My "GetThisCrapOuttaMyFridge" Shepherd's Pie Recipe

I've always been inclined to eat clean, but every so often I look for a somewhat healthy indulgence. Especially now that I'm trying to get back to my pre-baby body.

This is a quick recipe for Shepherd's Pie that you can use to clear out the holiday leftovers from your fridge. It came in handy for Thanksgiving, and it's definitely gonna work for Christmas. Be sure to modify to suit your ingredients; if you have cranberry sauce, it may work too! 

Pre- Heat your oven to 350 before starting the creation process. 

Step 1. Potato

• I prefer the nutritional qualities of sweet potato, so I used it in place of mashed regular potato.
• To save time, I rinsed my sweet potatoes and covered them in damp paper towels. Microwave each one for 4min on one side. When you stab them with a fork, it should go right through. 
• Add butter (I used whipped) and brown sugar, then mash.

Step 2 - Meat

I like Chuck, because it's lean but won't dry out during cooking. Season to taste, cook then add as the bottom layer of your pan.

Step 3: Leftovers

My weapon of choice was stuffing. You can add whatever's in the fridge that may taste good.

Layer on top of your meat.

Step 4: Add Potato Layer

Step 5: Cornbread

Most recipes make the potato the top layer, but I figured the cornbread would add some structure to the dish.

Step 6: Cheese

Shred the cheese of your choice on top. 

Place in the oven and bake for 15 minutes. Basically, whatever the cooking instructions are on the cornbread - do that. The other ingredients are already cooked, so you want to make sure the cornbread ingredients are baked fully. 

Step 7: Remove, Enjoy! 

This is my favorite part, lol

I paired it with a bit of fresh kale with Thousand Island dressing. Protein, carbs and fiber - three great weight loss components. 

I hope this helps give you some ideas for your holiday leftovers. Nothing needs to go to waste, but everything should be delicious! 

Sadderday...

Until February 14th, I have to come into the office on Saturdays.  I don't mind it,  I get time to work on my personal business endeavors. I know exactly why I'm here.

I take the stairs every time I need to go up for something,  as my fake workout. Leg lifts on the way up, lol. Crunches on the way down.  I refuse to buy into that "I work in an office" weight gain crap.

I do miss being able to relax with my family on a Saturday morning,  but I'm more productive mentally when I'm not distracted at home.  At least here, I have to sit at my desk. Kimi: 1, ADHD: 0.

Kinda.

I need a red stapler.

Re-Lactation

This chapter of my life is called "Re-Lactation." Going back to work two weeks after Baby A was born really gave a blow to my milk supply. It has slowly dwindled down, despite my pumping efforts at the office. Now, I start my journey to get it back - and I'd love to share it with you guys.

I've been to my lactation consultant so many times in the past couple months, crying and looking for solutions. I've tried a few things, including Fenugreek - which I'll discuss on a separate post.

Yesterday,  she suggested more frequent pumping,  even when no milk is collected.  I'm starting out with five minutes per session on both breasts. Gradually,  I hope to see some effects.

It's going to take at least a month to get back to exclusive breast feeding (EBF for all the mommy linguists out there), but I'm ready for the challenge.  I've been this patient - why stop now?

As I go along, I'll feature the techniques I'm being taught and my feedback on each one. I know there are moms struggling with the same issue who do not have access to the support or resources.  You should not be deprived,  and hopefully my story will be of some assistance.

Keep in mind that results vary - what works for me may not work for others and vice versa. The hope is to stimulate interest in relactation for mothers who are looking to try. Don't be discouraged!!

Welp, my pump break is over - back to work I go...