Staying Positive

Life throws all sorts of things at you all the time.  It could be a flat tire, a financial problem, a health problem,  some sort of  hurdle you have to jump.  Sometimes it is good stuff like meeting your spouse, a new job opportunity, a new friend, or maybe you won something in a raffle.  What ever happens you need to be able to handle these changes and the stress that accompanies the good and bad in a healthy way.  Personally I used to handle things by being as busy as possible all the time so I didn't have to deal with the internal stress.  Too much going on let me ignore what was going on on the inside and I didn't address it until it manifested in an unhealthy way from stress.  Now a days I handle life differently.  It is now OK to be upset, to be disappointed, to say no to over scheduling myself, and it is OK to not finish the list of "TO DO" for the day.  As a military wife I have faced separations, injuries, health problems, moving issues, etc...but I let myself have a moment of "This is not fair!" or "Why can't this be easier?" and then I think of ways to make the situation more proactive.  Today I discovered getting an insulin pump isn't easy.  I felt like my entire future I had in my head was suddenly dead.  I cried, stated it wasn't fair, was angry, thought about ruining my health, but once I went through those emotions I started the process of how to re submit the paper work.  I contacted my doctors, made phone calls, and even went on DiabetesDaily.com to ask for advice.  I did what I could do at the moment and now I am continuing my day.  I just checked for drafts in my home and temporarily fixed a large one in the living room.

First get a towel you are not wild about and cut it into strips

Next use a butter knife to stuff it into drafty window spaces.

Beautiful day outside isn't it?

Hopefully the living  room won't be as cold, I am planning on using a window insulating kit as soon as I can get to the hardware store.

So far I am still going ahead with my Paleo Challenge for December.  I have been looking at recipes and getting ideas for day to day living.

Some examples of things that you can have are Omelettes, fruits salads, veggie salads, roasted veggies, soups, chilis(no beans), many of what I am already eating can be simply modified.  I am doing a lot of research for sources of iron and potassium.  I tend to not reach the RDA of these minerals.  Pretty excited about the challenge and look forward to sharing my experiences.

December Challenge

We are coming up to Thanksgiving Day and the end of the first challenge.  Exercising for at least a half hour a day and eating healthier.  I am proud to say I have been working out for a half hour or more everyday!  I did weigh myself a few days ago and I am happy to say I have maintained 116lbs but I am looking leaner and more toned.  I have been upping the resistance on the elliptical so more muscle should be coming.  I have been keeping a food diary using Myfittnesspal app on my smartphone so I know my average carbohydrate intake day to day so i am feeling confident about this new challenge next month.

 Source : Hanna-Barbera

Do you think they are eating Paleo?

Paleo experiment is coming!  The Paleo diet from what I have learned so far excludes grains, legumes, certain seeds and seed oils, and dairy.  It does include vegetables, fruits, eggs, grass fed beef, chicken, fish, pork, nuts, and seeds.  I know that from the start I am going to have a problem with the lack of Flax seed meal.  I use flax seed meal to make my low carb mug muffins and brownies to help with my sweet tooth.  Also ENERGY DRINKS, I am going to abstain from energy drinks and artificial sugar during this challenge.  That means no Cherry flavored Mio in my water bottle.  I have solutions already for this which is Iced Tea.  I need to make sure I have my iced herbal tea ready to go.  This will be an opportunity for me to try almond flour and coconut flour if I feel the need to.

Sample menu:
Breakfast can be a banana, an apple, some almond butter, glass of unsweetened coconut milk, some carrot sticks.
mid morning snack can be a small handful of nuts and dried fruit (sulfate free hopefully)
Lunch cam be a salad with fajita style chicken, peppers, onions, sauteed in olive oil and home made season blend.  A grapefruit with stevia.
Mid afternoon snack can be a bowl of berries or a baked sweet potato
Pre Workout can be a green smoothie with spinach and frozen fruit, mixed with unsweetened almond or coconut milk. No protein powder, I should be getting enough protein from the food I am eating.
Dinner can be some fish, roasted brussel sprouts, pumpkin and walnuts with a drizzle of raw honey.

I am not trying to lose weight so I am going to snack on fruit as much as I need to for my blood sugar levels.  I am going to try and add dried fruit to help keep up my carbohydrate intake during busy parts of the day.  I have read that I can have coffee in moderation so I will try and keep it to one cup of real coffee a day. I am still going to track the foods to ensure adequate amounts of nutrients.  I am also going to continue taking my medications as prescribed by my doctor.  I do not condone any drastic changes in diet without discussing it with a Dietitian.  I have taken nutrition classes in college and I have access to a Certified Diabetes Educator if any questions or problems arise.


Now for a product review.

As you know I don't want to spend loads of money on beauty items,  One thing I am a fan of though is clay masks.  I looked into making my own clay masks and I believe that it is cheaper for me to buy the pre made formulas.  I only use them once every two weeks so it isn't a huge expense.  The masks I like are by Queen Helene.  I have been using these face masks for many years and enjoy the results. At the moment I have the Mint Julep Mask on, that is for oily acne prone skin.  I don't have acne prone skin but I find the mint refreshing.  My tube is almost empty so it is time to re stock.  I am looking to get a moisturizing mask as well.  They have an Olive Oil mask and a regular clay mask.  I bet I can get all three for less then $10 for all three.

For our recipe today we are making our own Dish powder!  I have been making my own dish powder and laundry soap for almost a year now and only needed just recently to buy more "Ingredients".

For the dish powder you need:
Borax powder 1 cup
Washing Soda 1 cup
Citric acid (LemiShine) 1 cup for hard water 1/2 cup for softer water
Kosher salt 1/2 a cup

Mix this all in a large bowl and stir every few hours to prevent clumping. I wait for two or three days and then store in a seal-able container.  I have mine in an old margarine tub.  Use 1 or 2 Tablespoons per wash and use either white vinegar or your choice of rinse agent.  I use the LemiShine rinse agent as well.
This information and other Do it Yourself stuff can be found at DIYNatural.com.  I love this site and use it quite a bit when it comes to making my own natural cleaners.
Saves me money and we all like to do that.

Happy World Diabetes Day!

Good day to you all.  Have you learned anything new about diabetes?  Today is the day to learn, though I hope you seek the answers to your questions everyday.  Good news everyone!  I signed up for basic courses to get my college career back in the right direction.  I am taking an English class and Public speaking, you know because I am shy and need to be louder. The plan is to get great grades in these classes so when I need to transfer to a larger school my transcript is awesome.  They are five days a week for six weeks and start in January.  They are free to military and spouses.  People may complain about military life but you do get quite a lot for the fuss.    Now since quite a few people ask me for advice about nutrition, diet, and fitness I have an idea.  I want to do thirty days of lifestyles.  Vegan, Vegetarian, Paleo, Gluten free, as long as I consider it nutritionally sound I am willing to try it for thirty days and post the recipes, tips, and tricks that I use.  I can't do low carb because of the type 1 diabetes.  I would attempt Raw foods but I do not have the resources at the moment for optimal nutrition.  If you are interested in it I can help with menus and a few recipes and the like.  My main thing I find when trying a new lifestyle is getting my head wrapped around not what I can't eat but what I can eat.  When people concentrate on the forbidden foods then they tend not to see the abundance of what is still available.

I want your feedback!  Tell me what do you want me to explore and share with you.


Now I have diverged from my calendar and started using the elliptical trainer at the gym.  I like how it has varying degrees of intensity, it has the upper body option, and I can really get in my aerobic zone.  It still is low impact for my joints but I feel like I am getting more muscle building.

Livestrong.com says,"Elliptical machines are effective at helping users burn fat and calories. The higher your heart rate goes and the longer you keep it there, the more you burn. Most of these machines have the option of a pulse monitor so you can see your heart rate. You can maintain the same speed and intensity so your heart rate stays steady or vary the intensity so your heart rate increases and decreases during the workout. Both can be effective means of burning fat and calories."

That is rock and roll!

Have a great day and be good to yourself.

Happy Holidays!

This week has been a busy one.  I am very close to getting my Animas insulin pump with Dexcom Continuous Glucose meter!  Paper work is all sent out to all that needs it and I am just waiting for a phone call.  Still volunteering at the USO two days a week and we have been busy.  I have been maintaining my half hour of exercise a day or more still by utilizing time that I have in between everything else I do.  This weekend I pumped up the difficulty by going to our clubhouse gym across the street from my home.  My husband's job requires him to be in excellent shape so we work out together and support each others fitness goals.  I was on the elliptical trainer this weekend Sunday and Monday for 45 minutes with a ten minute cooldown.  I had my side hurting a little and my heart rate up there!  What a fabulous machine for burning calories.  I am keeping track of my food and exercise using MyFitnessPal App on my smart phone, 1350 calories a day.  I have discovered I need to work on potassium and iron.

Now that we have caught up lets get to what I want to discuss.  STRESS!  This time of year is stressful and if you don't manage it then your holiday season can be a bad experience for you and those around you.  Here are my 5 Stress Busters.

1.Deep Breathing; inhale through the nose for four seconds, hold for two seconds, and exhale for four seconds through your mouth..  Do this for five to ten minutes before bed and think happy thoughts.

2.Make a list of what needs to be done and prioritize! Yes you need to get all the holiday foods made, go shop for presents, decorate, clean, winterize the car, etc....but none of it will get done if you feel frustrated.  So get it all in order of importance.

3.Speaking of food.....Cut some corners if you really are overwhelmed.  Refrigerated pie crusts, ready to bake cookie dough, and using a Ready to Roast turkey doesn't mean the day isn't important to you.  What is important is enjoying the time you spend with friends and family and being thankful.  Can't do that if your pulling your hair out trying to make homemade everything by yourself.  I know from experience that if I am in a hurry then something isn't going to go right with a recipe.

4.Still try to eat healthy and exercise during this wonderful time of year.  I know it is hard but it is important to still take care of yourself.  Yes it is sweater weather but if you keep it off now then when Spring rolls around you won't have to get ready for shorts and tank tops.

5. Try to treat yourself to your own personal traditions.  Special cocoa, a soap or lotion you only buy during these months, a movie or book you can read every year.  I like peppermint cocoa, I like using a peppermint soap, and watching Nightmare Before Christmas and singing along.

Now for PIZZA!


Amazing Whole Wheat Pizza Crust


Rated:
Submitted By: Marla
Photo By: jrbaker
Prep Time: 25 Minutes
Cook Time: 20 Minutes
Ready In: 2 Hours 45 Minutes
Servings: 10
"A healthy whole wheat crust that comes out soft and chewy on the inside and crisp on the outside. Use with your favorite pizza toppings or pizza recipes."
INGREDIENTS:
1 teaspoon white sugar
1 1/2 cups warm water (110 degrees F
/45 degrees C)
1 tablespoon active dry yeast
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups whole wheat flour
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
DIRECTIONS:
1. In a large bowl, dissolve sugar in warm water. Sprinkle yeast over the top, and let stand for about 10 minutes, until foamy.
2. Stir the olive oil and salt into the yeast mixture, then mix in the whole wheat flour and 1 cup of the all-purpose flour until dough starts to come together. Tip dough out onto a surface floured with the remaining all-purpose flour, and knead until all of the flour has been absorbed, and the ball of dough becomes smooth, about 10 minutes. Place dough in an oiled bowl, and turn to coat the surface. Cover loosely with a towel, and let stand in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
3. When the dough is doubled, tip the dough out onto a lightly floured surface, and divide into 2 pieces for 2 thin crust, or leave whole to make one thick crust. Form into a tight ball. Let rise for about 45 minutes, until doubled.
4. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Roll a ball of dough with a rolling pin until it will not stretch any further. Then, drape it over both of your fists, and gently pull the edges outward, while rotating the crust. When the circle has reached the desired size, place on a well oiled pizza pan. Top pizza with your favorite toppings, such as sauce, cheese, meats, or vegetables.
5. Bake for 16 to 20 minutes (depending on thickness) in the preheated oven, until the crust is crisp and golden at the edges, and cheese is melted on the top.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © 2012 Allrecipes.com Printed from Allrecipes.com 11/12/2012

I used all whole wheat flour, 3 cups and I had about a fourth of a cup that kneaded into it.  When it was time to divide the dough into two crusts I actually divide it into four individual balls.  I wrap three and then roll the remaining ball out into a thin crust pizza large enough to feed two people.

Each ball of crust is approximately 66-70 carbohydrates per ball so not too shabby when your sharing.  I topped mine with a sauce made from steamed carrots, a small can of Hunts tomato sauce, fourth of a cup of EVOO, one TBSP of Italian seasoning, and a tsp of Garlic powder.  Threw it all in the blender till smooth.  I have one cup of mozzarella and 3 servings of turkey pepperoni on top of that lovely orange sauce.

If rolled out thin then it is crispy and if rolled out a bit smaller the crust is really awesome and chewy.
You can use the dough for calzones, strombolis, bread sticks, stuff them with whatever you want.  Most of the recipe is down time so even though it takes a while you can easily step away and finish laundry or update a blog.  : D
Now to go treat myself to some herbal tea!

5 Days Down

I am currently doing my own challenge of working out in some form a half hour everyday.  So far I have been doing very well getting in 45 minutes to an hour in daily.  This first week I have been using Leslie Sansone's 5 Day Slim Down.

It includes a warm up, then a brisk mile, then a mile focusing on arms, then legs, the abs, and then she gives you a quick 12 minute mile.  The DVD ends with a cool down, stretch, and a short message about the importance of a healthy breakfast.  It is a great DVD to start with if your new to exercise or if you are short on time.  I enjoyed doing this DVD because it was quick, got me moving, and I felt refreshed when it was done.  The Legs mile had me feeling sore the next day!  If you do the warm up, one mile, and the cool down you burn at least 100 calories.  Do this everyday and that is 700 calories a week.  You could lose a pound or more a month simply by taking twenty minutes out of your morning and choosing healthier foods.

Up next for my work outs is 5 Fat Burning Miles.

This awesome DVD starts out brisk and ends each mile with a 2 minute "boosted walk" aka JOGGING.  It increases your fitness if you haven't jogged in a while, like me.  The total time for the workout is around 70 minutes but it goes really fast.  This DVD is getting me ready for higher impact exercise and to an increased level fitness.  Each of the miles is paced to be a 12 minute mile.

This week I am volunteering at the USO so the trick is fitting it in to my schedule, maybe do 2 miles in the morning and finish the last 3 miles after?  Going to wake up early so might even get the whole thing done before the day really starts.

Now for a healthy gluten free recipe from my friends at DiabetesDaily.com

This recipe is brought to us by the wonderful Moderator and fellow diabetic trinitarian3n1

Chocolate Flax Muffins (use GF certified products)

3 Eggs 
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons oil 
1/4 cup sugar free syrup, such as DaVinci 
2 tablespoons water 
1 tablespoon of vanilla 
1 cup flax meal 
3 Tbsp cocoa 
2 teaspoons baking soda 
1/2 teaspoon baking powder 
2 tablespoons cinnamon 

In a medium bowl, beat the eggs with a fork. With a fork or spoon, beat in oil, syrup, water and vanilla. 

In a small bowl, combine the remaining dry ingredients, then stir into egg mixture. 

Spoon into 12 well-greased muffin cups (without papers). 

Bake at 350 degrees 12 - 15 minutes or until they are lightly browned. (Some of us have found they need more like 20 minutes.)"

12 muffins 
85 calories 
7g fat 
4g protein 
4g carbs...3g dietary fiber...1g net carbs 

I have even added Sugar Free Hersheys chips to this mix and they came out great!  I bake mine for 18 minutes in a nonstick, well Pam'd muffin pan.

I made a non sugar free version just the other day.  I used Vanilla Torani syrup and placed a tablespoon of Nestle mini chocolate chips onto each muffin before baking.

Even with the non sugar free versions this recipes isn't that high in carbs.

My full sugar version has 211 calories, 9 carbs, and 3 grams of fiber. 6 net carbs!  I like to put Cool Whip on mine.

 I can usually have all the ingredients mixed and in the pan before my oven has even warmed up, great with a cup of coffee.

Feel like a chocolate flax muffin but don't want to make twelve?

1/4 cup flax meal
1 egg
1 tsp baking powder
2 TBSP Sugar or Sugar substitute
2 TBSP cocoa powder
1 TBSP oil
Chocolate chips, optional

Mix ingredients in a microwavable safe coffee mug, add in chocolate chips if desired.  Microwave for 45 seconds to 1:15 seconds depending on wattage.  Gluten free brownie in a mug!  Found that recipe on the internet somewhere and never forgot it.
Enjoy and have a great night!

You want me to pay HOW MUCH!?

From left to right we have Aloe Vera gel, Grapeseed oil, Olive oil, honey in a little bottle,baking soda, ACV for my facial toner, and coconut oil.

My beauty secrets : )

Today my dears I want to discuss beauty routines.  As I get older I am starting to look at my skin and think "Do I need to get a special product for my skin?".  We are bombarded by commercials of 16 year old models selling anti aging lotions, cleansers, serums but do we really need them.  These cost quite a bit for a small container of ingredients that are supposed to make me look 14 years younger.

Exfoliation is removing dead skin cells that can block pores and leave the skin looking dull and lifeless.  The average drugstore brand of exfoliating face wash is between $5-$30, that is a lot to spend on a product that may not even work for your skin.  The cheaper way is plain old Baking Soda.  Simply add a teaspoon to your regular facial cleanser once or twice a week and scrub gently to remove dead skin cells.  At 40 cents a box it will last quite a long time.

Cleansing is an important step in a beauty routine and yes they try to sell you the alpha hydroxy, retinol, blah blahs but who says that is what skin needs?  A simple gentle soap like a castille soap or a moisturizing bar like Dove can do the job.  The point is to remove oils and gunk from your face.  You can even use honey, powdered milk, ground oatmeal, or even Castor oil to cleanse the skin.  Find out what works for your skin type.  Personally I have washed my face with honey and baking soda.  It worked well because honey is a humectant so it draws moisture to the skin.  When water is added to honey is produces a peroxide causing it to be mildly anti bacterial helping with acne. You can get honey at WalMart very easily and it is very shelf stable.

Toning or using an astringent is a good idea to remove any residue left behind by the cleanser and to help tighten the pores.  We have all used the alcohol based pads and such that dry the skin out and can burn.  A cheaper and still effective toner is Apple Cider vinegar.  You can use Braggs, musslemans, whatever brand you would like.  ACV is anti fungal, anti bacterial, and it has a PH similar to your skin.  Yes the smell is strong but once it dries the smell dissipates. Another affordable toner is Chamomile tea.   This smells better then the ACV and doesn't sting.  All you have to do is brew the tea, let it cool, and store is a clean bottle. The tea is a gentle cleanser and is anti inflammatory.  This one is good for acne prone skin that tends to be dry as well.

Moisturizing is a very important step and if you want to buy into all the hype it can be an expensive step.  They have olive oil, cocoa butter, coconut oil, vitamin E infused lotions but why buy a bottle of something with parabens and other non pronounceable ingredients.  Go straight to the source!  Buy a small bottle of EVOO for your skin and body.  I use EVOO on my face and body and it keeps my skin soft.  You can use it in your hair as well before you wash as a hot oil treatment.  Simply coat your hair is the oil, wrap in plastic wrap, cover with a towel, and finally blow dry the towel on low heat for five minutes.  Wait a half hour and shampoo out normally.  If you are looking for a vitamin E potion for your skin then use Grapeseed oil.  Grapeseed oil is very high in vitamin E and is very light on the skin.  A great thing about using these food grade cooking oils is that coupons are much more prevalent and you don't have to stick to one brand because the ingredients.  I still recommend following with a sunscreen if that is your preference.  EVOO and Grapeseed oil will not clog your pores so they are acne prone skin friendly.

When it comes down to it though the best beauty routine is healthy eating, exercise, and lots of water.
Don't forget to take care of your smile!

Now for todays recipe!
 Spiced Butternut Squash Muffins

Prep Time: 35 Minutes Ready In: 1 Hour 10 Minutes
Submitted By: Lindsay Ho Cook Time: 20 Minutes Servings: 12
"Here's another fantastic way to use up some of the squash harvest! These wonderful muffins are filled with flavor!"
INGREDIENTS:
1/2 pound peeled, seeded and cubed
butternut squash
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 cup white sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
3/4 cup milk
1 egg, beaten
1 tablespoon butter, melted
DIRECTIONS:
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Lightly grease a 12 cup muffin pan.
2. In a medium saucepan with enough water to cover, boil squash 20 minutes, or until tender. Remove from heat, drain, and puree in a food processor.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, white sugar, salt and pumpkin pie spice.
4. In a medium bowl, thoroughly mix together milk, egg and butter. Stir in squash. Fold the squash mixture into the flour mixture just until moistened.
5. Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin pan, filling cups about 1/2 full. Bake 20 minutes in the preheated oven, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of a muffin comes out clean. Remove from muffin pan and cool on a wire rack.
Nutrition
Information
Servings Per Recipe: 12
Calories: 121
Amount Per Serving
Total Fat: 1.9g
Cholesterol: 21mg
Sodium: 129mg
Amount Per Serving
Total Carbs: 23.6g
    Dietary Fiber: 0.8g
Protein: 2.9g
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © 2012 Allrecipes.com Printed from Allrecipes.com 11/3/2012

Now for my own tinkering to lower the carb count!

Replace the sugar with a no calorie sweetener, I used Splenda but I think Stevia would taste better.

Replace the milk with Unsweetened Coconut Milk, I used SoDelicious Unsweetened.

I also used whole wheat flour to add nutrients and fiber.

The total after using these substitutions for one muffin serving is.......*drumroll please*

66 calories,11 carbs, and 2 grams of fiber! Now that is a muffin I can eat two of.  Smear on some homemade apple butter and relax.

Coming up next is another Gluten Free recipe that can be low carb too.

The Start of something NEW

Happy Halloween!

Let me introduce myself, I am Sunshine.  No that isn't my real name that is my nickname. : )  I am 26 years old, married, and currently employed as a housewife/student.  I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes in September of 2011 causing me to change almost everything in my life.  I was going to school for Nutrition but had met some hard times and hadn't gotten very far.  Now that I am not struggling to pay bills I have a chance to get back on track.  I also am an identical twin and she is also starting a blog but for different reasons.

Yes that is me looking all silly for an appointment at my Endo's office.  I was on my way to choose an Insulin pump!



So many to choose from!  After going throung the pros and cons of each I decided on the Animas Ping with One Touch meter.  I also am trying for the Dexcom Continuous Glucose Monitor!  I can even get this insulin pump in pink ;)

 No more insulin pens and schedules!  Sleeping in will be obtained!  I will be even more awesome!

The next step I am doing is signing up for classes.  As a Military spouse I can go to school here on post for free.  Next week I will sign up for maybe two courses, English and whatever looks easy. Ha ha, I am looking for easy A classes to begin my schooling again.  Get good grades for my base classes and then transfer to a larger college for my actual field of study which is Nutrition and Exercise.

This month I am going to try and get into better shape.  My goal is to be able to jog again by December.  I am looking at becoming a BeachBody Coach too and I sure do need to be able to look like a fitness professional if I plan on selling anything.  I have MyFitnessPal on my smartphone to track my diet and I made a workout schedule for my workouts.  I don't have to follow it exactly but this way I feel more motivated.  I own quite a few Leslie Sansone's Walk At Home Dvds so I made the calendar out of those, Yoga, and pilates.  If I want to switch it up with gym work or whatever as long as I log it I can cross off the day.  My goal is a half hour of exercise a day.  I am going to weigh myself in two weeks to see what is happening.  I would like to either maintain my weight and increase in fitness or lose a little body fat and get more toned.

Recipe of the day:  Pizza Lentils!

Ingredients.
1/4 cup dry green lentils
1/2 cup  spaghetti or pizza sauce, preferably lower in added sugars
1/4 cup mozzarella or Italian cheeses
Optional toppings:
Olives, turkey pepperoni, mushrooms, anything you would want on a pizza but watch out for added calories and fats.  Personally I like 8 slices of Hormel Turkey pepperoni : )

Directions:

Sort and rinse the lentils, this is important because there may be little pebbles and such in there.
Place the lentils in a small pot and add water until the lentils are covered.  Cover with lid and simmer for 30-40 minutes until lentils are tender but not crunchy.  Drain the lentils well and then place into a bowl.  Add sauce, cheese, and toppings.  Stir until blended and microwave until hot about 1-2 minutes.

Yes it looks a little weird but it really hits the spot when I am craving pizza!

Lentils-70 calories
Cheese- 80 calories
Sauce- 60 calories
Turkey pepperoni 8 slices- 35 calories

245 calories, 11 grams of fiber, 30 carbohydrates, and 22 grams of Protein!  Vegetable, dairy, protein, just grab some fruit and you are set.  This recipe is also Gluten Free and can easily be made Vegan or Vegetarian.