Jumpity Jump Jump Jump

So lately I've been trying to cook healthier. I only have a few more pounds to lose until I'm back to my prepegnancy weight. The Holidays slowed me down a bit. Because I choose to nurse Madison, I cannot diet, but I can eat better to benefit both of us. My biggest challenge when It comes to eating healthier, isn't really me, it's Matt! He's so picky! I usually am pretty good about hiding vegetables in Matt's food, but recently I switched most of our lean ground beef for even leaner ground turkey.

So far, Turkey Meatloaf is WAY better than regular ground beef.
1. Because it's not as filling so you don't feel like exploding after one serving
2. The taste is far better
3. Way less fat

I chop up all sorts of veggies as small as I can. Carrots, celery, onions and some minced garlic. Usually stick whatever appropriate veggies I have on hand and bell peppers work too. Matt would never eat any of these veggies if they were big enough for him to pick out or taste too strongly. that's why meatloaf is an easy way to get him to eat some veggies because he's a total Meat lover.

There's tons of great recipes online that call for all sorts of things, I never go by recipes specifically, I sort of just get ideas from them. I usually put in whatever I'm in the mood for. I NEVER ADD KETCHUP, for some reason Ketchup and meatloaf always sounds gross to me.

I added the ground turkey, egg, breadcrumbs, spices, and sauces (commonly Worcestershire) plus a tablespoon or two of tomato paste.

A trick I use is sticking the two heels of a bread loaf (since everyone in my household hates them) on the bottom of the pan to absorb the fats and oils.

I preheat the oven and stick that puppy in for an hour or so at about 350 degrees. I always use a meat thermometer for everything! The thought of undercooked food freaks me out, and I hate food that gets to dry from cooking it too long, so my meat thermometer is basically the most used tool in my kitchen. I recommend one to anyone who cooks or bbq's, you can get one for like 9 bucks at walmart.

Then I go play video games or chill out with my husband while I wait. the cool thing about the meat thermometer is that you can leave it in the meat, and keep the digital display on the outside of the oven. it will sound off when the meat is fully cooked to the right temp. about 15 mins or before it's done, I put a very thin layer (like 3 tablespoons) of BBQ sauce (I like Jack Daniels) because like I said, I hate ketchup.

For sides I made some mashed garlic red potatoes. I leave the skin on and mash it really well so Matt doesn't take them out (they're the best part for you). And since the meat loaf and potatoes are kind of heavy, a little green salad with feta and light house Italian dressing fits well.

A cool book a purchased recently was Cook this Not That. It's a pretty interesting book. I don't take EVERYTHING it says to heart (or kitchen) because some of it's recommendations compromise flavor for just a gram or 2 of fat, or like 20 calories. But basically it gives to the general idea of what big of a difference cooking at home makes from eating out. It has some awesome recipe ideas for things you can cook that are similar or better than what you can eat at popular restaurants.

Another cool cook book I want to get is

Matt usually will LOVE something I make until I tell him what's in it. He hates vegetables and fruits with a passion. (I have no idea why, I think it's all in his head). this book has all sorts of tricks to get guys to eat their vegetables. Catchy name too. :)