Some tips...I guess you could say..

I have had a few people ask for tips or advise on the whole no refined sugars thing. I am no expert I haven't been doing for too long, but I have noticed a huge difference in the way I feel and the way I like to eat things.
First I have done some research, I knew sugar was bad for you but I had no idea how bad! I found this website where I was comparing Honey and Sugar(www.honey-health.com/honey-8.sthml)and found a lot of interesting things about sugar. One thing that shocked me is that it said that sugar is as addictive as narcotics! I know I was addicted to it I wanted something with sugar in it after every meal! The other thing that really caught my attention is that refined sugar is not all the way digested your body doesn't break it all down therefore it turns to fat! Honey on the other hand is natural and your body breaks down and digest all the honey!
I have cut out all refined sugar! I use Honey in things to add some sweetness...because you know everyone needs something sweet!! I have a good friend who cut out refined sugars several years ago and she has given me several great recipes. Like the No Bake Cookies that uses Honey! They are delicious and they curve my sweet tooth and chocolate cravings.
Basically I look at every single label and if it has sugar listed anywhere in the ingredients I do not get it! We have learned to adapt to using Honey as a sugar replacement.
I google recipes that use Honey, or if something calls for sugar I just replace it.
I can not tell you how much better I feel not eating sugar!
This is a learning experience for Caleb and I. So if there is anyone who has advise or recipe ideas just let me know! Thank you!

We are also not eating anything enriched, we are eating everything multi grain(except for our homemade bread)

I am having a hard time being creative so seriously if there is anyone with recipe ideas let me know!

Oriental chicken ster Fry...

What you will need

2-3 Chicken breasts cooked or I like to use 1 Whole Rotisserie Chicken cut into bite size pieces.
1- steam fresh bag frozen oriental style veggies
1- Bell Pepper of you choice(I like to use Red

Saute your Red Pepper in 1 Tbsp of Olive Oil while you cook your steam fresh veggies.
Add the veggie after they are done steaming and add the chicken. I then add my homemade oriental dressing.

Oriental Dressing
1/4 Cup Olive Oil
About 1/2 to 1 Tbsp Vinegar
dash of pepper
about 1/2 to 1 Tbsp Honey(depends on how sweet you like it)
1/2 tsp soy sauce
1/2 Tbsp Sesame Oil
Mix all the ingredients and our over the veggies and Chicken and let saute for about 5 min.

Serve over Brown rice.

Sundired Tomato, Artichoke Chicken over Pasta

I love this recipe it is so delicious!

What you will need
3- Chicken Breasts
1- Jar Artichoke hearts drained and rinsed if packed in oil
1/2- Jar of Sun dried Tomatoes diced
1- Tbsp crushed Garlic
4- Tbsp of Olive Oil
1/2 cup water (if chicken is frozen)
1 Cup Water (if chicken is not frozen)
salt and pepper to taste if you like ( I never use salt or pepper so I don't put any in!)

Combine all ingredients in crock pot and cook....
If the chicken is frozen cook 4-5 hours on High or until done
If the chicken is not frozen cook 2-3 hours on high

Serve over Pasta of your choice and top with fresh grated Parmesan cheese.

Chicken tomato and basil Pasta

Ingredients:

2-3 Chicken breasts
1 to 1 1/2 bunches fresh basil (finely chopped)
2 tsp crushed garlic (you can add more it you like it a stronger taste)
2 vine ripened tomatoes ( seeded and dices into small pieces)
About 1/2 cup olive oil (it's 2 Tbs per person)
1 Box penne pasta ( I use multigrain with omega-3)
Parmesan cheese

In a frying pan put olive oil and heat on medium heat, add tomatoes, basil, and garlic and saute until all the flavors are infused. Pour over pasta, sprinkle with Parmesan.
Serve and enjoy!

Sugar Free no bake cookies

This recipe is so delicious!!! It is natural! You use honey!!

No Bake Cookies

Mix together and microwave or cook on stove top until boiling:
1 cup honey
1/2 cup butter
1/3 cup cocoa
1/3 cup milk


Remove from heat and add:
3/4 cup peanut butter
1 tsp. vanilla
3 1/2 cups oatmeal

Spoon onto wax paper let them sit for about 15 min and enjoy!!
I got this recipe from my friend Melissa who doesn't eat any refined sugar!

Oatmeal Pancakes

I got this recipe from the South Beach Diet cook book.

1/2 cup rolled oats
1/4 cup low fat or fat free cottage cheese
4 egg whites
1 tsp vanilla
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg

Blend all ingredients in blender until smooth. Cook in frying pan with cooking spray. Top with Smart balance or I can't believe it's not butter, or peanut butter(my favorite) and you can use sugar free or low sugar syrup. It is also delicious with fruit.

Slow cooked chicken with veggies.

I love this one we make it all the time.
What you will need:
2-3 chicken breasts(you can so more if you like just increase the olive oil)
1/2 green pepper cubed
1/2 red pepper cubed
1/2 zucchini sliced
1 carrot sliced
1/2 onion sliced (optional) I put the onion in for flavor, but I don not it them.
5-6 garlic cloves (optional) I only use garlic if I have it.

In a Pyrex baking dish put the chicken and the top with all the veggies sprinkle with Mrs. Dash and drizzle about 2-4 T olive oil all over. Cover with tin foil and Bake at 325 to 350 until done. If I have time I will cook it at 300 and so it is really moist.

Serve with Pasta I use the Barilla Plus it is on my diet and I love it, or with brown rice. After you serve top with about 1 T fresh Parmesan.
Enjoy!