Healthier Baked Apple-Cream Cheese Empanadas

Healthier Baked Apple-Cream Cheese Empanadas

Ingredients:

2 packages crescent rolls

2 medium apples, cored, peeled, and cubed

1 tbsp butter, softened (or coconut oil, softened)

4 oz cream cheese (I used light)

¼ cup sugar (or stevia in the raw if you want to lower the calories, sugar & carbs)

¼ cup light brown sugar

1 tbsp cinnamon

1 tsp nutmeg

1 tsp cloves

½ cup light brown sugar

2 tbsp cinnamon

Directions:  Put the apples in a pot with enough water to cover them.  Bring water to a boil and cook until the apples are tender, but not too soft, about 3-5 minutes.  Once they are tender strain them from the water and return to the pot.  Add butter, ¼ cup brown sugar, 1 tbsp cinnamon, nutmeg & cloves.  Stir to blend, then set aside.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Combine the cream cheese with the sugar and fluff with a fork until fully combined.  Take a crescent roll triangle and lay it flat spreading it out a little.  Put a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture in the center, then top that with a spoon full of apples.  Then take another crescent roll triangle spreading it out first, and then lay it over the other triangle with the mixtures.  Press the edges together to seal it.  Continue that process until all the crescent rolls have been used.  Next, combine the ½ cup brown sugar with the 2 tbsp cinnamon.  Lay each empanada on the cinnamon sugar mixture brushing off excess then lay on a cookie sheet sprayed with either olive oil or coconut oil.  Repeat dipping the empanadas in the mixture.  Then sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture on the empanadas.  Bake for 20 minutes or until they are golden brown.  Makes 8 empanadas.  Serve warm.  They are really yummy with vanilla ice cream and caramel topping.

The Benefits to 5 Day Mini-Cleanses!

Detoxing if done properly can greatly aid the body in removing toxins from the body.  The catch is, not starving the body.  Because if you starve your body then it will hold on to most of the toxins along with the extra fat you are trying to rid your body of.  The detoxes where the detoxer just drink water, broth and/or juice are not beneficial.  Those are the negative kind that few people can do and who would want to anyways.  Not me!  A mini-cleanse on the other hand is a fantastic idea for most people.  The kind of mini-cleanse that I’m referring to is the type where you eat a normal amount of calories.  The detoxer / mini-cleanser eats every 3-4 hours to keep the body full so it releases the toxins while keeping the metabolism running at top speed.  This allows the detoxer to lose fat and toxins, instead of holding on to it them.

The other difference is the same as what happens with a diet.  The dieter may lose weight but it is muscle and fat while the toxins are still hanging out in the body.  And, as soon as the dieter starts eating normal amounts of food they gain the weight back and sometimes even more weight.  Thus creating the roller coaster of dieting.  Detoxing with the starvation type does the same thing to the body, yes there is a chance some of the toxins are removed from the body.  But, once the detoxer starts eating normal again their body will hold onto the toxins and fat, because it doesn’t know if it will get food again or if it will be starved.  To get the most benefits of a mini-cleanse / detox the detoxer needs to eat often, so the body doesn’t get confused and try to hold on to any unwanted fat and toxins.

Mini-cleanses are great to cut sugar cravings and reduce bloating.

The mini-cleanse / detox that I have found works best for me, because I CAN’T starve my body is the Shaklee 5 Day Mini-Cleanse.  It is even safe for diabetics and nursing moms, I don’t know of any other detox that can say that.  For the 5 Day Mini-Cleanse / detox the detoxer eats and drinks the following along with the supplements needed to rid the body of the toxins or the 5 days, then gradually adds other foods back into the diet for best results. This 5 day Mini-Cleanse is a great way to speed up the metabolism just before starting a new healthier eating plan.

I just finished a 5 Day Mini-Cleanse losing 3.8 lbs and reducing bloating, here are my before pictures.

And, here are my after pictures!

Breakfast: Shaklee 180 Smoothee or Vitalizing Protein Smoothie w/ or w/out ½ cup fruit, Detoxifying Energizing Tea, Alfalfa Complex and Liver DTX

AM Snack: Shaklee 180 Snack Bar or other approved snack.

Lunch: Shaklee 180 Smoothee or Vitalizing Protein Smoothie w/ or w/out ½ cup fruit, Raw veggies.

PM Snack: Shaklee 180 Snack Bar or other approved snack.

Dinner: Salad, Shaklee 180 Smoothee or Vitalizing Protein Smoothie w/ or w/out ½ cup fruit, Alfalfa Complex, Liver DTX and Herb-Lax. (The last smoothie of the day can be drank later as a type of dessert instead of with the dinner salad.)

Lemon water, cucumber water, plan water, unsweetened sparkling water or herbal teas like chamomile to drink.  Must drink ½ your body weight or a minimum of 62 oz. of water a day!

On the mini-cleanse you eat 1200-1300 calories  if under 175, 1500-1600 calories if over 175, add 500 calories if nursing and add an extra 300 calories if you’re not interested in shedding excess fat during the reset, just doing it as a cleanse.  For those that weigh more than 175 pounds or are nursing need an extra snack to get the added calories.

Certain fruits are best eaten on the detox and others are best to stay away from. Approved fruits are apples, strawberries, grapefruit, watermelon, bananas, grapes, tomatoes, avocados, pineapple and lemons.  The same goes for veggies, only raw veggies that are not high in carbs.  For salad dressings the creamy kind are not allowed, only vinaigrettes or fresh salsa are okay.  Black beans, chickpeas and other beans are okay to add in to the salad or snacks for extra protein and fiber, but no sugary baked beans.  The idea is to remove all sugars and processed foods to get rid of the cravings.  It is best to not over train the body while on a detox / mini-cleanse because the body is already working hard to get rid of the fat and toxins.

To get the items needed for the mini-cleanse start here:

Alfalfa Complex - http://jberinger.myshaklee.com/us/en/shop/healthyfoundations/minerals/product-_p_alfalfa-complexp

Liver DTX - http://jberinger.myshaklee.com/us/en/shop/healthysolutions/liver/product-_p_liver-dtx-complexp

Herb-Lax - http://jberinger.myshaklee.com/us/en/shop/healthysolutions/digestive/product-_p_herb-lax_p_

Energizing Tea - http://jberinger.myshaklee.com/us/en/shop/healthyweight/shaklee180energizingtea/product-_p_shaklee-180_supsup-energizing-teap

Snack Bars - http://jberinger.myshaklee.com/us/en/shop/healthyweight/shaklee180snacks/product-_p_shaklee-180_supsup-snack-barp

180 Smoothee Mix - http://jberinger.myshaklee.com/us/en/shop/healthyweight/shaklee180meals/product-_p_shaklee-180_supsup-energizing-smootheesp

OR

Vitalizing Protein Smoothie Mix - http://jberinger.myshaklee.com/us/en/shop/healthyfoundations/protein/product-_p_vitalizing-proteinp

Ande’s Chocolate Mint Pie

Ande’s Chocolate Mint Pie

This pie is not necessarily healthy for you, however it is not that bad for you either compared to most pies.  The calories are pretty low with this pie.  The sugar and carbs are average for a typical pie.  You can cut down on the fat and calories a little if you use light or fat free cool whip.  I have to say it’s nice to have treats every now and then and this pie I created is FANTASTIC!  Everyone always compliments me on it and my family fights over the extras, if there are any and usually there aren’t.

Ingredients:

9” Chocolate pie crust (I just buy the pre made kind)

8 oz cool whip, thawed

1.5 - 2 packages hot cocoa mix (I’ve used a few tbsps of just cocoa powder, but the cocoa powder doesn’t blend as easily and can be clumpy sometimes.)

½ tsp peppermint extract

1 package Andes mints (½ the package needs to be cut in half on a diagonal to make pretty triangles of the mints for the top of the pie.  The other ½ is to be cut up into tiny pieces about 9th.)

Hard Shell chocolate topping (the kind that turns hard after it has been poured on ice cream.)

Directions:  Pour a thin layer of the hard shell chocolate topping into the 9” chocolate pie crust.  Sprinkle the little chopped andes mints on the thin chocolate hard shell layer, then let it harden (putting it into the frig or freezer will speed up the process to only a few mins.)  I a bowl fold the cocoa powder into the cool whip.  Then, add in the mint extract.  Once, the hard shell chocolate has hardened top it with the mint-cocoa cool whip mixture and smooth it out in the pie crust.  Top it with the pretty andes mint triangles and sprinkle the top of the pie with a little hard shell chocolate.  Put in the frig to let the chocolate set just a few mins. (or as long as you can hold off eating it.)  Makes about 8 slices.

Nutrition Facts per serving: Cals. 295   Fat 18.25g   Carbs. 31g   Sugar 21.75g   Fiber 1.25g   Protein 2g

Coconut Cream Pie Smoothie

Coconut Cream Pie Smoothie

1 cup unsweetened coconut milk

2 scoops Shaklee 180 Vanilla Smoothee Mix* or Vitalized Immunity Vanilla Smoothie Mix**

¼ cup unsweetened coconut flakes

¼ tsp coconut extract

Ice (4-5 cubes)

Directions: Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.

***Nutrition Facts: Cals. 310   Fat 16g   Carbs. 24g   Protein 18g   Fiber 9g

***Nutrition Facts will vary if you use different milk.

*Get the Shaklee 180 Smoothee Mix here:http://jberinger.myshaklee.com/us/en/shop/healthyweight/shaklee180meals/product-_p_shaklee-180_supsup-energizing-smootheesp

**You can get the Vitalized Immunity Smoothie Mix here:http://jberinger.myshaklee.com/us/en/shop/healthyfoundations/protein/product-_p_vitalizing-proteinp

Mango-Orange Dreamsicle Smoothie

Mango-Orange Dreamsicle Smoothie

1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or coconut, rice, soy or cow’s milk)

2 tbsp Shaklee Performance Orange (or cup orange juice instead)**

1 scoop Shaklee 180 Mango Smoothee mix*

1 scoop Shaklee 180 Vanilla Smoothee mix*

Ice (about 4-5 cubes)

Directions: Put all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.

***Nutrition Facts: Cals. 276   Fat 6g   Carbs. 36.5g   Protein 17g   Fiber 7g

Or the second option, which has more carbs and is great for the days that you are very active and / or are doing an intense workout!

Dreamsicle Smoothie

1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or coconut, rice, soy or cow’s milk)

3 tbsp Shaklee Performance Orange (or cup orange juice instead)**

2 scoops Shaklee 180 Vanilla Smoothee mix*

Ice (about 4-5 cubes)

Directions: Put all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.

***Nutrition Facts: Cals 309   Fat 6g   Carbs. 49g   Protein 17g   Fiber 7g

*You can get the 180 Smoothee Mix here:http://jberinger.myshaklee.com/us/en/shop/healthyweight/shaklee180meals/product-_p_shaklee-180_supsup-energizing-smootheesp

**Get the Shaklee Performance (it comes in 2 different flavors here:http://jberinger.myshaklee.com/us/en/shop/healthyfoundations/sports/product-_p_shaklee-performancep

***Nutrition Facts will vary if you use different milk or orange juice instead of performance.

Healthier Quiche

Healthier Quiche

(This quiche is a fun, healthy and delicious way to celebrate the holidays. It can be made for breakfast, brunch, lunch or even dinner. I make it about once a month, because it is inexpensive and a family favorite!)

Ingredients:

12-16 eggs, scrambled

1 cup cheese, shredded (I used a blend or cheddar and mozzarella)

1 box wheat thins + 1 cup sun chips, crushed (or bag corn chips, ritz crackers, pita chips, or I’ve even used a sleeve of graham crackers to add a little sweet) You want enough to cover a 9 x 13 inch pan for the crust and a box of wheat thins isn’t quite enough to cover that size pan, so I always add a little bit of whatever I happen to have on hand.

2 tbsp butter or coconut oil, melted

1 each green and red pepper, chopped

Frozen bag, steamed broccoli chopped, or fresh

Apple cored, skinned, and cubed

Optional: Seasonings (ex: red pepper flakes, basil, oregano, parsley, etc.)

Directions:  Preheat oven to 425 degrees.  After you crush the crackers in the bag they came in with either a meat tenderizer or a rolling pin.  Spray a glass casserole dish with coconut oil or olive oil and then pour the crumbs in the pan.  Stir in the melted coconut oil or butter and stir to coat the crumbs as much as possible.  Then press the crumbs down with a spoon to flatten as a crust. 

 Add the chopped veggies evenly.  

Then sprinkle with cheese.  

Pour the scrambled eggs evenly over the veggies and crust, it will soak into the bottom and you won’t see much of the eggs at this point, don’t worry they will fluff up as they cook.  You can add any seasonings you desire.  Bake for about 40-45 mins or until the crust and top of eggs are a golden brown, to check that the eggs are fully cooked insert a knife in the center and if it comes out clean then they are done.  Let cool before cutting, to allow the eggs to firm up.  Makes 8 servings / large slices. I add a little sea salt and black pepper just before serving, my hubby likes his with ketchup.

*Nutrition Facts: Cals. 175   Fat 9.5g   Carbs. 6g   Protein 10g   Fiber 4g

*The nutrition facts can vary depending on what you put in the quiche.

Here are a few ideas for different options / combinations to make...

Mexican: corn chip crust with red, green and orange peppers, grape tomatoes, black beans, red pepper flakes and pepper jack cheese.

Italian: tomatoes, spinach, mushroom, basil, oregano and mozzarella cheese with a  tomato basil wheat thins crust.

 

Sweet and Savory: Turkey breakfast sausage, apple, green pepper, parsley and cheddar cheese with a ritz and graham cracker crust.

This week is overflowing with fantastic beauty treatments that are so easy.  We also have some funtastic crafts for you to try.  And, don't forget to come back next week for our final wrap up! Happy Holidays!!!

Only one more week of the Holiday Survival Guide 2014!  This week we're talking adorable Holiday crafts and delicious self-care recipes (because you NEED to take your well-deserved time off during the Holidays)!  We've also got your top links from last week's link party and a new, fresh link party for all your awesome crafts and DIYs! (And be sure to join us next week for the final wrap-up!)

We're going to get you decluttered, organized, cleaned, decorated, and ready for all the holiday fun...without you needing to be committed to the looney bin before New Year's.

It takes quite the team to pull this off, but we're here for you! We'll be here every Monday through the end of the year to make sure you're on track and able to enjoy everything you have planned.

Ready to meet the team?

Sheri from Career Girl Interrupted

Dani from Dani Schnakenberg Studios

Katie & Jairus from KatieMarcum.com

Jessica from Jessie Bee Healthy

Kristen from From Son Up Til Son Down

Stephanie from Sharing A to Z

and our lovely co-host Amanda from It's a Fabulous Life

Each week we'll take turns bringing you something awesome to help you stay on track preparing for the major Holidays of the season. Be sure to come back and link up your holiday posts each week so we can share the fun!

From our friend Kristen:

Mistletoes

   

Gingerbread Houses 

 

When you're done crafting, it's time for some relaxing "Me-Time"!  So how about trying these delicious beauty DIYs from our friend Jessica:

Peppermint Lavender Body Spray

Peppermint Lavender Face Peel

 

Now, who's ready to party? Share your Halloween-inspired crafts, printables, and activities with us this week!

Link Party Rules:

1. Follow all hosts: subscribe, FB, Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter...whatever you prefer!
2. Be sure to link directly to your specific post, NOT your blog's homepage.
3. Don't link and run! Be sure to visit the last couple links before yours and let them know how you found them through #HolidaySurvivalGuide2014!
4. By linking up, you give all hosts permission to pin and share your projects (with links back to you, of course). We'll also be sharing the top three clicked through with each following week's project!
5. Be sure to follow the Holiday Survival Guide 2014 Pinterest board, too!

Top links from last week:

1. Christmas Light Scavenger Hunt {Printable} from Evolution of Mom

   

2. Candy Cane Legend with Printables from Life With Lorelai

 

3. Christmas Tree Decorating Tips from My Pinterventures

 

 

An InLinkz Link-up