Easy Healthy Recipe Roundup

Today I wanted to share some of my favorite simple and healthy recipes. We are all busy, all the time. It's really easy to get home and nuke something, order take out, or just eat cereal (I am guilty of all of these things). But when I take the time to do a tiny bit of planning, and realize that cooking a good meal doesn't have to be a daunting task, the process becomes so much more enjoyable. Personally, I like cooking especially when I have something really good to look forward to. Note: I have made all of these recipes during the week when I have gotten home from work so they are all manageable I promise. Also they are all Weight Watchers friendly and boyfriend approved!

Natalie's Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Meatballs

It's no secret I love Natalie's recipes, and this one is a real winner. I had never made meatballs before, but since making these I have made them several times. You can sub lean ground turkey if you cannot find chicken, I have done both and they come out great.

Cheesesteak Stuffed Peppers

I love this recipe for when I am trying to ease up on the carbs. This carb addict doesn't even miss the bread. They hit all the right flavor notes and they are a real bang for your calorie buck.

Kale Caesar Salad

I actually never knew I was capable of being a salad addict, but this salad changed my mind. FYI I am too lazy most of the time to make my own dressing so I use a light caesar and measure out a little bit and toss it into the salad really well. I do make my own croutons, with whatever I have around (Fiber One bread, sourdough, etc) and to make it a full meal I will toss some grilled chicken or shrimp on top.

Loaded Turkey Chili Baked Potato

First, you know I love Gina's recipes and cannot wait for her cookbook to come out. Whenever we make chili there is always tons leftover. This recipe is so comforting and filling and when I have leftover chili around, it comes together quite easily (also don't be afraid to use premade from your grocery store just adjust nutrition content if you are counting).

Natalie's Korean Beef Bowls

Yup another recipe from Natalie. I tried this on a whim after we have been ordering Chinese way too often. It is in full rotation now and I always have the ingredients on hand. It's easy, spicy, and makes great leftover lunches. I serve it over jasmine rice from Trader Joe's or brown rice, use super lean beef, and throw in raw asparagus or broccoli while it simmers. 

Roasted Balsamic Brussel Sprouts

Yes, sometimes I just want a big bowl of brussel sprouts (but I will typically have some protein too just because it's the right thing to do). They are delicious, versatile, and very filling. I mix up my recipe from time to time. Sometimes I will add some thick cut bacon, truffle oil, parmesan, etc. The combinations are endless.

Old faithful or my anytime meal, Avocado Toast

If you have ever seen my Instagram, you can see that I love avocado toast. It's so simple and delicious I just never tire of it. There is no recipe link for this because all I do is mash half an avocado with sea salt and red pepper flakes, slather it on your toast of choice (I highly recommend sourdough), top with more salt and pepper flakes, et voila best easy meal ever!

Now it's your turn. What are some of your favorite, healthy meals you make after work? I am always looking for new ones to try!

Monday Jump Start: Lightened Up Quiche

I play around in the kitchen a lot, but coming up with a good recipe is always exciting for me (especially when it's healthy too). I love quiche for it's ease, versatility, and square meal all in one. What's more comforting than pastry, cheese, and ham? This recipe was created by modifying a recipe Natalie posted about. By modifying amounts of full fat and calorie ingredients with lower fat ingredients my quiche came out wonderfully without the guilt! In no way does this quiche taste figure friendly. You still get all the lovely cheesey, decadent satisfaction that comes from quiche with a lot less fat. This makes a really easy dinner, brunch dish, or quick lunch when reheated. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

Skinny Ham & Cheddar Quiche

• 1 deep dish pie shell
• 3 large eggs
• 4 egg whites
• 1 cup finely shredded sharp cheddar (I grate mine myself for a finer shred)
• 2 slices good quality lean deli ham, chopped
• 2-3 scallions, chopped
• 1/2 cup fat-free milk
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• salt and pepper to taste

Preheat your oven to 350 (oven temperature vary I usually heat mine 10-15 degrees higher)

Take your pie shell out of the freezer and allow to thaw for 10-15 minutes

In a bowl, whisk together whole eggs and egg whites. In a separate bowl mix together flour and baking powder. Once mixed, add some of the egg mixture to the dry ingredients and incorporate. Add egg and dry mixture to the rest of the eggs and add in the milk. When everything is mixed together add pepper and salt (go easy on the salt as the ham and cheddar have salt in them). Set aside.

When the oven has reached the proper temperature, I like to pop the pie crust in for a few minutes to get it going and reduce the risk of soggy crust (3-5 minutes should do). Remove the partially baked crust and add the ham, cheese, and scallions directly into the pie shell. Pour the egg and milk mixture over top the ingredients in the pie shell. If you are compelled, you can give everything a quick stir with a spoon. Transfer the quiche to a foil-lined cookie sheet and bake for 30-40 minutes until the quiche puffs up some* and is golden brown on the top.

Let the quiche cool for about 10 minutes before serving. Leftovers will last a few days when kept covered and in the refrigerator. 

Recipe is 7 Weight Watchers Points Plus per serving, 6 servings per quiche.

*Quiche may fall some during the cooling process because of the egg whites, this is totally normal.

Fit Day

Eat // One of the best things about summer is the seasonal produce. There are a million ways to get your recommended veggie intake, but this tian recipe has to be one the easiest and tastiest. Mix up the veggies to your liking and make this dish all summer long.

Sip// No one likes feeling left out when it comes to drinking, but alcohol is literally dead calories and if you are adding mixers you may end up with a total calorie bomb. Try a "skinny" mojito for a big flavor punch with fewer calories (if it's a little too strong ease up on the rum and/or add some stevia).

Wear// I'm not a flaunter when it comes to workout gear, but some classes require more fitted clothing. Get there and leave in comfort and style with the Sharkbite Top from Athleta that you could literally live in.

Do// Tis the season of jorts and what better way to accessorize them with a toned pair of gams and tight butt? The Tone It Up ladies have created a great circuit to hit all the right spots that could do pretty much anywhere. Jessica Simpson's legs from Dukes of Hazard were not created in a day, but you can get there with a little work.  

What are your Eat/Sip/Wear/Do recs? Always love hearing what you're doing and eating!

       

Fit Talk: Skinnytaste

In the spirit of keeping Thursday posts aligned with health (typically Eat, Sip, Wear, Do but on a litttle break to come back with great conent) I wanted to share with you all my favorite website and soon-to-be cookbook Skinnytaste. I'm sure you've all heard that abs are made in the kitchen and/or that weight loss is 80% what you put in your body. However, in doing some more digging, it seems like 90% of weight loss and maintenance has to do with diet. When I say diet I don't mean a course of restriction, but rather your overall eating pattern.

If you have ever tried to lose weight, or struggled with your weight you know how hard it can be to find nutritious filling meals that you want to eat. We all have the best intentions, but those steamed veggies and lean pieces of fish can get monotonous. This is where Skinnytaste comes to slay the diet food dragon. Gina Homolka started Skinnytaste to share her passion for creating delicious, nutritious meals that you can feel good about serving to yourself, and feel even better about eating. Often, our favorite foods are loaded with not so figure friendly ingredients. Gina is a master at recipe recreation so we can still enjoy our favorites with minor tweaking. Another reason I love Skinnytaste recipes is that they are all compatible with Weight Watchers and their all things in moderation approach.

Some of my favorites from Skinnytaste are:
Lavash Flatbread Pizza
Spicy Shrimp with Chilies and Garlic
Skinny Overnight Oats

Gina's cookbook is currently available for pre-order, and will ship September 30th. I am pre-ordering my copy ASAP, and cannot wait to have it as a kitchen staple. While the recipes are great for those looking to lighten up their meals, I have to also stress that those who couldn't care less about their physique (like freak of nature boyfriends who lose weight by blinking) love them too. You won't be disappointed!

Do you have any other go-to sites or cookbooks for healthy, delicious eats? I would love to hear about them!

Fit Day

Eat // Shrimp with Lemon en Papillote. A fresh healthy way to cook seafood that packs a lot of flavor. 

         Try this method with fish too!

Sip // Strawberry Mango Smoothie. This smoothie takes advantage of seasonal ingredients, but adds a

         nutritional boost with chia seeds and coconut water.

Wear // Athleta's Chi Mesh Tank. A top that is functional in all the best ways and it meant to layer well!

Do // Kate Hudson's Favorite Pilates Moves. Kate has a sick bod, and she's sharing the moves she 

        loves to keep her cut.

ESWD

Eat //   Grilled Peaches with Rosemary and Balsamic Vinegar. If you have never grilled fresh peaches 

           you are missing out! The sugars caramelize and the flavor elevates immensely. A little fresh 

           rosemary and depth from the balsamic and you have one heck of summer dish.

Sip //   Watermelon Juice. Watermelon is naturally made up of 91% water which makes this one of the

           most hydrating fruits out there. This recipe pairs the melon with fresh lime for a welcome 

           change to plain old water.

Wear // Under Armour All-In-One Capri. These capris mean business. The 4-way stretch, slimming 

            panels, anti-microbial, moisture-wicking material make these an activewear game changer. If

            you have bought UA products before then you know the quality is top notch.

Do //    Eleven Yoga Poses to De-Stress. Yoga is one of the best and healthiest practices out there for

           stress management. Since everyone and their mother is stressed to kill on a daily basis, take the

           time to wind down and center yourself with some therapeutic poses. 

ESWD

This week's ESWD is all about summer. With shorts and swimsuits just around the corner, it's time to get my butt in gear. 

Eat: Strawberry Paleo ice cream will be the perfect guilt-free treat for hot summer days. No deprivation,        no excuses.

Sip: Dr. Oz's swimsuit slimdown drink will get your insides ready to burn that extra fat.

Wear: Lululemon's Club dress is made for some quality court time, but honestly is so cute why 

          wouldn't you want to throw it on for a day of running around?

Do: There's no denying that short weather is in full force. Tone up those babies with thigh thinning

       workouts. 

Motivation Monday: Enjoying the Little Things

Mondays seem to be a day where negatives appear magnified. We're sad the weekend is over, dread having to get back to the grind, and can just be overwhelmed by our Monday-Friday lives. What I have challenged myself to do, and I encourage you to do as well, is take the time to enjoy the little things. No matter how insignificant you think those things are, that little burst of positivity can do big things!

For me, stopping to enjoy the little things is often something as simple as enjoying my favorite snack. As someone on a diet, finding that perfect treat that really fills a craving is such a victory. I don't have much of a sweet tooth, but if a "salt tooth" exists I surely have one. Popchips are salty, airy, delicious little chips that back the best flavor/crunch combo around. These tasty chips are literally popped to perfection without the greasy feel of traditional fried chips and better tasting than baked varieties.

Popchips are more than just the perfect snack. They are great for entertaining, tailgates, and the perfect addition to lunch. One thing I love about Popchips so much is the generous serving size. Having my cake and eating it too, of course I'm on board with that! And now Popchips has made their packages 15% bigger so there's more to love (and share if you are so inclined)! A satisfying snack that I can actually feel good about eating, well that's a wonderful little love story if you ask me.

Appreciating the simplicity of a delicious, satisfying snack can change even the worst of moods. Enter your Popchips love story to win the more to love sweepstakes, which ends on 5/31. Everyone who participates will receive a $.55 off coupon and a chance win a date night package ($500 & 3 cases of Popchips)


This post was sponsored by Popchips, but my love for these tasty snack is all my own.

ESWD

Eat: It's not too often I find myself drooling over salads, but the minute I saw this brussel sprouts, pomegranate, bacon salad I wanted it so so bad.

Sip: Orage Julius is a childhood classic, but loaded with sugar and other icky things. This clean/healthy version is also vegan.

Wear: Layering activewear can be tricky, but the folks over at Pure Barre have come up with the perfect solution with this easy breezy top.

Do: Through traditional ab workouts out the window and mix it up with Tracy Anderson's standing ab routine. She makes everything look simple, but trust me her workouts are killer and often result in me screaming obscenities. 

ESWD

This week's ESWD is looking pretty minty, but I love that about it. 

Eat: I love food that packs just as much flavor and satisfaction as it does the nutritional punch. Spicy shrimp tacos with mango salsa might be the most perfect meal for summer.

Sip: People swear by BluePrint cleanses but they can be pricey and juices can get boring. A homemade version that adds sparkling water will surely liven things up a bit.

Wear: Anytime I wear something bright it instantly shifts my mood. These mint sneakers are so fun and defintely calling my name. 

Do: Summer bring a lot of joy, but also a ton of anxiety as we shed the layers and sleeves for cooler options. A circuit dedicated to toning those arms will have you looking like the first lady in no time!

ESWD

This has been a tough week. I got back on the bandwagon with a diet program, went to a seriously tough barre class, and have punished myself with a large amount of food porn. While I write and create my content for myself and an audience, this one is really about keeping me motivated while I acclimate to changes.

I don't crave sweets much, but when I do it is intense. Luckily, I really chia pudding and this chocolate version looks like it would definitely hit the spot when chocolate dominates my thoughts. I am trying desperately to drink more water, but between having to run to the bathroom constantly and getting bored of the taste I don't stick with it. Detox or infused waters will most likely do the trick and many tasty combinations actually make your water even better for your body. 

Is there such a thing as activewear envy? If so, I have it. I'm in that awkward stage where I don't really want things too form fitting, but I am looking forward to the day when I will gladly throw on this very cute tank, cut outs and all, and rock that bad boy. Yep, I'm going to be that broken record and talk about my love of home workouts with yet another. Whatever your reason for wanting a work out that can be done outside of a gym/studio you have to try this full body barre workout and find out what all the fuss is about.

Fit Day Thursday

           

Eat // Sip // Wear // Do 

I am testing out a new weekly series, Fit Day. Maybe it will be Thursday maybe Tuesday, but what I do know is I want to keep it in rotation. So please bear with me while I figure out the presentation of it, the day, even the name.

Eat: I love Greek salad, and grilled veggies. What could be better than both of those combined?!?

Sip: Watermelon season is just around the corner, and this coconut water watermelon cooler is a must!

Wear: I like to be comfortable when being active and I wouldn't have to sacrifice that in this tank.

Do: The ladies at Tone It Up have a great killer ab workout (and full body program). Be bikini ready!