Healthy Ice Cream Made With ONE Ingredient....



Ever try frozen banana ice cream? Try it! It's an easy way to stay cool and use up over-ripe bananas at the same time.

It turns out that frozen bananas are good for more than just dipping in chocolate.  If you freeze a banana until solid, then whiz it up in a blender or food processor, it gets creamy and a little gooey, just like good custard ice cream. I was surprised at this bit of kitchen wizardry; I assumed that a blended banana would be flaky or icy. But no — it makes creamy, rich ice cream.

Some bananas, depending on their ripeness, have a bit of that green aftertaste. I've been experimenting by adding in another ingredient or two, like a tablespoon of peanut butter and another of honey. Delicious!

 

Italian, Anyone? Zucchini Eggplant Lasagna

 

 

Who doesn't love a nice warm slice of saucy lasagna?! Well, I do. However the caloric intake is terrifying! Here's a healthier alternative to the less "picky" eaters.  My husband would never go for this, but I certainly love it! I had a hard time finding an eggplant though. I've never worked with one before.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 large eggplant, cut crosswise into 1/4 inch thick slices
• 3/4 teaspoon salt, divided
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 3/4 cup chopped onion (about 1 medium onion) 
• 3 garlic cloves, chopped
• 3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh oregano
• 1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes 
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 1 cup (8 ounces) part-skim ricotta cheese
• Cooking spray 
• 1 (8-ounce) package precooked lasagna noodles
• 2 medium zucchini, cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices 
• 2 1/2 cups (10 ounces) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

Preparation:

1. Preheat oven to 350°.

2. Arrange eggplant slices in a single layer on several layers of paper towels. Sprinkle evenly with 1/2 teaspoon salt; let stand 15 minutes.

3. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic to pan; sauté 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Add remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, oregano, red pepper, and tomatoes; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Combine basil, ricotta, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon black pepper in a small bowl. Spread 1/2 cup tomato mixture into the bottom of a 13 x 9–inch baking dish coated with cooking spray. Arrange 4 noodles over tomato mixture; top with half of eggplant and half of zucchini. Spread ricotta mixture over vegetables; cover with 4 noodles. Spread 1 cup tomato mixture over noodles; layer with remaining eggplant and zucchini slices. Arrange remaining 4 noodles over vegetables, and spread remaining tomato mixture over noodles. Top evenly with mozzarella. Cover with foil coated with cooking spray. Bake at 350° for 35 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 25 minutes or until browned. Cool for 5 minutes

 

 

Chicken Fajitas: A Quick, Easy Meal for Families on the Go!

As many of you may know, I've been all about my wraps lately, in my lunch especially. This is a very quick easy meal that doesn't take much effort or time, and is loved by most. Not only is this a good snack, but can also be an easy dinner for families that have kids with extracurricular activities, ie. Little League.

Baked Chicken Fajitas Recipe:

(Serves 4-6)

 

Ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
• 1 jar of Tostitos salsa
• 12 flour tortillas, warmed to serve
• 1 sliced onion
• 1 can tomatoes, chunks
• 1 avocado (optional)
• 1 bag fat free shredded cheddar cheese

 

 Directions:

1. Bake or broil your chicken until thoroughly cookedCube or slice chicken into slivers
2. Place chicken in the bowl with salsa
3. Apply lid, and shake up.
4. Add on your favorite toppings
5. Serve with warmed tortillas and enjoy!

 

 

Total Calories for 1 wrap is 246 calories

 

 

Soothe That Chocolate Sweet Tooth Guilt Free

Ingredients
1 package chocolate cake mix (regular size)
1 package (2.1 ounces) sugar-free instant chocolate pudding mix 1-3/4 cups water
3 egg whites
1-1/4 cups cold fat-free milk
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
1 package (1.4 ounces) sugar-free instant chocolate pudding mix
1 carton (8 ounces) frozen reduced-fat whipped topping, thawed Chocolate curls, optional
Directions In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, pudding mix, water and egg whites. Beat on low speed for 1 minute; beat on medium for 2 minutes.
Pour into a 15-in. x 10-in. x 1-in. baking pan coated with cooking spray. Bake at 350° for 12-18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack.
For frosting, place milk and extract in a large bowl.
Sprinkle with a third of the pudding mix; let stand for 1 minute.
Whisk pudding into milk.
Repeat twice with remaining pudding mix.
Whisk pudding 2 minutes longer. Let stand for 15 minutes.
Fold in whipped topping.
Frost cake.
Garnish with chocolate curls if desired.
Yield: 16 servings.
Nutritional Facts
1 piece (calculated without chocolate curls) equals 197 calories, 5 g fat (3 g saturated fat),
trace cholesterol,
409 mg sodium,
35 g carbohydrate,
1 g fiber,
3 g protein.

No Bake Ginger-Lime Yogurt Pie

The summer months are quickly creeping up on us, although the nights are still frigid, we can't help but get excited for cook-outs, family reunions, trips to the beach and BBQs with friends and family. So I figured a nice clean, refreshing dessert would be the best item to take to your next summer function.

 

INGREDIENTS:



3c plain non fat greekyougurt

4 oz reduced fat cream cheese softened

1/4 cup water

1 envelope unflavored gelatin

1/2 sugar substitute (stevia or splenda)

2 to 4 minced crystallized ginger**

1 tsp grated lime zest (peel)

1 (6oz) reduced fat graham cracker crust

1 tub lite cool whip

 

DIRECTIONS:

• Beat yogurt and cream cheese in medium bowl with electric mixer at medium speed until light fluffy
• Place water in medium saucepan, sprinkle with gelatin and elt stand 2 minutes to soften.Stir in sugar a substitute. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, about 1 minute or until mixture thickens slightly and gelatin dissolves. (do not boil)
• Add gelatin mixture, minced ginger and lime peel to yogurt mixture, stir til well blended.
• Spoon filling into crust; cover surface with plastic wrap and refrigerate until firm, at least 4 hours OR up to 2 days.
• Top with cool whip using a icing bag.
• Garnish with lime slices and serve.

 

Serves 8 to 10

 

**NOTE: crystallized ginger is available in large supermarkets and Asian markets. Its moist and chewy, with a strong spicy-sweet flavor.

 

 

 

You can also do these in a mini form, with cupcake wrappers, for smaller portion control.

Plus you get more bang for you buck, getting more product for the same amount of money.



 

Summer Refresher: Peachy Vanilla Smoothie

Want something light in calories, but cooling every sip? Entertain guests poolside with this delicious smoothie and feel guilt-free in enjoying consumption!

You will need:
Blender
2 glasses

1 medium peach, pitted & peeled
       (or canned sliced peaches)
1/4 cup fat free (skim) milk
      (or vanilla soy milk)
1/2 cup crushed ice
1/4 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
1 TBSP sugar
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract


Directions:
1. Combine peach, milk, ice, yogurt,sugar and vanilla in blender until smooth.
2. Pour into 2 glasses  and serve IMMEDIATELY


Nutrition Facts:
Calories 110g
Protein       6g
Carbs       20g
Sodium  120g

Healthy, Simple Burger & Fries Lunch

Here's a super simple, practical lunch for anyone on the go, or busy Mom's. I decided for lunch today, Sophia and I would indulge a bit, and have  a burger! Who knew you could eat a delicious burger and still manage a low caloric meal.  Here's what I used and the nutrition facts. For each product and the whole meal.

So for the burger, I obviously used the all veggie, Boca burger. I put Kraft light mayo, mustard and a slice of Kraft American cheese on it.

My choice of fries are Alexia Sweet Potato fries, that are Cajun spice flavored. Many of you may not know that one trick of eating spicy food is that your body burns more calories trying to keep itself cool, there by expending more energy and melting away some extra calories.

 

 Although having fries seems very unhealthy, sweet potatoes actually pack quite a punch when in comes to nutrients and benefits. They contain vitamin A, vitamin C, manganese, fiber, B vitamins, potassium and even iron.

Some other health benefits of sweet potatoes are their antioxidant and anti inflammatory properties. They're also a wonderful choice for diabetics. Diabetics can eat sweet potatoes without worry because they have a low glycemic index.

 

 last, but not least, if you or someone you know suffers from kidney or gallbladder ailments, sweet potatoes may help because they contain a small amount of oxalates, (which in high concentrations can cause kidney damage.) Those with a healthy digestive tract will be better able to absorb the nutrients of sweet potatoes without suffering ill effects.

As always, doing research on your specific condition and a consulting with your doctor are recommended.

 

Then of course I had some grapes. Which, yes is a CARB!! AAAHHHHHH! But in the history of the human race, will you EVER see anyone who got fat eating fruit.  Here's what these little green wonders give you nutritionally:

vitamin C, the choline, vitamin A, vitamin K, along with trace amounts of vitamins B-6 and

vitamin E, folate, niacin, pantothenic acid, riboflavin and thiamin. potassium, phosphorus, calcium and magnesium. Grapes are a low-sodium food. They also contain trace amounts of copper, iron, manganese, zinc, fluoride and selenium.

 

So as you can see I had a nutritious, healthy meal. But the biggest question of all is...HOW MANY CALORIES???

So, lets add them all up!

 

Bread:...........................................70c (2 slices)

Boca burger:.................................120c/patty

Kraft 2% American Cheese:..........60c/slice

Kraft Light Mayo:..........................35c/serving

Mustard:...........................................0c (EAT AS MUCH AS YOU WANT!)

Alexia Spicy Sweet Potato Fries: 130c/serving

Grapes:...........................................15c (6 large grapes)

 

 

Grand total: 430 calories!!

 

 

Although this meal seems small, there's so much protein in it, its super filling and delicious. Its quick, easy, and even my 2 year old daughter loved it! However, she ate tator tots, not spicy fries.

Until next time, enjoy your "Spring"!!

Day 1 Week 1 INSANITY Fit Test

At 5a this morning, I watched the Dig Deeper DVD with Shaun T, then completed the Fit Test & enjoyed some Shakeology (vegan chocolate).

Here are my Day 1 Fit Test results:
Switch Kicks: 78 (quit at 15s left)
Power Jacks: 40 (quit at 11s left)
Power Knees: 61 (quit at 15s left)
Power Jumps :8
Globe Jumps: 7

Suicide Jumps: 10

Push-up Jacks: 0 (haha! Yeah, right.)
Low Plank Oblique: 24

Easter Special: Healthy Dilly Deviled Eggs

Here's an updated, healthier version to a holiday staple. What better way to use up all those colored, hard boiled eggs than to make deviled eggs!!

DILLY DEVILED EGGS

What you'll need:
6 hard boiled eggs, peeled and cut in half lengthwise
2 tbs plain low fat Greek yogurt
1 tbs light mayo
1 tbs minced fresh dill OR
    1 tsp dried dill weed
1 tbs minced dill pickle
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1/8 tsp salt
1/8 tsp white pepper (optional)
Dill sprigs (optional)
Paprika


Directions:
Remove yolks from egg halves. Mash yolks with yogurt, mayo, dill, pickle, mustard, salt and pepper in small bowl.

Fill egg halves with mixture using a teaspoon or piping bag fitted with a large plain tip.

Garnish with paprika and dill springs

NUTRITION FACTS:
1 whole egg/2 halves

Calories:80
Total Fat:6g
Saturated Fat:2g
Protein:7g
Carbs:1g
Cholesterol:185mg
Fiber:0g
Sodium:170mg