Merlot Pork Chop Recipe

Cooking with wine sauce is dangerous for individuals watching their sodium intake. Cooking wine is loaded with salt to make it taste better in the food and if you use regular wine to cook with, often times it makes the food have a bitter taste.  Being Italian, many recipes call for cooking wine...so how exactly can I modify these recipes and make it healthy for me to enjoy? My mother-in-law discovered a new line of cooking seasonings and sent us a box full of healthy goodies for us to try. One of the seasonings is a merlot sauce made by Tastefully Simple. this sauce has a full merlot flavor but not the crazy amounts of sodium like other cooking wines.
This sauce can be used on a variety of different meats but remember red meat needs to be limited, or in my case never eaten unless for a special occasion. For this recipe I use pork chops, I prefer the small cut boneless ones the most. After the chops thaw out I poke holes in the meat, shake some minced onions on both sides, and then pour the merlot sauce on both sides. I usually try to let this sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow it to marinate.
While I wait for the meat to soak up the great flavor I start my side items. I like to make baked sweet potatoes with the pork chops and some sort of green vegetable, we will use asparagus for this dinner. Sweet potatoes are full of potassium, so I have to be careful not to have too much, but is also a great fat burning food to assist in losing weight (of course if you don't load it full of brown sugar). I wash the sweet potatoes, put a small amount of butter in some foil, and wrap the sweet potatoes in the foil, the butter helps keep the potato from drying out. I set the oven on 400° for usually about an hour because the sweet potatoes are so large. While the potatoes cook I wash and prepare the asparagus. If you like a crisper texture, place the asparagus on a cookie sheet in a thin layer, season with lemon, pepper, parmesan cheese, and lemon juice and let them bake on 375° for about 10 minutes and then check them. Another way I like to make my asparagus is in a skillet and saute them with basil, garlic, parsley, and pepper. The asparagus doesn't take long so wait until the meat and potatoes are almost finished before you start them to prevent them from getting cold.
To cook the pork chops, we love to use the grill but also have a grill pan that is used on the stove top. It still gives the meat the beautiful grill marks and taste wonderful but doesn't have that grill flavor. The pork chops are not that thick so we keep flipping them until the center is white which usually only takes about 10 minutes total. Lastly, I top my sweet potato with cinnamon, which is also great for many things-like helping lower blood sugar.

To find this delicious sauce plus other great seasonings that are healthier visit:
http://www.tastefullysimple.com/web/dmajkowski

When I grow up...

In high school, individuals are asked to think about their future and make huge decisions at such a young age. Where will you go to college, if you decide to go that route, what will your major be, what job are you hoping to acquire after college, what does the future look like to you and what goals are you wanting to achieve? Of course seven years ago I did not see my life where it is now. I decided I wanted to go into the fashion industry, probably in marketing, hopefully be working for my Bloomingdale as a buyer, or something very lavish where I live and breathe all things fashionable. Once in college and coming up on the time to declare my major I realized I needed to focus, think realistically, and really think about what my short and long term goals were. I've always enjoyed helping people, working with children, and obviously fashion. I decided to study early childhood education because I realized I could help students learn, possibly be the only positive role model in their lives, and hopefully help change their mind about school and learning-so many children have learned to dislike school and learning and I even became one of these students at a young age, why not change this?
During my last two years of college I had the opportunity to work with some of the most amazing teachers Coweta County had to offer and learned so much from each of them. The last year I was able to stay with the same teacher the entire school year and considered her my mentor. She was a veteran teacher and I knew I would learn so much more from her, even more than I already had learned. After college I wasn't able to have a job lined up due to the uncertainty of where I would be living while my future husband was deployed. I decided to substitute while he was deployed and then moved to North Carolina, where I was hired on with DODEA as a substitute in dependent schools. I worked with special needs often and was working with Pre-kindergarten through second grade students. I absolutely loved working with the special needs children to the point they became my "babies". I became sick a week before the school`s spring break and was hospitalized for almost the entire week of spring break. I wasn't well enough to finish the school year with substituting but was still on the list for the next year. When discussing work with my doctor she informed me that I could go back to work, which I was afraid my new found illness would hinder me, as long as I wasn't around small children because of the auto-immune disease. WHAT? Working with small children is my job, what my degree is in, and what I love. So what now...?
Thankfully, I am well enough to start back substituting this new school year but I am considering going back to school for a career change. I have had several months and a lot of time to really think about what I want to be "when I grow up" and  how my goals, short and long term, have drastically altered. But what exactly can I do that still allows me to help people and not expose myself to the germs the young children can give me? Then I remembered how frustrated I got during each diagnosis because no matter what dietician I met with, I left feeling as confused as I was before the appointment and still didn't know what I could and couldn't eat. So this is one option, I can help patients like me come up with a healthy new diet hopefully allow these patients the confidence that I lacked with eating. Another option I considered was to study physical therapy. After watching my sweet husband deal with all of his war related health issues and having to visit physical therapist for months at a time I realized they help people restore their body to the condition it was before, or as close as they could at least. Many of these options I consider would take an extended amount of school again but I am willing to do what it takes to accomplish a new goal that is safe for me to live in everyday.
Any ideas or suggestions would be appreciated for this as well. :)

Is Anything too Hard for God?

Strong...how do you define this word? Physical strength? Mental or psychological stability? What about tough? I've been told I am strong and tough however some days I feel like the weakest and most selfish person I know.
With lupus, everyday can present a new ache or pain, new levels of exhaustion, and often times great fear of relapse. Many people do not realize how extremely painful lupus can be. The disease itself attacks your organs, sometimes focusing on one particular organ alone. Certain movements and activities can sometimes cause unexplained pain. When I was first diagnosed and starting my medicine I had terrible pain in my feet, ankles, an  elbows. The pain was so severe I could barely walk at some points but would go as fast as it came and I would be able to walk fine a few minutes later. My elbows would hurt so bad that brushing my hair would kill me and vacuuming was out of the question. Lately, working out has made the pains go away however, while I've started to increase the weight I've experienced excruciating  pain under my ribs to the point of being doubled over. This alone scared me to the point of tears because of fear that the lupus is relapsing. This pain I have been experiencing is identical to the pain I had before I was diagnosed but never went to the doctor about. How do you explain some random pain that you aren't really sure where it is exactly or what causes it to a doctor? And just because you have a pain doesn't mean you run to the doctor every time. Many times we have unexplained pain and discomfort so I just told myself that's all it was. This time I knew better. I called my doctor after three days of the pain during lower body workouts with my concern. She said she's worried about exhausting myself to the point it can push me back in my remission. One word came to mind, SCARED!
The religious side of me knows nothing is, nor ever will be too hard for God but the flesh, human side of me struggles with the understanding of his purpose many times. It's a humbling thought to know I have been part of God's plan and upper story from day one, as small and "unimportant" I am to this world but I have to remind myself I am important and part of the great master plan for a reason.  As hard as it is to swallow, diseases and illnesses all happen for a reason and I'm excited to see what the future holds for me and my life. I've had so many people tell me that God can heal me and can cure my body of all these autoimmune diseases...as strange as it may seem, I feel like God doesn't want me "healed". Sometimes it's hard to wrap my mind around the fact that he can, although I know it's possible, but I feel like I'm a better witness and story for him with these issues and struggles I deal with on a daily basis.
Daily I pray for guidance and daily, I feel like God has provided more opportunities than I could ever imagine on my own, whether it be to just make it through the day without having a pity party, which does happen-not often but it does, or by giving me the opportunity to help someone with my story.
I love reading and have begun searching for really great devotions to help me when I'm having a weak moment. One great friend has already recommended one. I would appreciate your feedback as well! :) That's all for tonight. Goodnight!

Lemon pepper recipes

With my recipes, I use my Paula Dean skillets almost every night and sometimes all three sizes. If you don't have a good set I highly recommend investing in some great pans because it can determine how your food turns out. 🍳 Most of my recipes take about 25 minutes for preparation and cooking time total which is great because my husband doesn't eat the same thing. I usually cook two separate meals every night.
Lemon pepper is a very common seasoning for many types of food like wings, fish, chicken, etc...the only problem, it's very high in sodium. For people with hypertension, this is a problem! Also, if you are trying to lose weight too much sodium in your diet makes you retain fluid which, in turn makes the scale read higher 👎. My recipes using lemon pepper are modified for people trying to lower blood pressure, lose the water weight, and still be able to have that yummy lemon pepper flavored food! 🍋
First, decide what type of protein you want, my personal favorite is tilapia but I also use chicken, salmon, and flounder sometimes. Use all natural extra virgin olive oil in the bottom of the pan with the protein, some lemon juice, and fresh ground pepper to taste. If you want to still use the delicious lemon pepper seasoning, use only a pinch and sprinkle on each size of the protein...very lightly though. I also put garlic powder or fresh garlic on top along with fresh basil, from my garden, and parsley flakes. I usually cook the protein on medium heat and let it get a nice golden brown color on each side. Just because you can't have sodium doesn't mean your food has to be flavorless!
While the protein is cooking, I start my veggies. My usual vegetable choice consist of zucchini and squash but if I have asparagus, snap peas, okra, bell peppers, etc...I throw all of it in there with the all natural extra virgin olive oil again. Remember, the more color on your plate the better it is for you! To add some extra flavor I also use garlic, sweet Vidalia onion, basil, parsley, lemon juice, and fresh ground pepper. I let my veggies sauté until they are tender and starting to brown. You can also use this same recipe but add a lid and a little water to the pan. This will steam the veggies rather than sauté them. If I have cherry or grape tomatoes, when the vegetables are almost done, I throw a few in the pan and roll them around to get the great flavor on them but don't leave them in as long. They get a nice roasted flavor without making them soggy or tomato paste.
Lastly, presentation is key. Humans eat with their eyes first and decide before the first bite if they will like it or not. My food pictures turn out great because I take time to arrange the food in a way the person eating it can't wait to dig in. The last step before serving the dish, I top it with a little sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and voila! Dinner is served. Enjoy 🍴

Dreaded Doctors

Let's be honest, no one likes going to the doctor, especially when usually it only means finding out more bad news. Well today had a follow up with both, my rheumatologist and nephrologist, both in one day, YIKES! Luckily, the rheumatologist, my lupus doctor, said all my lupus levels were normal and I wouldn't have to see her again for three months! Thank goodness! I then went to my nephrologist, which manages my kidney disease (I really don't mind seeing her at least), and she had pretty good news as well. I have been extremely anemic for quite some time, which, if you don't know, can cause you to feel tired all the time...I am finally in normal range for my iron count! Hallelujah! About two months ago, my potassium levels were dangerously high to the point that, while I was in California for a wedding I had to immediately find a lab to draw more blood to recheck the levels...my potassium level is better than ever at 3.9 now! My creatinine and kidney function were also normal...except one problem....my protein count has gone back up to over 2,000 again, which is what it was about four months ago before going into partial remission. The doctor didn't seem to be as concerned as I was about this reading because she said it can be caused from working out as much as I do. As long as I don't begin to swell again or feel bad the protein isn't as concerning she said. The levels will be checked again in four weeks to find out how the protein levels are and hopefully we see improvement. To be in full remission from kidney disease my protein level has to be around 500. About a month and a half ago it was at 800. I know everything happens for a reason, I just wish I could understand things sometimes. Good news, I still feel better than ever, still going to the gym everyday, and still eat clean. If you don't take care of yourself, you are the only one that will suffer and feel bad. I tell myself this all the time when I really don't want to take 19 pills a day or I just want to eat something bad...it will only hurt myself!
That's all for today! Recipes of my favorite meals soon to come!

Healthy Habits...Part 2

Lets talk about that oh so difficult topic for many people...exercise! Finding the motivation to work out on your own can be like pulling teeth sometimes, even with a workout buddy to hold you accountable! I used to have excuse after excuse why I couldn't make it to the gym like, I don't have the money for a membership, my sugar always messes up when I workout, I don't want to go by myself, etc...I'm sure many of you can relate with at least one of those!
 Once I was diagnosed I knew my life would be changing forever, in some ways to keep me alive, some ways to make me feel more comfortable while completing what used to be easy tasks, and some for my own selfish reasons. Exercise, of course has many great benefits. The biggest reasons to exercise for me are for stress relief, natural anti-depressant, and self-satisfaction in the way I see my body changing from week to week.  Once I got a better idea of things I should eat and making grocery lists, I decided working out should be my next healthy habit to add to my new life.  I began following many motivating blogs and looking on Pinterest to give me ideas of new workouts to try.  My husband set up an appointment with a personal trainer at our gym for me and I was on my way to my new and improved body and outlook. After I worked with the trainer for one day I was so sore I could barely move for the next four but didn't stop going to the gym. [Always remember, if you don't workout the soreness it will get worse and then you will have to deal with it all over again next time you work out.] I continued the workout the trainer showed me until it was no longer challenging to me, at this point I had to change my routine.  I have learned if I continue to change up my workout routine and "shock" my body and muscles, I will continue to grow and see improvements and changes in my muscles. We are creatures of habit by nature so change is hard sometimes, especially when we aren't sure of what to do...luckily the Internet is full of assistance for many different things, including workouts. Personally, I like to do circuits, and rotations of workouts.  I usually stay on a three day rotation but change up the type of workouts I do to focus on the different areas.  For example: I always start with a cardio warm up- treadmill, elliptical, stair stepper, etc...
Day 1: chest and triceps, lower body, and tabata timer for abs
Day 2: extra cardio, back and biceps, tabata timer and weighted obliques for abs
Day 3 shoulders, lower body, and tabata time for abs
For once in my life, I can focus on getting and feeling better than I ever could in my life.  I am currently not working due to summer break and not going to school, which I used so much as an excuse in the past.  I have a wonderful support system that helps keep me focused on my goal and tons of motivation. Nothing will stop me from reaching my goal. Some day I feel weak from lupus but I have learned to wait a little while and try again later in the day or do a less strenuous workout.  Never give up on a dream and set your focus on your goal. After all, you are the only one you will let down! Makes yourself proud of what you did! 

That Healthy New Hobby

As you read in my last post, my healthy eating habits led to me starting a new hobby. This, as you also know, eating healthy gets extremely costly at times and can make it somewhat discouraging when you see the grocery bill every two weeks continue to grow. I was eating zucchini and squash on a daily basis, my visits to the store became more frequent and my wallet continually got "lighter" and "lighter".  At this, my husband thought of planting our own garden with the things we use the most to cut back on having to spend so much. I somewhat chuckled at the thought because, well lets just say I have worse than a brown thumb, at least with flowers! He understood my concerns with possibly spending all this money to start a garden and watching it shrivel up and die in a matter of weeks but gave me confidence that he would make sure to attend it daily until it was healthy enough for me to care for it. Thank goodness I let him talk me into this! My new garden became my baby that I enjoyed just walking around and looking at every few hours. I enjoyed my quiet time outside in the sun while listening to God's creatures and enjoying what God had allowed to grow in my very own backyard. What started out as very weak tiny plants that I had little confidence in became very productive large plants that had to be replanted twice due to the massive plants they became. I began getting so much from my zucchini and squash plants that I was able to freeze three gallon size freezer bags full and still have some coming in. My tomato plants were, and still are, so successful that we could make homemade healthy tomato sauce and even give some to a friend that needed some fresh veggies.
Of course all good things must come to an end...but not yet! I though I had seen my last zucchini and squash for the year due to nasty squash bugs sucking the water and nutrients out of my healthy garden but I wasn't giving up that easily. A quick visit to Lowes to get the miracle Sevin Dust and lots of watering brought my garden back to producing again! I'm so thankful for what God has allowed in my life and my little backyard. I can't wait to see what the future holds nor can I wait to plant a "real" garden at my forever home in Georgia that I can share my produce with my friends and family!
Healthy Habits -Part 2 coming soon! ;)