Healthy Ground Turkey Meatloaf

Here’s a healthier twist to the traditional meatloaf recipe.  I  swapped ground beef for  ground turkey to lower calories and fat.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 egg
• cracker crumbs (7 saltine whole wheat crackers)
• 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1-2  tsp basil and oregano
• 1-2 dashes  black pepper
• 1 cup (8 oz) tomato sauce

Directions:

In a large bowl, mix ground turkey, egg, cracker crumbs, and spices until well blended and shape into 2 loaves.  Place in baking dish and pour tomato sauce over loaves.  Cover and bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour.  Makes 6 servings.

Nutrition Info:

146 Calories; 7 gm fat; 2 gm sat fat; 95 mg chol; 338 mg sodium; 5 gm carb; 1 gm fiber; 15 gm protein

 

 

Want to Eat Like a GrEEK ? Mediterranean Diet Plan

What is the Mediterranean Diet?

It is the eating pattern of at least 16 countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea.  Multiple research studies have demonstrated that adhering to a Mediterranean Diet Plan  does reduce the risk of heart disease.  It has also been shown to in fighting other medical conditions associated with chronic inflammation, such as, cancer, diabetes, obesity, and cognitive disorders.

The Mediterranean Diet is considered as a heart healthy meal plan and includes the following characteristics:

• An abundance of food from plant sources, including fruits, vegetables, potatoes, whole grains, beans, nuts, and seeds.
• Olive oil as the principle fat, with total fat ranging from 25% to 35% of total calories, with no more than 7% from saturated fat.
• Daily consumption of low to moderate amounts of cheese and yogurt.
• Twice weekly consumption of low to moderate amounts of fish and poultry; up to 7 eggs per week (including those in cooking and baking).
• Fresh fruit as a daily dessert.
• Red meat a few time per month.
• Moderate consumption of wine, normally with a meal; 1-2 glasses per day for men and 1 glass for women.  Wine should be considered optional and avoided when consumption would put the individual or others at risk.
• Regular physical activity at a level that promotes a healthy weight, fitness, and well-being.

1 DAY SAMPLE MEDITERRANEAN DIET MEAL PLAN:

BREAKFAST

• 1 Banana Smoothie
• 1 Healthy Blueberry Muffin

LUNCH

• 1 Cup Black Bean & Barley Soup
• 2 Slices Whole Grain Bread
• 1 Cup Fruit Salad

DINNER

• 1 Piece Crockpot Balsamic Chicken
• 1/2 Cup Brown Rice
• 1 Cup Broccoli
• 1/2 Cup Carrots

SNACKS

• 1 Serving Greek Yogurt
• 1 Cup Strawberries or Melon
• 1 oz Nuts

 

Skinny Razz-a-Dazz Chicken

When life is hectic, I love simple and easy recipes that are actually healthy and low in calories.  This “Razz Chicken” recipe only needs 3 ingredient, yay!  It takes literally 2 minutes to prepare and throw it in the oven!  I actually used frozen chicken breasts which required longer baking time.

As you can see from the above pic, I’m on a veggie kick.  Therefore, I had it with 2 veggies and left out the carbs.  It was very satisfying and I feel thinner!

WHAT YOU NEED:

• 4- 4 oz. boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup fat-free raspberry vinaigrette
• 3 tbsp. dried basil

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven at 350°F. Place chicken breast in baking dish. Pour raspberry vinaigrette over chicken and sprinkle basil on top. Cover and bake for 1 hour or until chicken is cooked through.

NUTRITION INFO:

1 Serving = 1 Chicken Breast

• 140 Calories
• 1.6 g Fat
• 60 mg Cholesterol
• 391 mg Sodium
• 8 g Carbohydrate
• 23 g Protein

Labor Day Skinny Menu

Wow!  It’s hard to believe Labor Day and the end of summer is upon us.  Here’s a healthy menu plan to keep you on track with your weight management goals.

Skinny Deviled Eggs

Skinny Pulled Chicken Sandwich

Skinny Pasta Salad

Red, White & Blue Parfait

Watermelon

Have A Safe and Wonderful Labor Day !!!

 

 

 

 

Skinny Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken

WHAT YOU NEED:

• 6 Boneless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes
• 1/3 cup reduced sodium teriyaki sauce
• 2 tablespoons reduced sodium soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

DIRECTIONS:

Drizzle oil on bottom of crockpot.  Stir in garlic and red pepper flakes.  Place chicken on top.  Meanwhile, blend brown sugar, teriyaki and soy sauce together; pour over top chicken.  Cook on high for 2 hours.  Makes 6 servings.  Serve with brown rice and green beans for a healthy meal plan.

NUTRITION INFO (PER SERVING):

174 Calories, 4 gm fat, 68 mg cholesterol, 504 mg sodium, 5 gm carbohydrate, 28 gm protein

Turkey Chili with Barley

Chili is perfect any time of year; but, especially on cold snowy days.  This recipe is a healthier version of chili and quite tasty.  Please enjoy and pray that nicer weather is around the corner.  As they say, “Enough snow already!”

WHAT YOU NEED:

• 1 pound lean ground turkey
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1-15 oz can diced tomatoes
• 1-8 oz can tomato sauce
• 1-15 oz can red beans
• 1 cup water
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 cup barley

DIRECTIONS:

Brown turkey and garlic until meat is no longer pink. Drain the fat and discard.  Stir in the spices.  Add the tomatoes, sauce, water, and barley.  Let simmer for 20 minutes.  Stir in the kidney beans and simmer an additional 20 minutes.  Makes 8- 1 cup servings.  May top with fat-free sour cream and shredded cheese.

NUTRITION INFO:  (PER SERVING)

175 Calories; 5 gm fat; 45 mg cholesterol; 806 mg sodium; 19 gm carbohydrate; 5 gm fiber; 15 gm protein

Day 18 Healthy Holiday Habits

Follow a healthy diet plan!  

     

Breakfast

• 1 High Fiber English Muffin
• 2 Tablespoons Almond Butter
• 1 Small Banana

Lunch

• 1/2 Cup Skinny Tuna Salad
• 1 Cup Salad Greens
• Apple Slices from small apple

Snack

• 1 Fat-free Greek Yogurt

Dinner

• 1 Serving of Skinny Crock Pot Hawaiian Chicken
• 1 Cup Steamed Boccoli
• 1/2 Cup Brown Rice

Snack

• 1 Serving  Strawberry Smoothie