Comfort Zone...

I wanted to start off by thanking everyone for making me not feel like a freak for my OCD thing with walking. Either I am not a freak or I have found my peeps (all of you) in freakville! Either way, I feel more comfortable in my oddities! As for the walk yesterday, we went super fast. It was like we were walking with a vengeance. We don't keep track of the exact numbers, we just look at the clock when we go and check it when we get back. We actually had to mentally take it easy because both of us were getting sore shins. Don't get me wrong, we are walking to get some exercise, but at that point we should have just started running and neither of us wanted to do that. I think it was the conversation. We have so much going on that I think we were walking at the pace that our brains were going.

I know I have talked about coconut oil before, but I got some Nutiva Coconut Oil the other day and I LOVE it! It smells incredible and the consistency is so great to bake with! The other brand I used before was something that I had picked up at the International Market and it was completely different from this.

I kept it room temperature and it is really easy to scoop in a measuring cup. I think it looks like snow!

I roasted vegetables before with coconut, but this took it over the top. I roasted whole peeled carrots and frozen brussel sprouts the other day when we roasted a chicken for the boys.  I didn't think the boys would be into it, but they finished off the pans of vegetables! 

We actually ate this during the cleaning extravaganza on Saturday evening.  Honestly, there is nothing better than working your butt off on your house and then sitting down to an incredible comforting home cooked meal!

We were so busy that day that I didn't think about a protein to go along with my roasted vegetable medley.  Luckily, I had a stash of Hemp Seeds to go to.  I am really working on learning about different types of protein sources.  I love being able to enjoy the foods I love and get complete nutrition.  The illustrator tried some too and we thought they tasted a lot like sunflower seeds.  

There is a lot of good stuff in these little seeds! Tasty and nutritious...I am sold! I put them in my maple mixed nut and seed butter too!

The boys had a good meal too! Max (9) said the Brussel sprouts tasted a lot like a cross between broccoli and asparagus. I don't know if I was more shocked that he ate them and loved them or that he compared the flavor to other vegetables. This will tell you about our divided food family...Jay (11) would not touch the brussel sprouts with a 10 foot pole. You know, I might be trying to kill him with nutrition and deliciousness!

Oven Roasted Carrots or brussel Sprouts

6 large carrots (peeled) or medium bag of brussel sprouts

2 tsp coconut oil

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

Place the peeled carrots in roasting pan.  Rub the carrots with the coconut oil.  Cook for 35-45 minutes.

Sadly, the applesauce cobbler is gone, but the boys have already ordered up another one! I am more than happy to oblige!

Do you like trying something new with food or do you stick with your favorites?  Are you interested in learning about new foods that are loaded with nutrients or do you think it is just a fad?

Did you like vegetables as a kid?  I did, but no collards or okra or canned peas!