Growing up I remember a handful of foods simmering away in the oven. Typically these dishes were saved for the weekend due to their extended cooking time. Roast, ribs, rotisserie chicken, meatballs. Chicken pot pie was one of those foods that I recall vividly. It torments your nose while it bakes. The buttery crust, gooey center & cozy smells emitting from the kitchen drove me mad! By the time dinner was served I'd been drooling for hours. Now that I have a family of my own, I understand the commitment that plays into meal prep & ample cook time. Both of which I don't often have the luxury of experiencing! With two little kids life gets busy! There isn't two hours to spare for dinner prep. So, I've had to learn how to make my favorite classic meals into a version that fits our needs. Because shouldn't we have Chicken Pot Pie on a Tuesday? Yes! Weeknight meals need to be under 45 minutes, fit our dietary restrictions (gluten free, some dairy free options) & preferably enjoyed by all. I find that making meals "deconstructed" helps encourage kids to try new things. I spoon the chicken & veggies on their plates alongside the puff pastry rounds. The adults eat the Deconstructed Chicken Pot Pie as a soup. If we're in need of a lighter meal we will skip the puff pastry. The soup is delectable on it's own! Give this 30 minute meal a try. You will not be sorry. Let me take your senses to the smell of simmering savory pie in the oven. . . . Save these recipes for later:
0 Comments
Have you tried baked oatmeal? It's easy trust me. Each week I enjoy making something special for my family. A sweet bite they can enjoy during the week when things get busy. This is typically some sort of banana bread, energy bite, muffin or any other fun recipe I find on Pinterest. I always keep it simple because I'm NOT a baker. Now you know, any baked good I post will be on the easier side. :) Lately, I've been adding baked oatmeal into the mix. Baked oatmeal is an easy thing to prep & serve for breakfast throughout the week. I like to bake it the night before & store in the fridge. In the morning, slices can be reheated quickly or taken on-the-go. Toppings like honey, apple butter, nut butter or maple syrup make it extra tasty! The base of the baked oatmeal makes it easy to switch out the flavors based on the ingredients you have on hand. This version adds a few (shelf-stable) apple ingredients that give it a cozy fall vibe. A few tips for making this recipe: - Purchase "baked apple chips" that have no sugar added: the dried chips soften in the oven & prevent the oatmeal from becoming soggy. - Use unsweetened applesauce: the sweetness from the maple syrup & apple chips really do the trick! - The vanilla protein powder adds a nice subtle flavor (& obviously added protein!). If you prefer to leave out the protein powder add two extra tablespoons of gluten free oats. - Store in the fridge. Eat within 4-5 days! - Serve with some nut butter & maple syrup for an extra tasty morning treat! Your house is going to smell like you baked a lovely apple pie. Yet you only spent 15 minutes mixing up this yummy baked oatmeal. I'd call that a win! Click the link below to download the recipe! Instagram Reel showing this recipe: Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Enjoy :) Other recipes you might like:If you enjoyed this recipe be sure to leave a comment below!
Thanks for stopping in please visit @simpledelishhealthy for more recipe inspiration. Add a new flavor profile to your lunch or dinner routine!Have you seen the viral TikTok trend for salmon rice? It’s amazing. . .I could eat it every day honestly! It’s a delicious combination of leftover salmon & rice. Combined with mayo, sriracha, coconut aminos (or soy sauce) & lots of toppings (think avocado, sesame snacks, green onions..). After making salmon rice a handful of times I started using the “sesame snacks” more frequently to top fried rice or eat with proteins. My kids will devour them on their own!! They’re the perfect amount of salty & crunchy. Very addicting!! One day for lunch, I pulled out some canned tuna & leftover rice, & came up with these delicious little sesame wraps. Going for sushi doesn’t happen often since going gluten free. I like to make my favorites at home, this way I can control the ingredients. The wraps themselves are a bit more involved in the process, but they can still be made quickly! Perfect for leftover rice that’s ready to use. You can find sesame snacks in the international food aisle near soy sauce (in most grocery stores) or look for larger sesame sheets typically used for sushi. Costco & Thrive Market (online) have them as well! When serving this to picky eaters or kids: - separate ingredients on the plate to let them build or consume as they wish - leave out sriracha if they don’t like spice - make with canned salmon if preferred Be sure to pin or print for later!Other high protein recipes:We are all out there trying to be the best version of ourselves each day. It's a (tough) commitment that I've made to myself over the last few years. This mentality doesn't stop when I leave the house! You can maintain a healthy lifestyle while traveling. It's possible there is a balance to it all. Here are 5 tips I use on a consistent basis to keep my mental & physical health in check while on the go.1. Plan a daily walk, even on travel days.![]()
I don't always feel like exercising or have time when on a family vacation. I know that movement is key to keeping my body active & functioning correctly. So, I always plan to walk each day. Nothing crazy fast or strenuous, just 30 minutes. This could mean exploring an outdoor shopping area, nature trail or nearby neighborhood. At the airport, my husband and I like to walk the kids back and forth through the terminals (no sitting down until closer to flight). This is good for all of us! *Tip* - wear your walking shoes on your travel day....saves space in your bag & encourages you to move!
Road trips are a bit different. . . simply plan to explore a bit once you get there (aka walk outdoors or around a shopping area) OR take a walk (or workout) before you get in the car. I always try to fit in a workout the morning of travel if possible, it makes me more relaxed! If I'm feeling extra motivated. . . Lately, I've been packing a fabric "booty band" with me on trips. It's super light and easy to cram into a full bag. I don't always use it but it gives me the option of fitting in a leg/booty sequence if I want to. YouTube is a great source for quick resistance band workouts or simply use bodyweight! The fabric booty bands I love {does NOT slip or smell like rubber lol}: single // set of 3 A more traditional rubber resistance band set: set of 3 2. eat outside as much as possible.
My husband often makes fun of me due to my love for outdoor dining. This might seem like a funny tip but trust me it's a huge benefit for your mental health. Which we all know is key to our overall health. The fresh air, sunshine & outdoor noises always make me feel lighter. They help me enjoy my location in a deeper way. Plus the vibe outdoors feels less rushed vs inside a restaurant. If you have kids, the scenery is built in entertainment! Bonus they learn the important life lesson of how to shield food from bugs!
3. Plan Snacks & Breakfast food.
![]() 4. Hydrate. Hydrate. Hydrate!
Staying hydrated (& fed) are my top concerns when it comes to our wellbeing on vacation. I'm very easy to get along with if these two requirements are met!! If possible I bring a reusable water bottle to use on trips. I will fill it up throughout the trip & carry it everywhere. We purchase large jugs of water once we reach our destination for easy refills. Obviously, there are some instances that a reusable bottle is just not the move....for me the beach is a no-go. Sand everywhere no thank you.
See my favorite reusable bottles for adults & kids linked below! Other hydrating drinks: Sparkling water: any & all yes please Coconut water "Spa water": aka water with fruit, yum I also like to bring Nectar hydration packs for a little something different. These electrolyte packs travel so easy! I like these specifically because they have no added sugar, only slightly sweetened with stevia. The sunset orange reminds me of drinking orange Gatorade as a kid. They make the perfect afternoon fruity drink that hydrates & provides essential minerals! Linked HERE.
- ADULT HYDRATION -
![]()
- KID HYDRATION -
![]() 5. Research healthy restuarants & grocery stores prior to traveling.
Take time to look at your destination on Google Maps before you head out. See what restaurants or food stores are nearby or available at the hotel. READ THE REVIEWS! Check out their Instagram or website. You can learn a lot about restaurants with some quick sleuthing.
My husband and I are gluten free so this is essential when traveling! We have to know what places can accommodate our diet. This goes for choosing healthier dining options as well. I highly recommend looking the menu online before you visit a restaurant. Look through it & pick out what you want to order ahead of time. Not when you're hangry & sitting down. This always helps me make better choices when it comes to food because I have more time to think it over. "Are you ready to order yet?" - The worst feeling when you can't decide!! thanks for stopping in. Catch up with me on Instagram or leave a comment below with your tips!This blog post is in collaboration with Good Clean Wine. All thoughts & opinions are my own. A note before we begin. . . I always want to present information that may be helpful to those who choose to incorporate certain things into their lifestyle. Responsibly consuming wine is a personal choice for me. Because of this, I seek out high quality products that I can feel good about. The more educated we are on the products we consume the better choices we can make for our body! A healthy lifestyle may not include alcohol for some. As always, do what's best for your body. B.C.W. - Before Clean WineAs I wander the wine & liquor aisles, I'm always taken aback by the sheer mass of product available. It's like the cereal isle....something marketed toward each of us. It's difficult to discern a high quality product vs. high marketing budgets. Up until about a year ago, I was simply wandering the aisles picking up a bottle of the most visually appealing, the one I saw on an ad or something a friend recommended. To be really honest…I NEVER thought about looking at a wine label or reading about a wine’s origin. These random wines always left me feeling yuck....I often found myself with a major headache the next day (or even an hour later). I would relate this thought process to using the same mascara for ten years. The mascara probably isn’t the greatest brand or quality but it’s a source of comfort. You don’t have to think about it when restocking your beauty items. Once we purchase a brand a few times it becomes a habit. Something we don't even consider. Unfortunately, it isn’t enough to buy a product based on great packaging, ease of access or the fact that it’s on sale. Wine (or alcohol) can vary widely in quality similar to bottled water. While the alcohol industry is heavily regulated there is a list of ingredients allowed in wine that are non-grape. Wine makers don’t have to list these ingredients on the wine label or anywhere. The only way to know what is and what isn’t is to know the wine maker. So a little research is essential. Good news: I’ve done the work for you!! One evening -roaming the aisles- I was searching for a new wine. One that was more thoughtfully produced, that might leave me feeling ok. I came across Good Clean Wine. I was actually drawn in by the label (so fun) but did turn the bottle around. Funny enough I had seen this exact wine on Instagram! One of the founders of Good Clean Wine is a 417 local. Long story short....tried it, was hooked instantly (no headaches!) & scoured the city for the remaining bottles. {Don't worry they ship across the U.S.} SO it’s time to think about what YOU'RE sipping on. Let's eliminate wine side effects ok? Be more mindful about the wine you consume. It does matter. Drinking wine isn’t considered a “healthy” habit. But, if your life includes a glass or two why not have it be the best possible wine? Good Clean Wine is a better option! What is clean wine & what should I look for?![]() After years of cleaning up my diet (more organic, less processed), home products & beauty routine I've finally set my sights on incorporating clean wine. I enjoy pouring a cold glass of white wine & relaxing by the fire pit with my husband. Celebrating milestones or holidays with a glass of rosé in hand. Or simply pouring a splash of red while I cook my family dinner. Over the last year I've realized this is a habit that needs to be in the realm of the rest of my healthy habits. So where to begin? Let's discuss the high points to looks for: Low sulfite content, no preservatives or sugar added - Good Clean Wine is clean without any added sugar or concentrates, no sulfites added at fermentation, no dye, no fake flavor, no tartaric acid. Minimal Intervention - Means less hands & chemicals on the grapes themselves. Sustainable & organic farming practices - Good Clean Wine comes from two lessor known wine regions in Italy. Where farmers choose minimal intervention for their product & have a true respect for the land it comes from. Organic practices and biodiverse agricultural are implemented along the wine making process. Lush, lively, overgrown farms dedicated to producing wine just like their family before them. No additives - dyes, coloring or flavors -The flavors of the grape (as intended) shine through in it's purest form. Many conventional wines contain colors (to deepen reds) or artificial flavors to enhance the palatability. If you want to learn more about clean wine & how it's made....I suggest reading this blog post Good Clean Wine Making . Very informative! They even have bionic leaves in the vineyard that monitor the vineyard humidity level!!! *Other names you might hear related to clean wines: biodynamic, organic, vegan or sustainable. These are somewhat flexible terms that can be used without restriction in some cases. Obtaining such certifications (such as organic) can be very costly for these small farms. So some brands like Good Clean Wine opt to adopt many of these practices without the official certification. What does it taste like & |
Other recipes you might like:
BLT Pasta Salad
Chicken spinach lasagna
Thanks for stopping by! Be sure to check out my latest
Instagram recipes @simpledelishhealthy.
Instagram recipes @simpledelishhealthy.
Greetings! It's been way too long!
I just got back from a fun family vacation in Florida. We had the BEST time together! Much needed for all of us. I felt really good coming back from vacation & realized I kept up with my healthy habits while away. So difficult to do! This is honestly one of two times this has actually happened. Lol. Both in the last year. I wanted to share 5 easy habits that I've implemented into my healthy routine that have really helped my daily life. They're simple & can be really impactful.
I just got back from a fun family vacation in Florida. We had the BEST time together! Much needed for all of us. I felt really good coming back from vacation & realized I kept up with my healthy habits while away. So difficult to do! This is honestly one of two times this has actually happened. Lol. Both in the last year. I wanted to share 5 easy habits that I've implemented into my healthy routine that have really helped my daily life. They're simple & can be really impactful.
1. Eat at home as much as possible.
I know it's hard. Making food every day & night can be tiresome. BUT it doesn't have to be fancy, time consuming or special. Save special meals for 1-2 times per week when you have the energy to be creative. Eating at home 5-6 nights per week (& prioritizing lunch at home/packed) has really moved the needle on my family's overall health. I know what's going into the food we eat. I can control portions, ingredients & food quality. It also helps us appreciate being at home & spending time with one another. Mental health bonus points!
When we travel we always pack food for the plane, have a stash of our own snacks, ship bulky items (protein powder) & shop at local grocery stores for supplies.
- Browse my IG @jenkinshouseonthehill or HouseOnTheHill.co for lots of meal inspo.
- Search "easy meal ideas" or "easy healthy meals" on Pinterest, Instagram or YouTube. SO many ideas out there!
- Check out my month of meal ideas resource: Eat 6 Challenge
2. Make a grocery list & stick to it. OR Buy Groceries online.

You most likely aren't adding the splurge or crave worthy foods on your list. Simply add the basics (eggs, fresh fruit, protein, greens...) & allow yourself 1-3 special items that weren't on the list. For example, I like to drink cold brew so I will grab a single serve one with oat milk or a fruity iced tea. Or if I need something sweet I will pick up a nice bar of chocolate. My husband likes to pick out a bag of chips that he hasn't tried & the kids will find their item as well. Allowing yourself to browse every single item in the store....results in lots of unnecessary junk & money spent. Full up a majority of your cart around the perimeter of the store!
If you prefer online grocery shopping, follow the same concept. Make a list of items you need and type in the search bar for each one. The favorites or "buy again" tabs come in handy if you purchase routine items. Not physically being in the store & being unable to wander really helps me focus on the items I actually need. Much less impulse buying!
If you prefer online grocery shopping, follow the same concept. Make a list of items you need and type in the search bar for each one. The favorites or "buy again" tabs come in handy if you purchase routine items. Not physically being in the store & being unable to wander really helps me focus on the items I actually need. Much less impulse buying!
3. Recognize how specific meals or foods make you feel afterwards.

We all have those restaurants where we leave feeling very icky. I personally don't choose to visit those establishments anymore. OR I find something on the menu that isn't going to derail me. A delightful meal for me is never worth a regretful evening in the bathroom. : ) Your gut will thank you later.
At home I pay attention to products I buy or specific ingredients & how they make me feel. Certain ingredients (beans, dairy, garlic, soy) just don't agree with me personally so I watch my intake of them.
When I pay attention to what my body is telling me & make adjustments I feel so much better! I have never felt bad after eating a nourishing meal.....funny how that works.
At home I pay attention to products I buy or specific ingredients & how they make me feel. Certain ingredients (beans, dairy, garlic, soy) just don't agree with me personally so I watch my intake of them.
When I pay attention to what my body is telling me & make adjustments I feel so much better! I have never felt bad after eating a nourishing meal.....funny how that works.
4. A daily Smoothie.
Watch my latest vlog below: 3 Reasons Why I Drink a Smoothie Almost Every Day
5. A morning & evening routine.
I focus on a small set of things to complete each morning & evening. There are small changes at times but it mostly stays the same. Having set tasks to complete for each routine helps me make the most of my time. It is so routine at this point that I feel off when I can't complete it! I definitely feel healthier & more mentally focused when I have these routines.
Morning: 6:15-7:15 am
- Coffee with collagen (My favorite collagen - use code JENKINS10 for 10% off)
- Glass of water
- Get ready & listen to a podcast/book/relaxing playlist
- Start a load of laundry or tidy kitchen
- Make a smoothie & take AM supplements
Ready to join the family to start their day!
Evening: 8:30-10:30 pm
- Catch up with Brandon & finish any clean-up
- Fill up a large water bottle & take PM supplements
- Pjs, dim lights & turn on diffuser
- Wash face, brush teeth, take out contacts
- Read or watch a show
Morning: 6:15-7:15 am
- Coffee with collagen (My favorite collagen - use code JENKINS10 for 10% off)
- Glass of water
- Get ready & listen to a podcast/book/relaxing playlist
- Start a load of laundry or tidy kitchen
- Make a smoothie & take AM supplements
Ready to join the family to start their day!
Evening: 8:30-10:30 pm
- Catch up with Brandon & finish any clean-up
- Fill up a large water bottle & take PM supplements
- Pjs, dim lights & turn on diffuser
- Wash face, brush teeth, take out contacts
- Read or watch a show
I hope you found these 5 healthy habits helpful! These habits have helped me build a healthier lifestyle. Your health is dependent on your goals, form habits that fit you personally!
Please share your favorite healty habit on my latest instagram post or in the comment section below.
Need a healthy meal that still hits the spot?
My Classic Burger Bowl will be featured in my upcoming cookbook "Simple. Delish. Healthy." It's so simple & perfect for anyone wanting to eat a bit healthier....so I had to share! Customize using your favorite burger patties, toppings & sauce.
I'm playing around with a few versions of the burger bowl to include in the cookbook as well. Be sure to click the button below to watch how you can make it at home!
I'm playing around with a few versions of the burger bowl to include in the cookbook as well. Be sure to click the button below to watch how you can make it at home!
*affiliate link: use code JENKINS10 for 10% off your order
Check out Pt. 2 of
my Functional Medicine Journey below!
I've been loving the freedom to share my health journey with you all through vlogs. I hope they bring you some value, make you question things around you or offer ideas to live a healthier life! In my most recent vlog, I test out some heavy metal filters, share recent food creations/podcast listens & touch on what it's like being parent during COVID times.
Thank you to everyone who followed along on the january eat 6 challenge!
|
Let's all strive for home cooked meals this january.
Over the last few months I have naturally been cooking at home for a majority of the week. This has always been a priority but lately it hasn't been such a struggle. For me, this really takes the guesswork out of what to eat....it has to be something in the house!
But honestly, eating out can be a challenge.
Figuring out where to eat.
Parking.
Mask or no mask?
What kind of mood are my kids in today?
Deciding what to eat off the menu.
Asking about food allergies.
Making any modifications to the menu item.
Paying. Tipping. Remembering leftovers. Finding the car.
Is you order online there's a whole other set of complications! You get the gist!
Eating at home also provides me with control over what my family is eating. The ingredients, quality & portions. Feeding my family nutritious meals is really important to me. So, I strive for a majority of the week to make dinner at home. Does that mean we are eating kale salads & scratch-made meals every night? NO.
It looks like this:
- Recipes that take around 30-45 minutes.
- A handful of simple ingredients.
- A variety of fresh, frozen & pantry items.
- Family favorites, new combinations & recipes to try.
But honestly, eating out can be a challenge.
Figuring out where to eat.
Parking.
Mask or no mask?
What kind of mood are my kids in today?
Deciding what to eat off the menu.
Asking about food allergies.
Making any modifications to the menu item.
Paying. Tipping. Remembering leftovers. Finding the car.
Is you order online there's a whole other set of complications! You get the gist!
Eating at home also provides me with control over what my family is eating. The ingredients, quality & portions. Feeding my family nutritious meals is really important to me. So, I strive for a majority of the week to make dinner at home. Does that mean we are eating kale salads & scratch-made meals every night? NO.
It looks like this:
- Recipes that take around 30-45 minutes.
- A handful of simple ingredients.
- A variety of fresh, frozen & pantry items.
- Family favorites, new combinations & recipes to try.
Will you join me in cooking 6 meals at home every week in JAnuary?
This might sound scary but I promise it isn't! As a full-time working mom I know how valuable time is in the evening. I have put together 5 weeks of meals that won't have you pulling your hair out! LOTS of low-carb options, a few plant based meals, express meals & slow cooker recipes. + A few days throughout the month where you can take a break & order out! Adjust as you go: switch recipes around, make substitutions, or sub in your own recipe.
GRAB YOUR FREE DOWNLOAD BELOW - A FULL MONTH OF RECIPES TO KEEP YOUR JANUARY GOALS ON TRACK!
*Click the links below for recipe planner.
January - Eat 6 Challenge (slideshow) or (PDF download)
*You can bookmark the slideshow URL for easy recipe access from your computer, phone or tablet.
* PDF will have active links when downloaded. When printing the PDF use "landscape orientation" for best results.
Need visuals or inspiration? Pinterest Inspiration Board
GRAB YOUR FREE DOWNLOAD BELOW - A FULL MONTH OF RECIPES TO KEEP YOUR JANUARY GOALS ON TRACK!
*Click the links below for recipe planner.
January - Eat 6 Challenge (slideshow) or (PDF download)
*You can bookmark the slideshow URL for easy recipe access from your computer, phone or tablet.
* PDF will have active links when downloaded. When printing the PDF use "landscape orientation" for best results.
Need visuals or inspiration? Pinterest Inspiration Board
Hi I'm Kelsey.
I help busy women embrace cooking at home with my fuss-free family recipes!
I help busy women embrace cooking at home with my fuss-free family recipes!
Archives
November 2022
September 2022
August 2022
June 2022
May 2022
April 2022
March 2022
January 2022
December 2021
November 2021
October 2021
September 2021
August 2021
June 2021
May 2021
April 2021
March 2021
February 2021
January 2021
December 2020
November 2020
October 2020
September 2020
August 2020
July 2020
June 2020
May 2020
March 2020
February 2020
January 2020
December 2019
November 2019
October 2019
September 2019
August 2019
June 2019
May 2019
April 2019