Grocery Shopping in My Parents’ Pantry

Every time I leave my parents’ house after a weekend at home, I inevitably leave with a department store bag full of food from their pantry. Fortunately they’ve come to expect this and my mom even buys duplicates of items she actually wants to remain after I leave so they’re not completely depleted of all yummy foods.

Here is a picture of my latest conquest:

Thanks Mom and Dad

I stocked up on fruit and nut bars, pasta, tea, cake mix, seasonings, cheese and more. I even made off with a super cute tea pot and some tea cups! Lucky ducky.

As if making off with a bag full of groceries isn’t good enough, my parents both sneak me money for “gas,” just like they did when I was in college despite the fact that I am 24 and have a full time job. They are well aware that they both give me money and this time my mom even said “Here you go, Sweetie. Nothing like some double dipping, huh?”  as she handed me extra money. I love that my parents will always think of me as their little girl… but then again, I always will be their little girl. 🙂

Question: What do you always leave with when you visit your parents?

Rotisserie Revisited

When Ryan picked up a rotisserie chicken at the grocery store for dinner last night, I’m not sure who was more exited, me or Sadie.

Rotisserie Chicken

On second thought, I’m going to have to go with the dog on this one, considering she sat dutifully by the counter where the chicken waited while we unloaded groceries and then followed the chicken to the table where she sat looking from the bird to us and back again. She also does this with her leash (looking from us to the leash and then back again) when she wants a walk. It’s her own way of puppy communication and I’ve cracked the code!

We did share the chicken with Sadie (and got lots of puppy kisses as a thank you) and even managed to have some leftovers.

Shredded Chicken

The leftovers made me think of all the things you can make with a rotisserie chicken (fresh or a day or two old). Here’s a list of ten different ways to use the moist meat:

1. Add on top of lettuce and make your own salad using your favorite toppings

2. Add to canned soups for an easy version of homemade soup

3. Season with taco seasoning for tacos or fajitas

4. Add to marinara sauce and pour on top of whole wheat pasta

5. Use as a topping on your favorite pizza crust

6. Add to a sandwich or a wrap for lunch

7. Top a tortilla with chicken and cheese for an easy quesadilla

8. Toss into a stir fry with lots of veggies

9.  Make your own chicken salad using light mayo

10. Use in a breakfast burrito with eggs and cheese

For those of you wondering about the nutritional information associated with a rotisserie chicken, after researching nutrition facts for various retailer’s chickens, the calories in a single serving of the chicken (approximately 3 oz.) seem to range from 140  – 170. Feed the skin to your dog to save extra fat and calories and make your pup love you even more! 🙂

Question: How do you use leftover rotisserie chicken?

A Scrappy Lunch

Two things made my lunch quite scrappy today:

1. I used leftover rotisserie chicken scraps in my salad

2. I scrappily went to Subway to get a packet of salad dressing when I realized I forgot mine at home

Scrappy Salad

The kind Subway sandwich artist happily handed over the pack of Italian salad dressing for free which made my day a little brighter. 🙂

Fat Free Italian Salad Dressing... For Free!

I made my salad on a bead of broccoli slaw which I typically use instead of lettuce because it not only lasts longer, but also provides more nutrients than typical iceberg or romaine lettuce.

My Lunch

I topped the broccoli slaw with sliced zucchini, shreds of leftover rotisserie chicken, chopped plum tomato and cold previously steamed broccoli florets.

Lots of Veggies!

After pouring the packet of Italian dressing on the salad and shakin’ it up, I was ready to eat!

Ready for My Belly

My tummy is on veggie overload at the moment… 😉

The Perfect Pear

It’s no secret that I think Greek yogurt may be one of the world’s most perfect breakfast foods. Not only is it ridiculously creamy, but it’s full of satiating protein that really keeps me satisfied until my mid-morning snack.

Today's Breakfast

I was thrilled when Oikos contacted me and sent me a wonderful package in the mail with coupons to try their yogurt. I usually stick to plain Greek yogurt, but with the coupons I also purchased honey and blueberry which I cannot wait to try.

Thank You Oikos!

This morning I topped a plain Oikos organic Greek yogurt with a handful of Kashi Go Lean cereal and a package of Brothers-All-Natural Asian Pear crisps.

The Goods

The pear crisps were the perfect addition to the Greek yogurt and added a sweet crunch to the thick mixture.

Brothers-All-Natural Asian Pear Crisps

The crips are 100 percent freeze dried Asian pear (nothing else!) and each packet contains approximately 1 1/2 pears. At only 40 calories a pack, I’m in love!

The Breakfast Spread

The breakfast was complete with a hot mug of Yogi Goji Berry Green Tea.

Yogi Goji Berry Green Tea

This breakfast was a great start to a new week. I actually like Monday mornings because I often fill my belly with more treats on the weekends (hello peppermint Oreo dessert!), and I like getting back to healthier eating.

Question: What is your favorite part about Mondays?