Jojo and Paul's Hummus RECIPE + A Late Thanksgiving Recap

A picture of the recipe!! 

Hey there Clean Eaters!!

I know it is already past November (but not to late to participate in the challenge!), but I still feel the need to recap my awesome Turkey Day!!

I also am including an awesome recipe from my cousins, Jojo and Paul!

Thursday:

We woke up that morning, and I did an awesome leg workout to start the day off right. We headed out to my grandmother's house, about an hours drive away, in East Texas. We were going to be staying until Saturday, because there was another family get together that day that we all were going to.

Because the Saturday get together was going to be bigger, we decided to not do much for Thursday. It was going to just be my mom, sister, uncle, grandmother and I on Thanksgiving day, so there really was no need to do anything special food wise when Saturday would make up for it!

Anyways, I made a dish for myself (and the others, if they wanted it!) while everyone else had squash and broccoli casserole, some quick make stuffing, and mashed potatoes. My grandmother ordered half a smoked turkey from a local barbecue shop (SO DELICIOUS!). Dessert was some Mary Calender pie.

Like I wrote about in my "Healthy Thanksgiving" guide, many home made dishes are indeed, not so "home made". All these items had such processed, pre-made, and canned ingredients (trust me, I helped my grandmother make them). I was more than happy to make some separate, whole food items for myself and anyone else who wanted it.

My dinner was half an acorn squash stuffed with a raisin-pecan stuffing, and some turkey! 

Saturday:

That morning, I woke up and did a shoulder and cardio workout before heading out to the get together.

My breakfast was simple, lettuce wraps with some egg and leftover turkey. 

I was SUPER excited to get to see all the family and friends at the party! I knew at least some dishes I could enjoy, because my whole-food enthusiast cousins, Jojo and Paul, always bring healthy stuff.

Seriously... these guys are AMAZING. Paul used to be a chef, for one thing! They also make their own jams and hot sauces, pictured above (from the fruit off their own fruit trees, and the vegetables from their own garden!!).

They are on a new kick, involving sprouts. They brought in a giant sprout salad made of tons of sprout varieties... they even had broccoli sprouts! The dressing was wonderful, a blend of tomatoes and basil with balsamic vinegar and olive oil. They also brought some goat cheese spreads, which I sampled (I don't think my stomach liked it too much after the fact. Darn lactose intolerance!)

Oh, did I mention they pickle their vegetables too?

My plate ended up looking like this: A leg from the turkey (I actually ended up eating both...), some sprout salad, pickled veggies and hummus, and some goat cheese topped with some of my cousin's home made jam!

AWFUL picture. I know.

I also decided to treat myself. Paul made a coconut cake... an incredibly non-healthy one at that. He used sugar, regular butter, and other milk products... things I ALWAYS steer clear away from.

However, I eat 100% clean and healthy 365 days a year. You know my feelings towards the 80/20 rule, and how "moderation" doesn't work for me. So if I ever crave a sweet, I make my own healthy version... but, this cake was not processed. Sure, he used sugar... but it wasn't the fake, harmful kind. Yes it had other ingredients I didn't agree with, but you know what? It was anything BUT something that I could buy from the store, full of chemicals.

So... I had some! Boy, was it yummy. However, my stomach SERIOUSLY didn't agree. I actually woke up the next day vomiting (sorry for TMI, but I speak the truth here on Clean Eating Teen!)

Kinda just goes to show that your body KNOWS what is good for it, and what isn't, huh? ;)

Now, on to the recipe I promised!! This is the recipe for the hummus Jojo and Paul brought.

Jojo and Paul's Hummus

4 cloves garlic
1 tsp sea salt
process first in food processor to chop garlic fine.

2 15 oz cans garbanzo beans (good store brand or Progresso) drained but reserve liquid.
1/4 cup tahini (important do not leave out)
1/4 cup olive oil
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp ground cayenne pepper
juice of 1 lemon

Process with garlic in food processor until smooth adding reserved garbanzo liquid as needed to get desired consistency.

And there you have it folks!! A recap of my awesome Thanksgiving, plus a super yummy recipe that I suggest trying NOW. It is so much cheaper, and tastier, than buying store bought. It is even better than my past hummus recipes! 

How was your Thanksgiving? What did you eat?

Have you ever made your own hummus?

Natalie 

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I Am Thankful for YOU

 I also am thankful for Snoopy! But that is beside the point of this post :) (Image via Google Images)                                                                                                                                                             

Just wanted to do a quick post to let you guys know how THANKFUL I am to have you as readers.

Sometimes, in the blogging world, it can feel like I am writing to no one but myself. It is hard to continuously work hard at writing, posting, ext when you always wonder "Does anybody even read this stuff?"

Don't get me wrong, I blog because I LOVE it. I love to share recipes, workouts... I love to be able to connect to others who are health and fitness nuts. In general, I love to write!

But I AM just human after all... and that being said, I kinda can get selfish sometimes. Some days, I really just want a big readership on my blog...

The point of this post is to let YOU, anyone who reads this blog besides myself or my momma, know that I really am SO THANKFUL for each and every time you type in "Clean Eating Teen" in the search bar, click on my post via a social network, or even make a comment. It means so much to me to know that others like to read what I have to offer :)

This is what I am thankful for this wonderful holiday! What are YOU thankful for?

Happy Thanksgiving guys!

Natalie

P.S.

Don't forget to read up on the 7 Steps to a Healthy Thanksgiving, and the No Excuse November Challenge! 

7 Steps to a HEALTHY Thanksgiving

We are seriously on countdown, Clean Eaters! There is just a matter of days before we are faced with piles of food and desserts, almost none of which really have any nutritional value. It is these times when most people pack on the usual "holiday weight gain"... but it is just that, USUAL. It does not mean you have to fall victim to it!

The main reason I created the No Excuse November Challenge is NOT to deprive yourself over these holiday times. The purpose of the challenge is to ensure that you stay ON TRACK, make HEALTHY decisions, and keep moving and active. Just because it is the holidays, does not mean that we have the right to deprive our bodies of quality nutrients and instead stuff it full of fake sugars, fat, and chemicals.

This post is your guide on how to survive Turkey Day this year! It honestly is quiet easy, and doesn't require you to be giving up much. In fact, leading a healthy holiday can become a new tradition in your family and ensure even easier menu and activity choices in years to come.


(Image via Google Images)

1) If you are planning the menu, do so days (or a week or so) before hand. This way, you have time to find healthy recipes, and ask you friends and family attending what sounds good and if they would be open to the dish. It also gives you the opportunity to make a grocery list, pre-buy and prepare any food that you can ahead of Thursday so that when THE day comes around, you will be planned out and ready for success! This step prevents any last minute dishes, chaotic mornings in the kitchen, and most importantly lets you spend more quality time with those you love.



Make some tasty Pumpkin Walnut Oatmeal Bread for everyone!

2) If you are not planning the whole menu, bring a few of your own healthy dishes. I grew up never having Thanksgiving at my own house. We ALWAYS went over to family's house for the date, where the entire family and our friends congregated and feasted. I completely understand this! It really is SO much easier not having to cook everything and hold the event in your own home.

However, I know from experience (just as I know you do!) that these events almost NEVER include healthy options. Grandma's broccoli casserole is a favorite, sweet potatoes are already buttered and covered in marshmallows, and there's even an entire TABLE dedicated to desserts! It always amazes me, actually, how there can be SO MUCH food, yet almost never is there a simple dish of fresh fruit or vegetables. 

While these home made treats are great to the taste buds and all, they are anything BUT great for your body. Usually they include processed items (pre made crusts, cans of cream of mushroom, sticks of processed margarine or butter, refined sugars and oils, low quality cheeses and dairy) and sometimes are actually store bought all together!

Unless you take the time to make a few dishes at home yourself, I really doubt you can find any dish that is free of processed and low quality items, no matter how "home made" they claim to be. This year, it is perfectly fine (and even fun!) to try something new and be the one who brings that delicious pie, meat, salad, or casserole... the only difference is that you have made it free of processed, unhealthy ingredients. This way, you know for a fact there will be yummy things you can fill you plate with... plus, you will love knowing that you have at least provided one nourishing dish for everyone else's bodies!


(Image via Google Images)

3)Make sure to eat before the dinner! A big mistake many people make is starving themselves all day, trying the "save their calories" or their hunger for the main event. This NEVER, ever works guys! By depriving yourself of food all day, you become ravenous. Your blood sugar drops, and you can even develop a headache. Tell yourself that yes, you WILL eat at dinner... but there is no need to deprive yourself the rest of the day. By eating appropriate amounts before the meal, you will not be as tempted to go overboard and binge during the Thanksgiving feast. You will actually be able to THINK clearly and make responsible food choices instead of stuffing as much into your mouth as you can!


Get moving with this AWESOME at home workout!! 

4) Get ACTIVE! There are tons of ways to ensure activity come Thursday. You can sign up for a Turkey Trot in the morning, which is becoming an increasingly popular trend. Or, if that is not an option, be sure to fit in some sort of workout or movement before the dinner. Try to get even a quick one in, preferably in the morning before things get crazy. Get in an awesome leg workout, or if you don't prefer anything vigorous, even a yoga session will do. Exercising before the dinner can help you stick to your healthy eating routine, rather than completely forget you ever had a health goal to begin with!

Also, it is important to be active AFTER the meal! Grab a frisbee or football and toss it around with your family. Go for a walk around the neighborhood. Heck, even pull out a video game (preferably one you have to move around, such as on the Wii or Kinect) or an interactive board game! Getting your mind off food also helps to not go back for seconds (or thirds...or fourths...)



(Image via Google Images)

5) Pay ATTENTION to how you feel. It is hard to focus on what your hunger cues are telling you when you're faced with mountains of food and a house that smells of turkey, stuffing, and pie. I get it! But in order to ensure that you do not pig out and afterwards feel bloated and gross, it is important to really LISTEN to your body. 

Practicing mindful eating has really helped me control bloating and other stomach pains in my day to day life. Before mindful eating, I would tend to eat more food than I needed, only to feel REALLY full and gross afterwards. The rare times it happens now days, my stomach and body feel "off" for a few days until I can get back on track. It can be hard, I know, but if you can manage to focus on your FOOD and stomach throughout the meal, you will feel satisfied much faster and not have the urge to go back for more and mroe food.

Also, I might want to point out that it is helpful to get AWAY from the buffet area when eating. By seeing the food right in front of you, it is hard to focus on the food on YOUR PLATE. Try moving to the living room or even outside to enjoy the meal. Also, remember to engage with others. After all, talking to people and making memories through conversation is always more important than food.


(Image via Google Images)

6) If all else fails, use moderation. If you want a little bit of everything with no restraints come
Thursday, just be sure to not go overboard and have JUST THAT: a little bit.

The reason I have chose to use this technique last is because, as you know, I am not exactly a follower of the "80/20" rule or any other "moderation is key" term. I am not saying it doesn't work for people, because I know it does for SOME. For me, though, and I know many others too... it really just doesn't make sense. Why on earth would I fill my body with junk "20%" of the time, when I can seriously make that exact same food I am wanting/craving at home in a healthy way?

What I mean is this... sure, a pumpkin pie or a casserole is TRADITIONAL for you to eat on Thanksgiving. But why would you sit there and eat something processed, with no nutritional value when you can make the exact same dish in a healthy way? Remember, the November Challenge ISN'T about deprivation. It is about making smart choices.

(I am not attacking anyone who fallows this rule. If it works for you, awesome! Stick with it and listen to what your body works well with. I am simple stating my stand on the matter.)


And my personal favorite...
7) Don't be shy! The internet is FILLED with yummy, nutritious recipes. While there are many great recipes here on Clean Eating Teen, there are even MORE all around the web! One of my favorite things about reading healthy living blogs are all the RECIPES I find!

Remember how I am also a contributor on Real Food Recipe Roundup? That website is AN awesome source for REAL, nutritious foods. It's kinda like a giant Pinterest for foodies!

Here is a list of some of my favorite bloggers. You can find awesome recipes on their sites! 

ChicaLOVerde 
Yes To Yummy
Meals and Miles 
Peanut Butter Fingers 
The Lean Green Bean
Hungry Hungry Hippie
The Gracious Pantry 
Healthy Happy Life 
Butter Nutrition 
The Soulful Spoon 
PaleOMG 

Please, comment below with what your plans are to have a HEALTHY Thanksgiving! 

Also, what healthy recipes are you wanting to try this Thanksgiving?

Happy Turkey Day!
Natalie

Gimme Some Turkey LEG Workout!!

DONT FORGET TO ENTER THE HEMP HEART GIVEAWAY!! 

We all know Thanksgiving is right around the corner (like, literally, it's NEXT WEEK.)

By no means does this indicate a time to binge on unhealthy foods, gain back any weight you've worked to loose, skip a workout, or otherwise put your health in jeopardy.

Who remembers the Clean Eating Teen November Challenge?! If you haven't decided to participate yet, head on over and do so. This post is totally motivation for the Challenge... lets stay on track together with an AWESOME leg workout.

This workout requires a few pairs of dumbbells (use a weight that is challenging to you), and a kettlebelt if you have one (use a dumbbell is not). It takes about an hour and can be done in the gym or right at home!!

This one is my go to workout, even when I am traveling. It's tough but feels great!

All moves should be done with weights, besides the skaters. The Donkey Kicks, Firehydrants, and Knee Circles COULD be done with a light weight or ankle weights, but this is optional.

Heres a breakdown of some moves you may not know:

Donkey Kicks: On all fours, lift your knee and bring it into your chest. Contract your abs. Then, kick your foot back so that the leg it straight and the foot slightly above hip level. Feel the squeeze in the booty!  

Fire hydrants: On all fours. Lift your knee to the side as if you're a dog peeing on a fire hydrant. Clever, huh? ;)

Knee Circles: On all fours, make a big circle with your knee, keeping the leg bent. Try to keep the circle more towards the side and not the front of your body. 

Step Ups: With dumbbells in each hand, step up onto a elevated stair, bench, or chair. Step down, repeat on the same leg for desired reps before moving on to the other leg. 

Rear Lunge+Kick: Lunge backwards, then when you step up, kick out with that leg. 

Bulgarian Lunge: Preform a lunge with the back foot elevated on a chair. Make sure your front knee doesn't go past your toes! 

Have fun with this workout guys and tell me how it goes!!

What do you plan to do for working out this Thanksgiving?

Natalie