What I've Been Eating Lately: Quicky Healthy Meals & Recipes

What I've Been Eating Lately: Quicky Healthy Meals & Recipes

I know you ladies love these quick easy healthy meal posts. If you are anything like me and are in a season where you feel you just don't have enough hours in the day to get everything done that you need to do..then these meals I post are for you! They are quick(er) than most and are still for the most part, healthy. I'll try to post these more often, maybe one every two weeks or once a week, we'll see!

Greek Salad & Lavash Bread: For the above photo I made a quick healthy lunch with this Trader Joe's Whole Wheat Lavash Bread, their pre packaged fresh greek salad, and a side of their organic hummus. Delicious and SOO EASY! This whole wheat lavash bread is seriously amazing, you can do so much with it as you will see below, i used it like pita bread for dipping in hummus (you could dip it in olive oil with herbs), I made wraps with it, and I used it for pizza crust! Its WAY healthier for you than bread, or normal pizza crust!

Healthy QUICK pizzas: These babies cook (Broil at 425 in the oven) in 5 minutes! I used the Lavash bread mentioned above so you don't have to wait for your crust to cook like normal pizza. You just slap on whatever toppings you're in the mood for.  I used Tj's precooked preservative free grilled chicken, their sun dried tomatos, organic spinach, low fat mozerella cheese, Tj's bruchetta and of course some basil tomato pizza sauce! 

 For this pizza I used basil tomato pizza sauce, then lined it with organic baby spinach, then low fat mozerella cheese on top, then layerd it with jalapenos,  onion, TJ's fauntina and roasted garlic chicken sausage with half the pizza drizzled with TJ's tapenade (and olive blend of green and black olives) that i had left over in the fridge. You can really put anything you want on these! They were so delicious, you just have to make sure you don't use too much tomato sauce since the lavash bread is thinner than normal crust. And make sure its crispy!

Serve with a side salad and this meal would take you less than 10-15 minutes including all the prep and slicing!

Quick Curry Chicken and Vegetable Bowl: I use Trader's Red Curry sauce (they also have a green we've tried and loved, and a yellow curry sauce i have yet to try). I could make curry from scratch and it would probably be even yummier but the goal of these meals is to help all of us mamas, or tired people who come home from work and want an easy healthy meal to whip up in less than 20-30 minutes. I used Tj's 3 minute brown rice, their frozen sliced bell peppers and 1 fresh green bell pepper i had left in the fridge, frozen broccoli (takes 6-7 minutes to cook on the stove), fresh chopped onion, 1 raw garlic clove, and organic raw chicken (grilled in olive oil and 1/4 cup or so of the red curry sauce). I layered the rice first on the plate, then the veggies, then the grilled and flavored chicken. I then quickly heated up some of the curry sauce and poured it over the entire bowl (use as much as you'd like). DELICIOUS!

Spinach Kale Turkey Pattys: I used Tj's 99% fat free ground turkey and mushed it up with some chopped organic spinach, 1 tspn garlic powder, a pinch of salt and pepper, and then added in some chopped frozen kale (tj's sells this in the frozen section). I muchsed it all together into 5 or 6 patties and threw them on the george forman grill. SO quick, took 10 minutes all together! This is a perfect example of eating healthy while still being able to enjoy a delicious meal. I threw these on some whole wheat buns with veggies, ketchup, and cheese. My hubs wanted beef so here we have a his and her's meal. 

I hope some of these meals find their way into your home! Enjoy!

I always welcome your ideas and recipes if you'd like to share in the comments below I LOVE that and will possibly even feature one of your recipes!

XO

Quick Healthy Soups: Chicken Tortilla Soup, Jalapeno Turkey Chili, and Tomato Vegetable Soup

Quick Healthy Soups: Chicken Tortilla Soup, Jalapeno Turkey Chili, and Tomato Vegetable Soup

Here in California we barely had a real Winter this past year so when it rained for 3 or 4 days straight last week I took full advantage (knowing Spring and Summer weather is here to stay for months on end).  So I decided to soak up the gray stormy weather and make some delicious warm hearty soups. I made Tortilla soup, a SPICY chili, and a Tomato Vegetable soup.  

Tortilla Soup: The base of this soup is Chicken broth and canned diced organic tomatoes.  Its really simple! My husaband rarely cooks but he actually threw this together for me while I went to a gym class.  I just left him a simple recipe to follow and he did a great job, I love having a warm meal ready for me after a tough late night work out (no one ever wants to pump one out but i have to take those rare opportunities during the week that i get).  

• 4 c. chicken broth
• 3-4. whole chicken breasts
• 1 large can of diced tomatos (i used 1 and a half of trader joe's organic diced tomatos 14.5 ounce cans)
• 1 large onion, chopped 
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-2 Tbsp. olive oil
• 1 Tbsp. chili powder
• 2 Celery Stalks chopped (optional for added veggies and crunch.)
• 1 Jalapeno' , finely diced (optional for flavor)
• 1 tsp. cumin
• 1 lime
• ¼ tsp. cayenne pepper (more to taste)
• avocado, shredded cheese, sour cream, crushed tortilla chips ( I used trader joe's Veggie Flaxseed Tortilla chips, cilantro (didnt have any but it would be a great topping.
• 
  
• 1)Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add garlic,onions, jalapeno and celery and cook, stirring, until onions begin to become translucent. 
• 2) Grill up some chicken breast in Olive oil, when fully cooked then slice or shred (whichever you prefer).
• 3)Add chicken to pot of onion/garlic. Add in crushed tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, and juice of 1/2 lime. Bring to a boil, stir constantly so it doesnt burn. 
• 4)Then add in your chicken broth, reduce the heat to low, simmer soup for 15 minutes.
• 5) Top with toppings (avocado, cheese, sour cream, cilantro, chips).
• 
  

*You can add black beans and corn to this recipe if you'd like!

• 
  

Spicy Chili: My girlfriend Tori gave me this recipe, and it is soooo yummy! I made it for our couples bible study we host at our home and everyone loved it! The recipe calls for Pumpkin puree' but Tori said because its not in season to sub it out for Trader Joe's Organic Tomato & Roasted Red Pepper Soup. Thats the only way i've made this soup so far and I think its perfect! 

Serves 6-8

Organic Tomato & Roasted Red Pepper Soup

1/2 Cup Water

2 Jalepenos

1 Can of Red Kidney Beans (15 oz) rinse first

1 Can of diced tomatoes w/ liquid (again I used TJ's organic diced tomatoes 14.5 oz can)

1 lb of ground turkey

1 yellow onion chopped

1 green bell, seeded and cored, then chopped

2 garlic cloves diced

1 tbspn EVOO

1 tsp ground cumin

1/2 tspn salt

1 tbspn chili powder

pepper to taste

1)Heat oil in a large pan. Add bell pepper, onion, garlic, and jalapenos. Stir frequently, cook until tender.  

2)Add turkey, cook until browned.

3) Add tomatoes, the red pepper soup mix (i used about 1/2 of the box), water, chili powder, cumin and salt and pepper and bring to boil.

4) Reduce heat to medium and add beans. Cover and simmer for 30 mins stirring occasionally.

Serve!

Its even better the next day!!

Tomato Vegetable Soup: My girlfriend Chelsea had tried Tori's chili recipe and made a quick version but instead of doing chili she just made it into a simple soup. Its healthy, hearty and really yummy! We ate ours with a side of cheese bread (you gotta balance the healthy out with some gooey cheesey bread, right?!? lol). 

1 yellow onion, chopped

1 tsp minced garlic

1 yellow bell pepper seeded, cored, chopped

3 celery stalks chopped

salt & pepper to taste

1 tbspn EVOO

I also added oregeno, cumin, basil to taste (probably 1/2 tspn for each)

1 lb ground turkey (i used TJ's kosher turkey, it has so much additional flavor!)

1 box of Tj's Organic Tomato And Roasted Red Pepper Soup (see bove)

1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 ounce organic traders can, see below)

1)Throw all of your veggies in a pan with EVOO and garlic, cook until tender.

2) Cook turkey in pan until browned.

3) Mix in all spices and add in tomatos and soup mix.

4) Heat until boiling, then simmer for 10 minutes or longer , stirring occasionally.

Serve.

Enjoy!! 

Tell me in the comments what you would like to see more of? What would you like me to cook? Or what are your favorite topics that I write about, ill try to encorporate more. I just want to hear from you! 



All submissions for the Iphone Case GIVEAWAY end tonight at 5pm Pacific time. Winner will be announced this weekend! Thanks all for your participation.  (Instructions to enter HERE if you havent already)

XO

Healthy Recipes & Ideas: What I've Been Eating Lately

Healthy Recipes & Ideas: What I've Been Eating Lately

Here are some healthy, delicious, and quick (for the most part) meals & recipes i've been making lately. I love love love to cook so I'm in the kitchen 5-6 nights a week making dinner after my little one goes to bed. There really is nothing better than filling my families tummies with delicious and nutritious meals, sharing laughs and talking for hours. Life around the table is truly where its at.  Around the table is where my husband and I are able to look eye to eye at one another and share our day, our dreams, our needs, and enjoy a moment with no other distractions.  

Dinner: I grilled up some chicken breast with Trader Joe's Garlic Cooking sauce (its the best!!! Super delicious and easy).  I through those teeny potatoes in the oven with some olive oil, fresh rosemary, and seasoned them.  I sautéed Brussels sprouts in coconut oil with a couple minced up pieces of TJ's nitrate free Turkey bacon (season with seat salt and black pepper).  I added a side salad of spinach, gorgonzola cheese, and pecans with a homemade vinaigrette dressing (1/4 cup balsamic vinegar, 1/4 cup olive oil, 1 tsp dijon mustard, 1 tsp agave nectar or honey, salt and pepper. Sometimes i add a little fresh garlic or berry jam). 

Dinner: Sirloin steak (grilled with steak seasoning and garlic), sweet potato with coconut oil, TJ's spicy wasabi edamame pre made salad (SO delicious, spicy and sweet!).

Quick 3 minute Dessert: Pumpkin Mug Cake- I have to admit this was my first mug cake. It was really simple to make, I had all of the ingredients in my pantry and was craving something sweet. I used left over dark chocolate covered raisons just to give it a chocolately flavor.  Chocolate chips or nutella would've been way better!  

1 egg (i used two egg whites)
2 tablespoons almond milk
1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/4 cup pumpkin puree
7 tablespoons all purpose flour
1/4 cup brown sugar (or a substitute)
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon allspice
1/4 teaspoon salt

 Mix all together, add in the chocolate chips. Pour into a medium sized mug. Cook in microwave for 1 1/2 mins. Make sure there is no overflow and then cook an additional 1 1/2 minutes if it needs it.

Garnish with Whipped Cream (well, of course!)

Dinner:  Grilled Almond and Hazlenut Crusted Salmon with quinoa. Trader Joe's sells this crusted salmon, i grilled it in 1-2 tbspn of coconut oil and a little maple syrup (yep, so sweet and savory!).  

Mix together Feta cheese, white Corn (cooked), Organic black beans, and lemon juice.

Add in cooked Quinoa and chop up some avocado. Salt and pepper to taste. You can put in a tiny bit of cayenne pepper for a kick if you're into spicy (i always am!).  

This is seriously SOOOO good by itself but we decided to top it off with a bed of lettuce underneath and TJ's Pineapple mango Salsa! YUM!!

Im drooling over this meal! And it takes 20 mins tops!

Dinner: Grilled Chicken Breast in Tj's Garlic Sauce (show above), Tj's Garlic Naan (it comes frozen, you pop it in the oven for 5 mins and its done! Its so worth it, easy and so yummy), Steamed broccoli with steak seasoning, and a side of quinoa with butter or olive oil and sea salt (you can also do a little lemon). 

Breakfast: Paleo, gluten free pancakes! 3 ingredients: 1 Banana,  a pinch of cinnamon, and 1 egg! Stir together and grill on the stove with 1 tbspn of coconut oil. Makes 3 little pancakes.

I would love to hear from you what your favorite healthy mess are..i would even love for you to share the recipe!  Also, let me know if you try anything from this little blog of mine. 

I hope you ladies enjoy!!

xo

What I've Been Eating Lately: Butternut Squash & Granny Smith Apple Soup

What I've Been Eating Lately: Butternut Squash And Tangy Granny Smith Apple Soup

This recipe is absolutely delicious!!! It also happens to be healthy and leaves your home spelling wonderful.  I don't know how I was missing out on Butternut Squash soup but I hadn't tried it until this year when my mother in law brought it over and I instantly fell in love. I made this over the holidays a bunch (sorry, im just now getting around to sharing it but we have plenty of time to enjoy more soup..at least through February right?!). You'll have plenty of leftovers for lunch the next day ..this is edible liquid gold!(:

Ingredients:

1 Butternut Squash (peeled, seeded, and chopped)

1 medium onion, diced

1 tbspn unsalted butter

2 Granny Smith green apples chopped to puree inside the soup, 1 green apple chopped for topping

2 teaspoon coarse salt

1 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon ground coriander

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

2 cups low sodium chicken or vegetable stock (i used vegetable stock)

2 1/2 cups water

[[you can also add in  Pinches of nutmeg & cinnamon if you'd like]]

Recipe:

Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion; cook, stirring occasionally, until it begins to soften, about 4 minutes. Add squash, and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft, about 10 minutes.

Add apples, salt, cumin, coriander, black pepper, stock, and the water (just enough to cover). Bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer, and cook until vegetables are very soft, about 30 minutes.

Puree (you can use a food processor or blender) in vitamix until smooth, and return to saucepan. Heat over low, thinning with more water if necessary. 

Pour into bowls and top with sliced of green apple. I made a side Trader Joe's Whole Wheat Sour Dough bread topped with cheddar cheese. SO YUMMY!

Once its cooked for a while I start to smoosh the squash with the ladle a bit. 

Puree in the vitamix

Serve with apples on top and a side of cheese bread (YES PLEASE!)

What have you been making lately that you love? Share below

xo

Easy Quick Healthy Meals: What I've Been Eating Lately

Easy Quick Healthy Meals: What I've Been Eating Lately

Here are some of the meals i've made over the past few days.  Im all about balance, I like to aim for healthy but if something doesnt taste right without adding a little cheese or cream here and there then ill go ahead and add it in there.  When I cook i usually try to add in lots of veggies, one starch, and a protein.  

Swedish Meatballs, Brown Rice Pasta and a side of Grilled Zucchini:  These swedish meatballs are from traders and they're super easy to grill up (you can store a bunch in the freezer for lazy nights when you don't feel like cooking from scratch).  I always try to use brown rice pasta to make pasta nights a little more healthy, and then grilled up some onion and garlic in olive oil to add some flavor to Trader Joes spicy Arrabiata sauce (this sauce is great with seafood pasta as well). It has the perfect amount of spice from sweet red peppers and tasted great with the swedish meatballs. 

For grilling the zucchini as well as what the brown rice pasta looks like click here to see my previous quick meals post where i posted pics and talked more in depth about it: Easy Quick Healthy Meals

Chicken Serenada Tacos:

This was another easy meal that tasted so delicious.  I grilled up Traders "Chicken Serenada", its fresh  chicken breast with grilled bell peppers and grilled onion all pre-marinated and precooked, you just need to reheat on the stove. I am not a fan of precooked meals but traders doesnt add any preservatives and you have to eat their food within a few days or it goes bad. Its just as though you made it yourself.  I threw it on an ezekiel sprouted grain tortilla (super healthy and so yum!), with some shredded cabbage, avocado, a little mexican cheese blend, and lettuce.  You can add on tapatio or salsa if youd like but i thought the chicken gave it plenty of flavor. 

Shrimp Tacos with Lime chipotle sauce:

Shrimp tacos are my hubbys favorite and i haven't made them in so long! I decided to give them a twist by topping them with a delicious homemade lemon chipotle sour cream sauce.  I uses fresh shrimp (it cooks fast so be careful), I cooked the shrimp in olive oil with a sprinkle of chipotle, chili powder, garlic, salt, and 2 tablespoons of salsa and a half of a lime.  I piled it onto the same Ezekiel sprouted grain tortillas as above with shredded cabbage, a sprinkle of a mexican cheese blend, and avocado. I squeezed fresh lime on top and then added my homemade sauce.

For the sauce:  you'll need 1/4 cup light sour cream or greek yogurt. Half of a lemon or a whole lime. A 1/4 teaspoon of the following spices: chili powder, chipotle, garlic, cumin,  fresh or dried cilantro salt and pepper to taste. Add in minced jalepeno (i used 4 little slivers from a jar)  You will love this sauce and can use it on fish tacos as well! It makes the tacos!

Filet Mignon with Grilled Zucchini and Onion with a Side Kale Salad:

I am not a huge red meat kinda gal but once in a while I enjoy a nice steak. I grilled up some filets, added a side of zucchini and grilled onion (off the grill instead of grilling it on stove top), and a side of my kale salad that is also one of my husbands favorites!  For the Kale salad recipe go here (at the bottom of the post): Healthy Recipes and Ideas: What I've Been Eating Lately

Eat up & Enjoy Ladies! 

What are some of your favorite easy quick and healthy recipes/ideas?!

Easy Quick Healthy Meals

Easy Quick Healthy Meals

Recipe's here:

Being a new mommy I dont always have time to cook a delicious healthy meal for my family. I am not one to want to eat out every night, not to mention how unreasonably expensive that would be.. so I have to come up with ways to make cooking work.  Here are just a couple simple ways i still manage to cook and eat healthy without spending hours (that i dont have) in the kitchen.

Last week I grilled up a slab of Trader Joe's Pollo Asada (its premarinated and its sooo good). I chopped up some leafy greens, avocado, onion, tomato, and cilantro.  Add a dallop of greek yogurt on the side (instead of sour cream) and top with shredded cheese and tortilla chips (or sweet potato or lentil chips to be a tad healthier). You can add some tapatio and squeezed lemon for flavor.  Or traders had a really good cilantro dressing.  Quick, easy, and good!

Lately I have been crazy Salmon in any form.. stuffed, grilled, teriyaki, garlic and lemon, you name it ill eat it.  Two delicious meals i've been making the past couple weeks are from trader joes (again of course). One is Tj's coucous and dill stuffed salmon and the other is TJ's spinach and feta stuffed salmon. OH and actually we've also had TJ's cajun seasoned salmon (a little too salty but REALLY good). I usually cook it in EVOO ( you could use coconut oil for the flavor as well) and I add fresh squeezed lemon while cooking it and after.  Heat up a bag of TJ's brown rice (takes 3 minutes..remember people, we are talkiing QUICK meals ..i know the microwave isnt the best option but I didnt have an hour to wait for rice to cook).  And then choose a veggie..my go to with rice and fish is usually broccoli (top with a little fresh parmesan and you are good to go).

Heres the spinach and feta stuffed salmon (comes with 2 slices of salmon) brown rice and broccoli.

Ready in 3 minutes

A pic of the Salmon stuffed with couscous & dill

Last night we had Linguine with Clam Sauce from Trader Joe's.  This is such an easy meal to make..it was missing vegetables so i added a whole bag of steamed spinach to the mix as well as some grilled chicken with some red pepper flakes, parmesan, and fresh minced garlic.  I grilled the chicken in EVOO.  This meal took less than 15 minutes to make and was delicious if you are crazy pasta (i was in the mood for Fall so something warm sounded good). You could also add sauteed tomatos, onion, red peppers or broccoli to add in some more veggies.  

 Serves 3

Use an entire bag of baby spinach

 YUM!