Leftover Makeover

Its time to get creative!! Since I have a stove/oven completely out of order, its becoming harder and harder to make my meals! But not to worry, I have a leftover makeover that will make staying on track and sending new vibes to your taste buds as easy as 1 - 2 - 3!!

(Ronzoni Smart Taste Spaghetti, Prego Veggie Smart Sauce, Grilled Natural Chicken Beast Marinated In Fat Free Italian Dressing) 

What you have here is something a little outside the normal box. When you think spaghetti you often think meatballs, but when all you have is leftover spaghetti - try grilled chicken! If you are oven-less like I am, utilize your outdoor or indoor grill, this makes for a great taste changer from baking your chicken!

I am one that does not like food to go to waste so I try and make everything work a 2nd or even a 3rd time! So do your tastebuds a favor and create a leftover makeover with whats in your fridge!!

Not The Blue Box

Mac and cheese is possible outside of the blue box (and the yellow box for those who like Velveeta), and as much as both of those varieties I would make every day if I could, I know there is a much healthier way to enjoyAmerica's favorite comfort food!

This style macaroni and cheese is not for everyone, but what I can tell you is, it is EFFORTLESS as it is made in the slow cooker!

What you will achieve with this style macaroni and cheese, is a more homestyle custard-like!

You need:

8oz of elbow macaroni (I used Ronzoni Smart Taste, it adds fiber without the consistency of whole wheat, but whole wheat is also a recommended choice!) KEEP UNCOOKED!

1 (12oz) can fat free evaporated milk

1 1/2c almond milk

2 eggs, beaten

3 cups shredded cheese (your choice - I used Cabot reduced fat white cheddar)

1 cup shredded cheese (you can either use the same as the last 3 cups or, like I did, I used a colby jack blend!)

Salt and pepper to taste (if desired)

In a large bowl mix together the evaporated milk and almond milk with the 2 eggs.  Add the 3 cups of your desired cheese and the 8oz of uncooked macaroni

Spray the insert of your slow cooker (with or without liner) with cooking spray. Add the mixture of milks, cheese and macaroni into the slow cooker.

Top with the 1 cup of your choice cheese. Cover and set to low for 5 hours. *THIS MIGHT BE HARD ....... BUT .... dont lift the lid or stir during the cooking time, just let it do its thing!

A Healthier Taco

Craving tacos?? Dont be afraid to load it with healthy goodness, and avoid the grease!

Nothing is better in our house than taco salad nights, but due to an oven/stovetop that is completely out of order - I had to think outside the box and figure out a way to get delicious taco meat!

SLOW COOKING!

I love making meatloaf in my slow cooker, so I thought, how much easier can this get, taco meatloaf!
(I apologize in advance, I dont have a picture of the final product out of the slow cooker due to a very needy dog following me around the kitchen and completely distracting me!)

1-1.5lb extra lean ground beef
1 taco seasoning packet, low sodium (feel free to use your own taco seasoning if you have one)
1 egg

You can cook this in 2 ways, if your slow cooker is 5qt or smaller, you can spray your insert with cooking spray and put your meat right into it (same goes for using the slow cooker liners - just spray it so it doesnt stick!) *you can also put the meat directly into a slow cooker 5qt or larger too, but i have an even better solution for you!*

For the larger slow cookers, place your meat mixture into a loaf pan as you would if you were putting it in the oven.  *GREASE ELIMINATING TIP: place strips of aluminum foil horizontally across the loaf pan before covering with cooking spray, make sure there is a decent size flap over the edge to lift the meatloaf out after its cooked*  Fill your cooker insert with approx 2 cups of water (i didnt measure), and place your loaf pan into the slow cooker.

Either way - cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours.
If using a loaf pan, when its cooked, remove the pan from the slow cooker and pull aluminum strips with the meat on it out and place on a plate covered with a paper towel.  Allow the meat to rest at least 5 minutes before cutting.
If the meat is put directly into your slow cooker, allow the meat to rest for 5-10 minutes and you should be able to remove with ease, allow to rest on paper towel an additional 5 minutes to remove extra cooking liquid.

I paired my meatloaf with a side salad topped with reduced fat mexican blend cheese, a few drops of sour cream and 5 crushed up multigrain scoops chips, all topped with chipotle salsa. I then topped my meatloaf with half of a fresh avocado and more salsa!

Hope your weekends were full of fun, healthy and delicious choices!!

Farm Fresh Lunch

So its that time of year where some afternoons arent cold enough for soup&grilled cheese, but not hot enough for a really cold lunch! But its the time of year where your local farmers markets have the most amazing fruits and vegetables and can make for the most perfect meal!!

My lunch SCREAMS fall deliciousness today! It couldnt be easier to make, and its healthy and refreshing!


1/2-3/4 cups of chick peas (canned or fresh, whatever you choose - mine were canned and low in sodium)

1 small/medium fresh organic avocado, chopped

1/4 cup red onion, chopped

1 small/medium beef steak tomato, fresh and organic of course, chopped

Drizzle with olive oil and red wine vingear to your desired taste and consistency (you can also add a sprinkle of pepper - i chose not to)

mix together, and there you have it!

*DONT FORGET TO SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL FARMERS MARKETS!*

Night Time Snack

I know what you're thinking, "eating before bed, that cant be good", and you are right - to an extent. You can eat an hour or so before bed, as long as its healthy and will benefit you while you are sleeping. What does that mean? Well, I'll tell you!

Its good to have a night time snack before bed consisting of protein (and great news, you have so many options! cottage cheese, peanut butter, tuna, turkey slices, or string cheese!)

What these proteins will do, is avoid your body from going into a complete catabolic state - which is when your body goes into a "starving" state and starts eating away at your muscle for fuel.  In addition, when you fast for a long period of time (8+ hours), your metabolism starts to slow down, so having a snack before bed will keep you full, prevent waking you up due to hunger, and keep your metabolism in full speed!!

Tonight I chose a small/medium size red delicious apple with a tablespoon of peanut butter (ok so yes, there is more peanut butter in my picture than I am claiming, but my puppy is so darn cute while watching me eat and he loooves peanut butter. So I made a conscious effort to only eat half so he could have the other half!

The benefits of the apple is the water and fiber content. The insoluble fiber in an apple helps to retain water in your intestines, which will also help with having to pee in the middle of the night as well as helps digestion and cleanse your colon all while you sleep! The soluble fiber will be broken down by your body which can help lower cholesterol and makes for better circulation and better sleep!  And lets not forget, apples are low in calories and fat, so its guiltless!!


Sweet Dreams Followers!

For A "Chili" Night

Its getting to be "chili" outside so you know what that means.  A chili meal you will love. 

Tonights meal was meatless, but dont limit yourself to making it exactly like I did! Its all about portion control, healthy varieties, and of course you have to enjoy it!! 

Whats that you ask?? Well, its organic vegetarian spicy bean chili over a perfectly baked sweet potato!!! YUM! 

I cheated a little tonight, I wanted dinner to be mindless and easy! *One day I will make a homemade chili* But tonight I used Health Valley Organic Spicy Bean Chili (its canned). Its lower in sodium than hormel, or other canned chili brands, its USDA certified, and FULL of taste.  I have said it before and will say it again, I am not FULLY against prepackaged foods, just be sure to know your labels, what you are reading, and take the time to compare (you may spend a few extra minutes in the grocery store - but your body will thank you later)!! Also, eat the serving size only.  Its the best way to maintain your new healthy lifestyle and stay on track!! 

When You're On The GO!

Need something to eat while you're out running errands? Need something for the kids thats healthy and will keep them satisfied until you are home for your next meal? Do you NOT want to stop at a fast food place??

Consider bringing preportioned snacks with you that are full of protein, fiber, vitamins, and not to mention delicious! Here is one that I like to take out with me.

This is perfect, at 140calories for 1/4c it also contains 5g of protein and 2g of fiber.  Have a serving of this trail mix (or your own favorite flavor) with a bottle or 2 of water and you will fill full and be given the perfect boost of energy to continue running around town!

When you buy a big container of nuts, trail mix, chips, crackers - portion them out at home in snack size ziplock bags and place them right back into the container! It couldnt be easier to grab on the go and the best part is, you will avoid the fast food places and maintain your healthy lifestyle!!!

Chicken 'N' Stuff

There is nothing like stuffing a chicken with all sorts of goodness!!! There is an endless amount of possibilities, play around with your veggies and cheeses and you will want to stuff your chicken every time!!

The how too:

2 - 4 chicken breast halves, marinated overnight (or for a minimum of 2 hours) with LITE Balsamic Vinegar Salad Dressing (I used Ken's brand)

1/2 box of frozen kale, defrosted and extra water squeezed out

1 cup reduced fat white cheddar shredded cheese (I used Cabot)

2TBSP of light mayonaise

Preheat oven to 375*

In a bowl, mix together the kale, cheese and mayonaise until its well blended and fully coated.

After your chicken breasts are marinated, partially butterfly cut hem open (be very careful! dont go through the whole breast!)

Stuff each breasts with some of the kale mixture, being sure to push it back into the crease of your butterfly cut, *dont be afraid to really stuff it, its delicious!* (if you are only using 2 breasts you will most likely have left over filling (you can save it to add to an egg white omlet, or keep reading and ill let you know what I did with my extra!)

Close each breasts with as many tooth picks as you need to be sure the mixture doesnt spill all out in the oven!

Place breasts on a baking sheet, lined with foil and covered with cooking spray. Then spray each breasts with a little more spray!

Bake for about 30-35 mins

*DONT FORGET TO REMOVE YOUR TOOTHPICKS!*

I paired this amazing chicken with a high fiber, whole wheat shell macaroni with a little light butter (Land o' Lakes is my fave!)

Remember I said I would tell you what happened to my extra kale mix .... well I also had extra macaroni, so I mixed them together, and when I am ready for it, I can pop it in the microwave and have a light version of kale macaroni & cheese! GENIUS!

Enjoy your evening followers!

The Power Of Juicing!

Recently I have been into juicing at least 3-4 times per week. The benefit to juicing is to allow your body to get some essential vitamins and nutrients that you may dread to eat or forget to add to your dish!

There are a number of varieties to choose from, go online and search for your favorite ingredients!

This morning I juiced in an effort to bring my body back to speed after the past few weekends have been filled with parties, weddings and junk food! I know I have missed out on a few important food groups!!

My juice consisted of fresh baby spinach, chobani plain nonfat yogurt, a banana , pineapple chunks, and water! I don't really measure much of it but if I were to give you the best estimate - I use 1 banana, 2-4 handfuls of spinach, about 1/2-3/4 cup of pinapple, 1/2-3/4 cup of yogurt and enough water to smooth the consistency to my desire!

Some important things to know about getting into juicing - if you are using a blender, it may take time to get used to the taste. Blenders can only grind up and smooth out certain ingredients to a point. Some juices might taste gritty from your greens but stick it out!! If you are using a juicer that may automatically separate the juice from your fruit or vegetable and it's skin, you will be eliminating some of the benefits such as fiber. To build that component back up, add a no flavored fiber powder or ground flax seed!

Juicing is great when you're on the go and will keep you nice and full as if you ate a whole meal!

Game Day Dips!

Followers, I am so sorry I havent been around! I had a wonderfully busy weekend celebrating the wedding of 2 very wonderful friends.  I was out of town so wasnt making any of my own meals!! But I am back!

Todays post is dedicated to Sunday Game Day crowd pleasers! I, however, am not watching a game - so the good news is you can enjoy these dips with or without the games!!!

What you see here is 2 dips - buffalo chicken & jalapeno popper!!

I can only take credit for MAKING the dip, but here is where you can find the recipe I used. Jalapeno Popper Dip

The buffalo chicken dip, I never fully measure, I make to taste, so here is a great recipe that everyone loves - Buffalo Chicken Dip (I use the ranch dressing and blue cheese crumbles combo)

I know what you're thinking at this point, HOW IS THIS HEALTHY?!?!?

There are ways to enjoy these dips with a little less guilt. Use reduced fat or fat free products if the option is available with the specific ingredient.  Be sure to read and compare your labels and make sure you are not eliminating fat but significantly increasing calories or sodium content. Also know your ingredient, some fats are good fats (for example, with the popper dip, try using a mayonaise made with olive oil).

Another great tip is to eat dips with veggies!! Grabbing the chips or crackers are easy and tempting. Both of these dips are amazing with celery (which is how I had it today!).

Dont forget, my last and final tip, PORTION CONTROL. Try and avoid sitting in front of the dip. Once its out of the oven, grab a plate and just grab a couple scoops! Once its on your plate and you load up with veggies, you will have enjoyed the dips and be full before you know it!!

Happy Sunday to you all. Cant wait to share more this week!

Crab Alfredo

MMM MMMM .... MMMMMMMMMM

I really hit gold today when I mixed together yesterdays chipotle seasoned spaghetti squash with crab meat (imitation) and alfredo sauce!!

Low in calories, low in fat, only problem is, I ate it all so its gone!!! Feel free to use fresh crab meat (when its in season), but I happen to like the taste of imitation just as much, and its super convenient!

And always remember, you can season your squash however you like! play around with it! The chipotle gave the crab the perfect kick!

Stuffed Meatballs

I have out-done myself! Goat cheese is a staple in my house, but it wasnt until today that I thought to myself "PUT IT IN A MEATBALL!" So I did.

Heres how to make it!

1lb extra lean ground beef

1 egg

Oregano (to taste)

Salt&Pepper

4 oz log of Garlic&Herb flavored goat cheese (cut into 8 pieces - as evenly as possible - cut down the center vertically, then across 3 times horizontally)

Your favorite pasta & pasta sauce

Preheat oven to 375*

Mix together the meat, egg and spices until the egg is well blended and no longer feels runny, form one big ball out of the meat.

Take the side of your hand and make a line down the center of the ball of meat (vertically), and 3 lines across (horizontally) .... JUST LIKE YOU DID THE CHEESE!

You will now have 8 meatball sections, take one at a time, flatten in your hand, and place 1 piece of cheese in the center and form a ball around!

On a baking sheet lined with foil and sprayed with cooking spray, place your balled meatballs in 2 rows, then spray each meatball with cooking spray.

Cook for 20 mins, flip each meatball over, and cook for additional 20 minutes.

Place them on a plate lined with paper towel to soak up any grease

Then make your pasta and sauce as you wish and add your meatballs!!

YUM YUM! Enjoy!

The Perfect Squash!

Here it is, by popular demand - the HOW TO of making the perfectly roasted squash!!!

This is the first time i have ever made an instructional video, so bare with me and how corny it may be!!!

ENJOY!!!

Hot Sauce Chicken

Kick it up a notch and add some hot sauce!

For dinner tonight, I made baked hot sauce chicken tenders. Gives you the taste like you are enjoying some buffalo chicken, but not greasy and low in fat!

Making it couldnt be easier, trim your chicken tenders of any fat. In 2 seperate shallow bowls, add to one - egg whites and hot sauce (well mixed) and in the other - panko breadcrumbs mixed well with garlic powder.  Cover each tender in the egg whites then breadcrumbs! Place on a baking sheet sprayed with cooking spray, then spray the tenders again with the cooking spray (this helps crisp up the breadcrumbs!) Bake at 375* for about 30 mins.

Added to the plate is steamed broccoli and creamy rice!
*I cant take credit for the rice, it is Parmesan& Romano Cheese Rice-A-Roni from their Natural Way collection - I like to limit my use of processed/prepackaged food but when I do use them, I always read my labels for sodium levels, ingredients, and I spend the few extra bucks for natural and organic!!  NOTE :: This rice has low fat prep instructions!!! All you need is water, the rice/season packet, and milk (i used almond milk!)

Hope you all enjoyed your dinner tonight, whatever it may have been!

The Open Faced Breakfast Sandwich!

HAPPY OCTOBER FOLLOWERS!!

Im sorry I havent posted all weekend, it was busy but GREAT and involved a lot of naughty foods!! =P But thats ok because its ok to splurdge at least once or twice a month, this will actually benefit you.  As long as you dont over do it and completely stuff yourself, your metabolism will boost when you intake foods that your body isnt used too.  Its your bodies way of saying "What the heck is this!! GET IT OUT!!"

But the good thing is, the weekend is over, and I am still fully focused on healthy living! Its important to have the strong mindset to stay on track!

I started my day off with an amazing breakfast sandwich alternative, and I ate it open faced but you can also take this on the go!

What you see here is 2 egg whites with goat cheese and chopped tomatoes on a multigrain flatbread pita!


The benefits of this breakfast:

Tomatoes - In addition to a number of vitamins that they contain, they also are known as an anti-inflammatory food.  This component will help to prevent diseases such as arthritis, cancer, heart disease, alzheimers, MS, and also will help you feel less bloated! This is all caused by a substance called Lycopene.  Its been said that heating tomatoes will enhance the Lycopene - this will help the body to absorb it better&quicker.

Egg Whites - Fat free, lowers cholesterol, and is FULL of protein!

Goat Cheese - Right off the bat, goat cheese contains less fat and less calories than cheese made from cows milk.  It is also much easier to digest! It also has much more calcium than cows milk cheese, goat cheese has 240g and cows milk cheese 200g.  It has been said that a diet/lifestyle with increased calcium assist in metabolism boosts and helps burn fat after meals. Also, contains viatmins and protein.

Multigrain Flatbread - Full of fiber and whole grains! They go hand&hand and will help you to decreas the risk of heart disease, keep you regular, and lower your blood pressure - just to name a few benefits!!


Hope you all enjoy your Monday morning, dont forget to have breakfast its the most important meal of the day!!