Saturday, December 30, 2017

More Whole30 Prep: Flavor Boosters

Nom Nom Paleo + Whole30 by Michelle Tam http://nomnompaleo.com

More Whole30 Prep: Flavor Boosters by Michelle Tam / Nom Nom Paleo http://nomnompaleo.com

Ready for more Whole30 prep? Time to make some Whole30 flavor boosters!

The hardest part of cooking is getting started. That’s why I’m bugging you an entire day before your Whole30 begins, and urging you to make three fab condiments and umami-packed seasonings. Keep ’em on hand, and they’ll help you whip up quick, tasty, and healthy meals on demand!

Here’s the game plan for today’s Whole30 Prep: Make my Arugula Pesto, a jar of All-Purpose Stir-Fry Sauce, and a batch of Magic Mushroom Powder. Heck, you don’t even need to make the Magic Mushroom Powder, because starting on January 1, 2018, you can find it at all Whole Foods Market stores nationwide! (Look for the little tins at the butcher counter, spice aisle, or Asian food section!)

Click the pics below for the recipes:

ARUGULA PESTO

There’s nothing like a great Whole30 pesto. No cheese? No problem—especially when you can make a bright and tasty Arugula Pesto that hits all the right notes.

More Whole30 Prep: Flavor Boosters by Michelle Tam / Nom Nom Paleo http://nomnompaleo.com

Click here for the recipe for Arugula Pesto!

ALL-PURPOSE STIR-FRY SAUCE

Despite the catchy name, this isn’t just a stir-fry sauce—it’s also a Whole30 salad dressing, marinade, dipping sauce, and more!

More Whole30 Prep: Flavor Boosters by Michelle Tam / Nom Nom Paleo http://nomnompaleo.com

Click here for the recipe for All-Purpose Stir-Fry Sauce!

MAGIC MUSHROOM POWDER

This umami-packed seasoning salt is out of this world—it’ll magically transform your savory dishes from ho-hum to crazy-delicious. Even folks who don’t like the texture of mushrooms love my Magic Mushroom Powder!

More Whole30 Prep: Flavor Boosters by Michelle Tam / Nom Nom Paleo http://nomnompaleo.com

Click here for the recipe for Magic Mushroom Powder!

Not sure how long these flavor boosters will last? The pesto can be frozen in ice cube molds for several months (or kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days). The All-Purpose Stir-Fry Sauce is good for at least two weeks in the fridge (but it won’t last that long)! And the Magic Mushroom Powder will be stable on your counter in a sealed container for months. All three flavor boosters will quickly transform proteins and vegetables into lip-smacking dishes. Trust me: Make one or all three right now, because the few minutes you spend today will save you hours of prep time later. 

You may be wondering: Why am I featuring these three flavor boosters? Because I’ll be using ’em in some of the daily Whole30 recipes I’ll be sharing throughout the month of January 2018. (Yes, I’ll be posting on this blog EVERY SINGLE DAY IN JANUARY!) But don’t let that stop you from making the tons of other Whole30-friendly flavor boosters on my Recipe Index or in my cookbooksPick and choose a few more flavor boosters, and you’re virtually guaranteeing that your meals in January will never be bland or boring!

Whole30 Flavor boosters by Michelle Tam / Nom Nom Paleo http://nomnompaleo.com

Okay, gang—tomorrow’s Day 1, so if you missed my epic Whole30 Prep post, read it here. And don’t forget to check out my shopping guide over at the Whole Foods Market blog, too.

Then, stay tuned for tomorrow’s Whole30 Day 1 post—I’ll be sharing a new one-pan supper that’ll feature one of these Whole30 flavor boosters! (Hint: It’s the green one!)


A note to my Nomsters: This is one of a series of daily blog posts I’m writing in the month of January 2018 to help those doing a Whole30 to kick off the New Year. Not sure what the Whole30 is, or want info on how to get started? Read my Whole30 prep post—and then come back to Nom Nom Paleo every single day for recipes to inspire, delight, and sustain you on your Whole30!

And remember: Throughout January 2018, I’m partnering with Whole Foods Market nationwide! In all Whole Foods Market stores, you’ll find my personally curated Nom Nom Paleo Picks on the shelves, a rotating menu of ready-to-eat Nom Nom Paleo dishes in the hot bar, and even my famous Magic Mushroom Powder available for sale!

Nom Nom Paleo X Whole Foods Market by Michelle Tam / Nom Nom Paleo http://nomnompaleo.com


Looking for more recipe ideas? Head on over to my Recipe Index. You’ll also find exclusive recipes on my iPhone and iPad app, and in my cookbooks, Nom Nom Paleo: Food for Humans (Andrews McMeel Publishing 2013) and Ready or Not! (Andrews McMeel Publishing 2017)!

Recipe IndexNom Nom Paleo CookbooksNom Nom Paleo App

The post More Whole30 Prep: Flavor Boosters appeared first on Nom Nom Paleo®.


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Skinnytaste Meal Plan January 1 – 7

Skinnytaste Meal Plan January 1 - 7

To help you jump start your goals for 2018, I am sharing another free 7-day flexible meal plan including breakfast, lunch and dinner for the entire week as well as a shopping list! This also leaves room for you to add coffee, snacks, dessert, wine, etc.
To make it easy for you, we’ve included a more precise, organized grocery list that will make grocery shopping so much easier and much less stressful. Save you money and time. You’ll dine out less often, waste less food and you’ll have everything you need on hand to help keep you on track.

The details:

Breakfast and lunch Monday-Friday, are designed to serve 1 while dinners and all meals on Saturday and Sunday are designed to serve a family of 4. Some recipes make enough leftovers for two nights or lunch the next day. While we truly believe there is no one size fits all meal plan, we did our best to come up with something that appeals to a wide range of individuals. Everything is Weight Watchers friendly, I included the updated Weight Watcher Freestyle Points for your convenience, feel free to swap out any recipes you wish or just use this for inspiration!

The grocery list is comprehensive and includes everything you need to make all meals on the plan. I’ve even included brand recommendations of products I love and use often.

And last, but certainly not least, this meal plan is flexible and realistic. There’s plenty of wiggle room for cocktails, healthy snacks, dessert and dinner out. And if necessary, you can move some things around to make it work with your schedule. Please let me know if you’re using these plans, this will help me decide if I should continue sharing them!

Skinnytaste Meal Plan (January 1-January 7)

MONDAY (1/1)
B: 2 Broccoli and Cheese Mini Egg Omelets (1) with an apple (0)
L: Fiesta Bean Salad (4)
D: Turmeric Roasted Cauliflower Soup (5) with Mediterranean Bean Salad (1) over spiralized cucumber (0)

Totals: Smart Points 11, Calories 941

TUESDAY (½)
B: Broccoli and Cheese Mini Egg Omelets (1) with an apple (0)
L: Fiesta Bean Salad (4)
D: Turkey Chili Taco Soup (3) with 2 tablespoons reduced fat cheese (1) and 1 ounce (about 18) baked tortilla chips (3)

Totals: Smart Points 12, Calories 980

WEDNESDAY (1/3)
B: 6 ounces nonfat Greek yogurt (2) topped with 1 sliced banana (0), 2 tablespoons chopped pecans (3), and 1 teaspoon honey (1)
L: LEFTOVERS Turkey Chili Taco Soup (3) with 2 tablespoons reduced fat cheddar cheese (1)
D: Beef and Mushroom Ragu with Spaghetti Squash (4) with green salad and balsamic vinaigrette (3)*

Totals: Smart Points 17, Calories 938

THURSDAY (¼)
B: 6 ounces nonfat Greek yogurt (2) topped with 1 sliced banana (0), 2 tablespoons chopped pecans (3), and 1 teaspoon honey (1)
L: LEFTOVERS Turkey Chili Taco Soup (3) with 2 tablespoons reduced fat cheddar cheese (1)
D: Baked or Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan (4) with Quick Spiralized Zucchini and Grape Tomatoes (1) (recipe x 2)

Totals: Smart Points 15, Calories 874

FRIDAY (1/5)
B: 2 hard-boiled eggs (4) with 1 medium grapefruit (0)
L: LEFTOVERS Baked or Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan (4) with ½ cup baby carrots (0)
D: Broiled Miso Salmon (1) with Asian Chopped Salad with Sesame Soy Vinaigrette (4)
Totals: Smart Points 13, Calories 923

SATURDAY (1/6)
B: 4-Ingredient Flourless Banana Nut Pancakes (4) (recipe x 4) 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup (3) and an apple (0)
L: Tomato Tuna Melts (7) (recipe x 2) with ½ cup baby carrots (0)
D: DINNER OUT!
Totals: Smart Points 14, Calories 762

SUNDAY (1/7)
B: Berry Quinoa Breakfast Bowls (5) (recipe x 2)
L: Zesty Lime Shrimp and Avocado Salad (3)
D: Salisbury Steak Meatballs (5) with Creamy Cauliflower Puree (1) and Easy Garlic Broccolini (1)

Totals: Smart Points 15, Calories 812

(more…)


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Friday, December 29, 2017

Whole30 Prep

Nom Nom Paleo + Whole30 by Michelle Tam http://nomnompaleo.com

Today’s post is all about Whole30® prep—’cause I know some of you are kicking off the New Year with a clean eating bang!

Whole30 Prep by Michelle Tam / Nom Nom Paleo http://nomnompaleo.com

If you’re feeling run-down after the holidays, join the club. Even for committed Paleo eaters, December can feel like a series of food traps. Let’s face it: Every holiday party we attended was an orgy of sugar, and our collective face holes are sore from all the cookie-chomping and eggnog-guzzling. The trade-off for all that deliciousness and holiday cheer? Achy joints, bloating, and a foggy head (not to mention a bit of extra padding). Blargh.

Ready to turn the page on 2017 and hit the ground running in 2018? Then let’s start by being more mindful about the food we stick in our bellies!

For those of you who are embarking on a Whole30, I’ll help guide you along. Starting January 1st, I’ll be posting a Whole30-friendly Paleo recipe EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. Some will be culled from my extensive archive of Paleo recipes, while others will be dishes that are entirely new to my blog. (I’ve done this before, so if you’re feeling antsy, go check out my previous collections of Whole30 recipes.)

Whole30 Prep by Michelle Tam / Nom Nom Paleo http://nomnompaleo.com

Hang out with me this coming month, and I’ll fill your noggins with all sorts of tips and tricks for surviving a Whole30, and keep motivated as you figure out how different foods affect your health and well-being. In January, you won’t ever be left wondering what to cook or eat next. Sound good?

Cool. But before we jump into a January Whole30, let’s do a little prep.

WHAT’S A WHOLE30?

The Whole30 is a tried-and-true 30-day dietary reset that eliminates all the foods that could potentially mess you up big time. (Yes, that’s the scientific term.) Specifically—for a whole month, you commit to cutting out the bad-for-you stuff: the foods that are most commonly problematic, like sugar, dairy, grains, legumes, alcohol, or junk foods (even those made with “healthy” ingredients). Instead, you eat whole, nutrient-dense foods. For more information about the Whole30, go check out the program rules over here.

Whole30 Prep by Michelle Tam / Nom Nom Paleo http://nomnompaleo.com

I know what you’re thinking: Isn’t the Whole30 the same as eating Paleo? Well, yes and no. I pretty much eat according to the Whole30 rules most of the time, which is why the vast majority of the recipes on my Paleo Recipe Index are entirely Whole30-friendly. But in the broader world, the term “Paleo” has taken on meanings that don’t always align with my core approach of eating foods that are more healthful than harmful. For example, many Paleo eaters overindulge in “Paleo” treats, despite the fact that most sweets and psychological “crutch” foods—no matter how grain-free or “natural”—aren’t exactly healthy choices. When you’re on a Whole30, certain foods that may be seen as “Paleo-friendly” are out, so don’t even think about making “Paleo” pancakes or “Paleo” cupcakes this month!

Whole30 Prep by Michelle Tam / Nom Nom Paleo http://nomnompaleo.com

Not easy, I know. And yes, depending on what you’ve been eating up ’til now, it may take you a couple of weeks to adjust. But believe me: you will. And by Day 30, you’ll feel like a brand new person—and you’ll have a much better understanding of how different foods affect your wellness. You’ll be able to systematically reintroduce foods back into your diet to see how each of them makes you feel, which’ll help you develop your own nutritional blueprint post-January. Remember: you’re a special snowflake (just like everyone else!) so it’s important to learn what foods make you feel like a superhero.

Pretty awesome, right?

THIS SEEMS HARD. IS IT?

For some, yes: Sticking 100% to the Whole30’s program rules for 30 consecutive days will be a challenge. Frankly, for many folks, sticking to ANYTHING for an entire month is super-tough. But listen to Melissa Hartwig, the headmistress of Whole30:

Your only job during the Whole30 is to focus on making good food choices. You don’t need to weigh or measure, you don’t need to count calories, you don’t need to purchase everything organic, grass-fed, pastured, or local. Just figure out how to stick to the Whole30 rules in any setting, around every special circumstance, under any amount of stress… for 30 straight days. Your only job? Eat. Good. Food.

You can do this. Besides, it’s a Whole30, not a Whole365 or a WholeForeverAndEverAndEver. It’s just 30 days, and I’ll be helping you along each step of the way. What have you got to lose?

Whole30 Prep by Michelle Tam / Nom Nom Paleo http://nomnompaleo.com

To be honest, the biggest challenge you’ll face during a Whole30 is boring food. If you try to tackle a Whole30 by eating nothing but boiled chicken breasts and steamed broccoli, by Week 2, you’ll be waging a full-on assault on a donut shop. That would be illegal (and violate the Whole30’s program rules), so instead, follow along with me this January, and I’ll keep your palates tickled with dozens of flavor-forward, super satisfying, nutrient-packed dishes.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE WHOLE30!

Start by devouring everything on the Whole30 website. Want even more details? Get your hands on a copy of The Whole30—Dallas and Melissa Hartwigs’ bestselling tome that lays out the science behind this awesome dietary reset.

Whole30 Prep by Michelle Tam / Nom Nom Paleo http://nomnompaleo.com

If you’re a completist and avid reader, you should also pick up the other books by the Whole30 folks, too: The Whole30 Cookbook and The Whole30 Fast & Easy Cookbook (which includes recipes by a number of contributors—including me!). These recipe books are crammed with tasty, clean eats. In addition, Melissa just released Whole30 Day by Day, a daily handbook to keep you engaged, motivated, and accountable during your month of mindful eating. And finally, Food Freedom Forever will help you develop a personal dietary template that’ll last you well beyond your Whole30.

Whole30 Prep by Michelle Tam / Nom Nom Paleo http://nomnompaleo.com

GET INSPIRED!

It’s your lucky day: I’m a walking, talking Whole30 recipe generator.

For recipe inspiration and to whet your appetite, visit my free Recipe Index, which includes tons of step-by-step Whole30-friendly recipes. (Pro tip: For a complete list of my Whole30 recipes, scroll to the bottom of my Recipe Index page, and click on the Whole30 button. Or just bookmark this page!)

Whole30 Prep by Michelle Tam / Nom Nom Paleo http://nomnompaleo.com

You can subscribe to my free weekly email newsletter to stay up-to-date on new Whole30 and Paleo friendly recipes. And definitely follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest for all sorts of Whole30 goodness in January (and beyond), too!

Nom Nom Paleo on Instagram!

Next, go pick up my cookbooks, Nom Nom Paleo: Food for Humans and Ready or Not! 150+ Nomtastic Make-Ahead, Make-Over and Make-Now Recipes by Nom Nom Paleo. The vast majority of the recipes in their pages are entirely Whole30-friendly and 100% delicious.

Whole30 Prep by Michelle Tam / Nom Nom Paleo http://nomnompaleo.com

Oh, and if you like to check off the days of your Whole30 on a wall calendar, don’t forget to pick up my Ready or Not! 2018 companion calendar—it even comes with a sheet of inspirational stickers to keep you cooking! (And right now, it’s super-cheap!)

Whole30 Prep by Michelle Tam / Nom Nom Paleo http://nomnompaleo.com

If you’ve got an iPhone or iPad, download my completely revamped and updated, Webby Award-winning cookbook app, which contains over 160 (and counting!) step-by-step Whole30-approved recipes, a 30-day meal plan that takes you through breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and an entire section devoted to Whole30 dishes. Get the app here!

(Note: If you already own the app but recently updated your device or iOS, the app may look a little weird or glitchy—but there’s an easy solution: Completely delete the app off your device, and re-download it for free from the App Store. If you continue to have any problems, shoot me an email so I can help you troubleshoot, ’cause I want to make sure you can get cooking!)

Whole30 Prep by Michelle Tam / Nom Nom Paleo http://nomnompaleo.com

I’m by no means the only source for Whole30 recipe inspiration. Follow Whole30Recipes on Instagram, and check out all the wonderful Paleo recipe developers (including Melissa Joulwan, Michelle SmithJenn Bumb, and Teri Turner) who contribute to that feed. (Keep your eyes peeled: I’ll be taking over the Whole30Recipes IG feed for a week in January, too!)

GET SUPPORT!

In my experience, it’s infinitely better to do a Whole30 with others than to go it alone. Conscript your family, friends, and co-workers to join you on a monthlong challenge of healthy and adventuresome cooking and eating—and you can all help each other through it. You can coach and support your pals through the many ups and occasional downs, and best of all, you’ll never get bored with your food if everyone shares their Whole30 eats. Camaraderie, variety, and tasty noms are the order of the day!

Whole30 Prep by Michelle Tam / Nom Nom Paleo http://nomnompaleo.com

And if no one in your immediate circle is willing to accompany you on your January Whole30, REEVALUATE YOUR FRIENDSHIPS. (Kidding!) Then, visit the Whole30 Forum, where you’ll find free support from others who are on the same journey.

STOCK YOUR KITCHEN FOR SUCCESS!

Let’s start by tossing the crap from your kitchen and going grocery shopping. Looking for advice on what to buy? Go check out my recommendations on the Whole Foods Market website about how to stock your fridge, freezer, and pantry like a boss!

Whole30 Prep by Michelle Tam / Nom Nom Paleo http://nomnompaleo.com

Next: Stock up on kitchen tools! My books discuss the supplies I try to keep in my kitchen to make super-nomtastic grub, but if you’re just interested in the basics, here are the bare essentials you should have on hand (note: these are Amazon affiliate links!):

You’ll also find that I frequently use the following tools, too—they’re not essential, but they sure make cooking a lot easier and more pleasurable:

Whole30 Prep by Michelle Tam / Nom Nom Paleo http://nomnompaleo.com

And if you’ve got some holiday gift cards burning a hole in your pocket, this might be the perfect time to treat yourself to a new kitchen toy or two. (Check out my 2017 Holiday Gift Guide for my latest gadget picks—including my favorite Instant Pot models!)

COOK UP A STORM!

Most importantly: Cook! Trust me: It’s really, really hard to try to do a Whole30 without getting acquainted with your kitchen. The point of doing a Whole30 is to learn about how different foods affect you—and how can you possibly do that if you don’t know exactly what’s going into your mouth? As I said in Ready or Not!:

Knowing how to prep meals from scratch doesn’t just make you a more rounded individual or hearty survivalist—it makes you more mindful of the ingredients you’re putting in your body. By cooking at home, I know exactly what goes into my food. I never have to guess whether my dishes were cooked with ingredients that don’t sit well with me.

Whole30 Prep by Michelle Tam / Nom Nom Paleo http://nomnompaleo.com

Not sure how to get started in the kitchen? Definitely check out my cooking hacks on the Whole Foods Market blog. Then, grab my cookbooks, check out some Whole30 recipes for inspiration, and get cookin’!

Also, before I forget: Do you aspire to be a meal prepping maven? I have four weeks of meal plans and shopping lists in our new cookbook, Ready or Not! If you want ultimate flexibility and customizability, subscribe to Real Plans—the most amazing meal planning program around! Seriously. It’s the bee’s knees. There are even add-on recipe modules by yours truly, Nom Nom Paleo, and the Whole30, too! Check it out here!

Real Plans Meal Plans by Michelle Tam / Nom Nom Paleo http://nomnompaleo.com

MAKE ENOUGH FOR LEFTOVERS!

“Leftovers” is not a dirty word—especially if you know how to transform your extras into exciting new meals. My latest cookbook, Ready or Not!, includes a big section on leftover makeovers, so definitely grab a copy and bookmark the “Kinda Ready” chapter. Prefer to simply reheat the awesome dishes you couldn’t finish last night? That works, too, and is a fantastic way to stay sane on your Whole30 without feeling like you’re spending the entire month in the kitchen. So remember: don’t be afraid to make extra!

Whole30 Prep by Michelle Tam / Nom Nom Paleo http://nomnompaleo.com

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY…

I know: It’s not easy to cook up delicious, 100% Paleo and Whole30-friendly meals from scratch EVERY SINGLE DAY AND NIGHT. But here’s the thing: You don’t have to!

Throughout the month of January 2018, you’ll find a rotating menu of ready-to-eat Nom Nom Paleo dishes in the hot bar in all Whole Foods Market stores in the United States! These meals—all curated from my latest cookbook, Ready or Not! 

Whole30 Prep by Michelle Tam / Nom Nom Paleo http://nomnompaleo.com

Okay, enough chit-chat. It’s time to gear up for an awesome January! As I’ve said before, keep your kitchen adventures fun and your taste buds excited, and you’ll cruise through the Whole30. Make this journey a nomtastic one, and it’ll become a life-altering change that you can sustain for the long haul.

Ready to go? I’m all about hand-holding, encouragement, and most importantly, PEER PRESSURE—so find a buddy to take the plunge with you, and let’s do this thing!

P.S. Got questions for me or tips for your fellow Whole30 participants? Please post ’em in the comments!


A note to my Nomsters: This is one of a series of daily blog posts I’m writing in the month of January 2018 to help those doing a Whole30 to kick off the New Year. Come back to Nom Nom Paleo every single day for recipes to inspire, delight, and sustain you on your Whole30!

Throughout January, I’m partnering with Whole Foods Market! As part of this sponsorship, in Whole Foods Market stores nationwide, you’ll find my personally curated Nom Nom Paleo Picks on the shelves, a rotating menu of ready-to-eat Nom Nom Paleo dishes in the hot bar, and even my Magic Mushroom Powder available for sale!

Nom Nom Paleo X Whole Foods Market by Michelle Tam / Nom Nom Paleo http://nomnompaleo.com


Looking for more recipe ideas? Head on over to my Recipe Index. You’ll also find exclusive recipes on my iPhone and iPad app, and in my cookbooks, Nom Nom Paleo: Food for Humans (Andrews McMeel Publishing 2013) and Ready or Not! (Andrews McMeel Publishing 2017)!

Recipe IndexNom Nom Paleo CookbooksNom Nom Paleo App

The post Whole30 Prep appeared first on Nom Nom Paleo®.


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Top 25 Most Popular Skinnytaste Recipes 2017

Top 25 Most Popular Skinnytaste Recipes 2017

I hope everyone had a wonderful Holiday week! We were away in Pennsylvania and we all got sick at the same time, so I’m a little late this year compiling my “Best Of” list for 2017. These are the most visited recipes posted in 2017 according to google analytics.

My favorite time of the year, looking back and reflecting on these past twelve months. Thank you for allowing me to share what I love every single day! I’m extremely grateful for all of you, your comments, sharing your photos on social media, getting inspiring emails from so many of you – this has always been my WHY and the reason I loved this little hobby that turned into a full time career.

It was a delicious year, to say the least! I’ve also shared links to my most popular posts from previous years, so if you are new to Skinnytaste or just want to start cooking more in 2018, these 25 recipes are a great place to start! Here’s to making 2018 a tasty, healthy year!

Top 25 Most Popular Recipe 2016
Top 25 Most Popular Recipes 2015
Top 25 Most Popular Recipes 2014
Top 25 Most Popular Recipes 2013
Top 25 Skinny Recipes 2012
Top 20 Skinnytaste Recipes 2011
Top 20 Skinnytaste Recipes 2010

Top Recipes Posted in 2017

1. Unstuffed Cabbage Bowls

Quick and easy stuffed cabbage – without all the work! I love stuffed cabbage, it reminds me of my childhood (a staple in my home growing up), but they can be a bit time consuming. I came up with the idea to chop the cabbage and turn them into bowls instead and they came out so good! My husband RAVED, these are a keeper.

2. Instant Pot Chunky Beef Cabbage and Tomato Soup

Ground beef, cabbage, vegetables and tomatoes, this is the perfect soup to clean out your fridge! And it's super easy to make.

3. Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Cauliflower Soup

Creamy, dairy-free and dee-lish thanks to roasting the vegetables which adds so much flavor and depth! Topped with more roasted vegetables for texture, it's both filling yet light.

4. Roasted Cauliflower Rice with Garlic and Lemon

I love cauliflower "rice", and I love roasted cauliflower so I combined the two to make this easy low-carb side dish that goes great with just about anything from chicken, to steak or fish.

5. 4-Ingredient Flourless Banana Nut Pancakes

EASY, good-for-you pancakes, loaded with heart-healthy nuts, banana and oats, plus a whole egg – a powerhouse of nutrition. Made with only FOUR ingredients, perfect to make anytime you need to whip up a quick breakfast, and a perfect way to use up those ripe bananas.

6. Instant Pot Picadillo

Picadillo is the most requested dish by my kids and it's so easy to make. We love it served over brown rice (or cauliflower rice) with this quick cabbage slaw or a salad on the side.

7. Zucchini Rollatini

Zucchini Rollatini is low-carb and delicious! Made with strips of grilled zucchini stuffed with a basil-cheese filling, then rolled and topped with marinara, mozzarella and baked in the oven until the cheese is hot and melted.

8. Sloppy Joe Baked Sweet Potatoes

Swapping bread for sweet potatoes makes eating a Sloppy Joe so much healthier!

9. Skillet Cheesy Chicken and Veggie Rice

Skillet Cheesy Chicken and Veggie "Rice" made with riced broccoli and cauliflower, sauteed chicken and cheddar cheese. I whipped this up for dinner the other night and my daughter loved it! It's so fast and easy to make I knew I had to share.

10. Mini Bell Pepper Loaded Turkey Nachos

Loaded mini bell pepper nachos – game changer!! These low-carb nachos are loaded with turkey taco meat, cheese and all your favorite nacho toppings!

11. Enchiladas Verdes

Traditional Mexican green chicken enchiladas, made lighter than the typical restaurant dish served throughout the US. Made with white corn tortillas, poached chicken breasts and a light coating of queso fresco, this dish is satisfying but won’t weigh you down.

12. Sheet Pan Balsamic Herb Chicken and Veggies

am I the only one obsessed with sheet-pan dinners? I mean, what’s easier than tossing everything with balsamic and herbs and throwing it in the oven for 20 minutes!

13. Cajun Shrimp in Foil

Cajun Shrimp foil packets are so easy to make, anyone can do it! Spicy shrimp seasoned with Cajun spices, Andouille sausage, and rainbow colored vegetables are baked together in foil pouches. They are fast and easy to make, and can be made ahead and kept in your freezer. When you're ready to cook them, just pop them in the oven – perfect for busy weeknights!

14. Enchilada Chicken Roll Ups

Chicken breasts on their own can be a bit boring. Roll ‘em up with cheese and green chilis, smother them in enchilada sauce and more cheese and now you’re talking. These Roll-Ups give you authentic enchilada flavor without all the work, calories or fat. And you won’t even miss the tortillas!

15. Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala with Cauliflower and Peas

I've created a lightened up, dairy-free Chicken Tikka Masala with Cauliflower and Peas in the Instant Pot to satisfy my craving for Indian food! This mild curry is made with boneless chicken thighs cooked in a tomato base, with lots of spices and coconut milk. You can serve this with garlic naan or basmati rice on the side (cauliflower rice would work too to keep it low carb!)

16. Turmeric Roasted Cauliflower Soup

Roasting cauliflower enhances the flavors in this delicious, healthy soup. If you haven't jumped on the turmeric bandwagon yet, this soup is a great place to start! I like to reserve some of the roasted cauliflower as a garnish for the soup.

17. Cheesy Baked Penne with Roasted Veggies

Penne baked with cheese, sauce and loaded with healthy vegetables in every bite. Roasted zucchini, red bell peppers, asparagus, red onion and fennel are tossed with balsamic and herbs then roasted for the best tasting meatless baked pasta dish EVER!

18. Turkey Enchilada Stuffed Poblanos Rellenos

These baked Turkey Enchilada Stuffed Poblanos Rellenos are stuffed with a flavorful ground turkey filling, topped with my homemade enchilada sauce and cheese. These are so much lighter than restaurant chile rellenos which are typically battered in egg and deep fried.

19. Pumpkin Mac and Cheese with Roasted Veggies

It's October, so Pumpkin Mac and Cheese with Roasted Cauliflower and Brussels Sprouts is a must for the Fall! Using pumpkin puree makes a creamy light cheese sauce, without having to add cream or too much cheese. You can make your own pumpkin puree or use organic canned pumpkin to make it faster!

20. Skillet Cauliflower “Arroz” Con Pollo

Skillet Cauliflower "Arroz" Con Pollo (Spanish chicken and rice) uses cauliflower rice as a low-carb swap, which means larger portions with 85% less calories than rice!

21. Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meat Sauce

Instant Pot One-Pot Spaghetti with Meat Sauce

22. Balsamic Roasted Veggie and White Bean Pasta

One bite of this Balsamic Roasted Veggie and White Bean Pasta and you'll want to make it all summer long! Roasted zucchini, yellow squash, mushrooms, peppers, and broccoli – loaded with veggies in every bite and finished with pesto and white beans. This is SO good, and picky husband approved!

23. Baked Shrimp Taquitos

Baked Shrimp Taquitos are so much lighter and healthier than frying, and they come out perfect and crisp! The shrimp filling is SO good you'll be tempted to eat it before you roll them up. I plan on making the filling again to use for shrimp tacos this week!

24. Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

It doesn't get much better than a low-carb, Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed in a Portobello Mushroom! Steak and mushrooms work so well together, so why not make stuff them with this cheesy deliciousness!

25. Instant Pot Chipotle Chicken Bowls with Cilantro Lime Quinoa

These Chipotle Chicken Bowls with Cilantro Lime Quinoa are so easy to make and have tons of flavor! I like to make them with chicken thighs but if you prefer white meat, chicken breast would work too. Extra limes for squeezing on top are recommended!


from Tumblr http://vincentpennington.tumblr.com/post/169087080969

Don’t Make These Goal-Setting Mistakes

Are you sick of hearing about resolutions yet? Too bad, because I’m not! via GIPHY Now, if you’re as into seeing the New Year as an awesome opportunity to start living a healthier, happier life as I am, you’re in the right place. Because regardless of the resolution itself, there are a few really common mistakes many people make when setting them — and I’m super psyched to give you the scoop on what those mistakes are as well as how to avoid ’em. Mistake 1: You only look at the big picture. via GIPHY The big picture is great, and …

The post Don’t Make These Goal-Setting Mistakes appeared first on Fit Bottomed Girls.


from Tumblr http://vincentpennington.tumblr.com/post/169071617939

Thursday, December 28, 2017

Beef and Mushroom Ragu with Spaghetti Squash

I swapped traditional pasta for roasted spaghetti squash to enjoy this cozy and delicious Beef and Mushroom Ragu served with a dollop of ricotta and grated Pecorino Romano – you won't miss the pasta!

I swapped traditional pasta for roasted spaghetti squash to enjoy this cozy and delicious Beef and Mushroom Ragu served with a dallop of ricotta and grated Pecorino Romano –  you won’t miss the pasta!

I swapped traditional pasta for roasted spaghetti squash to enjoy this cozy and delicious Beef and Mushroom Ragu served with a dollop of ricotta and grated Pecorino Romano – you won't miss the pasta!

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from Tumblr http://vincentpennington.tumblr.com/post/169039879359

The One Resolution You Shouldn’t Overlook

resolution varidesk

This post is sponsored by VARIDESK. Find more on our sponsored post policy here. As the end of the year approaches, I find myself surrounded by people making incredible commitments to their health. They’re going to run marathons and swap the weekly pizza night for homemade kale and quinoa salads and, oh, do I want to join them for Dry January? (Erm, probably not, but thanks for asking.) I’m proud of these friends who know that they’re worth the effort it takes to be healthy. I will be their biggest cheerleader. via GIPHY But! I’m also over here, thinking … you guys …

The post The One Resolution You Shouldn’t Overlook appeared first on Fit Bottomed Girls.


from Tumblr http://vincentpennington.tumblr.com/post/169033900159

Wednesday, December 27, 2017

Free Webinar: Breaking Through the 3 Weight-Loss Blocks You Didn’t Know Were Holding You Back (But Totally Are)

Here’s a fact: you only know what you know. via GIPHY Here’s another one: you can’t know what you don’t know. via GIPHY And, guys, the stuff that you aren’t aware of may actually be holding you back from reaching your health and fitness goals — especially if you’re trying to drop pounds. WITHOUT YOU EVEN REALIZING IT. via GIPHY We know. But don’t worry; we’ll get through it together. via GIPHY Because we, along with our fave personal trainer Dave Smithhave put together a webinar busting the 3 weight-loss blocks you didn’t know were holding you back (but totally are). …

The post Free Webinar: Breaking Through the 3 Weight-Loss Blocks You Didn’t Know Were Holding You Back (But Totally Are) appeared first on Fit Bottomed Girls.


from Tumblr http://vincentpennington.tumblr.com/post/168996393609

Tuesday, December 26, 2017

Houston’s Couscous

This EASY and fresh couscous is so easy and tasty, and it goes with just about everything. You can serve it with fish, chicken, beef, lamb, or pork, or you can serve it as a meat-free and light main dish.

This EASY and fresh couscous is so easy and tasty, and it goes with just about everything. You can serve it with fish, chicken, beef, lamb, or pork, or you can serve it as a meat-free and light main dish.

This EASY and fresh couscous is so easy and tasty, and it goes with just about everything. You can serve it with fish, chicken, beef, lamb, or pork, or you can serve it as a meat-free and light main dish.

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from Tumblr http://vincentpennington.tumblr.com/post/168966229119