• 1/2 cup ripe banana (about 1 small banana)
• 3/4 cup egg whites
• 1/2 cup plain low fat greek yogurt (I used plain Chobani yogurt)
• 3/4 cup oats (use gluten free if sensitive to gluten)
• 2 scoops vanilla protein powder (or any flavor you would like!)
• 12-14 packets stevia (or 1/2 cup sweetener of choice)
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray, or line with silicone or foil liners, (spray liners if using). 2. Place all of the ingredients in a blender, (or food processor), and blend until mixture is smooth. 3. Divide mixture evenly between 12 muffin tins. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until toothpick comes out clean.

Enjoy!  Love Katie

Servings: 12 (full size) muffins

Calories: 58 calories each (9 grams carbohydrates, 7 grams of protein, 2 grams of fiber, 1 gram of sugar each)

Weight Watchers Points Plus Value: 1 pp per muffin

And you certainly don’t have to stay away from food all-togther! The key is to bring your own healthy dish to pass, (and if it makes you feel ’strange’ you don’t even have to tell anyone it’s healthy!) These pizza pinwheels are sure to be a crowd pleaser with healthy eaters (and not-so healthy eaters) alike! It’s a great dish to pass, and can be made ahead of time, and re-heated in the microwave or oven just before serving.

It’s estimated that American’s consume an extra 1,000 calories per person on game day! These are certainly a much better snack choice than many of the high calorie dishes being passed during the big game!

Bring these Super Skinny Pizza Pinwheels to your Superbowl get together, and you can be sure to get the party started!

Ingredients:

• 1 package seamless crescent roll dough (*see note below)
• 1/2 cup pizza OR spaghetti sauce
• 1 tsp basil/oregano mix OR Italian seasoning blend
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 cup turkey pepperoni’s. sliced into quarters (or you could use mini turkey pepperonis)
• 1/8 cup Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

(*Note on seamless crescent dough: Pillsbury makes this product, but if you can’t find it, you can buy reduced fat crescent rolls, and use a rolling pin to seal the ’seams’ together)

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with foil, and spray with non-stick cooking spray.  Spread the dough out over the prepared baking sheet, gently pulling on all four corners of the dough to stretch the dough out a bit.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the sauce, seasonings, pepperoni, parmesan cheese, and mozzarella cheese. Spread mixture out over dough, spreading evenly with a spatula.
3. Starting at the long end of the dough, start rolling until dough is rolled into a long skinny log. Cut into eight even rolls.
4. Arrange the rolls swirl-side-up on the baking sheet, and bake for 15-17 minutes or until slightly golden brown. Serve warm with pizza sauce for dipping if desired!

Enjoy!  Love Katie

Servings: 8 pizza pinwheels

Calories: 115 calories each

Weight Watchers Points Plus: 4 pp per pizza pinwheel

This dip is loaded with melted cheese and spicy flavors, that are sure to win over any football crowd…And hey, no one has to know that it’s low calorie, and packed with protein!

Ingredients:

• 1/2 (8oz) package fat free cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup plain greek yogurt (or low fat sour cream)
• 1 1/2 tbs Spicy Ranch Dry Salad Dressing & Seasoning Mix (or the regular ranch dry mix will work)
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or blue cheese)
• 1/2 cup Franks RedHot Buffalo Wing Sauce (more or less depending on desired heat)
• 1 1/2 cup chicken, cooked and shredded (or pulled)

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a small baking dish with non-stick spray.
2. In a bowl, mix together the first 5 ingredients. Add the pulled chicken, and stir until well combined.
3. Spoon mixture into baking dish, and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until dip is warmed through and cheese is melted. Serve warm with baked chips, celery sticks, or other veggies!

Enjoy!  Love Katie

Servings: makes about 4 cups of dip

Calories: 47 calories for 1/4 cup serving

Weight Watchers Points Plus Value: 1 pp per serving

I took all the amazing things about pizza, (the sauce, the cheese, the pepperoni, the spices)….

And stuffed them in a chicken breast! This way you get all the flavors of a piece of pizza,the extra protein from the chicken, and none of the empty calories/carbs from the crust!

Ingredients:

• 1.25 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts, (or 4 chicken breasts), pounded thin
• 1/4 tsp salt and pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic
• 1 tsp italian blend
• 1/2 cup mozzarella
• 1/4 cup pizza (or pasta) sauce + 1/4 cup pizza sauce (for topping)
• 12 turkey pepperonis

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Prepare a baking sheet with foil, and spray with non-stick cooking spray (this makes for easy clean up!) Lay chicken out on prepared baking sheet.

2. To make the stuffing,  mix together mozzarella, pizza sauce, and seasonings in a small bowl.

3. Spread mixture out evenly over chicken breasts. Roll up each chicken breast, and place seam side down on baking sheet. Pour remaining pizza sauce over the top of the chicken breasts, and place 3 pepperonis on top of each chicken breast.

4. Bake for 30-35 min, or until chicken is cooked through, (when chicken is no longer pink in the middle).

Enjoy!  Love Katie

Servings: 4 stuffed chicken breasts

Calories: 180 per chicken breast

Weight Watchers Points Plus Value: 8pp per chicken breast

I’m not saying that I’m against listening to any music that isn’t Christian. However, I have found that in my own life, if I put things that glorify God in my heart, that is what tends to come out! So, that being said, I created a playlist of awesome workout songs with a really good beat to keep you motivated and energized while giving glory to Him…What could be better than that!?! Enjoy!!!

Also, this is just a short list of awesome Christian artists that I personally have discovered, but I know there are MANY more out there, so if you have any suggestions, leave a comment, I’d love to hear them!

The only problem that I found with my journaling was that there was no structure to it. When it comes to spending time with God is perfectly alright in many ways. However, I’m certainly a person that craves organization, and the one thing that I found was that it was very hard for me to find ‘certain’ journal entries when I went back to look for them.

If you’ve been following my Daily Dish posts, you know that I recently started going to a new church that just launched called, New Generations! It’s been amazing so far, and I am really growing in so many areas! One of which is in the area of performing for God. I have really struggled with this in my past, instead of just accepting His unconditional love and grace for me.

That being said, one of the best sermons that I’ve heard so far was my pastor’s teaching on self-feeding. He talked about a specific way of journaling called SOAP. He explained that this type of journaling has radically transformed the way he views spending time with God, and that it made him very excited to see what God was going to show him every day.  After seeing some of the benefits journaling has had in my own life, I was instantly intrigued!

img source: searchthebible.com

So, here’s how the SOAP method of journaling works…

After spending time in the Word I pray that God would lead me to a specific verse or portion of scripture. For me, that alone has been pretty amazing, because I’ve been finding that scriptures that I would have normally passed by seem to jump off the page at me! This is the scripture (or portion of scriptures) that I write down for the “S” in my journal.

The “O” is my observation of that verse, or how the Lord is bringing light to that verse for me.

Next, I spend a few minutes meditating on that scripture, and trust that the Holy Spirit is going to show me specifically how that scripture is applicable to my life, which is the “A” in my journal entry.

Last but not least is the “P” which stands for prayer. I take a moment and write out a prayer as it relates to what God has shown me that day.

Here’s a quick example of how a SOAP journal entry might look (Note: This is not an actual journal entry of mine):

S (Scripture): “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” ~Philippians 4:13

O (Observation): There is nothing that I can’t do with Christ living in me, because He gives me strength for anything that comes my way.

A (Application): Yesterday I was really doubting being able to accomplish the huge project I was working on, but I need to remember that the Word of God does not lie, and it says that I can do ALL things through Christ, and that means ALL things, even my project!

P (Prayer): “Lord please forgive me for relying on my own strength when trying to accomplish things. Ultimately I know that when I depend on myself I will be let down, and short circuit your strength and power working in me. Help me to remember this verse when I’m tempted to doubt my abilities, and help me to rely upon your strength. Help me to remember that you promised that I can do anything with your help! In Jesus Name, Amen.”

My walk with God has been impacted in so many ways since I started this type of journaling a few months ago.

Instead of having a thousand thoughts running through my mind after I spend time in the Word, I now find myself more focused, meditating on a specific Word for that day. It’s almost like I have a specific portion of scripture to chew, digest, and sustain me for the day….I guess that’s why it’s referred to as our daily bread!

It’s also improved my relationship with God because I am able to make clear connections to what He is speaking to me. I do this by titling each journal entry with a few key words that explain what He led me to that day. This allows me to easily back track to a particular scripture, and how it applies to me.

That way, when I find myself needing to be reminded of a specific promise, teaching, or word that He has shown me, I am able to flip right to it! This is also great when I’m trying to minister to other people, because I am able to look up a certain promises as they relate!

On that note, I want to add that there are many ways to go about journaling, and spending time in the Word of God, so I am not saying this is the only way to spend time meditating on the Word, or that it is necessarily what’s right for you. The Word of God is alive, powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword (Heb. 4:12). It will change your life no matter how you go about studying it! However, this is one way of really focusing on God’s promises, that has been powerful for me personally, so I thought I’d share it with all of you!!!

To read more on the ‘SOAP’ method of journaling, and to read other awesome devotionals written by my pastor, click here: NewGenerationsChurch.com/devotionals.

Also, if you currently journal while spending time with God, or you decide to try out the SOAP method, I’d love to hear about it!

These mini pizza’s make the perfect well balanced snack or meal! The refried beans serve as the ’sauce’ for these pizza’s, which also make them high in fiber! They are also packed with protein thanks to the ground turkey and cheese! So, the next time your Taco Bell cravings hit, remember these little Mexican Pizza’s! They’re so tasty, you’ll never believe they’re actually good for you!

Ingredients:

• 3-4 large whole wheat tortilla’s, or enough to cut out 12 small circles (I prefer low carb/high fiber tortillas)
• 1 cup lean ground turkey, cooked (OR lean ground beef OR 1 cup Morning Star Meatless Crumbles)
• 1/2 cup salsa of choice (I used one with corn)
• 2 tsp dry taco seasoning
• 1/2 cup low fat refried beans
• 1/2 cup low fat shredded mexican blend or 2% cheddar cheese
• Optional Toppings: sliced black olives, shredded lettuce, low fat sour cream, chopped tomatoes

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Spray a 12 count muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Start by laying each tortilla out individually on a flat surface, and use an empty can, glass cup, or cookie cutter to cut 3-4 medium circles out of each wrap.
3. Press each wrap circle into muffin tin using your fingers. (Note: it doesn’t have to cover the entire side of the tin, it should just fit snuggly!)
4. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix together the ground meat, salsa, taco seasoning, and refried beans. Stir until well combined.
5. Scoop 1/8th cup of meat mixture into each wrap.

6. Top with shredded cheese, (dividing evenly between each pizza), and olives if desired.

7. Bake in pre-heated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until cheese is melted.

8. Wait for mini Mexican pizzas to cool, and remove from muffin tin using a fork or knife. Pizza’s should pop out with ease!

Serve with a side of salsa, low fat sour cream, chopped tomatoes, and/or shredded lettuce if desired!

Enjoy!  Love Katie

Servings: 12 mini mexican pizza’s

Calories: 60 calories each

Weight Watchers Point Plus Value: 1 pizza: 2pp,  2 pizza’s: 3pp, 3 pizza’s: 5pp

In reality, my holiday season started November 1st, because to me, the season isn’t long enough, and our local radio station starts playing Christmas music the moment November hits! I just love Christmas music because most of it glorifies God, and they play it all everywhere including the mall, so it’s no wonder everyone’s in a good mood!

We decorated our tree the weekend after Thanksgiving, which is the moment that it truly begins to feel like Christmas to me!

I was blessed to be able to go to a few shows this Christmas season, including The Nutcracker Ballet with my mom and sisters…It was beautiful!

We also saw Cirque de Sole’s Christmas show, called ‘Cirque Dreams’. I saw it with my whole family, which was so awesome! I highly recommend any of the Cirque shows!

I did lots of baking this season…Which is clearly reflected in my 12 Days of Christmas!

And of course we did lot’s of fun festivities like decorating cookies…

And we shared and enjoyed many of the Dashing Dish Delights!

I hosted a Chobani giveaway, which I must say is the perfect ingredient for healthy snacking and baking!

I did lots of shopping…(Yes I braved the malls, because I don’t trust buying things like clothes online!)

I scrapbooked with my friends…

And hosted 2 holiday parties. One of them being a gingerbread house competition party!

Here I was looking focused! Clearly I was in it to win it!

And the judging began…A very serious matter!

Sean and my house came in 2nd! Not bad if i do say so myself!

The second party I hosted was an ornament decorating party! It was so fun!

And of course the snacks were healthy (and delicious!)

One of the greatest highlights of the Christmas season was the gift giveaway at our church!

We gave gifts away to kids in the whole community! It was a truly tangible display of God’s great love!

Christmas Eve was spent with my family at my Aunt’s house….A Christmas Eve tradition that I always look forward to!

I was really lacking in pictures this year, I didn’t get any with my older sister Sarah, my dad or Sean!

But I managed to grab one of my Aunt Lorrie, such an amazing woman who has the biggest heart for Jesus!

She is also one of the most inspirational bakers I know! Look at her beautiful cookies!

I brought my brownie peppermint trifle..One of my favorite recipes of 2011!

We spent time with family catching up, and doing our yearly gift exchange!

Then we went home, lit the tree and went to bed in anticipation for the morning!

Honestly, the most exciting time for me is waking up  on Christmas morning and preparing breakfast before everyone wakes up! We were all so hungry I didn’t even grab pictures of the food! We had a french toast casserole, pancakes, bacon, and an egg frittata!

Then we opened gifts, and spent time watching old family videos…Oh what memories!

At about 4 o’clock we went to Sean’s family’s house to celebrate with them! My in-laws got me my all-time favorite gift…this beauty!

And before we knew it, New Year’s Eve was upon us! My sisters Sean and I started the night at an authentic Mexican restaurant!

I got Chicken Fajita’s! So good!

We then went to watch the ball drop (on TV of course…We are in Michigan after all!) and we went to this really neat place to do so, where they let 100’s of ballons drop at midnight!

I had my sweetie there to ring in the New Year…And now we are looking forward to the good things in store for 2012!

We made some long and short term goals for the year, and we are very excited for what God has in store! After all, He has plans for a hope and a future for YOU and ME! So let’s get excited…He’s a pretty awesome planner!

When I got married, I only asked my mom for a few specific recipes of hers, one of them being the meatloaf she made us when we were growing up. You can imagine how surprised I was when I read the recipe card titled, “Martha Stewart Meatloaf!” Oh my, all along, it was Martha’s recipe….But, that was all right with me,  because having my busy mom cook for us while we were little means more to me than if Martha herself stood cooking a meal in our kitchen!

This recipe was inspired by Martha’s wonderfully famous meatloaf, but I re-created it into a much healthier version. I also made them ‘mini’ so they are great for on-the-go meals, and are kid-friendly, (and hey…It’s great for portion control too!)  I hope you enjoy the healthy spin on this melt in your mouth meatloaf as much as my family and I do!

Ingredients:

• 2 slices light whole grain bread, torn into pieces (or gluten free bread or ezekiel bread)
• 1.25 pounds lean ground turkey or lean ground beef
• 1/2 cup carrots, peeled
• 3/4 cup red bell pepper
• 1/4 cup white onion
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup ketchup (I used low sugar Heinz ketchup)
• 1 tsp mustard
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/8 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbs BBQ sauce
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

For the Topping:

• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1 tbs BBQ sauce
• 1/2 tsp mustard

Method:

1. Heat oven to 375 degrees. Spray a 12 cup muffin tin with non-stick spray, or line with silicone muffin cups. Place bread in food processor and pulse until the bread is the texture of fine crumbs. Transfer bread crumbs to a medium bowl, and mix with ground meat.
2. Place carrots, onion and red pepper in the food processor and pulse until the veggies are finely chopped. Add veggies to meat and bread mixture, using your hands to mix well. Add egg, ketchup, mustard, salt, pepper, BBQ sauce, and garlic powder. Use hands to combine mixture thoroughly. Divide mixture among 12 muffin tins, (or place in a loaf pan for traditional meatloaf.)
3. For the topping, combine ketchup, BBQ sauce, and mustard  in a small bowl, and stir until combined.
4. Brush mixture over each individual meatloaf, and place muffin tin in the oven. Cook until a meat thermometer inserted in the center reads 160 degrees, or until the meat is no longer pink in the center of the muffins, which takes about 35-45 minutes. If the tops get too dark, cover with foil, and continue baking.

Enjoy!  Love Katie

Servings: 12 mini meatloaf’s

Calories: 86 per meatloaf

Weight Watchers Points Plus Value: 2 pp per meatloaf