Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Eating Better: The Basics (Part Four)


 
I bet you are super stoked to learn what fabulous recipes I have for you today! You remember...the ones with all those yummy fruits and veggies we discussed a few days ago? Well... Here they are!

Quinoa Fried Rice (we call it Veggie Fried Quinoa)


This is quickly becoming a favorite in my house! Another FABULOUS recipe from Jenn at Peas and Crayons. If you haven't already done so, go check her out!!!

I have been using Kitchen Basics Chicken Broth for this, and a little extra soy sauce! You can add so many things to this dish. EXPERIMENT! My kids are CRAZY about it. For real!


Next  is my go-to veggie..salad!







I usually purchase a large container of organic baby spinach and a package of organic hearts of romaine lettuce when I do my weekly grocery shopping. This gives us enough for about three nights worth of salad (a few servings each of those F's&V's). I will set out little dishes full of different veggies (onions, green pepper, broccoli florets), some dried cherries and/or cranberries, cheeses (feta, Gorgonzola, mozzarella), nuts (walnuts, pecans, almonds), and a homemade vinaigrette (recipes to follow). This gives everyone a choice.

Especially the picky one!






Our 2 favorite dressings:

Greek Dressing
(this dressing is great on a bed of lettuce and spinach, with feta, onions, cukes, tomatoes, kalamata olives and pickled beets!)

&

Simple Balsamic Vinaigrette:


3-4 Tablespoons of Extra Virgin Olive Oil
2 Tablespoons of organic balsamic vinegar
1 Tablespoon red wine vinegar
1-2 teaspoons organic dijon mustard
2 teaspoons organic or raw honey (optional)
salt and pepper to taste


Combine all ingredients and whisk together. Simple as that folks!!!





How about a BLACK BEAN VEGGIE BURGER...
(Healthful Hint: Use rolled oats instead of bread crumbs. Also (not so healthy hint) These need lots of sea salt if you are using organic, no salt added beans)


Topped with tomato, cucumber and tzatziki!...





With some  SWEET POTATO FRIES  on the side!?! I am in L-O-V-E with these! You can even use a mixture of chipotle and ancho chili powder for a smokier taste.







Is your mouth watering yet?

Maybe some Sweet Summer Fruit Bruschetta will do the trick:

Chop up some peaches, plums and/or nectarines...maybe add a few juicy raspberries or blueberries...mix in a little honey...perhaps some coconut flakes...cinnamon...The possibilities are endless! Pile it up on some toasted baguette slices (or better yet, some toasted mini whole-wheat pitas). De-lic-ious!

Another fruity opportunity (haha! I crack me up!)...

A Fruit and Walnut Salad (modeled after a certain fast food chain's version of a "healthy" snack):

Sliced organic apples and walnuts, sprinkled with cinnamon or apple pie spice, and organic vanilla yogurt for dipping. My daughter asks for this treat daily!

I hope that I have given you a few ideas. Maybe convinced a few of you that F's&V's can be exciting and tasty...?  Yes!

Next time I will give you those favorite healthy eating site links. And maybe..that picture of me at 185 pounds! I am such a tease;)

Happy eating!

Jessie















3 comments:

  1. I will be making the black bean burger! Yum!
    Thanks for sharing:)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Girl! I love you like woah! I bookmarked this and the greek dressing from AR and cannot wait to make them both! I'm a dressing fanatic and snob all at the same times! so good ones make me really really happy! hehe!

    thanks for the sweet words and linkback! you rock!

    omg and the rolled oats tip is GENIUS!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. That is so funny! I ALWAYS buy a package of orgainc baby spinach and organic romaine every week too. It's my favorite salad combo - so healthy. I also love the Greek salad dressing from AR and quinoa. I will have to try the quinoa fried rice.

    ReplyDelete

Exploring the Upper Peninsula...and a Few Yummies

I am going to make this short...because I am desperately trying to be more intentional with my time.  Spending less of it on my phone or com...