Merry Christmas

Do-Ahead Breakfast Bake

Christmas morning is full of presents, wrapping paper, and early mornings. But why not take a little stress off and have a delicious breakfast already to eat when all the excitement is done? Try this tasty breakfast that you can make before hand, bake, and then enjoy!

Ingredients
1 cup diced fully cooked ham
2 boxes hash brown potatoes
1 medium (1 cup) green bell pepper, chopped
1 tablespoon dried or fresh chopped onion
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup Bisquick mix
3 cups mild
1/2 tsp pepper
4 eggs


Step 1
Grease 13X9-inch glass baking dish with shortening or cooking spray.

Step 2
Layer ham, potatoes, bell pepper, onion and 1 cup of the cheese in baking dish. In a large bowl, stir Bisquick mix, milk, pepper and eggs until blended. Pour into backing dish; sprinkle with remaining  1 cup cheese. Cover; refrigerate at least 4 hours but no longer than 24 hours.

Step 3
Heat oven to 375 F. Bake uncovered 30-35 minutes or until golden brown around the edges and the cheese is melted. Let stand 10 minutes.

Yummy Treats To Try

Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars Recipe

Heart Healthy Recipe

Loaded with healthy peanut butter and dark chocolate, these tasty bars give you the energy you need anytime of the day. Wrap them up individually for an easy grab-and-go snack!

Ingredients

• • 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
  • 1 egg
  • 3/4 cup light brown sugar
  • 2 Tbsp granulated sugar
  • 2 Tbsp water
  • 2 tsp canola oil
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup trans fat free margarine
  • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter

Preparation

• • Preheat oven to 325°. Lightly coat an 8 x 8-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.
  • In a small bowl, combine flours, baking powder and chocolate chips. In another bowl, using a hand mixer, combine egg, sugars, water, oil, vanilla, margarine and peanut butter. With a spatula, gradually fold flour mixture into peanut butter mixture.
  • Spread mixture evenly into baking pan. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the top of the bars looks dry. Cool in pan on a wire rack, then cut into 2-inch squares.

Exercise in the Winter

Oh the weather out side is frightful.... But don't worry if you're snowed in you can still have some exercise fun! Here are some great ways to stay fit during the cold months ahead.


Indoor Spinning
Spinning classes can be a great way to get in a vigorous workout -- burning calories and keeping your muscles in shape -- especially during the off-season. 





Elliptical / Treadmill
Running on your own elliptical or treadmill is quite simple, you can even multi-task. While running or walking; read a book or study for a test. If those activities don’t work for you watch some TV, or your favorite show. As you start to get in more shape run for longer, and increase the resistance or incline. See if you can challenge yourself to watch a full hour show!


Swimming
Swimming is another fitness routine that you can do in the winter when weather conditions may not permit lengthy exercise outdoors. Swimming is called a moderate aerobic activity. 





Whatever exercise you want to try out remember to be safe and as always be creative and have FUN!

Basic Pizza

http://www.jamieoliver.com/us/foundation/jamies-food-revolution/recipes/BASIC_PIZZA

Who doesn't love that gooey yummy taste of pizza! Here's a great recipe that is not only healthy but tasty as well. Check it out at Jamie Oliver's Website. And ENJOY! :) 

Healthy Kids

The best way to get kid's to eat healthy is to get them involved and working in the kitchen with you.
I found a good website with recipes that are "kid" approved and fun to make together!

Check it out:
http://www.kohlshealthykids.com/

Fast Food Tricks

As a beverage choice, ask for water or order fat-free or low-fat milk, unsweetened tea, or other drinks without added sugars.

Ask for whole-wheat bread for sandwiches.

In a restaurant, start your meal with a salad packed with veggies, to help control hunger and feel satisfied sooner.

Ask for salad dressing to be served on the side. Then use only as much as you want.

Choose main dishes that include vegetables, such as stir fries, kebobs, or pasta with a tomato sauce.

Order steamed, grilled, or broiled dishes instead of those that are fried or sautéed.

Choose a “small” or “medium” portion. This includes main dishes, side dishes, and beverages.

Order an item from the menu instead heading for the “all-you-can-eat” buffet.

If main portions at a restaurant are larger than you want, try one of these strategies to keep from overeating:

• Order an appetizer-sized portion or a side dish instead of an entrée.
• Share a main dish with a friend.
• If you can chill the extra food right away, take leftovers home in a “doggy bag.”
• When your food is delivered, set aside or pack half of it to go immediately.
• Resign from the “clean your plate club” – when you’ve eaten enough, leave the rest.

To keep your meal moderate in calories, fat, and sugars:

• Ask for salad dressing to be served “on the side” so you can add only as much as you want.
• Order foods that do not have creamy sauces or gravies
• Add little or no butter to your food.
• Choose fruits for dessert most often.

On long commutes or shopping trips, pack some fresh fruit, cut-up vegetables, low-fat string cheese sticks, or a handful of unsalted nuts to help you avoid stopping for sweet or fatty snacks.

Tips taken from:
http://www.choosemyplate.gov/tipsresources/eating_out.html