Cauliflower “Fried Rice”

April 5, 2016April 4, 2016Leave a comment

Cauliflower Fried Rice

This “fried rice” takes care of that comfort-food craving, without all of the calories. This veggie-filled dish is topped with eggs and chicken – lean protein sources that are sure to fill you up – and comes in at about 300 calories per serving!

Ingredients (serves 4):

1 1/2 lbs. cauliflower “rice” (you can buy this at many grocery stores, or you can simply cut a large head of cauliflower into small pieces)

1 lb. chicken breast cutlets

1 medium sweet onion (or you can use scallions), chopped

1 yellow squash, chopped

1 zucchini, chopped

2 large cloves garlic, minced

3/4 C carrots, sliced

1/2 C frozen peas, thawed

1 1/2 Tbsp olive oil

1 tsp rice vinegar

3 Tbsp teriyaki sauce ( I like Trader Joe’s Soyaki) – just watch out for sodium and sugar!

Nonstick vegetable oil cooking spray

Dash ground black pepper

1/2 tsp onion powder

1/4 tsp garlic powder

1 large egg plus 1 large egg white, scrambled (raw)

Directions:

Cut chicken into small pieces. Spray large saucepan or wok with nonstick vegetable oil cooking spray. Add 2 tsp olive oil and warm over medium heat. Add chicken and 1 1/2 Tbsp teriyaki sauce and cook until cooked through (about 10-15 minutes), stirring occasionally. Remove chicken from pan and set aside.
Steam carrots (you can use a steamer or place in microwave safe bowl, add a splash of water, cover and cook on “high” for about 2 minutes, until softened and bright.
Add 1 tsp olive oil to pan and warm over medium heat. Add onions, zucchini, yellow squash and spices (ground black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder) and cook until softened, about 10-12 minutes. Add minced garlic, peas, carrots and another 2 teaspoons teriyaki sauce. Cook another 5-7 minutes, remove from pan and add to dish with chicken.
Add remaining olive oil and remaining teriyaki sauce to pan and warm over medium-high heat. Add cauliflower “rice”and sauté for approximately 5 minutes. Add scrambled eggs and stir until cooked through. Add chicken and veggies, stir until well combined and remove from heat. Serve and enjoy!

The Goods: What’s Inside?

Nutritional Analysis Per Serving:

Calories 300 calories, Total Fat 9 g, Saturated Fat 2 g, Cholesterol 112 mg, Carbohydrates 23 g, Fiber 7 g, Protein 35 g, Sodium 431 mg, Calcium 96 mg

Cozy Up To This Turkey Chili!

March 31, 2015March 31, 20153 Comments

Turkey Chili with Red Kidney Beans

This is my go-to dish on cold days, and it makes so much that I can save it to have on busy days throughout the week. This lean chili skimps on fat while filling you up with healthy protein! Additionally, this chili supplies a ton of vegetables, including onion, pepper and tomato, along with protein and fiber-rich beans. Rich in beta carotene (which our body can convert to vitamin A), vitamin C and potassium, this cozy comfort food will become your new winter (or spring – if the weather stays this cold!) favorite.

Ingredients (serves 4):

16 oz ground, lean turkey meat

1 bell pepper, chopped (I like to use green bell pepper for this recipe, but any variety works!)

1 vidalia or sweet onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

20 oz canned crushed tomatoes (can also use diced or fresh)

8 oz tomato sauce

15 oz red kidney beans, rinsed and drained if canned

1 tsp hot sauce (I like Cholula)

2 tsp oil

2 tsp chili powder

1/2 tsp sugar

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp onion powder

1/2 tsp ground back pepper

dash salt

Directions:

1. Warm oil in large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and pepper and cook approximately 8-10 minutes, until softened.

2. Add the turkey meat and stir occasionally until the meat is cooked through, about 20 minutes. Add the garlic and cook another 2-3 minutes.

3. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, hot sauce, sugar and spices ( chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper). Bring everything to a boil and let boil about 10 minutes. Reduce heat and simmer covered for about 1 hour. Enjoy!

The Goods: What’s Inside?

Nutritional Analysis Per Serving:

Calories 391, Total Fat 17 g, Saturated Fat 4 g, Cholesterol 89 mg, Carbohydrates 31 g, Fiber 13 g, Protein 30 g, Sodium 446 mg, Calcium 149 mg

A Chicken Dish That Doesn’t Taste ‘Just Like Chicken’

October 29, 2014October 29, 2014Leave a comment

Chicken with Sun-dried Tomatoes, Mushrooms, Zucchini and Basil

Vegetables are actually the shining star of this flavorful chicken dish! This dish boast almost 40 grams of protein per serving with only 12 grams of carbs, along with a plate full of lycopene and vitamin C. I like to prepare this dish on a Sunday night and have leftovers for the busy week – although it is also a beautiful presentation for company.

I served mine over brown rice!

Ingredients (serves 4):

4 4-ounce chicken breasts

1 C sun-dried tomatoes (not packed in oil)

1 1/2 C mushrooms, chopped

1 large zucchini

2 cloves garlic

4 Tbsp chopped basil

1/4 C olive oil

dash salt

1 tsp ground black pepper

1/8 tsp cayenne pepper

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp onion powder

Nonstick vegetable oil cooking spray

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. Chop zucchini. Cut sundered tomatoes so that the pieces are still fairly large. Chop garlic. Set aside.

3. Spray 9 x 13 inch casserole dish with nonstick vegetable oil cooking spray. Place chicken in casserole dish and drizzle 2 Tbsp olive oil over chicken. Top chicken with salt, garlic powder, onion powder and 1/2 tsp ground black pepper. Bake in oven for about 30 minutes, until chicken is cooked through (the chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

4. Pour remaining 2 Tbsp olive oil in large saucepan and warm over medium heat. Add mushrooms and zucchini and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add chopped garlic, sun-dried tomatoes and remaining 1/2 tsp ground black pepper and cook for another 5. minutes. Add chopped basil and stir. Remove saucepan from heat.

5. Remove chicken from oven and pour saucepan contents over chicken. Enjoy!

The Goods: What’s Inside?

Nutritional Analysis Per Serving:

Calories 366 calories, Total Fat 19 g, Saturated fat 3 g, Cholesterol 96 mg, Carbohydrates 12 g, Fiber 3 g, Protein 39 g, Sodium 414 mg, Calcium 54 mg

Rice-Free Salmon Teriyaki

October 14, 2014October 14, 2014Leave a comment

Salmon Teriyaki

Craving take-out? I promise, this is better! This simple dish is a great way to fuel up with protein, healthy omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins and minerals without overdoing the carbs and calories. Load up on vitamins A, C, K and folate with this dish, as well as potassium and zinc. Also, salmon contains high levels of omega-3 fatty acids. The American Heart Association recommends consuming at least two (3.5 oz) servings of omega-3 fatty acids per week, since omega-3 fatty acids may decrease inflammation within the body, which could lower your risk for developing heart disease. This dish supplies almost an entire week’s worth of these anti-inflammatory fatty acids. And the best part is it only takes about a half hour to prepare!

Ingredients (serves 1):

5 oz wild salmon, raw

1 C broccoli florets, chopped

1/2 medium zucchini, sliced and sliced again into quarters

1/4 C carrots, sliced

1/2 red bell pepper, chopped

1/4 C white button mushrooms, chopped

1/4 C onion, chopped

3 Tbsp Teriyaki marinade (I like Whole Foods’ “Very Teriyaki Marinade” sold by the fresh fish or Newman’s Own Teriyaki Marinade)

1 tsp olive oil

Dash ground black pepper

Nonstick vegetable oil cooking spray

Ready to bake in the oven!

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. Spray casserole dish (or cookie sheet, or whichever you prefer to use for the salmon) with nonstick vegetable oil cooking spray. Place salmon in dish and spread 1.5 Tbsp Teriyaki marinade over fish. Place in oven and bake until cooked through (approximately 25 minutes).

3. Heat olive oil in medium sized skillet over medium heat. Add onions and cook 2-3 minutes. Add bell pepper, mushrooms and zucchini and cook another 10 minutes.

4. Place chopped broccoli and sliced carrots in microwave-safe bowl and cover with wax paper. Place in microwave (on high) for 1-2 minutes, until vegetables are bright in color and softened (but not soft).

5. Add broccoli and carrots to skillet. Add remaining 1.5 Tbsp Teriyaki marinade and stir. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.

6. Transfer vegetables from skillet on to a plate. Top with baked salmon and enjoy!

The Goods: What’s Inside?

Nutritional Analysis Per Serving:

Calories 469 calories, Total Fat 21 g, Saturated Fat 4 g, Cholesterol 84 mg, Carbohydrates 39 g, Fiber 6 g, Protein 34 g, Sodium 1136 mg, Calcium 158 mg

Now just combine with salmon and serve!

A Squash-Filled Tomato Sauce

September 9, 2014Leave a comment

Tomato Sauce with Summer Squash, Eggplant and Mushrooms

This homemade, chunky, vegetable sauce is a cinch to whip up and combines all the best flavors of summer. This sauce is loaded with beta-carotene, vitamin C and fiber, and skimps on fat and salt, so you can feel good about taking a few heaping spoonfuls. Use it as a topping for pasta, chicken, fish or toss with a whole grain (such as brown rice or quinoa) and enjoy a lower-sodium, fresher tasting sauce than store-bought varieties.

Ingredients (serves 6):

1 large zucchini, sliced into quarters

1 large yellow squash, sliced into quarters

1 small eggplant (about 5″ in diameter), diced

1 medium onion, diced (try to find visalia onions if you can – they’re sweeter and are only available in the spring and summer!)

1 C chopped mushrooms (I like white button mushrooms)

Roasted veggies – ready to mix into the sauce!

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 red or orange bell pepper, chopped

10 roma tomatoes, cut into eighths

3 basil leaves, chopped

1 tsp ground black pepper

3/4 tsp salt

3/4 tsp onion powder

3/4 tsp garlic powder

3 Tbsp olive oil

Nonstick vegetable oil cooking spray

Sauce one way: I poured my sauce over chicken and served it with broccoli – yum!

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. Spray baking sheet with nonstick vegetable oil cooking spray. Transfer vegetables to baking sheet. (*Note: You may want to use 2 baking sheets)

3. Drizzle 2 Tbsp olive oil over vegetables. Add spices. Combine well with hands and spread vegetables in a thin, even layer. Place baking sheet in oven and bake until vegetables are slightly browned and soft (about 20 minutes), mixing occasionally.

4. After vegetables have been baking for about 10 minutes, warm remaining 1 Tbsp olive oil in medium-sized saucepan over medium-high heat. Add tomatoes and cook for about 7-8 minutes, until chunky sauce forms. Reduce to low heat, cover and simmer until vegetables are in oven are cooked.

5. Add vegetables and basil to saucepan and stir. Cook another 10 minutes over low-medium heat. Serve over your favorite dish!

The Goods: What’s Inside?

Nutritional Analysis Per Serving:

Calories 107 calories, Total Fat 8 g, Saturated Fat 1 g, Cholesterol 0 mg, Carbohydrates 10 g, Fiber 3 g, Protein 3 g, Sodium 302 mg, Calcium 32 mg

Sauce another way: I mixed it in with whole wheat pasta!

Watermelon and Feta Salad with Balsamic Drizzle

August 21, 2014August 20, 20141 Comment

Watermelon and Feta Salad with Balsamic Drizzle

Summer isn’t over yet – and thank goodness! This simple summer salad is too good to pass up! This low-calorie salad is a perfect dish to serve while entertaining as a sweet, refreshing appetizer that won’t fill your guests up too much before the entrees. Watermelon contains hydrating water for hot summer days and spinach offers up folate, vitamin K, vitamin C and iron. And the best part? This salad takes less than 5 minutes to prepare!

Ingredients (serves 2):

2 C watermelon, cubed

1 oz (about 1/4 C) reduced-fat, crumbled feta cheese

2 C spinach, raw

2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar

*Entertaining? Just keep doubling the recipe until you have enough – this recipe is super simple to make for 1 person – or 20!

Directions:

1. Divide spinach evenly into two bowls (or small plates).

2. Top each plate with 1 C watermelon and 1/8 C crumbled feta cheese. Drizzle 1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar over each plate. Enjoy!

The Goods: What’s Inside?

Nutritional Analysis Per Serving:

Calories 96 calories, Total Fat 2 g, Saturated Fat 1 g, Cholesterol 4 mg, Carbohydrates 16 g, Fiber 2 g, Protein 5 g, Sodium 225 mg, Calcium 86 mg

A Very Veggie Black Bean Quinoa Burger

June 25, 2014June 25, 2014Leave a comment

Veggie Black Bean Quinoa Burger

A veggie burger is a great meatless alternative for summer days, but they can sometimes be loaded with breading, fillers and oil and actually be less healthy than other burger options. This version is made with good-for-you ingredients and is held together with red quinoa – a tasty whole grain. Fill up with protein, fiber and a handful of vitamins from this lightened-up veggie black bean quinoa burger!

Ingredients (serves 8):

1 C red quinoa, dry

1 zucchini, sliced and sliced again into quarters

1/2 C chopped white button mushrooms

1 small onion, chopped

1 can (15 oz) black beans (*Note: Try to find a “No Salt Added” variety and drain beans under water in a colander.)

1 large garlic clove, minced

1.5 Tbsp olive or canola oil

1/2 tsp cayenne pepper

1/2 tsp ground black pepper

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp garlic powder

Nonstick vegetable oil cooking spray

Directions:

1. Cook quinoa according to box directions (you will likely need 2 C tap water to boil with the quinoa). Once quinoa is ready, set aside 3/4 C (cooked) for this recipe. Store remaining quinoa in an airtight container and use leftovers within a few days (quinoa is great in salads, as a side dish or combine it with sautéed veggies or fruit!)

2. Warm oil in medium pan (it helps to have one with sides, since it will get full) over medium heat.

3. Add onions to pan and cook 2-3 minutes. Add mushrooms and zucchini and cook another 5 minutes.

4. Add garlic, 1 C black beans and spices to pan. Cook another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

5. Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

6. Place veggies in food processor. Add 1/2 C quinoa. Process mixture until pureed, about 15-30 seconds. Add mixture to large bowl and fold in remaining quinoa (for this recipe) and black beans.

7. Spray two 9 x 13 inch casserole dish with nonstick vegetable oil cooking spray. Take 1/4 C dry measuring cup and scoop mixture into hands, forming balls and pressing down to form patties. You should be able to fit about 4 patties in each dish.

8. Bake patties 15-20 minutes on each side, until the outside is browned and crispy. Serve over bed of greens or a bun and enjoy!

The Goods: What’s Inside?

I put my burger on a bed of greens with tomato, cucumber and pepper – just top with patty and dressing!

Nutritional Analysis Per Serving (1 serving = 1 patty)

Calories 165 calories, Total Fat 4 g, Saturated Fat 0 g, Cholesterol 0 mg, Carbohydrates 25 g, Fiber 5 g, Protein 7 g, Sodium 301 mg, Calcium 43 mg

Easy Huevos Rancheros Scramble

June 18, 2014June 18, 20141 Comment

Huevos Rancheros

Clearly, I had some extra black beans, guacamole and salsa to use from yesterday’s unwrapped shrimp burrito. This morning, I made an amazing huevos rancheros scramble – and it only took about 15 minutes. This is going to be my new summer brunch special. With fiber from the black beans, monounsaturated fat from the avocado, beta-carotene from the tomatoes in the salsa and protein from the eggs, this breakfast is a nutritional powerhouse – and it’s delicious, too!

Ingredients (serves 1):

2 large eggs

2 Tbsp onion, chopped

2 Tbsp bell pepper, chopped

1/4 C black beans (*Note: If using canned black beans, look for a “No Salt Added” variety and rinse under water in colander.)

2 Tbsp guacamole (Try making your own using my simple recipe here!)

2 Tbsp salsa

1/2 oz. reduced-fat, shredded Mexican Blend cheese

splash skim milk

dash salt

dash pepper

1/2 tsp butter (or margarine)

Directions:

1. Heat butter in small skillet over medium heat.

2. Add onions to skillet. Cook 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3. Add peppers to onions in skillet. Cook another 5-7 minutes, stirring occassionally.

4. Add black beans to skillet. Cook another 1-2 minutes.

5.Crack eggs in medium bowl. Add splash of skim milk, salt and pepper. Whisk well and add to skillet.Cook eggs until dry and cooked through, about 5-8 minutes. Continue to stir and scramble occasionally.

6. Add guacamole, salsa and cheese. Cook another 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and serve.

The Goods: What’s Inside?

Nutritional Analysis Per Serving:

Calories 340 calories, Total Fat 20 g, Saturated Fat 8 g, Cholesterol 380 mg, Carbohydrates 20 g, Fiber 4 g, Protein 21 g, Sodium 701 mg, Calcium 305 mg

*Note: Sodium content may vary greatly based on brands used for guacamole, salsa, cheese and beans.

Grill Up A Summer Steak Salad!

June 12, 2014June 13, 2014Leave a comment

Steak Salad with Roasted Broccoli and Pine Nuts

Sorry I haven’t written in awhile. My computer was out of commission but now it’s working and I have a ton of amazing recipes and food and fitness tips to share with you – starting with this amazing summer steak salad. During the summer, I like to lighten things up – but that doesn’t mean I want to eat plain lettuce for dinner. This salad has all the taste of summer – grilled steak, fresh veggies, roasted broccoli, pine nuts and a citrus-y vinaigrette – for a satisfying way to eat your veggies and use your grill! Perfect for a warm summer night, this steak dish puts veggies center stage and offers up nutrients like vitamin B12, vitamin C, vitamin K, and beta-carotene.

Ingredients (serves 2):

Salad:

8 oz lean cut of steak of your choice (I like New York Strip and I prefer to trim the fat around the edges once it’s cooked)

*Note: This salad is also an amazing use of leftover steak if you happen to have any from a previous barbeque!

4 C chopped romaine lettuce

1/2 C cherry tomatoes, halved

1/4 C cucumber, sliced

2 crowns (fresh) broccoli (about 2 C broccoli flowerets)

1/8 C pine nuts, raw, unsalted

3 Tbsp olive or canola oil

dash salt

dash ground black pepper

Dressing: (*Note: Dressing serves 8. Serving size is 2 Tbsp. Store the remaining dressing in the refrigerator for later use.)

1/4 C lemon juice (fresh squeezed is best)

1/4 C extra virgin olive oil

1 Tbsp plus 1 tsp dijon mustard

1/2 tsp salt

dash ground black pepper

Roasted broccoli – good on its own or in a salad!

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Wash broccoli, pat dry and chop crowns into small pieces. Spread on baking sheet. Drizzle 1 Tbsp oil over broccoli and toss with a spoon to coat evenly.

2.Turn on grill to medium heat. Prepare steak with 2 Tbsp oil and salt and pepper. Transfer to grill. Cook steak as desired.

*Note: All grills cook differently, but I typically cook steak for about 5-7 minutes on each side in order to achieve medium doneness. Let steak sit covered (i.e.: do not cut into it) for about 5 minutes once you remove the steak from the grill, as the steak will continue to cook due to residual heat. The steak should reach an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

3. Place broccoli in oven. Roast for approximately 7-10 minutes, until broccoli is slightly browned. You may need to mix broccoli occasionally to prevent sticking.

4. While broccoli is roasting, heat pine nuts (dry) in small skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Cook until browned, approximately 5-10 minutes.

5. Quarter each cucumber slice. Divide lettuce, tomatoes and cucumber among two plates.

6. Slice steak in half. Divide each half into slices and place on top of lettuce. Add roasted broccoli and pine nuts.

7. Drizzle with a lemon vinaigrette of your choice (or make your own from the recipe below – super easy and healthy!). Enjoy!

To Make The Lemon Dijon Salad Dressing:

Now just pour into a container and store in the fridge!

1. Add each ingredient into a large bowl or salad dressing container.

2. Whisk or shake well until all ingredients are well-combined.

3. Chill in refrigerator until cold (approximately 30 minutes or more). Shake well before using and store in refrigerator.

The Goods: What’s Inside?

Nutritional Analysis Per Serving:

Calories 497 calories, Total Fat 35 g, Saturated Fat 7 g, Cholesterol 58 mg, Carbohydrates 11 g, Fiber 4 g, Protein 38 g, Sodium 251 mg, Calcium 96 mg

*One serving is half of the salad ingredients listed above with 2 Tbsp of the lemon dijon dressing. This will vary based on dressing used (if substituted) and different steak cuts.

Some Sweet Sprouts

March 9, 2014March 8, 20141 Comment

Brussels Sprouts with Walnuts and Pomegranate Arils

In case you couldn’t tell, I’m on a cruciferous veggie kick. I try to eat seasonally when possible and cruciferous vegetables can grow throughout the cool, winter months. Also, cruciferous veggies offer a ton of health benefits and some studies suggest that increased intake of these veggies may be associated with a reduced risk of developing certain cancers.This sweet side dish is like wellness in a bowl – walnuts are rich in omega 3 fatty acids, which reduce inflammation, and pomegranate arils are rich in antioxidants. Make sure you make extra – you’ll want the leftovers the next day!

Ingredients (serves 2)

2 C raw Brussels sprouts (I like to use Brussels sprouts that are on the smaller side)

1/4 C chopped walnuts, unsalted

1/2 C pomegranate arils

1 Tbsp olive oil

Dash salt

Dash ground black pepper

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

ready to go in the oven!

2. Wash Brussels sprouts and dry thoroughly with paper towel. Cut the Brussels sprouts in halves or quarters, depending on the size of the Brussels sprouts.

3. Place Brussels sprouts on baking pan or in casserole dish. Drizzle olive oil over Brussels sprouts and season with salt and pepper.

4. Bake Brussels sprouts in oven for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. After 10 minutes, remove Brussels sprouts from oven and add walnuts. Stir Brussels sprouts and walnuts together and place back in oven. Bake another 10 minutes-15 minutes, until Brussels sprouts are slightly crispy on the outside. Stir occasionally.

5. Remove Brussels sprouts from oven and add pomegranate arils. Mix all ingredients together and place back in oven. Bake another 5 minutes. Remove from oven and enjoy!

The Goods: What’s Inside?

Nutritional Analysis Per Serving:

Calories 239 calories, Total Fat 18 g, Saturated Fat 2 g, Cholesterol 0 mg, Carbohydrates 18 g, Fiber 7 g, Protein 6 g, Sodium 101 mg, Calcium 52 mg

yum!

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Tag: vegetables

Cauliflower “Fried Rice”

Cozy Up To This Turkey Chili!

A Chicken Dish That Doesn’t Taste ‘Just Like Chicken’

Rice-Free Salmon Teriyaki

A Squash-Filled Tomato Sauce

Watermelon and Feta Salad with Balsamic Drizzle

A Very Veggie Black Bean Quinoa Burger

Easy Huevos Rancheros Scramble

Grill Up A Summer Steak Salad!

Some Sweet Sprouts