Wicked Chicken Tai Soup

I just finished a bowl for lunch and man this soups gets even better the next day!! The oooonly thing missing was a bit of lemongrass, that would have totally kicked up to that next level. But it is so good I am going to share it with you NOW!!!

Wicked Chicken Thai Soup

Into a crock pot place:
1 whole chicken separated, skin removed
3 carrots diced
4 celery stalks diced
1 onion diced
1 carton organic chicken stock
3 tbsp tomato paste
1/2 cup full fat coconut milk
2 cups water
1 tbsp coconut aminos
2 tbsp thai spice blend (SEE BELOW)

Give it all a stir and let it sit on high for roughly 5 hours. You can always add a touch more spice near the end if you want it HAWT!

During the last hour of cooking pull out the chicken out of the crock, let cool enough to handle, and then pull it all apart. Add it back into the crock.

Cook up some rice and put in the bottom of a bowl then pour a ladle full of soup over it. You could garnish with a bit of cilantro (but I don't like cilantro…it's genetic).

My Top Ten Weight Loss Foods

I am often asked from people looking to achieve weight loss success what I eat. I often say I eat whole foods, clean foods, single ingredient foods. But that leaves many wondering what does that really mean when you go into the grocery store. So, I decided to make a quick list of my personal top ten favourite foods for weight loss. These are foods that are regulars in my grocery basket.

Top Ten Weight Loss Foods From Weight Loss Success Story

Apples

High in fibre and supposedly better at waking you up than coffee apples are something that go fast in our house. Transportable, sweet, and crunchy it doesn't matter what kind you get, they are going to be good for you. So whether you like gala, spartan, or granny smith, be sure to stock up on apples.

Dried Fruit 

With a wide array of vitamins and minerals dried fruit is a quick and easy treat, especially if you are needing to replace a candy craving. Dried cranberries and dried cherries are sweet and tangy while dates can give you a pseudo chocolate feel.

Citrus Fruits

Packed with Vitamin C citrus fruits are super refreshing!! Grapefruit at breakfast, lemon in your water, oranges as a snack. It's all good!! Lemons in particular are known to help detoxify the liver.

Coconut

If you follow me on any of my social media you may know already that I am nutty for coconut! Coconut milk, oil, butter, shredded, flour, water…all of it!! It's the medium chain triglycerides that are the magic of the coconut which help the liver and coconut oil specifically is great for thyroid function.

Bananas

Somewhere along the line bananas got a bad rap, something to do with the high sugar content, blah, blah, blah. But in reality bananas are VERY good for you. Their combination of potassium and fibre makes for a power packed perfect snack.

Broccoli

Broccoli is hands down one of my fav veggies. Steamed then tossed with some coconut oil. YUM YUM! This understated veggie is full of vitamins, minerals, and even calcium and protein.

Spinach

Nine times out of ten when making my daily Shakeology I will throw a handful of spinach in it. That 10th time is usually because I'm fresh out! You'll find calcium, iron, vitamins and minerals in spinach. It helps build muscles and stabilize blood pressure.

Oatmeal

Oatmeal is a breakfast staple in our house, and not those single serving processed packages. I make large flake or stone cut from scratch. A perfect whole food. With lots of fibre and and protein it's a perfect way to start the day, just dress it up with some dried fruit, nuts, seeds, and some cinnamon and you are ready to tackle your day!!

Eggs

If I'm not having oatmeal for breaky I'm having eggs. Such a powerful combo of protein, all 9 amino acids, and an array of vitamins. Studies also show that women that eat eggs for breakfast versus other traditional breakfast items (like bagels or cold cereal) lose more weight and feel fuller longer. 

Nuts/Seeds

While high in fat nuts and seeds are great to toss into and on things to just give a little nutritional punch. In oatmeal, over yogurt, into your salad, they not only give a little crunch but also provide you with omegas, vitamins, some protein, and even fibre. Just be sure to get the unsalted and unsugared kinds to avoid extra unnecessary calories.


I hope you find this list helpful and add some, or even better all of them, to your grocery list. And it you'll also notice none of these are fancy or expensive. Eating healthy doesn't have to break the bank!! Keep it simple and basic. 

10 Tips to Survive Holiday Eating

Over the last four years and 101 lost lbs I have invariably had to wade my way through my fair share of holidays. This weekend we are celebrating Thanksgiving here in Canada and this very topic came up in one of my challenge groups. I listed a few things out and then thought, hey, more people need to know this. They need to know that you CAN enjoy eating at the holidays without the guilt and uncomfortable waistline.

So here they are…

Top Ten Tips To Survive Holiday Eating

1. Drink a big glass of water before you go out or before you get into the eating. You will more than likely be eating more sodium than usual, you will probably be having a drink or two, plus that big drink of water will help fill you up a bit.

2. When you first arrive take a good look at the appetizer table. Take a small plate then go sit down. Don't GRAZE the appetizer table!

3. Speaking of the appys head for the fresh cut veggies first. Don't forget to be careful of dips. I love dips. I can get carried away with dips.



4. Don't be afraid to have a little bit of everything, but for your sake TAKE SAMPLE SIZES. You don't have to have a full scoop of everything, just try a bit, there is lots to take in.

5. When it comes to the main course try choosing a smaller plate. Dinner plates now are WAY bigger than they used to be. Taking a smaller plate is a great trick because it fills up faster and gives you that visual illusion that you are eating more.

6. Keep your servings sizes in check. If you have those awesome containers from the 21 Day Fix don't be afraid to take them. And use them. Hey, they may even start up some conversation ;) 

7. Watch out with salads. While they maaaay seem like a healthy option they are often loaded with creamy or oily dressings. By all means still have some, but be aware. Same thing goes if you are putting dressing on your own salad. A little goes a long way. 

8. Load up half your plate with the veggie options. They should be taking that space up anyways. 

9. With holidays comes eating, and with holiday eating comes holiday DRINKING. Those drinks do come with calories, and while they go down fast, that is just how easy it is to consume a lot of calories over a short period of time. Pace yourself. Stick to a couple drinks tops. And try to have a glass of water in between. 

10. Pumpkin pie. Apple pie. Pumpkin cheesecakes. Lemon pie. Chocolate something. Whatever dessert is going to be gracing your holiday table HAVE SOME!!! But having some doesn't mean going all out. Ask for a half a slice, nothing wrong with that at all. 

BONUS: Be thankful for every bite you have. There are so many less fortunate in the world. I'm not trying to be a downer but when you are thankful, truly, you savour your food more, you don't rush through it. Slow down. Enjoy. Enjoy the family, enjoy the friends, the holiday is not just about the food but the people you share it with. 

Have a Happy Holiday Season.