Healthy Lasagna Recipe

SAUCE:

1-1 ½  pounds ground turkey

½ onion, finely chopped

2 cloves fresh garlic minced

1 large jar of pasta sauce

Italian seasoning

Fresh ground pepper

Tsp of sugar or splenda

Make the sauce first.  Brown the ground turkey, chopped onion, and garlic cloves.  When the turkey is no longer pink drain the excess grease and add the jar of pasta sauce.  Put a little water in the empty sauce jar, put the top back on, and shake it up. Pour the watery sauce in the pan.  Add about a TBSP of Italian Seasoning, grind some pepper on the top, and add the sugar.  Simmer for awhile so that the flavors blend together. 

CHEESE LAYER:

12 ounces cottage cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 egg

TBSP of parsley

While sauce is simmering, blend cottage cheese, Parmesan, parsley and egg until smooth. Set aside.

OTHER INCREDIENTS: 

1 Package of whole wheat lasagna noodles

1 pound (16 oz) shredded mozzarella cheese

Preheat oven to 350* degrees F (175 degrees C).  Spray 9x13 glass baking dish. Spread 1 cup of sauce in the bottom of baking dish.  Use one of the metal cup measures to layer the sauce. Cover sauce with 3 noodles lengthwise, and 1 width wise (break it to fit). Cover noodles with one-third of remaining sauce. Top with half the mozzarella. Place another layer of noodles and one of sauce over the mozzarella; top that with the cottage cheese mixture. Top with remaining layer of noodles and remaining sauce. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella on top.  Cover with tin foil (I spray the tin foil with Pam so that the cheese doesn’t stick). Bake in preheated oven 40 minutes. Remove foil and bake 15 minutes more, until golden and bubbly.

Enjoy! 

Happy Memorial Day Weekend

Recently, I met up with my friend from Virginia, Mr. Brett Whitsitt.  Since, high school he has survived buds and become a Navy Seal.  Brett is in the process of writing a book and a movie producer is interested in making it into a major motion picture.   He is absolutely amazing and I feel empowered around him.  

Mr. Whitsitt was deployed for 11 months and he said that during this time he became desensitized to the bombs that would explode near his camp.  In fact, he got to a point where he would hear the explosion and roll over in bed.  Over the weekend, he shared some of his experiences and struggles that he encountered when deployed; really puts things in perspective.  No matter what he faced then, you are unable to break his spirit now.  I noticed everything was just “wonderful” and “nothing could get better” for Brett.  He really made me appreciate the blessings that we have in the United States and to be grateful for each and everyday.  I know that it is easy to be desensitized to the blessing around you due to daily stress and the same work routine.  So take a moment and open your eyes....

Thank the Lord for local heroes like Brett.  Happy Memorial Day!

Keep Believing: RIP Norman Wu

One of the most influential people in my life was a young lady by the name of Kate McCook.  She was one of my very best friends and she lost her struggle to cancer in her early twenties.  No matter the amount of pain she endured, she always had faith and a smile across her face.  Whenever the circumstances around me seem unbearable, I pray for Kate's strength.


This year, my neighborhood and I joined together to raise money for cancer research and participated in the Livestrong Marathon.  The interest was sparked when a young doctor, Norman Wu, was diagnosed with lung cancer.  At difficult times like these, questions arise and then the support of others start rushing in.  Dr. Wu lost his battle with cancer last week and neighbors, friends, and family all came together to support their family.  It was truly inspirational. 

My Livestrong team

This year I hope others around me will join my cause to raise money for cancer research.  Ask yourself: who are you fighting for and who has changed your life for the better?  During times of hardship, the courage and support of others around you will help you believe and provide the faith you need to continue fighting.  If you are interested in participating in your first event this year or would like to change your entire lifestyle, please let me know.  I would love to help.    



"If you just keep playing, keep believing and have some faith, something good can happen" -- Washington Redskins coach Norv Turner

CPSDA Annual Conference

To kick off the summer this May, I attended the 4th annual Collegiate Professional Sports Dietican (CPSDA) conference in St. Petersburg, FL.  Health, wellness, and nutrition was discussed among various leaders in the Sports R.D. profession.  Even though I personally am not pursuing my R.D. it was very informative and useful as I look for Corporate Wellness positions for this coming December.

Beach Party hosted by Muscle Milk

OU graduates at the Award Banquet