This is a simple to make meal that explodes with flavor. And it's healthy, too, if you can imagine that! So, it's a win/win all around.
Spicy Garlic Green Beans with Chicken
1 Pound Green Beans, Trimmed
2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
1 Pound Chicken Breast
Coarse Salt and Ground Pepper
2 or 3 Cloves of Garlic, Minced
1 Teaspoon (or more) Hot Pepper Flakes
Cut chicken into bite sized pieces and season chicken with salt and pepper. In a large nonstick skillet, heat 1 Tbsp oil over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until cooked through, about 6 minutes per side. Removed from skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, heat remaining oil over medium-high heat. Stir in garlic and hot pepper flakes. Cook until garlic softens, don't let it brown. Add the green beans and season with salt and pepper, toss to coat. Cover and allow to cook for 10 minutes. Stir and add chicken. Allow to cook for another 5 minutes and serve.
In an effort to watch what I eat and head down a healthier path, I try to come with recipes that are not only satisfying but wholesome, as well.
As most of us know, when we're dieting mealtimes can become somewhat of a "desperate" time. When the dinner bell rings sometimes we're so hungry that we need something good and we need it NOW!
This recipe for my Banana Maple Oatmeal fills both of those needs.
Banana Maple Oatmeal
1/2 cup Quick Oats (150)
1 Cup Water
1 Pinch Salt (Optional)
1 Tablespoon Real Maple Syrup (50)
1 Small Banana (90)
1/4 Cup Raisins (Optional)(125)
Combine oats, water (or nonfat or low-fat milk), and salt (if desired) in a 2-cup microwavable bowl. Microwave on High for 1 to 1 1/2 minutes. Stir.
Top with bananas (and raisins, if desired) and drizzle with maple syrup.
You can mix it all up if you want, but I tend not to.
Alternatively, you can mash up the banana and add the raisins before you cook the oatmeal. This does not alter the cooking time.
Enjoy.
290 Calories (413 with raisins) / 0 grams fat
As far as the choice in oatmeal goes, keep in mind the faster the oats cook the more processed it is. A less processed oat is a healthier oat. But, cooking times are effected by the style of oat you choose. This recipe is for quick oats simply because of the "desperation" factor.
Also, use real maple syrup. Despite the price; it's worth it for the flavor and healthfulness. Pancake syrup is nothing more than maple flavored corn syrup.
Finally, salt is optional. If you're watching your sodium intake then omit it. However, I love the salty/sweet, so for me it's a must.
I've been trying to lose weight because, frankly, I really need to. I've been exercising and eating more fruits and vegetables, I've also been severely limiting my intake bread and pasta and whatnot.
I'm not a huge sweets eater, so cutting back on that isn't really an issue for me. But, sometimes I get a craving for a sugary snack that a bowl of grapes or a handful of dried dates just won't satisfy.
A two-scoop hot fudge sundae is about 550 calories. More than half of those calories are from fat. Mmmm, tasty. But, realistically, not good for someone trying to shed the unwanted thunder thighs, saddlebags and/or Buddha belly.
My alternative to a big bowl of ice cream with all the fixins is a banana split sans delectable dairy. You don't get that cream, cold nomminess but it tastes good and hits the sweet spot. And it's only 210 calories only 10 of which are fat calories. You could knock off 30 calories by using sugar free hot fudge but I'm strongly against artificial sweeteners.
Diet Hot Fudge Banana Split
1 Small Banana (90)
1 Tbsp Chopped Walnuts (45)
1 Tbsp Hot Fudge (75)
Cut the banana in half and then split the halves.
Drizzle with hot fudge and sprinkle with chopped walnuts.
Enjoy. You will, I promise!
