Erin Sluka - Parenting Healthy

I have partnered with Premier Protein via TapInfluence for this feature. All opinions are my own

I am a Mom and Bonus Mom to a total of 3 boys. Our son is 9 and like his older brothers, is heading into the tween years. Help me! We have been through it twice already but with a coparenting situation so this time we are 100% responsible for how this son gets through it. I recently bought a book a friend recommended that I am reading with my son and it is all about is his changing body and emotions. We just read the chapter on nutrition where it really stresses to stay away from sugary sports drinks and drink more water. My son (and myself) are not good water drinkers.

So I made him a deal. We would measure out a healthy amount of daily water and both of us will work together to drink more water. He does sports year round and I am busy and always on the go so we both need healthy hydration. I do allow his water drinks to include a natural flavor added-cucumbers or lemons added to make it more enjoyable and I have added a bottle of Premier Protein Clear Protein drink to my daily beverage consumption.

Premier Protein Clear Protein drinks are only 90 calories and offer 20 grams of much needed protein for me. There is 0 grams of sugar and no fat, soy, gluten or artificial flavors. I need that boost and protein gives my muscles that lift it needs to help me out whether I am hauling groceries, walking the puppy and even getting a meal prepped and packing lunch at the same time.

With a protein water I don’t have to mix anything, get the blender out. No extra dishes to wash. I can just grab a bottle and go. Clear Protein drinks can be found at Sam’s Club stores nationwide so make sure you pick up your daily helper in the form of protein water by Premier Protein on your next trip in.

Make sure the protein products you consume offer the best ingredients like Premier Protein. Other brands out there may contain artificial ingredients and synthetic nutrients so you really want to do your homework and choose wisely. I have been a regular consumer of Premier Protein for years. The water is so much appreciated and I am so glad I have another protein option I can consume.

Want more food topics? Visit our 2020 Fall Foodie Series!

Food, Natural Foods, Recipes, Uncategorized

Veggie Pasta and Sausage Recipe for Dinner

February 2, 2018February 8, 2018 Erin Sluka

I have partnered with Spice Islands for this feature. Recipe is my own

Spices are a cooks best friend. Right? Can you imagine a kitchen that had no spices or salts? I can’t and because grinding and sourcing what is needed to create spices in nearly impossible inside the average home we rely on brands like Spice Islands to bottle it up for us.

Spice Islands buys many spices whole and then mills them in their facility to release the rich flavors so we can enjoy them right from the bottle. For 75 years, Spice Islands offers many spices sourced from around the world. With Valentine’s approaching, homemade dinners are romantic and can make for a great night full of sentimental memories.

We are eating a low carb diet so we have eliminated most pastas, rices and breads. I have been trying many healthier food options like these in my recipes. Our nearest health store and even common grocers offer veggie pastas which add that extra dose of nutrients to its pasta and many are less carbs than standard enriched pasta. Here is an easy favorite in our home using Spice Island’s Poultry Seasoning.

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Do you know what some of the most widely used and popular spices are from around the world? Some of them are dill weed, bay leaves, cumin, garlic powder, saigon cinnamon and tumeric.

Enjoy many recipes at Spice Islands website like these Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes they have featured!

Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes

Prep time: 15 minutes

Total time: 1 hour, 50 minutes

Yield: 18 mini cheesecakes

18 paper baking cups (2 1/2 inch diameter)

18 gingersnap cookies

12 ounces cream cheese, softened

3/4 cup sugar

1 tablespoon corn starch

1 teaspoon Spice Islands Pumpkin Pie Spice

2 eggs

1 cup canned pumpkin

1/3 cup light corn syrup

Heat oven to 325 F. Line muffin tin with paper baking cups. Place 1 cookie in each cup.

With electric mixer, beat cream cheese, sugar, corn starch and pumpkin pie spice. Add eggs and mix well. Add pumpkin and corn syrup; beat 1 minute.

Pour filling into liners, dividing evenly. Bake 30-35 minutes until just set.

Chill 1 hour.

For more recipes, visit SpiceIslands.com

Education, Gift Guides, Valentine's 2018

Valentine’s Gift Ideas For Your Child’s Teacher

January 26, 2018January 25, 2018 Erin Sluka

I have partnered with TeacherPeach for this feature

I know! We had back to school with the new teacher and Christmas was just last month and now I am telling you of Valentine’s gift ideas for your child’s teacher. As a daughter of a teacher I can’t stress enough how much money out-of-pocket your child’s teacher is putting into the classroom. From most of the decor to rewards and more. The more years a teacher teaches they eventually accumulate a lot and for the newer teachers they are just starting out. To give gifts that help the teacher do good in class is much appreciated.

Besides all the work your teacher outs into the classroom atmosphere and systems she sets up for the kids she has to go home with her work. Papers to correct and lessons to plan are more plentiful than the hours in class with no kids allow for her or him to get it all done. You can help them out with these totes from Teacher Peach.

This Teachers Rock Canvas Boat Tote is the perfect tote for all of those lose papers. It holds a lot and zips up to keep it all confined for transporting. I just love all the words and designs Teacher Peach offers on these bags.

While stocking up for class Valentine’s Day cards, how about cards the teacher can use as well for the kids. Only these Positive Postcards can be used all year long. How proud would your child be to come home with one of these cards in their hands?

Head on over and see all of the teacher and classroom gifts at Teacher Peach! They are great for year round gifting!

Food, Recipes

Pressure Cooker Recipe – Chicken Mexican Soup

January 13, 2018 Erin Sluka

Pressure Cooker Recipe – Chicken Mexican Soup

Let me start by saying that when you take a spoonful of this soup it is so full of flavor you can just skip the extra carbs in toppings. I love topping chilis and soups like this, but I found myself not craving a bit of cheese or sour cream making this a very low carb soup in 30 minutes!

Loaded with nothing but beans, veggies, chicken and low-sodium broth it was a hit in my home. I looked over several recipes online and every one I saw included some sort of ingredient I didn’t have so I opened my pantry and started throwing things into a pot and magic was made. More recipes like this HERE!

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What did I use to make this recipe a success?

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Author: Erin Sluka

New Clear Protein Drink by Premier Protein

Veggie Pasta and Sausage Recipe for Dinner

Valentine’s Gift Ideas For Your Child’s Teacher

Pressure Cooker Recipe – Chicken Mexican Soup

Pressure Cooker Recipe – Chicken Mexican Soup