Healthy Chicken Nuggets

We all know that it is difficult to please most kids (and my husband, LOL) when it comes to food, so throwing them off of their normal routine and entrees in order to incorporate healthy meals into their nutrition is hard to do.  I went to the store after returning from a weekend getaway with my friends, and I just couldn't bring myself to buy those frozen chicken nuggets.  I babysit my two nephews and knew I needed some food for their lunches.  I decided to make chicken nuggets myself instead.


I thought they would be more apt to enjoying food they prepped themselves, so I got them involved.

Rydan, Chayson, and Kysnten making nuggets

INGREDIENTS:

*chicken- I used chicken breast tenders

*eggs

*whole wheat flour

*bread crumbs- I used seasoned italian; however, will try healthier options next time

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

2.  Place eggs, flour, and bread crumbs in separate bowls. I ended up using about 2.5 eggs for the amount I made.

3.  Cut the chicken into small pieces.

4.  Dunk the chicken in the eggs, followed by the flour and lastly the bread crumbs. If I didn't think they were coated enough, I added a little more egg and some extra bread crumbs.

Chay using tongs to dunk the chicken in the egg. 

5.  Place chicken on the tray.  I used cookie spray so chicken didn't stick to pan.  

6.  Bake in oven for about 30 minutes.  After 15 minutes, flip them over to ensure bread crumbs get crispy on both sides.

I was skeptical about Kynsten trying them because she is such a picky eater; however, she ended up eating 2, Rydan nearly 3, and Chayson ate 5!!  Our youngest, Bristyn, even ate 2 small ones.  

Chayson, even though he is making a funny face, said they tasted way better than McDonald's!

I think next time I will pair it with some healthy Mac n' Cheese!!

Happy Eating!!

Mini Tortilla Pizzas-Husband and Kid Approved

I will be there first to admit that cooking isn't my favorite activity to do each day; however, as I committed to living a healthier lifestyle in November, I knew it was a necessity.  Eating foods that are full of preservatives and unnatural ingredients won't allow me to feel my best.  Those foods make me feel sluggish and actually confuse my brain into thinking I am still hungry when in fact I am not at all.  So, I have made it a goal recently to try a new recipe each week in order to change it up for myself and my family.  In this world of technology, it is quite easy to find numerous recipes.  I for one enjoy simple. I like making traditional meals like sloppy joe's and chili and use whole, healthy ingredients.  I thank one of my challengers for posting this recipe in my general health and fitness group I run via Facebook.

Mini Tortilla Pizzas

Ingredients

* Whole Wheat Tortillas

* Pizza Sauce

* Shredded Cheese

*  Toppings

*Cupcake tin

1.  Preheat the oven to 400 degrees and get out your cupcake tin. 

2.  Take 3 whole wheat tortillas and a can to create the small pizza crust.  When applying a good amount of pressure, the excess tortilla broke off pretty easily. 

I ended up getting 5 mini pizza crusts out of one tortilla. I saved the excess to give to my daughters. 

3.  Place tortillas into cupcake tin- lightly- do not press in- keep it toward the top

4.  Add pizza sauce- I used a tsp. in the 4 veggie pizzas I made for myself but followed the original recipe of 1 Tbsp. to the others with pepperoni. I simply used Ragu because the amount used was so minimal; however, there are organic, cleaner options you can find. 

My oldest daughter helping add sauce to the pizzas.

5.  Add cheese- I used shredded mozzarella.  I filled a blue 21 Day Fix container.  I only used a little more than half for my 4 mini pizzas.  The rest was put on my nightly salad. :)

6. Add toppings- This is where you can get creative.  I didn't want to use pepperoni; although, I think I will try it with turkey pepperoni.  I opted for veggies, and they were amazing.  I used red pepper, onion, and spinach.  I filled a green Fix container with my veggies.
7.  I cooked for 10 minutes. Check to see when cheese melts. 

Toppings being added-4 had my veggies on them

It is important to find meals that my family enjoys, and it becomes easier and easier when people share recipes they have tried.  

Simply take a fork to lift the pizza out of the tin.

Our youngest enjoying her pizza!

Those following The 21 Day Fix Meal Plan ( like me): 

1 yellow for tortilla- 4 pizzas

1 blue for cheese

1 green for veggie toppings

Enjoy this simple, yet healthy and satisfying meal! It went really well with a salad of romaine lettuce and spinach.  Eating healthy is quite enjoyable especially when one sees the affects of those healthy choices.