Weird Cravings

So I've heard that every pregnancy is different, and I can now vouch for the truth in that statement.  With Naomi, pregnancy was a breeze.  No abnormal cravings (well, except for all things sweet), no morning sickness, and no exhaustion.  I felt GREAT through and through.  With this one though, different story. Sleepiness and pure exhaustion ruled my life the entire first trimester, making life with a toddler extra challenging.  I am lucky and grateful to say that being tired was the worst of it, and now that I am in the second trimester, I am feeling fabulous! Naomi and I regularly visit the gym for yoga and we hit the trails for walking.  I'm determined to stay healthy and active throughout.

our new hangout. Childcare, yoga, AND Mother's Morning Out programs? Perfect.

The biggest difference with this one that has me scratching my head is my CRAVINGS!! I should've known it was a boy (although I was convinced otherwise).  First trimester cravings for all things considered guy-friendly food: chicken wings, hamburgers, french fries, pickles, beer (no worries - I never caved in to that one)!  I also couldn't shake the desire for a Lady and Sons asparagus sandwich, so I bought all ingredients and am enjoying them still! Fried egg and cheese sandwiches were on the menu for an entire week straight, often eaten for breakfast and dinner, and maybe a late night snack.  Yikes. I told you I've been hitting the gym! And the health food store too! I promise! :)

The Lady and Sons asparagus sandwich = heaven on a plate. and I add double or triple the asparagus!

Asparagus Sandwich:
2 slices pumpernickel bread
8-12 asparagus stalks - steamed and blanched.
red onion slices
thousand island dressing
slice of favorite cheese.

I put it all together on the stove like you would a grilled cheese. Fancy dancer grilled cheese. YUM. 

Lately, I've been doing much better - eating wise and cravings wise.  After a few talks with a friend of mine in town who recently went vegetarian and talking about all things beets, I was convinced that she had me craving them!! I haven't had the desire to eat, much less cook, beets in a loong while, so I gave it a shot tonight and yowzas!! DE-LISH. Also out of one of Anni Daulter's books, I used the recipe Luscious Garlic Beet Chips.  Even Naomi Garner devoured every last one that she was handed.  Wam bam thank you mam. :)

recipe taken from this cookbook

Luscious Garlic Beet Chips: 
2 lg fresh beets, sliced into chips
olive oil
2 whole garlic cloves, halved
pinch of cayenne (seriously good)
2 pinches garlic powder
2 pinches sea salt.

Preheat oven to 375. Place beet slices in large bowl and lightly drizzle with olive oil.  Add remaining ingredients. Toss to coat thoroughly.  Arrange beet slices in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes, turning once, until crisp.  Yall. SO. Good!!

my apologies - not my photo, but I was too excited to get the camera out this time! They looked just as good as these though and tasted even better I betcha!

I'm delighted that my cravings have turned to lots of veggies and soups lately, like kale and collards and tomato soup and brothy soups, so I'm running with it.  I guess it's safe to say I'm a lover of all things FOOD these days (everything bagel with veggie cream cheese to go, please), so I'm trying my best to make all food count. Not only for me but my family too.  Whole foods, local foods, healthy foods.  The natural food store is my new buddy, although expensive, you pay for what you get. I am now convinced that healthy eating starts with the freshest ingredients (more on that blog later). And well, Brighter Day, you're my new bestest pal. I loooove you (and your beets)! :) More food blogs to come soon, you can count on it. Besides, it's all I think about these days!