Monday, April 1, 2013

Sinless Chocolate Fudge



Let’s get serious, nothing about the word “fudge” sounds healthy. Delicious, yes. But, healthy? Not a chance! Right?? WRONG! I’ve found a way to make the sinful taste of chocolaty fudge 100% sinless! Plus, from prep to plate, it only takes about 25 minutes to whip up. I promise, it’s not too good to be true. You’re gonna love it!

Here’s What You’ll Need:
  • 1 Cup Unsweetened Cocoa Baking Powder
  • 1 Cup Peanut Butter
  • 1 Cup Virgin Coconut Oil
  • 1 Tsp. Vanilla Extract
  • 1 ½ Tsp. Stevia Extract
  • 1 Tsp. Sea Salt
  • Your Favorite Fruits, Berries, Nuts, or Anything Else You’d Like as a Topping! (Totally Optional)

Here’s What You’ll Do:
  • Place foil cupcake liners into a regular sized muffin/cupcake tin.
  • Melt the coconut oil with warm water in a bain marie, or if you don’t have one, place the coconut oil in a bowl. Then, set the bowl atop a pot of hot water (the pot should be on your stove-top on low-medium heat).
  • Place all ingredients, including the melted coconut oil, into a mixing bowl. Using an electric whisk (or a whisk attachment on an electric mixing bowl), whisk everything together until a light and fluffy texture is achieved (approximately 5 minutes).
  • Add about two tablespoons of the mixture to each foil cupcake liner.
  • Top with the fruit, berries, or other desired toppings. (I went with cashews)
  • Stick the full muffin/cupcake tin in the fridge for about 20 minutes, or until the chocolate has set and is firm.
  • Indulge!
PS: Storing should be done in the fridge, or else these delicious goodies will melt!

Craving More?
If you love this recipe, you'll love all of my favorite recipes! They all possess the same theme - comfort food, healthified.  Most of my recipe inspiration comes from Pinterest, and winds up on my Nutrish & Delish board and Facebook page, so go ahead and follow me for the latest additions! 


Monday, March 25, 2013

Your Top Questions About Cooking, Weight Loss & Fitness Answered!



Hey everyone! Since today is my one-year “bloggerversary” I’ve decided to feature a unique post, answering the most common questions I’ve received about cooking, weight loss, fitness, and everything in-between! If you’ve contacted me before, you know that I love hearing from you. If you haven’t, don’t be a stranger – I love hearing from you guys!

Question #1:
How did you learn how to make comfort food healthy?

After reaching 251 pounds, I realized I had to make a huge lifestyle change. I knew that I would NEVER be the girl who loved eating the stereotypical “health” foods, so I knew to be successful in my weight loss, I had to find a way to healthify all of my unhealthy favorites: Trial and error is my best friend! At first, I started with simple substitutions (Egg Beaters® instead of regular eggs, Splenda® instead of Sugar, etc.) but once I got comfortable with the idea of cooking, I got a bit more adventurous! The most important advice I can give is to not be afraid of food/ingredient combinations – once you give in to the idea of being open, everything else is easy-peasy!

Question #2:
Do you still struggle with your weight?

Every single day! Sure, there are days where I’d love to hit up every fast food restaurant I drive by, but I don’t; and not because the food isn’t tasty, but because it really doesn’t do much for me. For example, I could go to Taco Bell and scarf down 1500 calories, but I’d be hungry again in a few hours, and I’d feel miserable. Instead, I’ll whip up an awesome Taco casserole that I’ve healthified, and feel full all night for a fraction of the calories! I may even have room for dessert ;)

Question #3:
What advice would you give to someone who is just starting their weight loss journey?

Take it slow. This isn’t a race, this is your life. Whether you’re a size 12 or a size 20, you’re not going to reach your goal weight by the end of the week – or even the end of the month! So, why kill yourself at the gym or deprive yourself in the kitchen? All you’ll do is get burnt out and revert back to your old ways. Here’s what you need to do: make a plan (a realistic plan) and stick with it! I love 10-day goals. Here’s an example: In the next 10 days, I’ll work out 5 times, have no more than 3 cheat meals, and try 2 new recipes. Give that a shot, and you’re much more likely to succeed!

Question #4:
What’s the best substitute for heavy cream?

Greek yogurt and seasonings! I’d be lying if I said that plain Greek yogurt was delicious – it’s not. When I’m making Alfredo sauce or any other cream based dish, I always turn to Greek yogurt, but I add my own signature mixture of spices to give it awesome flavor.

Question #5:
I do fine with meals, but I snack all day – how do I get that under control?

Who said snacking was a problem?! It isn’t! Eating the right snacks does great things for your body, including giving you a metabolism boost. I’m not saying you should much on Cheetos and Twinkies all day, but keeping a stash of almonds, fruit, or raw veggies around will only help you on your weight loss journey. Keep that in mind the next time you shame yourself for snacking!

Question #6:
Where do you find cooking inspiration?

99.9% of my recipes come from Pinterest! What can I say, I’m pin-happy. In addition to recipes, I also find workouts and fitness tips on there too. If you haven’t started following me yet, you’re missing out!

Question #7:
I know I should eat healthy, but what about beverages? I get tired of drinking water with everything.

I do too! I drink apple flavored green tea almost every morning, and I love it. Plus, it’s a natural antioxidant and energy booster! Try it!

Many Thanks
It’s been a year, and I’ve fallen in love with blogging. I love the support that I’ve gotten from my family, friends, and followers. From the bottom of my heart, thank you all so much!

Chicken Florentine - Skinny Style

It's no secret that I love pasta bakes and Italian food! What I don't love are the calories and fats that come along with it... A few weeks ago, I got to thinking about one of my favorite dishes, Chicken Florentine, and ways to make it healthy. Here's what I came up with:

PS: This dish ROCKS! You're welcome ;)



Here's What You'll Need:
  • 16 oz. Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast (Low Fat & Low Sodium Canned Chicken Works too!)
  • 6 oz. Frozen Spinach, Thawed - Be Sure to Squeeze the Spinach to Remove as Much Liquid as Possible.
  • 2-3 Large Cloves of Garlic, Minced 
  • 1 Tbsp. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 2 Tbsp. Whole Wheat Flour
  • 1 Tbsp. Lemon Juice
  • 1 14.5 oz. Can of Salt-Free & Low Fat Chicken Broth
  • 1 Tsp. Nutmeg
  • 2 Tsp Dried Oregano
  • 1 Tbsp. Black Pepper
  • 1 Tsp. Italian Seasoning
  • 1 Cup Part Skim Ricotta Cheese
  • 6 oz. Cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
  • 8oz. Whole Grain Pasta - Spirals are my Fave, but Bow Tie Pasta Works Great too!
 Here's What You'll Do:

  • To begin, cube up your chicken breast into bite sized pieces (skip this step if you opted for canned chicken). Once cubed to perfection, cook the chicken in a skillet. While you’re doing that, cook your pasta according to the package instructions.
  • In a separate bowl, you’ll combine the ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, and spinach. Mix everything up until a smooth consistency is achieved.
  • In a large pot, heat olive oil. Add whole wheat flour to pot, and whisk for 30-seconds.
  • After whisking, add in your chicken broth, and stir until thickened – usually between 2-3 minutes. Then, you can add in your lemon juice, garlic, and seasonings (nutmeg, pepper, Italian seasoning, and oregano). Bring mixture to a simmer.
  • Remove from heat, then add the blended cheese mixture from step 2, as well as the cooked and cubed chicken, and boiled pasta.
  • Stir everything to ensure the noodles and chicken are evenly coated.
  • Transfer everything to a greased 9x13 casserole dish.
  • Bake for 30 minutes at 375 degrees.
  • Enjoy!!
Craving More?
Find more healthy recipes, workouts, and fun fitness tips on my Nutrish & Delish Pinterest board!

Follow Me on Pinterest

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Skinny Fettuccine Alfredo

Nothing screams "comfort food" like a piping hot plate of fettuccine Alfredo, right?! It's no secret that pasta with cream sauce is my absolute fave - in fact, it was a "danger dish" that played a huge role in my reaching 251 pounds. Now that I've embraced a much healthier lifestyle, and deliciously healthy cooking habits, I've found a way to make that "danger dish" a guilt-free treat - you're welcome! :)

Here's What You'll Need
(8 oz. Serving)
  • 2/3 Cup Plain Greek Yogurt
  • 6 oz. Low Sodium Chicken Broth
  • 1/3 Cup Part Skim Ricotta Cheese
  • 2 TBS. Parmesan Cheese
  • 1 TBS Neufchatel (Light cream cheese may be used as a substitution)
  • 2 Tsp. Olive Oil
  • 1/4 Cup Chopped Green Onions
  • 2 Garlic Cloves, Minced
  • All Your Favorite Seasonings! (I love garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, basil, oregano, etc.)

Let's Get Started!
Whipping up this sauce has never been easier - seriously! While you've got your pasta boiling, combine all ingredients in a medium sized sauce pan. Cook over medium heat, until desired temperature is reached. As you cook, stir occasionally. In a matter of minutes, you'll have a deliciously sinless, and oh-so-creamy, pasta dish on your stove top. The best part? Nobody will taste the difference! Give it a try, and see for yourself - Happy Cooking!

Follow Me on PinterestIf you like this recipe, than you'll love all of my favorite recipes! Of course, all of my healthy cooking inspiration comes from Pinterest, and winds up on my Nutrish & Delish board; so be sure to follow me!





Monday, February 18, 2013

Healthy Snacking: 101

Everyday, I get several emails from readers asking me about the specific types of snacks I ate while I was losing weight. I always reply with the same types of answers, but since this is such a hot topic for my fans, I figured I'd take it one step further, by providing you with a crash course in snacking. Welcome to Healthy Snacking: 101!

Get Real About Snacking
Like I always tell people, I didn't get to be 100 pounds overweight because I hate food... I got that way because food rocks! I love to eat, and I'm not shy about it. I've seen those sites that tell you to spend your days snacking on things like homemade oatmeal balls or lemon water, and I just don't find that to be realistic. Every snack featured on my list is simple to get your hands on, totally delicious, and designed to curb your cravings!

The Top 25

  1. Blueberries with a Dollop of Fat Free/Sugar Free Cool Whip
  2. Dark Chocolate
  3. Almonds
  4. Special K Cereal Bars
  5. Low Fat String Cheese
  6. A Bowl of Cereal – Sorry, but Sugary Cereals Don’t Count! Think Crispix or Corn Flakes!
  7. Hard boiled eggs
  8. Sliced Tomatoes with Sea Salt & Cracked Pepper
  9. Cranberry Juice
  10. Laughing Cow Cheese Wedges with Cucumbers
  11. Pretzel Sticks with Peanut Butter
  12. Heavenly & Healthy Everything Dip
  13. Sugar Free Jell-O
  14. Watermelon
  15. Animal Crackers
  16. Yogurt Coated Pretzels
  17. Yogurt Parfaits
  18. Low Fat Graham Crackers
  19. Fig Newtons
  20. Whole Wheat Toast with Sugar Free Jam
  21. Sugar Free Popsicles
  22. Blue Bunny Sweet Freedom Double Strawberry Ice Cream
  23. Fresh Fruit Sorbet
  24. Low Sodium Beef Jerky
  25. Sugar Free Lifesavers

By combining these snacks with a healthy workout routine and balanced meals, you'll be able to take your health to a whole new level! Happy Snacking! :)
Follow Me on Pinterest 
Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...