Sneaky broccoli, mixed veggies, and tuna

Sneaky Veggies! Sometimes, I almost have to even fool myself. LOL I try to encourage myself to "play around" with food and therefore eat healthier. 

I cooked the rice and frozen veggies together in a rice cooker. I chopped usual onions, etc. to add to tuna. I also chopped a little bit of fresh broccoli to sneak in a little more nutrition.

Thank you for viewing my blog.

*I realize my choice of food or method of preparation may not be suitable for everyone. I do this blog for medical purposes, my choice.  I share my quick, easy tips to encourage people that do not feel like cooking all day but needs to eat healthy.

09102013

Microwave baked fish and potatoes, with sliced tomato

Microwave baked fish and potatoes, with sliced tomato. 

As you know, I am all about easy, fast cooking. I am not able to stand in the kitchen stirring things all day. Nothing against those that are interested in gourmet cooking, the longer route around.

I simply placed:

1 piece of fish in glass container 

1 or 2 white or red potatoes, cut in pieces and placed in same container as fish

Added some chopped some green onion and sweet, green pepper, and black pepper

 Topped the glass container with saran wrap (punch a few holes in saran wrap with a fork)

Bake in microwave for about 9 minutes

Test to see that fish flakes easily

Slice tomato, add pepper and other spices of your choice, and serve.

One thing I like about this is that it is not messy, using a lot of containers, and it is quick, easy, healthy (for me), and delicious.

Thank you for viewing my blog and please feel free to share.

I do this blog to keep a diary of things I do prepare, my choice--for medical reasons and to share ideas with other people that may prefer simply, easy, and fast meals. 

*I realize my cooking methods and/or choice of food may not be suitable for everyone

09052013

Follow me on Twitter @lilme2day

Squash Surprise in Salmon Croquettes

I wanted a very light lunch today. Light is better than no lunch at all, right? :) 

I sometimes crave salmon.  I figure my body needs it and salmon is one of the recommended foods for good, healthy nutrition. 

Today, I decided to add a little extra nutrition. I added raw, chopped, yellow squash, onion, and a small amount of flour to a can of drained salmon. I did not add egg to this.

I then, coated with a mixture of home-made crumbs, pan fried on top of stove with only a very small amount of spray olive oil. Great taste, easy, nutritious and a great, light meal. I ate with baked beans with no additions except ground black pepper and a shake or two of seasoning flakes. Added no salt to anything. More photos below of the process. 

Oh, next time, I'm adding MORE squash. Loved it and it worked great!

Chop onion and squash in a food 

processor. Add to bowl with a can of salmon. Add just enough flour to make patties hold shape. Mix well. I did not add egg.

Form patties, coat both sides with crumbs. Pan fry, stove-top with very small amount of spay olive oil.

A can of salmon will usually make up to 6 croquettes.

 Serve with your choice of food. I used baked beans for a light, filling meal.

*I keep this food diary for medical purposes, my choice. I share to give ideas to people that do not like complicated meals that take all day in the kitchen and also with budget in mind. Just saying. :)

Easy Spaghetti, Chicken, Spinach, and Strawberries

Slow cooker spaghetti, sliced baked chicken, spinach, and fresh strawberries. No added oils, butter, salt, sugar, etc. Colorful, healthy (compared to some meals), fast, and easy. I save all that fancy stuff for days I feel absolutely wonderful (lol) or for a treat when I eat out! :)

Slow cooker spaghetti does not take long to cook at all. I added water and spaghetti, turned to high, checked it frequently, and added a can of tomato soup and spices (not salt). It was just more convenient to do it this way today. Another good thing about slow cooker spaghetti is that it can be placed on warm for a while, if you need to do that (wait for some reason).

Today I used leftover baked chicken. canned spinach (low sodium), and fresh strawberries.

 

Thank you for reading my blog. 

*I keep this food diary as a reference, for myself. I share the blog to offer encouragement to people that may not (feel like) want to cook (or eat) due to medical problems.  Sometimes we don't feel up to long, drawn out cooking or we just need an idea to try. I realize my choice of food or method of preparation are not suitable for everyone.

05242013

My Food Diary 2

I have another blog that is mostly food. I usually include photos of the food, the how-to, etc. I am including a link to this blog in case you would like to see more food related posts.

I like to cook nutritious food but like to do it without long, drawn-out instructions and standing over something all day. I do have medical issues that play a part in this. I just don't feel good a lot of days.

I post My Food Diary to help encourage other people with medical issues, elderly, work all day and don't have the time to cook all day, or who are single and find they just don't want to cook for one. 

Please bookmark the blog, if you find it helpful. Well, while you are at it, bookmark this blog, too. LOL  I add some food post to this blog but also include "opinion" blogs here.

Thanks for taking time to read my blog. Feel free to share it, too.

Here is the link to My Food Blog on Tumbler

http://lilme2dayjustsaying.tumblr.com/

Romney and O'Bama: Elderly, SS, Healthcare, Etc.

I'm just like anyone else when it comes to politics--when the truth is told--I have my special interests. I am concerned with America as a whole but I also have some special interests. I post in the various social sites and blog sometimes about the elderly, disabled, and other such topics.

I am very concerned about the elderly during this election. I realize each president inherited things from previous administrations and all that.  However, what are either of our present candidates going to do for or against the elderly and will it work????   

The elderly or those fast becoming a senior citizen were promised certain things, all through the years, promised that they could depend on staking their older years by planning a certain way.  Well, it seems all that changed. All seniors that worked through the years did not become millionaires nor did they all spend foolishly.  Yes, they "might" get a $3 or $5 raise (Whoopee) that is quickly taken to pay for their Medicare (or insurance which is a lot more than the raise).  Well, that was expensive enough. In addition, drugs that elderly need--I'm talking blood pressure meds, etc. and not mess--the deductible is so high that it's never reached and the plan D costs more to end up paying less or nothing. Then, all along, grocery, gas, phones, and everything else goes up cause they've got to make it, too.  Well, I hope someone knows the elderly need to make it, too.  I think you get the picture. 

I don't know where the "selected" polls are taken and how numbers are reached but I do know the AVERAGE senior citizen is sinking. They were not living high-on-the-hog to begin with but did manage to support themselves. This is a harsh reality.  They were not asking for handouts, they did not sit around and never work in their life, they were "managing" what they had.  And by the way---if the truth were known--even very, very wealthy people (of all parties)  really like to get things at a bargain or even a freebie or two--that's if the truth be told.

I'm posting the link to both candidates that discusses elderly affairs. You can look for yourself to see what they say and then what they do--while they are telling you why their plan didn't work--now or in the future. I'm just not very comfortable with believing anyone anymore.

http://www.mittromney.com/issues/health-care

http://www.whitehouse.gov/healthreform

I am not promoting either candidate in this blog. I do try to listen to both, be informed, and make a decision. I do not agree 100% with either candidate.  I am not putting-down either candidate. I am not anti-government. I am American and I am glad to be an American.

Labor Day Lunch

My Food Diary Sept. 3, 2012 My Labor Day healthy meal.

Not bar-b-que, but:

Easy and delicious! Baked fish, baked potatoes, green beans, and strawberries.  Tonight I may have a Frozen Yogurt coke float though.  LOL (Do I notice some changes in the way this blog works?????)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Need GAMES

I am an advocate for several things, one of which is the elderly. We do have an aging population, "baby boomers".  Of course everyone won't have dementia but there will be an increased focus on postponing dementia. I believe there is a market for computer games that are not all geared towards speed or having to have internet access to play. 

I'm sure almost all of the games are created by young people--who can't possibly see through elderly eyes. The reflexes slow down, the hands become more clumsy, the glaring, blaring, action packed, rush and hurry games are just too much for some seniors to play. Yes, games should have a challenge, rewards, etc. But, for many elderly it's too much, too fast, too impossible to feel they've gotten anywhere. This leaves them dreading to play instead of looking forward to playing a game. The sad part is, the really need to do this and it's very difficult to find suitable games in the stores. 

Please consider researching some of the ways the elderly, who are healthy or already in stages of dementia, can have games to play on a computer without having to go online. (When you do your research you might find a lot of elderly people can not cope with the hassle of getting online but do mange to use their computer without internet).  Also, remember that not all elderly can afford internet every month but can buy a game now and then.

Tuna Salad and Fiesta Rice, with Zucchini Squash

My Food Diary, kept by choice for medical reasons-shared to help others

Wanted something "lite" today. Decided on tuna salad in bed of lettuce, surrounded by tomato pieces. I had leftover Fiesta rice and zucchini squash. I think this is just what I needed, too. Delicious. So easy and  fast to prepare. Healthy, too. 

If you or someone you know is tired or unable to do long, drawn-out, complicated meals--some of my blogs on food might serve to help you with ideas. Elderly people or people with medical problems sometimes do not "want" to cook or even eat since complicated cooking is not an incentive to even try. 

Thanks for reading my blog. *My choice of foods and/or cooking preparations may not be suitable for everyone. Sept 1, 2012

Some Thoughts During Isaac

It's funny the things we "don't like" to do (LOL) during normal, everyday life become so desirable when it can't be done.

Evacuees dream of just getting back home, to a safe place, with normal routine. Those that managed to stay in their home but lost electricity, water, or phones can "dream" of all the chores and calls they could be doing if things were normal. 

Yes, we all take so much for granted.  When restored,  we are very aware and thankful--at least for a while. I suppose it's just human nature.

I do hope everyone can resume a normal life soon. I'm sorry for the loss and real, long-term problems many will endure after Isaac is completely over. 

Please remember to check on your neighbors, elderly, friends, who may not be as fortunate as you. Everyone involved may be pretty miserable but knowing someone cares can mean a lot.  And--who knows, they actually may be pretty desperate for help in one way or another.

Busy As You Want To Be

"I'm busy"--LOL Seriously, I believe this cliché is exactly that--overused, when convenient, especially. Yes, people are busy and there are more "time-saving" inventions that help save time to fill up with being busier.

Yes, sometimes we need to say no, we need to actually rest. However, we also need to be honest with our selves and perhaps do an inner inventory of when and why we automatically say, "I'm busy". 

 Do you really think other people are so stupid that they do not know that what you are actually saying is, "I'm busy, by choice, on what I want to do, when I want to do it, with whom I want to do it, and that is not you." 

 The reason this bothers me so much is that the elderly or sick people are not demanding something that's unrealistic.  (of course their true needs are determined by their circumstances--some need more help than others)--and would appreciate visits, phone calls, to be heard, etc.. All too often, all they hear is, "I'm busy." and that is not a short-term answer. I think this is a disgrace.

*I am an advocate for elderly concerns. I helped various people along the way and noticed how family and friends  interacted with the elderly or the sick person at home, in a hospital, or in a nursing home. I am not specifically talking about one or two cases--I noticed this with people I was not specifically connected with, too. I also, to be better informed, researched this problem. Yes, we are all entitled to life, to work, to have friends, etc.--but--I am very concerned with the lack of compassion or empathy--by the very people that "expected" things from the very people they now neglect (sometimes very proudly, I must say)

 

Relaxing Cup of Coffee

My Food Diary July 23, 2012

I wanted a special cup of coffee this morning.

Microwave Croissant Bread Pudding

My Food Diary July 22, 2012

Croissant Bread Pudding With Lemon Sauce

Baked in microwave.

Fish, Stuffed Bell Pepper, Tomato, Strawberries, and Cucumbers

My Food Diary July 21, 2012

I try to eat healthy. I am eating healthier than I did. I try different variations of ingredients and/or method of cooking, to add interest and encourage myself to eat.  Conventional methods of cooking will work for anything I prepare but I prefer the easy, simple, quick, and nutritious recipes, as well as appliances that I find accomplish this.

 I baked everything in a Nuwave oven. I started with frozen fish, added raw bell pepper (stuffed with rice, celery, onion, and tomato). I also added a couple of strawberries to the same baking dish and half of a tomato. I baked 10 minutes, turned or at least moved all things on the baking pan. Added sliced onion and baked all another 5-10 minutes. When done, arranged all on a plate and added a few slices of cucumber. Photo below shows baking pan--before baking is started. Yes, it's all baked in one pan at the same time.

*I do not imply that my methods or choices of food are acceptable for everyone. I do know I cook more nutritious things for myself now and that it's very uncomplicated to do.

Thank you for reading my blog.

Stuffed Bellpepper, Baked Tomato, Chicken, and Lettuce Salad

My Food Diary July 19, 2012

Above photo shows tomato after skin removed 

Cooked rice in rice cooker while the bell pepper and other items were cooking in the Nuwave. 

I baked the bell pepper and  frozen chicken breast for 10 minutes in NuWave Oven. After 10 minutes, I turned everything over. I added the rice to bell pepper, whole tomato, and onions and baked 10 minutes. Add seasoning of your choice.

Below: Photo of baked tomato with the skin. Easily came off after baking. See top photo of tomato with skin removed.

I added lettuce and sliced cucumber to plate.

 

* I eat healthier than I did before but I do not claim my diet is suitable for everyone nor my methods of cooking. I like healthy, simple, fast, and easy cooking.

Cool Fruit Salad, Hot Day!

My Food Diary July 12, 2012

Apricots, pears, strawberries, blueberries, and yes, a little lettuce in in the bottom! LOL I did add low fat, bought dressing for this salad. I sprinkled with seasoning--but--no salt. EASY, HEALTHY, QUICK! DELICIOUS! 

I post my food diary for medical reasons. It's easy to go back and see what I really did eat. I share my blogs hoping I might help someone else that might like ideas of easy, quick, simple cooking.

*I eat healthier than I did. My ways of cooking or choice of ingredients may not be suitable for everyone.

Cool Tuna Salad and Fresh Tomatoes

My Food Diary July 10, 2012

Simple tuna salad, on a bed of lettuce, with grated cheese. Sliced fresh tomatoes and 

a fresh strawberry, for good measure. So simple, quick, and nutritious.

Bread Pudding and Lemon Sauce

My Food Diary July 09, 2012

I wanted some bread pudding for a dessert but with at least some nutrition. I did this bread pudding in the slow cooker. Made Lemon Sauce as a topping. Delicious!

Fresh Veggie Meal with Chicken

My Food Diary July 5, 2012

Fresh field peas and some of the okra were cooked in a slow cooker. I added some mixed, chopped onion and bell pepper, and a few new potatoes, too. I started the slow cooker first since this takes longer than the Nuwave Oven cooking. I don't think the Nuwave will cook stuff usually done on the stove top.

 Now for Nuwave ingredients: The chicken was frozen. I placed it on a pan with okra, bell pepper, new potatoes, onion, and a few slices banana pepper. I baked the chicken and veggies on lower rack of Nuwave Oven for 10 minutes, turned oven all of it and then added the onions and bell peppers. Baked an additional 10 minutes.

Cornbread: Mixed cornbread and placed in muffin tin that makes 6 muffins. I baked in toaster oven for about 15 minutes and then in Nuwave Oven, lower rack for 10 minutes. The reason I used toaster oven to start with is that the bread needed to bake a bit and set the top since the NuWave seems to blow the air and this often leads to uneven tops when baking. 

Just saying. LOL Below are photos of food in the Nuwave and of the peas in the slow cooker.

 

Left: Veggies and chicken breast in pan ready to bake in Nuwave.

Below: Field Peas, okra, potatoes,  and other items in slow cooker.

Add sliced tomatoes and/or other veggies you may have and serve.

 

* My method of cooking or ingredients may not be suitable for everyone. I'm eating healthier than I did.

Cool Sandwich and Fruit Salad

My Food Diary June 29, 2012

I baked (yes, baked) the chicken hot dogs yesterday,

yesterday's blog click here

This link will have photo of cooking the hot dogs with a chicken breast. I wanted something

really light today, easy, and very quickly done.  It's just too hot to do much!  LOL I used croissants

instead of regular bread.  Added the lettuce, tomato, and hot dog. Quickly cut up the fruit and a few dabs of broccoli. 

Use fruit you have on hand. I happened to have kiwi, strawberries, bananas, and mandarin oranges. I 

also added a bit of  low fat Thousand Island Dressing.

*My methods of cooking or food choices may not be suitable for everyone. I'm trying to do simple, fast, easy, and healthy cooking. I'm eating healthier than I did before.