Healthy is the New Skinny

The beat drops and I pound my legs forward, hovering over the seat, making perfect circles in sync with the song.  My heart is thumping aggressively against my heaving chest, but I take a deep breath and muster up my last ounce of strength to power forward to the finish line.  I am cognitive of the other bikers, the sweat dripping in my eyes, the instructor's encouraging words, and the rhythmic motion of my hips, swaying slightly back and forth as I trudge on.  And in this moment, I feel thankful.

Like most women, I have a love/hate relationship with my body.  Erring much more regularly towards hate.  Just today, I cleaned out a jar of peanut butter.. then sat in self loathing while I polished off garlic dip.  Okay, I get it.. I'm crazy.  I don't eat bread, haven't had a chip or french fry in over a year, wouldn't dream of letting fast food or soda touch my lips... and the list goes on.  But I've got vices.  A sweet tooth for one.  And a real problem with severely overeating foods I deem 'healthy'.  Nuts, seeds, fruit and vegetables... oils and 'good fats', dark chocolate, coffee, wine... you name it.  I

Watermelon Juice

Not my most impressive recipe.  But definitely one of my favorites.  This juice is so refreshing and perfect on a summer day.

Ingredients: 
2 cups watermelon chunks, refrigerated 
1/2 a Lemon OR lime, squeezed 
A heap of Fresh Mint

Instructions: 
Blend. And enjoy :)

If you're in an August heatwave and the idea of even using the blender seems too strenuous... freeze the watermelon chunks first.   If you have mango or strawberries or any other delicious fruit - you can always throw those in, but this really is delightful by itself.

Chia Seed Pudding

Let's talk chia seeds. These mysterious little delights are packed with antioxidants, high in fiber and deliver a good source of magnesium, calcium and omega 3 fatty acids.  Not to mention, one serving has 4 grams of protein.  I am not a nutritionalist, but I can say with confidence that chia seeds are your diet friend if you're looking to slim down.   Throw some onto your salad, in your smoothie... OR make:

CHIA SEED PUDDING: 

1 cup almond milk 

3 tsp chia seeds 

1 tsp cinnamon 

Add ingredients to a sealed Tupperware container and shake vigorously. Refrigerate overnight (preferably for 2 nights). The chia seeds will expand in the mixture. 

**Optional add in for thickness, protein and nutrients: 1/2 scoop vega chocolate plant based protein powder. 

To get the chocolate flavor without vega protein, add unsweetened cocoa powder or use chocolate flavored almond milk. 

Sub almond milk for kefir to increase probiotic intake and make the pudding a bit thicker. 

Kielbasa Pineapple Appetizer Bites

                                            
 

Healthy they are not.  Crowd pleaser though - they are golden.  And so very cheap and easy to make.

Ingredients:

1 package of Kielbasa, cut into 1/2 inch slices

1 large can of pineapple chunks, in juice

1/4 cup brown sugar

Watermelon Feta and Mint Appetizer Bites

For being so quick, healthy, easy, delicious and inexpensive to make.. guests are always impressed with these light and refreshing bites.

Ingredients:

-1/2 large seedless watermelon cut into 1/2 by 1/2 inch cubes  

-1 block of feta, cut in 1/2 by 1/2 inch cubes

-fresh mint leaves (30)

-balsamic reduction

Directions: 

Using a toothpick pierce the watermelon and feta then put 1 mint lead (folded in half depending on size) on top. Drizzle with balsamic once all of the bites are arranged on the serving platter. 

If you don't have balsamic reduction you can heat 1 cup balsamic vinegar in a saucepan on high with 1/4 cup sugar (preferably brown) over high heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves. Reduce heat and continue to stir until about half of the miXture is reduced. Remove from heat and let cool completely before using.