Category: General Wellness

Thai Chicken Peanut Noodles

Thai Chicken Peanut Noodles

Thai Chicken Peanut Noodles

In one of my first posts How I Eat Healthy I mention that sneaking an extra dose of veggies into my recipes is one of my favorite healthy cooking hacks. I love to really pack a dish full of nutrient rich veggies that are camouflaged by mouth watering flavors. And my Thai Chicken Peanut Noodles are a perfect example of this. These noodles are accompanied by lots of carrots and bell peppers making this a perfect healthy weeknight meal.

In fact, these Thai Chicken Peanut Noodles are probably one of the most requested dinner meals by my husband. Here’s a little quick background story about my hubs. Prior to 2011 (the year we met) his favorite (and possibly only) vegetable he ate was corn. Yup. Corn. So I had to be very clever and creative with how I proved that veggies could be amazingly delicious. My chicken peanut noodles was one of the first dishes he really enjoyed that had a healthy dose of vegetables snuck in.

Now fast forward 10 years and I make this meal on the reg. We love this dish so much that we often fight over who gets the leftovers. These noodles are just as tasty warmed up as they are the night you make them.

Thai Chicken Peanut Noodles

Start by cooking the chicken. For this dish I had cooked and shredded a bunch of chicken the night before. You could sauté and dice the chicken or boil and shred.

Peanut sauce noodles

Next you will want to cook your noodles. You could use fettuccine or spaghetti noodles. I used these low carb linguine noodles I had hanging out in my pantry. Feel free to use rice or other grain alternative noodle if making this dish gluten free. I have used rice noodles before and they hold up well.

Next you want to slice up your veggies. I believe the fancy culinary term is to julienne. Just try to make the peppers and carrots medium thin strips.

Weeknight meal

Add your oil to a large fry pan and cook your peppers and carrots for 5-7 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.

Meanwhile, mix up your Thai Peanut Sauce. Stir together peanut butter, soy sauce (Tamari if making gluten free), chicken broth, chili sauce, rice wine vinegar and sesame oil.

Add the chicken and noodles to the pan and carefully mix in the sauce. Stir until well combined and heated through.

Thai Chicken Peanut Noodles

Top with cilantro, peanuts, green onion and a lime wedge. Enjoy! Leftovers will keep in the fridge 4-5 days (if they last that long).

If you make this dish I would love to see it.

Be sure to tag @movinglikeamother!

Check out more of my favorite weeknight meals below:

Healthy Zucchini Corn and Chicken Chowder

Healthy Stuffed Acorn Squash

Healthy(ish) Homemade Pizza

-Monica

Thai Chicken Peanut Noodles
Print Recipe
 Thai Chicken Peanut Noodles
A delicious, quick and easy weeknight meal. A flavorful Thai inspired dish with nutrient rich bell peppers and carrots. Quick to whip up and makes great leftovers to enjoy all week long.
Thai Chicken Peanut Noodles
Course Main Dish
Keyword noodles
Servings
Ingredients
Sauce
Toppings
Course Main Dish
Keyword noodles
Servings
Ingredients
Sauce
Toppings
Thai Chicken Peanut Noodles
Instructions
  1. 1. Boil noodles according to box directions. Drain and set aside
  2. 2. Preheat oil in a large skilled. Add bell pepper and carrots. Cook for 5-7 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook for 1 additional minute or until fragrant.
  3. 3. While vegetables are cooking prepare the sauce. In a medium bowl stir together peanut butter, soy sauce, chili sauce, chicken broth, sesame oil, and rice wine vinegar.
  4. 4. Add drained pasta, cooked chicken, and sauce into the skillet and mix until fully combined and heated through.
  5. 5. Top with chopped peanuts, cilantro, green onions and a lime wedge.
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How I Keep My Body Happy & Healthy While Entertaining

How I Keep My Body Happy & Healthy While Entertaining

Posted on by Monica

I love to entertain. Having friends and family over to celebrate with food and drinks brings me a lot of joy. Over the years we have thrown many 4th of July BBQs, themed dinner parties, fun birthday gatherings, beer tastings, and even simple get togethers. I enjoy being creative with decorations, food, activities and making sure my guests have an unforgettable time.

But you want to know what I don’t love? The back pain, foot pain, and headache that come from running around like a crazy person before, during, and after entertaining. I should know better. Therefore, as my body ages and becomes less forgiving I am starting to implement some tips and tricks to keep my body happy and healthy when entertaining.

staying healthy while entertaining

So with just a few weeks till Thanksgiving, and a little over a month till Christmas I thought it would be the perfect time to share some of these easy tips. And I know these are unprecedented times and you may not be throwing the big family or friend holiday bash like normal. But even if you’re just having your immediate family over or cooking a big holiday meal for your spouse you could still benefit from some of these easy tips.

Tips for Keeping Your Body Happy When Entertaining:

 
Tip 1: Plan ahead

This might seem obvious when throwing a party, but planning ahead can really help prevent body pain. Plan ahead for when you are going to grocery shop, clean, cook etc. so you are not scrabbling to do everything the night before or day of the gathering. Break up the more physical tasks into different days. Plan what you are going to serve 2-3 weeks ahead so you can plan your shopping trips and prolonged cooking. (see Tip #2)

Tip 2: Break up your grocery shopping trips

decrease discomfort while entertaining

Plan ahead and break up your shopping for the event into several different trips. Try to purchase items that can keep in the pantry and/or are bigger and heavier items (bottled water, soda, canned goods) earlier on. This will help you avoid loading up and pushing a very heavy (or even two) shopping carts.

Tip 3. Wear supportive shoes

When standing and cooking make sure your feet are well supported to avoid back, hip, knee or foot pain. Supportive house shoes or an antifatigue mat can be very helpful. Entertaining usually involves a lot of running around to make sure all your guests are happy so on the day of the event be sure to wear comfortable shoes.



 
Tip 4. Stagger your feet to reduce low back stress

Another tips for reducing low back pain when standing and cooking in the kitchen is to stagger your feet. Placing one foot on a small stool or even an open cabinet reduces the overall stress that is placed on the low back.



 
Tip 5. Avoid reaching overhead with both hands

A big reach overhead with both arms can place your low back at risk for a muscle strain or spasm. Instead grab a step stool to grab items that are out of reach overhead.

Tip 6: Eat and Drink Water

Make sure to eat and drink as you would normally on the day of the event. Fill up a large water bottle and try to keep it nearby as you cook, clean, or entertain. Dehydration can cause increased muscle cramps and headaches. Be sure to serve yourself up a plate of food. Not eating can also lead to headaches, lightheadedness, and even a tendency to overeat later on. Take a second and enjoy whatever delicious food you prepared.



 
Tip 7. Welcome Help

If you are anything like me it’s hard to welcome help. But do as I say, not as I do. Welcome help from your spouse, your family, or your kids. Trying to do everything yourself will lead to fatigue and burn out. Refer to Tip #1, plan ahead and delegate tasks.

Decrease pain with entertaining

Tip 8. Stretch

If you feel your muscles tightening up either on the day of or after the event be sure to stretch. Check out some great low back stretches, neck stretches, and knee stretches to help alleviate muscle aches and pains.

Final Thoughts:

The holidays are a time we can all look forward to, no matter how they are celebrated. Be sure to keep your body healthy by implementing some of these tips if you are planning on doing a bit of entertaining. Whether you are an old mom, a new mom, or not even a mom, we can all benefit from a couple ideas to keep our bodies pain free. Be sure to follow along and check out my other tips for keeping pain away during household tasks and caring for kids.

Wishing you and your family a happy, healthy holiday.

-Monica

healthy entertaining

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Family Pizza Fridays - A Tradition Born in 2020

Family Pizza Fridays – A Tradition Born in 2020

Posted on by Monica

As we all can attest to, the year of 2020 has been anything but traditional. Back in January I had grand plans for trips, events, gatherings, and activities we would do this year. I spent much of 2019 pregnant and with a newborn, so 2020 was MY YEAR!

Wellllll…I’m sure it comes as no surprise that many of those activities didn’t happen. Trips we had planned needed to be cancelled; loved one’s weddings were put on hold; holiday celebrations were different; and even our day to day with work, daycare, and family interactions completely changed.

But I’m a “the glass is half full” kinda person.

And while a lot didn’t get to happen, many things did happen. I re-connected with friends I didn’t talk to often enough through group video chats. Virtual family game nights were a regular occurrence with family that lived 9 hours away. We had time to sit outside and have drinks with our neighbors from our own respective lawns. I tried new recipes and baked a lot of cakes. Soooo many cakes. And we started a new weekly tradition. Pizza Friday.

Why I Love Homemade Pizza

how to make homemade pizza

As I often talk about, I love to cook. I find experimenting with recipes and trying new techniques and flavors really fun. I also like making my own food because then I know exactly what is in it and how it was prepared. You can read more about why I like cooking my own meals here.

So one of my favorite things to cook is homemade pizza. Pizza is truly so easy and versatile. My dad would argue that only crust + sauce + cheese + pepperoni = pizza, but I respectfully disagree. Sure all pizza needs a crust of some sort, but then the rest is up to you. The world is your oyster!

Plus it’s a fun activity we can do together as a family. My son loves making his own little pizza. I meannnn sometimes he just repeatedly rolls the dough out into a small disc, smashes it, and and then squeezes it into a snake. Whatevs! He’s in the kitchen and participating in the cooking. I would like to believe this will lead to him enjoy being in the kitchen and cooking as he gets older.

How To Do Pizza Fridays

how to make homemade pizza

Most Fridays (or Thursday nights) I start my day by quickly making my go-to pizza dough. You can check out the recipe below. This dough is super simple. You just need to plan ahead a tiny bit because it needs about 10 hours to rise.

Easy Pizza Dough:

Combine:

  • 3 1/4 cups flour
  • 1/4 (1 packet) active dry yeast
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 1/2 cups warm water

Cover with plastic wrap and let rise at room temperature for 10-12 hours or overnight. Dough should have doubled in size.

Fast forward 10-12 hours and it’s time to make the pizza. You can use a sheet pan or a pizza stone. I’ve done both. A sheet pan is more convenient (and better for toddler pizzas) but a pizza stone leads to a crispier crust. If using a sheet pan I suggest lining it with parchment paper. If using a pizza stone I typically preheat my oven with the pizza stone inside, prepare my pizza on a pizza peel and toss the pizza onto the stone in the oven. I often also make my own pizza sauce in a Vitamix (because I like to sneak in spinach). You can find that recipe here.

Below are my pizza making necessities. These could make a great gift for anyone who might want to start a pizza making tradition of their own.

My Favorite Pizza Recipes

Here are some of my favorite pizza recipes that I’ve made manyyyyyy times and can attest to their deliciousness.

Pizza Margherita: Katie Lee
Sausage Pan Pizza: Molly Yeh
Al Pastor Taco Pizza: Molly Yeh
Squash and Ricotta Pizza: Molly Yeh
Thai Chicken Pizza: Spicy Southern Kitchen

Clearly I very much enjoy Molly Yeh and all her amazing pizza recipes (I actually enjoy most of her recipes). Other flavor combos I have tried for pizza Friday include but are not limited to: zucchini + fresh mozzarella, macaroni and cheese , bacon, lettuce and tomato (BLT); and meatballs and marinara.

If you are like my father and repulsed by the thought of kale on pizza you can definitely stick with the tried and true. For a classic pizza just make the crust above, add some marinara sauce, and sprinkle on some cheese. Turn it into a fun family activity and make small individual pizzas where everyone gets to pick out their own toppings.

Gratitude for New Traditions

As the weather starts to get colder sticking around the home is still the most popular activity. And while I am not exactly looking forward to being locked indoors with my husband and tiny tots for endless hours this winter I am appreciative of the time I am getting to try new things with my family. I always try to reframe my thinking and practice gratitude for the opportunities life presents to me. Sometimes traditions evolve, grow, and sometimes new traditions are born out of the most unexpected circumstances. For my family 2020 has brought about pizza Fridays, something we look forward to week after week. And it’s a tradition I hope to continue.

I realize this post may not appear to quiet fit in with my typical health and wellness content but I think practicing gratitude is very important for our mental and holistic health. As we enter into November, the month of gratitude, I wanted to share a new tradition that has brought health and happiness to my family. Plus who doesn’t love a good pizza recipe?

Leave a comment with any new traditions you started this year, or maybe you have a great pizza recipe. I’m always open to trying something new!

Happy November and Happy Pizza Friday!

-Monica

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Healthy Stuffed Acorn Squash

Healthy Stuffed Acorn Squash

healthy acorn squash

I’m definitely a seasonal cook. I love cozy soups in the winter, spring vegetable casseroles starting in April, and hotdogs on the grill come summer. And you can bet your bottom dollar as soon as those leaves start changing colors I’m whipping up warm comfort foods. I love recipes full of seasonal fruits and veggies and delightful fall time seasonings, just like this healthy stuffed acorn squash.

I’m a little surprised at the amount of people who have never tried acorn squash. Sure, it’s a little goofier looking than it’s close popular relative the butternut squash, but it has really nice flavor and texture. Not to mention it has many nutritional benefits including high in fiber, vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium. And it’s full of antioxidants which helps your body fight of chronic health conditions.

acorn squash

This recipe is filled with good for you veggies, plus tasty Italian sausage, and fragrant rosemary and thyme. Naturally gluten and dairy free this recipe fits the bill for anyone with avoiding those two allergen groups. But total confession; have sprinkled some cheese on top to appease my husband and I didn’t hate it.

healthy stuffed acorn squash

The hardest part is cutting the acorn squash in half. It’s a bit of a workout. Just find your largest, sharpest knife and be careful!

Then it’s just a little dicing, browning, stirring, and filling those cute little acorn squash up with delicious fall flavors.

So throw on your cozy flannel, turn on some football, and try this healthy stuffed acorn squash recipe. Full of vitamin rich veggies and comforting sweet and savory flavors this is sure to be an instant fave.

stuffed acorn squash

If you give it a try I’d love to know. Snap a pic and tag @movinglikeamother.

You can find more great fall time recipes below:

Healthy Zucchini, Corn, & Chicken Chowder

Healthy Cinnamon, Apple, Oat Muffins

Enjoy!

–Monica

Print Recipe
 Healthy Stuffed Acorn Squash
Warm and comforting this recipe for stuffed acorn squash is filled with healthy vegetables and tasty sweet Italian sausage. It’s naturally gluten and dairy free and full of healthy nutrients. Easy to make and filled with sweet and savory flavors.
healthy stuffed acorn squash
Course Main Dish
Cuisine Homemade
Keyword squash
Servings
servings
Ingredients
Course Main Dish
Cuisine Homemade
Keyword squash
Servings
servings
Ingredients
healthy stuffed acorn squash
Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
  2. Place the 4 acorn squash halves (seeds removed) open-side down on the baking sheet and roast in the preheated oven for about 20-30 minutes, or until the top of your squash feels tender when gently pressed. Set aside after removing from oven.
  3. While the squash roasts begin to make the filling. Heat a large saucepan over medium heat. Cook the sausage and stir to break up lumps, about 5-8 minutes until just browned. Remove sausage and set aside. Drain or wipe out excess grease from pan.
  4. Reheat saucepan over medium low heat and add 1 Tbsp olive oil. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, then add onion and celery and cook until soft and translucent. Add the apples and herbs and continue to cook, stirring until the apples soften. Add the spinach and a pinch of salt and pepper and cook, stirring, until the spinach wilts. Stir in cooked sausage.
  5. Reheat oven to 400 degrees. Fill all 4 halves of the squash with the stuffing mixture (you may have leftover depending on how big your squash was.
  6. Arrange the squash on the baking sheet, stuffing side up, and let roast in the oven for 20 min checking often to prevent burning. Once nice and browned, remove from oven, allow to cool a bit and then serve warm. Enjoy!
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