Our #1 priority as a parent is to raise our kids to know and love Jesus. Yet, many of us feel ill-equipped to teach our children WHAT we believe, let alone WHY we believe it. In the words of Natasha Crain, author of Keeping Your Kids on God’s Side, “we have to stop winging our Christian parenting and start getting in shape to prepare our […]
Twenty years from now, when my kids are grown, I want to look back on the early days of motherhood and remember those simple, everyday moments that paint a picture of what being a mom REALLY means. To me, being a mom means… 1. Making pancakes in the shape of the first letter of your kids’ names because it makes them smile. 2. Singing “twinkle twinkle […]
Note: Serving size is key! You can review Portion Control Guidelines here. One carbohydrate serving = a cupped handful or fist-sized portion of vegetables, brown rice, or quinoa; one medium piece of fruit; one slice of whole wheat bread or a wrap; a fist sized potato/sweet potato; ~6 whole wheat crackers (e.g. Triscuits); 1 cup milk OR or 1/2 cup dry oatmeal (not instant). […]
1. Turkey Sloppy Joes (from the Fixate cookbook – you can get a copy HERE*) Modifications: Leave out the hot sauce unless your kids like spicy food. I also leave off the parsley and serve it on a slice of whole grain bread, on a whole grain roll, or over whole grain or zucchini noodles. 2. Sweet and Sour Chicken (from cleaneatingmagazine.com) Modifications: I leave out […]
1. Tomato, Corn, Crab, and Avocado Salad (from www.skinnytaste.com) 2. Southwestern Black Bean Salad (from www.skinnytaste.com) 3. Tomato, Onion, and Avocado Salad (from www.simplyrecipes.com) 4. Roasted Broccoli Directions: Preheat your oven to 450. Mix up chopped broccoli 1-2 teaspoons of olive oil (depending on how much broccoli you are using) and garlic powder or fresh chopped garlic cloves to your liking. Bake for about 10-15 minutes stirring […]
VEGETARIAN 1. Healthy Burrito (modified from Pump Nutrition Guide) Ingredients: Whole Wheat Tortilla, 1/4 cup low sodium black beans, 2 Tbsp. grated reduced fat cheddar cheese, 1/4 cup red and green bell peppers, 1/4 cup chopped tomatoes, 1/4 cup fresh salsa (optional). Directions: Top tortilla with beans, cheese, peppers, and tomato. Roll up and microwave for 1 minute or until heated through. Serve with salsa […]
SALADS 1. Grilled Chicken Greek Salad (from Pump Nutrition Guide) Ingredients: 3 cups chopped Romaine, 1 chopped medium tomato, 1/4 cup chopped red onion, one medium diced grilled chicken breast, 1 tsp olive oil, 1 tsp vinegar, 2 Tbsp low-fat feta, 3 Greek or black olives, ground pepper (optional), ~5 whole wheat crackers Directions: Toss lettuce, tomato, onions, chicken, olive oil, and vinegar. Top with […]
EGGS 1. Egg White Pita (from Les Mills Pump Nutrition Guide) Ingredients: 4-inch Whole Wheat Pita, 4 egg whites, 1 oz. goat cheese, 1/4 chopped tomato Directions: Stuff egg whites, goat cheese, and tomato in pita. 2. Egg White Muffins (from http://melaniemitro.blogspot.com/) Directions: Combine 8 egg whites, 1 whole egg, 1/2 cup chopped spinach, 1/2 cup chopped red and green peppers, 1/4 onion, 1/2 cup […]
If you asked me 5 years ago how long I’ve been a Christian, I would have instinctively answered, “my entire life.” I grew up in a loving home with strong Christian values – values like honesty, kindness, and thankfulness. I attended weekly mass and religious education classes. I completed the sacraments of first communion, reconciliation, and confirmation. I said grace before meals and prayed “Now I […]
This is a guest post by Megan, who shares how God brought her out of a state of deception in which she believed she could find happiness and fulfillment in things and people. This deception led her down a path that led to depression, hopelessness, and which almost ended her life. The unexpected intervention of an acquaintance from high school, who shared the good news […]