In the past year I’ve made some big changes in my business (determined what I will and will not tolerate any longer), my personal life (declared a no-drama bubble around me) and in the past six months transformed my lifestyle to encompass both those values and move it into my kitchen. Since April, I’ve made a bunch of small changes that cumulatively have combined to create big change. Having never followed a diet in my life, I knew I wanted to shed some pounds but also knew that I would be miserable if I had to give up my favorite foods, entertaining, and celebrating with my friends. It turns out, you can indeed do both.
While the eighties and nineties were all about exercise and fad diets, in the past decade or so we’ve been inundated with media messages of all the things we shouldn’t be putting in our body. Cut carbs, cut meat, cut sugar and live happily ever after, right? People quickly learned that while eliminating one type of food from their diet may work for short term goals, they were unable to actually sustain a long term loss because, life. Life brings us a variety of foods and we’re fortunate for that. I count myself among the people who have had an awakening, and realized that being healthy, losing weight and gaining strength is about a lifestyle change, not a diet. I feel like I’ve stumbled upon some mysterious secret to it all, yet we’ve been hearing it for years.
Breton Sprouted Grains has sprouted grains as the #1 ingredient with 5g per serving (sprouted grains used are whole wheat flour, cracked rye, cracked wheat, buckwheat and quinoa.) They have no artificial colors, flavors and are peanut free and cholesterol free! At 80-90 calories per serving, they’re the perfect way to add some crunch to a drip or cheese platter while entertaining friends. The Sea Salt variety is made with, yes, real sea salt and the Caramelized Onions variety are made with, yes real caramelized onions – it sounds funny to have to say that but have you looked at the ingredient listing on your crackers? Yeah, some surprises there sometimes (I’ve also become quite the label reader these past few months!)
Here’s the recipe for Chicken, Cheese & Ranch Dip!
• 2 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded (our method is to boil them for about 30m and then shred, but you can also bake it in the oven in a baking dish with enough water to cover)
• 1 block cream cheese (250g/8oz)
• ½ cup ranch dressing
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, marble, we like shredded habanero for an extra kick!)
Combine all ingredients and bake in an oven proof dish, uncovered, for 30 minutes at 350 degrees.
Kids love this recipe too because the flavors are light (kids have this weird love of ranch don’t they?) If you want to spice things up a bit, you could also add ½ cup of blue cheese dressing and/or ½ cup hot sauce (in the photo above there’s definitely hot sauce, yum!)
Making a permanent lifestyle change takes persistence and focus, but I also think it can be done by just taking a few extra minutes every day to be aware of what you’re eating, and to make better choices because of that.
Look for Breton Sprouted Grains crackers at your favorite retailer right now!
This past year has been tough and I need to make some changes as well but i am not in the zone. Lifestyle changes are challenging but if you can do it, then I can too! Thanks for the encouragement!
I’ve been really watching what goes on my mouth since July, that dip would go nicely in there lol.
I really need to smarten up and get back on track, I love the Breton crackers always have, they are so good! I am going to have to give this dip a try sounds amazing!!
I tend to buy low calorie items. Although I would love to lose more weight, I won’t deprive myself of foods that I enjoy eating; I just look for lighter versions of it whenever possible.
We buy the Breton cracker often. The recipe sounds good. I really need to lose some weight.
oh this recipe looks fabulous! it will be a perfect app for Christmas entertaining 🙂 bookmarked <3
I’m always on the hunt for new recipes that all my kids would eat, I think they would like this! Will definitely try this one.
I love how my weight loss journey has been alongside yours and stems from the same realization (calories in vs calories out) . You should be proud of your results 🙂 this recipe looks delicious and I love how easy it is 🙂
Breton crackers are my absolute favorite!
“who new” ? I guess you did 🙂 Thanks for sharing & inspiring… You look great!!!
I have horrible eating habits, well not horrible but not great. There is room for lots of improvement. You post motivates me!
Good for you! It is a lifestyle change for sure if you want your results to be long term. You look great!
Good for you!!! I am trying to make some lifestyle changes myself to improve my health.. I am always so tired.. These crackers would be awesome with my cheeseball recipe.. will give them a try!
Great advice Tensile as i really need to take better care of my health too! This recipe sounds deliscious by the way will have to try it!
I’ve never thought of using crackers in a dip like this. Looks delicious!
I will check them out. I agree change is good.
I lost weight by watching my calories and walking every day.
this past year has been rough for me ,,too many changes and dramas to mention,,you would think when you get older it would be better but this year has been the worse of my life yet,,,but i survived,,and i guess the next few months will tell the end of the story of what it will be,,ive turned it over to God to handle ,,im too weary too anymore
Good for you on the changes you have made. I like the no dramma bubble. I also like Breton and look forward to trying Breton Sprouted Grains.
I’m also ways looking to eat healthier but still tasty foods…and to get more exercise.
Congrats on all your changes. This dip looks amazing by the way. Totally agree about calories in vs. calories out. I’m doing pretty good with the moving more bit, but I do love my food. I think I should do a bit more label reading.
Little things do make a difference. I’ve been not buying pre-made snacks. So if I want something I have to work for it.
Congratulations on your lifestyle change and on losing 20 pounds. Your recipe is amazing and I’ll be trying it.
It’s amazing how you can change your eating habits once you start reading labels. I’m watching carbs, and am really conscious of how much sugar there is in products.
After getting some not so nice blood test results we are making changes here too, going on a month now and I have to say change is not a bad thing. Lots of changes to recipes but we are still eating what we like and I have lost some weight so that is a plus!
I had to make some lifestyle change. Some where successful and some I’m still working on but will get there. The food part I’m totally on the right track and I find it not that difficult. I will try those crackers, they sound delicious!
hmmm, I don’t know about this one lol.
Breton crackers are really delicious and they are so much healthier as a snack.Thanks for the great advice and a delicious dip to accompany the crackers.
I need to make some lifestyle changes as well and am starting out with some baby steps. Good for you for going that route instead of dieting.
That dip sounds amazing.
Way to go!!
Congrats on the successful lifestyle change!!!! The chicken dip looks yummy!
I love the veggie flavour Breton crackers! This recipe sounds good – might give it a try!
I haven’t bought crackers in a long time. With Bretons being our favorites, it’s about time we try Sprouted Grains.
good for you – thanks for sharing
we have also found quite a big difference after changing the items we brought in to the house for meals and snacks
I agree with your comment about checking the ingredients when buying crackers. They are not all the same; some are more like cookies than crackers in term of nutrition!
Congrats on your success, inspiration, and thanks for sharing this delicious recipe!
Thanks,i guess when we really set our mind to something it can be done,you proved that.I need to make healthier choices,by the way you look fantastic !! WTG
Good for you, I have also made some lifestyle changes and feel great =)
Yum this dip looks delicious. Breton crackers are one of my favourite.
This looks delicious. I’ve had a rough couple of years and also decided what I won’t tolerate anymore , it’s made my anxiety level go wsy down
Good luck with all your endeavours!
It is always a good idea to reflect on where we are, where we have been and where we would like to see ourselves going. One can always find some positive changes that he/she can make.
congrats! Sticking with little changes (and big ones) can be so tricky – so glad to hear you’ve been able to strike a balance that works for you!
What a great appetizer! Those crackers look tasty!
SOUNDS HEALTHY AND GREAT
our whole family could do with some health choice changes. The Bretons look good..we have always liked Breton crackers!
That dip looks delicious! Perfect for holiday parties!
You post the best recipes!
I need to focus on my Health in the new year , i quit smoking over 10 years ago and i have gained way more than i hoped , time to eat healthier and exercise more !
Change IS good! Just added Breton to my shopping list for this afternoon!
Mmmm that looks so good. I am trying to make better diet choices
Good on you for taking this on with your busy lifestyle. I hope you have been able to sustain it!
These sprouted grain crackers look great, we’ve always been fans of Breton crackers around here and this look like a great choice
This is a great sounding recipe and am going to try it out during the holidays. My husband loves Breton crackers.
I have always loved Breton crackers! It’s so true that sometimes just focusing on one thing at a time can make a bug difference in your life!!!!
Seems like a great recipe that I will have to try. I think my children would really enjoy it. I have bad eating habits that I am trying to change
ive been trying to watch what and how I eat as well this past year. not as much success as you but ive had some. Add buffalo sauce to that dip to make it perfect.
I need to make changes to my lifestyle, asap! Good for you!
This looks so yummy and I already have chicken planned for tonight…. Maybe we’ll add some bell peppers and olives to it as well.
I’m definitely including this in my arsenal of apps for the holidays. I like where the calories are at for crackers because they add up fast. I may or may not have a weird love of ranch as well…
Ranch is never weird!
Thank you for sharing. I have one question though. I understand you cook the chicken first but do you bake it once you put all the ingredience together or just eat it like uncooked? If you do bake it how long and what temperature? Thanks again and God bless!
Good grief I can’t believe I missed that! So sorry, it’s fixed now!