Healthy Life Friday

I am on a journey to become a healthier me. Not just for me, but also for my family. We do fairly well on some levels with having a healthy lifestyle, but there is room for change and I really think that change needs to happen now! So, on Fridays, I will be blogging about my journey in this area and I will be posting recipes, tips, and anything else that might help to encourage others to live a healthy life. First, I want to be all that God has made me to be. I feel that when I am not living as healthy as I can that I am not able to do all that the Lord has out there for me to do. Also, I really believe that "mom" sets a tone in the home for how healthy or unhealthy a lifestyle her family will follow. So, today I am going to set some short range and long range goals and write down some ways to achieve those goals. As we have all heard, writing down those goals is so very important to actually achieving them. Also, by blogging about this journey, I will be more accountable to see it through. So, come along with me and let's make some changes!

Long Range Goals:
Lose 35 pounds
Firm up sagging muscles :)
Be physically active
Be mentally active
Be spiritually active

Short Range Goals:
Weigh in every Friday with weight loss and measurement changes
Develop an aerobic and anaerobic exercise plan
Choose some physical activities to get involved in
Set aside some reading time everyday
Dig deeper in my morning bible study/ prayer time

I am excited about this, as change is really needed. I just want to feel better and have more energy to enjoy my family. I also don't want my boys to fall into a sedentary lifestyle. I want all of us to be participants in life, not just spectators!

I want to share this recipe today. We will be having this on the menu for the upcoming week:
MEXICAN LASAGNA
1/2 lb. ground turkey
1/2 envelope taco seasoning mix
1 can enchilada sauce
1 can diced tomatoes
3/4 cup salsa
1 can black beans, drained
9 ounces lasagna noodles
2 cups low-fat cottage cheese
3 cups low-fat Cheddar cheese, shredded

In a skillet, brown turkey; drain and blot grease. Add taco seasoning and, using half the recommended water on seasoning packet, simmer for 5 minutes. Set aside. In the meantime, preheat oven to 375 degrees F. in a medium bowl, combine enchilada sauce, tomatoes ( and their juice), and salsa. Mix well and add black beans. To make lasagna: in the bottom of a 13 X 9-inch pan, spoon a third of the tomato sauce mixture and spread evenly. Top with uncooked lasagna noodles till sauce is covered. Then add all the meat, spreading evenly, add 1 cup of the cottage cheese and 1 cup of the Cheddar. Spoon half the remaining sauce on top. Add another layer of noodles, remaining cottage cheese and 1 cup of the Cheddar. Add another layer noodles, remaining tomato sauce, and remaining 1 cup Cheddar cheese. Tent with foil ( so the cheese doesn't stick to it) and tightly cover. Bake for 45 minutes or until noodles are tender. Let stand 5 minutes before digging in. ( Saving Dinner, Leanne Ely )

Serve with a big green salad and fruit

Calories per serving: 547
Fat: 13 g

We will have this for lunch on the weekend, since it does have a bit more calories.

"And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge:" II Peter 1:5 KJV

Have a wonderful Friday!
Kim