Sweet T and a Honey B
Food, Fitness, and the Adventures That Make Life Sweet

Sweet Saturday no. 3

There are very few things I enjoy more than waking up on a Saturday morning, thinking it’s a weekday before I open my eyes, only to look at the clock and realize it’s 8 o’clock in the morning and I don’t have to rush out of bed to be anywhere. I took a few extra minutes (more like 30) to soak in this glorious feeling before I was in desperate need for a warm cup of coffee to start the day. Also can we talk about how the sun is finally shining?  

I’ve mentioned before that as I get older I appreciate those weekends with little to no plans. I used to enjoy stuffing each minute with activities and to-dos and would usually know my plans by Tuesday for the following weekend. I find myself getting further away from the need to be busy all of the time and can honestly say I am less stressed because of it. Today and tomorrow’s plans consist of (currently) sitting across from my handsome husband at our favorite coffee place while we both get some work done, dinner with friends to celebrate some new jobs, and a brunch with a couple girlfriends tomorrow (hello Bloody Mary & Mimosa bar 😉 ). Football Sunday is also on the agenda! Knowing that I would be able to de-stress this weekend was definitely one of the sweetest things of my week. 

Here are just a couple more of the things that energized me this week. Have a fabulous Saturday!

Gaiam Balance Ball Chair

With as active of a lifestyle as I try to live, my job doesn’t help much. Believe it or not, working at a desk all day takes a toll on your body. On average I sit at my desk from anywhere from 7-10 hours a day and as much as I try to move around, there’s very little time  for walking or stretching breaks in between. The bathroom is not even that far from me. In a recent conversation with a good friend of mine at work, we discussed how achy we are after a full day and compared little pains in our lower back, neck, and shoulders. Somewhat jokingly, she said “You know, we really need to buy those exercise ball chairs”. We laughed and went – you guessed it – back to our desks.

I ended up being a little curious and doing some research on the benefits of having one of those chairs. Not only did I find that those who use these chairs can burn up to an extra 350 calories a day (by being forced to adjust your position every once in a while, you’re moving), but relieves back pain (bingo!), tones your core/abdominal muscles (summer IS coming, people), improves focus, and induces the need to stretch because there is little to no back of the chair. Despite reading these benefits, I left the idea alone for a week or two- until my friend walked over to my desk one day to let me know that Gaiam’s Balance Ball Chair was Amazon’s Deal of the Day. She didn’t have to twist my arm much because all she said was “If you get one, I will” and within 2 days, I had my chair (Thanks Amazon Prime!) 

After a week of sitting in it, I have already noticed obvious changes. I am WAY more conscious of the way I sit and my posture throughout the work day, I find myself feeling the need to stretch, stand up, adjust my position on the ball, my mind wanders less when working on projects, and I have zero lower back pain going home at the end of the day. It also inspires a lot of great office conversations as people walk by – “Hey, can I try your chair?”

This chair is extremely easy to assemble and comes in a large handful of different colors. I ordered the bright purple ball to brighten my cube  a little bit. I highly encourage anyone who sits all day to purchase one of these. Since I can’t change the fact I sit all day, the Gaiam Balance Ball Chair has changed my perspective on it.  Right now, they happen to be on sale at Amazon and you can order yours by clicking below!

 

Protein Packed Chocolate, Peanut Butter, and Banana Milkshake

After a particularly sweaty workout one night this week, I was a little hungry but craving something cold. Using some of the ingredients we already had in the house, hubs and I decided to make our own milkshakes before sitting down to our missed episode of ‘This is Us’ on NBC. Each milkshake combined:

  • 1/2 frozen banana
  • 1 Scoop Vega One Chocolate Protein Powder (You can use any chocolate protein powder you like)
  • 1/2 Cup unsweetened almond milk
  • 2 tbs PB2 Powdered Peanut Butter (we swear by this stuff)
  • 1/2 Cup Chocolate Mocha Halo Top Ice Cream

Not only was I full after drinking this, but it quenched my thirst after that workout. Next, we want to try combining the same ingredients but replacing the chocolate protein powder for vanilla and the Chocolate Mocha Halo Top for their birthday cake flavor. You can top with sprinkles and enjoy as a dessert!

Avocado Chicken Salad

One of the hardest things about working in an office is the constant temptation to go out to lunch with coworkers and the endless supply of leftover Christmas candy that people dump in the communal basket. I know I am not the only one that experiences this and it’s so easy to give in to the temptation of pitching in for the pizza being ordered for lunch or walking across the street for an order of McDonalds french fries. What’s not always so easy is coming up with healthy lunch ideas that keep you interested (you can only take the same turkey sandwich so many times), feeling full, and away from the extra junk food. 

Because Bryan and I make the effort to pack a lunch every day and sometimes have very little time to heat meals up, we had to find some more cold lunch ideas. I knew we had a new favorite when I found that you could use avocado and plain greek yogurt as a chicken salad base instead of mayonnaise. There’s many delicious versions of chicken salad using these ingredients but I experimented with ours a few times to get it to our liking. It’s easy to play around with the amount of lime, salt, and yogurt to make your perfect salad. 

I often pair this with Sweet Potato Chips. ‘Food Should Taste Good’ is my favorite brand of these and add a perfect crunch to this very simple meal. Some other ideas include pita bread, cucumber slices, baby carrots, or a slice of wheat toast. I have also made this as an appetizer for a group and served with small crackers. 

      

This has become a staple in our home and I hope that you enjoy it too!

This makes about four 1-cup servings. Each serving is 6 WW Points.

Avocado Chicken Salad
Serves 4
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Ingredients
  1. 2 Large Chicken Breasts, cooked and shredded
  2. 2 Large Hass Avocados, ripe
  3. 1 5 oz. container of fat free, plain, greek yogurt
  4. 2 tsp salt
  5. 2 tbs lime juice, fresh
  6. 2 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
  1. 1. Mash avocados in a large bowl with a fork
  2. 2. Add chicken, greek yogurt, salt, lime, and garlic powder and mix thoroughly.
  3. 3. Serve with sweet potato chips, pita, or veggies and enjoy!
Notes
  1. Tip; Taste as you add the salt and lime. Play around with these two ingredients to your liking.
Sweet T and a Honey B https://www.sweettandahoneyb.com/

Banana Chocolate Chip Walnut Breakfast Bread

It’s 1 day until Thanksgiving. Can anyone else not believe this? As I have mentioned, November begins my favorite time of year. Between work, teaching dance, doing a complete clean out/purge around our condo, doctor appointments, and beginning Christmas shopping, etc November went fast. As I get older, I realize more and more around this time of year it is important to slow down and appreciate quiet time.

Though I promised myself I would sleep in today (Thank goodness for time off), I was hoping I could sneak in some alone time before Hubs woke up. Sometimes my favorite mornings involve enjoying the quiet, baking something that will make the house smell amazing, and surprising Bryan with it when he wakes up. His nose usually directs him right to the kitchen 😉 This morning is no different. I had everything in the pantry to make this delicious Banana Chocolate Chip bread extra special to kick off the holidays. 

I was perhaps most excited to start my morning lighting my favorite candle (chocolate scented! How perfect?), enjoying my annual display of nutcrackers, and wait for the smell of the bread to fill the condo. 

 

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This little Chef is one of my most cherished items I own. It has become a special tradition in my family that each of the girls receive their own Chef when they become engaged and have their first home thanks to my Aunt Lynda. Even if it’s a dinner for Bryan and I, I always make sure to update my Chef with what’s in the oven for the day. 

I am definitely adding this breakfast bread to my lengthy list of what I am thankful for this year (and always). I hope that your Thanksgiving is filled with love, laughs, and lots of mashed potatoes. 

-TB

 

Banana Chocolate Chip Walnut Breakfast Bread
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Cook Time
40 min
Cook Time
40 min
Ingredients
  1. 1 + 1/2 tsp baking soda
  2. 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
  3. 1 + 1/2 cups all purpose flour
  4. 2 eggs
  5. 1/2 cup plain fat free greek yogurt
  6. 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
  7. 1/4 cup maple syrup + extra for drizzling
  8. 2 ripe bananas
  9. 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
  10. 3 tbs chopped walnuts for topping
Instructions
  1. 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease a 9x5 loaf pan.
  2. 2. Combine baking soda, seat salt, and flour in a large mixing bowl.
  3. 3. Whisk eggs in a medium sized mixing bowl
  4. 4. Add bananas, greek yogurt, maple syrup, and brown sugar to eggs and mix
  5. 5. Combine wet ingredients with dry ingredients. Don't overmix!
  6. 6. Gently fold in mini chocolate chips
  7. 7. Pour batter in to the greased loaf pan and place in oven.
  8. 8. After about 25 minutes, take pan out of oven, drizzle some maple syrup over the top, and sprinkle crushed walnuts and a few more chocolate chips on top too.
  9. 9. Lightly cover the pan with tinfoil and bake for the remaining 15 minutes.
  10. 10. Bread is done when you insert a toothpick or fork comes out clean.
  11. 11. Let cool for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Sweet T and a Honey B https://www.sweettandahoneyb.com/

Chicken + Veggie Fajitas

Have you ever had one of those weekends where you don’t feel like even making the move from the bed to the couch in the morning much less planning meals and cooking? I definitely had one of those weekends though I was lucky that my only plans were my favorite plans- spending time with my family. We celebrated my cousin Kaitlyn’s 30th birthday at the Atwater Restaurant inside the Herrington Inn located in Geneva, IL. The day was filled with re-telling family stories, photo props, a delicious cake, and celebrating one of my favorite people in this world. The delicious brunch + mimosas didn’t hurt either. 😉

I wasn’t feeling too well Saturday evening (Assuming the food hangover from brunch) so Hubs and I put on some comfy clothes and headed over to my in-law’s house to see my sister-in-law who was in town from Michigan. I am lucky to have such wonderful in-laws that I enjoy spending time with. We played cards, watched ‘Finding Dory’, and indulged in my Mother-in-Law’s famous pumpkin bars. It was truly the perfect Saturday. 

Sunday morning my plans involved a quick workout & finding a way to talk my husband in to helping me put up the Christmas decorations. I couldn’t wait any longer to see my Nutcracker collection on the shelves. Everything is up now except for the tree- that comes this weekend 🙂 After tidying up our little condo and arranging and re-arranging my decor, I didn’t feel like going to any extreme lengths to cook. It was turning out to be such a relaxing weekend I didn’t want that to end. Luckily, I had everything I needed to put together one of my favorite dishes that also makes a lot of leftovers- a bonus on Thanksgiving week. These simple chicken + veggie fajitas combine a lot of flavor with very few ingredients. Heck- if you even CALL them ingredients. I love being able to dump everything in to my crockpot and serve when ready. Also, I am definitely a big fan of sweet peppers and I like using all the different colored peppers. These fajitas are perfect to serve as a ‘bar’ with your favorite toppings- sour cream, salsa, avocado, black beans, etc. are all good choices. We kept it simple last night and used some light sour cream. The key to this dish is finding the perfect combination of flavor/marinade for your chicken. I have used canned green chilies, tomatoes, and a few spices before. While good- I didn’t get the ‘fajita’ feel. Luckily, a few weeks ago, I found a perfect solution. I found that Frontera Kitchen makes skillet sauces for various Mexican dishes. Taco, Enchilada, and Fajita sauces are all available and I plan on purchasing quite a few of them. My dad used to love Chef Rick Bayless’ cookbooks and I always think of him when I use one of their many delicious salsas. While this is technically a ‘skillet sauce’, I thought I could use it as a marinade and eventually cook the fajitas in it in the Crockpot. I am glad I did because this, combined with a little cumin and extra garlic powder ( I can never have enough garlic), made me feel like these had just come off a flaming plate at a restaurant. Hubs loved it and I look forward to having leftovers this week. I will say, this does make a LOT of leftovers if you’re only feeding two people at a time, so if you’re looking to make a smaller batch, consider cooking them on the stovetop instead of the Crockpot. 

What are your favorite/easy foods you like to make leading up to big holiday meals? 

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Chicken and Veggie Fajitas
Serves 8
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Cook Time
4 hr
Cook Time
4 hr
Ingredients
  1. 2 Large Green Peppers
  2. 2 Large Red Peppers
  3. 2 Large Yellow Peppers
  4. 2 White Onions
  5. 2 Lbs Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast
  6. 1 Package of Frontera Fajita Skillet Sauce
  7. 1 tsp garlic powder
  8. 1 tsp cumin
  9. 2 tsp salt
  10. 8 large low carb flour tortillas
  11. Any extras you'd like for fajitas.. sour cream, salsa, black beans, and of course- avocado.
Instructions
  1. 1. Place skillet sauce, cumin, salt, garlic powder, and chicken in a large Ziploc bag and marinate in the refrigerator for 2 hours
  2. 2. Cut peppers and onions in large strips and place in fridge until ready to cook.
  3. 3. Place chicken + marinade mixture and veggies in Crockpot and cook on high for 4 hours.
  4. 4. Drain Chicken + Veggie mixture
  5. 5. Serve with two warm tortillas and toppings. Enjoy!
Sweet T and a Honey B https://www.sweettandahoneyb.com/

Taco Bout’ a Salad

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If you know me, you know that I am a huge fan of anything with avocado, black beans, and the overall ‘southwest’ feel. Most restaurants have their own version of a ‘Southwest Chicken Salad’ and it’s often on my list of go-to meals. Though, most restaurants load them up with a ton of cheese and sour cream in order to pack in a lot of flavor. In my opinion, you can just as much flavor with just a little healthier ingredients. 

Last week, I had a craving for one of these salads. I found myself with leftover barbecue chicken from a previous night and decided it would be a delicious way to add some protein with a little extra ‘kick’. I love that this salad is cold and refreshing, yet combines the warm chicken to make it more of a comfort meal. My husband and I made our (large!) salads and sat down to some Thursday Night Football. You can’t have football night without a good meal to go with it. 🙂

 

Barbecue Chicken Taco Salads
Serves 4
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Ingredients
  1. 1 Lb. Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast
  2. 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
  3. 4 cups romaine lettuce
  4. 1/2 cup frozen baby corn
  5. 1/2 cup black beans
  6. 1/2 cup canned green chiles
  7. 1/2 cup diced roma tomatoes
  8. 1 avocado
  9. 8 tbs tortilla strips
  10. 8 tbs yogurt based ranch dressing
Instructions
  1. 1. Marinate chicken breasts in barbecue sauce in a large Ziploc bag and place in the refrigerator for a few hours.
  2. 2. Bake Chicken for 45 minutes on 400 degrees.
  3. 3. Place baby corn, black beans, and green chiles in a small pot and cook for 8-10 minutes on low-medium heat.
  4. 4. For each salad, top 1 cup of romaine lettuce with 2 oz. of barbcue chicken, 1/4 of bean and corn mixture, 1/4 of diced roma tomatoes, 1/4 of avocado, 2 tbs of tortilla strips, and 2 tbs of the ranch dressing. Serves 4.
Sweet T and a Honey B https://www.sweettandahoneyb.com/