scoop happy

FITzee Foods isn't just a product; it's a complete lifestyle.

5 cents of each purchased FITzee Foods meal goes to their Healthy Child Movement.  this program helps to ensure that Monarch (a public K-12 school dedicated to helping San Diego's homeless and at-risk children break the cycle of poverty through education) kids receive the nutritious and well-balanced meals that will help them succeed academically.  i think that is pretty darn amazing and admirable, and something i would love to do with Fit Foodie Le,LLC in the near future.  i'm a firm believer in starting healthy habits early and leading by example at home.

I was invited by my sorority sister, Santrice (l), to speak to the parents of the students attending Fonwood Early Childhood Center this morning on nutrition!

20131017_102819_1

such a gratifying feeling.  once it was over of course. LOL.  public speaking is just like exercise...the more you do it the better and stronger you get.  it was a fun experience and i got to share it with another Soror of mine, Crystal Hadnott (r), a certified nutritionist, personal trainer, pilates reformer Instructor, spin instructor, and piloxing instructor.  yeah she does it ALL!

IMG_3835_1

we even had a translator which was a first for me.  Crystal spoke about eating healthy on a budget, and my task was to elaborate on healthy snack ideas the parents could make for their kiddos.

IMG_9384_2

this was near and dear to my heart since i battle feeding my picky little one every single day!  i discussed two options that have worked for me:

20131017_223141_1

1st, homemade, healthy, oven baked, whole wheat pita pizza.  i've learned that less is more with kids.  too much going on (toppings) and they are less likely to eat whatever it is their staring or picking at.  i went with the two standard ingredients:  all natural pizza sauce and cheese.

  • pre-heat oven to 400 degrees
  • cut the pita in half and place them inside-up on a large baking pan
  • sprinkle on any herbs or seasonings onto the top of the pita (basil, oregano, italian seasoning)
  • place into oven for 4-5 minutes until slightly crisp
  • remove from oven and spread pizza sauce all around crust evenly
  • sprinkle with grated or chopped cheese of your choice
  • if you'd like to add any other ingredients you know your little one will eat (chicken, turkey, beef, etc) do so now!
  • put back into oven and let bake just until the cheese starts to brown and melt.
  • cut, let cool slightly, eat up.

photo (8)

2nd, homemade trail mix.  you can do both of these together and make it a family thing.  involve your kiddos.  they don't always have to watch you do something for them! let them be apart of the process, and they are more likely to eat what the produce.  i hit up the bulk aisle of one of my favorite stores and got scoop happy.  this is a practical and cost-effective snack, and the great thing is that you can mix and match anything YOU guys want.

i got a few scoops of the following: dried mango, dried blueberries, stuffed peanut butter pretzels, unsalted roasted pistachios, almonds, and cashews, dark chocolate covered raisins, yogurt pretzels, sour and regular sugar-free gummy bears, cheddar popcorn, dried apricot,  roasted edamame, dried pineapple,  sesame sticks, and added a few of every pile to an individual sandwich baggy. they were passed out to the parents during my presentation!  if you're speaking about food, you've GOT to have samples ;)

IMG_5073_1

a copy of Fit Foodie Lean was raffled off to one lucky parent, and i was so grateful to be able to share my passion for healthy cooking and eating with them.  giving back to the community is a social responsibility we should partake in as often as possible.  thank you for continuing to lead by such an outstanding example, FITzee Foods!

it's my Friday to teach at the gym tomorrow so i am hitting the sack! nite

le

oatmeal banana mini muffins

imagedo you believe that?  this phrase has been echoing in my mind since the day i read it, several weeks ago.  i said earlier on IG that i accepted my first formal health and fitness speaking engagement and well, i can honestly say that this is THE first public speaking event i'm actually excited about!!! prolly cause it's concerning health and fitness :) .  i'd be lying if i said i wasn't nervous, but hey, if it doesn't challenge me, it doesn't change me.  time to start SPEAKING along with all this typing!  if God brings you to something, He will surely take you through it. keep walking in faith and reaching for your dreams, friends... if i can get my sometimes timid and scary behind up there and do the one thing that terrifies most people, YOU CAN TOO.20130725_080411

super ripe bananas mean what? some baking is about to go down.   for breakfast this morning after my class, i made some banana oatmeal mini muffins.  i had the boy in mind- he loves these things and as long as i keep them coming, he will keep gobbling.

20130725_094643there is a similar recipe in my ebook for these puppies, and i got the calorie count even lower in there! pretty excited about that.

oatmeal banana mini muffins:

the stuff:

  • 1/2 cup ground rolled or quick oats ( or oat flour)
  • 1 small super ripe banana, mashed
  • 1 packet stevia
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened apple sauce
  • 2 tbsp greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cup egg whites
  • pinch of salt

do this:

mix real good until smooth!  if you'd like to use your food processor, that's cool too.  i kinda liked the banana chunks in each bite though.  fill your tins 3/4 of the way up and cook these guys for 7-10 minutes in a 350 degree oven. i topped mine with a banana slice, a drizzle of chocolate PB2 (mixed with unsweetened vanilla almond milk), and a dark chocolate chip.

20130725_094738

makes 19-20 mini muffins. for 1 muffin (excluding toppings):

muffinstats

tty lata!

le