Cracked Wheat Pancakes (sugar free)

Beginning officially at New Years Brent and I began a new diet with the hopes of keeping inflammation down in Brent's back without having to take ibuprofen, because it is not good for those with only one kidney. We switched to whole grains, white meat and no sugar (natural sugars like honey are okay, just not added sugars like corn syrup).

It took a little bit to adjust but surprisingly the food has been really good and we end up cooking a lot more often. Some of our friends/family have asked me what we can eat, and really there are a lot of things we can have. Our favorite meals right now include:

-fish tacos (tilapia, whole wheat tortilla, black beans/non-fat refried beans, mozzarella cheese, salsa)

-stir fry (brown rice, chicken, eggs, veggies--usually celery, onions, carrots, mushrooms)

-turkey burgers (whole wheat bun, seasoned turkey patty, lite-thousand island, lettuce)

-sandwiches (whole wheat bread, low fat ham, laughing cow cheese spread) OR (whole wheat bread, natural peanut butter and mom's homemade no-sugar-added strawberry jam)

We enjoy snacking on raisins, triscuits, carrots and string cheese. We drink a lot of Crystal Light and on cold nights we make sugar-free hazelnut steamers.

As per request here is our favorite healthy recipe from my Aunt Dede. It is super easy and it makes the BEST pancakes. Dede serves them with huckleberries (AMAZING!) We use sugar free maple syrup.

CRACKED WHEAT PANCAKES

1 cup clean whole wheat

1-1/2 cups milk

1/2 cup vegetable or canola oil

1 egg

3 tsp. baking powder

3 Tbs. sugar (we substitute splenda)

1/2 tsp. salt

Blend 1 cup milk w/ wheat 2-3 minutes. Add rest of milk and blend for another 2-3 minutes. Add the rest of ingredients and blend.

Cook on a hot skilled until done.

ENJOY!