Homemade Whole Wheat Waffles

I have a new addiction with these whole wheat waffles and think I could probably eat these every day. They are super easy, freeze well and reheat beautifully in a toaster for quick those quick breakfast needs.

Whole Wheat Waffles

1 3/4 cups whole wheat flour
2 TBSP sugar (I use organic)
1 TBSP baking powder
2 eggs
1 3/4 c. milk (We aren't huge milk drinkers so I use 1/2 milk and 1/2 water)
1/2 c. oil (can also use half that oil and half applesauce)
1 tsp vanilla

I usually triple this recipe. That may seem like a lot, but then I freeze them in fours in zip lock baggies and they can be popped right in the toaster while they are frozen.

The kids eat them with maple syrup and strawberries, but I usually add some of my favorite chocolate protein powder on top. Something about the syrup, chocolate & strawberries over these waffles makes it the main thing I am thinking about as I complete my morning workout.

Adventurous in Eating

What do water chestnuts, crab legs, cabbage and cherries all have in common for the kids at the Weis household? They are just a few of the many new foods they tried during our 2010 Try New Foods Challenge.

The first three months began with us going through our huge checklist of new and different foods. There were so many to try! The kids were excited and on board. They loved casting their vote for each food (smile face, straight face and frown) and they tried with more zest and vigor then before. No longer did the "new food" sit there like a lone island on their plates.

The next few months proved to be a bit more a challenge and we needed to think outside the box. Themed dinners became common with the kids picking a country which helped us tailor our menus around what they ate in that country.

Then it was summertime and so began the wonderful farmer's markets with the array of fresh fruits and veggies. The kids discovered that they taste better fresh and it helps support our local farmers. We tried a hand at our own family garden and after much planning, tilling and planting we were only able to produce tomatoes and carrots. The chipmunks enjoyed the rest. We learned a lot and will try again next spring.

School began in the Fall and we faltered. Busy busy busy on all sorts of levels pushed this challenge to the back burner. In trying to teach more independence we posted a list on the fridge of "anytime snacks" they could get on their own when hungry. They made up the list of healthy choices and the hardest part was for me to keep things in stocked.

Megan and Lucy also proved an understanding of a well balanced meal and what would provide them with adequate energy throughout the day. They knew carbs from proteins and talked about it at great deal at meals.

Winter has rejuvenated us with the opening of Trader Joe's. A whole new variety is easily accessible to us and sadly and I would love to count the incredible Peppermint JoJo's (oreos) dipped in dark chocolate. mmmm.....

What will 2011 bring? Definitely a new set of goals, things to learn with the kids setting them this time!

25 Grocery Shopping Secrets

Take a look and see if you learn something new!

I agree with almost all and was happy to have more validation with#5 (Beat the Breakfast Blues). I am fortunate to be home with my kids most mornings and we usually have eggs/toast or oatmeal. I have found that it is generally more filling for them the cereal/PB toast routine they have on the mornings I teach.

Come to find out that by eating eggs, not only are they getting a more nutritious start to their day, but it is also 3x less expensive then cereal. Never looked at it at the way, but its nice to know that this particular "whole" food is less expensive then the processed.

Now, if only I can get them to love #25 (lentils). I even tried them BBQ style on Sunday and made them similar to a BBQ sandwich. Well...evidently not similar enough yet, but I am not giving up. I love 'em! Check out other grocery shopping secrets and surprises here.

Cut Calories without even Noticing

My motto is that I rather cut them here or there then spend the extra time burning them!
78 Ways to cut fat calories from Your diet. Check it out here!

Top 10 Foods to Avoid Completely

In honor of 10-10-10...

Quick! How many can you name? Are you thinking anything fried, fatty and overly sugary? Check and see if you are right here.

7 Fake Health Foods

Hungry for a protein bar? Yep, there on the "fake health food" list. Like most "convenience foods" its all about label reading and not all protein bars are created equal. Sadly I read this after buying a months supply of Zone Protein bars at Costco. I did look at the label, but then the "marketing monster" got me and I thought, its "The Zone" bars...they have to be ok. In truth, there are candy bars that are better for you then these.

Check out more fake health foods here.

North Family Walks for NAMI

At the Weis household we are welcoming the weekend of boycotting all soccer/ softball games and will instead be exercising for a much different and much more important cause.

Its a 3 mile walk in memory of my sister, Becky, and to help raise awareness for mental illness. We jumped in with this last year and you can read about our fundraising efforts here.

This year The North's & Weis' took a different approach to fundraising and partnered with Pizza Ranch in Jefferson. The kids bussed tables, refilled drinks and washed dishes while raising almost $700 in one night. I was so proud of my kids, but knew that they didn't need compensation or recognition. They were happy just helping out and that they accomplished.

Here's to a beautiful walk tomorrow and the promises of the future!

Great American Cookie: Free Chocolate Chip Cookie today Friday, October 1, 2010

Happy Friday! Ready for a treat? Stop by any Great American Cookie location today from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to get a free Original Chocolate Chip Cookie.

You can also get a free cookie of your choice by stopping by anytime during the month of October and donating a new or gently-used book. All books collected will be donated to a local public library or charity. Limit one cookie per person per day.

Caribou Coffee: Buy One, Get One Free (this weekend)

The crisp Fall weather has brought on the return of my coffee pot. I rarely drink coffee in the summer months, but absolutely LOVE it in the fall and winter. Now matter how I tweak my coffee preparations at home, it still doesn't taste like Caribous Carmel Northern Lite Latte (only 90 calories)!

Now, this will help get me through 4 soccer games this weekend. Print out your coupon for a free hot or cold drink at Caribou Coffee when you purchase another. This coupon is valid September 25-26, 2010.

Worst Foods in America

This kind of stuff always intrigues me. What could they be? Is it something that I or my kids regularly eat? You know you have to look because how would you ever know?!

Whew...I knew there was a good reason we don't eat out that often. wow!

Mimi’s Cafe: Buy One Breakfast, Get One Free

Once upon a time, I signed up for Mimi's Cafe e-mail club. I probably get a "deal" e-mailed to me every day; which is a little much. I don't know if their business is hurting, but thisdeal is pretty good and their breakfasts are super yummy so I feel better about passing it on.

I also love how its good all day tomorrow, September 21, 2010. Print your coupon here for a free breakfast at Mimi’s Cafe when you purchase another breakfast.

Fat Fighting Foods

If you are going to eat, why not make it a food choice that fights fat while you digest?

Makes sense to me as I have fully embraced the 80/20 rule. Every day I eat 80% healthy and include a lot of these fat fighting foods. As I have said before life is short and I love to indulge and treat myself with food goodies. That is where the 20% comes in. Ok...sometimes that number is a bit higher, but 80/20 is so much easier to remember.

Free Ice Cream at Cold Stone Creamery

Cold Stone Creamery will be holding their annual World’s Largest Ice Cream Social on September 30, 2010 from 5 to 8 p.m. Each person will receive a free 3-oz. cup of Kate’s Creation ice cream.

Easy Homemade Frapucinos

I love love love these and have one practically every afternoon when I need a little caffeine and chocolate pick me up. Best of all, they are so customizable! I have been varying it up a bit depending on what I feel like.

Here's the basic recipe. Let me know what you do differently!


*4-6 coffee ice cubes (see below)
1-2 TBSP sugar free Hershey's syrup
1 scoop protein powder (you could make it without, but I love protein powder!)
3/4 c. chocolate soy milk (you can use any kind of milk here, but I love my Silk Chocolate Soy milk!
1/2 c. water or 3-5 more ice cubes. Depending on how thick you want it!

Feel like a mocha? Add peanut butter!
Blend at high speed for a couple of minutes (this is what adds the frothiness that is famous for frappucinos.

Sometimes I freeze it for an hour and then dig in. Yum...just like ice cream!

*I love my coffee in the morning, but one cup is usually enough for me. I have been freezing my leftover coffee in ice cube trays. The frozen cubes are perfect for these frappucinos!

Want other ideas for protein powder? Check out the ideas here, here and here!

Speedy Dinner Ideas

Back to school, soccer season and softball are in full force around here which means there is a practice or game every night except Wednesday. Not complaining here. Kids love it and Fall is great in Iowa for bee bopping around.

Dinner time as a family is so important to me that we eat together whatever time that may be. Last night was 7:30 pm and tomorrow will be 5 pm. The point is, time is sacred and I don't want to waste a second of it in the kithen thawing hamburger.

I am always on the lookout for nutrious and fast menu ideas and here is the latest slew I have come across. Bon Appetit!

Tips to Boost Energy and Feel More Healthy

Who wouldn't want more energy? Its easy to become dependent on the morning coffee or the afternoon diet coke. I'm definitely not perfect, homemade frappuccinos have been my vice on these hot August afternoons. This is the best list I have seen out there that encompasses all of the natural elements of mind, spirit and body to achieve more energy. Check it out here!

Breakfast is the Best!

A bowl of cheerios with milk just ain't going to cut it! Its my favorite meal to eat of the day and its the most important. Your body lies dormant all night. Eating in the morning revs up your metabolism so you are burning calories all day. If you don't eat, your body stays dormant. Its the simple, but so important.

My mom is now onboard. Even my kids could tell you why eating a complete breakfast is so important. Still working on my husband, but thats because Diet Mountain Dew isn't a food group yet. ;-)

Read more here about why stuffing yourself at breakfast is the way to go! So Fuel that body up!

Foods That Can Fix You!

Stressed? Upset stomach? Sleepless? I love the idea of curing common ailments naturally and with food! Check out here a list of common readily available foods and what they can treat!

Bring on the Borsch!

We have found with our Try New Foods Challenge that it is helpful to pick a time period or a country. The kids have enjoyed the research and menu planning and we have found that helps everyone's zest for trying something new. So far we have eaten our way through Pioneer times, the Colonial era, the Depression and Germany.

Next up was Megan's choice and we voyaged on to Russia. After a quick Internet search Megan chose Borshch and Russian Tea Cakes for dessert. Have you ever tried Borshch? Neither has this family. It provided a wealth of new food choices with cabbage and beets being just two of the ingredients.

It was similar to a goulash and the kids liked it ok but the heartiest eater was Dave whom readily proclaimed it as one of his new favorites. I think it was because it included beer brisket which we don't have all that often.

The Russian Tea Cakes were a definite hit with everyone. The recipe is so easy and delicious. It really is hard to stop munching them!

Megan's after dinner activity pick was soccer, which was a great Russian choice. Megan and I vs Dave and Lucy (with all time side-switching goal-keeper Max).

Homemade Protein Bars

This is it! This is the one! Thanks to Money Saving Mom, I found a recipe I really like. I mean, I really love. Slight problem though. I made them yesterday and they are now gone. Just nibbling here and there leads to an empty pan. The kids did love them too, but I didn't really share that many....

Good news though, I usually have all these ingredients on hand AND they will be perfect for lunch boxes because they are peanut free, but have the protein, carbs, and healthy fat to sustain the kids all day at school.

Homemade Protein Bars

1 mashed banana
1 1/2 cups dry oatmeal
2 Tablespoons flax seed, ground
2-4 scoops protein powder
1/4 cup peanut butter
1/4 cup shredded coconut
1/4 cup coconut oil or butter, melted
1/4 cup raisins
1/4 cup water
1 large chocolate bar (I used organic dark chocolate) or 1/2 cup chocolate chips

Mix all ingredients but chocolate together well (mixture will be somewhat sticky). Line an 8×8-inch pan with foil and spread the mixture evenly in the pan. Melt chocolate on the stove or in the microwave. Drizzle or spread over the mixture in the pan.

Place the pan in the freezer for at least 2 hours. Cut into 10 -12 bars and wrap in plastic wrap and/or foil and store in the freezer.

Thaw slightly before serving.