Milk Jug Greenhouse Gardening

Spring is here. Yay sorta... where I live and that means its mostly just winter temps and a lot of rain with a few nice days sprinkled here and there. This is not ideal for young seedlings... UNLESS... you do it in milk jugs. Yep Milk Jugs.  Best part, you can even start plants in winter - yes outside. 

Step 1

Rinse out your empty milk jug. Really any food grade clear or semi clear plastic container will work. Milk jugs are nice because they are wide and relatively easy to cut.

Step 2

Cut almost all the way around the jug about half way up - leave a hinge attached by the handle - about 2 inches.

Step 3

Poke drainage holes in the bottom. 4-5 should do it. You can poke 1-2 on the sides about a 1/2 - 1 inch up incase you get a ton of rain for extra drainage but I don't.

Step 4

Thoroughly wet your seed starting soil. Then fill the bottom half of your jug with your wet seed starting mix. 

Step 5

Place your seeds. You can do more than you would think in a jug because you will be transplanting these out eventually.

Step 6

Label your jug inside and out.

Step 7

Tape (I recommend some form of water resistant tape - duct tape works well) the top back on the bottom creating a decent seal for your jug.

Step 8 

Remove the milk cap - Yes rain and snow will get in there - that is ok. It also will provide ventilation for your seedlings.

Step 9

Place outside in a south facing semi sheltered location and let the magic happen.

Step 10

Once you have past your last frost date AND your seedlings have at least 2-3 true leaves, you can transplant your seedlings into the ground or pots outside. You won't have to harden off your seedlings because they are already used to the fluctuating temps and elements saving you the work of bringing them back and forth / in and out. 

They are ready to thrive. 

Things to consider:

• Check your seedlings about once a week for progress. (Lets be real you and I both know you are going to check them way more often than that LOL)
• These are really low maintenance. You usually don't have to re-water, but if there is no moisture on the sides, give your baby plants a drink. 
• If the temps are pretty warm or it's really sunny you will want to un-tape the jugs to vent so the seedlings don't scorch.
• Some varieties can be started in winter. Anything that is relatively cold hardy will do great, especially if those seeds need stratification. (brassicas, onions seeds do really well, parsley, cilantro) 
• Other varieties of heat loving plants would do better to start a little later (tomatoes, peppers and so on)
• You can usually get a good amount of milk jugs from coffee shops. If you call them in the morning and ask them to save you a bag of them, most will. You can get about 20+ jugs in a day this way for free. Make sure to rinse them out first.
• I recommend keeping a gardening journal to track what went well, what plants you tried and when you started them.

Taco Salad-in-a-jar

 

Fiesta Taco Salad-in-a-jar with Creamy Avocado + Cilantro Dressing

The ULTIMATE in grab-n-go meals for your week ahead!

These salad jars are stacked with flavors, textures, and energy boosting nutrients!

This recipe requires a bit more prep and ingredients…but it’s SO worth it!

ngredients

For the Homemade Creamy Avocado + Cilantro Dressing:

• 1 medium ripe avocado 
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped 
• 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 Tbsp fresh lime juice 
• 3 Tbsps extra virgin olive oil 
• 1 clove fresh garlic, peeled
• 1/4 tsp sea salt 
• 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper 
• 1/4 cup cold water

For the Grass Fed Beef or Ground Turkey and Black Bean Filling:

• 15 ounces black beans, rinsed and drained if using canned 
• 1 lb ground grass-fed beef, or turkey, browned, and well seasoned with the following:
• 1/2 Tbsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp each of chili powder, onion powder, granulated garlic, paprika, and turmeric. 
• Add sea salt and fresh black pepper if desired.
• Adjust to taste I always add more seasonings at the end if desired.

For the Roasted Corn:

• 1 tbsp avocado or olive oil 
• 1/2 diced green bell pepper
• 1/2 diced red bell pepper
• 4-6 ounces diced, roasted green chilies
• 2 corn cobs  or 1 cup frozen corn

Instructions

From the Bottom of the jar, going up:

1. 2 Tbsps creamy avocado + cilantro dressing in the very bottom of each jar
2. 6-8 grape tomatoes 
3. 1/3 cup of seasoned ground turkey and black bean (directions below)
4. 3 Tbsps fresh roasted corn, peppers, and green chile mixture
5. 6 halved black olives 
6. 3 Tbsps of fresh diced red, yellow & orange baby bell peppers 
7. 1 Tbsp grated all-natural cheddar cheese
8. 2 good handfuls of torn green lettuce leaves at the very top

Dressing Instructions:

1. Place all your dressing ingredients into a food processor or high-speed blender.
2. Process until smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides.
3. Thin out the salad dressing out with about 1/4 cup cold water (more or less) just until you get your desired consistency.
4. Keeps well in an airtight container for 1 week, refrigerated. Makes 6-8 servings of dressing.

Filling Instructions:

Makes enough for 6-8 salad jars

1. Remove cooked, and seasoned meat mixture from pan, allow to cool, then place in a bowl add black beans and gently stir to combine.
2. Using a cast iron skillet heat 1 Tbsp of avocado, or olive oil, then add in this order 1/2 diced green bell pepper, 1/2 of a diced red bell pepper saute for 2 minutes add the corn cut and removed from 2 cobs and 4-6 ounces diced roasted green chilies.
3. Saute all together for 3-4 minutes on a med-high heat...don't over roast this mixture, you want it firm.
4. Assemble your salad jars in the order first mentioned above.
5. These stay well for 3-4 days, sealed well in the refrigerator.

7 Taco Recipes Under 310 Calories

Steak Tacos with Red Peppers and Onions

Steak lovers are in for a treat with these hearty tacos made with seasoned beef, sautéed peppers and onions, and fresh cilantro. Get the recipe.

Shrimp Tacos

These mildly spicy shrimp tacos get flavor from cumin and chili powder and are topped with lots of fresh veggies. Get the recipe.

Chicken Tacos

Even though these simple chicken tacos taste like delicious comfort food, they have only 248 calories and 6 grams of fat per serving. It’s OK to add shredded lettuce or cabbage and salsa! Get the recipe.

Crunchy Spicy Shredded Pork Tacos with Pineapple Salsa

These are a real crowd-pleaser. Sweet pineapple and crunchy radishes go perfectly with tender, slow-cooked pork loin in these mouthwatering tacos. Impress your family with these gourmet tacos that are surprisingly easy to make. Get the recipe.

Chipotle Vegan Tacos

Keep it fresh with these chipotle-spiced tacos wrapped in cabbage leaves instead of tortillas. They are low in carbs, and with only 166 calories per serving, they’ll keep you feeling light. Get the recipe.

Mexi-Cal Tacos

These versatile tacos are made with tofu, but feel free to swap in your favorite protein. They feature a lime and cilantro sauce and fresh salsa that can be as spicy or mild as you like. Get the recipe.

Black Bean and Veggie Tostadas

Top a baked whole wheat tostada with black beans and other veggies to get a filling, fiber-packed meal! Substitute pinto or kidney beans if you prefer them. Get the recipe.

Author: Kirsten Morningstar

15 Healthy Breakfast Ideas

Here are some healthy breakfast options:

If you’re looking for a healthy breakfast, you’ve come to the right place. Because, as tempting as croissants and donuts and bagels are… let’s face it, most of the time it would be awfully tough to call them “healthy.”

But, that doesn’t mean you should be stuck eating plain oatmeal or egg whites every morning for breakfast either. There’s a happy middle ground filled with quick, easy breakfast ideas that will make your stomach and your taste buds happy.

What Is a Healthy Breakfast?

A healthy breakfast is a balanced breakfast. According to Beachbody’s Senior Director of Nutrition, Denis Faye, M.S., a balanced breakfast is “one that has a mix of carbs, protein, and fat.” That mix can vary a little depending on your needs and goals. “If your goal is to stay satiated, you may benefit by upping the protein and leaning more toward eggs, Greek yogurt, or a protein drink like Shakeology as a part of your breakfast,” says Faye. “On the other hand, if you’re working out within an hour or so or you’re super active and burn through a lot of calories every day, you might try a breakfast higher in carbs. Waffles, anyone?”

Protein-based breakfast foods include: Eggs, Shakeology, meat, tofu, and yogurt.
Carb-based breakfast foods include: Oatmeal and other grain-based foods such as whole-grain pancakes, muffins, and waffles.

15 Healthy Breakfasts

Carb-Based Breakfast Options

1. Slow Cooker Banana Bread Oatmeal
Set and forget this slow cooker breakfast made with steel-cut oats, bananas, flaxseed and spices, and in the morning you’ll wake up to a fiber-rich meal. Portion Fix containers: 1 Purple, 2 Yellows, ½ Blue, ½ Orange

2. Whole Wheat Waffles
Just because you’re eating healthy doesn’t mean you can’t have waffles. Because a world without waffles… just no. This recipe is a pretty classic waffle recipe with whole wheat flour swapped for standard all-purpose flour, but the addition of flax seed takes its healthy factor up that extra notch. Make them ahead, freeze, and pop one in the toaster when the waffle craving strikes. Portion Fix containers: 2 Yellows, 1½ tsp.

3. Baked Oatmeal Cups with Raisins and Walnuts
Oatmeal cups are a great grab and go breakfast and the carb-forward cousin of the egg bites below. Like with those, make a dozen ahead of time and heat up in the morning before going to work. Portion Fix containers: ½ Purple, 1 Yellow, ½ Blue

4. Apple Cinnamon Protein Pancakes
With 13 grams of protein per serving, these could technically fall into the high-protein breakfast selections below. Either way, they’re light and delicious. Portion Fix containers: ½ Purple, ½ Red, ½ Yellow

5. Slow Cooker Steel-Cut Oatmeal with Apples and Cinnamon
One of my favorite oatmeal recipes is apples and cinnamon, but this slow cooker recipe takes it to the next level with steel-cut oats and a touch of maple syrup. It’s worth the wait. Portion Fix containers: ½ Purple, 2½ Yellow

6. Multi-Grain Banana Pancakes
Warm, fluffy pancakes. Yes please. If you don’t tell anyone these pancakes are healthy, I won’t. At 280 calories and 10 grams of protein, these could easily become a weekend staple. Did someone say brunch? Portion Fix containers: 3 Yellows

7. Blueberry Banana Blender Muffins
It might sound bananas to make muffins in a blender, but it works! For these, we added a little Greek yogurt to the recipe to up the protein content of this healthy breakfast. Portion Fix containers: ½ Purple, 1 Yellow, ½ Blue

High-Protein Breakfast Options

1. Mozzarella and Egg White Breakfast Sandwich
Raise your hand if you want the best cheesy, eggy, healthy breakfast sandwich! For even more melty cheesy goodness, pop it in the toaster oven or microwave. Portion Fix containers: ½ Red, 2 Yellow, ½ Blue

2. Cinnamon Roll Shakeology
A freshly baked cinnamon roll from a bakery will set you back around 500 calories. Mostly of fat and sugar. Avoid the sugar high and get the taste of a cinnamon roll in this healthy Shakeology smoothie that has 17 grams of protein. Portion Fix containers: ½ Yellow, 1 Red

3. Goat Cheese, Tomato, and Parsley Scramble
If you want to load up on protein but not calories, this egg white scramble will do the trick. Can’t stand goat cheese? Swap it out for any of the other Portion Fix or 21 Day Fix-approved cheeses. Portion Fix containers: ½ Green, 1 Red, ½ Blue, 1 tsp.

4. Yogurt Berry Parfait
You could get one of this quick breakfasts at the drive-thru, but it’s actually faster (and healthier) to make it yourself at home. Also, do you really want to deal with traffic while waiting for breakfast? I think not. Portion Fix containers: ½ Purple, 1 Red, ½ Yellow

5. Egg White Breakfast Burrito
For an easy, healthy breakfast on the go, make these egg white breakfast burritos ahead of time and store them in the freezer. Then in the morning, heat one up, add salsa if desired, wrap in foil, and go. Portion Fix containers: ½ Green, 1½ Yellow, ½ Red, 3 Tbsp.

6. Double Berry Shakeology
Blend ice, raspberries, and almond milk together for a healthy, simple Shakeology smoothie that adds 18 grams of protein to your breakfast. Portion Fix containers: 1 Purple, 1 Red, ½ Yellow

7. Super Green Egg Cups
Whether you call these egg bites or egg cups, these portable healthy breakfasts are easy to make ahead of time — bake 12 at once in a muffin pan — and grab in the morning on your way out the door. Portion Fix containers: ½ Green, 1 Red

8. Mexican Tofu Breakfast Scramble
Last, but definitely not least this is one of the best breakfast scrambles you have yet to try. Made with onion, bell peppers, beans, and turmeric, it’s a great weekend breakfast. Or, chop the ingredients ahead of time and stir fry it together in the AM. Portion Fix containers: 1 Green, 1 Yellow, ½ Red, 1 Blue

Not familiar with Portion Fix? Find out how Portion Fix can make losing weight simple.v

Korean Beef & Sending a Meal to Someone

When I had my babies one of the things that helped the most was meals prepared by other people. You know the kind that don't require you to return dishes to people (and remember who gets what dishes) are easy to get ready and serve. The fewer the dishes to wash the better.

There are actually many times a prepared meal can be helpful and in my experience these are not the times people want to entertain visitors; no matter how much you want to sit and chat. Be respectful of their needs and know it is not the time to entertain you; I don't care how cute the baby is.  In these instances ding-dong-drop-off-&-ditch is usually best.

Also note, try to be respectful of their cultural, religious, medical, or dietary restrictions if you can. 

Times when a prepared meal can be helpful:

• after the birth of a baby 
• after an adoption/foster placement of a child (I see you! Well done!)
• after a surgery
• during an illness
• after the loss of a loved one
• moving (moving is hard work and stressful)
• Major life events of change
• Just because you want to share the love

So that said, here is a great meal to make for yourself, your family, a friend or a loved one. My sister made this particular recipe for me and it was a huge hit in my house. So much so that when I had my second baby and she asked "What can I do to help?" I instantly replied "Make me more Korean Beef!" (she did!) After that I had to get the recipe and she did share it with me. I was thrilled with how simple it was to make. The nearest grocery store & my pantry had everything I needed.

KOREAN BEEF

Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef or ground turkey (either tastes great)
• 3 garlic cloves minced
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 2 cups hot cooked white or brown rice
• sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

1. In a small bowl whisk brown sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, red pepper flakes and pepper. Set aside.
2. In a large skillet add 1 Tbsp of vegetable oil. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute while stirring. Add the ground beef and cook the ground beef and garlic breaking it into crumbles over medium heat until no longer pink.
3. Pour sauce over the ground beef and let simmer for another minute or two.
4. Serve over hot rice and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.

Options: 

I like to add any combination of the following vegetables for texture. You can add them to the meat while in the skillet and cook them to tender crisp before adding the sauce.

* sugar snap peas

* snow peas 

* broccoli florets

This dish freezes really well too. So if you are inclined to make a meal for someone after a baby/surgery/funeral this is a great option. Just let them know it will need to thaw prior to warming. You can also purchase ready made rice in pouches that just need to be microwaved which can be nice if you are preparing this for someone else.