admin, Author at Our Total Life Changes

A Mouth-Watering Spiced Baked Carrot Loaf and Muffins

Posted by admin | Sep 25, 2015 | Eating Healthy, Recipes |

If you have been following my blog you have probably noticed that I do not bake very often. There is a reason for that, I AM A TERRIBLE BAKER. Seriously. I have tried on numerous occasions and everything comes out as something you would call a “Pinterest Fail.” So for today’s delicious recipe I called on the help of my friend Brandi. She on the other hand is a fantastic baker. My mouth starts watering just looking at photos of her baked goods. I found a recipe I thought you would all enjoy and her her do a...

Grilled Boneless Pork Chops With Apple and Raisin Chutney

Posted by admin | Sep 23, 2015 | Eating Healthy, Recipes |

What did you have for dinner tonight? Today we chose a favorite, boneless grilled pork chops. There has been controversy around pork and if it really is all that good for you. As with most things in life, most delicious things I might add, moderation is KEY. The recommended serving is no more than a 3 ounce serving twice a week. This is due to the speed in which pork is digested. (eating too much pork can lead to severe back up in the digestive system) However, pork is rich in protein and in vitamins which is great fuel for our bodies so do not completely kick pork to the curb. This pork recipe is simple, quick to make, and topped with a delicious apple and raisin chutney. What you will need: 4/6 boneless pork chops 2/3 medium sized apples (we used green apples) 1/4 cup of raisins 1/2 teaspoon garlic 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1/2 teaspoon chili powder 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon cumin 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar 1/4 teaspoon ground mustard 1/4 teaspoon apple pie spice 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon 1 tablespoon brown sugar 1 tablespoon of butter Start but peeling, and dicing your apples. Once the apples are peeled and diced melt the butter in a pan over medium/high heat. Cook and brown the apples for about four minutes. While the apples are...

Healthy Ideas For A More Nutritional Breakfast

Posted by admin | Sep 18, 2015 | Did You Know? |

So what breakfast foods are you eating that are so wrong? Sadly, many of you and including myself think that we are eating healthy when in reality we are eating breakfasts the are over processed and jam packed full of sugar. Did you know that the typical 8 ounce smoothie contains on an average 200 calories and about 45 grams of sugar? Doesn’t sound as healthy as you thought does it? Instead of blending up an early morning smoothie you could be choosing a breakfast as simple as a banana that you can eat while you are walking out the door which is only about 100 calories. Even your beloved glass of orange juice (I will be the first to admit I have a 4 ounce glass of OJ every morning) contains about 21 grams of sugar; the smarter choice here is to eat 1/2 a cup of berries. A helpful tip I read once was to eat your fruit instead of drinking it. When fruit is turned into a juice it loses most of its natural fiber, and fiber is very beneficial in your digestive health. Another mistake I see often at the grocery store is that people are stocking up on those small single serving fruit yogurts. Choosing yogurt as a snack over something like a pudding or chips is taking a step in the right direction. However,...

Roasted Chickpeas: A Healthy Snack Alternative

Posted by admin | Sep 16, 2015 | Eating Healthy, Recipes |

I love to snack. Maybe it is even a snacking addiction. Most of my snacking is done at night when I am curled up on the couch with my husband after are boys are in bed. He is a popcorn addict and the buttery smell awakens my desire to snack. Unfortunately eating popcorn is not on my healthy snacks approved list. (I splurge when we go to the movies- luckily that is not often). I’ve mentioned some of my favorite nighttime snacks before and I hope you all have tried them and loved them. Tonight’s snack will blow you away. They are easy to make but they do take about an hour of roasting in the oven so plan ahead. So what is today’s guilt free snack? Well I assume you read the title and that’s why you are here. ROASTED CHICKPEAS! Don’t sigh at me, once you try them that sign will turn into a smile. There are endless flavor combinations, but today I will be sharing two of my favorites. A few tips before we get started. * Pre-wash the chickpeas and I prefer to remove the skins. (Gently rubbing them while running under cold water usually does the trick) * Make sure that they are completely dry before starting the process. Lay them out on a towel and wait- moisture does not allow for great...

Motivation with a workout plan

Posted by admin | Sep 11, 2015 | Motivate Me |

It happens, we all occasionally fall off the wagon. I’m there right now, two busy weeks and a mind full of excuses. We just got married, we are potty training our oldest, I was sick. The list could go on and on, but the excuses will only put you in a bigger rut. So what do you need to do? First of all breath. Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. Now think of two goals. First goal, something attainable in a short period of time, the second a more long term goal. Why should we do this? Because goals are the workout motivation that you need. You are probably feeling down on yourself for missing a couple workouts, but dwelling on the past will only push you down further. So stop thinking negatively, and think to the near future and the more distant future. What are you hoping to obtain? My short goal will be to work out at least 5 days a week for at least 30 minutes for the next month. My long term goal, tone my arms, legs and booty for New Years. (Que- that sultry dress) The husband and I have not gone out for New Years in a very long time, pregnancy and kids have put a damper on that. So this will be my ultimate goal, and I have about...