Burrito Bowls

Mexican food is probably one of my absolute favorite things to make.  Ever since I was a little girl burritos were always my choice of food when my mom asked what she should make for dinner.  There are a lot of restaurants around that make some amazing burritos but sadly those burritos are not so healthy.  The tortilla alone can have over 300 calories!  My new favorite thing to eat are burrito bowls.  You get all of the yummy goodness of a burrito, minus the extra calories from the tortilla, and they are delicious!  You won't even miss the tortilla.  Also beware of the sour cream and cheese, those pack on calories to your meal quickly too.   They are fun to make with a group because you just put out bowls of any topping that sounds good and everyone can customize their own.  Try them out!

Here are some ideas of things to include in your burrito bowls:

Rice (brown or white) with chopped cilantro and lime juice mixed in.

Grilled chicken.

Black Beans: Combine two cans (one rinsed and drained) with cumin, chili powder, fresh minced garlic and lime.

Grilled peppers and onions.

Corn Salsa:  Start with canned or frozen corn and add a can of diced chiles or diced jalapenos, chopped peppers and cilantro and some lime juice.

Pico de gallo:  mix together diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, jalapeno and lime juice.

Salsa. You can even add more variety by picking out a couple different types of salsa.

Chopped romaine lettuce.

Greek Yogurt.  This works as a great replacement for sour cream.  You won't really even notice a difference.

Lime tortilla chips.  These are also great for dipping into the salsas.

Source: Live Better America

Healthified Tuscan White Bean Soup

A lot of places around the country are still experiencing crazy winter weather and some are starting to show signs of spring.  The one thing I will miss when winter is officially gone is I won't be wanting to eat soup every night so I am trying to eat lots of them until it really is spring!  Try this one out, it only has 120 calories per serving and 1/2 gram of fat and best of all it is delicious!

Healthified Tuscan White Bean Soup
Servings: 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

1 medium onion, chopped

1 slice bacon, snipped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (15 oz) no-salt-added cannellini beans (white kidney beans), rinsed and drained

1 can (14.5 oz) no-salt-added diced tomatoes, undrained

1 3/4 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth

1 teaspoon dried thyme, crushed

1/8 teaspoon black pepper

3 cups baby spinach leaves

Toasted baguette slices and/or fresh thyme sprigs (optional) 
  
In a large saucepan, cook onion, bacon, and garlic about 5 minutes or until onion is tender. Stir in beans; cook 1 minute more. Stir in tomatoes, chicken broth, dried thyme, and black pepper. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes. 

Remove from heat. Mash bean mixture slightly with the back of a wooden spoon. Stir in spinach. Let stand, covered, for 1 minute to wilt spinach.

 If desired, serve with toasted baguette slices and/or garnish with fresh thyme sprigs.

 

Healthified Lasagna

It is fall and that means its time for comfort food!  Everything hearty, meaty, cheesey and warm is exactly what I am craving with this cooler weather.  The only problem is those things are so bad for you and loaded with fat and calories.  Give this lasagna a try, I think you will find it delicious and not even notice all the unhealthy things that aren't in there!

Healthified Lasagna
Prep time:  30 minutes
Total time:  2 hours 30 minutes
12 Servings

9 uncooked lasagna noodles
1 lb extra-lean (at least 90%) ground beef
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 jar (25.5 oz) Muir Glen® organic Italian herb pasta sauce
1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper (cayenne)
1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil leaves
1 egg
1 container (15 oz) reduced-fat ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded reduced-fat mozzarella cheese (8 oz)
1/3 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Spray 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray. Cook and drain noodles as directed on package. Place in cold water.

Meanwhile, in 12-inch skillet, cook beef and garlic over medium-high heat 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently, until beef is thoroughly cooked; drain. Stir in pasta sauce, ground red pepper and 1 teaspoon of the basil. Heat to boiling, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat.

Heat oven to 350°F. In medium bowl, beat egg slightly. Stir in ricotta cheese and remaining 1/2 teaspoon basil until blended. Drain noodles. Spread about 1/2 cup sauce mixture over bottom of baking dish. Top with 3 noodles, 1 1/2 cups of the sauce mixture, half of the ricotta mixture and 3/4 cup of the mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers once. Top with remaining noodles, sauce and mozzarella cheese; sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Spray 15-inch piece of foil with cooking spray. Cover lasagna with foil.

Bake 45 minutes. Uncover; bake 10 to 15 minutes longer or until bubbly. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

38% fewer calories • 52% less fat • 55% less sat fat than the original recipe.

1 Serving:  240 Calories and 9g fat

Source: Live Better America    

Why Aren't You Losing Weight?#3

It's hard to deny yourself when a family favorite is on the menu for dinner. Especially when it's lasagna! Many of our favorite family meals are high in fat and calories.

Solution: Serve yourself a smaller serving of the main meal and a larger serving of vegetables, and salad (use a spray dressing to lower calorie intake). Many favorite recipes can be adapted by using lower fat cheeses without sacrificing flavor.

It is also helpful to serve the meal to plates and not put the extra food on the table. It helps to control our urge for seconds.

Invest in smaller plates. A smaller plate looks fuller than a large plate, and mind over matter works well in this situation. You may try using the salad plates that you already have in your cupboard!

Drinking plenty of water before and after the meal (not during) will help you feel fuller and will aid with digestion.