Stir Fry Medley Recipe

I live for easy, simple recipes that are actually good. Don't get me wrong I love making a good meal, but sometimes I just want to be in the kitchen for a few minutes and still get a good meal. So that's where this stir fry medley comes in.

I was at Walmart doing some grocery shopping yesterday and saw this bag for only $2.50. Sure I could just buy fresh veggies and make a lot more, but I was kind of experimenting with this because *gasp* I've never made this before!

The think about this whole recipe is that you can make it your own. You can eat this cold, hot, and add whatever you want to it. Nothing is off limits here! I used 3 simple things here

• Stir fry medley
• Soy sauce (optional)
• Water

That's it! read more to see what I did.

Your two main ingredients.

Directions. You can microwave this also, but every time tastes better on a stove.

Nutrition. Only 30 calories a serving! The whole bag is only 120 calories, not bad at all

I added a little water and vegetable oil, the oil is optional you can just use water

Don't have a steamer? I don't either you can do this if you have a lid with holes on the side (mainly used for draining pasta) just let this set for 3-4 minutes or longer if you like your veggies soft like me.

When its just about done splash a little soy sauce on there for flavor

Now you can eat! Simple right? Now you can add chicken to this, even rice if you want. This is just a quick way to get some good healthy lunch. Hope you enjoyed!

Top Healthy Eating & Food iPhone Apps

I have an iPhone (and an iPad) and decided to look up the top healthy eating and food apps, and here they are!

(via fitnessmagaizne.com)

Grocery Gadget Shopping List

Why it’s cool: Say you write you wrote a grocery list, but left it at home in your rush on the way to work. Or perhaps your husband is already out, but doesn’t know which ingredients you’re lacking to make dinner. With this app, both these scenarios are solved.

Grocery Gadget Shopping List allows you to write a list on the web browser and automatically sync up with your iPhone, so there’s less chance of accidentally leaving your list on the coffee table. Similarly, if you add a list on your iPhone, it automatically shows up on your husband’s iPhone, too (provided he also has the app). Bonus: this is one more way he can never "forget" to pick up tampons for you at the store.

Price: $2.99

Compatible with: iPhone, iPod Touch

Get more info here

VegOut

Why it’s cool: Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian or are simply seeking a veggie-friendly restaurant, VegOut will find a suitable eatery in your desired location, sorted by distance. Plus, since the app is powered by HappyCow.net, each restaurant already has consumer-reviewed star-ratings, so you can tell whether the place’s food was a hit with fellow diners.

Price: $2.99

Compatible with: iPhone, iPod Touch

Get more info here

Locavore

Why it’s cool: Raspberries, mangoes and kale, oh my! To find out what produce is in season, take to this iPhone app. Locavore automatically detects the state you’re in and lists the foods that are at their peak freshness.

In case you’re suddenly jonesing for a perfect summer peach, the app also maps out the nearest farmer’s markets according to your location. Unfortunately, there’s no telling whether these markets will actually have your desired seasonal pick available. Still, it’s a step in the right direction.

Price: $2.99

Compatible with: iPhone, iPod Touch

Get more info here

Nutrition Menu – Calorie Counter

Why it’s cool: This is the mother of all iPhone calorie counters. With over 78,000 foods to choose from (including popular restaurant picks), you’ll know exactly how many calories (not to mention fat, carbs, protein, cholesterol, sodium, sugar and fiber) you’re eating, which makes it easy to keep track of your food intake, even if you’re following specific dietary plans like Weight Watchers or low-carb.

Price: $2.99

Compatible with: iPhone, iPod Touch

Get more info here

Good Food Near You

Why it’s cool: On-the-go with only fast food joints nearby? Greasy, mass-produced food isn’t your only option anymore. Type your location into this app and it’ll list healthy choices from nearby eateries. Whether you’re traveling or just nursing an unexpected hunger pang while out and about, Good Food Near You helps you make an informed decision before grabbing the nearest burger.

Price: Free

Compatible with: iPhone, iPod Touch

Get more info here

Food Additives

Why it’s cool: If you’ve ever perused an ingredient list on a particular packaged food and wondered what acetic acid, ethyl maltol, or sodium nitrate really is, this app is for you. This program lists over 450 (yes, 450) additives, which you can sort by name, number, diet type, and more.

Moreover, once you determine what Ingredient X actually is, the app informs you of potential side effects, maximum daily intake, and dietary restrictions. So hardcore vegetarians, for instance, can rejoice -- now they’ll know if an ingredient is animal-based. Then again, not everybody will be happy to know exactly what that their favorite cookie or ice cream indulgence contains...

Price: $3.99

Compatible with: iPhone, iPod Touch

Get more info here

Seafood Guide

Why it’s cool: Before you settle on the grouper at the grocery store or the yellow fin tuna at your favorite sushi joint, check the Seafood Guide to see if your choices are sustainable. Sure, the sea bass may be tasty, but with certain species being overfished and in danger of extinction, playing it smart with this Monteray Bay Aquarium app makes you a more responsible eater.

Price: Free

Compatible with: iPhone, iPod Touch

Get more info here

WaterWorks

Why it’s cool: If you have trouble drinking enough water everyday, you may find a little more impetus with this app. Plug in your desired daily intake amount, and as you log your water intake throughout the day, an onscreen water jug graphic fills up, giving you visual motivation to reach your goal.

You can also customize preset container amounts, so no more excuses. Logging your regular morning mug of tea or your designated gym Nalgene bottle can be done with just one click.

Price: $1.99

Compatible with: iPhone, iPod Touch

Get more info here

Weight Loss Plateaus and Getting Through Them

If you've worked out for a while, you might come across a weight loss plateau. It's very common, but it doesn't make it any less frustrating. I wanted to do a post dedicated to weight loss plateau, because I am at my second once since starting to work out

This is from MayoClinic.com

Getting past a weight-loss plateau

Just because your weight loss has stalled, don't revert back to your old bad habits. These tips can help you restart your weight-loss plan.

By Mayo Clinic staff

You've worked hard to improve your diet and exercise habits, and you've been rewarded by seeing the number on the scale continue to drop. But then for no reason you can identify, the scale doesn't budge — even though you're still eating a healthy, low-calorie diet and exercising regularly. You've hit a weight-loss plateau.

Before you get too discouraged, you should know that it's normal for weight loss to slow and even stall. By understanding what causes a weight-loss plateau, you can decide how to respond and avoid backsliding on your healthy-eating and exercise habits.

What is a weight-loss plateau?

A weight-loss plateau occurs when you no longer lose weight despite continuing with your exercise and healthy-eating habits. Being stuck at a weight-loss plateau eventually happens to everyone who is trying to lose weight.

Although hitting a plateau is common, most people are surprised when it happens to them, for they believed that if they just maintained a reduced-calorie diet, they would continue to lose weight. The frustrating reality is that even well-planned weight-loss efforts often become stalled.

Hot Green Tea Benefits

(picture was taken by me)

Recently I have become addicted to drinking Hot Green Tea. I love the taste, and the fact that it has ZERO calories means I can drink this stuff all day, everyday and be a happy camper. I drink it hot because

1. I don't like iced tea
2. Its getting colder and this warms me up
3. It has helped me with this vicious cold I've been having

But besides good taste, did you know there are health benefits to drinking hot green tea? This is from livestrong.com

Drinking hot green tea is popular worldwide, especially throughout Asia. Green tea is made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis bush, which contains high amounts of antioxidants called flavonoids and polyphenols. Scientific evidence based on epidemiological studies of populations has indicated that drinking green tea may lower your risk of chronic diseases. Consult your doctor or nutritionist about your health and the benefits of including hot green tea in your daily diet.

Ninja Professional Blender - First Impression

Over the past few years, Ive gone through about 4 blenders. My first one was a GE and that lasted a long time, cause I hardly used it. Well when I started making smoothies everyday. The motor went out on it (it started smoking!) so I went and got a single serve one. That lasted about a week. I used my food processor for a while, then got a Hamilton Beach Wave system. Well it took about 30 minutes to blend a smoothie (AINT NOBODY GOT TIME FOR THAT!)
I took it back and got an Oster one for a little bit more money. At first I liked it it, then when I would use it, I would have to stop it, push the fruit to the bottom, watch it go, then do it again. This was so damn annoying. Well I finally decided to break down, spend more money for a good quality blender.
I looked at the Blendtec and Vitamix, and unless those blenders plan  on doing my shopping plus blending then Im not shelling out that kind of money. I read about the Ninja Blender and read a lot of good reviews on it. The price is $99 not bad considering the other higher options.
I saw it in stores and really like how it looked. Very sleek, modern, and looks very expensive. Here is how its different from any other blender.

• 1000 watts (its powerful)
• It not only has blades on the bottom but in the middle, and at the top (this makes blending, chopping, juicing, easier)
• The container is huge (72oz, and 9 cups) shouldn't be a problem mixing everything you need.
• The lid locks, and has a spout! This blender will not operate without being locked. Which is a good thing. I also love the spout because now you can pour things without spilling stuff everywhere. This is more for liquid though. My smoothie is too thick to pour.
• Easy to clean. The blade is removeable, so now you wont cut yourself cleaning the container

Now my first impression of the blender

• It takes a little long to blend, but I don't have to push anything to the bottom. I let it do its thing and it blended nicely
• My smoothie was so smooth!! not one piece of chunk anywhere.
• Cleaned with no effort. I washed it and looks just like new
• Its a little loud, but not over the top loud
• Its very tall! it still fits on my counter nicely and doesnt interfere with the top cabinets.
• I love how it has to have the lid locked before blending

My first impression is a good one. The best part about this is that you can make so much stuff in here. I can even shred chicken, make guacamole, and salsa!!! I cant wait to try all of this and more. With that said the price doesnt seem to be that bad. I will do a final review one I try more things on it.

Do any of you have any Ninja Products?