‘Eat. Live. Be.’ Articles at Sweetnicks

Recipe: Thai Turkey Burgers {Eat. Live. Be.}

March 6, 2013 · Narrative

When it comes to burgers, sometimes it’s all about the burger.

And sometimes it’s all about the toppings.

But rarely is it about both.

And when it is, it’s just about magical.

Not Disneyworld magical. But happy tastebuds, fully belly, no guilt magical.

Last week, I got a text message from a friend with this recipe. And the words “this is awesome.” So, of course, I had to try it. It is a bit similar to other turkey burger recipes we’ve tried and loved, but just different enough to warrant its own time in the spotlight. And since I happened to have all the ingredients on hand (hello freezer prep!), it was kismet that it should become dinner.

With turkey burger recipes, what you combine with the meat is important because without the right combination, you can end up with a dry hockey puck for dinner.

Something which no amount of toppings can cure.

And it can also swear you off turkey burgers forever and a day.

This one works. Moist, with subtle flavor, juicy, and clean eating. And less than thirty minutes to table!

Now when it comes to toppings, I’m all the-more-the-better. I especially like when there’s so much that they’re dripping through my fingers.

Which is something that perhaps should only be enjoyed in the confines of your own home, and not on a first date.

You know?

I served these on toasted whole wheat buns, and topped mine with goat cheese and sliced avocado.

And it doesn’t get much better than that.

These were also totally kid-approved too. After Nick’s first bite, he declared them “awesome,” and went about hoovering the rest. I served Madeline’s without the bread, and ketchup for dipping. Because that’s how she rolls.

If you’re looking for a side dish for this, the Verry Veggie Rice Bowl from yesterday’s post would be an excellent choice, or this couscous recipe or this Roasted Vegetable and Goat Cheese Pasta Salad (which I’m totally craving again).

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Recipe: Make-It-Your-Own Couscous

February 27, 2013 · Narrative

When I was at the hair dresser this weekend, we got to talking about eating habits and diets. She wanted to lose weight (although I don’t think she needs to), and I mentioned clean eating to her. It’s a good go-to because it doesn’t require any counting calories or reading labels or keeping track of anything. You just eat food. Not products. Good food that is good for you.

She said that it must be hard, with the kids, to make separate meals for everyone, and that’s when I stopped her. Because I am not a short order cook. There is none of this “separate meals for everyone” business. For the most part, other than a few individual things that someone likes or doesn’t like, we all eat the same thing. Because whether I’m clean eating or not, I’m all about introducing the kids to as many new foods and flavors as possible.

Our kitchen counters always have fresh fruit, and the cabinets, refrigerator, and freezer are filled with the good stuff. But there is the infrequent “trashy” item here and there too. Sure there are Oreos. But it’s the exception, rather than the rule. 80/20, if you will. On the weekends when the kids are with The Ex, one of my phone conversations with Nick and Madeline will routinely revolve around what they want to put on the grocery store list.

This weekend? Nick asked for his favorite yogurt (the vanilla one from Light and Fit) and frozen strawberries (because he makes smoothies for us). Madeline asked for fresh strawberries and blueberries, and chocolate chips (for pancakes).

They came home on Sunday night and complained that there was nothing healthy to eat at The Ex’s house. That when they were there, they went to the store to buy snacks, but it was all junk.

And they didn’t like that.

And man, how that made my heart soar.

They know the difference. And continue to make the right choices on their own. I suggested that perhaps they could put some granola bars, nuts, bananas, and applesauce packets in their backpacks so they had something better for them if they needed it, and we agreed that could work. Along with a conversation with The Ex about maybe laying off the junk a little bit. And how he was trying to make them happy and buying them the fun stuff, and then, well, you know how those conversations sometimes go.

I don’t think making healthy food choices is necessarily something that should be taught to kids. I think it’s more in the seeing and doing. Seeing me make the right choices. Seeing the right food available in our kitchen. Putting good food in front of them time and time again. It was years before Nick tried an artichoke, and these days, they’re a favorite for both of the kids. I ate them. He watched. They were available. And eventually he tried it with an open mind. They were both that way about broccoli. Going from the you-must-try-a-bite to they oftentimes request it on their own.

Keep making the good stuff available. Keep changing how you cook and serve something. Keep reintroducing foods that they might not have liked before. And eventually, kids will make the good decisions on their own. It’s what they know.

On Monday, Madeline and I were out for a quick bite while Nick was at a Boy Scout meeting. I opted for a vegetable wrap, but wanted something healthier than the french fries that came with it. As the waitress rattled off the choices (black beans, refried beans, rice, mixed vegetables), Madeline immediately piped up “We’ll take the vegetables!” The waitress laughed and then looked at me for my approval. You know, since it was my entree that Madeline was deciding for.

And, of course, she made the right choice because she knew what it was.

Couscous is a great go-to when I’m packing my lunches (the kids have yet to warm to couscous). I like it because it’s healthy, and it’s e-a-s-y. Once it’s cooked, you can mix in whatever you want. Make a Greek version with kalamata olives, feta cheese, chopped cucumbers, and oregano. A Mediterranean version with sun-dried tomatoes, green olives, and roasted red peppers. Make a version with whatever you need to use up. The possibilities are endless.

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Exercising for Free or on the Cheap {Eat.Live.Be.}

January 30, 2013 · Narrative

When it comes to working out, it can get expensive. Gym memberships, fancy equipment, and all those new, fun work-out clothes and colorful sneakers don’t come cheap.

For sure.

But it doesn’t have to be that way.

How about some tips on how to do it without breaking the bank?

1 – Get outside and walk. Yes, that’s it. When I worked out with a personal trainer years ago, that is all he wanted me to do for the first month. One hour a day. Five days a week. Walking. Of course when I went with him, there were far more hills involved than when I chose the routes myself. But really, it *is* that simple. And free. And, man, was it ever effective.

2 – Weather is not always conducive to walking, for sure. Back in December, the kids and I embarked upon a #mileaday challenge, walking often to the grocery store and downtown to not only get our walk in, but to also spend time together, save on gas, and just generally feel good. But when the temps dipped to the low teens, I didn’t want to subject them to that. Take to your stairs inside your house. Up and down and up and down and up and down again.

3 – Groupon and LivingSocial are your friends. And they surely are mine. Outside of exercise, they have exposed us to a ton of new stuff, and I love that, but keeping on our topic, they are awesome for deals on gym memberships, personal training sessions, kick boxing studios, and the like. I got a six-month gym membership for $95 recently, instead of their regular $320 price tag. If you’re not already signed up for the e-mail list for your area for Groupon and LivingSocial, get on it.

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Recipe: Eat Your Veggies Stir Fry {Eat.Live.Be.}

January 23, 2013 · Narrative

Two months before I got married, way back in ’98, the pressure was on. The wedding dress had been bought, purposely two sizes smaller, and I needed to lose the weight to be able to walk down the aisle. I bartered with a personal trainer, Michael, and he put me through the paces, both in fitness and food, to the tune of a thirty pound weight loss in about six weeks.

Which then didn’t make the tailor too happy because she had to take in my dress. Again.

First class problems, people.

The food that I ate when I was working with Michael was a handful of items that I rotated to stave off boredom. And what I found out then, as I did again in 2011 when I lost a bunch of weight, is that it becomes less about the food. Like you don’t even think about it anymore.

And as someone who is a freelance recipe developer, this can sometimes be a bitter pill to swallow.

But it is what it is.

One of my go-to meals back then was a stir-fry. Because it’s easy. Hearty. And I knew it would make Michael happy.

And these days, it’s become a go-to for me again. I can mix and match veggies at will, depending on what the kids and I are feeling like eating, and what I have available, and dinner is done in a flash.

Most always under 30 minutes.

Take that Rachael Ray.

And what I know to be true? Eating good food makes me feel good. It’s that special little thing that puts an extra bounce in your step. That propels you forward to making more good decisions. That fuels you in the way that something else won’t. It’s a domino effect to the nth degree.

And sometimes? It’s good to go back to basics. Both in your food choices and in what you know works.

Now this recipe is really just a guideline. It’s the most forgiving thing ever, so you can feel free to swap out some of my vegetable choices for something you or your family might like instead. I focused on green vegetables, and roasting some of them first to bring out all their deliciously deep flavors. I am admittedly a super late adopter to sugar snap peas (never liked them much before this year), and tonight, Nick found out that he likes them as well. Score one for the home team.

But the bottom line? Guilt-free food that is the perfect fuel for whatever you need to do.

And we can all use a little more of that.

Do check out Joanne, Sarah, and Patsy to see their take on Eat.Live.Be. this week, and the #eatlivebe hash tag on Twitter and Instagram for more inspiration.

Tomorrow? Embracing the camera.
Friday? Bagster review.

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Planning and Preparation: Keys to Success {Eat.Live.Be.}

January 9, 2013 · Narrative

I don’t profess to have all the answers when it comes to fitness and consistently making healthy choices.

Because I don’t.

I struggle some days just like you and you and you.

Trial and error. Rinse, lather, and repeat.

But I do know, without a shadow of a doubt, some of the keys to success.

When it comes to keeping yourself on the straight and narrow, planning and preparation is huge.

Like Justin Bieber to my almost-five-year-old daughter huge.

How can you be expected to make a good snack choice when you open up your kitchen cupboards and are faced with cookies, chips, and candy?

You just can’t.

So don’t bring it into your house.

Why have the unnecessary temptation to lure you in a weak moment?

A friend of mine sometimes struggles with making the right food choices, so one night last week, she came over and we put together a meal plan. Just three dinners. To get her toes wet. And then the next day, I took her to a vegetable market we like and she bought all the ingredients to make those three dinners. And more items so she could stock her cabinets with good snack choices.

And by doing this, it became just a little bit easier.

On Saturday, another friend came over and we made a bajillion soups. And froze them all, so we had easy, healthy, grab-and-go lunches for weeks.

And by doing this, it became just a little easier.

These are not monumental tasks. But they are little tasks that add up to monumental changes.

Those little keys to success.

Baby steps, people, baby steps.

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Eat.Live.Be. Kick-Off {2013}

January 2, 2013 · Eat. Live. Be.

It’s not about exercise.

Or eating healthy foods.

Or fitness.

Or motivating you.

It’s about everything.

Everything that permeates your life.

But most of all?

It’s about being intentional.

And while I haven’t decided if intentional is my one small word for the year, it most definitely is a focus of mine.

Whether it’s my job, spending time with the kids, my freelancing, or working out.

Or a million and one other things.

I want to be intentional and present with each and every thing I do.

Because this moment. And this moment. And this moment. Are already gone. And I don’t want to have one single regret.

Should ofs.

Would haves.

Could haves.

But didn’t.

And so with a new year begins new resolve. New commitments. New rituals.

And I have that. In spades.

For a million and one things. But most certainly for me, my kids, and the little world around us.

Whether you’re looking to feed yourself better. Or be better about working out regularly. Or be more committed to your job. Or your partner. Or anything and everything in between. I hope you’ll join us as we begin Eat.Live.Be 2013. We’ll be posting on ELB topics on Wednesdays (you can check out Joanne’s right here, Patsy’s here, and Sarah’s here).

Sometimes we need a little fire lit underneath us. Or just to know that you have a giant support group via the interwebs. For whatever little and big goal you have. For yourself. For your year.

We’ve got you.

*And if you decide to post on this topic, please leave a comment so I can come support YOU. And when tweeting and Instagramming about it, use hashtag #eatlivebe.

Now while you’re in the right frame of mind, how about a healthy, full-flavor little snack recipe? I love me a good caponata, and this one is very simple, filling, and completely guilt-free.

Which is currently my love language.

I was trying to describe Caponata to a co-worker today, who had never heard of it. I went with “it’s like bruschetta, but different.” And so it is. A more technical definition would be that it’s a cooked Sicilian vegetable salad. It’s the perfect little thing to top your favorite cracker (hello Wheat Thins!) and a good little nosh in between meals. A little teensy bit of tang, but just overall a hearty bite to it … it’s a smart way to tide you over when you just need something small to keep you sane until the next meal.

And, of course, that’s not a Wheat Thin in the picture. Although I love them, this little bite happened to be with the organic blue corn tortilla chips from the folks at Garden of Eatin’. I cleaned out our kitchen pantry tonight and spied a few bags of these babies. The company had kindly sent them my way to try, and it was the perfect vehicle to get the Caponata into my mouth. It’s a seriously sturdy chip, which makes it perfect for dipping and Caponatas, has a little touch ‘o salt to it and is bursting with wholesome goodness.

And really, that’s enough, right?

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Recipe: Sweet and Spicy Greek Meatballs {Eat. Live. Be.}

April 25, 2012 · Narrative

It seems we’re on a “new meatball recipe” kick in the O’Malley household lately. Purely by happenstance. Last week, it was these Asian-inspired meatballs. Last night? It was a batch of Sweet and Spicy Greek Meatballs.

“Is there cinnamon in the meatballs?” Nick asked me after a few bites.

Um, yes.

I was honestly surprised that he was able to pick out the flavor. You could tell there was a hint of something different, but I don’t think the flavor was so pronounced that you could put your finger on it.

Someone has pretty good taste buds.

I found the recipe in the May 2012 issue of Redbook Magazine (follow them on Twitter right here > @redbookmag). It is from Food Network chef Giada De Laurentiis, and is also featured in her newest cookbook, Giada’s Weeknight Meals. Which coincidentally ended up in my Easter basket last month (thanks, Mom!).

I was intrigued in the recipe, not by a new take on the meatball because we have several that we like already, but by the marinara sauce being paired with the couscous, and the couscous being used as a binder for the meatballs.

And I kind of loved that idea.

It’s something I hadn’t seen before, and it totally worked.

On both counts.

Nick loved the couscous part with the marinara. He didn’t so much love the meatballs, but ate them.

Madeline ate everything.

Now my caveat for the recipe… couscous is used as the binder for the meatballs, and the finished dish is also plated on top of the couscous. Which kind of means that the couscous that you’re using for plating gets a little dry and clumped while you’re busy rolling, making, and cooking the meatballs. Not a huge deal, but worth noting. A little drizzle of olive oil into the couscous fixed that right up.

It wasn’t a wow, but it was a solid weeknight meal that was eaten by all at the table, and made without guilt. So that’s a plus or three.

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Recipe: Asian Turkey Meatballs and {Eat. Live. Be.}

April 18, 2012 · Narrative

This should make Joanne very happy. Eat. Live. Be. I’m here.

As a multitude of 5ks and Zumba classes permeate my calendar and Jillian Michaels’ 30 Day Shred dvd gets plenty of play time. I’m here. I’ve been here.

Clean eating? Yep, I’m there too. Oh how I’ve missed it. There’s just something so very satisfying about it that is sometimes hard to articulate. Unless you’re there too. But the rub? Eat good food and you feel good. I’ve noticed the shift again, as I’ve purposefully made my way back to where I’m supposed to be.

The familiar feelings of euphoria when an early weekend morning is punctuated by sweat stinging my eyeballs. Which is, I swear, the sign of an awesome work-out.

The words “No, I can’t, we’re doing a 5k that day” coming out of my mouth.

The friends that get it. To the point that we just scheduled another 5k. In September. Out of state. After we get through the three we already have on the calendar.

When I’m in the zone, I have blinders on. And I instantly remember why I’m doing what I’m doing.

For me.

For them.

Always and forever.

Amen.

Mary Fischer’s quote rings in my ears. “Tell me, what are you going to do with this wild and precious life?”

“You have exactly one life in which to do everything you’ll ever do. Act accordingly.” Colin Wright

“…to know there is a better story for your life and to choose something other is like choosing to die.” Donald Miller

A co-worker and I were talking about that last week. Tomorrow being guaranteed to no one. I worry that I won’t have time enough to do everything I want to do. For me. Or with my kids. And I’ll be darned if we’re just going to laze our days away turning into zombies in front of the tv.

Sure there is tv time.

Down time.

Chill time.

But it’s dotted by play time. Spring Bucket Lists. Playgrounds. Activities. Adventures. Memory making. In our backyard. And in the great outdoors.

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Eat. Live. Be. and Eating Whole Foods

January 25, 2012 · Narrative

Last night, we were sitting around the dining room table, just chatting, long after the plates had been cleared. Somehow the topic of Twinkies came up, though, for the life of me, I can’t remember why.

“Twinkies? What are Twinkies?” Nick asked.

I looked at Mystic and said, “My nine-and-a-half-year-old doesn’t know what Twinkies are. I don’t know whether this means I’m doing a good job as a Mom or not.”

“I think if Nick doesn’t know what Twinkies are, you’re doing a great job as a mom.”

Oh how I love that man.

And it’s true. Although I was surprised Nick didn’t know what they were, I have to say, I was pretty proud of that too.

While it is sometimes hard to get the kids to sit down and focus on eating a meal, largely because they both fall into the “grazer” category more, I don’t often complain about how or what they eat.

The snack drawer is filled with organic applesauce, packages of goji berries and pomegranates, and granola bars. Fresh fruit or cherry tomatoes makes it into Madeline’s lunch box nearly every day of the week, and she usually eats that first. Homemade hummus is an oft-requested lunchbox item for Nick. The amount of yogurt we all eat is ridiculous. More often than not, they make the right choices on their own, with no prompting from me.

Do we have processed foods in our house? Yes. Without a doubt. There is a package of Oreos or two. An occasional foray into Cheez-Doodles. Ice cream from the local dairy. But it is the exception, rather than the rule.

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Eat. Live. Be. and Learning How to Do It All Without Losing Your Mind

January 18, 2012 · Eat. Live. Be., Narrative

If you happened to visit Sweetnicks Wednesday night before 8 pm, you might have noticed that it was dark. Online presences all over the world went dark today to protest the SOPA/PIPA bills that are before Congress. If the bills should pass (vote is next week), what you see online on some of your favorite sites (Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter, Google, Wikipedia and millions of others) will be censored. As someone who makes a wee bit of income with my own online presence, I made the decision to join the protest, make the site dark, sign a few petitions, and tweet about it. Whether or not you have your own site, or just like to have freedom when spending time online, I urge you to research the SOPA/PIPA bills and sign as you see fit.

Onto our regularly scheduled program… When I think about trying to juggle everything, or how to best balance all my responsibilities, I try and revert back to the Aha! moment I had back in June with Wendy Clark. And in a recent e-mail from Wendy a few weeks ago, she reminded me of the same message. Balance is a false goal. I can’t balance everything. You can’t either. None of us can. What we CAN do, however, is give 100% of everything we have to whatever we’re doing at that particular moment.

When I’m at work, that’s what I’m focusing on.

When I’m helping Nick with homework, that is where I am, mind, body, and spirit.

Whether it’s menu planning, working out, or time with Mystic, I try to be completely present in that moment on that particular task.

Anything less, and I would go crazy. But more importantly, I would always feel like I’m letting someone down. Or myself. Those pangs of guilt would creep in.

And the best way to rid yourself of all that? Is to stop. Focus on the here and now. Whatever you’re doing at this particular moment. And give it your all.

It’s an ongoing lesson I need to keep reminding myself of. It’s something that doesn’t come naturally. And I’m not sure that it ever will. But I still think it’s where the answer lies. I’m not perfect. I slip sometimes. My mind wanders. Goes in a million different directions. But I think the fact that I’m conscious of this, and work on focusing a bit more makes all the difference.

I think about it, the balancing act, a lot with dating, and Mystic and I talked about it this weekend. The kids come first. No doubt. I don’t want any of them to ever feel like they’re getting short-changed. And they don’t. Or to not know how important their place is in our families. The collective group of five are with us nearly all.the.time. We do family dinners together. Movie nights at home with darkened rooms and popped popcorn. A spontaneous Sonic visit for slushes. A manicure with just me, Madeline, and Mystic’s daughter. A bowling date with just Mystic and four out of five of the kids (I thought he was very brave for that one since it was so early on when we first started dating!). Get-togethers just because. I want them all to feel part of the larger picture, so they are included. Without fail. On the rare occasions that Mystic and I are kid-free, we enjoy that too. Fully and completely.

What I know to be true is this. You get exactly what you give. Whether it’s working out (this is, after all, Eat. Live. Be. day), sharing craft time with your kids, meeting a work deadline, or making time for your significant other (or the search to find one!)… you give 100%, you will get 100%.

It takes work.

It takes thought. Constant thought.

It takes deliberate motions. And plans. And strategizing.

But one activity at a time. 100% to it at that time.

And you will be ok.

Swear.

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Eat. Live. Be. and Finding Inspiration

January 12, 2012 · Eat. Live. Be., Narrative

Right before I sprained my ankle last May, I had been working out some five or six days a week. An hour minimum each day. Some days ninety minutes. Some days up to 3-4 hours. I was undeniably hooked.

Then I sprained my ankle and it all unraveled. Just as it took nearly 39 years to really commit to regularly working out and eating properly, I felt like I was right back where I started. Off the wagon. And beating myself up for it. Regularly. Daily. Hourly. Every minute of every day.

It’s so easy to fall back into bad habits.

And that first step is so damn hard. You know it.

But last weekend, I made a commitment to my first Zumba class back since the ankle sprain. And I took a friend with me. Making that double commitment gave me the obligation to follow through. It’s one thing to disappoint myself, but quite another to disappoint a friend too.

It wasn’t one of my favorite instructors, quite frankly. He only became certified last year, and still loses his place during his routines. When he loses his place, how can I keep mine? But his class, invariably less punishing than my roster of favorite teachers, was exactly what I needed. A perfect entry back.

And I did it.

I had already planned to go back the next day, for a second class. Mystic’s daughter came with me. Again, the double commitment. And the follow-through.

Later that day, when I hit the grocery store with the kids, the cart quickly became filled with fresh fruit. Vegetables. Whole wheat this. Organic that. Our collection of favorite yogurts. And $84 later… (a series on eating healthily on a budget is coming soon to Sweetnicks).

When I talked last week about the trickle down effect, I wasn’t being glib. Having a good work-out makes me more conscious of what I eat later. Of how I move. Of what I choose to cook for dinner. Of how I pack the kids’ lunches. It all begins with that one domino.

Which is, of course, the hardest one to put in place.

Later that night, as I loaded up the dishwasher, I put the iPod onto my Zumba dance mix. Forty-eight songs that inspire. That keep you moving. That make you do anything but stand still. The kids came in and out, bopping to each one, and stopping to do a Zumba move or two with me.

More inspiration.

More determination.

More resoluteness.

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Recipe: Kid-Friendly Mini Meatballs

December 21, 2011 · Clean Eating, Eat. Live. Be., Narrative

No sooner did Mystic’s daughter finish the plate of mini meatballs and noodles last week did she ask when we could make it again. We scheduled it for today, which is perfect for this week’s edition of Eat.Live.Be. The “print” edition.

I found this recipe two years ago in an issue of Redbook magazine, from Giada DeLaurentiis. I like her recipes because a lot of them are perfect for easy, weeknight meals for your littlest picky eaters (just noticed she has a new title coming out in a few months with a weeknight theme as well). Although the recipe calls for ground chicken, I alternate between chicken and turkey, and both versions are scoffed up by all the kids. In fact, Madeline who adores most pasta of any kind, actually favors the meatballs more than the pasta, and asked for a meatball only lunch for tomorrow’s school day. A request I’m all too happy to fulfill.

I use a mini cookie scoop when forming the meatballs, which makes it really quick work, and not too fiddly to do after a long workday. The mini size works well for the kids, a nice bite without being too overwhelming, and they are super tender and flavorful, which is why they are so eager to scoff them up. A mostly clean eating, guilt-free recipe that has me just as eager to make them.

I usually serve them with this recipe for Orzo with Herbs, or mini noodles with a little chicken broth as the sauce (along with those wonderful brown bits scraped up from the bottom of the pan of meatballs).

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