Happy National Peanut Butter Lovers Day!!

I LOVE peanut butter. Before adopting a healthier lifestyle, I would buy the reduced fat variety and just eat it right out of the jar with a spoon. Heaven.

I always thought I was making a healthier choice by going for reduced fat PB. (I knew devouring the jar wasn’t healthy.) While reduced fat peanut butter does contain less fat, the fat has been replaced with maltodextrin, a carbohydrate that is used as filler in many processed foods, according to Eat This, Not That.

Reduced fat peanut butter ends up having empty calories, more sugar and a 10 calorie savings compared to regular PB.

So go for the real stuff. Buy peanut butter with the following list of ingredients: peanuts.

I like Smucker’s Natural Creamy Peanut Butter.

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This week, most of my meals have been omelets, my go-to quick and healthy meal, salads or leftovers.

I haven’t had a lot of time to cook. But last night, I decided to make some time to test out a new recipe. 

Cauliflower rice is a great alternative to brown rice or other grains. For those of you who eat gluten-free or for those doing the Paleo Diet, this is a great way to still enjoy stir fry without having grains.

This recipe was very easy and quite delish. I used the veggies I had, but you could add water chestnuts, carrots, peas or whatever you have. Topping this stir fry with cashews would also be yummy.

I ate this as a side dish to protein, but you could add a protein to your stir fry to make it a main meal.

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Snow Storm 2013 (AKA Winter Storm Q) swept across the Midwest yesterday and forced schools and businesses to close down and kept people stuck in their homes.

I braved the storm and came into work - the news does not stop on snowy days. But, our office closed as soon as the paper came off the press and I got to come home a few hours early!

My snowy afternoon was quite wonderful - I caught up on my DVR’d shows and made hot chocolate and even wiped the dust and cobwebs off my treadmill and ran a few miles (I prefer the gym or the road).

I also made these amazing Fudge Chip Muffins. These gooey, chocolatey muffins taste absolutely decadent. But, of course, they are a treat you can enjoy without guilt!! My fave part about these muffins is the addition of almond extract. It adds such a lovely flavor.

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This week is all about breakfast! That first meal you have really sets the tone for the rest of your day.

A healthy breakfast will help you feel energized and ready to conquer your day. Have you ever noticed how you feel when you eat a doughnut or cinnamon roll in the morning? You end up feeling sluggish, tired and moody. Who wants to feel like that?!?!

Yesterday, I compiled a list of make-ahead breakfasts and quick and easy breakfasts for those of you who need to get out the door quickly in the morning.

Today’s recipe is a slow cooking recipe for days when you have a little extra time. I actually made this breakfast quinoa this morning! I got home from spin class at 6:20 a.m., combined the ingredients and got the quinoa simmering, then hopped in the shower while it cooked. By the time I showered, dressed and dried my hair, my breakfast was ready. 

If you haven’t tried quinoa for breakfast, it is a great alternative to oatmeal. Unlike most grains, quinoa is a good source of protein. It is also loaded with antioxidants and flavonoids. You can find quinoa at Natural Foods at 3704 Second Ave.

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Mornings can be hectic. Just getting yourself ready and out the door can be a challenge. Making and eating a healthy breakfast - even more difficult!

Sweet Success has teamed up with Table for Two, the Kearney Hub’s relationship blog. Table for Two blogger, Ashley Bebensee, said mornings are a huge challenge for her. She has to be at work between 4 and 5 a.m. on some days!!

Meet Ashley and her husband, Brett.

She grabs breakfast on the go and eats at her desk when she gets to work. Her usual breakfast consists of a Nutri-grain bar and a piece of fruit. 

While it’s great that Ashley is getting some fresh produce during breakfast, her Nutri-grain bar doesn’t provide the protein needed to keep her energy up and keep her feeling satisfied.

Although Nutri-grain bars recently eliminated high fructose corn syrup from its ingredient list, the cereal bars are still made of a long list of processed ingredients and don’t have enough protein and other nutrients to make them a worthwhile breakfast or snack.

Luckily, there are tons of make-ahead or quick and easy breakfast options that are filling and provide long-lasting energy.

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The BF had a brilliant idea for a Super Bowl party theme - a New Orleans party!

The Super Bowl is taking place in New Orleans, so a party to celebrate the city is perfect!

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Between the greasy pizza, bowls of chips, fried chicken wings and bottles of beer, the Super Bowl can wreck havoc on your diet.

But being prepared will help you get through the day without going overboard.

If you’re attending a Super Bowl party:

• Browse the food options before committing. Decide what healthy foods are available to fill up on and pick one or two things to indulge in.
• Alternate booze and water. Calories from alcohol can really add up. Have a beer or cocktail, then drink a large glass of ice water.
• BYOSB. Bring your own skinny beverages. Bring some vodka and soda water, light beer or Skinnygirl Margaritas.
• Get away from the food. After you’ve eaten, steer clear of the food table to avoid picking for the rest of the game.
• Get off the couch. Don’t spend the whole game sitting. Watch the game standing up or take a walk during halftime.

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