Five on Friday: Some Yummies

 

Hello Friends and happy TGIF to you 💗

I hope that this week has been good to you and that you get to now put up your feet and enjoy a lovely weekend ahead. I'm late to posting again as I was doing hospice work today. But still wanted to do a post before the weekend and share a bit of life lately.

We got another lovely storm system the other day and it dumped more snow on us. So we still have the remnants of that hanging around. However, we are supposed to get some lovely mild weather over the weekend that should melt it all away again! Here's hoping. 💛☀️

In the meantime, still delving into the cozy. Reading, devotional & reflection, journaling, crafting, sipping hot tea. So excited Spring is around the corner...but loving these quiet moments too. 

But today I thought I'd share a 5 on Friday post about some yummy things around here lately. I'm sharing with My Creative Life and you can find her blog here.

ONE

First up is this recipe for a healthier berry cobbler. You make it with only 3 ingredients. Cake mix, mineral water, and berries. I did add some cinnamon and a little sprinkle from my cinnamon/sugar shaker on top before baking. But overall far less calories because you omit the eggs, oil etc. And it was still very cobbler like and tasty. We had it with a little 15 calorie squirt of whipped topping. You put your berries in the bottom of your cooking sprayed pan. Sprinkle half a cake mix on top. Pour a cup of mineral water over all - mix and bake. That's it! I used fresh berries and you can frozen too - it just might be more muddled in color, but taste just as good. 😋

TWO

Next up is more of our health journey. 

A few weeks ago we went through all of the cabinets and both fridges and got rid of a lot of the "junk" we still had around. We did a fresh shopping trip not too long after and refilled the house with lots of fresh healthy goodies. I cleaned out our middle "drawer" compartment of our refrigerator in the kitchen, and filled it with lots of fruit & veggies. I prepped them and got them cleaned, cut up, & ready to go. And the meats and cheeses are in there too. I think being prepped and ready helps stay on track. We have been logging on our apps together and keep track of everything: our calories, protein, carbs, exercise, water etc. It's so nice doing it with my partner in life and makes it much easier. We meal plan together and I have been making sure we have healthy snacks and treats at the ready. We have both been losing weight already and feel so much better. 

Also, side note: these Built puff protein bars are amaze balls! Like a marshmallow candy bar in lots of great flavors. I'm not a spokesperson or anything - I am just usually grossed out by most protein bars and these ones are SO GOOD! And an easy way to get a boost of protein for a quick snack or even meal replacement on the go.

THREE

I love my ipad mini....but I've got to say that sometimes just holding and smelling and reading in a tangible book is wonderful. Not really food related but in its own way books are "a yummy goodie" to me. Lol They feed the mind and soul. ✨

FOUR

We both absolutely LOVE this as a healthy snack. I've talked about them before - but sharing again because they are so good. Take a bunch of grapes off the stems and put into a bowl. Clean them up and dab dry but leave a little damp. Take sugar free jell-o (whatever flavor you want but we love peach or orange the best so far) and sprinkle the powder over the grapes and shake and coat. Then place in the freezer for 20 mins. Don't leave in there too much longer than that. Then gobble them down like candy. They totally hit the sweet tooth craving if you need that. This is an especially delish treat in the summer. 

FIVE

Also, if you need a low cal and sugar BBQ sauce for any recipes - this one is the best! We still love our chicken crust protein pizza and made a BBQ chicken one the other night and used this as the sauce, as well as a little drizzle on top. Saves lots of calories when you're logging them. 😉 

And it tastes so good that I'd use it even if I wasn't counting calories!

Because I love to look at recipes and cook and bake anyways - I find it a fun challenge to figure out how to make a meal or snack healthier. Things like adding more protein, less carbs, more veggies, & less sugar. The key to me is that I don't want to feel denied anything and it still needs to be satisfying. There are so many tips and tricks out there if you start looking. It's becoming my new fun hobby! And to lose some weight and feel better as a side perk is a win-win in my book. 

Are there things you like to do to be healthier? 

Blessings. 

xoxo