Delicious & Nutritious Mother’s Day Meal Recipes

Cooking with my family is something that brings me joy. Letting my family cook for me while I read and chill out also brings me joy! These are a few of my “easy peasy” recipes that even kiddos can help with. And, the eggs muffins and potatoes can be reheated for leftover breakfast, lunch or dinner.

OMELET MUFFINS 

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and generously spray a muffin pan with non-stick spray or coat with oil on a paper towel. I like to use paper muffin cups and spray those as well. This recipe makes 10-12 muffins. I like to make extra for later on in the week.

Here’s what ya need:

• Non-stick cooking spray/oil
• 8 large eggs
• Milk
• Cooked meat of choice (bacon, ham, sausage, etc)
• Cooked veggie of choice (onions, peppers, mushrooms, etc) or fresh spinach or arugula
• Baking powder
• Salt/Pepper
• Shredded cheese of choice

Here’s what ya do:

Divide 1 c cooked meat (I’m using bacon crumbles) and 1 cup cooked veggies or fresh spinach/arugula (I used arugula) among the twelve muffin slots. In a large bowl mix together 8 eggs, 1/3 c milk, 1/2 tsp baking powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Pour evenly over meat and veggies to fill all the muffin slots. Top each with shredded cheese (I used mozzarella).

Pop in the oven for 18-20 minutes. Let cool for about 1 minute and remove from pan.

Next up…

EASY PEASY ROASTED POTATOES

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees and get out a large baking sheet.

Here’s what ya need:

• 1.5-2 pound bag of small or fingerling potatoes
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Table Blend Mrs. Dash Seasoning, or similar
• Salt

Here’s what ya do:

Wash and dry your potatoes. Using a cutting board, slice your fingerling or small potatoes in half. Place in a mixing bowl and add 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1 tsp Table Blend Mrs. Dash, and salt to taste. Toss to coat evenly and pour onto your baking sheet. Space out on the pan. Pop in the oven for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway.

Enjoy these recipes all year long, not just for Mother’s Day.

Looking for easy peasy meals every night of the week? Leslie’s YourSupperSolution has you covered! BECOME A MEMBER NOW!

Dinner doesn’t have to be a production (& 7 rotisserie chicken meals)

Have you ever collected a bunch of recipes and purchased all the ingredients with high hopes of cooking a show worthy meal, only to have the items just sit in the fridge? You are not alone.

Daily, I work with people to plan a healthier lifestyle. No matter the initial issue, one common thing often stands in the way of making dinner happen at home — our perception that it needs to have lots of ingredients and a food channel spin. It doesn’t.

Simply put, we get paralysis by analysis–dinner style. Getting dinner on the table doesn’t have to be super complicated or fancy. Using convenience items with quality ingredients can help bridge the gap between the perfect dinner (which doesn’t exist) and calling for take-out.

These days you can pick up ready-to-go birds almost anywhere with quality and minimal ingredients. The best part of these meals… no one has to know the store-bought bird was involved!

Here are a few of my favorite rotisserie chicken tricks:

Lemon Chicken & Veggie Penne Pasta–Add your chopped chicken to cooked penne pasta and sautéed zucchini, onion, and mushrooms. Sauté veggies with a generous amount of olive oil (1/4c + for 2-4 servings) and add the juice of one lemon. Mix all together and add grated parmesan and pepper to taste.

BBQ Chicken Pizza–Preheat your oven to 425 degrees. Chop up your chicken meat. Mix with your preferred BBQ sauce. Place on top of a tortilla or pita. Top with shredded cheese and sliced bell peppers. Pop in the oven for 8-10 minutes until crisp. Serve with a side salad.

Chicken Cobb Salad–Chop up that chicken and place on a bed of salad greens. Add sliced avocado, blue cheese crumbles, cucumbers, tomatoes, a little chopped bacon, and sliced boiled egg. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic. If you have bacon and eggs already cooked and in the fridge, you’ll have dinner done in a snap.

And here are a few of my favorite rotisserie “easy peasy” meals:

Chicken Tacos–Just stuff in a tortilla with your favorite taco fixings.

Chicken & Veggie Stir Fry–Add a little sesame oil or butter and some soy sauce to your stir fry veggies of your choice (I like a frozen blend) and throw in your chicken. Serve over rice or quinoa.

Greek Chicken Pitas–Stuff a pita with sliced tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, pitted kalamata olives, a little romaine lettuce and your chicken. Add a little olive oil drizzle, salt, pepper and dried oregano.

Basic Chicken Noodle Soup–Throw 4 cups of chicken stock, 2 cups of water, 12-16 oz bag of mixed veggies, and 6 oz of your preferred pasta. Bring to a boil and cook as long per pasta package instructions. Once the pasta is ready, reduce heat to low and throw in some chicken, pepper, and a little dried parsley.

Enjoy! And, if you’re ready to take the guesswork out of planning dinner every single night become a YourSupperSolution now! I mean who gets to say a nutrition expert plans their meals? YourSupperSolution family members do, that’s who! You’ll never ask “what’s for dinner” again!

How in the World do you Cook Spaghetti Squash?!

Not sure how to cook or eat spaghetti squash? It’s a question I get a lot these days! Try this easy recipe.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. One large squash serves ~ 4. Slice stem to end, scrape out seeds, and place cut side down in microwave safe dish. Steam in microwave for 10 minutes. Drain well and scrape into bowl. Caution: it’s hot!!!

I use a dish towel to hold. Beat two eggs and mix into spaghetti squash with 1/2 Parmesan cheese and pepper to taste. I top with grated Parmesan & Italian spices. Bake for ~25 minutes until golden around edges. Let set about 5 min.

Serve as side or base for an Italian meat sauce. Yum!

The 8-Week Course that Changed My Life & Business

As many you know, I’m a nutrition expert that also happens to be a small business owner and entrepreneur. About this time last year I felt so stuck. This desire to do something that could positively impact people on a larger scale was really eating at me. I didn’t know if I needed to focus on expanding my private practice, increase my speaking engagements, write a book, or what… The lack of clarity was so incredibly frustrating. Not long after all the frustration, I decided that I would invest in myself and enroll in a business course. I’d been keeping up with Marie Forleo’s weekly videos for several months. Her free content helped me tremendously so I knew that signing up for B-School was the next for me. It felt like a sure thing.

B-SCHOOL CHANGED EVERYTHING.

As I was doing my B-School homework worksheets (which I loved because I’m a total geek), it came to me. I rock planning a menu like nobody’s business! And I realized that planning has been a major part of what I have been helping people with for over 10 years. Creating an online business to expand this service was the next step.

My online dinner menu service, YourSupperSolution.com, launched just 4 months after I started B-School. This was just the tip of the iceberg. As my self-care strategies, non-diet messages, and balanced menus continue reach more folks, I’m developing more products and services to help people live healthier, happier, and more simple lives. I’m using what I learned in B-School with every product and message I create.

If you’re ready to launch the business you’ve been thinking about or take the business you already have to the next level, Marie will give you the steps you need to do it. AND, as an alum, you get to do the fresh modules of B-School every single year! It was such an amazing experience for me that I want to support you in the process with our own e-mail B-School “support” group throughout the 8-week course. I’m so excited for the new modules! You won’t regret it!

REGISTRATION JUST OPENED AND YOU CAN SIGN UP FOR A LIMITED TIME RIGHT NOW (YAY) – CLICK HERE!

Disclosure: I’m a proud B-School Alum and an affiliate partner. If you decide to join B-School I may receive some form of compensation. The bottom line–my experience was an awesome one and I want to share it with others. I wish you the best of luck! – Leslie

My Top Valentine’s Day Food Picks (& their Hot Benefits)

Could your food really get you “in the mood?” For centuries, it been suggested that certain foods may have aphrodisiac-like properties. While there is very little research that supports natural or food-based aphrodisiacs, there is a reason we think of certain foods on a romantic evening. Certain foods can visually stimulating while others may literally turn up the heat.

Let’s start with the most obvious of the sensual foods, chocolate. Chocolate, particularly dark chocolate has been studied for years. The dark side of this food is a good one. Over the last several years, studies have suggested that dark chocolate may prevent certain precursors of heart disease. In addition to being heart-healthy, dark chocolate may improve blood vessel walls and blood flow throughout the body. That sure doesn’t hurt date night.

It’s likely strawberries come to mind when you think about planning an evening for that special someone. Whether it’s their visually appealing heart shape or the antioxidant power, strawberries are sure to make an appearance when love is in the air. You may decide to enjoy strawberries with dark chocolate (either on the side or dipped) for the ultimate sensuous pairing. If strawberries aren’t your thing, you could always turn to figs, the fruit of the ancient gods. This velvety, seed-laden and antioxidant-rich fruit has been a symbol of love and fertility in many cultures.

Looking for even more spice? Research suggests that a chemical found in hot peppers, capsaicin, may improve blood flow and rev up nerve endings. Incorporating this fiery factor into a meal may make for a particularly hot evening. But, don’t eat too much. A stomach that’s overfull, especially with spicy foods, is not a welcomed ingredient for a romantic evening.
Whether these foods have arousing properties or just sensual shapes, don’t underestimate the power of the placebo-effect. If you think it works, it just might. If you’re wondering what I’ll be cooking up for Valentine’s Day, join the Your Supper Solution Family and cook with us every night!

It’s Not About a Diet, It’s about a Plan

Are you tired of dieting? We don’t fail diets, diets fail us. We just have to get back to the basics and listen to our bodies. I believe that health and happiness can be achieved without that nasty, four-letter word “diet.” It takes awareness, planning, and a back-to-basics philosophy about food.

My goal is that one day our daughters, sons, sisters, brothers, friends, dads and moms won’t even think of the word “diet.” They’ll just live, trust their bodies’ to do its job, and enjoy the foods they eat.

Join me in the fight for diet freedom! CLICK HERE to join my email update list.

Ready for a New Year’s Diet? This isn’t it.

This time of year we’re bombarded with new diets, quick fix products and loads of holiday food guilt. It’s simply ridiculous! Don’t fall victim to the New Year, new diet mess one more year. This year we resolve NOT to diet!

Health and wellness isn’t about a number, or feeling guilty, or demonizing food. We don’t get ourselves anywhere positive when we are made to feel guilty or don’t believe we can trust our bodies or food choices.

So, if you’re ready for the next big diet, this isn’t it. If you’re ready for a journey that increases your awareness, changes your perspective and moves your towards lasting change, THIS is for you! I’m so excited to share my FREE 30-Day Self-Care and Wellness Challenge. 

This challenge will leave you with increased awareness about your nutrition, fitness, and overall wellness. And, you’ll finish with new perspectives on health and self-care strategies. Are you ready to join us? Just click below!

Want to do this challenge with a friend? Go ahead and share it!

My Top 5 Foodie Gifts for the Holidays

It’s such a wonderful time of year and I just love giving gifts. Giving is definitely one of my love languages. But, do you ever just scratch your head wondering what to get that foodie in your life? Look no further. These holiday gifts will knock their culinary socks off and it’s not too late to get them.

1. This has been one of my favorite gifts to give and receive over the last couple of years. Did you know you can give the gift of an Italian olive tree adoption AND get olive oil from your tree in the spring? It’s a personal, healthy, and delicious gift. And, the fine people at Nudo gave me a coupon to give to you!  Use NUDOXMAS20 to give them 20% off any Olive Oil or Tea adoption at NudoAdopt.com.
2. Don’t just give a magazine subscription, give Cook’s Illustrated. I get at least half a dozen cooking magazines a month and Cook’s Illustrated is the most useful, well-written and foodie-minded cooking mag you’ll find. Click here to grab their holiday special. The back of the magazine is always a great food print. It’s pretty enough to frame.
3. Jennifer’s Chandler’s The Southern Pantry Cookbook isn’t just for the Southern foodie in your life. Like all of her user-friendly cookbooks, this cookbook shares favorite recipes from her friends and family that are simple enough for even the beginner foodie. You may even find a recipe from yours truly on page 31. You can pick it up online here or, get signed copies in Memphis at Babcock Gifts or The Booksellers of Laurelwood.
4. If you want to give a gift you can grow, check out Back to the Root’s Organic Mushroom Farm. You can grow it and eat right in your kitchen. You can pick up your farm online here. I picked one up at my local Whole Foods store.
5. And, for the cook in your life that likes whipping up a fab meal but hates the planning process, get a YourSupperSolution.com membership. The menus are created by little ol’ me and provide back-to-basics, balanced dinner menus for every night of the week. Get the first month free by using code: GIFTFREE2014. Get it online right here.

There’s still time to get your foodie gifts. I hope you have the merriest holiday ever!

“Tis the Season” Mistakes (& how to fix them)

By now you’ve heard the phrase “tis the season” at least a dozen times. “Tis the season” for this and that, and food pushing, and diet gimmicks, and overeating, and saying yes when you want to say no, and so on. Why is it that we sometimes allow “tis the season” to mean a “get out of jail free card” or simply losing our minds? We allow this season to be an excuse for actions like overspending, overeating (a lot) and over committing. We simply ignore the consequences until “tis the season” no longer.

Let’s break it down.

MISTAKE: Overspending is something I’ve been guilty of at times. I love to give gifts and wrap them beautifully. It’s such a pleasure to see someone open and really like a gift, until I get my bank statement.

FIX: Set a limit for a total gift budget and a budget for each person on your gift list. Don’t feel like you need to give a gift when you get one. If the giver is like me, I just like to give and don’t expect anything in return (unless it’s the hubs, he better wrap something up). Make homemade gifts like infused oils, soaps, or freezer meals to cut cost while increasing your gift thoughtfulness value :). Lastly, discuss budgets with friends and family. It can help when others take a more creative and cost-effective approach with you.

MISTAKE: Overeating because this is the only time of year I can get this food. It’s like someone locked turkey, dressing, and cranberries in a vault somewhere until this one day. It’s absurd but hey, “tis the season.”

FIX: Unlock the vault and pull out your favorite foods for a preview a couple of weeks BEFORE the holiday. I think this is such a smart strategy that YourSupperSolution.com members have a preview dinner planned this week. This allows time to test recipes and mindfully enjoy those foods without the hustle, bustle and other distractors. When it’s time to have that Turkey Day meal, you won’t be the one stuffed. Give it a try for other holiday meals as well. You may be surprised how “Thanksgiving full” you’re not.

MISTAKE: Overcommitting is also part of our “tis the season” insanity. The holidays can be a great time to catch up with friends and family but we can let our social calendar derail our self-care (fitness, sleep, meals, & meal planning) time by overcommitting.

FIX: Plan your schedule once a week and start with activities that make YOU feel well. Protect your self-care time (even if it’s just a walk – alone), plan your meals ahead of time, and say no to parties you don’t want to attend. When we’re overcommitted, we tend not to think about getting enough sleep, water, balanced meals and exercise. Getting too far out of our routine can lead to fatigue, poor hydration, overeating, and January regret. So plan now for protecting your self-care time. If you feel well, chances are everyone around will have a happier holiday too!

Remember, it’s not about a diet. It’s about a plan! How will you prevent these holiday mistakes this season? I’d love to hear from you in the comments.

5 Halloween Tips to take the Trick out of your Treat!

Candy, candy everywhere! Halloween treats don’t have to freak you out. Blair Mize, Schilling Nutrition Therapy, LLC dietitian and nutrition pro tricked out these Halloween treat tips for you.

Tip #1

Tip #2: One instance when it’s good for kids to be picky…

Tip #3: Helping your kids enjoy Halloween treats starts today with having a conversation and modeling a healthy, non-diet approach to food for your kids.

Tip #4:

Don’t be scared of this one…

Check out Ellyn Satter’s Book, Your Child’s Weight: Helping Without Harming for more information about raising your children to have a healthy relationship with food.

Tip #5: If this sounds crazy, check out this website for a more info.

Have a safe and healthy day!