Zucchini Quinoa Patties w/ Dill Cream

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

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 »

Bacon, Lettuce, Avocado, and Tomato Spring Rolls

Today was my first official day of summer break as a teacher! I now have the entire summer to focus on my favorite hobby. And that would be to cook…and eat! I looked in my kitchen to see what I can see. I saw bacon, lettuce, tomatoes, and avocado. But I didn’t want the bread, so I decided to make spring rolls with rice paper. When I went to the store, they didn’t have rice paper, but these soy papers. They worked equally as well!  They came in different colors, so it was really fun for my kids to eat. If you are looking for a snack, then make one per person, but if you want it for lunch, make two per person. Enjoy!

 -Tammy

Health tips:   kid-friendly, diabetes-friendly, low carb

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Garlic Lime Shrimp-Stuffed Avocado

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 »

Cheese Ball Stuffed Bell Peppers

Yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like….there are mini cheese balls stuffed inside these stuffed bell peppers! I know, I know, it’s a good one! Even my son said “Mom, you can’t say this recipe is ‘kid-friendly’, you should say it’s ‘kid-addicting’”. That’s how you know you made a great meal! Even if you already have your own favorite stuffed bell pepper recipe, make my mini cheese balls to stuff inside yours! You will thank me for it! Enjoy!

 -Tammy

Health tips:  kid-addicting, kid-friendly, kidney-friendly*, diabetes-friendly**

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Strawberry Spring Salad with Poppy Seed Vinaigrette

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 »

Pork Loin and Veggie Kebab with Garlic Lemon Marinade

We had a nice, warm day this spring week. I didn’t feel like cooking inside. And I definitely didn’t feel like eating a gut-busting meal either. With the warmers days ahead, I’ve been into lemons more than usual lately. That, and I’m lucky enough to have friends with lemons. J So I created a recipe that I am quickly becoming obsessed with; garlic lemon…it could be a quick marinade or the perfect vinaigrette! It’s perfect for poultry, pork, veggies, and salads. It’s so refreshing and adds the perfect amount of brightness to many dishes. If anything, make this marinade/ vinaigrette to keep on hand. Enjoy!

 –Tammy

Health tips:  low carb, diabetes friendly, kidney friendly

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Bacon Sriracha Deviled Eggs

Lots of BBQ’s and summer gatherings will soon be happening (if they’re not already). If you need a yummy appetizer to bring to your next gathering, try my Sriracha Bacon Deviled Eggs! We recently went to a giant gathering and these bad boys were gone in minutes! Deviled eggs with a little kick! Enjoy!

 -Tammy

Health tips:  low carb, diabetes friendly, kidney friendly

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Chicken with Cauliflower Alfredo

I’ve recently heard about cauliflower alfredo sauce. Sounds pretty temping, so I decided  to try and create my own. And it turned out really yummy! Your typical alfredo sauce is made up of mostly butter, cream, and parmesan cheese, which is oh, so delicious. I definitely couldn’t hit the same bells and whistles without adding the cheese, but the rest of it is pretty darn healthy! I decided to make chicken alfredo with it. I made zucchini noodles for myself and the hubby, but used whole wheat fettuccini for the kiddos. So if you are looking for a low-carb option, I say go with the zucchini noodles!

 -Tammy

Health tips:  gluten free*, diabetes friendly*

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Hummus 3 Ways!

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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