Healthy Summer Recipes

Hey everyone! Well, summer is here and you know what that means: patio dinners, picnics in the park and, of course, some tasty adult beverages. Now, before you start thinking that you can’t do ANY of this because you don’t want to blow your healthy eating plan, think again. I’m here to share my favorite healthy (and freaking amazing) summer dishes with you! So, sit back, enjoy, and start soaking in all of this summery goodness!

Grilled Steak & Chicken Kabobs – Oh my, I don’t quite have the words for these tasty treats, but let’s just say you can eat a few of them and not feel one ounce of guilt! This recipe is pretty easy, simply marinate/season your meat in your favorite flavor, slap it on a skewer with some yummy vegetables, cook until it’s done, and then voila! It’s done! But, for those of you who are like me and require a recipe to follow, check out this link:

Scallop Tacos – I don’t know about you, but I absolutely adore seafood and everything about it. So, what better way to enjoy it than by putting it in tacos, right?! Check out this recipe for scallop tacos; you won’t be disappointed!

Whole Grain Pasta Primavera – Just because I’ve lost 100 pounds doesn’t mean that I’ve lost my pasta cravings. Seriously, I eat pasta at every chance I get, and pride myself on my ability to make it healthy! At least two nights a week you can find me in the kitchen whipping up a healthy pasta creation that weighs in around 210 calories, but tastes every bit of 1700 calories. This whole grain pasta primavera recipe does exactly that! Pair this delicious dish with a side of fruit salad and a guilt-free cocktail, and you’ve got yourself the perfect little summer dinner!

Mini Sweet-Zza’s – Just because you’re eating healthy doesn’t mean you have to send your sweet tooth packing; embrace your sweet tooth! You’d be amazed at how easy it is to make your favorite calorie packed dessert into a healthy treat. These mini sweet-zza’s are no different; they take the idea of pizza and use it as inspiration for this healthy little snack. Serve these adorable little desserts at your next barbeque, and you’re sure to become everyone’s favorite host. 

Zucchini Parmesan Crisps – Hate eating your vegetables? Not anymore! These zucchini parmesan crisps make eating your vegetables so freaking good, you’ll swear you’re eating French fries. I never used to like zucchini until I discovered a way to make it taste like it’s been deep fried in oil and cheese. But, who can blame me?!

These are just a few of my favorite healthy summer recipes; if you want to find out more of my must have dishes, follow me on Pintrest, or check out my Nutrish & Delish board, here!

Happy Summer, Everyone!

The 5 Day Turkey, Berry & Yogurt Diet

If you’re like me, and every other woman on the face of this earth, you get a bit squeamish as swim suit season approaches. I don’t know about you guys, but, for me, trying on swim suits is one of the most horrifying experiences, ever!

Well, I certainly don’t have all the answers to make swim suit season more enjoyable, but I definitely have a way to help you shed a few pounds while promoting healthier eating habits for the future: The 5 Day Turkey, Berry & Yogurt Diet.

Sounds delicious right?! Yeah, it actually is! I mean, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t ready to head to the nearest forest to punch every turkey square in the face around day 3, but it worked like a charm, and the results are long lasting.

The Rules

Here’s what you do: for five days, all you’re eating is turkey, berries and yogurt. Now, there are some modifications allowed. For example, I added low fat, organic granola to my yogurt, and added spinach leaves and sun dried tomatoes to my turkey. This just made it less blah and made me feel like I was actually eating normal meals.

There are requirements about the turkey that MUST be followed in order for this to work. Your turkey has to be low fat (the lowest possible) and very low sodium. I’d highly recommend getting turkey that is cut fresh at the deli, rather than pre-packaged turkey in the lunch meat section; you’re going to have a lot more to choose from the deli, and they allow you to sample before you buy :)

As far as the berries go, there are no rules. Go crazy here! I used blackberries, but I think the next time I do it, I’ll add a medley of blueberries, blackberries and raspberries. For the yogurt, I used Yoplait LightVanilla Yogurt. As an added treat, I decided to combine the yogurt, berries and granola and eat them together as a parfait.

 How it Works

You’re probably wondering how this works, right? Well, all three of these ingredients provide your body with everything it needs, and nothing it doesn’t. Basically, you’re living on basic essentials, thus ridding your body of built up junk. Be sure to drink lots of water during this diet, as it will assist you in releasing toxins.

Also, I didn’t mention this earlier, but water is all you’re allowed to drink. No coffee, no diet soda and no juice… I know, I know… the thought of going without coffee is enough to drive me crazy too. But, just keep in mind the end results, and I promise, it’ll be totally worth it.

The Results

During this five day diet, I lost five pounds; which was so great, but that’s not even close to being the best part! The best part about this diet is the lasting results. By tricking your body into surviving on only the essentials for five days, you’re shrinking your stomach. This makes you feel fuller, quicker and puts a stop to overeating and binges.

Before starting this diet, I was eating around 1700 calories a day in order to feel full and satisfied. Since finishing the diet, I feel full after consuming only 1300 calories per day; that’s 400 calories a day, people!

I did this diet a couple weeks ago, and was waiting to blog about it so that I could get a real feel for the long term results. I can safely say that I am amazed by the results of this diet; it’s so great! I plan to do this diet once every 6-8 weeks to keep my body healthy, cleansed and satisfied.

Happy Swim Suit Season!