Food Swap

I posted another question on MyFitnessPal today (I enjoy interacting with people on there and answering their questions while asking some of my own) and the more I thought about the question (I posted it this morning) the more it made me think about food swaps.

Yesterday, I made it known that I had no plans on giving up chocolate. There are other foods that I wouldn't give up but I have found some healthier swaps to them.

Turkey burgers instead of hamburgers - if you take ground turkey and make them into hamburger patties, they are out of this world. Some people say that you must have an acquired taste for turkey burgers, but when you use ground turkey, they taste the same or even better. You are cutting calories but can still build your burger the same as you would normally do. 

Sweet potato fries instead of 'regular' fries - don't get me wrong, I love french fries, they are the most wonderful gift to accompany any sandwich but they can come loaded with excess calories. A quick swap, sweet potato fries. Slightly lower in calories but still delicious. 

Apple salad instead of pasta salad - pasta salad is delicious on a hot day but apple salad is better. It's cool, refreshing and very low in calories compared to carb heavy pasta. Cut up a few apples, grab some mayo, raisins, pecans (or anything else you want to throw in there); add all ingredients into a bowl and mix. A splash of lemon juice is also tasty in this (just not too much). 

Grilled chicken instead of fried chicken - still tasty but if you can't let go of fried chicken, fix it oven fried style. Still the same great taste, just not all of the grease. 

These are just some of the food swaps that I have made in the past and I don't regret doing so. You still get the same great taste just fewer calories. Making a swap here and there can lead to a lifestyle of changes. 

Summertime Recipe

Today, I want to highlight some more of my favorite summertime recipes!

The first, marinated veggies, are probably the easiest and only requires 3 ingredients! All you need is a tomato, cucumber and your favorite dressing. Cut up the veggies, toss in the dressing and serve. You can also add thin slices of onion to give it an added boost in flavor. I personally prefer to "marinate" my veggies in Italian, red wine or Catalina dressings. A picture of the marinated veggies is available on my Instagram.

The second, are "fried" zucchinis. These aren't truly fried but once you are finished with them, you won't know the difference. Grab your favorite pan and coat with your choice of vegetable oil or vegetable oil spray. Cut up some zucchini, beat an egg in a bowl and add bread crumbs to an additional bowl. Dip the zucchini in the egg and coat in bread crumbs. Place in hot pan (which either contains actual vegetable oil or vegetable oil spray) and cook on both sides until golden brown (about 3 minutes on each side, depending on how hot your pan is).

Enjoy!

Summertime Recipes Pt. 1

Everyone equates summer time with grilling out. Why wouldn't you? Beautiful weather + great food = winning combination. Foods that are thrown on the grill can still be low calorie and guess what, no one will know but you! Here are a few of my favorite recipes for the summer time (more will come as summertime progresses). Some of these recipes can be found on the internet, therefore, I will be giving credit where credit is do. Some of these recipes will be low calories, others will not; simply for the reason that everyone deserves a treat now and then.

Roasted Vegetables (South Beach) - Servings Per Recipe: 4, Calories Per Serving: 155 - 160 
What you'll need:

• 1 Squash
• 1 Zucchini
• 1 Red Onion
• 1 pounds Asparagus
• Bell Peppers (any color, I normally use red and yellow)
• 3 Tbsp. Olive Oil
• 1 Teaspoon Salt
• 1/2 Teaspoon Pepper

1. Preheat oven to 450
2. Cut veggies into bite size pieces (I actually do them a little larger than bite size)
3. Toss veggies in olive oil, salt and pepper mixture
4. Spread in single layer on roasting pan or cookie sheet
5. Roast until tender and lightly brown, about 30 minutes

My variation: I use additional veggies, when I was first introduced to this, it was by the recipe above. The second time my cousin fixed it for us, she threw in a few carbs (such as sweet potatoes). But, this can also be done with eggplants! Instead of roasting it in the oven, during the summer, throw it in some aluminum foil and place it on the grill. It makes it even more delicious! 

Dirt!
What you'll need:

• 1 trifle bowl, punch bowl, baking dish, individual cups, etc. (just to hold your masterpiece)
• 1 package brownie mix (the brownies will be crumbled after baking so use your judgment as to size of box)
• 2 packages chocolate pudding (3.9 ounce box)
• 1 package Oreos (any kind that you like)
• 1 container of cool whip - any flavor you like (again, this will be divided amongst layers so use your judgment as to the size)
• Any additional toppings you would like (I have heard of people using thin mints, Hershey's candy bars and of course gummy worms!)

1. Bake brownies according to package directions and let cool; once cooled, crumble
2. Prepare pudding mix according to directions
3. Crush your 'dirt' mixture (Oreos and any other additional topping you chose)
4. In your dish layer your ingredients, starting with brownies, followed by pudding, cookie mixture, cool whip; repeat
5. Garnish with gummy worms if desired

My variation: Nothing can go wrong with fixing this recipe because it is a chance for you to express your creativity. Whatever chocolate you like, throw it in there. It is meant to be sinful, but the best part is that you can make it lighter (lighter cool whip, reduced fat Oreos, etc.). This should serve around 12 - 20 people (depending on how much they take and who wants seconds)

Summertime Sangria
This recipe is one that you can't go wrong with, therefore everything is a variation.

What you'll need:

• 1 bottle white wine (I have used Chardonnay before, but have a bottle of Moscato in the refrigerator that will be used soon)
• Any fruit you like (this is why this is perfect for the summer time: use peaches, mango, pineapples, oranges, strawberries, etc. - any fruit that you like)
• Optional: brandy or schnapps
• Optional: sugar (depends on how sweet you want it)
• Sparkling water, ginger ale, club soda etc. (your preference)

1. Mix wine and fruit and let chill in the refrigerator
2. When ready to serve, add in your choice of either sparkling water, ginger ale or club soda
3. Serve

My variation: this is really a time to clean out your refrigerator. I use pineapples, strawberries, grapes, peaches, orange juice, pineapple juice, white grape juice, etc. Anything can be included in this recipe and make this drink a success, especially if you give it time to chill and let the flavors mix.

Stay tuned for more recipes! In the meantime, what are some of your favorite summertime recipes? I am eager to find out!