Fabulously Fit Foodie

One of the most important things to know, is that diets do not work. They tend to be a temporary fix, and not a sustainable lifestyle. Believe me, I have done the research. I have tried all the fad diets, the special drinks, weight loss pills, cutting out all carbs, you name it. They all ended with the same result, a temporary fix and then boom… back to where I started.

I finally decided that what I really needed, was a shift in my mindset. I love food, and don’t want to spend the rest of my life feeling deprived of flavor to fit comfortably in my jeans. So, I not only took the initiative to learn about the ingredients I cook with, but to embrace a mindful approach and learn what my body needs.

While everyone is different, below are some of my favorite recipes that are not only delicious, but health conscious. If you would like to connect and talk about YOUR relationship with food, and how to create your own mindful food journey, CLICK HERE.

Avocado Toast

This is one of my favorite recipes, and quite a popular one too. The great part about Avocado Toast, is that you can add your own flare and it is a super quick morning meal. Here is the base recipe:

1 Slice whole grain or gluten free bread
1/4 Sliced or mashed avocado
1/2c Sliced cherry tomatoes (or whichever tomato you have on hand)
Salt & Pepper

Start by toasting your bread. Simply spread the avocado on top and garnish with your tomato. Sprinkle salt & pepper to taste, and voila!

Some other great ingredients to add are: radishes, fresh herbs like basil or chives, or red onion.

Quick Turkey Chili

This recipe is great for a chilly evening, or an on the go lunch. It provides a lot of protein and veggies, while still tasting absolutely delicious! Follow the recipe below:

1 Tbsp. + 1 tsp. olive oil
1 lb. raw 93% lean ground turkey breast
1 medium onion chopped
1 medium red bell pepper chopped
1 (10-oz.) can diced tomatoes
1 can diced green chilis
1 (8-oz.) can all-natural tomato sauce no salt or sugar added
2 small sweet potatoes cut into 1-inch cubes (you can use butternut squash too)
3/4 cup water
1 Tbsp. chili powder
1/2 tsp. ground cumin
1/4 tsp. ground paprika
1/2 tsp. sea salt (or Himalayan salt)
Jalapeños and red chili flake (optional)
2 Tbsp. finely chopped flat leaf (Italian) parsley (optional)

Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat.
Add turkey; cook, stirring frequently, for 4 to 5 minutes, or until turkey is browned.
Add onion and bell pepper; cook, stirring frequently, for 4 to 5 minutes, or until onion is translucent.

Add tomatoes, tomato sauce, water, sweet potatoes, chili powder, cumin, salt, and paprika. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low; gently boil, stirring occasionally, for 20 to 25 minutes, or until sweet potatoes are tender.
Add red chili flakes and or Jalapeños if desired.

You can spice this up any way you like. I usually go big with spices so have fun.
Evenly divide chili into four serving bowls; garnish with parsley or a dollop of plain yogurt, if desired.

Mac & Cheese with Broccoli & Chicken

Now usually, Mac & Cheese is a decadent cheat meal that guilts us all into spending extra time at the gym trying to justify every bite. Here is a recipe that is delicious as every, but we took out the guilt.

1 Tbsp + 1 tsp butter
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped (1 tsp prechopped)
2 Tbsp whole wheat flour
1/2 tsp paprika
1 1/2 c unsweetened almond milk
1 1/4 C Grated Cheddar Cheese
3 Cups Chopped cooked chicken breast (small pieces)
4 C Steamed Broccoli florets
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp black pepper

Melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic, cook stirring for 1 minute. Add flour and paprika (whisking constantly) for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in the almond milk. Whisk for 1-2 minutes until it is thick and bubbly.
Reduce heat to low and add cheese. Stir til melted. Add macaroni, chicken broccoli, S&P. Serve immediately
You can substitute green beans, asparagus, Brussel sprouts for the broccoli. Substitute Monterey jack, Asiago, Mild Cheddar.
If you are gluten free, use a gluten free pasta and gluten free flour.