A little of this, and a little of that...

I'm excited about a lot today! I'm going to try several new recipes this week including: Orange Hoisin Chicken, Chicken Cordon Bleu, and Baked Ziti Casserole. I'll post the recipes as I try them this week...and hopefully remember to take pictures before its demolished!

The weather in Tulsa is absolutely stunning! Lily and I went to the dog park and played HARD. She then requested a bath when we got home, and she is now napping/sunbathing in the yard, drying off. Rough life, eh? Unfortunately, I passed on a run this morning with husband because I have a late night hockey game. Just figures the weather is gorgeous and I exercise on a sheet of ice in 15 lbs of padding! 

Anywho, thank you to those who voted in the most recent poll asking what you enjoy reading most about on my blog. Research came out on top with recipes and my life's trials and tribulations surrounding nutrition and food coming in close second. I agree with you guys, the latest and greatest research is important, interesting, and nothing less than fascinating. I'll continue putting out a variety of topics so that everyone stays reading, happy, and most importantly, learning more about nutrition!

I tried a new Southaven Farms recipe this weekend -- Cherry Pie Muffins. These were BY FAR the best recipe I've made from Southaven Farms to date. They are delicccccious! My in-laws loved them!! Especially after 18 seconds in the microwave, says my father-in-law! They couldn't be any easier to make, too! I used the multigrain mix and the entire can of no sugar added cherry pie filling. The recipe made 18 really nice-sized muffins for approximately 95 calories, 2 grams of fat, and 3 grams of fiber. And did I mention they are DELICIOUS!? I'm certainly looking forward to breakfast this week!

 

 Pre-baked

 

 All done! See the yummy, plump, sweet cherries inside!?

Also this weekend, I got to talking with my neighbor who is a drug rep for Lilly. We were chatting away, and it comes out that he sells diabetes meds -- specifically Byetta and insulin (Humulin, Humolog)! We got to talking about me being a dietitian working with diabetics, and he gave me oodles of  "Nutrition in the Fast Lane" pamphlets put out by Lilly in his stocked-full garage. The pamphlet includes nutrition information for common fast food joints...lots of them! How cool! He stocked up the back of my car with the pamphlets. My patients are in for a treat in learning the truth about all the fast food out there! Thank you, neighbor!

Also, I have to give myself a little recognition for completing 10% (100 hours) of one-on-one diabetes education required to sit for the CDE exam as of Friday. That doesn't seem like a lot, but it took me 2 1/2 months to get those hours and I'm proud of each and every one of them! I hope to have 50% of the hours completed by July 1, 2010.

I was also contacted this week by a NuVal representative, after writing about NuVal back in June. I am in communication with Melissa, the NuVal representative, about gathering information to blog on specific NuVal ratings. If you were thinking Kashi was the epitome of healthy cereals, check out Melissa's post here on adult rated breakfast cereals. But first check out my June blog post on the NuVal system if you're unfamiliar with the rating system!

After many recommendations from friends, we finally tried KEO this weekend. It. was. amazing! I got the red curry and I should've taken a picture! It came with an option of white or brown rice (I got brown) and chose tofu as my meat. It was just incredible - the taste, the presentation, the reasonable portion size! I just can't rave enough about that dish and our experience at KEO. There are KEO locations also on the east coast for any readers out that way -- it's definitely worth taking a trip too! Sorry, no pictures...regretfully!

Last, I'm strongly throwing around the idea of going "diabetic" for 30 days -- the month of October. The 31st is Halloween so technically my 30 days would be over for trick or treating, right? Kidding, kidding. I just figure, if I'm talking the talk...maybe I could stand to walk the walk. I talk diabetic diets all day, maybe I should give it a go. More than eating a diabetic diet, it will take some adjusting to counting carbohydrates on a diabetic diet. Any reader thoughts or feedback on this idea?  

Also, does anyone else thing our Lily would make the cutest bumble bee for Halloween? Our neighborhood is packed with kids, many of whom know and love Lily. I think it's only appropriate our puppy participates!

Off to grocery shop...enjoy the reminder of the weekend, all!