Feeding a Family

Since January Randy has worked really really hard at losing weight (Good Job Babes) he to date has lost over 75 lbs!!! I not so much since the birth of Bernadette I have only lost 20 lbs (that does not include the weight I gained with her of which was about 50 lbs so I guess technically I have lost as much as Randy has). Obviously we had to really change our diet to lose the weight we have.  We both bring our lunch to work more often and as a family we have eaten out a lot less than we used to.  Usually only once a week maybe only once every other week.  That is a huge change for us.  We were a family who usually only ate at home maybe two or three times a week.
We usually eat a lot of fresh or frozen veggies, whole grain carbohydrates and very little at that and lean proteins.  I never thought that whole shop for groceries on the outside of the grocery store would ever pertain to me but I can honestly say you will only find me on the inside of the aisles in the grocery store if I am in need of salsa or pickles.  Hey those are a huge staple in this house!!  I just only wish that with shopping on the outside of the grocery store was budget friendly but alas when you are trying to feed your family in a more healthy way being cost effective is not always your friend!!  We have done well with waste most especially on our left overs and wasting less protein.
I am so proud of us and how hard we are trying at feeding our family more healthy foods.
Here are a few of our favorite recipes that we enjoy eating since incorporating our lifestyle change.

Chicken with Mustard Cream Sauce
http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2012/02/chicken-with-mustard-cream-sauce/

Muffaletta Burgers (the lunch meat isn't healthy but the olive salad is homemade and to die for)
http://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2012/07/muffaletta-burgers-recipe.html

Broccoli Parmesan Fritters---the children absolutely loved these green pancakes!
http://smittenkitchen.com/2012/06/broccoli-parmesan-fritters/#more-8610

Garlic Roasted Zucchini-  We also love any kind of veggie roasted with a little balsamic vinegar YUM!
http://thegingeredwhisk.blogspot.com/2012/06/garlic-roasted-zucchini.html

Italian Cassoulet- This is a hit with the kiddos too.  Delish
http://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2012/05/italian-cassoulet-pork-sausage-broccolini-beans-recipe.html

Not the healthiest meal but also super tasty it just doesn't get eaten too often in this house anymore:
Pioneer Woman's Meatloaf
http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2010/09/my-favorite-meatloaf/

We have also enjoyed an Italian spinach soup I found on  allrecipes.com, a caprese chicken I found on Pinterest and a tomato bisque and last but not least carnitas with a homemade tomatillo sauce.

A few recipes I plan to try in the next few weeks

Cashew Chicken Curry

http://www.theparsleythief.com/2010/12/chicken-cashew-curry.html

Garden Zucchini Chicken Pizza

http://www.browneyedbaker.com/2011/08/26/garden-zucchini-pizza-casserole/

Tiny Italian Meatloaves

http://www.browneyedbaker.com/2007/08/20/itsy-bitsy-teenie-weenie/

And this little number that looks super tasty

Hot and Spicy Drip beef

http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2012/09/hot-spicy-italian-drip-beef/

Trying to feed your family more wholesome meals is no easy feat especially when your husband is low carbing it you are constantly trying to make sure that while he is decreasing his carb intake that the kiddos are still getting what they need but I can say this is the best and healthiest we have ever eaten and I enjoy it.  Randy and I  have always been adventurous eaters and we have slowly passed it on to our children.  Case in point at the fish fry's during lent while most children are eating the mac and cheese my children are devouring the shrimp cocktail and fish.  We love to try new foods and eat our colors in our veggies and fruits.  It's not always easy on our pocketbook shopping on the outside of the store but I have enjoyed our little journey into eating better.  Take a walk on the outside perimeter of your local grocery store sometime and imagine the possibilities of a life unprocessed...I dare ya!