I hope everyone is having a great summer thus far. I know I am. So far my kids have been to vacation bible camp, finished up their t-ball season, and have recently started summer school.
My husband and I actually managed to get away for a day trip (just the two of us yay!!!)
We are looking forward to a family camping trip in Eastern Oregon and a long family road trip to northern California. This summer is going to be a fun filled one for sure.
One thing I am excited about this summer is trying out new recipes and finding new and healthy foods.
Lately I have become obsessed with a few different food items (snacks) Well, one is a drink really.
When it comes to eating healthy and counting calories snacks are a stumbling block for some people. There are so many snacks out there that are just plain bad for you. There are even some snacks that are marketed as being healthy but are really just fooling you.
In between meals you might feel a bit peckish and need a little boost. Here are few things I have found that are actually good for you and help you feel full in between meals
#1 Water
Yes, water is a great snack if you feel hungry. Drinking a large glass of water can really help curb your appetite. I, like many don't really care for straight water. I recently found this product: Twinings cold brew ice tea.
I have only tired the citrus twist flavor, but it is so good. I am excited to try the other flavors they have. If you are not a huge fan of plain water you have to try this. I don't really like the overly sweet flavors you get from the no sugar powdered drink mixes. So this is perfect for me.
#2 No sugar added fruit bars (real fruit)
Outshine no sugar added fruit bars
They are a great treat on these hot days and come in at only 25 calories. Can't beat that for a summer sweet treat.
#3 Plain air popped popcorn (in a paper bag in the microwave)
Popcorn is a great low calorie and low fat snack. It's also 100% whole grains as well
1 cup of plain air popped pop corn is only 30 calories.
I do about 1/8 of a cup of kernels (that makes about 2 or so cups popped)
Here's what I do: I take straight un-popped corn kernels and place them in a small brown paper bag
fold the bag over twice on the top and place in the microwave on high for about 1 minuted 45 seconds to 2 minutes.
The kernels will begin to pop about 30 seconds in. DON'T OVER MICROWAVE OR THEY WILL BURN
here's a video : How to make air popped popcorn in the microwave
I DON'T ADD ANY FLAVORINGS
(you can add seasonings if you wish. Just don't add oil or it won't be low cal any more)
Like I said earlier, I have been all about coming up with fun new recipes this summer.
Here is a new twist on great old recipe
DINNER RECIPE: Another recipe I have tried this summer is a twist on a taco salad.
My mom made a taco salad for a friends birthday recently and I loved it. She used tofu instead of beef (the friend is a vegetarian.) I really liked the tofu instead of beef.
Here's my take on a healthy and low calorie taco salad with citrus
Comes in at 357 calories
INGREDIENTS:
4 ounces of extra firm tofu cut into cubes(93 cals)
1 tsp taco seasoning (10 cals)
1/4 cup black beans (55 cals)
1/4 cup chopped red onion (16 cals)
0.7 oz medium cheddar cheese grated (77 cals)
2 cups ice burg salad mix (25 cals)
1 mandarin orange (40 cals)
1/4 of a small avocado (sliced) (36 cals)
1 TBSP sabra medium salsa (5 cals)
lemon juice to taste
DIRECTIONS:
Drain tofu and pat dry with a paper towel
brown tofu in a pan with a little cooking spray over medium heat
When tofu is browned add the taco seasoning
when tofu is cooked set aside and let cool
In a large bowl add the iceberg lettuce mix
black beans
onion
salsa
mandarin orange segments
and lemon juice ( I added quit a bit)
and grated cheese
and toss
add tofu on top when it has cooled
top the entire salad with the sliced avocado
*You can add corn if you like. I chose not to because I only like to eat one carb per meal and I already added black beans.
*This salad does not need any dressing.
The lemon juice and sweetness from The orange acts like a dressing on it's own.
plus the tofu has plenty of Mexican flavor (why cover that up with dressing)
Eating healthy and watching your calories is a great way to loose weight and stay trim. But that's not all. Getting your body moving with cardio and toning with weights is a key component to being fit.
Here's a few different workouts that I have done recently. These will keep you from getting board.
I hope you all continue to have a great and healthy summer.
Eat well, stay active, and in all things give thanks to the Lord.
For God only gave you one body to live. Treat it right and you will go far.
good job
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