Category: anti-inflammatory

Chicken Piccata w/ Spaghetti Squash

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The lemony, buttery flavor of chicken piccata is one of my favorite Italian dishes, especially served with delicate angel hair pasta, yum! But unfortunately, we can’t indulge in all those carbs and butter as often as we would like, so I lightened up the dish using a lot less butter, and served it with spaghetti squash instead of pasta. This healthy variation is absolutely satisfying and the spaghetti squash adds a slightly sweet flavor that compliments the other bright flavors really well. Now you won’t have to limit yourself to chicken piccata to only once a year! =P

 -Mel

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

Parmesan-Crusted Spinach Artichoke Dip Chicken

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Here’s another delicious recipe that transforms a popular, indulgent appetizer into a low-carb alternative! And I swear, those low-fat Laughing Cow edges are my new obsession, especially when transforming a boring old chicken breast. The options are endless with all the flavors they come out with. You’ll be able to enjoy the flavors of that lovable spinach artichoke dip in this fun and easy recipe, without feeling as bad! Pair it with a vegetable side and you’ll feel even better!

 -Mel

Health tips: Low carb, heart healthy, diabetes friendly, kid friendly, anti-inflammatoryRead More »

Beet, Walnut, and Goat Cheese Salad

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Talk about a perfect mix of flavors! I love this beet, goat cheese, and walnut salad. This salad hits all the bells and whistles; it’s earthy, a little sweet from the beets, tangy, has crunch from the walnuts, has some creaminess from the goat cheese, and just has a unique flavor-not your typical salad! Plus, there are so many healthy benefits from eating beets!

Confession time- I used to hate beets! Until one day, I went to a restaurant to meet up with some friends. My friends were munching on a salad just like this recipe. I wanted to give it a try. Yup, explosion in my mouth! Who knew beets were so delicious! I went back to the same restaurant a few weeks ago and found out they do not serve that salad anymore. Bummer. So I did some searching a found this recipe. It could not be easier! And thank goodness, now I can have the salad whenever I want! And now you can have it whenever you want!

-Tammy

Health tips:  anti-inflammatory, kidney-friendly, diabetes-friendly, vegetarian

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Easy Cheesy Tomato Caprese Bites

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This super easy snack is one of my favorites! It only takes 3 ingredients to make and is ready in a jiffy. You can even share them as an appetizer for a get together or potluck. It’s very light, and satisfying at the same time…almost reminds me of a tiny low-carb pizza! =)

 -Mel

Health tips: Low fat, low carb, heart healthy, diabetes friendly, anti inflammatoryRead More »

Salmon with Lemon Almond Pesto

Mel and Tammy1 Comment

After coming from vacation where the family and I feasted, it felt wonderful to be able to cook a meal at home. Health, health, health was what I was going for, so salmon came to mind right away. I absolutely love pesto because it’s so fresh and versatile. It pairs so well with the rich flavor of salmon. Pesto means to pound or crush, and typically consists of basil, pine nuts, garlic, olive oil and parmesan cheese. You can make extra and use in other dishes like sandwiches and pasta too!

 -Mel

Health tips: Low fat, low carb, heart healthy, diabetes friendly, anti inflammatoryRead More »

Grilled Chicken Cordon Bleu Portobello Stack

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This is another one of my favorite Rachael Ray recipes, it’s a take on Chicken Cordon Bleu but prepared in a fun compact stack. Grilling all the individual components really adds such great flavor, and the combination of ingredients is perfect. And the addition of the light swiss cheese makes you feel like you’re indulging. This is such a simple, wholesome, satisfying meal!

 -Mel

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

Chicken Parmesan with Roasted Eggplant and Zucchini with Basil Vinaigrette

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I absolutely love Giada DeLaurentis’ new way of cooking…she does an amazing job at balancing those comforting Italian flavors with a clean, delicate and healthy touch. I found this light chicken parmesan recipe from her new cookbook Happy Cooking and it’s now a favorite of mine. The addition of fresh herbs in this recipe really makes it stand out. I modified a bit to lighten up some areas more. I paired it with roasted veggies that you often find in Italian cooking, tossed in a wonderfully bright basil vinaigrette.

 -Mel

Health tips: Low fat, low carb, heart healthy, diabetes friendly, anti inflammatoryRead More »

Slow Cooker White Bean, Chicken & Poblano Chili

Mel and Tammy2 Comments

I was inspired by the wonderful Rachael Ray for this delicious recipe. It’s a nice light change to the traditional tomato-based beef chilis, instead using white beans, chicken and poblano peppers for some kick. I cook it in the slow-cooker so I can set it and forget it, and then enjoy it on a cold night. So simple and comforting!

 -Mel

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

Fried Brussel Sprouts with Honey Sriracha Crema and Bacon

Mel and Tammy3 Comments

It’s hard to believe that Christmas is just a few days away… I can’t wait for all the goodies to devour! This side dish was inspired by a visit I had to BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse a couple months ago with some great friends as we “held court”(Our weekly meet up to catch up on the week and vent!). Brussel sprouts often get a bad wrap, but if they are so good for you! And, if you season and mix them up with just the right ingredients such as bacon, mayo and Sriracha, you can’t go wrong. You deserve a little indulgence if you eat your greens…Try this super easy and delicious recipe for your Christmas dinner!

 -Mel

Health tips: Diabetes-friendly, anti-inflammatory, low carb

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Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallow Streusel Crunch

Mel and TammyLeave a comment

I can’t believe the holidays are already here, and Thanksgiving just around the corner! It is definitely the time to indulge, but I actually think that there are many opportunities to share tasty dishes while also keeping it wholesome and healthy, especially with the season’s produce. Sweet potatoes are a favorite of many, and they are packed with vitamins and nutrients. Why not kick it up some and be a little bad since this glorious vegetable is so good!? Even if you’re not a big fan of sweet potatoes, this will change your mind! Share this dish with your family and friends this week!

-Mel

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

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