Near Perfection, and some healthier Mac n’ Cheese.

Don’t mind the wind blown look. It’s due to the fact that we spent all afternoon on our bikes. We rode to Pizza Factory for some mile high salads for lunch. We rode to Great Harvest so Benita could pick up some bread. We stopped by the store to get some groceries, and hit up the Crest on the way home. It was AMAZING. I love when exercise feels effortless. Ok…maybe not always effortless. like I mentioned, the gear-less factor makes you put some work into it, BUT it’s fun! Exercise should be fun.

Last night my family celebrated Mothers day a day early with two of our favorite things: some BBQ and frozen yogurt. Here’s what my plate looked like. I also had a bunch of fresh fruit as my appetizer that isn’t pictured here. I am a total pre-dinner snacker if I’m not careful, so I loved that my mom had a bunch of fresh fruit all prepped.

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Coat an 8-inch x 8-inch baking dish with vegetable spray. Bring water to a boil to cook your macaroni noodles according to package directions. Don’t over cook them, you don’t want your pasta soggy. Drain your pasta and set aside.
In a large saucepan, add 2 tablespoons of oil. Set over medium-high heat. Whisk in the whole wheat flour, paprika, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Lowrys until smooth. Add the milk, whisking constantly. Continue wisking for about 5 minutes, or until it starts to thicken. Remove from the heat. Stir in the cheese until it melts. Stir in the macaroni. Pour entire contents into your baking dish. Sprinkle your Panko bread crumbs over the top. Bake uncovered for 15 minutes or until bubbling and golden. Allow to sit for 10 minutes before serving.

This recipe serves 4.
Here are the stats:

 We sat outside and enjoyed the beautiful weather. Trying to snap pics of the grand kiddies together is always so funny to me.

 We love you Mama Cita. You are an incredible, mom, friend, and grammy.

 After we ate and let our food sit for a minute we headed over to our favorite, Yogurtland, for some sweet goodness. I went with double cookies and cream, PB, and mint cookie with a few bananas and some granola. I wish I had more right now.

And my Nephew Elliot succeeded in making the biggest bowl of frozen yogurt I’ve ever seen in my whole life. I don’t think this photo does it justice.

 Us girls enjoyed ours just as much.

So to sum it all up. Good exercise. Good times with friends. Good healthy food. Good family. So much goodness…I hope your Saturday was just as fabulous!!

What do you like to do for a calorie burner that isn’t planned exercise? I love to ride my bike, roller blade (yep i’m that cool) and clean. Do you have a favorite comfort food that you have made healthier, or would like to make healthier? 

You have until tonight at midnight to enter May’s Music Mix Giveaway! Go HERE if you haven’t yet!!