My disappearing trick!

Catching up! 

My apologies for being MIA for such a long time! 

I have been busy! 

Nothing food or health related though, hence no posts about food or health.

I have however been writing a book with 4 co-authors and it is now officially published as of April1, 2016

The idea for the book started WAY BACK in 2012 and it is finally here now!

If you are a writer or speaker, you can check it out.

Judson Press
Amazon.ca
Amazon.com
Branes & Noble

I have also moved most of my blogs over to my website:

www.melonyteague.com

Instead of talking food and fitness, I talk fiction!~


I hope if that interests you, you will visit me there.

You never know, you MAY just get another food blog soon!

I wish you all the best and thanks for all the support over the years!

It has been a while

Here we are in May and it has been a while since I posted. The reason for this is that I have been on "The Plan" off and on for the last few months and have lost 8 to 10 pounds. Since none of the recipes are my own to share, I have not had much fodder for blogs! The Plan is a program by Lyn-Genet Recitas. You can check it for yourself and see if it works for you.

Since I last posted I have learned to make Maki Sushi at home and I have been experimenting with different kinds of rolls. I do not eat the raw fish kind. It just does not appeal to me.

Here are some photos of my attempts:

and then I keep forgetting to flip the rolls over and they turn out like this:

Here are some tips when making Maki Sushi Rolls:

• Make the rice in a rice cooker and use short grain rice, either brown or white
• Use the back of a spoon dipped in hot water to spread the rice on the Nori seaweed paper
• cover the sushi mat in clingwrap to keep it clean, remove clingwrap after each use.
• If you don't have cucumber, use zucchini.
• when cutting the rolls, dip knife in hot water.
• Use Tamari instead of Soy sauce, I was told it is gluten free, but check the label!

Go wild and experiment with flavours! Use what you have! 

I only use the faux crab sticks in my rolls, but if you choose to use fish, make sure it is good quality, sushi grade fish.

The last batch I made were filled with avocado, mango and zucchini with fresh basil leaves. They were De- Li-Cious!

www.melonyteague.com   

To subscribe to my consolidated newsletter, Click here  Melony Teague a freelance writer , ghost writer, columnist and motivator who lives in Canada with her husband and two young children. Founder of "Secrets of Body Transformation from the Inside Out"   

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Reviewing 2013 on the first day of 2014

Happy New Year to all of you! 

Today is the first day of a brand new year. In order to make the most of the year ahead, I would like to review 2013 so that you and I can both see where we have been and where we are going in 2014!

 

Life is an adventure and to make the most of it, fitness and health is important.

Last year we started off with a 30 Day Challenge where participants from all over the globe joined together to encourage one another and take 30 days to replace one thing in their diet with a healthier alternative. I was blown away by the enthusiasm and results generated by the challenge. As a result we took the challenges all the way to July, thirty days at a time.

First recipe of the year was the Quinoa and Vegetable Soup. 
Quinoa Blueberry Nut Breakfast was a hit for those frosty winter mornings.  For all those turkey leftovers I posted a Vegetable Turkey Coconut Curry recipe

Coconut Curry Turkey Soup was a hit too. For those who needed a sweet fix without a sugar overload I developed a Sugar Free Apple Crisp.

We talked about Memory Cravings and discussed what it means to cultivate compassion. We enjoyed Coconut Black Bean Brownies, We looked at ways to eat well on a budget and exposed 5 food myths.

 

We experimented with adding sweetness to dishes by adding pear in the Tamari Beef Stir Fry.

2013 brought us some wonderful Guest Bloggers such as Dr. Yasmin Kelton, Allison Jorgens and  we were inspired by the 3 Piece Snack inserts. 

We did not leave out the kids, there was a kid approved pound cake recipe posted. Don't tell the kids it was sugar free!

For those who like a little zing and spice, I posted the Spicy Quinoa with Curried Mango and Cabbage recipe.

 I admit it, I went through a little bit of a pumpkin phase, with smoothies, hummus and breakfast recipes posted. 

I discovered the wonderful novel Invisible by Ginny L. Ytrrup and shared it all with you! I hope that you got to read it.

One discovery was a decadent recipe with a secret ingredient which was healthy and delicious! Don't tell your family what the secret ingredient is, they will never know! 

We concluded the year's 30 Day Challenges in July and took the rest of the summer off, life got busy and before you knew it, it was Christmas! Where did the months go?

As it got colder I developed a vegan Potato and Leek Recipe which was filling and easy to make. 

There were many more recipes posted for your enjoyment! Toronto weathered an ice storm and we all come through it. I am so grateful for a wonderful year and for each of you! You have enriched my life!

Thank you to all of you for a wonderful year and I look forward to what 2014 will bring! 

Here's to healthy choices and lifestyles! 

I wish you all the best for 2014~!

Stay Healthy 

Stay Happy

From Melony Teague 

and 

Fitness Training For Life and Adventures!

Easy and filling Leek and Potato Soup

Leek and Potato Soup 

This is my own recipe

VEGAN

This soup is both hearty and delicious.

Ingredients:
1 tbsp
coconut oil
4 Leeks, sliced
6 - 8 potatoes, (peeled)
parsley,
Black pepper
Vegetable broth (1 Litre)
Coconut milk (also about 1 litre)
Coarse salt to taste
Onion powder
2 cups of water or more if you like it thinner

It's easy to make, just cook leeks in coconut oil till soft, add the rest of the ingredients and cook till soft, then puree and season to taste. I added the coconut milk at the end.

www.melonyteague.com   

To subscribe to my consolidated newsletter, Click here  Melony Teague a freelance writer , ghost writer, columnist and motivator who lives in Canada with her husband and two young children. Founder of "Secrets of Body Transformation from the Inside Out"   

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Pumpkin Time Again

October is here and since the leaves are starting to turn their autumn shades and fall gracefully to the ground, that's when I start looking forward to all things PUMPKIN!

There are a few things you may not think to pair up with Pumpkin. Like Cheese for example.
Another way to enhance the flavour is to add sea salt, pepper and butter. Delicious, it is a saltier take on the sweet version. Don't overdo the salt though or the butter.

This morning I had this recipe land in my INBOX :
Soft Pumpkin Cookies.  Give them a try.

Below is the Pumpkin cheese bread I came up with. ENJOY! It is melt in your mouth good!

 

PUMPKIN CHEESE BREAD RECIPE  - CLICK HERE!

Pumpkin is high in fiber and vitamin A! Based on a 2,000 calorie diet, a cup of Pumpkin yields 245% Vitamin A, so don't overdo it if you are pregnant. A cup of pumpkin also yields 19% Vitamin C, 4% Calcium and 8% Iron based on the same diet.

The Pumpkin bread recipe above has NO SUGAR added to it! But believe me, it's delicious!

 www.melonyteague.com 

To subscribe to my consolidated newsletter, Click here 
Melony Teague a freelance writer and columnist who lives in Canada with her husband and two young children.
Founder of "Secrets of Body Transformation from the Inside Out" 
Join me on facebook. 

Coconut Milk Rice Pudding or Breakfast

Comforting and fragrant....

This Brown Bismati rice pudding is a winner. It is gluten free and the raisins add iron to the meal. I make mine dairy free by adding a can of coconut milk. Be sure to look at the ingredients on the label, don't buy the cans with additives and gum in them.

RECIPE

 

Brown Bismati Coconut Rice Pudding 

(Rice Cooker method)

Ingredients:

1 can Coconut milk (NOT LOW FAT)

1/4 cup sultana raisins

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

2 - 3 tablespoons maple syrup

1/2 cup white Bismati rice

1/2 cup brown Bismati rice (* if you have allergies make sure it is gluten free and that there is no cross contamination)

1/2 cup water

lemon zest

Method:

1. Rinse the rice very well, at least 4 times in cold water and place in rice cooker
2. add spices
3. Open can of coconut milk and scoop off 1/3 cup of the "cream" and set aside. Pour the rest of the cream and coconut milk into the rice cooker and stir to combine with rice.
4. Add lemon zest, maple syrup and raisins, stir to combine.
5. Turn on your rice cooker and let it cook.
6. Once it is done add in the coconut cream that you set aside to make the rice pudding nice and creamy.
7. Serve warm with heated rice milk and whole raw almonds for breakfast or chill to serve as pudding. (1 cup per portion for breakfast.) 

ENJOY!

By Melony Teague

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www.melonyteague.com  To subscribe to my consolidated newsletter, Click here  Melony Teague a freelance writer and columnist and motivator who lives in Canada with her husband and two young children. Founder of "Secrets of Body Transformation from the Inside Out"  Join me on facebook. 

One week of the challenge already past

Today is the 8th Day of the Summer 30 Day Challenge and so far so good. Some have already used up their "get out of jail" cards, but for the most part participants are on track. The first week is always the hardest because you have to learn to think differently. It is easy to "let slip" and  realize after you have taken a bite of whatever it is that you have chosen to replace just because you are in still in the "old habit" mode. It happens and you can't beat yourself up about it, at least you realized and didn't just go ahead and eat the forbidden thing intentionally! Remember, it is about progress not perfection.

Participants have been reporting their daily activity to me and are doing well. Most are going way over their minimum 15 minutes a day (for 5 days in a week) requirement.


Here is Elizabeth's Landmark photo as well as one from Debra. Kristin from Michigan has been doing gardening and sent along a photo for us! Also, photos of the "Girl's Night Out" pics are coming in too! Thank you ladies.

Tea and Vietnamese food in Portland Oregon with 2 of my favorite 
girls!

HERE ARE SOME LINKS THAT YOU MAY FIND USEFUL:

• Is Coffee Right for you?
• Quinoa and Vegetable Soup Recipe
•  Breakfast Pumpkin smoothie
• 10 Tips from Igor

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www.melonyteague.com  To subscribe to my consolidated newsletter, Click here  Melony Teague a freelance writer and columnist and motivator who lives in Canada with her husband and two young children. Founder of "Secrets of Body Transformation from the Inside Out"  Join me on facebook. 

Landmark shots

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www.melonyteague.com  To subscribe to my consolidated newsletter, Click here  Melony Teague a freelance writer and columnist and motivator who lives in Canada with her husband and two young children. Founder of "Secrets of Body Transformation from the Inside Out"  Join me on facebook. 

Sheila in Cape Town sent in her landmark photo.

She has already done her first homework assignment. 

Here is the pic.

"We had a pub lunch and a light beer, before heading off down the Peninsula to Steenberg Winery for wine-tasting - a very Cape Town touristy day. My lunch was healthy - stir fry veg with small rare steak and an egg - theirs?? another matter - pie and chips!" - Sheila

Anna in Australia had a rest day. This is her idea of a rest day:

"Rest today, but went for a long walk along the (surf)
beach with the wind blowing in my hair. The sea air
was invigorating and we climbed a vantage point,
Elephant Rock with spectacular views. For a winter
day, we reached a sunny 70 degrees." - Anna

As for me, we went for a family Canoe around the Lake.

Girl's Night Out

One contributing factor that helps participants achieve success on their 30 Day Challenges is accountability and support. For this challenge I have introduced something different and it is going to be fun. You can do it too and let me know how it went. I have included some links below for you to check out.

PLAN YOUR

Girl's Night Out

Pick one night to go out with some BFF's with healthy snacks and chats.
Share with your friends your victories so far on the challenge and ask them to support you through it.

WE ARE STRONGER TOGETHER!

Here are some ideas for your

Girl's Night Out

1. Supply the snacks and invite your friends on a picnic. Take healthy snacks, lemon water and a little note to tell each person what they mean to you. No cake needed, when friendship fills the heart. 
2. Meet at your favourite coffee shop and order a Peppermint tea or Rooibos tea. Share your story with your friends and ask them to support you. 
3. Ask each person to prepare one hilariously funny story to share with the those gathered.

 A few words of caution:

Try to avoid decaff coffee since typically the caffeine is removed chemically. Check out the methods of decaffienation discussed here.
Green tea can be acidic, so watch your intake if you are trying to avoid too much acidity in your body.
If you have to have Soy milk, Choose Organic Soy milk if at all possible. 
I prefer to have half and half...since I only have one cup a day! ( According to "The Plan" by Lyn Genet - it is less reactive and less likely to cause weight gain. 
 

 Submit your photo to me to post with a few words.

 

Where do we come from? Part II

To all my USA Participants, Happy July 4th! 

We are on day 4 of the Summer 30 Day Challenge! 

TIP OF THE DAY:

Today we had one more participant join the challenge!  

Welcome to Debra.

Here is a landmark photo from her.

Debra is rearing to go and wrote,

"My goal is to stop overeating and eating when I am not hungry. I will give up sugar and soda."

Day 2 and 3 have been good ones, and although the first few days are hardest it is best to just keep going. So there may be wobbles along the way..it is not perfection we are striving for but PROGRESS.

Sheila from Cape Town, South Africa reported,

"My Day 3 was spent enjoying the cold Winter sunshine in the winelands with a friend - after 2 hours at gym, burning calorie."

Nina in Oregon reported,

"Day 2 went very well. Made good food choices, portion control, exercise- walk with Husband and Dog, met my veggi/ fruit goal and met the protein goal for the 1st time in weeks. It takes focus to get nutrition into balance! Working on doing the same for Day 3."

Crystal in Regina reported,

"Day 2: Dairy free! 90 min weeding in +32C, lots of bending and hacking and hoeing. Garden looks good though."

 This was day 2's lunch with lemon and olive oil dressing.

As for me I am seeing good progress on the scale already! 

Well done to all the participants so far! 

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www.melonyteague.com  To subscribe to my consolidated newsletter, Click here  Melony Teague a freelance writer and columnist and motivator who lives in Canada with her husband and two young children. Founder of "Secrets of Body Transformation from the Inside Out"  Join me on facebook. 

Where do we come from?

Each participant has submitted one landmark photo.

First in was Anna from Australia's picture of Byron Bay in Australia. This area is well known for the lighthouse.

"Doing great so far today. Did a 20 minute walk only as we have lots of rain..."

Beth sent in a pic of a local park in Pittsburgh, U.S.A.

Kristin reported this after the first day,

"Kristin in Michigan is happy to report she is sugar free and despite reading a friend mentioning fudge brownies, I did not cave:) Went on an hour hike at the state park by work. Mosquitos and mud were awful, but it was fun. Nothing like nature:) Wish I had my camera. I saw oodles of critters. My friend was bummed because she kept missing 'em."

Nina in Oregon reported,

"Weighed, measured, ready to go!" 

Here is her landmark photo and she wrote,

"The closest land-mark I can come up with is High Pass Vineyard!
The whole area is full of grapes."

Cheryl in Toronto said,

"Have weighed and measured and look forward to the boost I need to get out there each day to do something!"

Cheryl sent in this landmark photo of the CN Tower in Toronto, Ontario, Canada 

Crystal sent in this landmark photo

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www.melonyteague.com  To subscribe to my consolidated newsletter, Click here  Melony Teague a freelance writer and columnist and motivator who lives in Canada with her husband and two young children. Founder of "Secrets of Body Transformation from the Inside Out"  Join me on facebook. 

Summer 30 Day Challenge Participant list

Each participant has committed to a nutritional change for the 30 days of the challenge. They have committed to 15 minutes of exercise (minimum)  for 5 days out of a week. This usually results in participants doing more than that and a habit being established.

All of these participants have joined in a 30 Day Challenge before, how about you join in too! We would love to have you! JUST EMAIL ME TODAY!!!

Click here to email me and join. 

Participants will be sending me a landmark photograph of their adventure area to post. To get the ball rolling I have posted my own landmark photo. This was taken at the end of May at Killbear Provincial Park, Ontario, Canada. 

 Participants from all over the globe are:

1. Anna, Gold Coast, Australia.
2. Crystal, Regina, Canada
3. Melony Teague, Toronto, Canada
4. Kristin, Michigan, U.S.A.
5. Beth, Pittsburgh, PA 
6. Janice, Williamsport, PA
7. Elisabeth, Arboles, Colorado
8. Sheila, Cape Town, South Africa 
9. Cheryl, Toronto
10. Debra, Rapid City, SD

11. Nina, Oregon. 

    
    
    
    
    
     MELONY TEAGUE
    
    
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    www.melonyteague.com  To subscribe to my consolidated newsletter, Click here  Melony Teague a freelance writer and columnist and motivator who lives in Canada with her husband and two young children. Founder of "Secrets of Body Transformation from the Inside Out"  Join me on facebook. 

Summer 30 Day Challenge - Calling all participants START DATE July 1/2013

Replacement list

 SUMMER 30 DAY CHALLENGE

Who's IN?

Summer is here and it is time to start another 30 Day Challenge.

START DATE JULY 1, 2013

You are invited to join in.

Here is how you join:

EMAIL ME 

I need your name and your city. 

That is it! 

 Here are the RULES...

 

PICK ONE OR TWO THINGS MAX to REPLACE IN YOUR DIET from THE REPLACEMENT LIST. 

Commit to replacing this food for 30 days.

You will be given 2 "Get out of Jail" cards to use during the 30 day Challenge.

COMMIT TO DOING minimum 15 MINUTES OF ACTIVITY - How easy is that?

(Exercise which could either be cardio or strength training/yoga/walking) 5 times a week for the duration of the SUMMER 30 DAY CHALLENGE.

IF YOU DO NOT STICK TO YOUR COMMITMENT, you have to buy me a coffee.

Participating in this Challenge involves reporting back to me on your progress and doing some fun homework. You will also be required to send me at least ONE Photograph of a landmark in your area. (See I told you this would be fun!)* If you need help in sending a pic, we can figure it out, so please don't let that part keep you from the challenge.

This Challenge is free of charge. ( Well, except for the cost of the coffee, if you owe me one!)

There will be 3 weigh in and measure days, (Day 1, 15 and day 30) - to help you check your progress.

You can sign up online from anywhere in the world. This is an international challenge.

If you are unsure, CHECK OUT PREVIOUS PARTICIPANT FEEDBACK!

 CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP!

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www.melonyteague.com  To subscribe to my consolidated newsletter, Click here  Melony Teague a freelance writer and columnist and motivator who lives in Canada with her husband and two young children. Founder of "Secrets of Body Transformation from the Inside Out"  Join me on facebook. 

Not a recipe book, but a must read

 

 

 

I picked up this book at the library on a whim. Yesterday I read the whole book and I think everyone should read. Here are my reasons why:

1. If you love butter, you need to read this.
2. If you are vegan, you need to read this.
3. If you are in the medical profession you need to read this.
4. If you are brave enough to look in the mirror, you need to read this book.
5. If you are not brave enough to look in the mirror and see beauty, you MUST read this book.

It's novel, but it addresses some subjects that you may be facing in terms of health, fitness and self awareness. Don't worry, it is entertaining and funny too. I have written up a full review below with no spoilers.

Here is my review of the book ( click below):

INVISIBLE - My review 

I am so glad to have this opportunity to share resources with you. If you have any other books to recommend, please email me.

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www.melonyteague.com 
To subscribe to my consolidated newsletter, Click here 
Melony Teague a freelance writer and columnist and motivator who lives in Canada with her husband and two young children.
Founder of "Secrets of Body Transformation from the Inside Out" 
Join me on facebook. 

It's about time...Let's do the TWO STEP

 

 

 

I know! We finally have a rain free sunny day! That means smoothies for lunch! YES!

Today I just felt like something that smacked of milkshake and not so much green smoothie. Yes, I am sure you know what I mean. I didn't feel like a salad or veggies, I just wanted something yummy, but that would not take a ton of preparation or make loads of dishes. It is Friday after all and I am getting ready to relax. ( After the week I have had... I need it! More on that LATER )

So here we go: Peanut butter and banana smoothie a la milkshake - except it does not contain dairy milk, but coconut milk.

STEP BY STEP,

The TWO STEP in fact....

Let the music begin.

STEP 1

Banana, Organic Peanut Butter, Organic Cocao Nibs

STEP 2

Add your coconut milk

 Don't forget to add ICE!

I added in a tiny amount of Agave, but this is an optional extra.

Pour and enjoy....

I poured and enjoyed and forgot to take a picture of the finished product! But it was delicious, light and hit the spot for a Friday afternoon treat without compromising my health.

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www.melonyteague.com 
To subscribe to my consolidated newsletter, Click here 
Melony Teague a freelance writer and columnist and motivator who lives in Canada with her husband and two young children.
Founder of "Secrets of Body Transformation from the Inside Out" 
Join me on facebook.