Monday, February 18, 2013

Blackberry Chicken

Blackberry Chicken
This recipe makes a wonderfully healthy family meal. Use organic berries and chicken to get the most from your meal nutritionally and flavor-wise. Serve your chicken on a bed of steamed veggies or on a dark leafy green salad. Servings: 4

Here's what you need:

For the Chicken:
  • 1.5 pounds organic, skinless, boneless chicken tenders
  • 1 cup organic blackberries
  • 1/4 cup coconut aminos (or soy sauce)
  • 1/4 cup plum vinegar
  • 1 Tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/8 cup yellow onion, minced
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 packet Stevia
  1. Rinse the chicken tenders and pat dry. Place in a large ziplock bag.
  2. Combine the rest of the ingredients in a high speed blender until smooth.
  3. *optional* Strain the seeds from marinade (If you don't mind the crunch, then leave the seeds in!)
  4. Pour the marinade into the bag of chicken, seal and place in the refrigerator for 4 to 6 hours.
  5. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Place the marinated chicken in a baking pan and bake for 30 minutes.
  6. Remove from oven, drain off excess marinade, then place under high broil for 4 minutes, watching closely. Remove when golden.
For the Blackberry Sauce:
  • 1 TBL coconut oil
  • 1 cup organic blackberries
  • 1 packet Stevia
  • 1 Tbl plum vinegar
  1. In a skillet over medium low heat, combine all of the ingredients and bring to a simmer.
  2. Simmer, stirring often, until the blackberries become bright and the sauce reaches desired consistency.
  3. If you wish to thicken the sauce more, add 1/2 teaspoon of arrowroot powder.
  4. *optional* Strain the seeds from the sauce (If you don't mind the crunch, then leave the seeds in!)
  5. Serve over the cooked chicken.
www.fitnfreeforlife.biz
www.fitnfreeforlife.com

Monday, February 11, 2013

Roasted Chicken and Veggies Dinner

Roasted Chicken and Veggies Dinner
 
Roasting a whole chicken with veggies is a wonderful meal and is much simpler to prepare than you might think. Make this recipe on the weekend and then enjoy nutritious leftovers throughout your week. Servings: 5

Here's what you need...
  • 3 bulbs garlic
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • salt and pepper
  • 4 Tablespoons coconut oil, gently melted
  • 1 Tablespoon each minced, fresh rosemary, oregano, tarragon
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • zest and juice from one lemon
  • 4 large organic carrots, cut into 1 inch pieces
  • 3 organic zucchini, cut into 1 inch half-moons
  • 1 cup pearl onions, ends trimmed
  • 1 cup Brussels sprouts, halved
  • 1 hormone-free, organic chicken
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 Tablespoon coconut flour
  1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
  2. Cut off the tips of each section of the garlic bulbs. Place the blubs in a small glass pan. Brush the tops with the olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cover the pan with aluminum foil and set aside.
  3. In a small bowl combine the melted coconut oil, fresh herbs, minced garlic, lemon zest and lemon juice. Set 1/3 of the mixture aside for the veggies.
  4. In a large bowl combine the carrots, zucchini, pearl onions and Brussels sprouts with 1/3 of the herb mixture. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
  5. Rinse your chicken and pat dry. Carefully slide your hand between the skin and the breast and liberally rub some of the herb mixture. Rub the rest of the herb mixture over the top of the chicken. Season the chicken with salt and pepper and tie the legs together with kitchen string. Place the chicken on a large roasting pan, and surround it with the veggies.
  6. Roast the chicken and veggies for 30 minutes. Reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees F, pour 1/2 cup of chicken broth over the chicken and veggies, and place the garlic pan in the oven off to the side.
  7. For the next 90 minutes, pour 1/2 cup of broth over the chicken and veggies every 30 minutes as it cooks at 350 degrees F.
  8. To see if the chicken is done, poke the tip of a sharp knife between the leg and body and see that the juices run clear. Transfer the chicken and veggies to a large platter. Add a couple of the roasted garlic bulbs to the chicken platter, reserving one for the gravy.
  9. To make gravy: Pour all of the roasting pan juices into a skillet and bring to a simmer. Remove the garlic cloves from one of the roasted blubs and smash with a fork. Add garlic to skillet. Mix in the tablespoon of coconut flour, and whisk the gravy as it simmers. Cook for 10 minutes, or until desired thickness. Season with salt and pepper.
Nutritional Analysis: 251 calories, 14g fat, 113mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate, 7g fiber, and 17g protein

Sunday, February 10, 2013

Vitamin Water Recipes

I personally love plain water, it's so refreshing to me, besides it being calorie free, it also


· flush’s out all the bad toxins from my body
· cushion my joints
· regulates my body temperature
· carries oxygen and nutrients into all my cells
You need water to keep your metabolism working properly. Rule of thumb is six to eight glasses a day. If we don't keep that amount, our bodies will start to dehydrate. An easy way to think of it is to think of your car's need for oil. If your oil level gets too low, your engine will start to run rough. If you totally deplete your oil supply in your car, your engine will stop running. Same with your body. Therefore it is easy to see why it is very important to drink six to eight glasses of water a day.
 
But for you water haters; try these delicious homemade vitamin water recipes

This is a sure way to up anyone’s water intake and get the vitamins that they need from a natural source, as opposed to a synthetic one.

  • Cucumber Water
  • 1 quart of water
  • 2 Kirby cucumbers, sliced very thin
  • 1 lime, cut in ½ and sliced thin (optional)
  • Dill or mint sprigs, or borage flowers
 
  • Holy Basil and Rose Water
  • 1 quart water
  • ½ cup Holy Basil (Tulsi) leaves
  • ½ cup rose petals
  • Splash of organic rose water OR 1 drop of rose oil
 
  • Pineapple Water
  • 1 quart water
  • ¼ pineapple, sliced into very thin triangular wedges
  • Spearmint, lemon balm, apple mint or borage or lavender flowers
 
  • Melon Water
  • 1 quart water
  • 2 cups thin triangular wedges of watermelon, honeydew or cantaloupe
  • 1 lime, sliced very thin
  • Micro, Purple or Thai Basil leaves (optional)
 
  • Berry Water
  • 1 quart water
  • 2 cups raspberries or blackberries
  • 1 orange or lime, cut in ½ and sliced thin
  • Borage flowers or leaves, sweet mint
 

Preparation:

Place the ingredients in a glass jar or pitcher. Allow the water to sit, refrigerated, for at least 5-6 hours before serving. Drink as is or pour over ice.These waters are at their best within 24 hours, but will hold for about 48 hours. Each recipe makes about 1 quart, or 3-4 servings.

Tuesday, February 5, 2013

No-Bake Cookies

No-Bake Cookies


No-Bake Cookies
One of these delicious chocolate and nut butter cookies will satisfy your sweet tooth without wrecking your diet.

Total Time: 10 min.
Prep Time: 10 min.
Yield: 25 cookies
Ingredients:
• 1 cup natural peanut butter or almond butter
• 1 cup quick cooking oats
• ½ cup honey
• 1 cup Chocolate Shakeology


Preparation:
1. Combine peanut butter, honey, oats and Shakeology in medium bowl. Mix well.
2. Roll 24 balls, each the size of 1 tbsp.
3. Flatten each slightly so takes on the shape of a traditional cookie.

Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories: 115
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 2mg
Sodium: 39mg
Carbohydrate: 15g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 7g
Protein: 5g

Sunday, February 3, 2013

9 High-Protein Snacks to Keep You Satisfied:

9 High-Protein Snacks to Keep You Satisfied:


Lox and Cucumber
Spread 2 tsp. cream cheese on 4 cucumber slices and top with 2 oz. smoked salmon (lox)
Nutritional Information (per serving): Calories: 105, Protein: 11 g, Fat: 6 g, Carbs: 1 g

Cottage Cheese with BerriesCottage Cheese and Fruit
1/2 cup 1% cottage cheese topped with 3 medium strawberries, sliced
Nutritional Information (per serving): Calories: 93, Protein: 14 g, Fat: 1 g, Carbs: 6 g

Maryland-Style Blue Crab
1 (4-oz.) drained can of lump crabmeat mixed with 1/4 tsp. Old Bay® Seasoning
Nutritional Information (per serving): Calories: 82, Protein: 18 g, Fat: 1 g, Carbs: 0 g

White Tuna Salad
1 (4-oz.) drained can of solid white tuna, packed in water mixed with 1 Tbsp. mayonnaise and 1 Tbsp. capers (optional)
Nutritional Information (per serving) including capers: Calories: 210, Protein: 23 g, Fat: 13 g, Carbs: 0 g

Mocha Chiller
1 scoop (or 1 packet) Chocolate Shakeology blended with 1 cup cold coffee and 1/2 cup ice (optional)
Nutritional Information (per serving): Calories: 152, Protein: 18 g, Fat: 1 g, Carbs: 17 g

Chocolate Spice
1 scoop (or 1 packet) Chocolate Shakeology blended with 1 cup nonfat milk, 1/2 tsp. cinnamon, 1/4 tsp. nutmeg, and 1/2 cup ice (optional)
Nutritional Information (per serving): Calories: 239, Protein: 26 g, Fat: 1 g, Carbs: 30 g

Spicy Turkey, Cheese, and Tomato on a Rice Cake
1 multigrain rice cake topped with 1 oz. low sodium, nitrite-free turkey breast, 1 oz. provolone cheese, 1 slice tomato, and 1/4 tsp. hot pepper sauce
Nutritional Information (per serving): Calories: 163, Protein: 13 g, Fat: 8 g, Carbs: 9 g

Jerky
Though high in sodium, jerky does pack a lot of protein. For example, one bag of Trader Joe's® turkey jerky has 60 calories and 11 grams of protein per oz. Make sure you check the nutritionals before enjoying!

Egg White Salad
For a healthy, egg white salad, check out this hard-boiled egg white salad from the Hungry Girl that features lemon, lime juice, and crunchy veggies.
Nutritional Information (per serving): Calories: 90, Protein: 11 g, Fat: 1 g, Carbs: 9 g

5 Super-Quick Breakfasts ideas:

5 Super-Quick Breakfasts ideas:


Berry Healthy Cereal
3/4 cup high-protein, whole-grain cereal (such as Kashi® Go Lean) topped with 1 cup nonfat milk and 1/2 cup berries
Nutritional Information (per serving): Calories: 266, Protein: 13 g, Fat: 3 g, Carbs: 50 g

Cottage Cheese On-the-Go
1 cup 1% cottage cheese served with 1 medium apple, or 1 medium pear, or 1 cup cubed melon, or 1 cup berries
Nutritional Information (per serving): Calories: 257, Protein: 28 g, Fat: 3 g, Carbs: 31 g

Yogurt with BerriesCrunchy Greek Yogurt
1 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt with 3/4 cup high-protein, whole-grain cereal (such as Kashi® Go Lean) mixed in
Nutritional Information (per serving): Calories: 285, Protein: 23 g, Fat: 3 g, Carbs: 45 g

The Hulk Greentealogy
1.5 scoops (or 1-1/2 packets) Greenberry Shakeology® blended with 1 Tbsp. matcha green tea powder, 1 Tbsp. all-natural peanut butter, 1/2 cup nonfat milk, 1 cup water, and 1/2 cup ice (optional)
Nutritional Information (per serving): Calories: 377, Protein: 32 g, Fat: 9 g, Carbs: 44 g

Yogo Berry
1 scoop (or 1 packet) Greenberry Shakeology blended with 1 cup strawberry halves, 1/2 cup plain nonfat yogurt, 1 Tbsp. raw honey, 1 cup nonfat milk, and 1/2 cup ice (optional)
Nutritional Information (per serving): Calories: 401, Protein: 32 g, Fat: 1 g, Carbs: 69 g

Breakfast Caprese with Pesto (LES MILLS COMBAT

Breakfast Caprese with Pesto (LES MILLS COMBAT)
This Italian-style breakfast will keep you satisfied with its savory flavors until your first snack of the day.

(Makes 1 serving)

Ingredients:


  • 4 large egg whites
  • Nonstick cooking spray
  • 1 slice medium tomato
  • 1 oz. fresh mozzarella cheese (sliced)
  • 1/2 tsp. prepared pesto sauce

Preparation:


  1. Place egg whites in a medium bowl; whisk to blend.
  2. Heat medium nonstick skillet lightly coated with spray over medium-low heat. Add eggs; cook for 1 minute. Do not stir. As eggs set, lift edges, letting uncooked portion flow underneath. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes or until set.
  3. Top with tomato, cheese, and pesto. Gently fold in half.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

Calories Fat Saturated Fat Cholesterol Sodium Carbs Fiber Sugar Protein
170 7 g 3 g 15 mg 285 mg 2 g 0 g 2 g 21 g

Chicken Scramble (P90X®)

Chicken Scramble (P90X®)
This high-protein breakfast will stay with you and keep you satiated throughout the morning.

(Makes 1 serving)

Ingredients:


  • Nonstick cooking spray
  • 6 large egg whites
  • 3 oz. cooked chicken breast, boneless, skinless, diced
  • 3 Tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese (3/4 oz.)
  • Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish; optional)

Preparation:


  1. Heat medium nonstick skillet lightly coated with spray over medium-low heat. Add egg whites; cook, stirring occasionally, for 4 to 6 minutes or until eggs are almost set.
  2. Add chicken and cheese; cook until set.
  3. Garnish with basil if desired.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

Calories Fat Saturated Fat Cholesterol Sodium Carbs Fiber Sugar Protein
324 9 g 4 g 89 mg 678 mg 2 g 0 g 2 g 55 g

Proatmeal (INSANITY®)

ProatmealProatmeal (INSANITY®)
This high-protein oatmeal gets a flavor boost from fresh berries and walnuts. A great way to jump-start your day.

(Makes 1 serving)

Ingredients:


  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/4 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 1/3 cup fresh or frozen berries
  • 1 scoop Beachbody® Whey Protein Powder, Chocolate or Vanilla flavor
  • 1 Tbsp. chopped walnuts
  • 1/2 cup nonfat milk (or unsweetened almond milk, rice milk, or soy milk)

Preparation:


  1. Bring water to boil in medium saucepan over medium heat. Add oats; cook, stirring frequently, for 4 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
  2. Combine oatmeal, berries, Whey Protein Powder, and walnuts in a medium bowl; mix well.
  3. Top with milk.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

Calories Fat Saturated Fat Cholesterol Sodium Carbs Fiber Sugar Protein
299 8 g 2 g 37 mg 107 mg 33 g 6 g 14 g 26 g

Egg Sandwich with Canadian Bacon (ChaLEAN Extreme®)

Egg Sandwich with Canadian Bacon (ChaLEAN Extreme®)
Great for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, this sandwich pairs well with a simple green salad.

(Makes 1 serving)

Ingredients:


  • 1 large egg
  • 1 large egg white
  • Nonstick cooking spray
  • 3 cups fresh spinach
  • 1 slice whole wheat bread, toasted
  • 1/2 oz. Canadian bacon, warm
  • 2 Tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese

Preparation:


  1. Combine egg and egg white in a small bowl; whisk to blend. Set aside.
  2. Heat medium nonstick skillet lightly coated with spray over medium heat. Add spinach; cook, stirring frequently, for 2 to 3 minutes or until wilted. Remove from skillet. Set aside.
  3. Add eggs to skillet; cook over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, for 2 to 3 minutes or until eggs are set.
  4. Top toast with Canadian bacon, spinach, eggs, and cheese.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

Calories Fat Saturated Fat Cholesterol Sodium Carbs Fiber Sugar Protein
246 10 g 4 g 206 mg 545 mg 16 g 4 g 2 g 24 g

Goat Cheese, Tomato, and Parsley Scramble (Body Beast®)

Goat Cheese, Tomato, and Parsley ScrambleGoat Cheese, Tomato, and Parsley Scramble (Body Beast®)
These eggs are seasoned with the slightly tart flavor of goat cheese. The sweet tomatoes offer a delicious balance.

(Makes 1 serving)

Ingredients:

  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 dash sea salt
  • 1 dash ground black pepper
  • 1-1/2 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 medium tomato, chopped
  • 1 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh flat leaf (Italian) parsley (or 1 tsp. dried parsley)
  • 1/4 cup crumbled soft goat cheese (1 oz.)

Preparation:

  1. Combine eggs, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl; whisk to blend.
  2. Heat oil in medium nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Add egg mixture; cook slowly, stirring frequently, until eggs are almost set.
  3. Stir in tomato and parsley. Sprinkle with cheese; cook for 1 minute or until eggs are fully cooked.
Sagi's Variations: You can substitute the same amount of feta cheese for the goat cheese. You can use fresh basil, cilantro, or chives instead of parsley. You can use chopped zucchini, asparagus, or broccoli instead of tomatoes.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories Fat Saturated Fat Cholesterol Sodium Carbs Fiber Sugar Protein
303 23g 8 g 385 mg 521 mg 6 g 2 g 4 g 19 g