Healthy Meal Planning Simplified with #PlateJoy

This year, one of my resolutions (ok, more like goal) is to start eating healthier, so I can lose some unwanted pounds.  Like many, I know and have been told, that they way to do this is to eat  healthy (lean meats, fish, fruits & veggies.)  I KNOW THIS!  But putting it into action and actually planning this out, can seem like a chore...especially if you're on a budget.

There's this meal planning subscription plan, Plate Joy, that makes all of this so simple and easy.  I mean, it literally takes your answers and applies the meals, ingredients you need and creates a list for you.  No more guessing at what you SHOULD be buying, when it comes to healthy meals, but what you actually NEED, without any additional waste when it comes to food.

By joining Plate Joy, you will be asked questions, based on you tastes, health goals, family size, schedule and more.  Plate Joy will then create customized meals for you, that will simplify your life and keep you sticking to your New Years Resolution.  Your digital pantry at Plate Joy keeps track of the ingredients you already have on hand and pair your recipes together, to help reduce waste.

I found that this site (and app) was SO EASY to use and understand.  PlateJoy knew exactly what meals I liked, based on the answers I gave to PlateJoy.  They narrowed it down so I would get the best meal plans and recipes that suited ME! 

You will get recipes that fit your busy (or not so busy) schedule for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snack...or...pick the meals that you only need. You can change the number of meals each week, to fit your schedule.  What's so great about PlateJoy is, you get optional-same day deliver, with no packaging and no subscriptions!  PlateJoy integrates with local stores in your town, so you can get optional delivery - without 
the boxes of dry ice.

Why Should You Join PlateJoy?

*Family Friendly

*Batch Cooking

*Slow Cooker Meals

*Budget Friendly

*Low Carb

*Paleo

*Low Sodium

*Weight Loss

*Vegan

*Vegetarian

*Keto

*Whole30

*Food Allergies

AND...with all of this, you will have access to all your plans on the go. Your recipes are sent straight to your phone, so you can easily access them when doing your grocery shopping for your NEW YOU!

I  have already implemented some of these recipes (breakfast is so easy with the meals I've chosen!)  Just look at the Breakfast Bento with Crackers, mozzarella and hard boiled egg I've had (minus the crackers since I'm trying to do somewhat of a low carb) and the Feta and Avocado Egg Scramble that I created!

Some of my meals are: Feta and Avocado Egg Scramble, Cajun Spiced Cauliflower and Pork Hash, BLT Egg Salad with Avocado, Mini Pizza with Spinach and Cheese, Make Ahead Spinach Scramble Quesadillas, Crunchy Chicken Tenders with Herbed Yougurt Dip plus much much more.  

PlateJoy is a great way to keep your New Years Resolution! And now...YOU CAN GET $15 OFF ANY SUBSCRIPTION.  JUST USE THE CODE: JOY2018 AT CHECKOUT. As a reminder...Please, please check out https://dealspotr.com/go/KL2Uo as PlateJoy periodically changes the coupon code.

Go directly to PlateJoy here: https://dealspotr.com/go/KL2Uo

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12 Qt. Stainless Steel Steam Control Stockpot

One of my all time favorites at home, is my kitchen.  When I say my kitchen, I mean my appliances, kitchen gadgets, blenders and cookware.  I am a freak when it comes to new kitchenware!  

The pot shown here, is the 12 Qt. Stainless Steel Steam Control Stockpot.  This 12 qt stockpot is a 3 gallon size and has riveted handles that are heat, cold and detergent resistant!  I love a pot where I don't have to worry about burning my hands on the handles!

The handles are very sturdy and very well attached to the pot.  It has a steam control valve, on the top of the lid, to minimize moisture, while cooking, steaming, etc.  Open the valve of the on the lid and when you hear the pot begin to whistle, turn your heat down between low to medium.  It's best to always cook your food on low to medium and never on high heat.

Before using this pot, it is recommended to wash the pot in sudsy warm water. The pot may contain oils from the manufacturer and if not washed, may turn the inside of the pot brown, therefore, making it hard to clean afterwards.  This pot has a lifetime guarantee, which is one think I love when it comes to kitchen ware!

You can purchase your 12 Qt. Stainless Steel Steam Control Stockpot, HERE!

Link to Steam Control Stainless Steel Stockpot:
https://www.amazon.com/Steam-Control-12-Quart-Surgical-Stainless-Steel/dp/B000N4M1X2/ref=sr_1_1?m=A2D4DW0NZBLRX4&s=merchant-items&ie=UTF8&qid=1466191211&sr=1-1&keywords=KTSP5


***I received a complimentary product, in exchange, for my honest and unbiased review.  All opinions expressed are 100% my own.

Slow Cooker Recipes for Beginners Book & Giveaway!

If you've been following my blog, I not only do product reviews, but love to try and post new and tried recipes.  I am always looking for something different to make for supper and that's why I was thrilled to be offered the Slow Cooker Recipes for Beginners Cookbook.

The Slow Cooker Recipes for Beginners Cookbook features 55 fast and easy slow cooker recipes to lose weight, that any beginner would love.  I received the Kindle e-book version and found that there were many many recipes I can't wait to try.  The Slow Cooker Recipes for Beginners is an easy, step-by-step guide to preparing and enjoying healthy and scrumptious meals without the hassle.

Some of the recipes you will find in this book include: Veggie Chili, Spicy Beef Stew, Ratatouille, Mexican Meatballs, Chocolate Mousse and Cheesecake...Yes, that's right...Cheesecake!  

If you are the type of person who loves modern food, but classic, then this cookbook is for you.  I love cookbooks, and I especially love a cookbook that is geared toward using my slow cooker!  This cookbook should be an addition to any cookbook collection and is a must have!

You can grab your cookbook over at Amazon.  The best part of getting this right now, over at Amazon....is that the Kindle Price is $0.00!!!! What are you waiting for?  Head on over there TODAY before this offer ends!



a Rafflecopter giveaway

***I received this product, free, in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.  All opinions are 100% my own.  Regardless, I only recommend products I personally  use myself.

Foodie Friday- Mexican Meatballs (Slow cooker)

Good Morning everyone!  Today is Foodie Friday and today we are doing something simple...Mexican Meatballs, the slow cooker way.  Anytime I can use my slow cooker, I do. I do.  It's easy, convenient and saves a lot of time in the kitchen.  You can vary this recipe to your liking.  If you prefer spaghetti sauce instead of Salsa...go ahead and substitute.  Try your hands at different ways of preparing and you may come up with your own version of the Mexican Meatballs.

INGREDIENTS:
1 lb ground beef
1/2 lb ground chicken (or you can use turkey or pork, ground)
1 1/4 tsp Cumin
1 Tbs flour
1/4 cup cilantro (chopped)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup onion, chopped
1 egg, beaten
1 jar salsa (28 oz)

Mix everything, except the salsa, in a bowl.  Shape into 14-16 meatballs.  Place in slow cooker and cook for 6-8 hours on low.  Drain fat from slow cooker and pour the jar of salsa over the meatballs.  

SERVE WITH: 

Guacamole
pico de galo
pasta of choice



What is your favorite meatball recipe?  Do you have a different take on this recipe?  I would love to hear it.

Foodie Friday

Today, I am starting a theme...A Foodie Friday Theme.  Each week, on Fridays, I want to incorporate some type of food or beverage recipe, with a possible side dish suggestions to pair up with your meal.

Today's Foodie Friday recipe is Southwestern Chops.  Excellent side dishes: Garlic Mashed Potatoes and salad of choice ( I prefer Caesar-to keep it on the light side).  

Ingredients:
4-5 Pork chops ( I like the thin, fat trimmed)
1 can whole kernel corn
1 can black beans
small chopped onion
1 can rotel or diced tomatoes w/green chiis
1 Tbs Chili Powder
1 tsp Garlic Powder
Lime juice

Start by trimming your Pork chops, if not already trimmed.  Place in chops in crock pot.  Empty the cans of whole kernel corn and black beans into the crock pot.  Add The chopped onion, Salsa and all the seasonings to crock pot and mix around on top of the chops. Cook on Medium heat for approximately 2 to 2 1/2 hours or until chops are done to your liking.

Top your chops with a few drops of Lime juice and enjoy!  Simple and Easy!

Slow Cooker Apple Cobbler Dessert

It's been awhile since I've posted a slow cooker recipe.  Now, since it's that time of the year, when you want a delicious sweet comfort food for the winter, this slow cooker Apple Cobbler will sure be a hit.  Top the Apple Cobbler with whipped cream or better yet, Vanilla ice cream and you'll have a dessert your whole family will enjoy.

Ingredients:
4 cups, cored and sliced
Sugar
Lemon juice
Cinnamon
biscuit dough
Vanilla Ice Cream or Whipped topping

PREP TIME: 35-40 minutes
COOK TIME: 3.5 hours

Start by coring and slicing your apples.  Place them in a bowl of lemon juice to prevent browning. (this is optional, but it will keep your fruit looking fresh and pretty).

Toss your apples in some sugar and cinnamon, to sweeten them up a bit.

Place the apples into your slow cooker and cover with the biscuit dough.

Turn your slow cooker on low.

Cook for 3.5 hours or until fruit is bubbly and dough is done.  DO NOT uncover the pot for at least 2.5 to 3 hours.  The steam and  heat is what cooks the cobbler.  

Serve with Vanilla Ice Cream or whipped topping.