Category: lunch

Bacon, Lettuce, Avocado, and Tomato Spring Rolls

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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

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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 »

Quinoa Salad with Lime Vinaigrette

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Craving a different kind of salad? I cannot tell you how delicious this salad is.  And if you think you don’t like quinoa…you’re wrong! When you add the flavors of lime, cilantro, and avocado, along with the “poppy” texture from the quinoa, your mouth is going to explode!  If you are going to give quinoa a try, please make this! And the best part is that you can feel great about eating it!

 -Tammy

Health tips:  gluten free, vegetarian, 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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“El Diablo” Egg Salad Sandwich

Mel and Tammy3 Comments

On a recent trip from Philly, I stopped at the Denver airport and had the best egg salad sandwich I’ve ever tasted! The Woody Creek Bakery & Cafe dished up some very unique and tasty sandwiches…one of my favorites was the El Diablo Egg Salad sandwich which included fresh jalapeños, bacon and a chipotle spread all inside of a cheesy jalapeño bread. OMG! Here’s my take on this spicy deliciousness!

 -Mel

Health tips: Cheat mealRead 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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Spicy Cheesesteak-Stuffed Pepper

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Cheesesteak sandwiches are to die for! I was inspired by a recent trip to historic Philly and one of my favorite sandwich shops, Jersey Mike’s, for this recipe…A traditional Philly Cheesesteak is topped with Cheese Wiz, which is absolutely delicious…the common phrase for ordering is “wiz wit…and then you can add other toppings like mushrooms and peppers. But I actually prefer the smokey Provolone cheese version when making the recipe lighter and carb free. The Big Kahuna hot cheesesteak sandwich at Jersey Mike’s is also heavenly! What does it for me are the caramelized onions, mushrooms and jalapeños, then topped with gooey cheese, yum! Here’s my take on a low-carb version of this genius sandwich. The flavor is all there, just no evil bun!

 -Mel

Health tips: Low carb, heart healthy, diabetes friendly, kid friendlyRead 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 »

Sweet OR Savory Chicken Salad-Two Ways!

Mel and Tammy2 Comments

Our followers ask, and we answer! You would love a chicken salad recipe you say? Well here is my take on two of my favorites! Chicken salad two ways- sweet and savory! Try my chicken salad with apples, celery, and grapes OR my buffalo chicken salad! Both are a delicious, healthy lunch or snack! Make it for a party, make it for your lunch, or take it to go!

 -Tammy

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

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