Turkey Meatball & Pineapple Rice is an easy and delicious meal that will be ready in about 30 minutes. My go to for any easy dish is a well-stocked kitchen with all my favorites on hand for easy preparation and delivery to the table. Isn’t that what we all do?

We’ve got our favorite grains, lean meats, beans, root vegetables, salad greens, extra virgin olive oil and spices ready to go!

It makes quick meals a snap and we are leading our families with zeal. Plus, we can pair this meal with a brightly colored side salad of fresh greens, peppers, tomatoes, and fresh herbs and we’ll meet a good chunk of our nutritional needs for the day.

Benefits of Turkey Meatballs & Pineapple Rice

There is a good amount of quality protein and fresh herbs in this dish. But even better, we get sweet pineapple with its bromelain to help us digest our food well. God knew exactly what we needed before the foundation of the world, and he took care and love providing it in the things he created for us!

The zeal of his leadership makes me smile every time I think about it. It makes me want to follow in his footsteps. Do you follow him and lead with zeal, too?

Devotion

Romans 12 describes the various gifts of grace given to the body of Christ. Among the many gifts, leading with zeal stands out to me for busy parents struggling to care for their families spiritually and physically. It is a massive job we do not take lightly, and we need all the grace we can get!

. . For as in one body, we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.  Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith;  if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching;  the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.

Romans 12: 4-8

Zeal comes from the Greek work zelos that sounds like boiling water bubbling over. That inner feeling of doing well for others. Setting an example for our children to be people of integrity, honor, and trustworthiness is well worth our hard-fought efforts. Knowing God placed this gift before us and in us, makes it truly doable. . .and enjoyable.

So, here you go! Lead your kids with a 30. . ish minute meal and 5-minute devotion on zeal!

Turkey Meatball & Pineapple Rice

I hope you enjoy this turkey meatball & pineapple rice dish as much as we did! There are so many fun ways to make 30 ish minute meals check out the site to find vegan ideas or other quick main course meals! Your talents will bubble over with all the ideas you come up with!

Have a great day and remember to serve your family and others with zeal!

What God puts in the garden is good!

Do you ever find yourself wanting more time to relax?

Maybe you just want a few hours to meal prep or play.

My hope for this Better Bonding Challenge is to put some strategies in place to help you and I do just that.

How Does A 414 Better Bonding Challenge Work?

So, welcome to this challenge of 4 weeks/1 night/4-hour better bonding challenge.

Maybe you’ve decided what night to begin your screen free time, and what hours work for you and your family.

Chances are you’re thinking about activities or your grocery list. Perhaps you even have your bible ready.

Or maybe you need more time think about it and are here looking to see what the challenge is all about.

Regardless of where you are in the decision process, I am so glad you are here!

Please take your time, read the post and the graphics and let me know if you have any questions.

Who knows?

Maybe God is calling you and I to gather with our family because He has something extremely good for us in the next four weeks!

 And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. 

Romans 8:27-28

Romans 8:27-29 ESV – And he who searches hearts knows what – Bible Gateway

Most importantly, I know He will honor the time you and I take to draw closer to Him and to one another.

I believe this 414-bonding challenge will be easy to implement, and helpful in giving you and I family time to build our faith in God.

At the same time it builds structure in our homes, places God at the center of our lives, and helps us carry out the Great Commission within our family.

We are equipping our children to read God’s Word, and giving them solid principles, life lessons, and time to discuss how the scriptures apply to our lives.

Part of the challenge includes a time for meal prepping.

Just think for a minute about four whole hours one night a week with no phones, TVs, laptops, or video games!

What would you like to do, distraction free?

Will it be peaceful, or will there be chaos?

Maybe it is a time to think about the health and well-being of the entire family. Preparing meals for the week as a family can help us all plan and eat more nutritious food.

Better food means a better mood and better sleep.

I’m ready for all of that, how about you?

You decide what works best for your family in this wonderful space and time together.

If you need ideas I have worksheet to start you off with an example itinerary. You’ll find it here:

I have some pretty good meal prepping strategies on this website if you’d like to check them out during your meal planning phase!

10 Ways to Use Tortilla Wraps

Meal Prepping with Chicken

Leftover Turkey Ideas

Breakfast Ideas

Easy No Knead Bread

Once we get the meal prepping strategy ready we can relax.

Have you ever just laid in the floor and let your child or your partner play with your hair.

Oh, my! Keep me awake for the next activity!

Maybe we can adjust the sequence of these activities just a bit and save that one for last! It really depends on your day.

Did you have a long exhausting day moving around a lot or did you sit most of the day?

The energy we expend and the food we consume really affects our energy levels. You do you on this one!

If we’ve had a stressful day we may not feel like play time in this bonding challenge.

However, when we find the energy to get up and move, 9 times out of 10, we feel better for doing it!

What is fun for you and your family? Does kicking or passing a ball sound fun?

Maybe, singing a song and dancing to a tune. . . oops no phone, what will you use? An old-fashioned radio or record player without a screen?

Summary

I hope and pray this 414 Bonding challenge is something worthwhile to get you started on family time and a healthier eating routine.

I am here for you if you need encouragement, click here to join. Maybe get some extra support by getting your tribe of friends and family to do this with you!

I look forward to serving you!

Check out the Focused Family Health Podcast and follow for weekly ideas and strategies for biblically improving family health.

The ultimate cabbage rolls for you will certainly be different than they are for me. However, when you have issues with nightshade items like tomato, causing digestive upset, you learn to do things differently.

One way, my cabbage rolls are different is the sauce. I use butternut squash for my sauce instead of tomato. It’s easy, you just mix 2 cups of baked butternut squash and add 1 cup of broth (I like bone broth), 1 clove of fresh minced garlic (or 1 tsp garlic powder –use what you have), a teaspoon of chopped rosemary, and 1 tsp of salt.

Another way my cabbage rolls are different is I line the cabbage leaf with either kale or spinach to maximize flavor and nutritional value.

A third way my cabbage rolls are different is I use quinoa instead of rice for a filling. I want more fiber, protein, and nutrients here as well, making them the ultimate cabbage rolls. Now, if you are one of my low carb friends you know what to do!

The benefits of God’s garden goodness cannot be beat!

I have another cabbage roll recipe here, Oregano and Mushroom Cabbage Rolls, where I list the benefits of cabbage and oregano. Hey, not to worry, you can’t have too many ideas for cabbage rolls!

But things like antioxidants, cancer fighting kaempferol, fiber, protein, and minerals are all beneficial ways to maximize the nutrition in our meals. While we are at it, we can nurture our souls with God’s Word!

When I was studying Deuteronomy this morning I was impressed with God’s faithfulness to an unfaithful people. Israel’s story of weakness and forgetting to rely on God for everything is also my own. Maybe it’s yours’s too.

We can both take heart today from God’s reminder in Scripture:

Beware lest you say in your heart, ‘My power and the might of my hand have gotten me this wealth. You shall remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth, that he may confirm his covenant that he swore to your fathers, as it is this day.

Deuteronomy 8 ESV – Remember the LORD Your God – “The – Bible Gateway

I hope you enjoy these ultimate cabbage rolls and check out the rest of the recipes offered here to make your life a little more whole and a little less complicated. Filling our guts with healthy fiber and vegetable dishes like this is a good start.

I am here for you if you need coaching!

A wrap is my favorite go-to, easy meal after a long day. Not only is a wrap convenient, but it is also delicious and easy to make. You can find three of my favorites by clicking here! Every week, I set aside a couple of hours to prepare these tortillas, chop my vegetables, and prepare my fresh mayo, and sauces for the days to come. Another plus for thinking ahead is, we won’t’ miss out on any nutrition!

We need good fuel to get our cells ready for the work we have to do. Moreover, the principles of eating whole food, with something raw, and something fermented helps us maintain microbial gut health. This task is also easily accomplished with a wrap.

And, Oh!…My goodness… What God puts in the garden is good!

I’m always humbled by His thoughtfulness and awed by His wonderful provision.

Devotion

Psalm 37 shows you and I an example of his provision, while holding onto hope, when times are tough. Although Israel saw days of hardship and were overcome by enemies, the Psalmist reminds them, the wicked only appear to prosper. God see’s everything they do, and they will be “cut off”. However, those who follow God and remain upright, have a future of peace. They also have abundance during famine.

As you and I look around at the abundance of material things, activities, and values of our society, we see things becoming less available and prices doubling; however, me can take comfort knowing, God’s children are not forsaken. The promise in this passage for Israel, and I believe us, is we will not have to beg for bread any more than they did.

I’m sad to say we do, however, face a famine of nutritious bread when we rely on man-made items with bleached flour and preservatives!

I have been young, and now am old,

    yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken

    or his children begging for bread.

He is ever lending generously,

    and his children become a blessing.

Psalm 37:24-26 ESV – though he fall, he shall not be cast – Bible Gateway

Here are 10 Easy Wrap Ideas for Dinner

• 1. Salmon Egg & Krout Wrap
  Preheat oven to 375. Season the salmon with a tablespoon each fresh oregano, dill, minced garlic and add 2 tablespoons coconut amino acids.
• Bake 15-20 minutes depending on your preference for doneness.
• Serve over a fresh milled tortilla with fresh greens, a fried egg, and 1 tablespoon of sauerkraut.
  Sauce: 1 tablespoon fresh mayonnaise, 1 Teaspoon coconut amino acids.

2. Egg, Sweet Potato, & Salmon Wrap

• This easy wrap uses leftover salmon & sweet potatoes.
• Heat a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and two beaten eggs.
• Cover with slices of sweet potato, fresh broccoli, and sliced cooked salmon.
• Top with fresh dill and oregano, cook until all ingredients are heated through and done.
• Serve over your favorite multi-grain tortilla or sweet potato tortilla!

3. Chicken and Garden Greens Wrap

This chicken with garden greens wrap is the easiest wrap of all! I often use a rotisserie chicken, with fresh greens, a sliced avocado, and ranch dressing. Yum!

• 4. Tuna & Zucchini Relish Wrap

• The multigrain wrap is so full of fiber, protein and nutrients you’ll love this simple combination for increased omega 3 and less inflammation.
• Prepare the zucchini relish by shredding one zucchini, 1/2 red onion, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (or whatever vinegar you have on hand), and 1 chopped banana pepper.
• I layer the relish over the tortilla, spread on some fresh baby kale, then the tuna, and top with more zucchini relish. It’s fabulous.

5. Ground Turkey & Shredded Veggie Wrap

• Heat a skillet to medium and sauté a lean, made by you turkey sausage until done. Don’t fret, all you have to do is add a clove of fresh minced garlic, 1/2 fresh minced onion, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp pepper, 1 tsp oregano, 1/2 tsp coriander, and 1/2 tsp ground celery to the one pound of ground turkey.

• In a separate dish, shred a carrot, a yellow beat, one zucchini, half a cucumber, and half a red onion. Place your tortilla on the plate spread a little honey mustard sauce over the bottom, top with fresh salad greens, the turkey sausage, then the shredded veggies. If you’re like me, you can’t eat just one!

6. Steak & Spinach Wrap

• Heat your skillet to medium heat and add your favorite sliced steak. Sauté until tender and your preferred doneness.
• In a separate bowl combine fresh spinach, shredded carrots, shredded beats, fresh steam broccoli, and fresh steamed snap peas.
• Serve over your favorite multigrain tortilla with tzatziki sauce or chili sauce.

7. Beef & Beet Wrap on a Multi -Grain Wrap

• Heat a skillet to medium heat, mix the 1 Lb of lean ground beef with 1 clove of garlic, salt, and pepper, and form into patties.
• Sauté the patties with fresh sliced onions and cook until done in the center.
• Place the tortilla on a plate, apply a tablespoon of fresh mayonnaise or mustard, cover with fresh salad greens, the burger and a shredded beat or red cabbage slaw. You will enjoy all the pleasure of a burger without any of the guilt.

8. Cod Fish & Fresh Greens Wrap

I love fish and the milder the flavor the better. Two of my favorites are cod and mahi-mahi. They both cook quickly and are wonderful in a wrap.

• Heat your skillet to medium. Season the cod with 1/2 tsp each, onion powder, fresh oregano, chili powder, and pepper. Sauté 1 Lb of cod or mahi-mahi in a little avocado oil for 10 minutes in a medium heat skillet or until done inside).
• Place your wrap on the plate, apply a tablespoon of tzatziki sauce (1/2 cup yogurt, 1 tsp fresh minced garlic, 2 tbsp. shredded cucumber, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp pepper, 1 tsp lemon juice, 1 tsp fresh dill or parsley).
• Cover the multigrain tortilla with fresh greens, the fish, and top with sliced avocado.

9. Allmond Veggie Wrap with Butternut Squash Sauce

• Use a tablespoon of prepared butternut squash on the bottom of your multigrain tortilla (I bake mine on my prep day and store it in the fridge to heat as needed).
• Top with spinach, kale, or whatever fresh greens you have on hand.
• Top with your favorite fermented vegetables, kimchi or a cauliflower blend is wonderful!
• Next, scatter on the slivered almonds and enjoy!

10. Sauteed Cabbage & Lamb

• In a medium skillet sauté 1/2 head of cabbage, 1/2 onion, 2 sliced carrots, 1 clove of garlic, and 2 mushrooms until just tender.
• In a separate skillet prepare lamb chops or sliced steak as you normally do until done.
• Place a dollop of avocado dressing on a multigrain tortilla (the dressing is 1 whole avocado, 1 minced clove of garlic, a pinch of salt and pepper, the juice of 1/2 lemon, and 1 spoon olive oil).
• Cover with fresh greens and top with your sliced lamb.

I hope you enjoy these easy dinner ideas as you think about how to prepare healthier meals for yourself and your family. Eating whole food each day can be simple and delicious with a little preparation! If you need help getting started, consider a prep day workshop with me online, at your women’s club, or church group.

I am here to serve you and help you simplify your health, God’s way.

A Cottage pie is one of my favorite meals on a cold winter day. Well actually, any day of the year works, but when it’s cold outside and the oven is on…I just get that toasty, comfortable cottage feeling. Now, since I’m reading a book about excess carbohydrates and Alzheimer’s Disease, I want this one to be low carb. As you probably see throughout the internet, cauliflower in place of potatoes is one way to accomplish that task. So, I’d like share my version of a simple Low Carb Cottage Pie, using cauliflower.

Wellness Tip: Reducing carbohydrates is beneficial for all of us since the prevalence of prediabetes and insulin resistance is approaching 80 million people in the United States. Research studies reveal a strong relationship between insulin resistance and dementia. Since, we all know loved ones with one or the other, it is wise to know how to combat this escalating chronic disease. Insulin resistance in synonymous with high cholesterol and elevated triglycerides both of which contribute to oxidative stress on our cells. Especially, the cognitive area of the brain. {1} Therefore, taking measures to reduce oxidative stress is wise for all of us. We can do that by eating a primarily plant based diet (80%) reducing daily sugar consumption, and lowering starchy vegetables and grains. This Low-Carb Cottage Pie is a start!

The difference between a Shepherds’ Pie and a Cottage Pie is the meat. I’m using lean ground beef for this instead of lamb. To make it even easier, I’m adding a bag of frozen chopped vegetables. Making things easier to prepare helps me stay on track with healthier eating throughout the week. I want preparing meals to be easier for you, too.

The other area that I want to be easier for you, is trusting God. His word declares an account of His provision and love. I am encouraged today, knowing He loves me and provides for me and my family. I’m sure the two of us can look back during times of distress and see where He walked beside us. We can take comfort today as He continues to shepherd us through trying times:

The Lord is the strength of His people; He is a stronghold of salvation for His anointed. Save Your people, bless Your possession, shepherd them, and carry them forever.

Psalm 28:8-9

Biblegateway.com

If you are wanting to know more about God’s provision and care join me in studying the bible click Here!

Have a wonderful day and remember, what’s in the garden is good!

References:

Maciejczyk M, Żebrowska E, Chabowski A. Insulin Resistance and Oxidative Stress in the Brain: What’s New? International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2019; 20(4):874. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms20040874

“….so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; being strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy;
Colossians 1:10-11

Paul and his run on sentences! Breaking it down for me today for a short devotion….bearing fruit, increasing in knowledge of God; being strengthened with all power….(NOT according to my might but HIS might) and not just His might but His glorious might.

Now that is a promise worth holding onto for the rest of my days!

I have no strength apart from Jesus and I have no knowledge without the Word of truth shared in the bible. May the hope of these verses lift your spirit to a new level today just as a hearty meal from the garden will lift your stamina.

This sounds complicated because of three step process, but I assure you….it is easy. I chose to use Kale in this pesto only because I did not have basil on hand, and there is a LOT of it in the garden.

I’ve also used spinach in the past (LOVE THAT) it’s a little sweeter, but I like to keep things versatile so you can substitute and use what works for you. This is also one of those really good preparation day meals to cook ahead and eat later in the week.

There are so many benefits of kale with good amount of protein, rich in vitamins A, C, & K see this Healthline article for all the benefits!

Kale Pesto & Spaghetti Squash

Pesto

• 1 Cup Fresh Kale (Spinach or Basil)
• 1 Roasted clove of garlic (this gives a milder garlic flavor you can use fresh, but it will be strong!)
• 2 Tablespoons of Romano Cheese
• 1 Tablespoon of Sliced Almonds
• 1/3 Cup Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 1 Tablespoon of lemon juice
• 1/4 Tsp Salt
• 1 Dash of Pepper

Puree in a food processor until smooth.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Prepare Spaghetti Squash by washing well, cutting in half, scoop out seeds, sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder and onion powder, Bake one hour until tender. Meanwhile, prepare meatballs.

Meatballs

• 1 Pound of lean ground beef (Turkey or Chicken)
• 1/4 Cup finely chopped onions
• 2 Tablespoons of Fresh Parsley
• 1 Tablespoon Grated Romano Cheese
• Sprinkle with garlic powder, salt and pepper ( I don’t measure this, it is to your own taste)

Roll into 1 inch balls and bake alongside squash for about 35-40 minutes.

When the squash is done, remove from oven and let cool until it can be safely handled. Carefully fluff with a fork to remove the flesh of the squash, add a little salt, pepper, and garlic powder as needed for flavor. Place in a container and add one tablespoon of the pesto. Mix well and top with meatballs. I added roasted asparagus. Delicious!

You’ll be more than ready to bear fruit in all your good work!