Banana Pancakes

Just mix 1/2 of a well ripened banana with an egg. Spray pan with cooking spray. Pour batter in. Wait until both sides brown. Take out and you have a healthy banana pancake!! Enjoy with cinnamon, fresh fruit and/or syrup!!

Rules for Being A Lady

I heard this recently and would like to share this....

1. Wear hose & do more lady like activities (go shopping, wear makeup, etc)
2. Master at least 1 dish you can whip up quick.
3. Keep fresh flowers often.
4. Make plans w/friends, especially female friends.
5. Be happy for your friends.
6. If someone has hurt you, give them a chance to redeem themselves. Don't just ignore them, sometimes a misunderstanding happens. A friendship is not worth losing over simple things, no matter how bad they are.
7. Give more compliments. Most people rarely receive a compliment. You never know whose life you might be saving that day.

Can you think of anything else to add? Comment below.

My new oatmeal (Nutrigrain) bars

If you have ever paid attention to a nutrigrain bar box, you would realize they are FULL of junk, lots of sugar, colorings, ingredients you can't pronounce etc. I decided to make my own with good success (to me). Here's the recipe, hope you enjoy. Let me know if you have any questions or comments on how it is.... 1/2 container of Earth Balance Coconut Butter (if you cut container into 4s, use 2 parts) 2 cups of oatmeal 1 cup flour 1/2 cup of water Mix all ingredients in mixer and press into 8x8 pan Put apricot jam (or whatever flavor you like) over it and spread around until the oatmeal mixture is covered. Then mix 1 piece of the 4s of the Coconut Butter, 1 cup of oatmeal, 1/2 cup of flour in mixer with about 1/4-1/2 cup of water (you don't want oatmeal out of it), once that is mixed spread over the jam (be careful not to spread to hard) Bake at 350 until clean knife comes out (about 10-15 minutes); let cool then enjoy!

Don't Tell Me God Doesn't Perform Miracles

Today is the end of day 10. I am amazed at how God has provided and shown me miracles along the way. Some close friends of mine have just been in awe, one found out she was pregnant (the first time she was pregnant, she had to use fertility drugs, this time she didn't), one had a dreaded court hearing and the judge was very lenient with her, one got a raise and is now in line of being a manager for a restaurant chain! Oh, and I am watching marriages being restored, healed and moving forward!!  Someone had an interview for a position in Florida (she lives in Georgia) and she wants to go back to Florida. And this is only 10 days in and actually all of these happened within the first 7 days!!  I have been wise with choosing my foods, exercising at my new gym, and just pressing into God during this time. As I am doing this fast, I am journaling along with the foods I have eaten while on the fast (in case I need some ideas for the next 11 days). I have been able to add to those journal entries and created devotional writings out of them. God keeps nudging me to finish this devotional and I believe 2013 will be the year for it to be finished! God is SO good. I am amazed at how God works in my life and in others around me and all that takes is a tiny hint of faith mixed with prayer and fasting. This fast could not have came at a better time for me; my paycheck dropped in pay (along with everyone else's) and it just reminded me God is my provider NOT my job. I found out on Saturday when I weighed in, I lost 4.4 lbs!! I have had some crazy cravings but I don't let them overpower my life. I just pray and tell God I want to do this for Him not for me. I am fulfilled even if I don't eat most of the day; my appetite is satisfied by God, not food. The Daniel Fast is a wonderful reminder of who satisfies, who restores, who heals, and who loves us unconditionally. So don't tell me, God doesn't perform miracles!! Be Blessed in 2013!!

I Believe

Time for a New Year along with a NEW YOU!

2013 brings on a new set of challenges for each and every single one of us....yet we fall off and give up before the month or the year is over. 2013, I challenge you to never give up. Find accountability partners and find new goals for yourself. It doesn't matter if it is a small stepping stone or a large goal. Just remember you have to build yourself up to get there. We were not crawling when we came out of our mother's womb nor were we walking. It takes time and baby steps. This includes everything in your life, whether it is regarding your finances, your health, your job, your relationships, your spirituality, your children, your spouse, significant other, etc. Remember baby steps. The Bible says the diligent will prosper and He is with us every step of the way if we just believe and step out in faith His will be done. So here are some things I challenge you to:

1. Set a goal for every month of the year (lbs lost, amount of debt paid off, number of family members you reunite with, etc.)

2. No matter what, NEVER GIVE UP!! God never gave up on us, so why should we give up on ourselves.

3. Be diligent and research everything you do (how to pay off debt, how to eat healthier, how to cook a dish healthier, etc)

4. Find an accountability partner with the same goals and do it together! Prosper together, lose weight together, pay off debt together, etc. 

5. Remember where your light shines from daily and keep your faith strong no matter if you are ready to give up or things are just not going right.

Remember, a dollar paid off is better than a dollar more in debt. An inch or 2 lost is better than a lb gained or sometimes even lost.

Good luck and HAPPY NEW YEAR!! GOD BLESS!! Any questions, let me know!!

Jennifer

P.S. I am going to be fasting in January (supposedly the Daniel Fast) and I am going to try to keep up with blogging about my experiences and my new recipes I come up with. Stay tuned and subscribed!!

Daniel Fast Guidelines

Here are some 'guidelines' to go by for the Daniel fast.....comment with any questions...



“In those days I, Daniel, was mourning three full weeks.
I ate no pleasant food, no meat or wine came into my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled.”
Daniel 10:2, 3

This is not as difficult as you think it may seem. When I tried it at the beginning of this year, honestly I didn’t know what I was getting myself into but after prayer, perseverance, research, I was able to get through it and was able to accomplish what I had set out to accomplish in this fast. It taught me self control and conscious eating and a very conscious budget.

Special Note: if you have health issues, please be sure to contact your health professional for advice before committing to any fast including the Daniel Fast. If you would like a list of the foods included and excluded in the Daniel Fast to show your doctor, just copy the contents of this page. Also, if you are interested in a collection of recipes that will take you through an entire 21-day Daniel fast, go to http://www.daniel-fast.com/; also www.ultimatedanielfast.com will send you a daily email with special recipes and they also have a great site with a wealth of information.

Isaiah 58:1-12 reminds us yet again why we should fast, to loose the chains of injustice, to break every yoke, to share with others, to receive healing and divine revelation from God.

Health Benefits of a Fast

In addition to the countless spiritual benefits a person experiences through fasting,

there are also many valuable health benefits:

•   The body goes through a natural detoxification process, allowing the release of poisons and toxins from the system

•   Energy is diverted away from the digestive system due to its lack of use, and instead is routed to the metabolism and immune system

•   You become rejuvenated due to an improved immune system, as well as the increased production of hormones

•   The body begins to use its fat stores as an energy source, which positively affects your cholesterol levels, blood pressure and weight

Here are some pointers to get you started:

• Pray for wisdom and what distractions God wants you to avoid, including, but not limited to internet, facebook, mobile phone, tablets, computer, radio, television; or maybe it is something as simple as avoiding shopping or working too much. Instead of doing these ‘distractions’ use this time so you may press into Him and be intimate with Him.

• Increase your prayer time up to the 1st day of the fast and continue your increased prayer time during the fast.
• Keep a journal during your prayer time so that if you have any revelations from God, you can record them and reflect on them.
• Pray about foods and beverages that also have a stronghold over your life and avoid those. Herbal teas and coffee are not recommended on this fast, however, I am requesting you pray over this because an herbal tea can be something as simple as herbs in hot water which come from the ground; same for a coffee bean grown on a tree. However coffee beans have natural caffeine and during this fast, you are to avoid ALL caffeine.

Please make sure to READ THE LABEL when purchasing packaged, canned or bottled foods. They should be sugar-free and chemical-free. Keep this in mind as you review this informational packet.

To prepare for the fast:

Weeks before, clean out your pantry, refrigerator, freezer of all non Daniel Fast foods as this will help you prepare for the fast when the time comes and no temptation will be allowed in. This way, you will also be able to practice reading labels to see if it is Daniel Fast friendly or not.

Days before, make sure you stop drinking anything that has caffeine in it and increase your water intake. Make your meals lighter than normal a few days beforehand as well.

The day before: Be sure to enjoy your final LIGHT meal early in the day and be sure to drink at least a ½ gallon of filtered water daily up to, during and after the fast.

What IS allowed on this fast:

All vegetables and fruits (these may be canned-read your labels, fresh, frozen-read your labels, juiced, and dried-read your labels as most of these include unnatural ingredients including sugar). Veggie burgers are an option, if you are not allergic to soy and the label is daniel fast friendly.

All WHOLE grains: brown rice, barley, whole wheat pasta, brown rice pastas, millet, quinoa, WHOLE KERNEL grits (not quick or instant-as these have been processed), whole wheat tortillas-read your labels, rice cakes/popcorn-read your labels.

All nuts and legumes: cashews, almonds, sunflower seeds, pecans, walnuts, chestnuts, etc. This includes ALL nut butters-read your labels! Whole Foods gives you the option of making your own nut butter and as much as you want.

All legumes: These can be canned or dried. Legumes include but are not limited to dried beans, pinto beans, split peas, lentils, black eyed peas, kidney beans, black beans, cannellini beans, white beans, great northern, etc.-NO BAKED BEANS!

High quality oils: avocado, olive, canola, peanut, grape seed, sunflower, coconut (any OIL that comes from the ground and is not combined like vegetable oil)

Beverages: spring, distilled or other pure waters (tap water is not suggested)

Other: tofu, soy products, salt, seasonings, herbs and spices

What is NOT allowed on the fast:

All meat and animal products including but not limited to beef, lamb, pork, poultry, and fish.

All dairy products including but not limited to milk, cheese, cream, butter, and eggs.

All sweeteners including but not limited to sugar, raw sugar, honey, syrups, molasses, stevia, and cane juice.

All leavened bread including Ezekiel Bread (it contains yeast and honey) and baked goods-anything with baking powder, yeast, baking soda.

All refined and processed food products including but not limited to artificial flavorings, food additives, chemicals, bacon bits, MSG, butter buds, white rice, white flour, and foods that contain artificial preservatives.

All deep fried foods including but not limited to potato chips, French fries, corn chips.

All solid fats including shortening, margarine, lard and foods high in fat.

Beverages including but not limited to coffee, tea, herbal teas, carbonated beverages, energy drinks, and alcohol.

GMOs-these are genetically modified organisms and most fast food/restaurants use these products with their meats, vegetables, etc.  including Subway.

Another thing to remember, as you fast, your taste buds become more sensitive to seasonings, herbs, spices, etc. Most restaurants and fast food places are NOT Daniel Fast friendly.

Remember, READ THE LABELS and do your own research! These labels will be your best friend and honestly reading the labels is how I lost weight. I decided to put the product back after realizing what I was putting in my body and reminding myself my body is a temple.

Here are some meal ideas:

Black bean or veggie crumbled burgers on Ezekial Brand whole grain tortillas (these can be found at Trader Joe’s)

Swiss Chard/Kale salads with fresh vegetables/fruits and a homemade dressing using olive oil/apple cider vinegar and any kind of herbs and spices

Protein Shakes/Smoothies (without whey or anything artificial in the ingredients if using a powder)

Spaghetti/Meat Sauce could mean: Spaghetti squash (cut squash in half, roast, then take a fork and make spaghetti strands) with homemade tomato sauce (place tomatoes in food processor and add vegetables, salt, and spices) OR you may use WHOLE wheat pasta or brown rice pasta.

Side note, I have not tried this but I do know of people who have tried this and said it is delicious. ‘Mock’ pecan pie-stuff a pecan half inside of a medjool date or any type of date.

Stir Fried vegetables in coconut oil or olive oil with brown rice or any WHOLE pasta, you may season this with sesame seeds, any of your favorite spices and even include a drop or two of sesame oil for extra flavor.

Cook oatmeal-following directions on stove or in microwave and add diced sweet potatoes (canned or fresh), or pumpkin  or fresh or canned fruit,  and pumpkin pie spice/apple pie spice.

Vegetable Soups (with water OR homemade vegetable broth)

Rotel diced tomatoes (flavor/temp of choice), black beans (canned, drained or fresh), corn, and cilantro-cook over low heat and enjoy.

Fruit kabobs or even vegetable kabobs

Soy Chorizo with anything-fajitas, sweet potatoes, black beans, vegetarian chili

Vegetables of your choice wrapped in whole wheat tortillas (again read the label) with brown rice or salsa.

Wraps with hummus and/or guacamole.

Vegetables instead of noodles, tofu instead of cheese, and tomato sauce for lasagna.

Just let your imagination run wild! Don’t be afraid to try anything new or even something in the past you didn’t like; our taste buds change over time.

Fasting is Not a Burden – It’s a Privilege
Fasting is intimate and private. It originates in the secret place between you
and God. He waits in the secret place for you to join him. After we visit him
in secret, He will reward us openly. Inward transformation brings about an
outward anointing, blessing and provision. Inward transformation positions
us for the promotion of the Lord. He will:
Prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
~ Psalm 23:5-6

Know Your Ingredients!!

I think this is going to be one of my favorite posts!! We tend not to read labels, regardless if it is for the nutrition content or if it is for the ingredients we are ingesting in our bodies. I am not going to concentrate so much on description of the label today, however I am going to focus on the ingredients commonly listed on a label under nutrition facts. Here are a few common ingredients you should watch out for and be aware of:

Carrageenan: This is a very common ingredient found in products such as almond milks, beers, toothpastes, soy milk, pet foods, shoe polish, diet sodas, etc. The Joint FAO/WHO expert committee on food additives states that, "based on the information available, it is inadvisable to use carrageenan or processed eucheuma seaweed in infant formulas". This is extracted from red seaweed that have cancer causing agents.

Cochineal/Carmine:This is commonly found in anything red, such as strawberry, rose, beet, flavorings, colorings etc. You ready to know what it is? It is ground up BEETLES. Yes, bugs! It is common to be found in yogurt, ice cream, fruit juices, etc. It could be labeled as natural color or color added but not necesarily on the "ingredient list."

Gelatin: Most people know this ingredient also known as Jell-O. It is very common in anything with 'gel' such as yogurt, gummy bears, gummy worms, jellybeans, desserts, vitamin supplements, marshmallows. What is gelatin? It is the connective tissue on animals and humans for joints, muscles, etc. Kinda gross thinking we eat foods with animal parts that's not even a meat.

This is a very short list. I could go on for days with this list. For other ingredients you want to avoid, would be high fructose corn syrup, white refined flours, white sugar (bleached/use charred animal bones to grind), brown sugar (molasses mixed with white sugar), artificial sweeteners (such as aspartame, splenda, sweet n low, nutrasweet), hydrogenated ANYTHING (this is transfat, regardless if something says transfat free), trans fat (artificially made fats), MOST saturated fats (if it is in fruits/vegetables-they are actually GOOD saturated fats-like avocadoes/coconuts), anything that says it has anything artificial in the product, most gums (they have rubber-the same rubber used to make other products), BHT, any types of acid (phosphoric, citric, ascorbic).

This boils all the way down to KNOW YOUR INGREDIENTS, READ YOUR LABELS, EDUCATE YOURSELF. Processed foods are full of junk that we are ingesting in our body. It could be linked to headaches, diabetes, cancer, stopped periods, impotence, hair loss, anemia, symptoms you have but yet have no explanation for. Never count out your diet as a factor to your health. Are you surprised by any of this? Are there ingredients you have always questioned but were to afraid to ask about?

Thank you for reading my 2nd post,

God Bless

Jennifer Butz