Homemade Pizza

This pizza is to. die. for. I apologize for the picture. I have never claimed to be a photographer, and it was taken from my phone.

What you will need:
Oven
Pizza Stone and peel

Dough: 275 Cal/Pizza
2.5 C Flour
1 T Sugar
1 t Salt
1 T Instant Yeast
1 C Warm Water

Sauce: 32 Cal/Pizza
I used...
1 6oz can of tomato past
1 6oz can of water
Shirley J pizza seasoning
You can use..
Whatever pizza sauce is your favorite (just know it will change the calories)

Toppings: 300 Cal/Pizza

3 C. Mozz. Cheese (serving size is 100 cal for 1/4 cup)

Fresh Basil

Directions:

Preheat oven to 500 degrees, make sure pizza stone is in there for about 45 min-1 hour before you start baking the pizza.

Combine flour, salt, sugar and yeast in a mixer until well blended. Add warm water. You may not need all of it, just pour until it forms a ball. I usually use about 3/4 of the water.

Knead the dough on a floured board for a few minutes until soft. Add more flour if too sticky, add more water if too dry.

Put the dough in a greased pan and cover with a towel, let sit for 15 minutes. You can prepare the sauce at this time if needed.

After the 15 minutes is up divide the dough into four equal balls. Take one ball at a time and roll it out on a floured board. I like my pizza extra thin, but you can make it as thin, thick, big, small as you like!

Once it is all rolled out place it on the pizza peel, which should have a light sprinkling of corn meal so the dough doesn't stick, and start assembling! Use a fork to punch some holes in the dough so that is doesn't bubble. Put your sauce (2-3 oz), cheese (3/4 C), and fresh basil on top. Stick it in the oven (make sure the stone has some corn meal on it too) and let it cook for about 8 minutes.

Take it out and enjoy!

This recipe makes 4 individual pizzas, probably 2 full size pizzas. I like to make 4 individual so that we have a few extra for lunches.

So, total Calories per pizza: 607! I find that if I roll out my dough really thin, I am less likely to eat the whoel pizza, I usually eat 3/4

Note: calories may vary depending on the cheese and sauce you use. I reccomend making your own sauce, it tastes so much better and is usually much healthier.

Super Snacks

I read alot of health and well-being articles on the internet. I am always trying to find new workout ideas and information on food. I want to know why what I am eating is good for me.

I found an article on msn.com that included 5 super snacks. I love to snack, so of course I was curious. And of course, I want to share this information with you.

5 Super Snacks: 5 Best Snacks for Energy
Nikki Jong

Almonds
Almonds are packed with a potent combination of energy-enriching nutrients, including manganese, vitamin E, magnesium, tryptophan, copper, vitamin B2 (riboflavin), and phosphorus. Magnesium has been called a miracle mineral because of its multifunctional capabilities: In addition to being an essential part of more than 300 biological processes, magnesium aids in the production of energy, supports the immune system, improves sleep patterns, relaxes muscles, relieves stress and anxiety, and boosts mood.The protein and fiber in almonds stabilizes blood sugar and slows digestion, which helps regulate energy, so you have steady reserves over time. Healthy fats like the kind found in almonds have been found to curb appetite and prevent overeating that can result in weight gain and its accompanying feelings of fatigue. The fat and fiber in almonds also contribute a feeling of satiety that helps prevent mindless snacking. For these reasons, almonds and other nuts are frequently recommended as part of a healthy diet for people looking to lose weight.

Yogurt
Yogurt is full of calcium, phosphorus, protein, tryptophan, molybdenum, and zinc. It's also a great source of vitamins B2 (riboflavin), B5 (pantothenic acid), and B12 (cobalamin). Thanks to its liquid-like state, the nutrients in yogurt are assimilated quickly and easily during digestion, which means you get an immediate boost of energy. Yogurt's high protein content means that energy also has staying power.Protein-rich snacks like yogurt can even pump up your probability for ditching the pounds. Since protein takes time to digest, you'll feel satisfied for longer—which means less snacking and fewer calorie splurges throughout the day.Yogurt also supplies the brain with tyrosine, an amino acid that boosts blood levels of the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine, resulting in a mood and mental boost. In a number of studies, tyrosine has also been effective at fighting fatigue.

Pineapple
Pineapple is one of summer's most popular fruits simply because it's so delicious. But if you want more reasons, look no further: A rich source of manganese, vitamin C, vitamin B1 (thiamin), copper, fiber, and vitamin B6, this juicy fruit is a super snack for fueling energy.Thanks to high levels of naturally occurring sugar (fructose), dietary fiber, and water, fresh pineapple is nature's equivalent of a kick in the pants. The carbohydrate-rich fructose breaks down quickly for an immediate energy boost, while the fiber slows digestion for long-lasting results. Pineapple's energy-extending capabilities don't stop there: Manganese and thiamin are both essential in energy production and help metabolize carbohydrates. And the vitamin B6 in pineapple plays a part in converting tryptophan into serotonin in the brain for a natural mood booster.In terms of energy, digestion is one of the costliest bodily functions. The good news: Pineapple contains bromelain, which contains a number of enzymes that help improve digestion. In addition, eating fluid-filled foods like pineapple can help prevent dehydration, one of the most common culprits of zapped energy. Water is necessary for every bodily function, including converting calories into energy, and even a slight dip in fluids leads to physical and mental fatigue.

Whole wheat snacks
Whole grains—especially whole wheat—are full of essential nutrients that energize both body and brain, including fiber; manganese; magnesium; iron; protein; carbohydrates; and vitamins B1, B2, and B3. Whole wheat is loaded with energizing B vitamins, which fight fatigue, maintain energy levels, stabilize blood sugar, improve sleep patterns, coordinate nerve and muscle activity, and boost mood.Simple carbs like white bread and sweets provide a quick surge of energy, but the results are temporary. What's more, the energy comes courtesy of a spike in blood sugar; once that subsides, you'll feel depleted and fatigued. The complex carbohydrates in whole wheat, however, are absorbed more slowly, which translates into stable blood sugar levels for hours at a time and gradual, lasting energy.Carbs are also full of tryptophan, the amino acid precursor to the feel-good chemical serotonin produced in the brain. Too much tryptophan can trigger a spike in serotonin that leads to drowsiness, though, so the key is to pick healthy carbohydrates such as whole grain toast, which is full of fiber, to slow digestion and regulate the flow of serotonin. That way, you'll get a happy mood boost without the drowsiness.

Edamame
Edamame, or boiled soybeans, are a great pick-me-up because they're easy to make, easy to transport, and fun to eat right out of the shell. Soybeans are full of nutrients that contribute directly to a boost in energy as well as mood.A single cup of edamame provides 116 percent of the recommended daily amount of tryptophan, which helps regulate appetite, enhance sleep, and improve mood—three factors that play a significant role in affecting energy levels. In the same serving, you'll get 57 percent of the recommended amount of protein, 43 percent of your daily omega-3 fatty acids, 41 percent of fiber, and 49 percent of your daily iron—all important contributors to sustained energy.Soybeans are also super-rich in molybdenum, an essential trace mineral that helps cells function properly, facilitates the use of iron reserves, aids in metabolizing fat and carbohydrates, enhances alertness, improves concentration, and helps balance blood sugar levels. All of these functions are crucially linked to the production and sustainability of energy. Molybdenum also helps prevent anemia, a common culprit of iron-deficiency-related fatigue.Plus, soybeans are packed with folate, a natural mood booster that's been shown to increase serotonin levels and improve symptoms of depression.

Happy Snacking!

Strength

"Strength is the ability to break a chocolate bar into four pieces with your bare hands - and then eat just one of those pieces”
-Judith Viorst

I read this quote the other day and love it. I made cookies last night. I only ate two and threw the rest away. I'm not quite strong enough to just let them sit in front of me and not partake.

Apparently... I lie

Okay, I know this should not be an excuse, but my life has been absolutely crazy lately! I have not had time to even think about blogging. But.. I have been eating pretty good and I think I have already lost a few pounds :)

One thing that has kept me in line is the Iphone app "Lose It". This is just awesome. It keeps track of my daily food intake and exercise and tells me how I am doing on my weight loss goals. If you don't have an Iphone, don't worry. You can just set up an account on their website and start there!

Recipes to come soon!