Pinteresting Finds: How to Choose the Healthiest Meats

When I'm in the meat section of the grocerty store, it's difficult to remember what meats are healthiest. There are so many fat grams and Calories to remember! This infographic by Greatist is the perfect tool for keeping your meat nutrition facts straight! We liked this infographic so much we pinned it to our Pinterest board Choose Health!

Get health and fitness tips at Greatist.com

Pinteresting Finds: Are Energy Drinks Healthy?

I found this infographic on Pinterest by Infographic List and had to add it to my Choose Health Infographics board! I feel like the energy drink debate is one worth discussing. Although energy drinks say they have numerous vitamins for you, are they healthy? What do you think - are energy drinks harmful or helpful to your health?

Fabulous Finds: Trader Joe's Handcrafted Black Bean & Cheese Taquitos

I am always craving foods like tacos, quesadillas and queso! When I do, I would visit the Taco Bell drive thru....bad idea for your waistline right? Now, when I have the urge to ditch my healthy ways for my love of tacos, I dig out these FABULOUS Trader Joe's black bean and cheese taquitos from my freezer. Just 310 Calories for 4 taquitos and contains no preservatives or artificial flavors, this is a great swap! Now, in 20 minutes I can eat a filling taquitos and feel better knowing I didn't spend $10 in the Taco Bell drive thru or consume 1000 Calories in a single meal. Make the healthier swap and visit your local Trader Joe's to try these taquitos!

Summer Love: Skillet Kale with Caesar Dressing

Kale is one of my favorite vegetables. Recently, the local farmer's market has been selling kale for $1.30/lb so if your looking for some greens that are easy on the wallet, kale is the best! Kale has amazing health benefits - high in vitamin A, C, iron, calcium, iron and lets not forget it has ZERO fat.

Whether your a kale veteran or just trying kale for the first time, I have the perfect recipe for you - Skillet Kale with Caesar Dressing. This recipe is a fabulous light lunch or dinner idea and only takes a few minutes to make.

Here's what you'll need:
4 large Kale leaves (1 serving/person)
Cooking oil
Caesar Dressing (I used Ken's Steak House Lite Caesar - tastes great and less fat than regular Caesar dressings)

Directions:
(Cook one serving at a time for best results) Grab a large skillet and lightly coat the bottom of the pan with cooking oil. On medium heat, place your kale leaves on the skillet so all the leaves are evenly cooked. After a few minutes or until kale starts to brown on the bottom side, flip your kale leaves over and cook the opposite sides. Your kale is ready when both sides are slightly brown. Next, add your Caesar dressing of choice and your skillet kale is ready to eat! (Pretty easy right?)

Summer Love: Kale

Are you a fan of Kale? This superfood can be a tad intimidating to picky eaters. What's great is once you try it, kale will change your world! Lets not forget, kale gets the 'best bang for your buck' award based on nutrients, price and perishability. Recently, the local farmer's market has been selling kale for $1.30/lb so if your looking for some greens that are easy on the wallet, kale is the best!

Kale has amazing health benefits - high in vitamin A, C, iron, calcium, iron and lets not forget it has ZERO fat. So what are you waiting for, lets make some KALE!

Here are a few of my favorite kale recipes from the internet that I recommend for kale-newbies and kale-lovers! Feel free the share kale recipes in the comment area below you think readers will love!

Garlic-Roasted Kale by MyRecipes
Kale Chips by NPR's Kitchen Window
Mediterranean Kale by AllRecipes

Summer Love: Oven Roasted Summer Squash

This summer is the perfect time to eat local vegetables. How delicious does that sound? Not to mention, amazing for your body and health.

(If your wondering why its important to east seasonal vegetables check out this article from Gaiam Life. This should give you some insight.)

This summer, load up on SUMMER SQUASH. It's unique texture and flavor is so refreshing after a long, hot day. Today I made this oven roasted summer squash, and let me tell you...WOW! If you haven't tried thyme on summer squash yet, you've been missing out!

Ingredients:
Summer Squash
Thyme
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
Grapeseed Oil (EVOO works too!)

Directions:
This is a pretty easy one! Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Slice your summer squash to your preference and place on a parchment paper lined cookie sheet. Place your squash slices on the paper and lightly coat each slice with the oil. Next, light sprinkle your thyme, salt and pepper over the slices and your ready to go! Pop your squash in the oven for about 20 minutes and your done!

Your New, Favorite Broccoli Recipe: Oven Roasted Broccoli

How do you feel about broccoli? Before I created this recipe, I had to add some serious sauces to broccoli to cover up the icky ‘broccoli’ taste. I was devastated that this superfood could taste THAT bad! Well not anymore folks! Try this fabulous recipe next time your ready to incorporate this inexpensive gem to your summer meals!

 

 

Ingredients:
Broccoli
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Salt & Pepper to taste
Minced garlic

How to make your oven roasted broccoli:
It’s simple! Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Chop up your desired amount of broccoli. Lightly coat your chopped broccoli in a large bowl with extra virgin olive oil. Spread the broccoli over a large cookie sheet and evenly spread minced garlic, salt and pepper directly on the broccoli. Roast for 20 minutes or till desired result.

Enjoy!