:
June 28= 108 R
June 29= 106 R
June 30= 105 R
July 1st= 102
July 2nd= 100
July 3rd= 101 R
July 4th= 105 R
July 5th= 105 R
Julu 6th= 106 R
July 7th= 107 R

Only at 81 so far today. That is great!!

Just Me
©2006-2012 emptynester, all rights reserved.

Blog Change

New Name, New ideas, New everything. No more errands of kids. No more sports. Time to make changes.


There comes a time when you stand back and say .. Okay I am done. I did my job. I raised him. I gave up me for him. That statement is far from true. I did exactly what I wanted.  Now time to move onto the next step.


Empty Nest ...


In little over a month the last phase of High School begins. Senior Year. I can not wait to see what joys and expectations come through for son. Senior Year is the year. The birdie gets even more ready to jump out of the nest. I can not wait. I certainly hope senior year meets all his hopes, dreams, and expectations.


Couple weeks ago they had Senior Yearbook Pictures. I could not believe how grown he looks in that cap & gown. He certainly became a great Young adult. All the fights, drama, and court orders have made this moment worth EVERY MINUTE!!


College bond he will be. Where yet? Ah, who knows. He will work it all out.


I am looking forward to this next step. Seeing what brings to my little world. Will I return to work? Will we allow a niece to move in? I don't know. We have many options. Travel? I will start to figure it all out. As son takes steps closer to walking across the stage into his new life, I will start mine.


I have never been as happy as I am this summer. Stress still seeps through. Why wouldn't it? It has been a hard road these past 18 months. No one walked that road with us but the 3 of us. You can say I can imagine. But really no one knows what it was like. What still could be. We still do have to make through another 9 months up at the High School. But only good can come walking these next mile(stones)


So with that I we start the new journey. The journey of just us. The empty rooms.  So now the memories of mom, hockey mom, baseball mom, live in these walls. Now starts the Chapter of Walking through to the Empty Nest ...

©2006-2012 emptynester, all rights reserved.