Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal

Pumpkin, pumpkin, “how do I love thee? Let me count the ways….” Yes, I’m obsessed with pumpkin! And it’s pumpkin season! If you are a pumpkin junkie like me, then you will “fall” for this pumpkin oatmeal recipe, inspired by Lisa Lillien (aka Hungry Girl). It’s filling, super healthy, and oh, so delectable!

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

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Sriracha Tofu and Veggie Stir Fry

Ok, you must be thinking…Tofu, why? Is it good? Yes, it’s really delicious, and good for you. If you’ve ever doubted tofu, this recipe will change your mind! For those new to tofu, it’s a solid, healthy, soy-milk based protein also known as bean curd. When fried, it gives you the substance and bite of something similar to a meat. My husband Dane absolutely loves this recipe because it’s full of flavor and frying up the tofu makes it crispy and so yummy. Hey, I know it’s frying, but you have to reward yourself since all these ingredients are so healthy right? =) This recipe is also very flexible, if you don’t like tofu, you can substitute it for a lean meat, and you can pretty much throw in any leftover veggies you have in the fridge.

-Mel

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

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Chicken Pot Pie Soup with Pie Crust Croutons

It rained yesterday! There was an actual chill in the air! You know what that means…comfort food season! My sister and I are going to take the recipes we all love and make them healthier. I’m starting off by taking a gut-busting food and turning it into a healthy soup. So when it gets a little chilly outside, make my chicken pot pie soup with pie crust croutons…it’ll warm your soul 🙂

 -Tammy

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

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7-Layer Mediterranean Dip

Oh I wish, I wish, I wish I would have thought of this one myself! It’s genius! If you like the flavors of Mediterranean food, you’ll love this layer dip! It’s super easy to make. I usually have all of these ingredients on hand, so when people come over, I am able to make it in just minutes. Thank you to Dara of Cookin’ Canuck for creating this brilliant recipe that I have used over and over again.

 -Tammy

Health tips:  diabetes-friendly*

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Lean-Green Burgers with Avocado Ranch

I have to thank one of my favorite people for this one…Rachael Ray! She made a burger on her show a few weeks ago. I had all the ingredients in my pantry and fridge, so I had to make them for my family.  And who doesn’t love a burger? Especially when you don’t have to feel guilty about eating it! They’re generally healthy already, so I didn’t need to make too many modifications. My kids usually like greens anyway, so I didn’t need to trick them. But what better way to get your kiddos to eat their vegetables?! So go ahead, eat your greens…cause they’re inside the burger!

-Tammy

Health tips:  diabetes-friendly, kidney-friendly*, kid-friendly, low-carb (if you eat it like I did, wrapped in lettuce)

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Blackened Grilled Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Crema

Time to get back into healthy eating! It’s gone back to being pretty hot here in So Cal, so I’ve been thinking back to the good ol’ summer days and cooking up some fresh and light meals. Oh believe me, I’m anxious for the Fall and sharing more cozy  meals, but whew we need some more rain and overcast days around here! Until then, here’s a delicious recipe for a grilled fish taco and light cilantro crema. Enjoy this along with our healthy Roasted Corn Salad as a side!

-Mel

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

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Spaghetti Squash with Sautéed Cherry Tomatoes and Italian Sausage Pan Sauce

Who doesn’t like a savory and hearty Italian dish, especially when it’s low carb? This recipe pairs traditional flavors of a Marinara sauce topped over nutritious spaghetti squash. It’s so satisfying since you get to indulge in that delicious Italian turkey sausage, yet very light with all the vegetables jam-packed with vitamins. Enjoy this cozy meal this Fall!

-Mel

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

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Shrimp Ceviche

We were invited to a friend’s house for football this past Sunday. I wanted to bring something that didn’t require cooking (it was a HOT day). So I decided to make my refreshing shrimp ceviche. It comes together quite fast and couldn’t’ be simpler to make. But make sure you make it at least 4 hours ahead, or even better, the night before. And when I have my shrimp ceviche, I’m going to want a Michelada to go with it! So make a Michelada with this one my friends! CHEERS!

-Tammy

Health tips:  Heart healthy, kidney friendly, diabetes friendly, low carb

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Kick-It-Up-A-Notch Caesar Salad with Parmesan Crisps

As we close with the last few weeks of summer, I decided to make a healthier version of Caesar salad. My hubby and I recently had our 10 year anniversary. We went out to dinner to a new restaurant and had a delicious Caesar salad. But what made it so special was that it had fried capers and little pieces of prosciutto in the salad! Those two extra ingredients really made the salad unique! As soon as I had it, I knew I had to re-make it into a healthier version by using my favorite go-to salad dressing. It’s made with yogurt! It’s low in calories, fat, sodium, sugar, has no preservatives, and has no artificial colors or flavors. You can find it in the refrigerated section in the produce department. Make your own whole grain croutons, if possible. I highly suggest it! (recipe to follow soon) And for a little extra indulgence, make my Parmesan crisps. So go ahead, have a Caesar salad without the guilt!

-Tammy

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

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