Clean Eating Concoctions

I have experienced another wonderful week. This does not mean it was without it's challenges. But as I face and overcome challenges, I know I am becoming stronger. I am feeling fit, healthy, and strong spiritually, physically, and mentally. I have been trying to be really conscientious about the goals and commitments I have made for this new year.  I really believe we are happier people when we make short and long term goals and stick with them! Consistency is key.

I am a foodie; I love to eat and lately I have been "Eating Clean" and you know what? It's fun. I try to eyeball my plate and see a meal that is 2/3rd's fruits/and or vegetable, a smaller portion of complex carbohydrate (brown rice, sweet potato, etc.) and 3-4 oz portion of lean protein. This gives me nutrition, staying power for work-outs(avoiding that 3:00pm crash) and happiness in my belly. The following are some of my creative concoctions:

     

To your left: Vegetarian Deliciousness! Simply Sauteed Baby Spinach w/sliced mushrooms in a little olive oil, seasoned w/Kosher salt, cracked black pepper, garlic powder. Accompanied w/ 1/2 an Avocado (loaded w/lots of fiber and the good fats) and ripe Cherry tomatoes w/salt, pepper and a drizzle of olive oil.

To the right is Grilled center cut Pork loin flavored w/kosher salt, garlic and pepper seasoning tossed w/ a little Thai Peanut sauce. A baked sweet potato topped w/cinnamon and nutmeg and some steamed broccoli - Can you say delish!

Fiber Packed Snack for 150 calories!

Featured above was simply a fresh pita topped w/ 2 tbs each of homemade hummus and Tabouli.  This was a 150 calories of Yum!

Hummus Recipe:

Ingredients

• 4 garlic cloves
• 2 cups canned chickpeas, drained, liquid reserved
• 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1/3 cup tahini (sesame paste)
• 6 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice (2 lemons)
• 2 tablespoons water or liquid from the chickpeas
• 8 dashes hot sauce

Directions

Turn on the food processor fitted with the steel blade and drop the garlic down the feed tube; process until it's minced. Add the rest of the ingredients to the food processor and process until the hummus is coarsely pureed. Taste, for seasoning, and serve chilled or at room temperature.

Tabouli Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 cup water
• 1 cup fine cracked wheat
• 1 cup minced fresh parsley leaves
• 1/2 cup minced fresh mint leaves
• 1/2 cup finely chopped yellow onion
• 3 tomatoes, diced
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice, or to taste
• 1 teaspoons sea salt

Directions

In a large mixing bowl, pour the water over the cracked wheat and cover, let stand about 20 minutes until wheat is tender and water is absorbed. Add the chopped herbs and vegetables and toss with the mix. Combine the oil, lemon juice, and salt in a separate bowl. Add to wheat mixture and mix well. Chill. Serve and enjoy.

Last but not least - my favorite smoothie of the week; "The Green Monster"; This one felt like I was drinking a dessert and it's loaded w/Spinach - Hello Popeye! and thank you Pinterest for this sweet find!:

Ingredients:
1 frozen sliced banana
1 Tablespoon peanut butter
1/2 cup 0% Vanilla Chobani Greek yogurt
1 cup Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Breeze (or other kind of milk)
4 cups baby spinach (or more, or less)

I add 1 tsp agave nectar and 1 scoop protein powder for a great pre or post work-out drink

Directions:

Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.

I leave you with one more little jewel I found: Dream big!