Not your Grandma's Tuna "Noodle" Casserole

Peas are not something I usually eat but I was looking forward to shelling the farm fresh version and eating them up. The first thing that pops into my head for peas is tuna noodle casserole which again is not something I typically eat but given the challenge I wanted to see if I could come up with a healthy 21 day fix version.

 

I have been wanting to try a version of cashew cream for a while now. It sounded like a great way to get the same texture of cream but in a healthy version. And I was right tha like tofa the "cream" takes  the flavor of what you put into it. I made savory for this recipe but also a sweet version with maple syrup and cinnamun.  The recipe turned out great and even my toddler was begging for more. That is when you know a recipe isa keeper .

 

Not your Grandma's Tuna "Noodle" Casserole
Makes 2-3 servings

 

1/4 cup cashews soaked

1/4 to 1/2 cup water (and more as needed)
1 teaspoon olive oil

1 teaspoon Garlic

1 packet/can tuna (Drain if needed)

1 cup cooked peas

Zucchini for noodles

 

Soak Cashews overnight or for at least 3 hours. Rinse and drain then combine in blender with water until smooth. Add Olive oil and garlic and blend again.

 

Make zucchini noodles. Toss cream with peas, tuna and noodles. Heat until warm on stove top or microwave.

 

21 Day Fix: 2 Green, 1 Blue, 1 Red

Lifestyle Forward Gets Down and Funky - CIZE Review & Video

Finding myself the other day with trying to fit in an afternoon workout and needing a way to shake of some stress so I decided to join the hype and try out CIZE.

What is CIZE?

CIZE is the new program from Shaun T! It’s a four week dance fitness program that gets your heart pumping….while you learn to dance. I’m pretty sure you won’t even realize that you’re getting a great cardio workout because you’ll be having so much fun! In each routine, Shaun T breaks down the moves step-by-step and builds them up into a full dance sequence. In total, it takes 35-40 minutes. It’s all choreographed to the latest pop music to keep you energized and moving. And while you’re focusing on trying to master the dance moves you’re also burning fat and calories.

 

After logging onto Beachbody On Demand and getting my laces tied, I started in. You start with a warm up and get into the different moves pretty quickly. It follows the process of learning one move at a time and then adding them together slowly.  When I first stated I was a little hesitant and overwhelmed at all the moves but by the end I felt I got the first part down and feel confident with a little more work I would get much better doing the whole thing. Click HERE to see my routine (no laughing!)

It reminded me when I first started doing Zumba classes. It took me about 3 months to get the moves down but then I felt pretty good about them. The music you listen to when you are learning the moves was a little boring but I guess it is better for you to help concentrate. And you will concentrate. I felt like the 45 minutes went by so fast. You really have to concentrate to put everything together. There were times I lost my focus because I was also watching 2 kids as I was doing this but I got quickly back in to it. The music was fun at the end. I wasn't dripping in sweat but I did feel like I got my heart pumping, calorie killing cardio in. Now I totally need to get a trucker hat to match my fly moves!

Want to check out CIZE for yourself? Join Beachbody On Demand FREE for 30 days or email me at sarah@lifestyleforward.com to talk about joining a challenge group to be support with other super cool dancer wannabes.

Fighting the CSA - Taking down the Spinach, Herbs and Zucchini

I am into Week 3 of my half share CSA and although I love the fresh produce it is a battle to keep up with everything that I get. This week the box seemed to be getting bigger and I am getting scared, but I spent today fighting hard trying to take it down.

Breakfast - Most days I start out with my Shakeology. It is easy to fix and I love that I can throw in some spinach to add to the nutritional value. Green is the new Pink. Handful of Spinach Blended. Boom!

Breakfast #2 - What can I say I like to eat. I usually have a bigger snack/ second breakfast in the morning to keep me going. Today it was an omelet with sautéed zucchini, garlic scrapes and spinach. 3 down. Bam, Bam, Bam!




Baking Time - I had time today to bake some things while I worked from home so I gave these 2 recipes a try. Muffins came out awesome, the chocolate bread a little dry. Zucchini shredded and taken down!

Zucchini Muffins

Chocolate Zucchini Bread

Lunch - A little later than usually because I may have done a little too much taste testing with my baked goods : ). I had some left over spaghetti squash so I made up some pesto using the huge bag of basil leaves and topped it with Mahi-Mahi.

Paleo Pesto (I used Walnuts)

Dinner - Really wanted Homemade Chicken nuggets. Paired it with a spinach salad and these zucchini parmesan fries. Also roasted up the beets I got to use on salads and for my famous beet berry smoothie (you either love it or hate it).

Zucchini Parmesan Fries

Beet Berry Spinach Smoothie

At the end of the day I am feeling full and happy but face more challenges in the days ahead. My fridge is busting at the seems with lettuce, dill and peas so I will continue on my journey until every vegetable is taken down!