Amazon.com: $5 off $15+ book purchase code!

One of my favorite Amazon deals that pops up occasionally is a discount code on books! If that's you too, today is the day -- get $5 off when you spend $15 or more on books offered by Amazon.com. Just enter code PRIMEBOOKS17 at checkout! (offer expires at 11:59 p.m. PT, July 12, 2017)

I've been wanting to recommend a book already, so this is perfect! I recently bought the book, Nourishing Beginnings Baby Food: Nutrient Dense Recipes for Infants, Toddlers and Beyond Inspired by Ancient Wisdom and Traditional Foods.  (I want to always have this on hand for baby shower gifts!)

You guys....this book is gorgeous! But it's not only beautiful to look at and really well laid out, but these recipes are so simple and doable! I think we're often overwhelmed with how to make healthy whole-food options for our little ones, so we often go with convenience instead. She explains the how and why really well. This cookbook makes it easy to pack so much nutrition into our kids' food, making every bite count and giving our babies the best start! And it's not only for children, many of these recipes would be great nourishing recipes for myself or the whole family!

(I've also had the pleasure of meeting the author and she's delightful...Renee has such a passion for nourishing ourselves and our babies! You can follow her on facebook at Raising Generation Nourished.)

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Another book I considered getting is "Trim Healthy Mama's Trim Healthy Table", the new cookbook from the Trim Healthy Mama (THM) sisters. Between the pre-order price and the $5 off code, it's more than 50% off right now!
THM is the eating plan I started following a little over 3 years ago. The first 7 months I changed my eating habits, I lost 45 pounds and I've kept it off! It's seriously one of the best things I've ever found -- it's completely doable (for the whole family!) and I feel my very best when I eat this way.
After a couple years of health issues and new babies, I've gotten a little too relaxed lazy about what we eat, but I'm ready to focus again and lose the rest! I love the first Trim Healthy Mama cookbook, and I'm excited to see what new deliciousness they've come up with!


**Also, today is Amazon Prime day, where they offer deep discounts to Prime members -- some will be limited time lightning deals so you'll have to be quick, and some will be all day! (Browse the deals here, and stay tuned on Facebook as I'll try to post hot deals as I see them! If you're not a Prime member already you can check it out with a 30-day free trial!)  I've already seen some great deals on a Ninja Professional blender and an 8-qt. Instant Pot, among others! 

My Journey to Health and Weight Loss (so far) with Trim Healthy Mama

Every year at this time my typical "routine" is to think about how badly my last New Years resolution went, get really discouraged about the extra pounds that managed to creep on again (despite great efforts to workout and eat "healthy"), and set new goals to "really do it right" this time....and a year later, repeat with an extra dose of despair. I felt like I was stuck in a spiral of weight gain and poor health. 

You guys.....this is the first year in I-don't-know-how-long that I've not only been ok with my progress, but I'm actually ecstatic!!  I've found something that works...and not some weird pill or killing myself working out, but just a real way of living and eating delicious and nourishing real food -- it's been working beautifully for my whole family!  In 6 months I've lost 35 pounds, and I'm continuing to lose more and keep moving toward better health!  I'd like to lose another 20-30 pounds and I'm beginning 2015 with hope and joy knowing that it can actually happen!

The "before" was a really rude awakening. At my all time high, I was so uncomfortable in my skin,
but I thought I looked really put together and trim....until I saw it and realized how unhealthy I looked (and was)!
I shed some tears and then found THM soon after -- thank the Lord!
The "after" picture is when I'd lost 45lbs. in 7 months -- the same weight as my son at the time.
I can't even tell you how much better I felt!

I know this is a little off-topic from what I typically blog about, but with so much talk lately about New Years resolutions and many of us setting goals for better health and weight loss, I really wanted to share this because I know it's what so many of you are looking for too! 

Here's my story friends.....I've always struggled with weight.  I gain sooo easily, but it's such a struggle to get it back off.  After having 6 babies my body was even less cooperative about letting go of the weight. Over the past couple years our family has been working on eating more whole foods and eliminating a lot of processed foods. Sort of a "real food"/Paleo approach. I felt better by cutting out the junk (artificial colors/chemicals/most wheat...etc.), it's helped some of the kids skin issues (eczema/psoriasis), and we've all been healthier in general....but I wasn't seeing weight loss like I expected. While eating this way, I ended up reaching my all-time highest weight and it was really frustrating, to be honest.

(photo credit)

I knew something had to change, but I didn't know what.  I was eating the least "junk" we ever had, organic when we could afford it, and it still wasn't working...my weight was going up, I lacked energy and felt tired most of the time, and just felt unwell. 

From blogger friends and posts on Pinterest I started hearing about "THM" and "Trim Healthy Mama", and it intrigued me -- the recipes looked delicious and people were having great results.  I decided to check it out and I've now been following the Trim Healthy Mama (THM) way of eating for 6 months and have also been seeing great results myself!

Taken just over 2 years apart:
45lbs gone (in 7 months) & maintained for 1 1/2 years on Trim Healthy Mama!

I've been able to enjoy really yummy recipes (that my family of 8 loves!) and nourish my body at the same time -- while the scale and size of my clothes has gone down! I never feel deprived, and you don't have to give up fat or carbs - whew! You just learn which foods are healthier and how to put foods together so they work to make your body lose weight and feel fantastic! (they have a public Facebook page, but their closed FB group is also an incredible encouragement! You can check out their website here)

 




There's a bit of a learning curve, like in anything new, but it's not difficult! I'm using a lot of the same foods we're already used to, but just in a different way, and eliminating sugar from my diet. (I can still have delicious healthy sweets and chocolate, which is what makes this way of eating doable - this coming from a former major sugar addict, lol!). Sugar is so addictive, but also toxic! If we can get that out of our diets it's amazing how our health and weight can improve!

I was really happy with my steady weight loss (1-3 pounds/week) for the first 4-5 months!  I didn't start with any kind of workout (and you don't have to), but I wanted to firm up and get stronger. When I started the 30-Day Shred in August my weight loss slowed way down while I built muscle and lost inches, and I felt fantastic taking care of myself on the outside and inside. 

I then got pregnant, slowed down a bit on working out (Jillian really cracks a whip!), but then eventually miscarried.  Due to laziness (and a bit of depression maybe) I didn't really care about my health and "fell off the THM wagon" for a bit after that, but as I've gotten back on plan I'm feeling so much better and my weight is dropping again.  It's such a fantastic doable plan....just a great way of life! Things will come up, but it's so easy to get right back on track.  This is the first holiday season I can remember that I haven't gained any weight and feel great! 

Ok, this post is longer than I intended, but I just wanted to share this hope and excitement I have for a plan that works!!  I'm not associated in any way, just a big fan....but shrinking, lol!  😉

I do have affiliate links above to make things easy to find (and to support our family), but get the book from wherever you want!!  Check it out of the library, borrow from a friend (if you can pry it out of their hands, lol), get it from the THM website....just check it out! If I can help in any way or answer any questions, please ask!  I'm just so happy to have hope in this area again and have control over my health!  😊

(If there's enough interest for it, I'm thinking about writing a post on how to save money while following Trim Healthy Mama, so let me know!)

Amazon.com: Trim Healthy Mama book - lowest price I've ever seen!

If you've been thinking about getting the fantastic Trim Healthy Mama book, now's the time! I've recently lost 35 pounds (and counting!  edit: I forgot I hadn't weighed in for a couple weeks - make that 42, in 5 1/2 months!) following this awesome plan and totally recommend it! The weight came off easily while eating delicious and healthy foods, and I'm finding it simple to work with our large family!

This is by far the cheapest I've ever seen it (though it's totally worth full price, IMO). Currently it's $33.37 and through today get 30% off any one book on Amazon! That will come out to just over $23 (plus it qualifies for FREE shipping on orders over $35)!

▪ To use this promotion, you must enter "HOLIDAY30" at checkout under the "Gift cards & promotional codes" section to receive 30% off any ONE (1) book purchased in your order (up to $10 promotional credit). Good through December 1, 2014 at 11:59pm PST.

Using the code on Trim Healthy Mama makes the most of the $10 discount, but you can use this code on any print books!

Java Chip Frappe Recipe (THM friendly! "S")

I found a couple recipes online for yummy blended coffee drinks that were sugar free, and Trim Healthy Mama friendly, so I whipped one up with a few modifications and was so thrilled with it I had to share!  It's healthy (won't spike my blood sugar and pack on pounds!), creamy, delicious -- I'm in!  This was such a treat!


Java Chip Frappe

1/2 c. almond milk
1/4 c. heavy cream
1/3 c. cold coffee*
2 1/2 T. sweetener (I used a combination of erythritol, xylitol, and Truvia)
1 T. cocoa powder (I used organic cacao powder)
1/2 t. xanthan gum (or 1/8 t. glucomannan)**
1/2 scoop protein powder
1 1/2 c. ice (approx. 18 ice cubes)
1 square of 85% dark chocolate, chopped (I used Ghiradelli 86% Midnight Reverie)

Optional topping: (I was too busy drinking it to bother making it pretty, lol)
whipped cream
sugar-free chocolate syrup
chopped/shaved chocolate

Blend all ingredients together in blender.  Add toppings if desired.  Serves 2.

Notes:
*I had leftover coffee to use up, but you could use water + instant coffee, or coffee ice cubes instead (if you use "coffee cubes", you may need to add some water or almond milk to thin it a little, depending on your preference - or your blenders' preference ;) ).

**The xanthan gum/gluccie is to thicken it, but it would taste just fine without it, only thinner.  Next time I'm going to try it with Great Lakes gelatin instead of the xanthan gum and protein powder because I love finding ways to get grass-fed gelatin into my diet (if you used gelatin and also subbed coconut milk for the cream, it would be allergen friendly).

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If you don't know what Trim Healthy Mama is, I highly recommend checking it out!  I've been following this delicious way of eating for almost 2 months, and I've lost about 20 pounds without even exercising! (*although I have now joined an exercise challenge group and taken on Jillian Michaels 30-Day Shred to get stronger and toned)

If you do follow Trim Healthy Mama, check out Jen's post about the Sweetener Sale they're having until September 15th, 2014!  I just happened to have those very packages in my "cart" when I found out about the sale - they'll be delivered any day and I'm so excited to try them!


*This post may contain affiliate links.  When you click on those links and make a purchase, it won't cost you anything extra, but we may get a small percentage to help support our blog and family. Thank you!

12 Low-Carb Super Bowl Food and Snack Recipes -- buffalo wings, mozzarella sticks, pizza, nachos...and more! (THM - S)

We used to have a double-date almost every Sunday night with our best buds to Applebee's for 1/2 price appetizers.....mmm, the delicious boneless buffalo wings and pork tacos, chicken quesadillas and mozzarella sticks.....*pardon me while I wipe the drool off my keyboard....

Those delightful visits ended when the four of us decided to make some changes for our health (and weight) and started a "Biggest Loser" type challenge.  My husband and I started eating a mostly low-carb way (cutting out sugars and focusing on lots of veggies, fruits, and meats) at the beginning of the year.  It's gone well  -- we're feeling good and shrinking, lol......but there have been some yummy foods that we miss....like those scrumptious appetizers! 

(*edit 2/1/16: I've now been following Trim Healthy Mama for a couple years and feel wonderful! It's the best thing I've ever discovered health-wise!  These snacks would be in the "S" category for THM!)

We've been on the lookout for tasty recipes that we can have though, and even created some of our own low-carb deliciousness, like this Jalapeno, Bacon, and Pepper Jack stuffed chicken recipe.  In our search, we've come across some great looking low-carb foods that would be great for the Super Bowl, so I thought I'd share in case anyone else is afraid of starving or "falling off the wagon" for the Big Game.  ;)
Not only, will you not go hungry, but the ones we've tried have been de-licious!

So, check out these low-carb versions of common Super Bowl finger foods.....perfect for a Super Bowl party or just enjoying at home!

Bacon and Guacamole Sammies @ Nom Nom Paleo
(seriously, bacon and guacamole?? oh, we'll be trying these!)

Low-Carb Buffalo Wings @ Luscious Low Carb
(these are seriously delicious and seriously easy!  We used Frank's Red Hot Wing Sauce and they were fantastic with or without!  Grab a .35¢/1 coupon here for Frank's)

 Low Carb Mozzarella Sticks @ Your Lighter Side
(haven't tried yet, but we plan to this weekend)

Pickle Roll-Ups @ Pip and Ebby

(a favorite among low-carbers and non!)

 Cheese Chicken "Doritos" Chips @ Your Lighter Side
(perfect for scooping all those yummy dips!)

 Low-Carb Nachos @ Peace, Love and Low Carb

Baked Cauliflower Poppers @ Delighted Momma
(They say they taste like french fries....mmm! Can't wait to try these!)

Chili @ Food.com

Cauliflower Pizza Crust @ Eat. Drink. Smile
(we tried this and loved it! my poor hubby can't live without pizza, so this was a great find!)

Grilled Zucchini Pizza Slices @ Kalyns Kitchen

Hot Cheesy Chicken Artichoke Dip @ Your Lighter Side

Buffalo Chicken Wraps @ Fitness magazine
(substitute a low-carb tortilla and grilled chicken)


What are some of your favorite low-carb recipes?  What are you planning for the Super Bowl -- big party, just hanging at home, or 'what's the Super Bowl'?  ;)

Linking up......

Jalapeno, Bacon, and Pepper Jack Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe = Amazing!! {Trim Healthy Mama = S meal}

*Edit:  I forgot to include one of the best parts about this meal!  It was so cheap to make!  The entire meal (including the cucumbers and cherry tomatoes on the side), only cost $3.50 for both of us!!  Compare that to going out to eat at a restaurant.....it could easily cost over $20 + a tip!
What a delicious way to save money!  ;)  And it's perfect for Trim Healthy Mama -- a super yummy "S" meal! (I've lost 45 pounds so far on THM, mostly in about 6 months!)

My darling husband made us the. yummiest. dinner. last night!  I went to Zumba and Rite-Aid with my sister, so got home kind of late and I thought I'd just heat up some leftovers or something....but no way....my "live-in chef" had grander plans. ;)  He whipped up this stuffed chicken breast that was really creamy and flavorful.....it was so yummy, I couldn't believe the calories and carbs were so low!

We've been eating low-carb and low-fat -- focusing on lots of fresh fruits and veggies and lean meats.  So far it's been going really well, and we're feeling great!  We've found some yummy recipes, and come up with some healthier tweaks to the "regulars".  This recipe meets our nutrition requirements (low-fat, low-carb, high protein) and is EASY and delicious!!  It will definitely be on regular rotation!  =)

Jalapeno, Bacon, and Pepper Jack Stuffed Chicken Breast (THM - S)
(Recipe makes 2 servings.  Takes about 15 minutes.)

2 chicken breasts*
2 slices bacon, cooked and diced**
1/2 cup pepper jack cheese, shredded
1 jalapeno, diced
1/4 cup onion, diced
3 Tbs. olive oil
Garlic powder (to taste)
Seasoning salt (to taste)
Onion powder (to taste)

1. Butterfly chicken breast and fill with bacon, cheese (saving a small amount to add to top of chicken when finished) and jalapeno.

2. In a skillet, heat olive oil on medium heat, then add chicken. Season with garlic powder, seasoning salt, and onion powder. Flip half way through (about 5 minutes, depending on size of chicken breast). Cook until chicken is done and cheese is melty and amazing.  ;)

3. Add onions to skillet after flipping. Top chicken with remaining cheese and sauteed onions. Enjoy!


Notes:
* Our chicken breasts were about 6oz. each.  We could've shared, but it was so yummy and I missed a meal earlier due to a busy day.....so we didn't.  ;)  Next time we'll probably use a smaller breast.  The nutrition facts would obviously change if you used smaller pieces of chicky.
** If you can stand turkey bacon (we are not fans, lol), that would reduce calories and fat even more.


I've been using SparkPeople.com (a great free tool!) to track my fitness and what I eat.  I plugged the chicken recipe into "dinner" last night and here's the nutrition data per serving.....(columns are l-r: calories, carbs, fat, protein)

Just in case you can't see the picture:

• Calories = 346
• Carbs = 3
• Fat = 14 (use turkey bacon/low fat cheese for less)
• Protein = 49

If you try it, let us know how you like it!  It's really so easy (especially when your husband makes it)  ;), inexpensive, and easily customized with some variations......I'm thinking maybe spinach, bacon and mozzarella.......ham and cheddar.......lots of possibilities!  =)


Linking up: