Caprese Panini

My hubby has the week off and we’re heading to the beach. I over pack food and drinks. But I’d rather have too much than not enough! My kiddos requested the good ‘ol peanut butter and jelly sandwich, but I wanted a different kind of sandwich to enjoy, so I’m making a panini-a caprese panini….tomato, mozzarella, and basil.  If you don’t feel like PB & J, then make this!  Enjoy!

 -Tammy

Health tips:   kid-friendly, vegetarian

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Beet, Walnut, and Goat Cheese Salad

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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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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Warm Ravioli and Arugula Salad w/ Shallot Dijon Vinaigrette

This is one of my favorite recipes I found on eatingwell.com! It’s simple, clean and so very tasty. Yum Yum. You can enjoy the cozy flavor of ravioli but it’s also very light with the peppery arugula greens mixed in. Enjoy it as a potluck dish, a side, lunch or light dinner. Leftovers eaten cold the next day are delicious as well!

-Mel

Health tips: Low fat, vegetarian, heart healthy

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Simple Caramelized Onion and Mushroom Frittata

Fresh Sunday mornings, especially after a rainfall are just the best. They’re even better with a warm cup of coffee and a deliciously healthy breakfast to start off the day! I always make it a point to cook breakfast on these days off because I hardly get the time during the work week. Frittatas are one of my favorite things to cook in the morning because they are so simple and so flexible, you can throw in just about any vegetables you have left in the fridge. Here’s a recipe that was inspired by one that my Mama cooked me just recently!

-Mel

Health tips: Low fat, low carb, heart healthy

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Black Bean and Sweet Potato Protein Burgers with Spicy Lime Cream Spread

So it’s the summer right? The season of sun, BBQs, Sangrias and oh so sinful food LOL! Well I’ve done all that and then some, so to be able to get back into healthy eating with the start of this blog is so refreshing. We still have a couple of months of summer so now comes the opportunity to get back in shape, in time to show off those new bikinis and swim trunks! I discovered the original recipe for these burgers in an anti-inflammatory/rheumatoid arthritis meal plan and adjusted a few ingredients to further lower the calories and carbs.

-Mel

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

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