Saturday, June 1, 2013

What are your favorite healthy recipes and food?

Q. My husband and I are eating healthy and was wanting to know what kind of recipes you have that are delicious that are healthy? Also, what kind of snacks or other healthy ideas do you enjoy? Thank you!!!

A. Ways that helped me to a healthy lifestyle way of eating:

Nutritious foods that are high in nutrients and low in fat and sugar (no sugar, if possible).

Substituting sugar and oil (partially, depends on the recipe) by using applesauce and pureed fruits in baked goods.

Eating veggies as the main dish and lean meats (including beans), fish and chicken (very little red meat) as a side dish.

Eating whole wheat rice, pasta and breads is good as a side dish or as part of the main dish, as long as it is not high in fat, but is high in fiber. Lots of times, breads and pasta will say its wheat when it isn't whole wheat; something to watch out for.

Eating 3 meals plus 2 snacks a day is good.

Staying away from fast foods and tv dinners laden with fat and sugar.

Staying away from mayonnaise, in sandwiches or salads especially, use mustard instead. For dips and salads, use non fat to low fat yogurt. Or used tomato based dressing or dip (like salsa)

Use monosaturated fats like olive oil, not polyunsaturated or saturated fats.

Key is finding what kinds of foods you like; going to the American Heart Association website as a guideline.

Then looking at recipes that appeal to you.

I made a binder, with plastic sheet pocket protector page with index pages (salads, meats, side dishes, desserts, etc.). I’d try the recipe, if it’s good, it stays, if not, its tossed.

Tuna cakes
1 can tuna, drained (I like the one packed in water)
1/4 tsp Dijon mustard
1/4 cup bread crumbs (I use leftover whole wheat bread and grind it up in the food processor)
1 egg (or 1/4 egg substitute)
onion (optional)

Mix together, using pie plate with crumbs in it (2 inchs thick or more), make 4 to 6 patties, (or one big one if you want a big tuna burger sandwich), cover each one with the crumbs.

Place in preheated, oiled pan.

Brown on one side then flip it, to brown on other side.
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Homemade Black Bean Veggie Burgers
1 (16 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed

1/2 green bell pepper, cut into 2 inch pieces
1/2 onion, cut into wedges
OR
Frozen pepper stir fry, thawed (red, yellow, green pepper slices and onion slices, available in the freezer section at the grocery).

3 cloves garlic, peeled
1 egg (or egg substitute equivalent to1-1.5 eggs (1/4-3/8 cups))
OR
1 Tbsp. ground flax seed simmered in 3 Tbsp. water Stir together until thick and gelatinous.

1 tablespoon chili powder
1 tablespoon cumin
1 teaspoon Thai chili sauce or hot sauce
1/2 cup bread crumbs (maybe in addition, add 1/2 cup cooked brown rice) (possibly use rolled oats instead of bread crumbs)

Note:
How to keep them from falling apart. Rinse the black beans and dry them off before mashing them. Use the food processor for the onion, garlic and pepper mixture and then strain juices through a fine strainer to remove any excess water. Put back in food processor.

Blend everything in the food processor, beginning with onions, peppers, and garlic, bread crumbs, eggs and spices and then the beans last.

Note: Put a little oil on your hands when shaping the patties to prevent sticking.

Divide mixture into four patties. (Made them smaller, ended up with 6 and served them with a "dipping sauce" salsa.)

For Grilling: Freeze patties and grill them frozen.

Directions
For grilling: Preheat an outdoor grill for high heat, and lightly oil a sheet of aluminum foil.. Place patties on foil, and grill about 8 minutes on each side. If baking,

For Oven Baking: Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C), and lightly oil a baking sheet. Place patties on cookie sheet, and bake about 10 minutes on each side.
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Homemade Chicken or Fish Nuggets
This was originally used for fish but I have also used it for chicken nuggets the same way, I just cook them a little longer:

2 or 3 Tilapia filets
1 egg
about 1/2 c milk
about 1/3 c parmesan cheese (grated)
1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1/2 teaspoon pepper (or to taste)
about 1 cup bread crumbs

Preheat over to 400. Cut the fish (or chicken) up into bite size pieces. Put the bread crumbs, salt, pepper, and parmesan into a ziploc bag. Mix the egg and the milk in a good sized bowl and add the fish (or chicken) nuggets to the bowl.

Take the nuggets out of the milk/egg mixture a few at a time and drop into the bag. Shake around until well coated and then place on baking sheet (you can grease it but I usually just line with foil). Do this until they are all coated and bake about 15-20 minutes depending on the size of your nuggets, slightly longer for chicken. They are good!
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Applesauce Oatmeal Cookies (Low Fat and Moist)

Total Time: 1 hr
Makes: 3 1/2 dozen

Ingredients:
1 1/2cups all purpose flour
1tsp. baking soda
1 1/2tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2tsp. salt
1/4tsp. ground nutmeg
3/4cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/2cup Splenda
1/4cup margarine, softened
3/4cup applesauce (unsweetened)
1/4cup egg substitute or 1 egg
2Tbsp. fat-free milk
2tsp. vanilla
3cups quick or old fashioned uncooked oatmeal
1cup diced (can use food processor, much easier) dried mixed fruit or raisins

Preparation:
1. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly spray cookie sheets with cooking spray or grease lightly with cooking oil.

2. In medium bowl, combine flour, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg; mix well. In large bowl, beat sugars and margarine until well blended. Add applesauce, egg, milk and vanilla; beat well. Stir in flour mixture' mix well. Stir in oats and dried fruit; mix well. (Dough will be moist.)

3. Drop dough by rounded tablespoons onto prepared cookies sheets.

4. Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until edges are light golden brown. Cool 1 minute on cookie sheets; remove to wire rack. Cool completely. Store in tightly cover container.

Notes:
These cookies are moist and chewy; low in fat and low in sugar. I like them better the next day when they are moister and even more flavorful.

Plan on try making these with powdered flaxseed (good source of omega-3 fatty acids).


What are healthy dishes I can bring camping to share with a group?
Q. I am going car camping & RVing a few times this summer with family and friends. We always have plenty of tasty and unhealthy food, but and I would like to bring some healthier options. I’m kind of stumped for ideas of food that travels well and is healthy and can be made for a group. I am open to side dishes, snacks, desserts, or any other ideas. We will have limited refrigeration capabilities. Any suggestions would be much appreciated! Thanks!

A. Here are some healthy ideas :)

~ Homemade trail mix: nuts, seeds, dried cherries or blueberries, dark chocolate chips

~ Fruit/berries

~ Apple slices with almond butter or peanut butter

~ Veggies & hummus

~ All natural sweet potato chips, popcorn, pita chips

~ Tortilla chips & salsa

~ Chewy chocolate cherry bars:
http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/recipes/800


~ Greek yogurt/yogurt, cottage cheese (if you can keep it cool)

~ Healthy cereal (such as Kashi or Nature's Path Organic cereals - high fiber, not high sugar)

~ Whole wheat pitas, with hummus, veggies

~ Kashi granola bars, Lara bars, Kind fruit & nut bars

~ Homemade muffins with whole grain flour, like raisin or apple bran, carrot, berry, etc.
- Whole grain morning glory muffins:
http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/recipes/1470

~ Whole grain pancakes or waffles
- Whole wheat pear pancakes:
http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/recipes/2833

~ Fruit salad; try different combinations like:
- Strawberries, kiwi
- Watermelon, grapes, strawberries
- Banana, mango, pineapple
- Watermelon, honey dew melon, pineapple
- Raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, blackberries

~ Sandwiches on whole grain bread like: multigrain, ezekiel, rye, whole wheat pita, whole grain tortilla, etc.
Filling ideas:
- Pesto, tomato, baby spinach & mozzarella
- Falafel & hummus in whole wheat pitas
- Tuna or Egg salad
- Almond or Peanut butter & jam - nut butter, without added sugar
- Cheese & tomato
- Chickpea wrap (with things like grated carrot, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, mixed baby greens, salad dressing, etc.)
- Black bean wrap with salsa & some cheese in a whole grain tortilla
- Veggie burger
- Hummus, lettuce, grated carrot, sliced cherry tomatoes in pita halves

~ Salad made with romaine, baby romaine, mixed baby greens or Italian salad mix with things like cherry tomatoes/tomato, cucumber, low-fat salad dressing, red onion, dried cranberries, goat or feta crumbles, walnut crumbles, almond slithers, grated carrot, etc.
- For more protein, you could add chickpeas to the salad or make a bean salad.

~ Whole grain pasta salad with basil pesto, olive oil, or salad dressing; with things like cherry tomatoes, baby spinach, goat cheese or mozzarella, broccoli, kale, etc.

~ Grilled vegetables, steamed vegetables, vegetables stir fried in olive oil (for example: broccoli, carrot, yellow & green zucchini, red onion, mushrooms, cauliflower, asparagus, etc.)

~ Wild/brown rice with balsamic vinaigrette dressing

~ Quiche

~ Mediterranean crunch salad
http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/recipes/2935

~ Pasta salad with grilled vegetables & mozzarella
http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/recipes/1920

~ Spinach & strawberry salad
http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/recipes/696

~ Homemade black bean burgers
http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/recipes/2565

For desserts:

~ Dark chocolate cherry brownies (or any brownies, ideally whole grain for baked goods)
http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/dark-chocolate-cherry-brownies-10000001835270/

~ Cupcakes

~ Pie, like apple, cherry, blueberry, berry, etc. with whole grain crust

~ Cookies
- Chocolate cherry cookies:
http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/recipes/764


Here is a website with great healthy recipes, meal ideas, snack ideas, etc.
http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/


I hope this helps :)



What are some good sandwich recipes that you guys make?
Q. I eat sandwiches everyday now because im trying to stay healthy and i work out everyday. So i eat Steak and chicken at least 4 times a week. Currently on my sandwich i put. Mayo, Ham, Turkey, lettuce, Egg, and Cheese. And i use white bread. (cheap stuff from costco :P) Thank you for your recipes and tips on how to make a Great sandwich.

A. Turkey Club Sandwich
Serve this double-decker sandwich with carrot and celery sticks and red and green grapes. If you don't like Swiss cheese, substitute any other variety, such as cheddar cheese.
4 tablespoons fat free mayonnaise
4 teaspoons fresh basil, chopped
12 slices sourdough bread, toasted
8 ounces turkey breast lunch meat
6 slices bacon, fried crisp
4 romaine lettuce leaves
8 slices tomato
4 slices Swiss cheese
In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise and basil. Spread 1 teaspoon of mixture on each slice of bread.

Place 1 slice of bread on plate. Top with 1 ounce turkey and 1 1/2 pieces of bacon. Add another lsice of bread, 1 ounce turkey, 1 lettuce leaf, 2 slices tomato and 1 piece of cheese. Top with last slice of bread. Place a toothpick in each half of sandwich and cut down the center. Serve immediately

Tuna Salad Sandwiches
For variety, add cucumber or tomato slices to each sandwich.
2 cans albacore tuna, in water, drained
½ cup celery, diced
½ cup apple, diced
1 teaspoon lemon juice
⅓ cup fat free mayonnaise
4 lettuce leaves
8 slices whole wheat bread
In a small bowl, flake tuna with fork. Add celery, apple, lemon juice and mayonnaise. Stir well.

To serve, place 1 leaf of lettuce on a slice of bread. Top with 1/4 of tuna mixture, spread to edges and top with another slice of bread. Serve immediately.

Philly Steak Sandwich
Cheddar cheese is high in fat and calories, so limit the cheese to 2 tablespoons for each sandwich. For variety, use roast beef that has been rubbed with Italian seasonings.
1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 onion, thinly sliced
12 ounces lean roast beef, shaved thin
4 whole wheat buns
½ cup Cheddar cheese, shredded
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Coat a baking pan with cooking spray.

Spray frying pan with cooking spray. Over medium heat, saute the peppers and onions until they soften, about 3 - 5 minutes. Add the roast beef and saute for an additional 2 -3 minutes.

Place 1/4 of the roast beef mixture on each bun and place on baking pan. Top each with 2 tablespoons of cheese. Bake until cheese has melted, about 2 - 4 minutes. Serve immediately.

Mexican Roll Ups
A tasty alternative to sandwiches for a lunchbox or picnic. Roast beef, chopped tomatoes, bell pepper and seasonings are rolled in whole wheat tortillas and wrapped in tin foil. Easy to transport and neat to eat.
6 whole wheat tortillas
6 leaves romaine lettuce
1 ¼ pounds sliced roast beef
1 cup chopped tomatoes
1 cup chopped red bell pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
½ teaspoon ground cumin
For each roll up, tear off about a 15 inch piece of wax paper or aluminum foil. Place the tortilla on the paper or foil. Top with lettuce leaf, about 3 ounces of beef, divide tomatoes pepper, oil, vinegar and cumin evenly over all tortillas.

Begin rolling the paper or foil over the tortilla to encase the filling. Roll until the sandwich is completely rolled.

To eat, peel back the paper or foil

Ham and Egg Salad
1 ½ cups fully cooked ham, cubed
6 egg, hard boiled, chopped
½ cup celery, chopped
½ cup sweet pickle relish
½ cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons honey mustard
Combine first 4 ingredients. Blend together mayo and mustard, add to ham mixture and toss lightly. Chill well before serving

Chicken Tostadas
Chicken breasts make a fine change of pace for tostada filling, along with tomatoes, lettuce and bell pepper. A garnish of salsa with fat free sour cream and grated cheese keep this dish a healthy one.
1 ½ pounds chicken breasts, cooked
3 cups romaine lettuce, torn into bite size pieces
½ cup bell pepper, chopped
½ cup chopped tomatoes
6 flour tortillas
6 tablespoons fat free sour cream
6 tablespoons salsa
6 tablespoons Cheddar cheese, grated
Heat tortillas by placing them in a large dry skillet over medium high heat, turn one until golden and puffy.

Place tortillas on plates, evenly distribute remaining ingredients over tops of toasted tortillas. Serve immediately.

Chicken Salad
3 - 4 cup cooked chicken, diced
1 cup celery, chopped fine
1 cup apple, peeled, cored and chopped fine
1 teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
⅛ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon dried parsley
⅛ teaspoon dill weed
½ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup sour cream
Combine all ingredients. Chill overnight before serving.





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