This vegetable may not make it to your plate often, but I'm going to give you some information that might have you reaching for some asparagus. This slender, green vegetable contains fiber, folate, and vitamins A, C, E, and K. What makes asparagus even more attractive is that it also contains anti-aging properties, asparagine (an amino acid that increases urination, which aids in excreting excess salt in the body to decrease bloat), and glutathione (a detoxifier that helps to break down harmful compounds, which can aid in reducing risk of some cancers, heart disease, and dementia).
Containing no fat or cholesterol and coming in at only 27 calories per cup, asparagus makes a great addition to any meal! I'd like to give warning though of a particular side-effect of asparagus, being that it can cause your urine to produce a bad odor. The smell caused by asparagusic acid, but it may be possible to avoid this by drinking more water or some cranberry juice, according to Greatist. If you're able to look past this small matter, give the recipes below a look and if one sparks your interest, give it a try!
Clean Eating BBQ Garlic & Dill Asparagus
Asparagus with Poached Eggs and Parmesan
One Dish Artichoke Chicken with Asparagus
Marinated Mushrooms and Asparagus Salad
Asparagus with Romesco Sauce
Sweet and Spicy Orange-Glazed Veggies
Roasted Asparagus and Mushroom Quinoa
This antioxidant-dense vegetable is in season for a bit longer, so head over to the grocery store and cook some up while it's at its prime!
Also, I'm now on Instagram! Follow me at: @intriguedwiththelean (http://instagram.com/intriguedwiththelean)!
Thursday, May 30, 2013
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Dining Out: points to consider before hitting the restaurant
Yesterday, while watching the news and working on my post that was supposed to go up today, the Dr. Oz show came on. Oz was hosting a segment (which I'm assuming was a rerun) on restaurant secrets with Top Chef's Richard Blais. The secrets they revealed were indeed shocking, which is why I decided to postpone my original post until later this week and mention a couple of points they spoke of.
When I go out to eat, in order to avoid ordering a meal that sounds healthy but in actuality is packed with fat and sodium, I'm always sure to tell my waiter to hold the butter and salt (if you choose to do this yourself, you can always add a dash of salt yourself rather than consuming an excessive amount that the chef may otherwise add in), but now I know to add sugar to the list as well! According to Blais, some chefs may choose to add sugar into a dish not only to enhance the flavor (especially for us Americans who tend to love sweet foods) but also to make the food appear more appetizing. The trigger to letting you know that sugar may be incorporated in your meal is if your food has a shiny glean to it. If no shine is present, you're in the clear.
Something else to be weary of is the lemons; apparently, some restaurants don't wash them, and therefore they may not be the most sanitary addition to your beverage or garnish to your poultry or fish. To avoid the germs, Oz recommends ordering some lemons on the side and squeezing them into your glass or onto your meal yourself, making sure the juice doesn't hit the outer rind (which houses the germs) on its way down.
The other topics discussed on the segment are included in this article posted on Dr. Oz's website and also in this article on Sharecare's website. They're both worth giving a look before your next meal out!
When I go out to eat, in order to avoid ordering a meal that sounds healthy but in actuality is packed with fat and sodium, I'm always sure to tell my waiter to hold the butter and salt (if you choose to do this yourself, you can always add a dash of salt yourself rather than consuming an excessive amount that the chef may otherwise add in), but now I know to add sugar to the list as well! According to Blais, some chefs may choose to add sugar into a dish not only to enhance the flavor (especially for us Americans who tend to love sweet foods) but also to make the food appear more appetizing. The trigger to letting you know that sugar may be incorporated in your meal is if your food has a shiny glean to it. If no shine is present, you're in the clear.
Something else to be weary of is the lemons; apparently, some restaurants don't wash them, and therefore they may not be the most sanitary addition to your beverage or garnish to your poultry or fish. To avoid the germs, Oz recommends ordering some lemons on the side and squeezing them into your glass or onto your meal yourself, making sure the juice doesn't hit the outer rind (which houses the germs) on its way down.
The other topics discussed on the segment are included in this article posted on Dr. Oz's website and also in this article on Sharecare's website. They're both worth giving a look before your next meal out!
Saturday, May 25, 2013
Memorial Day Weekend: preparing for an American-style feast
When I think of Memorial Day weekend, my mind automatically goes to our brave troops (both past and present), pool parties, picnics, and cook-outs. This relaxing weekend has arrived yet again, which means that it's time to throw on the aprons, grab a swimsuit, and call up family and friends to celebrate!
Since the foods prepared on this occasion tend to pack on the calories and aren't always the most nutritious (just think about all of the mayo that goes into the coleslaw and potato salads, the typical white-bread hamburger and hotdog buns, and all of that butter used to coat the corn-on-the-cob, just to name a few examples), I'm here to offer some recipes that put a healthy spin on some of the classics. With the many links I provide below, I'm confident that at least a few of these recipes will get your mouth watering. Cook some of these up for your Memorial Day party and you'll be able to dig in without the guilt!
Greek Salmon Burgers (I would recommend a whole-wheat bun in place of a ciabatta roll)
BBQ Turkey Burgers (Again, I would recommend a whole-wheat bun rather than one of the white variety)
If you're set on making some special recipes of your own that might not be on the healthy-side, consider making some slight adjustments to them! For a list of ingredients that can be substituted for healthier ones, click the link here! And for more burger recipes, check out my Burgers board on Pinterest!
Also, a very special thank you to my step-brother, Harrison, who served in the U.S. Marine corps. Thank you for your time in Iraq and your service to our country.
Thursday, May 23, 2013
Egg in Wheat Toast: an easy and nutritious breakfast
Being back home in Texas always makes me think of my favorite recipes that my mom used to cook up back in the day. One in particular came to mind while at the grocery store yesterday; before heading out I was sure to pick up some whole wheat bread and eggs!
This is a crazy-easy breakfast dish to whip up, which makes it awesome for hectic mornings when you don't have much time to cook and eat before heading out the door. All that is needed for this recipe is some cooking spray (I use olive oil spray), a slice of whole wheat bread, and an egg. This is a great breakfast option since it provides you with protein and whole-grains to get your metabolism running, give you energy, and help to keep you feeling full throughout the morning. Pair with a side of berries for a dose of antioxidants and some extra fiber and you've got yourself a well-rounded breakfast!
To make this dish, cut a small hole in the center of the slice of bread, lightly coat your pan with cooking spray, and turn the stove to medium heat. Place the bread in the pan and crack an egg, pouring its contents into the bread's center— including the yolk. The yolk is full of vitamins and nutrients, so when eaten in moderation it can be very healthy for you! The recommended amount is no more than 300 mg per day due to the high cholesterol content, and a medium size egg contains about 180 mg, putting you under the daily limit.
Let the bread and egg sit until the egg is cooked into the bread enough to be flipped over. Then let the other side sit; when the egg-white on that side is no longer liquid, transfer to a plate and eat up!
This is a crazy-easy breakfast dish to whip up, which makes it awesome for hectic mornings when you don't have much time to cook and eat before heading out the door. All that is needed for this recipe is some cooking spray (I use olive oil spray), a slice of whole wheat bread, and an egg. This is a great breakfast option since it provides you with protein and whole-grains to get your metabolism running, give you energy, and help to keep you feeling full throughout the morning. Pair with a side of berries for a dose of antioxidants and some extra fiber and you've got yourself a well-rounded breakfast!
To make this dish, cut a small hole in the center of the slice of bread, lightly coat your pan with cooking spray, and turn the stove to medium heat. Place the bread in the pan and crack an egg, pouring its contents into the bread's center— including the yolk. The yolk is full of vitamins and nutrients, so when eaten in moderation it can be very healthy for you! The recommended amount is no more than 300 mg per day due to the high cholesterol content, and a medium size egg contains about 180 mg, putting you under the daily limit.
Let the bread and egg sit until the egg is cooked into the bread enough to be flipped over. Then let the other side sit; when the egg-white on that side is no longer liquid, transfer to a plate and eat up!
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Apples: why you may not be eating them right
The past couple of days have been filled with moving furniture, packing suitcases, and a whole lot of driving. Yesterday, my dad and I hit the California road in pursuit of the Lone Star state, Texas! Before leaving, we were sure to stock up on KIND Bars, Chimes Ginger Chews, Cadia Organic Popcorn, Go Raw Chocolate Super Cookies and Sunflower Flax Snax, and Chia Squeeze Vitality Snacks by Mamma Chia (which I've yet to try, but they should be interesting!). This all being said, I haven't been able to do my usual research for today's post, but not to worry! I have a YouTube video from FOODBEAST to share that perfectly explains my reasoning behind what some might consider an odd tendency of mine. Looks like I wasn't the odd one all along!
So I may not eat them from the bottom up... but I'm always sure that no bit of my apple goes to waste!
Saturday, May 18, 2013
Workouts: the lying hamstring curl
This past week I was introduced to a new stability ball exercise that had my muscles working hard. The lying hamstring curl is a simple yet effective move that targets your glutes, hamstrings, and abs all at once! This exercise involves lying on the floor with your heels and calves atop a stability ball, your arms pressed flat on the floor for balance and your torso engaged and lifted, not coming down until the set is complete. You then move the ball in towards your bottom and out again.
For an added challenge, you can do the hip bridge to unilateral heel drag, which is the same exercise but using only one foot to move the stability ball instead of two, alternating legs between sets. If you have access to a stability ball, consider implementing this exercise yourself!
For an added challenge, you can do the hip bridge to unilateral heel drag, which is the same exercise but using only one foot to move the stability ball instead of two, alternating legs between sets. If you have access to a stability ball, consider implementing this exercise yourself!
Thursday, May 16, 2013
Grapefruit: a slenderizing fruit
When it comes to slimming foods, the grapefruit boasts quiet a bit of credibility. This colorful fruit contains a flavonoid compound called naringin, which can lower insulin levels (which stores fat) and boost metabolism. Grapefruits also contain potassium, calcium, phosphorus, an ample amount of vitamin C, and a compound called lycopene, which can help to lower the risk of cancer (not to mention it's also responsible for giving the fruit its pink/red color). Among the grapefruit's other benefits, it can lower bad LDL cholesterol, aid in liver detoxification, and curb appetite.
Containing no fat and coming in at around 52 calories and 2 grams of fiber for a half, grapefruits make for a low-calorie and satisfying mid-day snack or addition to salads, meats, and beverages. Below is a list of recipes to help you get in a dose of this tangy superfood:
Grapefruit, Avocado, and Shrimp Salad
Grapefruit Salsa
Mixed Green Salad with Grapefruit and Cranberries
Grapefruit Spritzer
North African Spiced Turkey with Avocado-Grapefruit Relish
Broiled Grapefruit
Plain grapefruit topped with stevia (No recipe directions needed!)
Chicken with Grapefruit
Grapefruit, Avocado, Ginger Smoothie
And for all of you celebrating your graduation from college (congrats!), here are a few grapefruit-based drinks to toast and cheers with:
Campari, Grapefruit & Pomagranite Cocktail
Grapefruit Gimlet
Ruby-Red Grapefruit Cocktail
If you're taking prescription drugs of any kind, ask your doctor before incorporating grapefruit into your diet, for they have been shown to increase the strength of certain drugs. As the motto goes, better safe than sorry!
Containing no fat and coming in at around 52 calories and 2 grams of fiber for a half, grapefruits make for a low-calorie and satisfying mid-day snack or addition to salads, meats, and beverages. Below is a list of recipes to help you get in a dose of this tangy superfood:
Grapefruit, Avocado, and Shrimp Salad
Grapefruit Salsa
Mixed Green Salad with Grapefruit and Cranberries
Grapefruit Spritzer
North African Spiced Turkey with Avocado-Grapefruit Relish
Broiled Grapefruit
Plain grapefruit topped with stevia (No recipe directions needed!)
Chicken with Grapefruit
Grapefruit, Avocado, Ginger Smoothie
And for all of you celebrating your graduation from college (congrats!), here are a few grapefruit-based drinks to toast and cheers with:
Campari, Grapefruit & Pomagranite Cocktail
Grapefruit Gimlet
Ruby-Red Grapefruit Cocktail
If you're taking prescription drugs of any kind, ask your doctor before incorporating grapefruit into your diet, for they have been shown to increase the strength of certain drugs. As the motto goes, better safe than sorry!
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Cauliflower "breadsticks": you'd never know you were eating veggies
Behold, a healthy snack/side dish that my roommate actually approves of! When it comes to food, my roomie, Casey, is the pickiest eater of anyone I've yet to encounter. This is why when he told me that he wanted to start getting into shape and eating healthier, I knew I had a challenge on my hands.
My biggest obstacle: to prove to Casey that healthy meals and snacks can taste awesome.
Now, let's just put things into perspective: while at the grocery store stocking up on nutritious foods and beverages, Casey did not hesitate to shoot down my many suggestions. Greek yogurt, carrots, blueberries, and green tea were out of the question, as were nearly every other recommendation I made. He was more than willing though to reach for the Dorritos, soda, and frozen pizza (these didn't quite make it to the check-out). It became clear that if I was going to convince Casey that a healthy diet could be a delicious one, we were going to have to pull out the cookware.
For those of you who are like Casey and don't enjoy eating raw veggies or trail-mix without M&Ms, you'd be surprised by how very different healthy foods can taste when they're cooked up and transformed into something completely new. This is just what many of the recipes I have pinned on my Pinterest aim to do, one of such recipes being the cauliflower "breadsticks" from Mama Grubbs Grub. These were ridiculously easy to make; the hardest part was waiting for them to finish baking!
The recipe calls for half a head of cauliflower, one whole egg, one egg white, 2% mozzarella cheese (we used Daiya's non-dairy mozzarella cheese instead), dried basil, oregano, parsley, and just a tablespoon of olive oil. Asides from the ingredients, a grater is needed to grind the cauliflower into fine, mixable bits, as well as something to beat the eggs with and to mix all of the ingredients together (we used a fork). Once all was mixed, we spread the concoction onto a backing sheet, popped the tray in the oven, and let bake for 50 minutes total. Once ready, we pulled the tray out, cut the cauliflower "bread" into sticks, and devoured them. Yes, me and Casey. He loved them! This is definitely a recipe we'll be making again, and I strongly recommend you try them out for yourself!
My biggest obstacle: to prove to Casey that healthy meals and snacks can taste awesome.
Now, let's just put things into perspective: while at the grocery store stocking up on nutritious foods and beverages, Casey did not hesitate to shoot down my many suggestions. Greek yogurt, carrots, blueberries, and green tea were out of the question, as were nearly every other recommendation I made. He was more than willing though to reach for the Dorritos, soda, and frozen pizza (these didn't quite make it to the check-out). It became clear that if I was going to convince Casey that a healthy diet could be a delicious one, we were going to have to pull out the cookware.
For those of you who are like Casey and don't enjoy eating raw veggies or trail-mix without M&Ms, you'd be surprised by how very different healthy foods can taste when they're cooked up and transformed into something completely new. This is just what many of the recipes I have pinned on my Pinterest aim to do, one of such recipes being the cauliflower "breadsticks" from Mama Grubbs Grub. These were ridiculously easy to make; the hardest part was waiting for them to finish baking!
Saturday, May 11, 2013
Finals week: foods that give you brain fuel
With the advent of my last class of the school year, it's time to get into full-on finals mode. That means preparing myself for hours of studying and finishing up final projects, not to mention finding the time to move out of my (almost old) apartment and into my new place. Like many others, staying focused (especially when summer vacation is only a matter of days away) can be a bit of a struggle, but it just so happens that certain foods can power up our brains and help us concentrate! Whether it's studying, getting through a stack of paperwork, or completing a round of e-mails, eating these foods could prove to be incredibly beneficial. Below is a list of such foods to stock up on before getting down to work:
Blueberries: these berries' antioxidants provide you with a great dose of antioxidants that help to improve memory, and they may also help in guarding your brain from damage brought on by free radicals.
Whole grains: they aid in keeping your glucose levels balanced, which in turn makes concentration easier. Furthermore, their vitamins and fibers help to improve the brain's blood circulation.
Eggs, chicken, and fish: all of these foods contain choline, which can help keep your memory keen as you age and may decrease risk of dementia.
Seeds and nuts: they're full of Omega 3s and vitamin E, helping to keep your memory sharp as you age.
Bananas: these filling fruits are a great source of potassium and glucose, both of which power up the brain!
Broccoli: this veggie is known to aid in cognitive function due to its high levels of vitamin K.
If concentration is only part of the issue and stress is ailing you as well, try incorporating some of the stress-fighting foods mentioned in one of my previous posts by clicking the link here!
Good luck to all of those with upcoming finals— summer break is just around the corner!
Blueberries: these berries' antioxidants provide you with a great dose of antioxidants that help to improve memory, and they may also help in guarding your brain from damage brought on by free radicals.
Whole grains: they aid in keeping your glucose levels balanced, which in turn makes concentration easier. Furthermore, their vitamins and fibers help to improve the brain's blood circulation.
Eggs, chicken, and fish: all of these foods contain choline, which can help keep your memory keen as you age and may decrease risk of dementia.
Seeds and nuts: they're full of Omega 3s and vitamin E, helping to keep your memory sharp as you age.
Bananas: these filling fruits are a great source of potassium and glucose, both of which power up the brain!
Broccoli: this veggie is known to aid in cognitive function due to its high levels of vitamin K.
If concentration is only part of the issue and stress is ailing you as well, try incorporating some of the stress-fighting foods mentioned in one of my previous posts by clicking the link here!
Good luck to all of those with upcoming finals— summer break is just around the corner!
Thursday, May 9, 2013
Coffee: the benefits of getting your brew on
Coffee, like many other foods and beverages, tends to be a controversial matter in relation to health. There are many who believe that coffee is terrible for you and should be avoided completely and there are those who are proud to be Starbucks regulars. Until only a couple of years ago, I was solely a tea drinker, having believed that little benefit could be derived from coffee. This was before I did my own research to weigh in on coffee's positive and negative qualities. Below is a list of the cup of Joe's pros and cons from Eating Well Magazine:
Pro's:
- The antioxidants found in coffee can decrease the likelihood of brain cell damage and aid in cognitive function (which helps you concentrate). This in effect can decrease risk of dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease by drinking between 1 and 5 cups a day.
- Two of coffee's antioxidant compounds, cholorogenic acid and quinides, may increase your cells' insulin sensitivity by consuming 4 or more cups a day. In doing so, these compounds can reduce risk of developing type 2 diabetes by helping to regulate blood sugar (decaf may actually be better for this purpose since caffeinated varieties can actually decrease cells' insulin sensitivity).
- Since coffee aids in suppressing the effects of artery inflammation, drinking between 1 and 3 cups a day can lower the chance of stroke.
- Drinking coffee can provide you with the boost you might need before a workout.
- It's virtually zero calories! That is, when consumed in its plain, black state. Flavored coffee drinks from the coffee shop can be incredibly high in fat and calories when syrups, whipped cream, and sugars are added in.
Con's:
- It can make you jittery.
- Drinking too much can bring on feelings of anxiety and irritability.
- Levels of LDL cholesterol (the bad type) can increase due to the higher levels of cafestol found in boiled or unfiltered coffee.
We're each able to handle caffeine in varying amounts, so be careful not to drink more than you can tolerate, and definitely be sure not to go overboard! Coffee can become addictive, so if you're able to handle more than others, be sure to keep your consumption in check.
Go ahead and drink your coffee, but do so in moderation! For more information on coffee, click the link here!
Pro's:
- The antioxidants found in coffee can decrease the likelihood of brain cell damage and aid in cognitive function (which helps you concentrate). This in effect can decrease risk of dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease by drinking between 1 and 5 cups a day.
- Two of coffee's antioxidant compounds, cholorogenic acid and quinides, may increase your cells' insulin sensitivity by consuming 4 or more cups a day. In doing so, these compounds can reduce risk of developing type 2 diabetes by helping to regulate blood sugar (decaf may actually be better for this purpose since caffeinated varieties can actually decrease cells' insulin sensitivity).
- Since coffee aids in suppressing the effects of artery inflammation, drinking between 1 and 3 cups a day can lower the chance of stroke.
- Drinking coffee can provide you with the boost you might need before a workout.
- It's virtually zero calories! That is, when consumed in its plain, black state. Flavored coffee drinks from the coffee shop can be incredibly high in fat and calories when syrups, whipped cream, and sugars are added in.
Con's:
- It can make you jittery.
- Drinking too much can bring on feelings of anxiety and irritability.
- Levels of LDL cholesterol (the bad type) can increase due to the higher levels of cafestol found in boiled or unfiltered coffee.
We're each able to handle caffeine in varying amounts, so be careful not to drink more than you can tolerate, and definitely be sure not to go overboard! Coffee can become addictive, so if you're able to handle more than others, be sure to keep your consumption in check.
Go ahead and drink your coffee, but do so in moderation! For more information on coffee, click the link here!
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
Workouts: swimsuit season has arrived
With temperatures escalating and tank tops and board shorts making their seasonal debut, it's time to get serious about your summer body! If you're still working towards those beach-ready abs, Health magazine has 24 crunchless ab exercises to help strengthen your core and get you to your goal. Some of my favorites from the selection are the front plank with a twist, the Russian twist, and the teaser. These are all found within the first five exercises of the article, but if you continue to click through, you'll find one that involves a hoola-hoop! I'm not sure if you happen to have one lying around, but on the off-chance that you do, you now have the perfect excuse to bust it out and give it a whirl!
Before your next trip to the gym or prior to beginning your at-home workout, consider clicking the link above and trying out a few of these fat-burning ab exercises! You'll be happy you did when you're flaunting a toned stomach while living it up poolside!
Before your next trip to the gym or prior to beginning your at-home workout, consider clicking the link above and trying out a few of these fat-burning ab exercises! You'll be happy you did when you're flaunting a toned stomach while living it up poolside!
Saturday, May 4, 2013
Cinco De Mayo: viva la healthy Mexican food!
Well, that title was a mouthful... and likely your plate will be too, come tomorrow. While partying it up with friends for Cinco De Mayo, the festive food that is sure to ensue may lead to some overeating. You know what I'm talking about— mindlessly digging into those addicting tortilla chips and lowballing your cheese consumption. There's no denying my love for queso, or that I fall victim to overfilling my plate each time I go out to a Mexican restaurant. This also tends to be the case when I cook up my own Mexican dishes at home (as you can see in one of my previous posts), and therefore, I definitely need to watch my own intake when it comes to this delicious ethnic food.
On a food-filled celebration such as Cinco De Mayo, keeping track of what you're snacking on, as well as how much you're consuming, is key to a balanced meal. It can be easy to over-do it on Mexican food, so to help keep your portions under control, consider making yourself a plate to eat off of rather than grabbing food from the snack bar throughout the celebration. This way, you'll know exactly how much you're eating and won't end up wondering just how many appetizers you ate within a single conversation.
If you're bringing an entrée to your event or cooking up an entire spread, check out some of these healthy Mexican-inspired dishes below to make for a healthy fiesta!
Salsa Verde Chicken Tostadas
Pineapple Cucumber Guacamole
Cumin and Lentil Quesadillas
Skinny Queso Dip
Chicken Enchilada Stuffed Zucchini Boats
Skillet Veggie Tacos
Inside Out Grilled Guacamole
Chicken Tortilla Soup with Avocado
Black Bean and Corn Salsa
Loaded Vegan Nachos
Mexican "Unfried" Ice Cream
And of course, this post wouldn't be complete without some healthy margarita recipes (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic)!
Grapefruit, Green Tea, and Basil Margarita
Virgin Skinny Margarita
Blood Orange Margarita
Skinny Strawberry Margarita (nix the tequila for a non-alcoholic version)
Ginger Mint Margarita
On a food-filled celebration such as Cinco De Mayo, keeping track of what you're snacking on, as well as how much you're consuming, is key to a balanced meal. It can be easy to over-do it on Mexican food, so to help keep your portions under control, consider making yourself a plate to eat off of rather than grabbing food from the snack bar throughout the celebration. This way, you'll know exactly how much you're eating and won't end up wondering just how many appetizers you ate within a single conversation.
If you're bringing an entrée to your event or cooking up an entire spread, check out some of these healthy Mexican-inspired dishes below to make for a healthy fiesta!
Salsa Verde Chicken Tostadas
Pineapple Cucumber Guacamole
Cumin and Lentil Quesadillas
Skinny Queso Dip
Chicken Enchilada Stuffed Zucchini Boats
Skillet Veggie Tacos
Inside Out Grilled Guacamole
Chicken Tortilla Soup with Avocado
Black Bean and Corn Salsa
Loaded Vegan Nachos
Mexican "Unfried" Ice Cream
And of course, this post wouldn't be complete without some healthy margarita recipes (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic)!
Grapefruit, Green Tea, and Basil Margarita
Virgin Skinny Margarita
Blood Orange Margarita
Skinny Strawberry Margarita (nix the tequila for a non-alcoholic version)
Ginger Mint Margarita
Thursday, May 2, 2013
Chicken salad: a classic dish with a healthy twist
Growing up, chicken salad sandwiches were always sure to make an appearance in my lunchbox. From childhood to adulthood, this concoction of chicken and mayo has yet to lose its appetizing flavor. However, there is a downside- mayo is by no means healthy. Per tablespoon, mayo typically comes in at around 90 calories and 10 grams of fat (usually not the good kind), making this one condiment that the health-conscious should be sure to avoid. So, does this mean that we have to ditch the chicken salad in order to maintain a healthy diet? Absolutely not; with just a bit of tweaking to the recipe, by no means do we have to do such a thing!
There are plenty of ingredient swaps that can be made to give meals of the less healthy variety a nutritious makeover, and one of those handy baking substitutes happens to be the avocado. Yes, this will add a dose of fat to your dish, but of the healthy type of fat that you want to be including in your diet.
Because of its creamy texture and moistness, avocados make a great replacement for mayo, oil, and butter. I put this claim to the test when I whipped up my avocado-based chicken salad, and sure enough, it was like I was eating a colorful version of the chicken salad I used to eat back in the day.
Next time you go to make yourself a sandwich or a spread for your crackers, I highly recommend you give this dish a try! For a recipe to get inspired by, check out this chicken salad recipe from Serious Eats, and for more healthy baking substitutions, read up on Greatist's recommendations by clicking the link here!
There are plenty of ingredient swaps that can be made to give meals of the less healthy variety a nutritious makeover, and one of those handy baking substitutes happens to be the avocado. Yes, this will add a dose of fat to your dish, but of the healthy type of fat that you want to be including in your diet.
Because of its creamy texture and moistness, avocados make a great replacement for mayo, oil, and butter. I put this claim to the test when I whipped up my avocado-based chicken salad, and sure enough, it was like I was eating a colorful version of the chicken salad I used to eat back in the day.Next time you go to make yourself a sandwich or a spread for your crackers, I highly recommend you give this dish a try! For a recipe to get inspired by, check out this chicken salad recipe from Serious Eats, and for more healthy baking substitutions, read up on Greatist's recommendations by clicking the link here!
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