It’s That Time Again… Chili Weather

Photo by mellowfood

By now I’ve made no secret about that fact that I’m not much of a cook. But one thing that I absolutely love to whip up is a nice batch of chili! Not only is it the perfect companion to a Sunday afternoon football game, but it’s oh-so-easy to make. (That part I really love.) I’ve posted a chili recipe before that is down right delicious, but let’s face it: When I look at all the ingredients and work that particular recipe requires I just want to sigh and throw up my hands- despite how tasty I know the outcome . . . → Read More: It’s That Time Again… Chili Weather

Smoothie Mania!

Photo by SweetOnVeg

Hearing a lot of buzz about smoothies lately? I’m one of the ones buzzing!

I’ve struggled with breakfast. I know I should eat it, but it takes time to prepare and eat it, and frankly I’m sick of oatmeal and bagels. For a while I tried waffles, but they lacked that certain something that makes a delicious, inviting, nutrient-rich breakfast.

A while ago I was at my bestie Krista’s house for an overnight adventure and the next morning she made me a smoothie. OMG. I nearly fell over! It was so cold and deep . . . → Read More: Smoothie Mania!

Spotlight On: Asparagus

I’ve always been a fan of asparagus. The past few weeks I’ve been receiving a bunch of lovely asparagus spears from the CSA my family joined. Not only does it taste great, but it’s also low in calories and a good source potassium. For people with active, physical lifestyles, getting enough potassium is important because it works together with sodium to balance the fluids and electrolyte levels in your body. At my house we’ve recently experimented at making asparagus soup as well as asparagus risotto. But you don’t need a difficult recipe though in order to enjoy this veggie. . . . → Read More: Spotlight On: Asparagus

Test Run: Pinole!

Along with most runners out there, I read the book “Born to Run” by Christopher McDougall. The amazing story of the Tarahumara runners and the motley crew of ultra-marathoners that travelled to race them across the Copper Canyons was a great read. However, one of the first things I thought while I devouring the story was “I need to try this “pinole” thing that they eat to fuel their crazy long distance runs.” Essentially a mix of cornmeal and sweeteners, it should have been easy to make but I procrastinated and eventually forgot about it until a couple of . . . → Read More: Test Run: Pinole!

Black Bean Hummus

Alison Sherwood here – I blog about learning how to cook and trying new things in the kitchen over at Post-College Kitchen.

The temptations of a good spread at a party can be a huge challenge for dieters and health-conscious eaters. It’s so easy to let loose and try every cheese-covered, bacon-wrapped or chocolate-drizzled treat on the table. There’s nothing wrong with sampling some delicious munchies – but if you’re like me, it’s hard to stop once you start.

I know a lot of people struggle with making healthy choices in social situations, so lately when I’ve had people over or brought a . . . → Read More: Black Bean Hummus

Wishful Thinking: Springtime Garbanzo Salad

It looks like we’re getting a little taste of spring this week in Milwaukee so in anticipation of warmer days ahead I thought I’d share one of my favorite spring salads. I’m feeling a shift away from chili and soups to lighter fare like this easy peasy to make combo of cucumber and garbanzo beans. It only takes a few minutes to whip up, it’s fairly low in calories and gabanzos (a.k.a. chickpeas) are a great source of protein:

Cucumber Garbanzo Bean Salad

1 can (15 oz) garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed1 medium cucumber, sliced and quartered1/2 . . . → Read More: Wishful Thinking: Springtime Garbanzo Salad

Friday Blog Round Up: Turkey Edition

It seems like a lot of bloggers had turkey on the brain this week! Turkey is a great, healthy option that can be worked into any meal. Here’s a few links to check out next time your belly is grumbly:

Over on Operation: Shrinking Sara, she shows us how to make a sandwich worthy of Brueggers’s Bagels but with more than half the calories shaved off. Yes, please.

Michelle at Secrets of a Former Fat Girl shares one of her favorite Turkey Chili recipes courtesy of celebrity chef Curtis Stone. Great for a chilly winter afternoon. Pun . . . → Read More: Friday Blog Round Up: Turkey Edition

Simple Smoothie

Usually after I workout I like to enjoy something a bit sweet like a cup of yogurt. (Dannon Light & Fit or Yoplait Light are my favorites.) However, today I decided to jazz up my usual snack a bit. There’s nothing groundbreaking about making a fruit smoothie but I wanted to share my quick little recipe because it was tasty, filling and only 145 calories.

What I used:

1 6 oz container of Dannon Light & Fit Peach Yogurt- 70 calories1/2 banana- 50 calories1/2 cup sliced strawberries- 25 calories1/2 cup ice

Blend to your little heart’s . . . → Read More: Simple Smoothie

Real Simple: Dinners Under 400 Calories

I have a confession: I am not a good cook. I LOVE food- I just love it when other people prepare it for me. That being said, I always feel good about myself when I’m able to successfully prepare a healthy dinner for my family. I just hate all the preparation involved so when I can find a recipe that requires minimal prep time and still tastes good I’m very happy.

One of my favorite places to get new, healthy recipes is Real Simple magazine. In the February 2010 issue they have a section on meals 400 calories . . . → Read More: Real Simple: Dinners Under 400 Calories

The Great Pumpkin

 

Photo by Rich Bowen.

Halloween may be over but that doesn’t mean it time to forget about pumpkins. Pumpkin is a low fat, low calorie vegetable that is great source of nutrients and antioxidants. What does that mean? Well it’s chock full of alpha and beta carotene which can help boost immunity. Research shows that people who eat more beta- carotene in their diet are less likely to develop certain types of cancer. On top of this it’s also a great source of fiber which can help digestion and even aid weight loss.

Want a quick, . . . → Read More: The Great Pumpkin