#1 in series: “EATING OUT WHILE EATING CLEAN in CONNECTICUT”

Geronimoes of Fairfield 

This establishment ranks up at the top for us in terms of easy ordering , clearly labeled menu and adaptable options for all dietary preferences whether vegan, vegetarian, gluten free or dairy free.

All GF and V menu items are labeled on the menu and the wait staff was happy to assist us if we had questions and to help us make easy swaps in effort to make Non labeled dishes GF as well! 

Our fav of course has to be the table side GAUC! Being it’s literally made tableside, in front of you, you clearly see what goes into it... all fresh ingredients 👌🏻

Don’t want to overdo it on the “chips”

Or trying to steer away from

Corn products? No worries! Ask for it with any type of veggies on the side or their yucca fries or just grab a spoon and dig in! 😆

I like to “splurge” just a bit while still keeping it GF and full of FRESH REAL ingredients and lots of plant based goodness included! I often opt for the fish Tacos. Corn based tortillas (because I still enjoy corn in moderation once in a great while) filled with super fresh tasting , non breaded sushi grade fish topped with the most delicious flavors of plant based based yumminess! The menu has far too many options to list and is very versatile as far as flavor and diet preferences. One of the items we’ve enjoyed is the Spaghetti Squash burrito bowl. It is a Vegetarian dish, however it is not labeled Gluten free. No problem! We simply asked the waitress exactly what was it that kept it from being GF...she asked the chef and came right back to inform us that the beans were cooked In a sort of flour containing rue but to make it Gf it was very simple to just use plain black beans instead. Perfect solution and such an informed chef on staff!

 Here are just a few sneak-peaks of the menu:

The atmosphere is super versatile as well. It makes a great spot for any occasion from date night, girls night, or even suitable for family dining! It has a great bar and all drinks have the same very “fresh” flavor and feel that their food does. I don’t typically indulge in alcoholic drinks much myself, but will order one light drink on occasion. One of my favorites and one that is a great choice for those who don’t want to break the diet entirely is a Wine Spritzer. But should you choose to go with a Geronimoes classic, they make a delicious and FRESH margarita or mojito using REAL ingredients, no processed mixers.  Just remember drinks very easily add far more calories and sugars than most people realize and easily sabotage a diet , so stick to one and make it a GOOD one!

Exercise for the BUSY MOM! 

As promised, here I am, back & blogging again! Technical difficulties and just being a Busy Mom kept me off the blog for a bit, but today’s post seemed like a perfect topic to get me back. Exercise!! The wonderful benefits of Exercise make it oh-so-important for everyone alike. As much as I am all about eating well to feel well, I can’t ignore the absolute FACT that exercise is every bit as crucial and goes hand in hand with a clean diet. I listed a few of the major benefits of regular exercise on my Instagram post earlier, but to recap quick the 4 largest benefits are:

-assists with weight loss/control

-boosts your mood/mental health/stress reduction

-good for your health

-Helps you sleep better *assuming you don’t workout too close to bedtime

That being said, how does a Busy ,Full time ,Stay at Home, Homeschooling, Special needs Mom fit in regular exercise? Regardless of your situation and/or schedule here are just a few of many ideas to help you get in regular exercise wherever or whenever you can! Find what works best for your circumstances and then stick with it. They say it takes just 21days for something to become a habit... that’s just 3 weeks.... try committing  to 3 weeks of whatever combo of these suggestions .

Here they are:

1: Join a GYM. Yes, that’s sort of a no-brainer obvious option. However, I know it can seem overwhelming or costly or not possible with kids. However, most gyms these days are fairly affordable and have a lot to offer. Not clue what to do when you go? Or have trouble pushing yourself enough to see results? Find a Gym with good group classes that offer a total body workout.

You won’t be left on your own and you’ll leave having gotten a full body workout without having to think about it. 

Kids? Many gyms offer Kids Care and even run the kids center much like a Gym Class in school with activities and games that keep your kids active while you get time to workout. In my personal situation/circumstances this has proven to be the best and most beneficial option, well worth the extra expense. 

2:No interest or time for the gym: Download a free Daily workout App (there are several right in the App Store) onto your phone. Find one that lets you choose the time and type of workout. There are some that can do as little as 5minutes at a time and choose from: Cardio, Full Body, Abs, etc...  Wake up & start your day with 10 or so min , and fit another 10-20min into your afternoon. Have kids? Include them! Make it a game. Try 5 minute bursts in between errands or cooking & have them follow along as best they can.

3:Obstacle Course fun! This is a fav of my kiddos. On days where the weather is nice & outdoor time I s a must we make it into a “workout” that feels like playtime & gets me exercising too. We take turns setting up an obstacle course for each one of us to follow and take turns timing how fast each of us can complete it. An example of one would be: ‘Hop to the far Tree, circle it,drop and do 5burpees, run to the baseball tee and hit the ball off, skip to the ball, 10jump squats, gallop around the house and do 30 jumping jacks....’ We change it up every time and go till we’ve tired ourselves out or we’ve each completed at least 3 different course. I usually get double the workout because when it’s my oldests turn, she needs me to run the course with her and assist her through each move/activity due to her special needs.

4:JUST DANCE! Have you heard of it!?  Just Dance is a Dance game created for gaming systems, BUT you can find the videos from it all over YouTube and follow along just the same, minus the controller that tracks your moves. My son is obsessed and he&I have many dance battles! Never underestimate the cardio and muscle workout involved 

in full on dance battles. Don’t have Access to YouTube? No problem, crank up the radio and 

dance

 like no one is watching! 😆😆 Toss

 some squat jumps and push ups into your routine.

5: PINTEREST!! Ya, that’s right.... it’s not just for decorating and crafts ideas. Search “circuit workouts, Cross fit routines or HITT workouts.... or anything similar and you will find endless routines you can do with no equipment right at home or even outdoors in your yard. You can set aside enough time to do a full routine a few times over for half an hr or so, OR if that doesn’t work, break it up and do it in 2,3or4 shorter circuits throughout the day. Here’s a couple examples of what you can find:

6:Use every small spare minute.  How often throughout the day are we just standing or sitting waiting on something.... standing at the stove as something cooks, waiting at the coffee maker for the coffee to finish brewing, waiting for your kid to come out of the bathroom 😆etc.... use the time to do a super quick set of squats, leg raises, lunges, or just jog in place or do jumping jacks! Broken up throughout the day feels like nothing but it all adds up! How about carrying laundry or other things up or down stairs? What if you purposely carried it in smaller loads so that it takes a couple more trips up and down those stairs? Or what if every time you get to the top and/or bottom of stairs you choose a move to do a quick super set of? If you’re sitting at work or home, how about some reverse crunches at the end of your seat or a “wall squat” hold above your chair.... any small thing you can fit into small moments throughout the day. 

7:YOU TUBE! I already mentioned Just Dance videos that are fun to do with the kids, but did you know you can also find full workout videos and channels to subscribe to? Try searching LesMils , Grit, Beachbody and then see all the similar options that pop up and try them out to find your favs! Some are free and some are a very low monthly cost (cheaper than a gym memebership) and have the same exact group classes on that you would find at the gym! It’s perfect for someone who prefers to be at home on their own, kids can be home with you and you can do it at anytime that works for you that day. Most require no equipment and others need just small easy to purchase hand weights and mat. (TIP: if you happen to have the store ‘Five Below’ near you, they have a great section of at home exercise equipment, yoga mats AND clothing!! 

8:Join your kids! This ones a no-brainer for most. Find activities your kids enjoy and instead of watching, do it with them! Kids are rarely sedentary for any length of time, they’re constantly “exercising” without realizing they are. They’re playing! So join in! Go for a bike ride on your own bike with them. Go for a Jog through your neighborhood with them. For me, this can be difficult as my oldest due to her complex needs isn’t able to ride a bike or jog, but for most it’s a perfect option! I can push her in her wheelchair if we want to go for a long walk and that is definitely a workout for me!😆 Or, I look for “neutral ground” spaces, such as our nearby jogging track that has a large open field in the middle. I can use it to suit all of our needs. My younger two can bring bikes and ride around, my oldest likes to just be outdoors and roam nearby. I alternate between doing a circuit workout in the grass with them and hen running a lap around them where I can still easily see them. They even join in with me.

9: Recruit a workout buddy! If you have trouble motivating yourself on your own, find a friend that wants to get more active as well and join the gym together, or choose a location/home with good space and you tube channel or Pinterest on the phone and then make definite plans each week for times. It makes you less likely to skip/cancel and holds you more accountable when you’re also helping your friend and vice versa.

10: If meeting up with a friend isn’t an option due to conflicting  schedules or circumstances or 

distance, no worries, set up a challenge for  you both to follow and stay in daily contact to be sure you’re each sticking with it and cheering eachother on. It could be as simple as looking up a 30day ab challenge and then confirming each day to eachother that it was completed.... Or try a jogging routine or text a new Pinterest circuit workout to eachother each week and decide you will each do it at least 3days a week. Hold eachother and yourselves accountable! It helps! 

Well, that’s 10 of my simple little suggestions to get you loving and fitting in regular exercise to keep you feeling good! Any of the above or all of them or any combo of hem is going to help! It’s all a matter of finding what works for you. For me it was splurging on the gym membership with kids care mixed with staying active by joining my kids in dancing and play and a few squats thrown in while 

I’m busy baking in the kitchen!😆😆 I am the “Uniquely” Busy Mom afterall! 😜

For some really great fitting , on trend, coordinated activewear checkout one of my favs @ellieactivewear here http://www.ellie.com/?rfsn=882065.0ade9&utm_source=refersion&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=882065.0ade9

Exciting news!!!

Been wanting to CLEAN up your diet? Eat HEALTHY? FEEL GOOD? Do you need meal inspiration? Are you short on time and ideas? Are you one who needs a specific plan with guidelines to follow? Or do you have a sweet tooth that just can't let go of your donuts and cookies and baked treats? Do you wish you could have your cake and EAT it too!? Do you have dietary restrictions requiring specialty ingredients and recipes? Do you wish you could still enjoy your favorite meals in a Healthified way!? I CAN HELP YOU!

So excited to announce that this "Uniquely Busy Mom" is super-duper thrilled to also now be taking on clients and offering custom made menu plans complete with recipes , grocery list, special helpful tips, video instruction, phone/text consults and daily motivation& support to help you along! ! Pricing  varies according to individual pkg requested. . Email uniquelybusymom@gmail.com or Contact via DM on my IG account uniquely_busy_mom for details & create the pkg that works best for you! 

I absolutely love what I do and am so very excited to now be using my "hobby" turned lifestyle  to help others now too! Getting feedback from clients saying how much they just enjoyed the dinner  they made from their menu plan,using an ingredient they were unsure about, or even better getting that text letting me know that they've been sticking to the menu plan & are really starting to feel better because of it...it's been so exciting and honestly just total FUN for me! When you do what you love ,you will always love what you do!! So if you DON'T love thinking about what you should or should not eat everyday, or simply haven't the time to do so,and thinking up healthy meals and figuring out ways to stay Gluten and/or grain free or cut back on dairy,eat more veggies, cut the sugar,etc.  is overwhelming ...let me do it for you! 

BONUS BLOG RECIPE:

HOMEMADE HUMMUS:

*1 Can Organic ChickPeas (Garbanzo Beans) option:Use fresh soaked and cooked beans if you prefer. You can add in some of the liquid brine as well to help thin it.

*2cloves Garlic

*1 Tbs Tahini 

*Fresh squeezed lemon juice and/or water to thin ( adjust to taste)

-season with S&P and Cumin , blend in processor and add water till desired thickness is achieved.

👌🏻Enjoy!!

Wonderful versatile Broccoli slaw!

 The wonderful versatility of Broccoli-Slaw mix!!
Yes, I seriously LOVE my bags of  Organic broccoli slaw mix, which I but mainly at Trader Joe's (for around $2 a bag!),but also found in other grocery stores near the bagged salad mixes. It's just a bag of Organic,Raw & Finely slivered up Broccoli&carrots basically. Some mixes also have cabbage or other veggies.I find it to be one of my most used, favorite, "Mom-hacks" for getting extra veggies into our meals without any extra work..... in fact, - lot less work and prep time! So let's just skip right to it. Here are just a few of my favorite ways to use this favored Broccoli slaw.
1: Well there is the obvious- I actually make it into "slaw" salad, similar to coleslaw,but offering more diverse veggies. I am typically not a big fan of premade creamy dressings, but sometimes I come across a decent Organic and gluten free one that is free of icky additives. Otherwise I dress it in some type of easy to make yogurt or avacado based dressing (Pinterest is great! I'll share some in the future) and enjoy it as a side dish, or use it on our organic hot dogs (slaw dogs r aaaaamazing!), on top of pulled chcicken from the crock pot, on top of healthified chili.... you name it!

2: the perfect way to hide veggies into your meatloaf and meatballs, or even your beef/chicken/salmon or tuna burgers.... anything with a base of ground meat/fish. It's already finely slivered up for you, so you can literally toss handfuls into the meat and then continue preparing as so. I almost never make meatballs without doing this anymore, and if the only thing the kids eat is a couple meatballs,I at least know they did indeed get their Broccoli and carrots too!

3:faux "fried rice" or Asian stir fry- I'm a huge fan of using cauliflower in place of rice, BUT, I also looooove using this in place of rice as well and the mix pairs really well with Asian flavors! I just sautéed it up in a pan w/a bit of olive or coconut oil and maybe some garlic. As it's sautéing,I grab my kitchen scissors and slice it up into smaller bits so that it's more rice like. I season it w/ Sesame oil and Asian spices.... sometimes I dress it with my Clean eating 2ingredient peanut sauce (I'll share that at a later time!😉) and I love adding in some sweet green peas & raw cashews for some crunch and even some fried egg or bits of chicken. Too off with diced green onion and it's like the real deal only so GOOD-4-U! It's also just the prefect easy veggie to add into any stir fry to add in even more veggie nutrients!

4:SALAD in a pinch! It's actually my favorite green salad base! I'm not a huge fan of chopping up lettuce and other large leafed greens...and sometimes I'm in a hurry to make something up quickly on the spot... this is it! I just use it as the base of my salad and now I don't even have to slice up broccoli and carrots. It's good just as it is, or I'll toss on some chick peas or grape tomatoes and olives.... maybe too with an easy protein and dress with Balsamic vinegar. Easy-Peasy but always pleasy!😆😆 I'm pretty sure all of my Mom friends have eaten this salad at many a play dates in my home!

And there you have it.... just a few of my top fav ways to use the wonderful versatile Broccoli-Slaw!
And also, as promised, -
Special BONUS RECIPE:

Grain free crumb crust:
Almond or cashew flour
Flax meal
Grass fed or Pasture butter (can probably substitute with organic Ghee)
Organic Coconut sugar
Cinnamon
*mix or process all together.... I don't measure- I just put mainly the almond flour and then about half as much coconut sugar, then small handful of flax meal, sprinkle or two of cinnamon and perhaps dash of salt but not necessary. Lastly I add the butter and mix enough in to create a large clump of almost cookie like dough. Simple take that and press into an oiled dish or baking pan to form a bottom crust. Bake like you would any pie! If doing a no bake filling you can orebake and hen fill. Otherwise you can fill and bake all at once!

Eating out & healthy diet!

Ok, so I will start by saying that we,as a family LOVE to eat out and do so fairly often.
Our  oldest daughter,now age 11, has been on a special diet since age 19mos, and I have therefore become pretty adaptable to finding ways for her to eat out without always bringing food from home. In the past she was on a couple different diets which were very strict in protocol and eliminated a lot! Currently now she is back to a basic Gluten/Dairy/Sugar & dye free diet....and allowances are made for occasional GF treats that have sugar and/or small amounts of dairy. So, that being said she basically now eats like I try to... a CLEAN eating diet. So in effort to maybe help some of you out who struggle with how to still enjoy going out with friends and not completely fall off track diet wise I will list suggestions of what my daughter and I eat when doing so. I am all about compromise/balance and reality, so I myself most definitely "cheat" and indulge here and there. The one thing I try to do is stay Gluten free, low on the sugar and keep my protein/veggie intake high even in my "cheat" meals. So here's some examples for different types of restaurant cuisine:

  MEXICAN:
  By far our very favorite!! Authentic Mexican restaurants almost always have corn tortillas so I already don't worry about Gluten. Now, I know Corn isn't the healthiest as it is usually GMO, but for eating out I don't get too crazy. (At home is where I stay non GMO) There is also usually lots of healthy toppings like fresh made Salsa and Gaucamole or just plain diced avocado. Opt for tacos or nachos with healthier toppings and go light on the dairy or even do no dairy and just pile up the meat, salsa , gauc and black beans.
-Grilled fish tacos with fresh toppings are another fav of mine!
-most burritos can be served minus the tortilla as a "bowl" and again do extra veggies and less dairy topping
-My daughter usually gets a plain burger actually (most places have a good ol burger on the menu for those wanting American food) with dbl veggies on the side and some corn chips. Most places will top her burger with Avocado and bacon and we just omit the bun.

 ITALIAN:
 This by far is usually our largest challenge, but here is what we can usually order to make it work:
-Salad with a grilled topping like chicken or shrimp and O&V as dressing (stay away from
Creamy dressings)
-Italian sausage with side of veggies (usually this is on the menu either as a side or as a grinder. If as grinder, just omit the bread)
-a grilled chicken based dish but in place of the "pasta" side ask for veggies or extra salad.
-if I'm in the mood for a "cheat" many places near us now offer a Gluten free crust option. So while this doesn't necessarily mean it's healthier , it does at least keep me from cheating 100%, and I opt for adding healthiness through toppings. I layer on the veggies of all sorts and maybe a grilled chicken topping too! If I'm sharing with my daughter I also order it cheeseless. With the right toppings you'd be surprised how delicious it can be even without the cheese! I sprinkle on some hot pepper and salt... mmmmm😍😛
Also,as crazy as this option may be it works in a pinch! We have gone to eat before at places that offered nothing but pizza and pasta, nothing else and no GF crusts. Well, they did however have a huge list of toppings which were each sold as "add ons" for your pizzas for around $1.00 or so each. Well, we just simply asked for our list of toppings to be brought out on a plate instead of the pizza and she enjoyed herself a mix of grilled chicken (we usually order a dbl or triple of the protein) & some olives and peppers and other veggies. Being we were with friends who did indeed order pizza it was no problem at all for them to simply charge us per topping and simply not put them on the pizza.
Everyone was happy and we didn't have to decline the invite! 👍🏻👌🏻

Asian Chinese/Japanese:
 This one is actually really easy for us! If we are going Japanese well we LOVE sushi. I just stick to the unfried non breaded (so no tempura!) options of fish and veggie rolls. I choose brown rice rolls if that's an option. I just don't dip them in the soy sauce because it contains Gluten.Fresh ginger and wasabi are perfect for me.The Seaweed salad is one of our favs as well! They're also always really good about preparing a "hibachi" chicken or shrimp minus the teriyaki sauce (as this has Gluten and
soy) with the fresh side of veggies and we of course skip the standard side of lomein noodles and ask for double veggies instead and some brown rice.
If we are ordering Chinese take out, believe it or not most places have a section labeled "special diet menu" and the items on it are all just plain and steamed with sauce on the side. So a steamed chicken
 and broccoli or mixed vegetable is just that- plain steamed chicken with steamed vegetables with a side of brown rice. It isn't super flavorful, but my daughter loves it! You can opt to use the sauce
sparingly, but in our case we do not as it has Gluten and soy. I jazz mine up with S&P and if I'm home I add a little sesame oil , or hot chili oil.



All American Bar&Grill types:

-Top fav is burgers! Often I just find a burger with lots of tasty but healthy toppings like peppers, onion, Avocado, tomato, mushrooms....any other veggies. Just beware they aren't deep fried veggies! We either omit the bun all together or many places these days have the option of a "lettuce wrap" for burgers or if I just absolutely Need/crave that total burger feel I splurge on a Gluten free bun when they are an option. Because I consider my burger a splurge I replace the standard side of fries with salad or veggies instead. This means I fully enjoy my burger and don't have that feeling of regret afterward when I'm ready to burst. That's usually the fries fault! So ditch the starchy fried side and splurge on the main. 😬
-Salad - always seem an obvious choice for dieters... but beware! Often times salad dishes off
ered as main course are worse than other entree options. Try to stick to a salad with only grilled
meats, not fried or breaded. Stick to O&V Dressing so you control what's on there.... stay clear of creamy dressings. Go Balsamic or vinegar based if you don't like O&V. Skip crunchy toppings like croutons,
tortilla strips, snack sizes quesadillas ,etc and  Look out for heavy dairy and "candied" nuts. If you love these ask for just a very small amount and extra veggies.
-grilled protein platters. Chicken without heavy cream sauces, steak in a moderate portion, grilled fish, grilled shrimp. And of course healthy sides- veggies!!! Black beans, salad
-Fajitas minus the tortillas make for a delicious sizzling platter of sautéed  peppers,onions and meat and you can add on the Avocado, tomato, lettuce, and maybe a small sprinkle of cheese if you need!

BREAKFAST diners:
 Eggs! We love our eggs around here. I usually go with just two eggs over easy and maybe a side osausage or bacon if I need. If I'm in splurge mode I'll take the home frie
But only eat some. Poached eggs are a great option!
A favorite option is an omelet and if you go heavy on the delicious veggie fillings you can omit the cheese without losing taste. I love a veggie loaded omelette! & I ask for fruit on the side.
There's always Oatmeal as well, but skip the bowl of sugar and instead just use a very small drizzle of maple syrup if u really need it and then get Banana or fruit with it. I don't do oatmeal out as often as I used to since most places don't use certified Gluten free oats, but it's a decent option if you aren't
Gluten or strict grain free.
Be careful with yogurt at diners as it is almost always sweetened flavored yogurt. You are better off with a few more calories in your eggs/omelette than sugary yogurts& cereals.

DRINKS:
   Personally I only ever drink Water so it's not a problem to not order soda or juice here. Water is always best option! Ask for it with lemon or lime or get sparkling if you crave the fizz. So many sugary calories get hidden in juice & Soda and they don't fill you so they go wasted. Save them for your food and fuel!
*i Do of course treat myself to a cocktail when we are out on the weekends. And I only like mixed drinks so this is a tough one for me. I love when I find places that make fresh Margaritas without any sour mix and sweetness a bit more naturally. But when that isn't an option I use my drink as my "cheat" and just limit it to 1.... once in a great while 2 (but I usually can't tolerate that much sugar personally)  Better options would be a glass of wine! I'm slowly trying to get myself into wine as a glass or two is a healthier option drink wise. Moderation is key! You would be amazed at how much drinks can sabotage ones diet because they are mainly sugar& empty calories. So, enjoy but limit & try to reserve for weekends or here and there.
My favorite though is making fruit cocktails at home where I control the ingredients!! You can find a recipe for a delicious Watermelon-Coconut drink on my Instagram feed. Another all time top contender is as follows:
  1 Pineapple
  1 Cantaloupe melon
  1 can Organic coconut milk/cream
*juice the pineapple and melon together in a juicer
*pour coconut milk/cream in and either blend or mix well (coconut is chunky)
Serve over ice and then add your favorite rum! I love coconut rum. To jazz it up I like to roll the rim of the glasses in some coconut nectar or honey and roll in unsweetened shredded coconut.
I love that is all natural REAL fruit juice  and the healthy fat in coconut milk and cream actually helps to lower the glycemic index a bit so can help the blood sugar spike somewhat.
*beware of Malt beverages as they contain gluten. Beer being one!

DRIVE THRU:
I know, I know.... drive thrus  are never health foods! But, I'm a realistic Mom here and also a very on-the/go Mom who doesn't have time or the desire to prepare homecooking all day everyday for each meal and snack. So yes we drive thru! We don't do 100% perfect healthiness all the time. Awesome if you do, it just won't happen here. I do the best we can without stressing myself and being very flexible. That being said our dietary restrictions are NOT allergies so therefore I have a bit more freedom to take a chance on certain foods once in a while without catastrophic effects. Our effects are more accumulative, so trace amounts once in a while are ok, though I try my best to avoid. But, Back to the point.... Drive Thru foods.
So I like my coffee, but I stick to coffee made Dark with cream (so it's not too Cream filled) and NO SUGAR! I stay away from fancy mixed coffee drinks due to the sugar factor.... there is a lot more
hiding in those drinks than you would think! I do on occasion indulge if they aren't overly sweet, but usually stray away.. For food, it may not be what you really want to order,but it works
when you need something!. Drive thru salads aren't my fav since you can't eat and drive! So I usually go for a sandwich/wrap type thing and just omit the actual bun or tortilla. So a grilled chicken wrap or a burger. If it's BREAKFAST I can order an egg and bacon or egg and sausage or just egg (chz if u must) & again skip eating the bread or wrap. Starbucks carries GF KIND brand bars and some have drive thurs so I love that option! These days many drive thrus also offer oatmeal that can be ordered plain, NO SUGAR with dried fruit & nuts in the side. Again for me I'm not certain it's always GF oats, but it's a firstly decent option! We actually have a drive thru near us that now offers GF rolls for their egg sandwiches and they make hem fresh on the grill per order so I splurge on the GF roll when we go there. Be careful of fruit/yogurt cups and smoothies  offered at drive thrus as again they are usually filled with sugar and flavorings. When in doubt you can usually find nutrition and ingredient info online for restaurants. I will always opt for a food offering less sugar over less calories personally. I feel better when my protein is higher and my sugars low.... I'm more about calories that count versus counting the calories. Portions matter, but content matters more in my opinion.

Well, that's that! The basics of how we eat out and enjoy. For me eating out is more about enjoying good company, - change of scenery, conversation & not having to cook or clean the dishes! So... I'll gladly order something a bit "different" from the rest if it means I still get to enjoy friends and fam andand eat.... and feel good afterward. 😬
(*im no expert, just a Mom who has learned a few things along our unique journey and continuing to do so!)

Welcome my Challenge accepting friends!!! 😬
Let's do this!! I've never designed my own challenge , and I'm not much of a "plan ahead-organized-super detailed" type being it's usually fairly busy around here! So,basically ,I'm just going to design this as I go and tailor it as I figure out more specifics on what each of you are looking for. Myself, I'm continuing my usual Clean eating style but kicking it up a notch and increasing my focus and exercise commitment in order to tone up and add muscle. Weight loss is not a concern for me personally,but if that is your personal goal, I am fairly confident that if you follow through on even the simple suggestions I'm giving, it WILL happen!!!
The following  are just some basic ideas of what you should focus on eating for meals, and as we go along I will post some detailed recipes &tricks. By far the most important change to make is
to CUT OUT processed SUGAR & CARBS!!! (Along with sugar filled drinks!)Not ALL carbs, just the highly processed and unnatural carbs. I do not count carbs, calories or fat grams... I just eat REAL foods in regular moderate portions.
So for this week as you make some adjustments here are some basic ideas of what you may want to eat. If you are a planner, use the week to pre-make meals and snacks and store them for the week. Many are so simple they can be made on the spot according to that days taste buds!

BREAKFAST:
-"Healthified" baked goods (look at my previous blog posts to find recipes of my favorite Grain free and low sugar ideas! There is also an entire blog on my "baking essentials" I use when making muffins/cookies/breads etc. do NOT use store bought,premade baked goods!)
- Apple slices topped with Nut or seed butter and perhaps a sprinkle of chia or other seeds, dash of cinnamon...be creative! (be sure to use only NATURAL no Sugar added  Nut/seed butters-Organic is best! Be label conscious!!! Popular brands sell versions now labeled "natural" but are still sweetened and processed.) The ingredients should only read: Peanuts / Almonds/ Sunflower seeds and perhaps salt and/or oil at the very most. Nothing else!
-Banana-Egg PANCAKES (literally just mashed banana and egg. Try 2 eggs, 1banana- mix well and cook same as a pancake. Add in a plant based protein powder if you like and top with nut butter or a small scoop of Plain Greek or homemade yogurt and fresh fruit, cinnamon, unsweetened coconut...)
-Yogurt. (I do try to limit my dairy intake, but do not omit it all together. Stick to PLAIN unsweetened yogurts. Homemade rivals all! I have a simple basic yogurt maker that makes this easy, but plain Greek yogurt is a decent option and higher in protein than regular yogurt. If you are stuck on sweetened flavors, try adding a tap Vanilla with a tsp Pure Maple syrup. Mashed Banana is great too and sweetness it a lot! Mix in some seeds or nuts, fresh fruit etc...
-2 Eggs any which way (cook them up in coconut oil for extra health boost!) and top/pair with sliced avacado, chopped veggies, some Organic chicken bkfst sausage....)
-Toast w/nut butter or Sliced avocado,salt&pepper  (IF you can't do without bread, try to move over to at least a sprouted grain bread like Ezekiel bread, or a healthy GF bread. Note: just because something is GF doesn't mean it's healthy. You want one with whole GF grains and low sugar, no chemicals. Or a Paleo bread)
-Chia pudding (you can find recipe in a previous blog)
-Overnight oats or Fresh cooked GF/Steel cut Oats (oats should be plain, unflavored and unsweetned. Add flavor by adding in chopped banana or apples, nuts, cinnamon, pure maple syrup, dark chocolate-chips....)

LUNCH/DINNER:
 -I like to keep around some pre-cooked easy make proteins like Organic chicken sausages, Additive free cold cuts and plain roasted chicken strips. Or you can peepare  your own and store them for the week. Boiled eggs, tuna (be careful to find tuna that only contains tuna,water and sea salt- not broth and additives), 100% grass fed beef (label must say 100%), Ground chicken, ground turkey, Fish.
-Vegatables are great to make ahead and when you can grab them so easily, you are more likely to eat them! Roast big batches with just a bit of Olive or coconut oil and some sea salt. Easy to add a scoop to every meal!
-Bake a bunch of sweet potatoes up and leave them in the fridge to be topped/filled with Over easy egg or ground meat, or "taco" toppings, even salad! It's delic!!!
-Tuna/chicken or Egg salad. Flavor it up creatively by adding in chopped/diced celery,apples,grapes,berries,carrot,cucumber,olives,peas,peppers,handful of pecans,walnuts,almonds...sprinkle in raw hemp seeds or Sunflower seeds.I do use an Organic Mayo, but because I try to limit soy, I use it very sparingly and replace some of it with mashed avocado and even a bit of Greek yogurt. I eat it stuffed into hollowed out cucumbers, or lettuce wraps, over a simple salad with oil and vinegar, or scooped up with GF crackers. Try scoops of chicken salad spread on apple slices...delic!!
-Cook up some ground meat however you fancy (usually we do Mexican style seasoning it with cumin,chili powder,etc...)and use it to fill Zuchinni boats (cut Zuchinni long way in half and hollow out the center, bake them like you would a potato) , or fill peppers, or make lettuce wrap tacos!
-Fish makes great tacos either wrapped up in lettuce or if you need that real taco , then a non gmo corn tortilla or shell is fine in moderation in my book,though I do try my best to limit it. (I'm no expert-just being realistic here)
        *For side dishes to pair with your proteins opt for alternate GF grains if you aren't Grain free, like Quinoa, Teff, Wild Rice... I do use Organic Brown rice in moderation.
        *For pasta lovers, try using a Bean Pasta, or a GF NON GMO Quinoa/rice blend OR EVEN BETTER, try making "zoodles" by spiralizing or just making thin pasta like strips of Zuchinni- sautéed in a pan with S&P and top with your fav healthy sauce! Another faux pasta option is Spaghetti squash! Great paired with homemade meatballs. You can even make Lasagna using thin sliced Zuchinni  in place of noodles!!
        *For sauces and toppings to flavor your dishes with try fresh salsa, homemade Gaucomole, Homemade pesto, melt some grass fed butter with a squeeze of lemon and some fresh herbs, Homemade or Organic tomato sauce with no additives.Dress salads with Oil and Vinegar or a healthy homemade dressing.
       As time goes on I will try to share recipes for some easy to make dressings and sauces and more bmy "healthified" baked goods and snack ideas. I like to keep extra dark chocolate in my freezer and break off a piece  to eat along with a clementine or Orange and my nightly tea. I do also keep organic Sweet potato chips, freeze dried fruit, nuts,seeds,Non GMO corn chips and similar items in the snack cabinet. You can find a previous blog on how to make your own LARA bars which are great when made in small snack size paired with tea or coffee! I'll post lots more healthy ideas soon!!! Keep reading and also please let me know what you are looking for, how I can better help etc.... email me at uniquelybusymom@gmail.com LETS DO THIS!! Use this week to prepare your meal ideas, cut out the bad food, cut the sugar!!! And if you are going to cheat or indulge in a dessert or a "drink" try to limit it to the weekend and in moderation.

Grain free-refined sugar free Cinnamon Apple Butter cupcakes with whipped frosting

Sorry for the delay! I was having trouble accessing my blog and still haven't been successful in adding the photos I wanted, but at the very least,for now, here is the recipe. This recipe is honestly THE best grain free dessert I've ever made and/or eaten if I do say so myself! 👌😆 It started as a basic regular Pinterest cupcake recipe I'd saved,and then I went ahead and made my personal changes in flours, sweeteners, and my secret ingredient,or shall i say special ingredient since it's now no longer a secret! 😬 The recipe calls for apple butter and I'm sure that store bought would work just as well, but,I  use my homemade crockpot apple sauce which really more closely resembles a chunky apple butter. Best of all it's 100% natural with no sweeteners added. Just peeled ,diced ,fresh picked apples, hefty amount of cinnamon and a pinch of  cloves& nutmeg , along with some chia seeds for extra health boost.... slow cooked for hours until a wonderful apple sauce/butter is left. I store it in the fridge in mason jars for whenever I need a dessert filling, topping or spread.
      Sooooo.... that's a bonus recipe, now onto the actual requested recipe that I use to make these cupcakes Grain free,refined sugar free and with a  nice consistency& texture. Plus, they're healthy!! Now these are not dairy free,however,feel free to try swapping the butter for a dairy free alternative if you have one. Often mashed Avacado or Coconut oil can replace butter,however I love these so much I haven't dared to stray. I have used Ghee which although Butter, it is clarified and during the process it ends up with nearly  no casein so is often a suitable option for those trying to limit such. So it's your call! The "frosting" is a heavy whipped dairy topping so again you can choose to omit the topping or perhaps try a coconut cream topping instead. But, the recipe as I make it is exactly as follows:

-1cup Flour (I use about 3/4cup combo of almond and cashew flour and the remaining 1/4 Tapioca            flour.  The  tapioca will give it a moist spongy cake consistency so i def recommend sticking with that!)
-1/4cup Butter softened (I use grass fed or Ghee)
-1/2 cup Coconut Sugar (if you prefer less sweet try 1/3cup- if doubling the recipe i lessen it to 3/4 cup)
-1 egg
-1/2tsp vanilla
-1/2tsp Cinnamon (I don't even measure and using more is fine!)
-1/2tsp baking powder
-1/2tsp baking Soda
-1/4tsp salt
-1/2cup Cinnamon Apple Butter (or in my case my special ingredient to which I attribute the flavor and sweetness- my crock pot chunky Cinnamon apple sauce/butter)
  *Mix well until it's super smooth and well whipped. Pour into lined cupcake tray and bake at 350 until knife comes out clean from center. This recipe makes about 6 large cupcakes. I often dbl it because they go incredibly fast!
Now,these make great muffins if eaten this way without any topping at all. But if it's a sweeter dessert type thing you are after then my easy peasy  frosting is as follows:

1pgk Cream chz (I usually try to find Organic Neufchâtel, but any regular cream cheese works!)
1pint Organic Heavy or Whipping Cream
*toss both right into stand mixer and beat together until it starts to thicken.... then add in your sweetener  (typically I use 1packet of Organic Stevia OR a couple pinches of Organic Powdered sugar. Just make it "to-taste" as you prefer or omit all together)
And whip it a bit more till thick enough to be spreadable. (It will firm up even more when refrigerated.

Once your cupcakes have fully cooled (very important as the frosting melts easily!) slither on some whipped cream chz frosting and enjoy!!! 👌😛