Simple Grilled Eggplant

I didn'tstart cooking with eggplant until about 3 weeks ago.  I remember one time I tried to make it years ago and it was mushy and just...yuck.  But I've learned a few things since then and thought I'd revisit it.  Now my husband and I are kind of obsessed...

So far, I've made Eggplant Parm (recipe coming!) twice and we have grilled AND roasted it.  Yes, all in 3 weeks.  Obsessed!  We love it.  My one-year old also loves it.  My 3 and 5-year olds?  Not so much...but I've tried!  

One of the tricks I've learned is that you really should draw out the moisture before preparing.  See instructions below, but you will not believe how much water comes out of an eggplant!  Your paper towels will be soaked.  Also, because I am salting them previously, even with a rinse, I either VERY lightly salt them or not at all right before preparing.  You can over due the salt so just watch out.

I hope you start to like eggplant as much as me if you haven't really tried it before.  This is a very simple dish, but is a perfect summer side!

Serves 3-4 

Simple Grilled Eggplant

1 large eggplant
2 tablespoons sea salt
1/3 cup olive oil
fresh ground pepper

Slice the eggplant into 1/2 inch rounds.  Place slices on a baking sheet lined with paper towels.  Sprinkle the eggplant rounds evenly with the salt and let sit for 30 minutes to an hour.  This will draw out the moisture.  Quickly rinse and pat dry.

Preheat grill to medium high heat.  Brush one side of the eggplant with oil and salt and pepper to taste.  Repeat on other side.  Grill on one side until grill marks appear, then flip and grill until eggplant is tender; total time about 5 minutes.  Serve immediately.  

21-Day Fix Meal Plan: May 25, 2015

Month 2 (Block 2) Transition Week of P90X3!  I start Block 3 next Monday.  Cannot believe how fast this program is going.  When I first started it, I was dreading that it was 90 days and not 60 like most programs I've done.  But I LOVE it so much!  Crazy what 30 minutes a day can do - I feel so strong!!!    

Here is the meal plan I am following this week.  It is following the 21-Day Fix.  Each color represents a different color coded portion control container (want more info?  Keep scrolling...) ~ 

{Click the picture to download or print this meal plan} 

I am following the 1800-2099 calorie bracket.  I am on the maintenance plan, plus nursing so I need the calories.  I did try to do one bracket lower and just ended up cheating way too often.  

Here are a couple of the recipes from this week: 

Creamy Herb Dressing

1 medium avocado

1 1/2 cups plain nonfat Greek yogurt

4 tablespoons cilantro (or tarragon, mint, dill, etc)

3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1/4 teaspoon sea salt

1 dash of ground pepper

1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Place avocado, yogurt, herbs, lemon juice and salt and pepper in a blender and blend until smooth. Continue blending and slowly add the olive oil.  Store in the fridge, tightly covered until ready to use. 

Honey Cilantro-Lime Grilled Chicken

Crock Pot Chicken Gyros

Eggplant Parm

Crock Pot Rotisserie Chicken

Quick and Easy Stir Fry

Turkey Paninis - from the Skinnytaste Cookbook (but I use tomato instead of roasted red pepper)

~ Other Beachbody News ~ 

Upcoming Challenge Groups and Sales:

PiYo is one of my absolute favorite programs (Pilates + yoga fusion).  You will move and you will sweat, but you will feel BETTER when you are done.  I'm actually adding new challengers to my PiYo group EVERY Monday since this program is so popular.  It's on SALE this month with Shakeology for practically the cost of Shakeology alone.  You can sign up to learn more about my PiYo challenge group or if you are ready now, click to purchase! 

PiYo Challenge Group

Click to purchase the PiYo Challenge Pack

I just finished a round of Max:30 and it is AWESOME!  It's definitely a mental thing - your mind vs. your body.  How hard can you push yourself??  I loved it and can not believe how strong it made me.  I have an ongoing challenge group that I can add you to.  You WILL get the motivation and support you need to get through this program.  Ready to purchase this Challenge Pack?  Click the link!

Purchase the Insanity Max:30 Challenge Pack

Have you heard about Beachbody On Demand yet??  With BOD, you get unlimited access to stream hundreds of world-class Beachbody workouts - anytime, anywhere.  Workout from your laptop, smartphone or tablet.  As long as you can connect to the Internet, you can work out with Beachbody, no DVDs required!

Get More Info

Beachbody On Demand Enrollment Form

Purchase the Club Member Challenge Pack

I love 21-Day Fix meal plan...I have never felt better.  More energy, less bloat, sleeping great!  If you are interested in learning more about the 21-Day Fix workouts (Extreme or original) or even Shakeology, be sure to fill out the form below to send me a quick message.  Or if you are ready to purchase, click the links below! 

Purchase the 21-Day Fix Challenge Pack

Purchase the 21-Day Fix Extreme Challenge Pack

        

Still have additional questions?  Feel free to fill out the form to get in touch with me!

Name:

Email *

Message *

Spinach and Strawberry Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing

WOW - how pretty, right?  And it's so simple - sometimes simple is best!  I did three ingredients for this salad - spinach, strawberries and chopped almonds.

The poppy seed dressing is amazing!!  I was trying to come up with one that did not contain milk or mayo to keep it lighter.  It is perfect.  A bit tangy and sweet and SO good.  

As I was preparing and eating this salad, I kept thinking of all the different add-ins I could do. Crumbled feta, avocado, red onion, grilled chicken, even bacon.  But like I said, sometimes simple is best and I loved this salad as is.  But I definitely will be experimenting with more flavors in the future!
 

Serves 2-4

Spinach and Strawberry Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing 

10 oz of baby spinach

1 cup strawberries

1/4 cup chopped almonds

For the dressing 

1/2 cup olive oil

1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

1/4 cup honey

1 tablespoon sesame seeds

1 tablespoon poppy seeds

1/2 teaspoon dijon mustard

Chicken and Quinoa Enchilada Bake

Quite honestly one of the best casseroles I have ever had.  Healthy, filling and incredibly delicious. Made for dinner one night and literally ate it 3 days straight for lunch.  Amazing!  

In an attempt to keep this fairly clean, I made my own enchilada sauce.  You might think you don't have time for that.  You are WRONG! :) This is the quickest, easiest homemade sauce ever.  And so much better for you than store bought.

You can skip the chicken if you want to keep this meatless.  I liked the added protein and thought it made for a more substantial dish.  A rotisserie chicken would keep this super simple - just shred and add!

A great meal to make for company because it really makes a lot.  Does NOT taste healthy or lack in flavor at ALL.  Unfortunately, my kids would not eat it - or maybe that was a good thing?  More for me and lunches for the week done!

Serves 6 

Chicken and Quinoa Enchilada Bake

1 cup quinoa

1 cup cooked and shredded chicken

1 1/4 cup Homemade Enchilada Sauce (or 1 (10 oz) can store bought sauce)

1 (4.5 oz) can chopped green chiles, drained

1/2 cup corn kernels (frozen or canned)

1/2 cup black beans, drained and rinsed

2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

1/2 teaspoon cumin

1/2 teaspoon chili powder

Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

3/4 cup Mexican blend shredded cheese

1 Roma tomato

In a large saucepan, cook quinoa in 2 cups of water and according to package directions.  Set aside.  Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  Lightly spray an 8 x 8-inch baking dish with non-stick spray.  

In a large bowl, combine quinoa, chicken, enchilada sauce, green chiles, corn, black beans, cilantro, cumin, chili powder and season with salt and pepper to taste.  Stir in 1/2 of the shredded cheese.  Spread quinoa mixture into the prepared baking dish.  Top with remaining cheese.  Bake until bubbly and cheese has all melted, about 15 minutes.  Serve immediately, topped with diced tomato and more cilantro, if desired. 

(Source: adapted from Damn Delicious)

21-Day Fix Meal Plan: May 18, 2015

Memorial Day is a week away!!  I am bound and determined to be looking fit and feeling great by the beginning of June and in time for our vacation.  So I've been following the 21-Day Fix to a tee and feeling great.  I'm supposed to be in Transition Week (Block 2) of P90X3, but I have about a week of workouts I need to make up so I'm going to make sure I get them all done before moving on.  At this rate, I'll finish the program in 120 days rather than 90, but that's ok because I LOVE it!! 

Here is the meal plan I am following this week ~ 

{Click the picture to download or print this meal plan} 

I am following the 1800-2099 calorie bracket.  I am on the maintenance plan, plus nursing so I need the calories.  I did try to do one bracket lower and just ended up cheating way too often.  

Here are a couple of the recipes from this week: 

Creamy Herb Dressing

1 medium avocado

1 1/2 cups plain nonfat Greek yogurt

4 tablespoons cilantro (or tarragon, mint, dill, etc)

3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1/4 teaspoon sea salt

1 dash of ground pepper

1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Place avocado, yogurt, herbs, lemon juice and salt and pepper in a blender and blend until smooth. Continue blending and slowly add the olive oil.  Store in the fridge, tightly covered until ready to use. 

Chicken Fajita Tostados

Crock Pot Santa Fe Chicken 

Eggplant Parm

Quick and Easy Stir Fry

Pulled Pork - from 100 Days of Real Food Cookbook

Turkey Paninis - from the Skinnytaste Cookbook

~ Other Beachbody News ~ 

Upcoming Challenge Groups and Sales:

PiYo is one of my absolute favorite programs (Pilates + yoga fusion).  You will move and you will sweat, but you will feel BETTER when you are done.  I'm actually adding new challengers to my PiYo group EVERY Monday since this program is so popular.  It's on SALE this month with Shakeology for practically the cost of Shakeology alone.  You can sign up to learn more about my PiYo challenge group or if you are ready now, click to purchase! 

PiYo Challenge Group

Click to purchase the PiYo Challenge Pack

I just finished a round of Max:30 and it is AWESOME!  It's definitely a mental thing - your mind vs. your body.  How hard can you push yourself??  I loved it and can not believe how strong it made me.  I have an ongoing challenge group that I can add you to.  You WILL get the motivation and support you need to get through this program.  Ready to purchase this Challenge Pack?  Click the link! 

Purchase the Insanity Max:30 Challenge Pack

Have you heard about Beachbody On Demand yet??  With BOD, you get unlimited access to stream hundreds of world-class Beachbody workouts - anytime, anywhere.  Workout from your laptop, smartphone or tablet.  As long as you can connect to the Internet, you can work out with Beachbody, no DVDs required!

Get More Info

Beachbody On Demand Enrollment Form

Purchase the Club Member Challenge Pack

I love 21-Day Fix meal plan...I have never felt better.  More energy, less bloat, sleeping great!  If you are interested in learning more about the 21-Day Fix workouts (Extreme or original) or even Shakeology, be sure to fill out the form below to send me a quick message.  Or if you are ready to purchase, click the links below! 

Purchase the 21-Day Fix Challenge Pack

Purchase the 21-Day Fix Extreme Challenge Pack

        

Still have additional questions?  Feel free to fill out the form to get in touch with me!

Name:

Email *

Message *

21-Day Fix Meal Plan: May 4, 2015

So hard to believe that Memorial Day is only a few weeks away!!  I am bound and determined to be looking fit and feeling great by the beginning of June and in time for our vacation.  So today I am committing 100% to following the 21-Day Fix to a tee!  I've been doing fine with eating right, but have gotten lazy and was not watching my portions.  It definitely has had an effect on my energy!  

Here is the meal plan I am following this week ~ 

{Click the picture to download or print this meal plan} 

I am following the 1800-2099 calorie bracket.  I am on the maintenance plan, plus nursing so I need the calories.  I did try to do one bracket lower and just ended up cheating way too often.  

Here are a couple of the recipes from this week: 

Creamy Herb Dressing

1 medium avocado

1 1/2 cups plain nonfat Greek yogurt

4 tablespoons cilantro (or tarragon, mint, dill, etc)

3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1/4 teaspoon sea salt

1 dash of ground pepper

1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Place avocado, yogurt, herbs, lemon juice and salt and pepper in a blender and blend until smooth. Continue blending and slowly add the olive oil.  Store in the fridge, tightly covered until ready to use. 

Whole Wheat Banana Pancakes

Peanut Butter Banana Overnight Oats

Chicken Fajita Tostados

Crock Pot Santa Fe Chicken 

Oven Baked Chicken Fajitas

Man Pleasing Chicken 

Turkey Paninis - from the Skinnytaste Cookbook

~ Other Beachbody News ~ 

Upcoming Challenge Groups and Sales:

PiYo is one of my absolute favorite programs (pilates + yoga fusion).  You will move and you will sweat, but you will feel BETTER when you are done.  I'm actually adding new challengers to my PiYo group EVERY Monday since this program is so popular.  It's on SALE this month with Shakeology for practically the cost of Shakeology alone.  You can sign up to learn more about my PiYo challenge group or if you are ready now, click to purchase! 

PiYo Challenge Group

Click to purchase the PiYo Challenge Pack 

I just finished a round of Max:30 and it is AWESOME!  It's definitely a mental thing - your mind vs. your body.  How hard can you push yourself??  I loved it and can not believe how strong it made me.  I have an ongoing challenge group that I can add you to.  You WILL get the motivation and support you need to get through this program.  Ready to purchase this Challenge Pack?  Click the link! 

Purchase the Insanity Max:30 Challenge Pack

Have you heard about Beachbody On Demand yet??  With BOD, you get unlimited access to stream hundreds of world-class Beachbody workouts - anytime, anywhere.  Workout from your laptop, smartphone or tablet.  As long as you can connect to the Internet, you can work out with Beachbody, no DVDs required!

Get More Info

Beachbody On Demand Enrollment Form

Purchase the Club Member Challenge Pack

I love 21-Day Fix meal plan...I have never felt better.  More energy, less bloat, sleeping great!  If you are interested in learning more about the 21-Day Fix workouts (Extreme or original) or even Shakeology, be sure to fill out the form below to send me a quick message.  Or if you are ready to purchase, click the links below! 

Purchase the 21-Day Fix Challenge Pack

Purchase the 21-Day Fix Extreme Challenge Pack

        

Still have additional questions?  Feel free to fill out the form to get in touch with me!

Name:

Email *

Message *

Classic French Toast

We like to stick to a routine on the weekends, especially with food.  Saturdays are usually eggs, bacon and toast and Sundays are for pancakes!  But this past weekend, my husband and I both thought French Toast sounded SO good.    

He took it completely upon himself to find a recipe - this one happens to be Alton Brown's recipe from the Food Network site.  I love that it uses honey as a sweetener because that is what I would have used anyway!      

It was so good!  And a nice little change-up from our usual Sunday breakfast.  We actually ended up making a second batch because my 5-year old and 3-year old each ate more than 2 pieces!  But considering how easy this recipe is, it was literally no trouble at all.

Serves 4

Classic French Toast

1 cup half & half

3 large eggs

2 tablespoons honey

1/4 teaspoon salt

8 slices day old bread 

butter for frying

In a medium size mixing bowl, whisk together the half & half, eggs, honey and salt (can be done the night before).  Pour mixture into a low, shallow bowl and set aside. 

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  Dip bread into mixture, allow to soak for 30 seconds on each side, then remove, allowing the excess egg mixture to drip off.  

Over medium-low heat, melt about 1 tablespoon of butter per two slices in a 10-inch saute pan (I used a griddle).  Place the bread into the pan or on the griddle and cook until golden brown, approximately  2 to 3 minutes per side.  Remove from pan, place on a sheet pan and into the oven for 5 minutes.  Repeat with all remaining slices.  Serve immediately with maple syrup, confectioner's sugar and/or fruit. 

(Source:  adapted from Alton Brown's recipe)