Tag: eating | Baby Doodah!

Happy Father’s Day & Sunday Meal Plan – Week 19

Posted on June 15 by Jillian416 • 4 Comments

Happy Father’s Day!

I’m a lucky woman. I met, fell in love with and married the man of my dreams! He is a hands on father, always willing to take on the dirty work, so that I can have a break. Whenever I need him he’s there, lending a hand or helping us through a difficult situation. Without him, I’d be lost, he’s the person I laugh with, cry with and lay with, thinking about our continued future together.

He knows that I love him, but I hope that he truly understands how deep my feelings for him run. I’m lucky to have him in my life, and Emmett is lucky to have him as a dad, providing an excellent role model of what a strong, focused father is. I look forward to every single day ahead!

Happy Father’s & Grandfather’s Day to my dad!

Even with All the Love, It is Sunday…

…which means it’s meal plan link-up time.

Sunday: Dinner out with my parents and siblings – I think we’re doing BBQ. Yum!

Monday: Tacos with fresh veggies

Tuesday: Homemade steak subs & veggies

Wednesday: Hamburgers & Fries

Thursday: Marinated Chicken & Veggies

Friday: Steak, chick-pea & tomato salad

Saturday: pasta & garlic bread

It’s supposed to be kind of hot this week, so we tried to come up with as many meals as possible that can be cooked on the grill. We live in an upper apartment, so those hot days, mixed with the oven being on, does not equal good things. Yuck!

As usual, I’m linking up with Laura from Mommy, Run Fast! and Jill from jillconyers.com. Everyone has to eat, join us and link-up your weekly menu!

Your turn!

How are you celebrating your Father’s Day?

If you want to start your Monday off on a generous foot and want to support cancer research, donate to my ride. I’m riding for Roswell Park Cancer Institute and their Ride for Roswell. Anything will help me reach my goal, and further advance cancer research. Just click HERE to donate.

Filed Under: Family, Food & Recipes

30 Paleo Breakfast Ideas

Posted on March 10 by Jillian416 • 4 Comments

On the Hunt for some Paleo Breakfast Ideas

I think the meal that I struggle the most with when transitioning to healthy eating is breakfast. First off, I just love breakfast, eggs fill me up like nothing else I’ve ever eaten, and a good piece of toast with butter and jelly will make even the gloomiest day seem a bit brighter. But even more than that, eggs taste delicious!

I know what you’re thinking, Jillian, eggs are Paleo so what are you going on about? Well, I love having my eggs with some form of bread, or bagel and those are definitively NOT Paleo. And every week when grocery shopping comes around, I add the same things to the list for breakfast that I always do, eggs, Wegmans everything bagel and American cheese slices. I stick with what works, and that egg sandwich has been keeping me full for a couple years now. But, I really REALLY want to eat better so I decided to look around for some breakfast ideas that include egg, or other options that will keep me full.

Here’s what I came up with:

My Favorite Paleo Breakfast Ideas

Bacon and Heirloom Tomato Frittata with Basil
I am a huge fan of eggs for breakfast, and this would be a great recipe to make on weekends or to make ahead and prepackage for the week.
Paleo Whoolly Mammoth Oatmeal
Oatmeal!? I know! I was surprised too, but Paleo Fuel and Fire has it figured out. I love love LOVE oatmeal for breakfast (not as much as eggs, but still a lot), and this looks pretty good. Something I could probably whip up ahead of time and then throw in the frying pan before leaving for work.
Banana Bites
Okay, seriously, such a brilliant idea. Mornings for a lot of people are rushed but all you need to do is slice up a banana and smother it with almond butter and put another slice of banana on top. Perfection!
Banana Nut Porridge
I love oatmeal, love it like there’s no tomorrow, but unfortunately if you choose to follow a Paleo lifestyle oatmeal is not an acceptable option. This is where those alternatives come in, and this one looks awesome!
Banana Walnut Muffins
I love all things banana! Banana bread and muffins are a primary love of mine. These look like a phenomenal option to fulfill those banana cravings.
Best Paleo Pancakes
Pancakes can be Paleo! This makes me happy, check out this light and fluffy option by Girl Gone Country.
Breakfast Biscuit Sandwiches
I often enjoy egg sandwiches for breakfast, and when I’m being really strict and sticking to a Paleo diet, I miss them a lot. This recipe has you make Paleo biscuits and the other items are already Paleo, perfect.
Paleo Breakfast Casserole
I’ve personally made this recipe and I really REALLY like it. My only tip would be to ensure you cut the sweet potatoes into very small cubes or the whole thing tastes like a sweet potato. If you don’t mind that, then go with larger chunks.
Brussel Sprout Breakfast Hash with Bacon & Apples
Oh my goodness! This look simply amazing! I love sweet and savory together so this would be the perfect breakfast for me.
Churro Waffles
Topped with coconut sugar and cinnamon, these are sure to be a winner at your next breakfast party!
Coconut Porridge
Another delicious oatmeal-like option. Yum yum yum!
Eggs with Avocado and Salsa
Sure this might be a pretty straight forward example of a breakfast, but that’s the beauty of it. You don’t need fancy things in order to make a yummy and filling breakfast.
Everyday Paleo Crap Cake Eggs Benedict
Okay, raise your hand if you love eggs benedict. Is it raised? Mine too! I love it and this is the perfect example of how a recipe can be delicious and Paleo.
French Toast with Grilled Bananas
Here we have bananas again. Something about bananas makes them very breakfast friendly. Check out this yummy looking french toast recipe.
Green and White Omelette
Another great one that is pretty quick to make for those busy workday mornings.
Onion Frittata Recipe
I love onions and I love eggs, so what better than a frittata recipe with both of those items in it? Sign me up!
Orange Dark Chocolate Chip Scones
When I found this recipe, I’m pretty sure I dribbled on my keyboard. These sound amazing! Nothing something I would necessarily eat for breakfast every morning, but would be good for a pot luck breakfast.
Paleo Almond Honey Granola
I absolutely love the idea of making this ahead of time and packing it up for snacks all week long.
Paleo Breakfast Burritos
So good, so simple and perfect for breakfast! A great idea to make really quickly in the morning before heading out the door.
Breakfast Cookie Granola
Another granola recipe, but this one has almond or sunflower seed butter in it. Sounds really delicious!
Paleo Cinnamon Rolls
OMG! Who doesn’t love cinnamon rolls on Sunday mornings?? We used to have them all the time, with our Sunday brunch. I want to run and make these now!
Paleo Cinnamon Square Crunch Cereal
Oh yes, you read that right, CEREAL! I love love love cereal but avoid it a lot of the time because it is so full of sugars and other additives, but not this one. This is homemade through and through. I’ll likely be giving this a try very soon!
Paleo Oatmeal
Another oatmeal recipe, and you may very well be sick of seeing them, but they all sound so good that I wanted to be sure to share as many as possible with you.
Poached Eggs with Tomato, Avocado and Basil
Genius and something so simple to throw together. Use the tomatoes as your toast and layer with the avocado, salt, pepper and basil. Mmmm
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins
One of my favorite things to order when going through a drive-thru for my morning coffee is a chocolate chip muffin. Now I can just make these, saving the money and the calories!
Strawberry, Spinach and Almond Butter Smoothie
On days when I just don’t feel like eating, I can usually stomach a smoothie. This one sounds like a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, and like it would be amazing!
Weekend Paleo Breafast Bowl
Om nom nom – This recipe is full of veggies and topped with eggs for some hardcore protein.
Paleo Breakfast Biscuit Sandwich
The maple dijon bacon alone, in this recipe makes me yell about the delicious food from the rooftops.
Coffee Cake Banana Bread
Oh my goodness! This looks like something I could eat in one sitting, so I probably shouldn’t make it, but you should and then bring me ONE slice. 🙂
Paleo Breakfast Bars
Super simple to throw together and make ahead, so that you can grab and go in the mornings when you have no time.

There you have it, my list of favorite Paleo breakfast ideas that I’ve found around the web.

Your turn!

What are some of your favorite Paleo, or healthy breakfasts?

Filed Under: All About Me, Food & Recipes

What I Ate Wednesday – Binge Eating Disorder

Posted on February 20 by Jillian416 • 7 Comments

Coping with Binge Eating Disorder

Wiki describes binge eating disorder as an eating disorder characterized by binge eating without subsequent purging episodes.

Over the last couple of weeks I’ve spent time writing about my struggles with Binge Eating Disorder. You can read about my admission to the disorder here, some of the details of what I deal with on a daily basis here, what some of my “hidden talents” are here, and finally why I decided to come clean on my blog here.

Today I want to talk about the loneliness that comes with having Binge Eating Disorder.

Until very recently, no one knew my secrets. I’m sure that Seamus may have surmised that I was eating poorly, and way too much, but I never actually told him. It isn’t that I didn’t feel safe, or that he’d judge me, but simply that I was embarrassed. No one had known for so long, that someone knowing might ruin me. That I would no longer be able to look him in the eye, for fear that all he’d be picturing is me with an over-abundance of food.

In June I decided to come clean. I had been doing a lot of research on the topic and ways to correct it, and one of the biggest rules of thumb is to be honest with those in your life, so that you can feel free. So, I did it. The first time I broached the subject with him, I mentioned it and that I thought I was dealing with it, but never mentioned the amounts or types of foods that I ate. I wasn’t ready for that yet, because telling someone that, was letting someone into my deepest and darkest secret.

As time progressed, and Seamus and I discussed what was going on with me, I felt more comfortable admitting to what I had been eating. I don’t think Seamus ever judged me, but he was shocked, and it showed. I was so disgusted with myself. I immediately ended the conversation from going any further and changed the subject. I wanted to come clean, but I did not want to have to deal with the sadness and disgust that was bubbling up (if I’m being honest, I’m still not dealing with that).

Weeks passed, and I brought it up again because I NEED his support in order to overcome this. I need someone who knows the deepest places of me, and loves me despite them. When we talk about it now he is understanding and comforting and tries to offer words of encouragement, or ideas for overcoming it, but in true addict fashion, I’ve told him I got it handled. Well, I don’t. I continue to eat poorly (this is an understatement), sure I’ll have a few great days and eat super healthy, but as days pass my resolve falters and I’m right back eating the same crap I was before. Only now I’m ashamed (again) to tell Seamus because I am doing exactly what I said I had handled.

It is a very lonely place, where I am at right now. I have people around me who love me, but I still feel all alone and it hurts. It’s by no fault of their own, they show their support and tell me they love me, but it doesn’t change the inner turmoil that goes on in my head.

Readers, I know some of this is getting super personal, but I hope that you’ll continue with me on my journey. I appreciate all of the support you’ve shown and continue to show. It means a whole lot to me!

I’m linking up with Peas and Crayons, be sure to stop on over and visit!

Filed Under: All About Me

What I Ate Wednesday – #19

Posted on November 20 by Jillian416 • 0 Comments

Woohoo – It’s What I Ate Wednesday time!

Hi everyone! I’m feeling super duper peppy tonight! That might be because I had a cup of coffee at 7, after we finished dinner. You might think I’m crazy but I like being able to write at night and the only way to stay conscious is by having a cup. I’m sure by 10:30 I’ll be ready to hit the hay.

Today was another fantastic day! Busy, with lots going on at work but all good stuff and I’m trying to keep a positive attitude, it makes everything so much better. I also had a doctor’s appointment this morning and my blood pressure was perfect, I was very pleased. Granted, I am taking BP meds, but either way at least it is in a healthy zone.

Alright, time for my eats.

I started my day off the way I usually do, with a cup of coffee. Yum!

That beauty right there is what gets me pumping right from the get go. I know some people may say I drink too much, but I never feel jittery and I don’t load it with sugar or milk (just a splash), and my doctor isn’t concerned, so I’ll keep on, keepin’ on.

And just because I want to prove how much I love coffee, I had a second cup when I got to work. 😉

After I finished my second cup, I had my breakfast. As I mentioned in my Weekly Wishes post on Monday, I wanted to cut all gluten out of my breakfasts, so far so good. I’ve been having an organic avocado, cubed up with 2 hard boiled eggs and then topped with Frank’s Red Hot. A good friend of mine eats this frequently for breakfast and it sounded right up my alley, so I gave it a try. I love it! And so far, I’m 3 days in with no gluten at breakfast! Go me!

All morning, I kept reminding myself to get a picture of my breakfast but I ended up forgetting until it was all gone. Here’s a pic of the empty container, for the fun of it.

Lunch was my typical salad; romaine lettuce, sunflower seeds, blue cheese, ham, turkey and some Ken’s Honey Mustard.

Dinner was something simple and thrown together at the last minute, Seamus worked out tonight and Emmett and I got home late. We ended up having chicken fingers and french fries, straight out of the oven. Not the top most healthy meal ever, but at least it’s better than a Big Mac and fries, right?

And that’s about it, folks. No dessert for me tonight, I just wasn’t in the mood. Be sure to stop on over to Peas and Crayons and link up with What I Ate Wednesday. Thanks for hosting, Jenn!

Filed Under: What I Ate Wednesday

What I Ate Wednesday – #18

Posted on November 13 by Jillian416 • 2 Comments

Oh yeah! Time again for What I Ate Wednesday!

My day typically starts at 4:45, my alarm goes off and I get right out of bed. I never snooze because that just keeps waking Seamus up (who doesn’t wake up until around 6), and that’s not really fair. He doesn’t need to adopt my lifestyle of getting up super early. Anyway, I always have my coffee set to start brewing at 4:40, so that by the time I’m rolling out of bed, using the bathroom and making Emmett’s sippys for school, it’s done brewing. That first cup tastes like liquid gold!

I won one of those Starbucks reusable mugs from a drawing at work and I’ve been using it at home. I love it because it keeps my coffee pretty warm (but also not scalding) and also is a Starbucks mug (yes, I drank the Kool-aid). I love Starbucks! My coffee of choice is Trader Joe’s Fair Trade French Roast, it is dark and rich and really really good. I recommend adding just a splash of whole milk (thanks Emmett!) or half & half. Yum!

Breakfast was my typical Egg McSeamus, an english muffin, 1 egg and a slice of American cheese. Yum! I also had another delicious cup of coffee when I got settled at my desk. I love coffee!!

Lunch was my usual, delicious salad. Romaine lettuce, topped with blue cheese crumbles, sunflower seeds, Krakus ham and oven roasted turkey and then drizzled with Ken’s Lite Honey Mustard. Mmmmm

And WAY too many of these, Trader Joe’s dark chocolate caramels.

Dinner was grilled chicken and sauteed zucchini. Problem was, I rrrrrreally didn’t want grilled chicken so I made myself a chicken sandwich, and voila, dinner was saved for me.

Thanks for hosting, Jenn! Be sure to stop over to Peas and Crayons and link-up.

Filed Under: What I Ate Wednesday

What I Ate Wednesday – #12

Posted on October 2 by Jillian416 • 0 Comments

You guessed it, it’s What I Ate Wednesday, time again.

Happy day to you all! Yesterday marked the first day of the ecourse I’m taking, Everyday Happy. I’ll share more about it in a separate post, but I love what the hosts have in store and am really excited to get started on this 6-week journey. If you’re interested in learning more about the class and what it entails, check out their website, and why not sign-up? Everyone could stand to be a little happier, can’t they?

Alright, time for What I Ate Wednesday.

My workdays tend to include the same food over and over again. It isn’t that I have a boring pallet, it’s just that it’s easier to pack a lunch when you know exactly what you have to pack and not think through everything. When I get sick of what I’ve currently been eating, and switch things up, I tend to forget some part of my lunch because it’s new and I have a terrible short-term memory. Anyhoo – with all that said, if you notice that some of the foods are repetitive, or seem like they’re from previous weeks, now you know why.

Breakfast was my usual, egg, cheese (American) and Canadian bacon sandwich on a whole grain muffin. I love this because it is just like what I would stop at Tim Horton’s and order, just a bit healthier. Plus it’s pretty filling, which is always a benefit when it comes to breakfast, since I find I’m most hungry then. As per usual, I forgot to snap a pic before I ate it, sorry! I swear one of these weeks I will manage to get a photo.

Snack was a delicious combination for Trader Joe’s 0% Greek Yogurt, with organic, unsweetened coconut and Goji berries mixed in, and then topped with some granola. I am loving Goji berries right now, I had been seeing a lot of them in people’s Instagram photos so I thought I’d give them a try and I REALLY like them! They add a nice sweet touch and since I use them dried, they’re nice and chewy, which causes me to eat slower and allows my belly to fill up faster.

Unsweetened Coconut and Goji Berries

For lunch I had my typical salad. Romaine lettuce, blue cheese crumbles, sunflower seeds, ham, chicken and honey mustard dressing. See, I told you I eat the same things almost every week! 😀

I ate a little something just before I left work. I hate when I leave hungry because then I am more apt to stop and get fast food. I had two Wasa Crisps topped with First Light Farm and Creamery Garlic and Dill Chevre (yum!), tomotes and radishes (all from the farmer’s market). This has been my go to snack for the last week, I dare you to give it a try!

Finally, dinner, we just had some pasta and garlic bread. Definitely not the healthiest of meals but it tasted good. I just did some pasta water mixed with olive oil and garlic powder. I’m very particular about my pasta sauces and haven’t found that I love (except for Frank’s), so I tend to gravitate towards white sauces or plain olive oil.

So, that’s it, that was my day of food. Pretty yummy if you ask me!

Your turn!

Have you tried Goji berries before? If so, what do you think?

What are some of your eats from the past week?

Thanks for hosting What I Ate Wednesday, Peas and Crayons! Stop on over and link-up.

And for the fun of it!

I’ll be joining in for this next week!

Filed Under: What I Ate Wednesday

What I Ate Wednesday – #9

Posted on September 11 by Jillian416 • 0 Comments

We are entering our third month of What I Ate Wednesday! How fun!

I woke up in a stupendous (there’s a word you don’t hear regularly) mood. My alarm went off and I dreaded crawling out from my cozy blanket, but I did it anyway. BUT don’t think of me as any kind of hero, because I just went to the couch and slept until quarter to 6. 😀 I just didn’t want to reset my alarm and have it go off again and wake Seamus up. I knew the couch would work just as well for additional sleep for me.

My What I Ate Wednesday Eats:

Breakfast was the same as last week and just like last week, I was so hungry that I ate it before I thought to snap a picture. Either way, I had a whole wheat english muffin with a slice of cheese and a scrambled egg. It was (and always is) delicious!

Snack, (OH MY!) let me tell you about my snack. It was an extremely decadent maple bacon donut. Oh how delicious, and dare I even say pretty, it was. Mmmmm

Does anyone else plan 1 meal for lunch and then just eat that for everyday? I used to try and choose something different so I didn’t get bored but I was spending so much money on groceries and having so much waste, since I wasn’t using everything, that now I just choose one meal for the week. I either make enough for the week on Sundays, or choose something that I can throw together each night while I pack my lunch. This week I did the baked potato and some yogurt.

I grabbed a couple of carrots and a scoop of hummus before I left work. I hate getting hungry in the car, it makes it really difficult to avoid stopping for junk.

I decided to give Wegmans Cilantro Jalapeno hummus a try! It was really really good, I definitely recommend it.

Dinner was something quick and comforting, ravioli and garlic bread. With getting home from work so late and trying to get in some workouts (or at least a walk), we just don’t have a lot of time. That’s when we tend to settle for something quick and maybe not quite so healthy, we try to have a nice balance. Unfortunately, I forgot to get any pics of dinner. Sorry about that!

I’m pretty sure Emmett enjoyed his meal, what do you think?

And finally, I’m super excited because we finally ordered Emmett’s big boy car seat and it came in today. We haven’t put it in my car yet, but I can’t wait to be done with the infant one, no more lugging that thing (and Emmett) around.