Category: anti-inflammatory

Filipino “Melon” Chilled Cantaloupe Drink

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It’s been very hot here in southern CA so all I’ve been craving are salads, fruits and cold drinks! This recipe is a favorite of mine and a traditional drink served in the Philippines during their hot humid days. It’s super simple to make and very refreshing. The hint of sugar is very mild so it definitely quenches your thirst. Plus, you get a little treat of cantaloupe meat at the very end. Whip this drink up for your family and friends at your next get together!

 -Melanie

Health tips: Heart healthy, low carb, low fat, anti-inflammatory, kid friendly

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Kenan Family’s Italian Chicken & Spinach Pasta Salad

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My good friend Stacey had the girls over the other week to catch up and enjoy dinner together. She whipped us up a light, delicious salad that her mom always makes her. I fell in love with it and asked her if I could share it with you fine folks. This is super quick to make and is perfect for lunch or a light dinner. Salads don’t typically fill me up enough but this one is wholesome and very satisfying!

 -Melanie

Health tips: Heart healthy; low carb, diabetes friendly and anti-inflammatory (if pasta removed or wheat used); low fat

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Zucchini Quinoa Patties w/ Dill Cream

Mel and Tammy2 Comments

These wholesome little patties pack in so much flavor using simple ingredients, and they are carb/gluten free! You can enjoy them as a light snack or lunch, or alongside a lean protein for a healthy meal. The delicious dill cream adds a bright contrast to the savory patties. Hope you love them as much as my hubby and I did!

 -Mel

Health tips: Low fat, low carb, diabetes friendly, heart healthy, anti-inflammatory Read More »

Dilly Salt and Vinegar Cucumbers

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This is one of my, and also my nephew Aidon’s favorite, healthy snacks. And it seriously only takes 5 minutes to make. I found this recipe on the Recipe Book and More blog and adjusted a bit to decrease the salt and increase the dill. Enjoy that slightly salty, tart flavor of salt and vinegar chips with the brightness of dill, without all the carbs. It’s also very refreshing on a hot summer day!

 -Mel

Health tips: Anti-inflammatory, Low carb, low fat, heart healthy, diabetes friendly, kid friendlyRead More »

Garlic Lime Shrimp-Stuffed Avocado

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My hubby and I love shrimp tacos but sometimes we want a low-carb option. I created this recipe so that we can enjoy the rich, fresh flavors of shrimp tacos without the tortilla. They are so yummy! They are also a great recipe for the spring and summer seasons, light yet very tasty, especially with the creamy avocado scooped up with each bite!

 -Mel

Health tips: Low fat, heart healthy, low carb, anti-inflammatory, diabetes friendlyRead More »

Strawberry Spring Salad with Poppy Seed Vinaigrette

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My sisters and I spent Mother’s Day harvesting some fresh strawberries at beautiful Tanaka Farms in Irvine a few weeks ago. What a fun experience…only $6 per person, and you get a tour of the vast property on a hayride truck, and your own container for picking plump, sweet strawberries! I picked up this yummy recipe from their farm store and just had to try it. It’s the perfect salad for this spring!

 -Mel

Health tips: Low fat, heart healthy, low carb, anti-inflammatory, diabetes friendlyRead More »

Blueberry Power Muffins

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I definitely can’t call myself an expert at baking, although I’m trying to sharpen my skills as much as I can. Muffins and cupcakes though are some of the few baked goods I really enjoy making, it’s so easy and not very intimidating, they are just little palmfuls of love! I found the original recipe for these wonderful Power Muffins on Domesticated Academic and have been making them regularly ever since. It’s also one of the few baking recipes I’ve been able to experiment on with different ingredients while still keeping it delicious! I tweaked it a bit to reduce the fat even more. Enjoy these as a convenient and quick breakfast or snack!

 -Mel

Health tips: Low fat, anti-inflammatory, heart healthy, kid friendly

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Hummus 3 Ways!

Mel and Tammy4 Comments

My husband absolutely LOVES hummus and now that he knows how big of a batch we can make at half the cost of the store-bought kind, it’s a weekly routine for us! It’s such a wholesome snack and so satisfying, especially when eaten with veggies. My favorite basic hummus recipe comes from www.inspiredtaste.net. Very tasty, so simple to make and very fluffy. My sister-in-law Tammy and I also experimented with other variations using black and white beans. The basics of hummus are so easy that you can definitely make it your own!

 -Mel

Health tips: Low carb, low fat, anti-inflammatory, heart healthy, diabetes friendly

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Grilled Citrus Herb Halibut with Tomato Butter and Smashed Sweet Potato

Mel and Tammy1 Comment

This is one of my all-time favorite recipes. I came across the original recipe in Food & Wine magazine and just fell in love. It’s very light already, but I made a few alterations to make it even healthier. The combination of the citrus flavor with the tarragon is just divine, and that tomato butter just takes it over the top…plus it’s pretty easy. You’ll want to marinate for 2 hours so remember to prepare ahead! This bright dish is perfect for the spring and summer seasons!

 -Mel

Health tips: Low carb, low fat, anti-inflammatory, heart healthy, diabetes friendly

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Portobello Mushroom Pizza w/ Italian Sausage, Tomatoes and Kale

Mel and TammyLeave a comment

Ok, who doesn’t have pizza as one of their tops favorite foods? It is #1 on my list! But oh how we wish we could have it multiple times a week without feeling guilty! This portobello “crust” allows you to enjoy your favorite pizza toppings…mmmm cheese and meat… without the carbs. These are some of my favorite low-fat toppings, but you can definitely make it your own. It’s also a fun recipe you can make with your kids while giving them a good dose of veggies!

 -Mel

Health tips: Low carb, low fat, anti-inflammatory, heart healthy, kid friendly, diabetes friendly

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