Monday Message #9

Riding the healthy train

Hello, Megan here! 

I'm writing this blog post as a reminder to myself on how good I'm feeling at the moment. I plan to refer to it when I inevitability fall off this healthy train that I'm currently a front row passenger on.

I'm feeling energetic, my skin is clearer than ever, I've lost all of the baby weight and then some, I'm enjoying going to pilates and boot camp (WTF who am I?!) and my healthy eating is staying on track. 

My healthy eating is going so well that I'm actually enjoying eating well and I don't even feel like I'm missing out. For me, the key to staying on track is being organised so that I'm not reaching for the junk food. Things like roast veggies, cooked quinoa, nuts/seeds and lots of greens for throwing together yummy salads. As well as frozen bananas and other goodies for smoothies and some form of raw treat or slice at-the-ready for my sweet tooth.

When I start to feel good, I'm spurred on and I'm more and more motivated to continue exercising and eat well.

I'm not really following any rules, I just try to get moving everyday or at least a few times per week. Humidity, rain or a grumpy baby can throw a spanner in the works!

I've pretty much completely cut out sugar, wheat and more recently dairy. I've just found that my body is happier without those things. Plus I've recently read some articles on how the dairy industry operates so giving up diary has been an ethical choice for me too. *Did you know that baby cows are taken off their mum once their born before they even have their first feed so that all of the mum's milk is saved for us humans!

Homemade popcorn with a drizzle of coconut oil and a pinch of sea salt is usually enough to save me reaching for the chips, chocolates or ice cream. All in all, I just try to eat real food - nothing from a packet disguised as food.

So with the festive season upon us I know it's going to really test me but I'll just have to do the best I can and remember I'm setting a good example for Tilly - who is known for stealing kale off my plate!!! She's also a huge cucumber fan! I hope she keeps that up but I'm sure she'll be a fusser toddler soon enough.

1/4 cup kernels, brown paper bag, 1-2mins in microwave

Harry wants my popcorn too!

Delicious salad! Not sure why Tilly's penguin is in this pic....

Cacao and peanut butter smoothie bowl topped with fruit.

Monday message #8

Monday Message #7

Food Love: Chicken Meatballs and Pasta

Let's face it - Spaghetti and Meatballs is the bomb. I don't have children, but if I did this would definitely be a 'all hands in' affair. The meatballs themselves can be prepared then frozen and are an inexpensive way to feed a lot of people at once. I've adapted the recipe and substituted minced beef for chicken. You could even do a chicken/ pork mince combo - pork mince can be so cheap.

I STRONGLY encourage that you get kids involved in creating this dish - hot stove aside, it's a great way for kids to build an appreciation of how food gets in their bellies. And it's fun to ooze the meatball mix through your fingers (who said playing with your food was a bad thing?)

PS. This recipe is garlic heavy. Adjust to taste

Enjoy!

Chicken Meatballs and Pasta

Makes roughly 24 Meatballs

Serves 4

Meatballs

500g chicken mince

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 brown onion, finely chopped

1 cup breadcrumbs

1/3 cup fresh chopped parsley (or basil)

1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (extra 1/2 cup to serve)

1 egg

pinch nutmeg

pinch salt

pinch black pepper

2 tbs cup olive oil

Tomato Sauce

500ml jar tomato passata (next to the tinned tomatoes at the supermarket)

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 cup olive oil

1 tsp sugar

1 tsp salt

1 tsp pepper

Method

1. In a mixing bowl, combine all the meatball ingredients

2. Using clean hands, mix together until well combined

3. Roll mixture into ping ping sized balls until mixture is finished

4. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a heavy based pan (stewing pot preferably)

5. Fry meatballs for 30 seconds on each side until browned, but not cooked all the way through

6. Continue in batches and remove meatballs from pan, set aside

7. Add 1 tbs of oil to pan

8. Add garlic, toss for 1 minute

9. Add tomato passata, bring to a simmer

10. Add remaining olive oil, sugar, salt and pepper and bring to a low simmer for 10 mins. 

11. Add meatballs back to sauce. Continue to simmer for 30 minutes

12. Cook desired pasta al dente

13. Serve in pasta bowls, add cheese

14. BON APPETITE

Getting ready for some chopping and grating. Adults do this part

Dry ingredients in one bowl

Wet ingredients in another bowl

The fun part - mix together! All hands in!

That's a nice meatball

Heat that pan

Get your sauce on!

I was so obsessed with eating that I forgot to take a snap of my serving! Take my word for it, no picture could be as good as it actually tasted.

Let us know how you go!

E x