Lemony White Bean & Arugula Chicken Salad

I don’t think of myself as someone who would order just a salad at a restaurant or look for salad recipes as meals, but once in awhile I come across some really amazing ones that just hit the spot. Giada’s lemony white bean and arugula salad is one of my favorites. It’s so bright and fresh, and with my addition of shredded rotisserie chicken breast, it made for a satisfying and substantial dinner. I’ve been traveling quite a lot for work and eating many wonderful dinners out with my co-workers, so I was excited to get back into my healthy eating! Just a few more months until the summer!

 -Melanie

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

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Cheesy Taco Burger

Ever wonder what you can do with extra taco meat? This isn’t an exact recipe, but it’s a wonderful method for using extra taco meat in another reimagined meal. It’s still fairly light and very tasty, even your kids will love it! Sort of a mix between a burger and a sloppy Joe, but better. Plus, there is room to make it your own. Try it soon with your family!

 -Melanie

Health tips: Low fat, heart healthy, kid friendly

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Thai Basil Chicken with Cashews

I was also inspired by our good friend Crystal’s “Haters Not Allowed” healthy lifestyle Facebook group for this wonderful recipe. Skinnytaste.com is one of our favorite go-to sources for healthy recipes, so when I read that Crystal tried their Thai Basil Chicken and loved it I just had to try it myself. We both added some yummies to it to enhance it even more while still keeping it light. It’s wholesome enough with the added veggies and cashews that you won’t even feel like you need rice. Cheers to a fresh 2017!

 -Melanie

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

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Skinnytaste’s Skillet Chicken Cordon Bleu

I belong to a private group on Facebook that is comprised of women who are there to encourage each other through health, fitness, and food. My sister-in-law posted this recipe from Skinnytaste. I had all the ingredients on hand, so I thought I’d give it a try. I was NOT disappointed! I was super simple to make and tastes delicious! You will not be disappointed. Thank you Skinnytaste!

 -Tammy

Health tips: kid friendly, diabetes friendly

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Loaded Cauliflower Casserole

It’s so very hard to stay healthy during the holidays. However, I found a side dish recipe that inspired me! I modified it a bit, and I’m super happy with the results! If you feel the need to make a healthier side dish for your Christmas dinner, then make this! It hits all the same bells and whistles as a loaded baked potato, but much better for you! I’m excited to hear your thoughts. I’m going to make it for Christmas dinner!

 -Tammy

Health tips: diabetes-friendly, low carb

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Crispy Baked Rosemary Dijon Chicken

The amazing flavors of rosemary and Dijon mustard are some of my favorites, and it doesn’t take much to make magic. Plus, they are natural, low-fat ingredients! I was inspired by Ina Garten’s roasted mustard chicken thighs while watching the Food Network. I saw that she had dredged her chicken in Dijon as the binder which I thought was genius! It not only keeps the bread crumbs on but adds great flavor underneath. I use skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs to keep it light. Baking the breasts keeps it super moist too.  It’s one of my husband’s favorite chicken recipes and he says he doesn’t miss the fried version at all, especially with the crispy Panko!

 -Melanie

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

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Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

I love football season! This year I joined a fantasy league and let me tell you, it has brought so much joy to my life! And when I think about football, I think about food! Especially wings! You can find my baked wings-two ways here. I came up with an even healthier version to get my “buffalo fix” on…meatballs! Please make these next time you watch football! Go Broncos! 🙂

 -Tammy

Health tips:  kidney-friendly, diabetes friendly

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Stuffed Chicken Divan w/ Creamy Dijon Sauce

As you can probably already tell, my mom is a big inspiration for me as far as my love for food and cooking. Growing up, I remember her cooking a variety of dishes, Filipino, Italian, Asian…and the list goes on, and I was always there to help chop and prep. One of her signature potluck dishes is Chicken Divan. I love how creamy and cheesy it is, one of my favorites until now. Plus it’s low carb! This is my twist on it, transforming it from a casserole, to a dinner for two.

 -Melanie

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

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Chicken Kiev Meatballs

I don’t know where to start! I grew up eating Chicken Kiev. I LOVE it! We didn’t have it all the time, as it was considered one of those “fancy dinners”. And what’s not to love about chicken, garlic, butter, and parsley?!?! I hadn’t thought about it in years…until…I had a dream  that I made little meatballs out of them which got me on the Rachael Ray show! It was the best dream, EVER! Of course, I woke up and realized it was only a dream…however, that didn’t stop me from trying to come up with a recipe and make them! I am so, so proud of this one! Totally took me back to my childhood. I called my mom to tell her. Understandably so, she wants me to make them for her. I cannot wait for her and YOU ALL to try these too!

 -Tammy

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

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Citrus Soy Pork Chops with Onions and Peppers (Filipino Pork Bistek)

My mom made this super tasty and simple recipe for Dane and I while we were staying over my parents’ house, waiting for escrow on our new home. Well we finally moved in, and this is the first homemade recipe in my kitchen! This traditional Filipino recipe combines the savory flavor of soy sauce with the bright, tart flavor of citrus….soooo yummy. Marinating and slow cooking the onions in the sauce soaks up so much flavor as well. My mom adds sweet peppers as well which adds more flavor and color. I love to pair mine with nutritious roasted cauliflower!

 -Melanie

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

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