Crockpot Minestrone

The Crockpot is my friend. I really wanted to learn how to utilize my crockpot this year, and not just make food that was edible- I wanted GOOD food! Convenience, health and deliciousness all rolled into one. This recipe definitely fits the bill.

This minestrone recipe was originally given to me from my sis-in-law years ago (Hi, Kate!) and it was not a crockpot recipe. I always wanted to try to make the transfer, but never did. However, now that I'm like a crockpot advocate, I finally I did make it a crockpot recipe and this minestrone passed with flying colors. So here it is! As always, I'm going to give it to you exactly how I made it, but feel free to tweak it to your tastebuds.

CROCKPOT MINESTRONE

Ingredients:
1 cup celery, diced
1 cup carrots, diced
1 cup onion, diced
1 Tbl. fresh parsley, chopped
1 Tbl. fresh basil, chopped (could sub with dry, just use less)
1 tsp. sea salt
2 16 oz cans kidney beans, rinsed (i used 1 dark red, 1 light red)
1 28 oz can Italian Style Diced Tomatoes
41 oz chicken stock (or 3 cans)
1 zucchini, cubed
1 squash, cubed
whole grain pasta shells (small or medium)

Put all ingredients except zucchini, squash, and pasta into the slow-cooker and put on low for 6-7 hours. With only 30 mins left of cooking time add zucchini and squash in the crockpot and bump heat up to high. During this last 30 minutes, cook pasta according to directions on box. When time is up scoop a little pasta into your bowl and then ladle soup over the pasta.

I paired it with a 1/2 grilled cheese for the boys and they both ate it all up! As a mom, I will never get over seeing my kids gobble up their vegetables :)

Bon appétit!

NOTE: It is not squash season, so I did omit the squash tonight. But believe me, had I the choice, it would most definitely be in there!

Clean Popcorn!

You know when you have those days where you're feeling extra "snackie"? The kind of day where you just feel like popping something into your mouth with a little crunch. Well, I have days like this and when I do, I turn to this clean popcorn recipe. What can I say other than it's a whole lot healthier than sitting on the couch with a big ol' bag of greasy chips. My recipe was originally taken from the blog "Rabbit Food for my Bunny Teeth" (click HERE to see her post). My only issue with her recipe was there was no flavor! So here is the how to with a couple of my topping suggestions.

CLEAN POPCORN
Serves 2 - but lets be honest, I've eaten the whole thing once or twice ;)

All you need!

1. Put 1/4 cup organic popping corn into a brown bag.

2. Microwave for 1 1/2 minutes (some microwaves may vary, but start here)

3. Pour in a bowl and eat as is, top with a little hot sauce (my fav), or you can spray with a couple sprays of olive oil cooking spray (or any of your favorite healthy cooking spray) and sprinkle with a 2-3 T of your favorite cheese (parmesan, gruyere, etc) for a healthier cheesy treat!

4. Share with the fam (or don't ;) ) and enjoy!

Happy Snacking!!

I Love Snacks. Snackie, Snack, Snacks.

Ahhh, snacks. Huge fan. I've always loved snacks, and always will, but there was a time when I felt ashamed for snacking. I seriously thought it was wrong that I could be hungry during the 5-6 hours between meals. Sooooo glad I got over THAT phase (oh, silly, younger-20s Nikki)!!  Now I know how important snacks are, especially to a highly active person such as myself. In my Body Back training, Farel Hruska compared it to stroking a fire. We need to give our bodies fuel to keep it working properly- mentally and physically. I know personally, if I miss a snack between meals, I come to a meal starving and ravenous; not the right frame of mind for preparing and eating a good, healthy meal.

Now, let's talk fuel! We can't just put anything into our bodies and expect to reap the benefits. What we need is a good balance of those high nutrient foods we love, in smaller portion. I'm talkin' unprocessed, natural foods that have protein, fiber and a little natural fat to give us that satiety we need. Almost everything I've read says a great snack size should be around 200 calories. And, of course (this may go without saying), if you aren't hungry don't snack. In a recent FITNESS magazine article, they offered up something called the "apple test." If you think you are hungry, but an apple does not sound good and you really only want junk- you're probably just bored or dehydrated. Have some water and go for a walk.

Need some healthy snack ideas? Here are some of the snacks I've recently posted on Instagram: 

KIND bar (4g sugar or less ones like my fav like Dark Chocolate, Nuts, & Sea Salt):

Fresh veggies & 2-3 T hummus. I especially love carrots, cucumber, and bell peppers with hummus:

Plain Greek yogurt, fresh fruit, little granola (look for granola that is under 5g sugar a serving), sprinkle of chia seeds:

Homemade trail mix:

Banana with peanut butter:

Celery with sunflower seed butter (I LOVE this combo):

Other favorite snacks that are not pictured include:

• 1/2 an apple or pear with a stick of string cheese (or the whole piece of fruit if I'm really hungry)
• a small homemade fresh fruit & veggie smoothie
• 1 cup of pretzels with mustard to dip
• Clean popcorn (I'll post recipe soon!)

If you are like I was and embarrassed or ashamed that you get hungry between meals, don't be! Just snack smart! Be prepared with healthy snacks when on the go and know you have options. Happy Snacking!!