Z's low carb bread Z’s Low Carb Bread
Breads · Home

Z’s Low Carb Bread

Featured zhealthyhousewifeLeave a comment

I’m a Sucker

If you were stranded on an island and could only have one kind of food…which would you choose? I would choose bread. Yes, you heard right. I would choose bread. Not the stale, old kind of bread…but the warm, fresh-out-of-the-oven kind. Oh Baby! I’m a sucker for bread. There, I said it.

If you stuck a bowl of ice-cream in front of me, and put some fresh homemade bread next to it…Id choose the bread. Every time! I think I might just have a love affair with bread. The only problem with said affair is a whole host of non-nutritious nutrition.

Don’t get me wrong…there is NOTHING wrong with some bread here and there. Especially homemade. But, when your obsession becomes a daily thing, it can quickly become bad. Real bad.

You see, after I got married and learned how to cook and bake (learning how to cook and bake kind of came later in life for me), I got the itch to bake a lot. I mean A LOT. And guess what? I learned how to bake the crap out of bread! Oh, I could bake bread so so good. I started making homemade bread of all kinds, about 2-3 times a week. I mean, we had Honey White bread, whole wheat bread, sweet bread, cinnamon swirl bread. Bread was starting to come out of our ears! Just kidding, but seriously. My husband and I were bread-eating-crazy people! And guess what? We definitely gained a lot of weight in those days! I even saved a picture of our “bread eating days”. Lol. (Mind you, I was very pregnant in this picture).

My husband and I actually like to look at this picture and remember those bread eating days. It really gets us to remember what NOT to do. Luckily, we eventually both discovered the Trim Healthy Mama way of life, and discovered how awesome it is to eat healthy foods, and reap the benefits of a slimmer waist line.

Different beach, same two bodies.

Again, there is nothing wrong with an occasional slice of fresh homemade bread, or a warm roll at a restaurant, or a glorious gooey cinnamon roll. Anyways, I digress. But you know what I mean! “Everything in moderation”, right?

Once I understood how detrimental starchy carbs were for our aging metabolism, I began to dream of breads that were good for us. I began to look for healthier choices. Now, if you’ve ever been to a health food store, they will always have a bread section. They may even have healthy breads. Ones with good carbs. But when you look for the “low carb bread”, usually it will be a tiny little section that you would never find, unless you had a magnifying glass.

You see, about 2 weeks ago, I went into Sprouts to get my usual groceries, and I decided to look for the low carb bread section. It literally was one choice. One brand. I won’t name the brand, cause I don’t want to get in trouble, but lets just say, I was shocked at the price! $7.80! For one loaf of low carb bread! Geez! I bought it with the sole purpose to try it and see if I could make something similar.

So I tried it. It wasn’t too bad. It was great that I could have it with a couple of eggs and bacon (thats the THM way…fats with fats. Carbs with carbs.). However, as I studied the ingredients, there really wasn’t anything significantly healthy in it. It was low carb, and it didn’t have sugar, so technically it was on plan. But it didn’t have health benefits. Here’s the nutrition label from said bread. As you can see, it is “on plan”, but not much in the way of nutrition.

Secretly, I wanted to make it BETTER. I wanted to create my own low carb bread that was beneficial for health, WHILE fulfilling the desirable texture that bread has. Thus started my “quest” to make a better low carb bread, one that actually had health benefits!

Enter Z’s Low Carb Bread

I wish I could tell you that I just threw a bunch of ingredients in the blender and got it perfect the first time, but I would be lying. I can tell you numerous stories of blender “mishaps”. Like full on goo on the walls and cupboards, chopped up spatulas in the mix, horrible looking flat loaves, nasty tasting crumbly messes. Need I say more?

But then, after a couple years (really) of hot and miss, I think finally got the trick down! I think I nailed it! Fluffy, yummy bread with none of the guilt! I mean, look at that crust! Where’s the BUTTAH!?!?

And holy crap…I made this in the BLENDER!?!?! Did I mention BLENDER? The crust came out beautiful, and the texture in not “eggy” or mushy.

The amazing thing about this bread is that you can have this wonderful concoction WITH butter, or WITH peanut butter, jelly, or anything else you would like to add to it! And it’s ON PLAN! Very little carbs, full of protein, and chock full of nutrition!

In this recipe, I added collagen, chia seeds, oat fiber and protein powder. So many good things! I’m working to get a plugin on this site that will show the nutrition of my recipes. Sorry about not having one. I’m still learning techy stuff. But until I do, feel free to try this recipe and tell me what you think! I love feed back! I hope you love this bread as much as I do!

Enjoy!

God Bless!

-Zaneta

Z's low carb bread
Print

Z’s Low Carb Bread

A delicious way to eat bread. With none of the carbs!!!

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Servings 22 servings
Author Zaneta Francis

Ingredients

  • 1 Carton Egg Whites (I get mine from Costco)
  • 2 Eggs
  • 2 tsp Xanthan Gum
  • 2 Cups Cottage cheese
  • 2 1/2 Cups Almond Flour
  • 3/4 Cup Oat Fiber (NOT to be confused with oat flour)
  • 1/2 Cup Protien Powder (I Use the vanilla flavored to give it a slight sweetness)
  • 2 Tsp sweetner of choice (I use Pyure blend)
  • 2-4 scoops Collegen Depending how much collegen you want. I use 2 scoops.
  • 3/4 Cup Chia seeds
  • 1/8 Cup Bread Flour
  • 3 Tbs Vital Wheat Gluten
  • 1 Tbs Baking powder
  • 1 Tsp Salt

Instructions

  1. First: Add egg whites, eggs and xanthan gum. Blend on high for 1 minute, or until light and fluffy.

  2. Then add the rest of the ingredients and blend on high until well mixed.

  3. Sometimes you have to use a spatula to get the flours or whatever off the side of the blender. I kind of mix it around until it all get blended and fluffy looking. (just be careful not to stick your spatula in too far. That is how i chopped up a couple of spatulas in my day:).

  4. Once everything is blended, get two bread laof pand and grease them. I use Pam baking spray.

  5. Cut the mixture in to two portions and divide into both of the pans.

  6. Bake at 350 for 40 minutes. The tops should be golden brown when done. Let cool for 10 minutes before cutting.

  7. Enjoy!

Chocolate mint cookies Chocolate Mint Cookies
Home · Sweets and Treats

Chocolate Mint Cookies

Featured zhealthyhousewife2 Comments

Sugar-Free, Keto, Thm

Do you have a certain smell, taste or sight that is directly connected with Christmas? I do. Except its not just one. It’s like a 304!

I love the Christmas tree (the real one, with the REAL smell) all set up right after thanksgiving. I love the Christmas music softly playing in the background whenever I cook or bake. I absolutely love the Christmas tree lights on after all the kids go to bed, when I can actually sit and enjoy it, and the cozy soft glow that it gives off. Somehow, everything seems better around Christmas time.

There is an array of different cookie recipes that I love to bake around Christmas time, but these taste just like Christmas to me. I came up with the recipe last year when I was playing around with some ideas. One evening, as I was scrounging through the cupboards for something sweet (does anyone else do that???), I found an old box of Girl Scout cookies. Mint thins! I smelled them to make sure they were good still…they weren’t. So, I decided to make some chocolate mint cookies, inspired by an old bad box of Girl Scout cookies! The clincher was, they were going to be the healthy version so that I could thoroughly enjoy them!

Staying “on plan”

You see, I have a hard time staying on track with my health and fitness around the holidays. Is it only me? I feel like thanksgiving always starts it off for me, because I always end up baking enormous amounts of pies, cheesecakes and the like. Its not that I am a binger on all that is junk, but my messed up thinking always gets me in the end. I start to think, “well, thanksgiving is this week, so I guess I will have one of those cookies,” or, “I have to have a homemade roll with my dinner!”. That thought process just continues for a couple of weeks, when finally I am ready to get back to eating “on plan” again. Then it is Christmas week, and the whole process begins again.

I know I am not alone on this. I’ve talked to so many of my friends who struggle with this too. And don’t get me wrong, it’s not the end of the world if you take advantage of the wonderful bounty of deliciousness around the holidays. However, if it becomes the “norm”, then it can be.

So with all of that being said, wouldn’t you love to start incorporating healthy options to your holiday traditions? Try these guys on for size! I would love to hear some of your family traditions, your favorite cookie recipes etc, but especially how you liked these Chocolate Mint Cookies!

So grab a cozy blanket, a glass of milk (or cashew milk-one of my favorites), and put on that old Christmas classic movie, and enjoy one of these timeless cookies…with none of the guilt! Feel good about serving healthy options this Christmas!

Heres the recipe! I hope you enjoy them!

God Bless!

-Zaneta

Chocolate mint cookies
Print

Chocolate Mint Cookies

A Christmas Favorite! Sugar-free, Keto, THM

Course Dessert
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 13 minutes
Servings 30 cookies
Author Zaneta Francis

Ingredients

  • 3 Eggs At room temp
  • 2 sticks Butter (unsalted) Softened
  • 1 1/2 cups Sweetener I love gentle sweet, monkfruit or an erythritol blend
  • 1 tsp Xanthan gum to thicken and bind
  • 5 drops Vanilla creme stevia
  • 1 1/4 tsp Mint extract
  • 2/3 cups Cocoa powder
  • 3 tbs Pyrure Stevia blend
  • 1/2 cup Sour cream
  • 2 cups Almond flour It works better with the fine ground almond flour
  • 1/2 cup Oat Fiber This is another trick to make it bind together

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees

  2. In Mixer: Blend together the softened butter and all sweetener until creamy.

  3. Add in room temp eggs and mix until fluffy

  4. Add in vanilla drops and mint extract. Continue to mix.

  5. In seperate bowl, mix together remaining dry ingredients.

  6. Add Dry ingredients to wet ingredients. Mix until well mixed together.

  7. Once Mixed together, leave mixture in bowl. Place in Fridge for 20-30 minutes.

  8. Once chilled, place round 1 inch balls of dough onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Slighty press down on dough.

  9. Bake in oven for 12-14 minutes.

The Oath The Oath-Frank Peretti
Z's Book Reviews

The Oath-Frank Peretti

Featured zhealthyhousewife4 Comments

On cold rainy days, I love nothing better than curling up on the couch with a fluffy blanket and reading books! Since I have already read this book multiple times, I figured that I would do a book review of a classic christian fiction novel that I LOVE! The Oath, by Frank Peretti. This book is perhaps my all time favorite christian fiction book! I swear I’ve read it at least 8 times, and I am sure that I could probably read it at least once a year, and still be entranced in the story!!! I was introduced to this book around the age of 13, and have since read it so many times, I’ve lost count!

I love the way that Frank Peretti brings together timeless characters, and weaves a story together that will not likely be forgotten for your whole life! Yay for great books to read!

“When the partial remains of nature photographer Cliff Benson are found in the woods near Hyde River, his brother, Steve, investigates the mysterious attack. After finding problems with a theory involving a bear attack, he teams up with local sheriff’s deputy Tracy Ellis. As the deaths continue and the townsfolk are pressed for information, they close ranks, under the mysterious “Oath” made when the town was founded. Steve and Tracy grow closer to each other as they peel away the mystery and come face to face with the dark evil behind the deaths. ” (wikipedia.com)

I absolutely love how Peretti weaves together an intense story, characters and the gospel theme all throughout the book! Because there is a theme of good and evil all through the pages, I love how, in the end, the “good guys always win”!

Just talking about this book makes me want to grab it off of my shelf, get a blanky, brew some coffee and settle in for an amazing story! This book is so good, I may have to read it again soon! 😉

I hope you enjoy this book as much as I have throughout the last two decades of my life!

God Bless!

-Zaneta

book review The things we cannot say
Z's Book Reviews

The things we cannot say

zhealthyhousewifeLeave a comment

Im just going to be honest here…I don’t usually read secular books. But when I find one that is not only EPIC, but also based on HISTORY…Oh baby, I’m in heaven! I could hardly put this one down! I absolutely loved the story line! the characters were instantly endearing, and the historic backdrop of Nazi occupied Poland, was fascinating.

The story basically surrounds the Dziak family: Papa, Mama, Alina and her twin Brothers. It depicts a simple, yet lovely life on a farm outside of a tiny rural town in Poland. Once World war 2 breaks out and the Nazis take over Poland…all of that changes.

The story centers on the Dziak’s Daughter Alina. She dreams of a life where she, and her sweetheart, Tomasz can be married, and start a life of their own. Her somewhat naive thinking gets her in trouble many times, and it isn’t until her Tomasz disappeares that begins to worry about her idealistic dreams.

I love how the author weaves together the past and present, in a way that leaves you coming back for more! It was very hard for me to put this one down, and I’m pretty sure that I read it in less than a week!! I literally dreamt about the story whenever I went to sleep, and woke thinking about the characters!

I highly suggest this book to anyone who loves a good story, but especially anyone who loves history. Check it out!

So Good!!!
The front description doesn’t even do this book justice!!!

Anyways…I hope you love this book as much as I did! Enjoy!

-God Bless!

-Zaneta

chocolates Z’s Fat Burning Almond Chocolates
Sweets and Treats

Z’s Fat Burning Almond Chocolates

zhealthyhousewife1 Comment

Sugar-Free, THM-S, Keto

Fat Burning Chocolate???

“Excuse me? Did I hear you right? Chocolate that burns fat?” Yes…There is such a thing!!! These bad boys rev up the fat burning mode of your body, yet are decadent and delicious!

There is just something beautiful that happens when you mix dark chocolate, cream, shredded coconut and almonds!

7 Proven Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate
    • Very Nutritious. …
    • Powerful Source of Antioxidants. …
    • May Improve Blood Flow and Lower Blood Pressure. …
    • Raises HDL and Protects LDL From Oxidation. …
    • May Reduce Heart Disease Risk. …
    • May Protect Your Skin From the Sun. …
  • Could Improve Brain Function.

(healthline.net)

In addition, when you mix dark chocolate with MCT oil, it only increases the fat burning mode in your body…

-Coconut oil is 55% MCTs, while MCT oil is made 100% of MCTs. Furthermore, coconut oil contains all 4 medium-chain fatty acids, including large quantities of lauric acid, the least efficient MCT. MCT oil only uses the two most efficient MCTs for energy: caprylic and capric acid. (perfectketo.com)

-Many ketogenic diet and MCT oil spokespeople say that MCT’s energy sustaining powers can be explained as follows: when MCT oil is metabolized in the body, it behaves more like a carbohydrate than a fat. Remember that the fuel of preference for the body is carbohydrate. Unlike other fats, MCT oil does not go through the lymphatic system. Instead, it is transported directly to the liver where it is metabolized so it releases energy like a carbohydrate and creates lots of ketones (which
an be used for fuel) in the process. (bodybuilding.com)

These little chocolates are sure to impress! Satisfy those sweet and salty cravings with no guilt!

Prepare

I don’t know about you, but when I am busy (which is all the time), it is often hard for me to resist little snacks or treats when I am out and about. I have found that it is easy to just throw some treats together like once a week, and then have them readily available to just put in a little Tupperware or baggie, making it easy to take them on the go.

Cookies, bars, candies and muffins are easy to transport, thus making it easy to have grab and go treats! It also makes it so much easier to resist the yucky stuff and stay “on plan”.

creamy chocolate

These yummies are so creamy and irresisitable.

The secret to resisting those candies and treats in the stores??? Just prepare for those sweet cravings and make your own treats ahead of time! You have nothing to feel guilty about when the treats you are eating are healthy and good for you!

The Recipe

I know you must be “rummaging through” through your cupboards right now, in your mind. Am I right? But don’t worry! This recipe is so easy and delicious, why wouldn’t you try them?

Without further delay, here is the recipe!

God Bless!

-Z

Recipe Image

Ingredients

  • 1 package (4oz) of unsweetened baking chocolate
  • 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 2 tsp vanilla
  • dash of salt
  • 1/8 cup MCT oil
  • 2 tbs pyure sweetener
  • 1/2 fine ground erythritol (or sweetener of choice)
  • 1 cup of unsweetened shredded coconut
  • 1 cup of raw almonds

Instructions

  1. "!"In a medium pan:
  2. Add water. bring to soft boil.
  3. "!" In a medium bowl:
  4. Place the medium bowl on top of the medium pan of water. (This will allow the chocolate to not burn.)
  5. Add in the Chocolate bar (add in small pieces at a time)
  6. With a whisk, mix continuously, until melted.
  7. Add in MCT oil and continue mixing.
  8. Add Heavy whipping cream slowly, and mix continuously. (this part is important because the chocolate can curdle easily if you add in cold cream too fast)
  9. While mixing, add in the remaining ingredients.
  10. Once the chocolate is melted and creamy, turn heat off and continue whisk occasionally.
  11. Pour melted chocolate into small baking cups.
  12. Add two to three almonds per cup.
  13. Sprinkle tops with desired amount of shredded coconut.
  14. Place in fridge until firm.
  15. Enjoy!
7.8.1.2
50

https://zhealthyhousewife.com/2019/01/17/zs-fat-burning-almond-chocolates/

Emotions of a Stressed-out Housewife
Healthy Mom · Home · Z's Opinions

Emotions of a Stressed-out Housewife

zhealthyhousewife4 Comments

This season has been stressful. I aint gonna lie.

As I previously posted, we started a HUGE addition on our home this summer. To say that it has been challenging would be an understatement. We have gone through so many emotions. Excited. Overwhelmed. Hopeful. Exhausted. Contemplative. Excited. And everything in between.

I think most seasons of life have these vast array of emotions. Not to say that these are necessarily a bad thing, but they can be daunting, nonetheless. However, I have learned as of late that these emotions can be good for you. Stretching. If you learn to “ARREST” them.

You see, I have often prided myself on not letting emotions dictate my reality. I have thought of this as a sort of strength. A “super-power”. But, When I sit back and look at all of the situations where I have allowed myself to push my emotions down, or disregard how I feel about something, inevitably, anger follows. At least eventually.

Perhaps it is all in how you look at it. I recently had a nice conversation with someone I love about the mind. How the mind has such a power over your heart. How when you focus on any one thing for too long, you become that thought. Although I fought that thought-process for a little while, I ultimately understood it. It’s true. What you think about, makes you who you are. How you feel. How you act.

I began to analyze where I was in my mind. I began to look at the thought processes that took hold of my thoughts and emotions. How I was letting my emotions (however pushed down I may place them in my heart), were actually dictating how I acted to everyone around me. How the lack of control on my mind was actually destroying my joy. Annihilating my ability to see the beauty in this season of my life. the beauty that God was TRYING to show me. I realized that I was too distracted with myself. That I had begun looking at all of MY “woes” and troubles, and it made me negative, frustrated and…stressed out. In the end, it brought me to a place of prayer, repentance, and ultimately…peace.

Peace. In the midst of chaos.

“For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as in the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ” 2 Corinthians 10:3-6

The Word of God is so powerful. It so often hits home for me, and usually gets me out of the “rut” of self-doubt and personal struggles.

I believe when we “take every thought captive”, we can be liberated from our negative thinking and stress. We can take those thoughts of, “Everything is stressing me out”, or ” my kids are driving me nuts”, or “I can’t do one more day of dishes, laundry or cleaning”, and arrest it. We can literally say in our minds, “I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me,” and therefore…ARREST it.

You see, we can CHANGE our thinking. We can “arrest” those thoughts and send them packing!

Please don’t get me wrong…I struggle with this. I really do. I struggle every day to be obedient to Christ. My selfish side is strong, and I have to literally be constantly giving my mind over to God. My thoughts of frustration, anger, pride.

Being a housewife is no joke. Believe me, I could do anything I want with my life, but God has called me to be a stay-at-home mom. It is by far the hardest job I have had, or ever will have. But I tell you what…it requires a daily “pick up your cross” mentality. It requires constant service. Although I feel it is almost “un-natural” for me…I have decided in my mind (where it all starts), to do it to the best of my ability. To serve my husband and my kids with my best.

Do I fail often? Yes. Do I want to give up sometimes? Yes. Do I feel inadequate most of the time? Heck yes. But, with God on my side, and the ability to “cast my burdens on Christ”…I can, and I will do it!

So, with all that said, I pray that even one person can be encouraged to keep going. To continue to take every “stressed-out” thought or emotion and ARREST it. Send it packing through God’s strength. Because, it starts in our minds.

God Bless!

-Z

Z’s Snickerdoodles
Home · Sweets and Treats

Z’s Snickerdoodles

zhealthyhousewifeLeave a comment

Sugar-free, Keto, THM-S

A Cookie was Born!

Seriously, how can you enjoy fall without snickerdoodle cookies? Seriously.

Well, last week was the official start of fall! Yippee!

One early morning, I was sitting on the couch and feeling a “baking spree” coming on. I was feeling especially “fall-y”. I had my traditional pumpkin smelling candle going, a nice warm fire in the fireplace and a cozy blanket on.

I started thinking to myself, “What cookie says fall? Hmmmmm……”. Hello! Snickerdoodles!

My dilemma started when I immediately remembered that I was supposed to be on a low carb plan that whole week! WHAT?!?! Who’s dumb idea was that???

I really wanted snickerdoodle cookies, BUT I really wanted to stick to my low carb week.

Thus, a cookie was about to be born!

I hurriedly got up and went to my kitchen. I began looking through my cupboards for any kind of ingredients I could use. Of course, I always have almond flour and sweetener around, so that was no problem. I also found butter and a half carton of cream cheese. I found a bunch of cinnamon and other yummies, and I began to go to work.

Mind you…When you picture me in the kitchen, I’m sure you picture a put together mom in her pretty little apron, perfect hair and makeup, gliding around the kitchen in baking perfection mode. NOPE.

My picture of reality is slightly different.

I was still in my pajamas, my hair was a rat’s nest, I hadn’t brushed my teeth yet, there were dishes all over and in the sink from the night before, my boys were running around like wild banshees getting ready to start school (homeschool) and doing chores, and I’m pretty sure my daughter was crying in her room about something.

But I didn’t care at that moment. I wanted to create a recipe. I was on a mission! (task-oriented much?)

Sometimes life is not conducive to having that perfect “baking experience”. You know what I mean? That perfect scenario that we all picture?

The perfect kitchen, the perfect hair and makeup WHILE baking. That just aint reality.

At least for me.

I say, despite your environment, JUST OWN IT! Whatever your kitchen scenario is… OWN IT!

A Fall Favorite

Now that you have a picture of how this recipe came to be, we can talk about snickerdoodles! This traditional cookie is definitely a fall favorite around this house! But this year, my family got to experience this favorite in a healthier way!

These cookies are still buttery and rich, but with none of the guilt that accompanies regular sugary snickerdoodles! They have a very tiny amount of carbs in them, so they allow you to only burn one fuel at a time when you eat them (see Trim Healthy Mama for further details)! Yay for slimming your waistline while eating yummies!

I call them Z’s snickerdoodles because this is my own adaption to the traditional snickerdoodle recipe.

I really love being able to create healthier options to craveable favorites such as snickerdoodles. These did not disappoint!

snickerdoodles

Be Fall-y!

It’s nice and cool now (unless you live in the south), so I encourage you to go be “fall-y”! Put on a pumpkin smelling candle, start a cozy fire, put some good music on and create your fall-y atmosphere.

Trust me…you’ll love it! Even if you don’t have the perfect kitchen, you don’t have your hair and makeup perfect, your kids are less than great, or your house is a mess. Sometimes you just gotta “roll with the punches” and find ways to bless yourself and bless your family! Baking is no exception! It is a blessing to all that around!

So go be fall-y and bake some Z’s Snickerdoodles!!! (recipe below)

God Bless!

-Z

Recipe Image

Ingredients

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees
  • Wet ingredients:
  • 2 sticks butter (1 cup)
  • 3 eggs
  • 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
  • 1 Tbs Super sweet (or 1 tsp straight stevia)
  • 3/4 cup Erythritol
  • 10 drops vanilla creme stevia drops
  • Dry ingredients:
  • 2 cups almond flour
  • 1 tsp xanthan gum
  • 3 tbs cinnamon
  • 2 tsp cream of tarter
  • 4 scoops of collagen (or 1/8 cup)
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • pinch of salt
  • For cinnamon/sugar coat:
  • 2 tbs cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup xylitol or sweetener of choice

Instructions

  1. In stand mixer:
  2. Cream together the butter and sweetener until creamy.
  3. Add the rest of the wet ingredients and mix until creamy.
  4. In separate bowl:
  5. with a whisk, mix all dry ingredients until well mixed.
  6. Add dry ingredients to wet and mix well.
  7. Chill dough for 20 minutes.
  8. Once chilled, roll into 1 inch balls, then place in cinnamon/sugar mix to coat.
  9. Place on uncreased baking sheets and then slightly flatten (not too flat).
  10. Bake for 12 minutes or until golden brown around edges.
  11. Enjoy!

Notes

keeps well in fridge.

7.8.1.2
49

https://zhealthyhousewife.com/2018/10/08/zs-snickerdoodles/

Nutrition

Calories

3553 cal

Fat

338 g

Carbs

106 g

Protein

70 g

Click Here For Full Nutrition, Exchanges, and My Plate Info

z choco chip ex cookies Z’s Choco Chip EX cookies
Sweets and Treats

Z’s Choco Chip EX cookies

zhealthyhousewifeLeave a comment

Sugar-free, low-carb, THM-S, Keto

Why the EX?

There are chocolate chip cookies, and then there are chocolate chip cookies with “EXtra” stuff in them. Hence the “EX”. (No, I wasn’t going to talk about one of my ex’s, sorry if you were looking for some drama! I aint no drama mama! lol.)

These bad boys are lightly sweetened and have Lilly’s dark chocolate chips, so they are the perfect little not-too-sweet snack.

I often like to create recipes that are both delicious and also beneficial to my health. These cookies do both!

Choco chip X

The “extra” ingredients really aren’t needed to create a sweet treat, but isn’t nice to know that you are having a sweet treat AND helping your body be healthy? I don’t know about you, but I sure do!

Here are the two “Extra” ingredients that are in these bad boys:

Flax meal: Ground flax seeds, which is known as flax meal is very good for you. Omega-3 essential fatty acids, “good” fats that have been shown to have heart-healthy effects. Each tablespoon of ground flaxseed contains about 1.8 grams of plant omega-3s. Lignans, which have both plant estrogen and antioxidant qualities. I love to use GROUND flax seeds (flax meal) because once the flax seeds are ground, your body can digest the awesome vitamins and minerals that the seeds possess. If you just eat straight up flax seeds, they will pass right through your body, and you won’t benefit from their nutritious benefits.

Protein powder: Protein powder is a popular nutritional supplement. Protein is an essential macronutrient that helps build muscle, repair tissue, and make enzymes and hormones. Using protein powder may also aid weight loss and help people tone their muscles. I like to use a protein powder that has three different kinds of protein in it. It allows your body to digest these separate proteins in a slower fashion, thus helping aid building muscle! Yes please!

The art of baking low-carb

I have learned that baking with almond flours and other low carb flours is an art. It really is. I have had many failures when creating healthier recipes, and have learned a lot about what not to do.

Almond flour is my preferred “low-carb” flour. I have heard of people liking to bake with coconut flour, but unfortunately, I have NEVER had luck with it. Not only does it does it have the consistency of chalk, but the coconut flavor permeates through everything!

Perhaps you like the taste of coconut, but I do not. That is why I have learned to love baking with almond flour. One of the tricks that I have learned is to use xanthan gum to bind the flour together. I’m not sure scientifically how that works, but I have found it to be very helpful in the texture of my cookies.

cookies on baking sheet

I am still learning to bake in a low carb fashion, and to make the textures just as good as the traditional recipes. And I do still occasionally like to make yummy traditionally baked treats as well (i.e. regular chocolate chips cookies, full of sugar and butter). I do however, love to experiment at making cookies and treats that I feel less guilty eating. Because I love treats!

The Recipe

This recipe is really easy. I just add the “wet” ingredients first in the stand mixer, mix the dry ingredients together and then throw it all in the stand mixer to mix. After that, I let the cookie dough chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes (this is another little trick to baking low carb). That way, after the dough chills, it is very easy to make into balls. I just add the balls of dough onto the baking sheets, smoosh them down slightly and then bake! Easy peasy!

So, without further adieu, here is the recipe! Enjoy!

God Bless!

-Z

Recipe Image

Ingredients

  • 2 sticks butter (softened)
  • 1 tsp vanilla (or two 😉
  • 3/4 cup of sweetener (I used a blend of stevia and erythritol)
  • 3 eggs
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1 tsp mollases
  • 2 cups almond flour
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp xanthan gum
  • 1/2 cup flax meal
  • 1/4 cup vanilla protein powder
  • 7 oz Lilly's dark chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350
  2. In a stand mixer:
  3. Cream together softened butter and sweetener.
  4. Add in room temperature eggs and vanilla. Mix until creamy.
  5. Add in remaining wet ingredients and mix until smooth and creamy
  6. in a separate bowl, mix all the dry ingredients (except chocolate chips) together with a whisk.
  7. Add dry ingredients to wet and mix until smooth.
  8. Add chocolate chips.
  9. Mix until well combined.
  10. Place stand mixer bowl of dough in the fridge for 30 minutes.
  11. Once chilled, roll dough into 1 inch balls and place on uncreased cookie sheet. Smoosh balls of dough down lightly.
  12. Bake for 12 minutes or until golden brown along bottom.
7.8.1.2
48

https://zhealthyhousewife.com/2018/10/04/zs-choco-chip-ex-cookies/

Nutrition

Calories

3947 cal

Fat

318 g

Carbs

198 g

Protein

89 g

Click Here For Full Nutrition, Exchanges, and My Plate Info

 

 

 

Life Update
Hands-on Housewife · Home

Life Update

zhealthyhousewife1 Comment

Posts have been few and far between lately! Sorry to all of my followers, but hopefully this post will explain why…

Life here in the Francis household has been insane, to say the least. We recently undertook an over 900 square feet addition to our home and it has been insanely busy and taxing. My husband used to be in construction, so thankfully, he knows how to build anything! He is doing most of the work himself, so it has been work all day-everyday! 7 am to dark.

Despite the daily rigor of construction (which encompasses dust, dirt and debris on EVERYTHING…everywhere), homeschooling, worship ministry, cooking, cleaning and raising 4 kids…you can say that I am trying to stay sane!

I am officially the “grunt worker” between the two of us. Because I don’t have the skills or knowledge that my husband does, I opt to paint, pick up construction trash and debris, run lumber orders, do whatever miscellaneous projects needed to support the real stuff…and I am the official Francis “gopher”.

Needless to say, I have truly become a hands-on housewife.

Our Insanely HUGE project-In pictures…

Here are some pictures of before and afters of the projects that we have started this summer…

We started with painting the front of the house while we waited for finally plan approval by the county.

It all started with painting the front of our house (while we were waiting for permits to finalize). Modern Farmhouse baby!

Modern farmhouse for the win!!!

Yours truly is the “professional painter” around here!

Once we received approval of plans, we started with the foundation.

Then we began breaking ground on the area that would be the new addition.

We got the foundation finished right in time for the monsoon weather to hit hard!

It was quite disconcerting when the rains hit, but God allowed it to clear on the days we needed it to be clear for building!

We started by putting in the mud seal (the bottom layer of wood that everything sits on-on top of the foundation).

Lets just say that every single day…the kids need baths!

Then there was the floor joists and rough plumbing.

Just in time for more monsoon weather!

We began framing in August 2018.

Right before we started tearing off the roof on that side of the house.

before, middle and after pics of the old den.

Hands on housewife!

Got the Sub floor on! We had so much help from people who love us and wanted to help.

Lots and lots of work!

Then we went to work tearing off the main half of the roof for the new GIANT beam that had to go in.

Our first official wall! The main wall that would hold up the HUMONGOUS trusses.

Putting in the giant ridge beam with the crane .

Frist official truss!!

With the trusses on, it started looking like a house!

Lots of quality time with cousins!

Next was facia and sheathing.

Next was roofing. I swear! Our friends and family have been such a blessing to us! We had the entire roof done in one day!

A bonifide constriction girl! lol! (not really…I’m actually more of a gopher and trash picker upper :/)

We’ve come a long way in a month! I have hundreds of pictures of our progress, but these will suffice for now.

Needless to say…We have had a LOT on our plates. We continue to advance every spare moment we have, and are hoping to be all boxed in and framed by the end of October!

I will especially love picking out the colors, flooring and accessories! P.s. Joanna Gaines is my “spirit animal” ;).

Seasons

My previous post was about the seasons of life. There are many different seasons in life, and I just happen to be in the busy-dirty-construction chaos season. And that’s alright! I believe that there is a lesson to be learned in every season. God has been showing us so much in this season.

The love that has been poured out on us by family and friends has been humbling, to say the least! We have had so many people coming to help us out of the love of their hearts. Just to serve and show that they care! We literally could not have made it this far without all of their help and support!

Because of the love and support poured out on us, we have discussed the humbling realization that we NEED help. That it’s OK to ask and accept the help given. We are humbled and extremely blessed.

So this season of our life is crazy. It really is. But, I have learned so much and wouldn’t trade the hardships and trails for anything! I will keep y’all updated with our progress!

God Bless!

-Z

seasons Seasons
Faith · Home

Seasons

zhealthyhousewifeLeave a comment

Have you ever had a time in your life where you feel like you cannot seem to keep your head above water? Where the perpetual waves of chaos are beating you down, as you are constantly trying to raise to the surface for air, only to have the waves come crashing down on you over and over again?

That has been the feeling I have had for almost a year now.

I have to keep reminding myself that this is ALL just a season.

I don’t mean SUMMER, FALL, WINTER or SPRING.

A season is a section in time of your life timeline. The different sections can help you to see the big picture of growth in your life. We all have them.

Seasons can be good, bad, ugly or downright beautiful.

I believe that all seasons are beautiful in a way. The best part about seasons are, they will pass.

I believe in my heart of hearts that this crazy and chaotic season in my life is for good. But, sometimes it is hard to see the good in anything when you are overwhelmed and constantly waiting for that “wave” to hit you again.

Between being a mom to 4 energetic kids, homeschooling, starting a large addition on our home with my husband (yes, we are doing it all ourselves), leading the worship ministry at my church and other stressful things happening on a personal level…I’d say that I am a little overwhelmed.

The world tells you to “be strong!”, to “take it like a man!”. But, Jesus tells you differently. He says, “cast all your cares on me”, and “be anxious for nothing.”

Sometimes it’s easier said than done though. You see, I grew up in the church. I grew up knowing all the “christianese” sayings and quips. But when you are “knee-deep” in the trenches of a hard season…sometimes you forget these truths. Sometimes you do try to “be strong” and take things head on.

Problem and Solution

I am a pretty “black and white” person. I believe that for every problem, there is a simple solution. My brain just automatically goes there whenever I am faced with a problem or hard decision. It’s almost a bad thing, because I have realized that not all people operate that way. Many people don’t, actually. Even in hard times, I have become accustomed to just saying, “this issue or problem is easily solved, just do this…”.

Let me just tell ya’ll…that does not always work. A lot of the times. Especially with heart issues. People issues.

I laugh as I write this, because I have just recently run into this issue. I realize that human issues are so much more complicated. So much more “messy”. It sometimes frustrates me because I don’t like the emotional side of things. I don’t like “messy”. Why can’t it just be simple? A problem, that therefore needs a solution. Right?

Wrong.

In this season of my life, I have found that out very obviously. There is sometimes NO solution. No fast and easy way to resolve an issue.

But I believe that each issue that arises in your different seasons of life allow for learning and growth.

I have learned a lot through this hard season. The chaos can be disconcerting, but the chaos is meant to bring you closer to Jesus. closer to His heart.

I want to share what I have been learning this year. The journey that I have been on in this season…

  • Homeschool: Each child is different. Each child needs different and sometimes opposite styles of teaching. Learning to be patient is the HARDEST part of homeschool.
  •  Ministry: Each individual involved has a very different personality, and requires different ways of communicating or resolving conflict.
  • Marriage: For each season, there are different stresses on your relationship with your husband. Each issue that comes up needs to be handled a little differently. Making time to be together is essential.
  •  Home renovation: Literally, everything that can go wrong-WILL. There will always be extra money needed.
  • Family relationships: The enemy (the devil) wants to destroy it. Any way he can. Learning to be vigilant that proactive is a must.
  • Personal growth: Finding time to be in the Word and to be alone and silent is a MUST. As a busy mom, it is essential to make time alone a priority.
  • Hobbies: Some seasons require you to “put away” your dreams. Just for a little while ;).
  • Relationships: You can not put exceptions on people. They will always fail your expectations.
  • Hard things: Wether it is hard work, hard people or hard times…they WILL make you be a better person. Don’t avoid it. Just do it.
  • Worship: Sometimes worship through music is the only thing you can speak. That’s ok.
  • Responsibilities: Saying no is good.
  • Asking for help: Is good.

So you see, in this chaotic and crazy season of life, I am STILL learning. Actually, I am learning exponentially more than I would have in an easy season of life! It’s not always easy, but it is worth it…IF you allow God to teach you.

I am learning to embrace the journey. To run TO the hard parts.

I know I have so much more to learn, and I know there are even more hard things to come. Life is funny like that.

Embrace the Journey

Wether you are going through a hard season, an easy season, or if you are having a brand new season of adventures that is scary and unknown…embrace it. look for the lessons. Look for the learning. Don’t be doubtful. Trust God that He is letting you go through that season for your own growth.

I pray that you are encouraged to know that you are not alone. You are not the only one having a hard season. I am right there with you! But, it’s good. It’s growing. It may be hard, but it’s only a season. It will pass.

God Bless!

-Z

Here are some verses for you:

If you are anxious:

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God, and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Phil 4:6-7

If you are stressed:

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:6-7

If you are in conflict with family or friends:

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.
By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35

If you are needing encouragement:

“For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,
that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man,
that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love,
may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height—
to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” Eph. 3:14-19
If you are struggling spiritually:
“Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age,[fn] against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” Eph. 6:10-13

If you are entering a new season or journey:

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-7