Gotta Have It! Garbonzo Bean Flour

Now..what to do with it! I found this on Biochemista's blog. I'm thinking it will go great with the Body For Life Diet or anyone trying to get some protein in their diet.

I've been stalking searching their site for some time now in search of the perfect socca, or farinata recipe. Socca is similar to a crepe but a little crispier. It's traditionally made by combining garbanzo bean flour, water, olive oil, and spices.

Although simple sounding, how does one choose only one recipe among thousands of combinations?  I threw together the following:

1.5 cups garbanzo bean flour

3 T flax meal (ground flax seeds)

1 T egg whites

2 cups H20

pinch baking powder

2 finely chopped garlic cloves

fresh basil, chopped (~10 leaves)

1/4 t sea salt, 1/4 t black pepper


Mix ingredients, spray skillet with cooking spray or a little olive oil, and pour into a hot skillet. Cook like a pancake. Easy and worth the effort!

Whisk then cook over medium heat. Makes 3 large "wraps".

I enjoyed my 12g protein bean wrap with spiralized zucchini, baby carrots, tomatoes, and balsamic vinegar.

They were delicious! (The next time I'll try omitting the egg, adding a tbsp of olive oil and perhaps some veggies for crunch (carrots, cauliflower). I'm quite impressed! I enjoyed a serving with my dinner as well (toasted to warm then dipped in soup). Amazzzzzzze.

* * *

Still dreaming of the wrap, I decided to make pancakes out of the bean flour. Holy face-rocking deliciousness!!!!!! You know I love my protein pancakes, but these are another another level. They have the exact consistency of traditional (non-healthified) pancakes.

Combine and whisk away:

1.5 cups garbanzo bean flour

3 T flax meal (ground flax seeds)

1/4 cup egg whites

1 mashed banana

1/2 cup frozen blueberries

1/4 cup frozen raspberries

1/4 t baking powder

1/4 t cinnamon

stevia, 4 servings

Spray pan with evoo and cook over medium heat. Flip after 3-5 mins when tiny bubbles appear (same as regular pancakes). Serves 2-3.

Body For Life Recipes

From Megan - She is doing the Body For Life Challenge with Sarah, and I'm thinking about it. Here's my recipes for the week!!! I'm going to make my couscous, brown rice, and sides like that tomorrow so the hard stuff is all cooked!!


BREAKFASTS:

egg-cellent enchiladas:

http://recipes.sparkpeople.com/recipe-detail.asp?recipe=1243443

Indian Eggs:

Breakfast Pita Pizza:

http://www.mealsmatter.org/recipes-meals/recipe/47610

Turkey bacon melt:

http://www.mealsmatter.org/recipes-meals/recipe/29097


LUNCHES:


oriental chicken salad:

http://recipes.sparkpeople.com/recipe-detail.asp?recipe=539571

Great chicken pita:

http://food-between-friends.blogspot.com/2010/05/chicken-pita.html

Chilled grape chicken salad:

http://recipes.sparkpeople.com/recipe-detail.asp?recipe=532828

BBQ chicken pita pizza:

http://www.exercisediaries.com/2009/05/bbq-chicken-pita-pizza.html

egg salad sandwhich:

http://health.dir.groups.yahoo.com/group/bodyforlifewomensclub2/message/211383


DINNERS:


Mom's Enchiladas:


http://www.livestrong.com/recipes/eating-lifes-moms-chicken-enchiladas-bodyforlife/


Spaghetti and Turkey Meatballs:


http://www.mealsmatter.org/recipes-meals/recipe/27004

Baked Chicken Parmesan:

http://recipes.sparkpeople.com/recipe-detail.asp?recipe=273463

Grilled Salmon:

http://recipes.sparkpeople.com/recipe-detail.asp?recipe=272913

Lettuce Wraps:

http://recipes.sparkpeople.com/recipe-detail.asp?recipe=962818

Chunky Beef Stew:

http://www.mealsmatter.org/recipes-meals/recipe/26711

Chicken Kabobs:

http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=121019031302045

Rosemary Chicken:

Okay, I've been a bit busy. Here's the recipe:
Rosemary Chicken
3 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
2 Tbsp olive oil (divided)
3 Tbsp fresh rosemay (diveded
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
3 gloves of garlic, minced
4 portions of chicken breast (about 1#)
1 1/2 c of water
1 c. plain couscous
1 # broccoli florets
2 Tbsp pine nuts (note: use toasted ones, not raw)
1 lemon, halved.

In pie plate - mix vinegar, 1 Tbsp olive oil, 2 Tbsp of fresh rosemary, pepper and garlic. Add chicken, turn to coat. Lightly coat large skillet over medium-high heat. Place chicken in skillet and cook for 6 minutes, then turn, cook until no longer pink in the middle. (Note, the recipe says this should be about another 6 minutes. Unless you cover the chicken with a lid, this time will be longer). 

CousCous - in medium saucepan - combine water and remaining 1 Tbsp of olive oil and bring to a boil over high heat. Stir in couscous, cover and remove from heat. Let stand for 5 minutes. Fluff before serving.

Broccoli - place in baking dish with 2 Tbsp of water. Cover and microwave on high for 4 minutes. Stir and then return to microwave until tender-crisp. About another 4 minutes.

Slice cooked chicken, place 1 portion of couscous on plate and put sliced chicken on top with 1 serving of broccoli on the side. Top each with 1/4 of the pine nuts, remaining rosemary and a squeeze of lemon.

Servings: 4
Prep time: 25 minutes

Weekly Challenge - Week Four

If you would like to be in next week's challenge, you can send me a 1000 word essay on what you like about being you..jk....We are going to do one more weight loss challenge, just send a photo of your weight by Tuesday morning. You can actually send it anytime before next Tuesday, you will just have less time! 


You can send it to me in a message on facebook, or post it on the fb wall if you're brave, or send it to jenniferfieldsgraphics@gmail.com. I will make the challenges more interesting each week. I 
might also up the ante on the prizes and what the loser has to do...I'm feeling kind of powerful!


So far I have me, Megan, Joi, Rachel, Haley, Mistala, Tanya, Amanda, Pamela, and Sarah for this week's challenge. The winner gets either a pedometer or a workout DVD. Loser has to post an embarrassing pic ; )  or they can pay $10 toward the cash prize in the big challenge.


Have a great week! Game's On!!


Congrats to Miss Joi for kicking some booty this week with a 1.6% loss. A close second goes to Amanda with 1.08%. Third goes to Haley with .95%. Fourth goes to Megan with -.48%. Fifth goes to lil' o me with an impressive -1.88%. And the winner of this week's loser challenge (positive spin) is Miss Sarah with a -2.13%. Here is her "embarrassing pic", which 
is still way cute. In her defense, the girl doesn't take a bad picture =D

Challenge #3 - And the winner is....

Meet the players this week!

 
Say hello to the winner! Gina Cox. She lost 2.6% last week!! She will be receiving a lovely DVD from my huge home collection...Oooo...Ahhhh
Gina is my sister, and one of the most disciplined people I know. She's a mom of a 5 yr old, and a 13 yr old. She also builds new homes. She and her husband, Danny, are doing P90X 6 days a week and following the diet plan. Trying to lose that last few pounds. Great job girl!

Second place goes to Joi! She lost 2.59% last week!! Soooo close!!

Joi-" I'm on the cusp of 33 yrs old, I'm a wife, I'm a mom. and I'm SICK OF BEING FAT!!!! ;) I've been heavy for well... forever... and I'm done. This is it....no turning back!
I live in north eastern Michigan, but I have lived and traveled all over the US. I've designed costumes in NYC, been a nanny in Jersey, and even worked at Yellowstone Nat'l Park (along side my life long partner in crime, Rachel) just to list a small handful. I enjoy all all things artsy-fartsy... I design/sew clothing and other fun adornments, photography, interior design, painting, drawing, knitting, oh and probably anything else that entails some bit of creativity."

Third place goes to Sarah! She lost 1.55% last week!!
I'm turning 27 this year and I'm a new mommy and wife, and am trying to get my life back on track before I hit 30. I love anything that has to do with Zen-ing up my life, and finding balance. Its not just about losing the weight its about self discovery and finding a lifestyle that I can maintain, and be encouraged, and challenged by. I want my life to be just that LIFE, and to be able to enjoy being with my family, and be able to keep up with them. I hope that I will be 70 and still rockin' it, and finding joy in the little things, and conquering a mountain (literally).

Fourth place goes to Haley! She lost 1.34% last week!!

I have been married to the love of my life for four years now. I am the director of childrens ministries at a westover fellowship and I absolutely love it. I use to be super skinny in high school and didn't have to work on it at all. It wasn't until I was 22 and developed panic disorder and had to get on medication. This medication caused me to gain 50 pounds in one year, it also reaked havoc on my metabolism. I have lost 33 of the 50 pounds working out super hard for two years and of course dieting. (the bodybugg has helped me alot).

Fifth place goes to Megan! She lost  .71% last week!!

This was taken from a contest we did a few years ago...."Let's see..., my name is Megan and I am a photographer... I'm 31 years old, married, and a mom of two beautiful little girls, Hadley and Raiyne. I live in Amarillo, Texas, although I'm originally from Massachusetts... I have struggled with my weight for what seems like forever... really starting at the age 10! I have always been an emotional eater, I eat when I'm happy, mad, sad, frustrated, whenever..., I just like to eat what I want when I want.  I'm ready to unleash the thin, healthy girl in me, and I'm ready to LOVE seeing myself in the mirror again... "

Sixth place goes to Me, Jennifer! I lost  .62% last week!! I'll take it!

I was at one time a personal trainer and aerobic instructor, a total health nut! Going through a lot of junk in my life, and having a completely sedentary lifestyle contributed to me gaining nearly 100 lbs since high school. I sit behind a desk up to 18 hrs a day, so I started this blog to motivate myself to get up and start living again! I love all things creative. I'm an amateur artist, and have a web design business, plus another job as a real estate appraisal processor that keeps me busy. I'm combining the gym with at home workouts, and trying to eat clean, balanced meals. I want to become an athlete again, and am tired of being held back by my body, both mentally and physically!

Seventh place goes to Rachel! She lost  .34% last week!!

Rachel- (as told by Joi) is a 32 yr old wife and mother. She currently lives in Las Vegas but grew up in Michigan.She is a very talented card/invitation maker, having produced one of a kind handmade invitations for weddings and showers, with rave reviews. she also is an avid scrapbooker, photographer, and is an all around creative spirit. - Rachel will introduce herself a little later =D

Mistala - Sorry girl! You have some where around 0% this week. You will be entertaining us by dancing or singing to the song of your choosing! Can't wait to see your skills....We love you =D

More about Mistala later....

Weekly Menu ~ Snack Attack

I ate way too much of the good stuff last week and some other bad stuff as well. I'm going to have to be really disciplined to see any results. I'm completely frustrated with the WW plan. I've stayed on my points, and either stayed the same week to week or gained. I haven't lost any weight since Christmas, but I haven't worked out, or slept enough. This week is going to be insane for me, so I'm not going to be able to do the dinner swap thing. I've decided to do 4 small perfectly balanced meals a day. I'm trying to get protein in every meal, good carbs, and low fat, low sugar. I'm going to portion out all of my meals, basically do my own Jenny Craig thing myself. I'm hoping to see some good results next week! Fingers crossed!!

These are a few of the mini meals I will be making, and some snacks..of course! I'm also going to throw in a couple of lean cuisines, Turkey Sandwiches on Eziekiel Bread, Vegetable Soup, and Grilled Chicken Salad...all super easy!

Hurry Curry - Abs Diet
Smoothies - Abs Diet

Greek Yogurt w/ Granola & Berries

1 C Greek Yogurt

1/4 C Blueberries

1/4 C GoLean Crunch

Xylitol to taste (similar to stevia, no aftertaste!)

PB2 over toasted cinnamon-raisin Ezekiel bread

Chocolate Berry Protein Smoothie

1 scoop chocolate protein powder (SunWarrior brand)

handfull frozen strawberries

1/2 frozen banana

hand full fresh spinach

1 t SuperGreens

1 t flax seed oil (healthy fat, yo)

stevia or xylitol (1 serving, to sweeten)

H20 & 

ice

Fruit Smoothie

1 scoop vanilla protein powder (SunWarrior brand)

1/2 cup frozen raspberries

1/2 cup frozen mangoes

1/2 frozen banana

1 t chia seeds

~1 cup unsweetened almond milk

hand full fresh spinach

1 t SuperGreens

stevia (1 serving)

Ice

goblet wine glass (optional)

Chocolate Applesauce Brownies

Pedometers ~

Does everyone have a pedometer? I think one of the next challenges will be who can accumulate the most steps on one of these gizmos. You can get one at Walmart, Target, or any sports supply store. They range from $7-$100 (for the ones that will do everything but walk for you). This one has great reviews and not too hard on the pocket book.




Omron Aerobic Pedometer

Measures your steps, moderate steps, minutes walked, calories burned and distance traveled. This simple, highly accurate Omron aerobic pedometer is specially designed for aerobic activity. It separately displays moderate steps and minutes walked at a moderate pace and gives you a 7-day history of your work so you can easily review a full week of exercise.

Omron aerobic pedometer: $14.49 at Walmart

Top 10 Reasons To Exercise In The Morning

This came from an article I tore out of a magazine, not sure which one! Probably "Shape" or "Women's Health". I'm trying to motivate myself to workout in the mornings. This seems impossible for me having a night job and not being a morning person..but  I'll try it!

If I had to pick one major factor that was most important in a successful exercise or weight loss program, it would be to exercise first thing in the morning - every morning! Why ? People who exercise consistently-Exercise in the morning.  When you exercise early in the morning, it "jump starts" your metabolism and keeps it elevated. That means you're burning more calories throughout the day. Countless people find that morning exercise "regulates their appetite for the day - that they aren't as hungry and that they make better food choices.  If you exercise at about the same time every morning, and ideally wake-up at about the same time on a regular basis, will result in better rest at night. For numerous people, that prearranged time each morning becomes something they look forward to. It's time they've set aside to do something good for themselves - to take care of their body.  Research has demonstrated that exercise increases mental acuity.  Exercise first thing in the morning is really the only way to assure that something else won't bump exercise out of your schedule.  If finding time to exercise is difficult, anyone can get up 30 to 60 minutes earlier to exercise  It puts you in a healthy mindset to start the day! You’ll Lose weight