Last year I did a healthy recipe contest and got some good results. This year I would like to put out a similar challenge.
As you all know lately I have been training very rigorously for my races. This leaves me with little energy to do much else some days including making food/dinner. I am far too likely to get take out or meals ready to eat at the Harmons up the street then I should. I know this is not the healthiest option but there are days when dirtying a dish, waiting 30 minutes, chopping anything seems like such a burden. And then there is the task of deciding what to make and making sure it is healthy…It is hard.
So, here’s what I am looking for. There are 2 categories.
1. High fueling snackage- Yes, I know I can eat nuts and some energy bars are ok but I come home from work outs and am starving, ravenous. I would love any recipe for a satisfying snack that quenches my hunger quickly and possibly tides me over to make a good meal. Remember I have to keep the simple sugars to a minimum so try to use agave instead of sugar/honey where possible.
I also love smoothies. Especially after a swim there is NOTHING better than a smoothie. I would love some creative combinations for smoothies you might have.
These don’t have to be your recipes but please make them ones that you have at least tried out beforehand.
2. Quick, easy, healthy meals- My next category is actual meals. I need meals that are low glycemic, healthy, loaded with whole grains and protein that are easy to make. This could include a recipe good for making in advance and freezing to have on hand.
I like pretty much any genre of cooking- Italian, Japanese, Thai, Vietnamese, Mexican etc. I am also a pretty good cook and have a well stocked kitchen so don’t limit yourself that way.
Please keep in mind that I am single so the serving size is just 1 person and then the rest either has to be leftovers or frozen.
Egg dishes, breakfast for dinner, pasta, stir fries, curries, soups, salads, sandwiches, would all be good categories to think about. The healthier the better, the easier the better.
They do not necessarily have to be low in fat- especially if it is the right kind of fat using olive, coconut, or grapeseed oil for instance. If in doubt, send the recipe over and I will decide if it meets my dietary needs. (Just a tip- I don’t use splenda but will try recipes with stevia. I also am open to any gluten free recipes but have no specific allergy in that regard).
I am also more interested in healthy eating then sticking to a strict budget so while I won’t be eating black truffles anytime soon I wouldn’t put the cost of the meal as the primary consideration.
I will give a $25 amazon gift card to the best snack and meal recipes submitted. Please tell your friends and keep the recipes coming. You can add them as a comment or email me at smilingldsgirl@yahoo.com
Thanks! I look forward to the results.
I love Chinese food, but hate how deep fried American Chinese food is. This is my healthy take on Orange Chicken. I usually serve with rice.
1 large orange
1 cup of orange juice
1/4 cup Light Asian Toasted Sesame Dressing
2 Tbsp soy sauce
2 Tbsp sugar or some substitute for sugar. Your choice.
1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper
1 lb. boneless chicken breasts cut into small pieces
1 Tbsp minced ginger
1 clove garlic, minced
1 large red pepper, cut into pieces
Grate 1 tsp. zest from orange. Mix zest, dressing, soy sauce, sugar, and crushed red pepper.
Cut the rest of the orange into pieces.
Cook chicken in orange juice in a skillet on high heat for about 6 minutes. Stir frequently. Add ginger and garlic and stir for 2 more minutes. Add red peppers and cook 2 more minutes. Transfer to bowl.
Add dressing mixture to skillet. Cook and stir about 2 min. until it thickens. Add chicken mixture; cook and stir 2 minutes or until heated through. Stir in oranges.
Spoon onto platter.
Another easy, healthy meal that I like is sweet potato salsa fritta
1 t olive oil
1 lb sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2 ” cubes
3 large eggs
1 jar salsa (12 oz)
1/2 t salt
1/4 t pepper
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 med tomato
Preheat oven to 425
in lg skillet with oven safe handle, heat oil over med high heat
Add sweet potato and cook, covered until tender, about 10 min, stirring occasionally
In separate bowl, beat eggs and 1/4 c salsa, salt, and pepper
Stir in cheese and set aside
Chop tomato and add to remaining salsa
Stir egg mixture into sweet potatoes
Cover and cook without stirring 3 minutes
Remove cover and bake in oven 4-6 min
Invert and top with salsa, yum!
Yum to both! Thanks. I can’t wait to try them.