Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Guilt-Free Food for Thought

Especially on a busy school or work day, it can be very tempting to swing by a fast food restaurant and pick up some delicious but not so healthy items -- I am the worst about that! Being from the South, I love caloric comfort food, like a big bowl of mashed potatoes or a greasy cheeseburger from Highway 55. 

One thing I am really going to try to do once I move to my new apartment and start living on my own is plan out my meals. Of course, you have to splurge every once in awhile, but by planning out healthy and easy recipes (the crockpot can be your friend), you'll be much less tempted to stop in at the drive-thru. 

I always peruse Pinterest to find delicious and fun meals. There are so many recipes that the options are endless. Though I have my fair share of saved recipes that are not on the healthy end, here are a few (some that I have already tried myself!) that will keep you eating guilt-free!


From "She Wears Many Hats:" Sauteed Green Beans
I can't wait to try this recipe. I absolutely love sauteed green beans -- healthy and delicious!


Sesame Sautéed Green Beans
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons sesame oil
4 cups green beans, washed dried, ends snapped (~ 12 oz. in weight)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon soy sauce
Instructions:
1. In a saute pan or skillet heat the olive oil and sesame oil over medium/medium-high heat.
2. Add green beans, stir to coat with oil.
3. Add all other ingredients, stir to coat beans well.
4. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally for 10-12 minutes. Be careful not to burn. Green beans should be slightly firm but not crunchy.

Roasted Sausage and Potatoes
This is one of my go-to's! One of my best friends discovered this on Pinterest when we lived together in college and I've adapted it to include my favorite things. I definitely suggest this one!

Ingredients:
2 large links of sausage
1.5 pounds (about 3 large) potatoes, russet or new
2 tablespoons olive oil
Cayenne Pepper
Optional:
Peppers or Asparagus
Instructions:
1. Heat oven to 375 degrees.
2. Cut links of sausage into thin slices
3. Cut potatoes (I leave the skin on) into small cubes or pieces 
Option: Cut up peppers into slices.
4. Put the potatoes and sausage (and peppers if you choose) onto tin foil-covered pan (easy cleaning!)
5. Drizzle with the olive oil and cayenne pepper and mix until coated.
6. Bake in oven for 35-40 minutes or until potatoes are done.

Option: I normally cook asparagus instead of peppers. While the sausage and potatoes are cooking, I cut up my asparagus and drizzle with olive oil. When there are 10 minutes left to the baking time, I take out the pan and add the asparagus, then cook for the remaining 10 minutes. 

From EatingWell.com -- Baked Parmesan Tomatoes 
Can't wait to try this simple recipe. And it's only 91 calories!

Ingredients:
4 tomatoes, halved horizontally
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon chopped fresh oregano
1/4 teaspoon salt
Freshly ground pepper, to taste
4 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
2. Place tomatoes cut-side up on a baking sheet.
3. Top with Parmesan, oregano, salt and pepper.
4. Drizzle with oil and bake until the tomatoes are tender (about 15 minutes)

Enjoy!
xoxo,
Zelle


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