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Calamari Salad

 

Following an incredibly long time away from my bathroom scale, I got up the courage to get on and face the number that stared back at me. Not bad. For all the eating I had done on my two-week work trip, I was back and while feeling bloated (probably from being on a plane for 8 plus hours), I hadn’t gained a pound…. I couldn’t say the same for my luggage though. But that’s a story for another day.

The scale scare, and the heat and humidity that greeted me upon my return inspired me to go lighter on my meals. I scoured the internet looking for something light, but filling. And I came across this recipe for Calamari Salad. (more…)

Portabello Mushroom Cap Pizza

 

Pizza has got to be one of the easiest things to whip up for a weeknight dinner.

Like everyone else, I decided to start counting my calories (again) via MyFitnessPal, encouraging me to stay within a certain calorie limit and thereby “watching” what I eat. Balancing that, along with trying to cut carbs and add more veggies to my diet, I decided to throw together mushroom cap pizzas. (more…)

Grilled Coriander Mint Eggplant Rounds

 

When the weather gets warmer, I tend to want to eat healthier – partially because it’s more fresh and partially because when May 1st rolls around, I remember that I need to have a good figure to pull off bare legs and cute dresses. Plus, to me, fresh veggies and fruits equal healthy and delicious.

As my readers know, I love eggplant and I’m constantly searching for ways to use the vegetable on a regular basis. Enter Coriander Mint Eggplant Rounds.

Panini Grilled Coriander Mint Eggplant Rounds Recipe

 

Ingredients

1 large Eggplant
½ cup Fresh Mint Leaves
1 tablespoon Olive Oil
1 teaspoon ground Coriander
Sea Salt, to taste

Directions

Cut the eggplant into rounds
In a ziplock bag, toss the eggplants with sea salt, olive oil and coriander until coated
Grill the eggplant on a Panini grill until soft
Drain additional oil on a paper towel
Serve with fresh mint leaves
 

Servings: 4

Nutrition Information: Cals 81. Carbs 16g. Fat 2g. Protein 3g.


Freekeh Soup [Green Wheat Soup]

Freekeh-Soup

In an attempt to curb a cold, I thought whipping up some soup might do the trick. I’m pretty sick of chicken noodle soup. So I decided to try something different. Freekeh.

For those who don’t know what Freekeh is … it’s not freaky. It’s basically a type of green wheat that goes through a roasting process in its production. It’s very healthy and very popular in the areas of the Levant, Arabian Peninsula and found in North African and Egyptian cuisine.

Freekeh Soup

 

Freekeh Soup [Green Wheat Soup]

Yield: 6 Servings

Ingredients

  • 3 pieces Skinless Chicken Breast
  • Water
  • 1 Onion, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon Seven Spice
  • Salt, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
  • 1 cup Freekeh

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken stock by sauteeing the onion with olive oil in a medium saucepan until translucent.
  2. Add the chicken and cover with water (to desired amount). Add salt to taste and boil for about 20 minutes.
  3. Drain. Do not discard the chicken water. Set it aside.
  4. Meanwhile, pick out the stones from the freekeh, wash with lukewarm water and then soak in water until ready.
  5. In a medium saucepan, boil the freekeh with fresh water. Once the water is absorbed, add the chicken stock and simmer on medium-low until the freekeh is soft.
  6. Tip: Don't discard the boiled chicken. You can bake it in the oven (with veggies if you so desire) on 350 degrees for 20 minutes and serve with the soup.

Notes

Nutrition Information: Cals 106. Carbs 2g, Fat 1g. Protein 1g. Sodium 58mg.

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Air-Popped Microwave Popcorn

 

 

 

Air-popped popcorn in the microwave? Yes, it can be done and it’s so simple! I was just reading an article in USA Today about the newly-discovered health benefits of popcorn (namely antioxidants). So popcorn lovers out there, this is for you. Air-popped is the healthiest, and lowest-calorie way to enjoy this crunchy snack. The best part is that you can season however you want! Don’t have an air-popper you say? Don’t you worry, you can make sir-popped popcorn in the microwave.

Air-Popcorn

I admit, it took me a couple tries before I got it right. The first time, I put it in for too long, not only did the popcorn burn, it started smoking up the house and I think I inhaled some before I opened up all the windows and doors and tried to get both the smoke and the smell out. Needless to say that bag made it into the trash. It’s not difficult at all – and if you follow my instructions, you won’t repeat the mistake I made.

Air-Popped Microwave Popcorn

Yield: 1 serving

Calories per serving: 120

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup popcorn kernels
  • 1 brown paper bag

Instructions

  1. Pour the popcorn kernels into the brown bag.
  2. Fold the bag over twice, and lay sideways in the microwave, fold-side-down.
  3. Microwave for 1 minute and 45 seconds to 2 minutes. 
  4. Remove from microwave, and sprinkle with your favorite topping - I used garlic salt. 
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