lowcarb

On January 7th you can remember the warm, cuddle ups from yesterday. Today you can add even more of those warm memories.  January is National Soup Month, National Slow Cooker Month, and National Sunday Supper Month.

You can enjoy soups, stews and many other great dishes by doing some meal prep and slow cooker days. Nothing is better at the end of a long day in the cold than coming home to comfort foods like Beef Stew, Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup, Everyday Beef Stew, Beef Pepper steak, Minestrone, White Chicken Chili, and even regular Chili. Did I mention lots of these are good for game days as well.

Best of all you can do the prep ahead of time and put it in your Crockpot. Imagine a warm hearty comfort food hot and ready to eat after a long day.

Freezer meals and a crockpot should be among some of your best friends. Any of these family-friendly meals will definitely make National Sunday Supper something to look forward to. These are some of the favorites at our house….

On January 5th kick off your New Year’s resolution with The Keto Diet. The easiest change, and best thing you can do for you and your family.

Okay we’ve all made those resolutions about diet an exercise, now what? I know there are a lot of choices out there. Me I’m staying with what works the best and easiest for me. I lost over 150 lbs after back surgery. My Dr loves this diet now, as I have not only lost weight it keeps my diabetes under control. My husband also a diabetic for years has shown the clinical proof to his Dr as well.

While we are usually, more low carb than strict Keto but so many of the products and recipes work for both. According to the blood work it keeps our overall cholesterol down, bad cholesterol even more and good cholesterol goes up. Blood sugar numbers drop significantly and stay down. In my case it has reversed my type 2 diabetes. Not forgetting the weight loss. One quick note there is a big difference between types if diabetics so please be aware of what type you are, and consult you dr. What works for type 2 could produce bad situations for type 1.

So here’s the good news.  You can have things like chicken, steak, eggs and cheeses, some types of vegetables,  even dairy and things like Dark chocolate.  The bad news is just say “no”, to most breads, pasta, sugar, cake and cookies.  There is a small selection of convenience foods out there.  Here in the south one of the biggest complaints is no macaroni and cheese.

With recipes like Garlic Butter Steak bites, and tons more, chances are they won’t be missed as much as you thought. Even Lasagna can be converted to low carb and Keto Friendly. Veggies like cauliflower, zucchini, broccoli, spinach, take over for potatoes and pasta. Be sure to check My Recipes Page often for new culinary creations.

As we do a none strict version we have learned to change out certain ingredients to make them more friendly. Buy Yukon gold or red potatoes instead of Idaho russets, whole wheat pasta for spaghetti, and with store like Amazon Fresh Groceries we are no longer limited to only what’s on your local shelves.

My best secret is join some groups who share their tips and recipes. Choose the version of Keto that works best for you. Your family will join the bandwagon without major tribulations. Most children only notice the absence of sugary sodas and snacks. Best of all these changes will set them on a path to a much healthier, happier life. Try one of our family favorites and start changing your health. Check out some of the great foods now stocked at Walmart.  Zoodles, Whisps, Veggie Tots by Green Giant, Sweet Potato Fries, Kodiak Frozen Waffles and Pancakes, Crepini Egg Thins Cauliflower, Caulipower Frozen Pizza.

I suggest these groups on social media. Some of my favorites on Facebook: Keto for Beginners, Keto for Women Only, Keto Recipes for beginners, and lots more just search for them on your favorite platform.

Find these and other great meals on my Recipe page. They are not all Keto diet but if you just have to cheat or treat yourself you can find a great one here too.

Information provided by National Day Calendar. Check out this and other great holidays throughout the year.

Two of the most significant perks seen with the keto diet are weight loss and healthy blood sugar support. In fact, studies have shown improved glycemic control for those with type 2 diabetes while adhering to a ketogenic diet.

Other health benefits of a keto diet may include healthy cholesterol and blood pressure support. It may also be beneficial for those with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.

Benefits

Two of the most significant perks seen with the keto diet are weight loss and healthy blood sugar support. In fact, studies have shown improved glycemic control for those with type 2 diabetes while adhering to a ketogenic diet.

Keto Plan

How does the diet work? By eliminating carbohydrates, your body will use up its store of glycogen first. Then it will move into ketosis and begin burning fat.

Primarily, a keto diet consists of healthy fats, like eggs, avocado, olive oil, and sustainably-raised meat. Nuts, seeds, dairy, and low-carbohydrate vegetables such as asparagus, broccoli, and green peppers are also easy to incorporate. Coconut oil, grass-fed butter, and ghee add fat and flavor to a keto diet. Occasionally, small servings of berries are added to the menu.

Eliminate these foods if you are considering a keto diet:

• sweets, sugar, sodas, baked goods
• grains, whole grains, and starches
• fruits, starchy vegetables
• hydrogenated oils, vegetable oil
• diet foods, including low sugar, sugar-free, low-fat foods

On December 30th each year, bacon lovers celebrate one of nature’s favored gifts on Bacon Day!

Everything is better with bacon. Someone said that once. And our research shows very little to dispute this assertion.

In the United States and Canada, bacon is made from the pork belly. Elsewhere in the world, the side and back cuts of pork are used. The meat is cured in either a salt brine or in a salt pack. It is then either dried, boiled, or smoked.

Bacon is a very popular food in the USA.  You can find many items also flavored or scented with bacon, including popcorn, soap, candles, air fresheners, and much more. While these uses are options, we suggest cooking with bacon.

It’s not just for breakfast anymore, either. Bacon improves everything from beverages to dessert. Some cocktails such as the Bloody Mary and Caesar add bacon to the olives, pickles, and other assorted ingredients. Bacon improves the flavor of many appetizers, sandwiches, and soups. Incorporate bacon into salads as a topping or mix it into the dressing. When it comes to dessert, bacon pairs well with maple frosting or maple ice cream. Thanks to the salty, smoky flavor of bacon, it compliments sweet quite well. The possibilities are endless. 

Bacon is both Keto and blood sugar friendly. Turkey bacon is also a good alternative. My favorite is leaf lettuce used as a wrap. Add Miracle Whip, tomatoes, and two strips of extra cripy bacon for a great tasting BLT without the carbs from bread. Two of these tucked into your lunch box with some cheese sticks and some blueberries makes for a great lunch that will give you plenty of energy till dinner without the 3:00 sleepies.

Share your favorite recipes with us. Here are some of our favorites featuring bacon!

Irish Skillet
Brussels sprouts the kids will eat
BLT Wraps

HOW TO OBSERVE #BaconDay

According to the founders of Bacon Day, we are encouraged to eat a variety of bacon while watching Kevin Bacon movies, or movies with bacon in the title. Since Bacon Day was created before the Discovery Channel show How It’s Made debuted, it’s safe to say, we can eat our bacon and watch those, too. Giving and receiving gifts of bacon is also recommended. Other suggested traditions such as bacon toasts and kissing under pork fat mistletoe are mentioned as well. Use #BaconDay to post on social media.

NATIONAL BACON DAY HISTORY

Danya “D” Goodman and Meff “Human Cannonball” Leonard founded Bacon Day in 1997 as the one great day to bond everyone together. 

The options to this one are many depending on diet and health needs.  Along with the steak you can have Zoodles as featured below (I get mine ready to go from Walmart produce).  You can also use a regular or pasta of your choice.  Potatoes are also great.  If you need another vegetable try a fresh leafy salad or steamed Asparagus.  All options are simply delicious.

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Ingredients

6 cloves minced garlic
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 Tbsp Soy Sauce
1 Tbsp Olive Oil
4 Tbsp Butter


Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet 2-Piece Set (10-Inch and 12-Inch) Oven Safe Cookware – 2 Heat-Resistant Holders – Indoor and Outdoor Use – Grill, Stovetop, Induction Safe

by cuisinel

Directions

Cut steak into 1 inch bite size pieces.
In saucepan heat butter and garlic.
Cook until butter is melted and garlic starts to brown.
In medium skillet or cast iron add olive oil.
Heat on high.
When oil is hot and shimmering add cut steak bites.
Cook 1 – 2 minutes letting them sear on all sides.  Should be golden in color.
Add 2/3 of butter mixture and toss to coat well. 
Stir well until fully cooked and coated evenly in sauce.
Microwave Zoodles as directed on package.
Add Zoodles to pan and remaining sauce.
Stir well together.
Serve warm.


Featured image provided by: https://chefshamy.com/recipes/garlic-butter-steak-bites-with-zucchini-noodles/

These are insanely popular at our table. People who swear they don’t eat mushrooms eat these. These warm butter treats can be served as a snack or a side dish. The only complaint I’ve ever had is there are never enough and I usually make a double batch. See recipe below.

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Ingredients

1 lb whole white mushrooms
1 cup browned butter
2 tsp minced garlic
2 tsp thyme
Parsean cheese to top mushrooms

Directions

Separate stems from mushrooms with care not to damage caps.
Dice all stems
Add butter to pan cook on medium-high heat until it turns golden hazelnut in color.  Watch carefully as you do not want to burn.
Add stem pieces, garlic, and thyme to butter. 
Mix well to coat and distribute ingredients.
On a foil covered, well oiled baking sheet place caps about 1/2 inch apart.  Make sure stem well is facing up to make a cup in the top.
Fill with butter mixture till slightly mounding over. 
Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
Add Parmesean cheese to each, covering stem pieces. 
Broil in oven 15 minutes. 
Serve warm.

Extra tip:

You can play with this adding bacon or topping with chives.  Add more cheeses, or herbs.  This is a take on a classic mom has made for as long as I can remember.

National Clean Out Your Refrigerator Day on November 15 encourages us to prepare for the upcoming holidays. Get together a soap and hot water filled bucket, disinfectant, a sponge and a garbage bag. Then you will be ready for the day!

With family gathering and a large turkey waiting to be roasted, cleaning out the refrigerator makes sense. Not only will we need room before the meals, but we also need space for all of the upcoming leftovers. Many dread this job. However, it is an important task none the less.

Due to our hectic and busy lifestyles, the cleaning of the refrigerator gets neglected. hence the creation of National Clean Out Your Refrigerator Day.  There may be a surprise or two found at the back of the shelves. Things are often pushed back as new food is put in the front and gets forgotten.

Sanitation Foundation (NSF) International found that the meat and vegetable drawers were the dirtiest spots in our kitchens – well with regards to causing disease.

However, those who clean their fridges more often tend to waste more food. There’s plenty of advice available on the frequency of fridge cleaning. Understanding food labels and the meanings behind “sell by” and “best by” dates are also important. These labels don’t necessarily mean a product has gone bad, but that the quality is best by the date on the label. However, “use by” leaves some of us wondering.

HOW TO OBSERVE #CleanOutYourRefrigeratorDay

Some suggestions for your refrigeration cleaning are:

• Empty each shelf.
• Completely wipe down the inside of the refrigerator.
• Wash drawers and underneath the drawers.
• Throw away all expired food.
• Throw away any moldy food.
• Get rid of anything that you do not use.
• Vacuum condenser coils.
• Vacuum out under the refrigerator.
• Restock shelves and drawers with good food.
• Enjoy your nice, clean, organized refrigerator.

Use #CleanOutYourRefrigeratorDay to post on social media.

NATIONAL CLEAN OUT YOUR REFRIGERATOR DAY HISTORY

The home economists at Whirlpool Home Appliances created National Clean Out Your Refrigerator Day in 1999 to encourage people to clean out their refrigerator in advance of the upcoming holidays.  At that time, the company even had a toll-free hotline that people could call into for cleaning tips.

November 12 is Happy Hour Day. So, on this unofficial fun holiday take advantage of happy hours at your favorite bar, cafe or restaurant.

Happy hour is a term used to refer to a period of time during a day when establishments sell drinks and food at a discount. While traditionally offered by bars, restaurants today also hold happy hours and offer appetizers at reduced prices. Usually, a happy hour includes two drinks or two appetizers for the price of one.

Please drink responsibly and use a designated driver or service like Uber, Lyft or a taxi service now Z-trip here in Pensacola. Many countries ban happy hours in bars due to the fear that it will encourage binge drinking and alcoholism.

How to Celebrate?

Happy Happy Hour Day! Here are some ways to celebrate this fun holiday:

• Go out for happy hour with your friends and co-workers and get two of your favorite beverages for the price of one. Remember to always drink responsibly.
• Don’t drink? That doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy happy hour. Many restaurants and coffee shops have happy hour prices on appetizers and hors-d’oeuvre. Enjoy these while sipping a non-alcoholic beverage.

Did You Know…

…that the happy hour began as an event in the military? It is believed that the term comes from events organized by a club called the Happy Hour Social for the United States Navy in 1913.