Who said "Yum" has to be expensive?

I hate how our culture showcases candle light dinners, steak, lobster and the like as if it is something you MUST have if you want to have a good date, or even just a dinner out. Spending $50 or more for one night's dinner is very hard for me as that is one weeks worth of food for our family! Now, have I done it? Yes, but only a few times. Unlike many people, I would much rather go to the grocery store and buy food and cook a fancy dinner at home. I know that it doesn't have quite the same feel as a restaurant, and you do have the work of cooking and clean up after, however it is so much more enjoyable to me when I know that it didn't cost me an arm and a leg for a feast fit for a ladybug (you catch my drift?!).

Source

I heard a great sermon this last Sunday that talked about money and our culture; how we think we are broke and yet if you make $25,000/year, you are in the top 2% richest people in the world (according to Global Rich List). How crazy is that?!?! It got me thinking about what I am responsible for in our budget: food. Where I strive to make sure each meal is around $5 or $6 so that each serving is $1 or less, there are people living on $2/day for all of their living expenses. I can do better than that, right? Learning about the real numbers of our world's poverty made me come to a realization in the realm of preparing meals for my family.

Food is a energy source for our bodies; it's prime purpose is not meant to be an emotional experience. 

Okay, Okay, yes I think that food should taste great, but I think that too much time and effort is put into finding the perfect blend of flavors so that when you take a bite your whole world is made better. While I already knew this to some extent, it really clicked when the preacher was talking about the money aspect of it. Keeping this in mind, I hope to think twice before I pin the "Buttered Lobster, Pillowy White Rolls, with a side of Succulent Lemon Green Beans and Decadent Molten Chocolate Cake with Taiwanese Blueberries" recipes on Pinterest, for example. Sure, I think that all sounds wonderful (I wonder if it even exists...), but I can probably get more nutrition out of a different meal that costs me a lot less. I think there are times when a fancy dinner is okay, but fancy AT HOME dinner is so much cheaper! Try it some time :)

With all that being said, I would like to share with you some sites that I visit often to find inexpensive, nutritious meals to prepare for my family. These particular two sites also break down the costs of the recipe so I know exactly how much I'm spending- which also helps a lot!

Budget Bytes

Pennies & Pancakes

Both of these sites have whole wheat options if desired, and really try to create wholesome recipes on a tight budget. I'm very thankful for these sites as they do a lot of the work for me when it comes to figuring out what recipes fit with the ingredients I have on hand and also what fits into our budget. Below I listed a few of our family favorites from both Budget Bytes and P&P. I hope you like them as much as we have! 

Hearty Black Bean Quesadillas

Chili Cheese Beef N Mac (we use ground turkey)

Dal Nirvana and Naan 

Best Wheat Bread

Frozen Bean and Cheese Burritos

Wheat Pancakes

**If you are interested in hearing the sermon I talked about, definitely click the link :) It was a great lesson about breaking free from the bondage of debt in our lives...and much more! 

Foodie Friday: The 'Hot Mess'

Today, I am taking a break from the usual appearance posts to spot light a 'Catie Manning Original' to post a recipe.  No it is no Betty Crocker, but it is tasty and healthy none the less.  From my previous thoughts on the new year...the big bad 2014...as promised here is my one recipe this week!

Also I should note because I am working on a tight budget, I have listed the prices to which I found these items.  Price, ingredients and food labels for some of the items played a role in my purchases.  The items to which do not have a price listed, I had at my house already.

Hot Mess
Yields: 4 meals

You will need:
1 green zucchini  (2/$3)
1 yellow zucchini  (2/$3)
1 green pepper ($1.69/lb)
1 teaspoon of Meijer Natural's Minced Garlic ($2 for a small jar)
Parsley
Italian Seasoning
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Meijer Natural's Brand Tomato Basil Organic Sauce ($1.99/jar)
Meijer Parmesan Cheese ($1.99/container)
1/2 box of spaghetti noodles (On sale for $1 a box)
Butter

Prep:
Take the your vegetables and rinse them off in cold water.  Take both zucchinis and grate them finely. Make sure to grate the whole vegetable.  Then, slice your green pepper in a little larger sections.  I would suggest cutting into roughly 8-10 pieces.  You will leave your prepped vegetables in a medium sized bowl.

Next, boil water in a larger pot.  As you allow your water to boil, use the extra virgin olive oil to coat a large separate skillet.  Using medium heat on your stove top, add in your pre-prepped vegetables.  Add your spoonful of minced garlic and sprinkle the top of your vegetables with your Italian seasonings.  If water is boiling at this point in pot, add 1/2 box of spaghetti noodles.

Occasionally toss or stir your vegetables as for them not to burn or the garlic to be too concentrated in any one area.  Once noodles are al dente, drain the excess water and remove vegetables from the heat.  Join your cooked vegetables with your spaghetti and add a 1/2 tablespoon or so of real butter and toss it into your mix.  Sprinkle the top generously with parmesan cheese and toss into mix as to lightly coat your noodles.  Sprinkle parsley over the top of the mix.

My Hot Mess pre-tomato basil serving

Before serving, lightly coat your hot mess with tomato basil spaghetti sauce.  You don't want it to be dripping by any means.  Toss just enough into your mix evenly.  Sprinkle serving with a small amount of parmesan cheese for appearance.

Protein:
There are many varieties that can be used to pair with the Hot Mess.  I would suggest sautéed shrimp or grilled chicken.  Both equally compliment in texture and flavors.

Wine or Drink Pairings:
A light slightly dry white wine such as a Pinot Grigio or Pinot Gris would pair well with this meal.  These wines are light, crisp and add a slight fruit flavor.  For non-alcoholic options, a Sprite or Sprite/Cranberry Juice mix would also match this recipe.


I hope that you enjoy your Hot Mess!  This meal has lasted me a week and still tastes amazing.  Please try my recipe and see what you think.

I would love suggestions or to hear recipes from our viewers.  Feel free to comment below or catch us on our Twitter or Facebook Page.

Bon appétit!
Catie Manning

Healthy Eating on a Budget

Hey everyone! I hope you are enjoying "Health Awareness Week" so far. Make sure you keep reading this week as we have lots to share with you all! Today I am going to share some tips about how easy it is to bring healthy eating into your home, even on a tight budget. 

Source

I grew up in a big family and a tight budget came right along with the siblings. My parents were always on the lookout for coupons and money-saving tips when it came to providing healthy meals for us kids.  Through them, I learned many tips that help me as I plan meals for my family today. 
Lately, my biggest help with staying within budget has been to make a weekly meal plan. I look for healthy meals that are quick to prepare and easy on our wallet. I use coupons where I can, but I usually just shop sales and off brands. I love looking on pinterest for recipes and have found many healthy and budget friendly recipe sites through it (BudgetBytes and HeavenlyHomemakers are two that I visit often). Some things that I try to keep in mind while writing my meal plans include:

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• Potatoes, rice and pasta are cheap bases to any meal. Use brown rice or whole wheat pasta for a healthy option.
• Cheese is expensive, and honestly it’s not that healthy for you in large quantities (such a sad fact of life). Look for recipes not drowning in cheese.
• Fresh produce can get expensive but it is worth it. Plan your menu wisely and you won't be buying excess produce that you end up throwing out at the end of the week.
• Your crock pot is your friend (especially if you work outside the home).
• Do I have a protien, carb, and veggie/fruit for every meal? Check out these sites to learn more about preparing a healthy, balanced meal.
• The Healthy Eating Plate
• Choose My Plate

Just remember, your food is your fuel. You don't have to have organic foods bursting your ears, but your body does need GOOD FOOD so that it can function effectively. (If you need some nutrition advice, I'm sure Erica would be more that happy to help!)

P.S. Make your healthy food in style with one of my custom-made aprons! Remember one of my recent posts where I mentioned that I was sewing aprons? Well I finished them! These were for a friend's custom order but they have inspired me to finally complete one for myself! If you are interested in an apron for yourself or to give as a gift- feel free to leave me a comment or find them on my Etsy shop! 

                 

Staying Healthy While Traveling

In less than two weeks I will be hopping on a jet plane on my way to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina for a family vacation. Words cannot express how excited I am to spend time together with my family and to have a whole week away from work! I love my patients, but everyone needs a break every once and a while. Yesterday my mom called me and said "can we be healthy this vacation?" How many of us like to let go on vacation? I'd say likely everyone. I'd also say that quite a few people worry about sticking to their diet or health plan while on vacation. I've been there and will be there. 

To help you (and myself) out, here are some key pointers for staying healthy while traveling:

Photo by Leslie Nicole

1. When possible, get a condo so that you can make your own meals. You will spend a little extra on where you are staying, but a lot less on meals! 

2. Pack snacks for the car/flights. Apples, oranges, carrot sticks, healthy snack bars, nuts, etc. are great for traveling with. Opt to by water and keep away from sugar filled drinks. Make sure you stay hydrated! I know it is not fun to keep stopping on a road trip or to go in the small tiny airplane bathroom, but your body does need water! And when you stop at fast food, choose wisely :-).

3. When you do eat out, be conscious about what you are eating. Allow yourself that one cheat night, but don't keep cheating. Be aware of how much alcohol you are consuming and remember that alcohol temporarily turns the liver into what is called a "fatty liver" which slows down your metabolism. Slow down on the free bread or chips and salsa.

4. Make it a goal to be active for at least a half hour each day. Even if it is just a walk down the beach, just get your blood pumping!

5. Have healthy snacks around like broccoli and hummus, carrots and gauc, healthy protein powder, greek yogurt not packed with sugar, nuts, etc. so that when you have the munchies you have something healthy to grab!

6. Don't get over hungry. Plan your meals out and eat around your normal times. Also, research ahead of time restaurants where you will eat.

7. RELAX. Let your rest and the stress hormones come down to normal levels!

Happy summer travels everyone!

- Erica