My Heart Belongs to Justin.

Justin's Nut Butters, that is.

It was the first time I've ever tried Justin's, and also the first time I've ever tried almond butter. Really, I think I'm in love. It was so good. Two tablespoons, and I'm hooked. I WANT MORE! *stomps and pouts.*

Loving on Pilaf

Yesterday, even though bed ridden, felt the need to cook. Katie posted about a pilaf using oats and it sounded so yummy and tummy warming, so I had to try it. I tweaked it and used regular butter and added some rosemary. I haven't been able to get enough of it! It even made an appearance at breakfast this morning.

Egg white omelet with broccoli, cheese and tomatoes paired with Katie's pilaf. Oh, I also had a banana- but most of it got eaten before I had a chance to snap this shot. :)

I also made a microwaved "Single Lady" Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffin. YUM. I really liked the taste and the ease, but it seemed really dense. This could be because of the microwaving, so I'll try it in the oven soon and hopefully that will resolve the problem.

BACK TO PILAF!!! No, it wasn't only at my breakfast this morning. Yesterday's lunch and dinner got some pilaf lovin' too.

Stir fried veggies and the pilaf for lunch. I may or may not have licked the plate.

Dinner was a veggie and cheese quesadilla with a pilaf stuffed bell pepper.

I went to the doctor today. It's supposedly a sinus infection. I hate when you feel so much worse than what your doctor says is wrong with you. Oh well. School tomorrow. Yay, catching up. :(

Sick Armadillo Creates Masterpiece!

Sniffle, sneeze, cough, whimper, whine. repeat. I'm not feeling so hot. Today's my THIRD day this week missing school. I can hear the truancy people knocking at my door now. All the Theraflu and hot tea in the world couldn't help me and I don't know why. Meh.

So maybe you've heard of a peanut butter and banana sandwich (PBB). Such a great combo! But have you ever heard of a peanut butter and banana enchilada? No? You have now. A hot gooey banana cocooned in a soft tortilla drizzled (or drenched) with peanut butter sauce on top. Sound delicious? You bet.

Peanut Butter & Banana Enchilada
(PBBE)

• .5-1 banana
• 1 wrap/ tortilla
• 2 tbsp PBU
• cinnamon to taste

Put the banana on the tortilla and microwave for 45 seconds- 1 min. Liberally sprinkle with cinnamon and fold like a burrito. Drizzle the peanut sauce on top and devour!

I feel like in the last few months, I have educated myself and have grown a lot wiser in health. I know that calories are not everything. There are a lot of foods that are high in calories that are so good for you. And just because it's low calorie, doesn't mean it's good for you- at all. Sure, those 100 calorie snacks are handy dandy, and meal replacement bars and shakes are convenient, but those things don't give you the nutrients your body needs! My sister and I were in the store the other day and she was looking for some rice. I asked her to get brown rice. She came back at me saying that it "takes to long to cook" and has more calories than white rice. MORE CALORIES! My heart almost broke when I remember telling her that. That's when I was absorbed in calories and nit picking every box in our house comparing everything to see which has the least amount of calories. NO NO NO! Brown rice is good for you! White rice isn't even comparable. :( Whyyy?!

I've also accepted that fat is your friend. Your body needs fat and you're not doing yourself a favor by buying low fat anything. Saturated fat gets a bad rep (oh, butter) but it's nothing to fear, I promise! Everything in moderation. The only fat I still stray away from is trans fat. That's bad fat, for sure. Eat more peanut butter! Put that little dab of butter on your potatoes! Just don't go overboard and end up consuming half a stick of butter a day. Enjoy what you eat, and don't worry so much about calories and fat. It's bad for your mental health, and you'll get to the point where you don't even enjoy eating anymore. I've been there, and I don't want to go back.