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Bulgur Cakes with Artichoke, Red Pepper & Myzithra Cheese Salad & Dill Yogurt
Bulgur is a wheat high in fibre, low in calories and fat, and rich in vitamin and minerals.

Ingredients 

Bulgur Cakes
1 cup bulgur
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
1 whole egg
1 egg yolk
2 tbsp light mayonnaise
1 tsp kosher salt, divided (regular salt can be used)
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper, divided
2 1/4 cups panko breadcrumbs
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil (can also use pan olive spray)

Salad
1 can (14 oz.) artichoke hearts, drained and cut into quarters
1/2 red bell pepper, seeded and thinly sliced
1 1/2 oz. myzithra cheese (can substitute feta cheese)
2 tbsp chopped fresh mint
1 tbsp olive oil

Yogurt Sauce
1/2 cup 0% plain Greek yogurt
1 tsp fresh lemon juice
1/4 tsp kosher salt (regular salt can be used)
2 tsp chopped fresh dill

Instructions

Bulgur Cakes
In a medium saucepan, combine bulgur and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then lower heat, cover pan, and cook at a simmer until all the liquid is absorbed, 12 to 15 minutes. Fluff with a fork, pour into a medium bowl, and let cool for 15 minutes.

To the bulgur, add whole egg and egg yolk. Stir in dill, mayonnaise, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Stir well to combine.

In a wide, medium dish, combine breadcrumbs, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper.

Using a scant 1/4 cup of the bulgur mixture, form the mixture into a 1/2-inch thick cake. Dredge in the breadcrumbs and place on a baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining bulgur mixture. Cover and chill for 1 hour to allow the bulgur cakes to become firm, which will help them stay intact while cooking.

Heat 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil in a large nonstick frying pan set over medium heat. Place 4 of the bulgur cakes in the pan and cook until golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Remove the bulgur cakes from a pan and keep warm in the oven on a paper towel-lined plate. *Alternatively, you can use olive oil spray, or bake the bulgur cakes.

Salad
In a medium bowl, combine artichoke hearts, red bell pepper, myzithra cheese (or feta), mint and olive oil. Toss gently to combine.

Yogurt Sauce
In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, lemon juice, salt, and dill. Refrigerate until ready to use.

To plate, divide artichoke salad evenly amongst plates, and top with bulgur cakes and yogurt sauce. Serve.

Serves 4 (main dish) or 8 (appetizer).

printable recipe

original recipe found here

(via letskeeponkeepingon)

Bulgur Cakes with Artichoke, Red Pepper & Myzithra Cheese Salad & Dill Yogurt
Bulgur is a wheat high in fibre, low in calories and fat, and rich in vitamin and minerals.

Ingredients 

Bulgur Cakes
1 cup bulgur
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
1 whole egg
1 egg yolk
2 tbsp light mayonnaise
1 tsp kosher salt, divided (regular salt can be used)
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper, divided
2 1/4 cups panko breadcrumbs
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil (can also use pan olive spray)

Salad
1 can (14 oz.) artichoke hearts, drained and cut into quarters
1/2 red bell pepper, seeded and thinly sliced
1 1/2 oz. myzithra cheese (can substitute feta cheese)
2 tbsp chopped fresh mint
1 tbsp olive oil

Yogurt Sauce
1/2 cup 0% plain Greek yogurt
1 tsp fresh lemon juice
1/4 tsp kosher salt (regular salt can be used)
2 tsp chopped fresh dill

Instructions

Bulgur Cakes
In a medium saucepan, combine bulgur and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then lower heat, cover pan, and cook at a simmer until all the liquid is absorbed, 12 to 15 minutes. Fluff with a fork, pour into a medium bowl, and let cool for 15 minutes.

To the bulgur, add whole egg and egg yolk. Stir in dill, mayonnaise, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Stir well to combine.

In a wide, medium dish, combine breadcrumbs, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper.

Using a scant 1/4 cup of the bulgur mixture, form the mixture into a 1/2-inch thick cake. Dredge in the breadcrumbs and place on a baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining bulgur mixture. Cover and chill for 1 hour to allow the bulgur cakes to become firm, which will help them stay intact while cooking.

Heat 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil in a large nonstick frying pan set over medium heat. Place 4 of the bulgur cakes in the pan and cook until golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Remove the bulgur cakes from a pan and keep warm in the oven on a paper towel-lined plate. *Alternatively, you can use olive oil spray, or bake the bulgur cakes.

Salad
In a medium bowl, combine artichoke hearts, red bell pepper, myzithra cheese (or feta), mint and olive oil. Toss gently to combine.

Yogurt Sauce
In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, lemon juice, salt, and dill. Refrigerate until ready to use.

To plate, divide artichoke salad evenly amongst plates, and top with bulgur cakes and yogurt sauce. Serve.

Serves 4 (main dish) or 8 (appetizer).

printable recipe

original recipe found here

(Source: losing-every-extra-pound)

Healthy Desserts
An archive of healthy desserts to enjoy in the summer!
Low Calorie Ice Cream SandwichStrawberry Frozen YogurtVegan FudgeSummer PopsOrganic Frozen Yogurt StrawberriesBreakfast Banana PopsCherry Limeade PopsiclesGrilled Apricots with Honey Greek YogurtOven dried StrawberriesStrawberry Banana Ice CreamNo fuss Banana CakeWatermelon SorbetLow Fat Berry Frozen YogurtStrawberry Banana Ice PopsMini Honey Kiwi TartletsMixed Berry Yogurt PopsPomegranate Dragon Fruit And Lychee SorbetHomemade PopsiclesBlueberry Yogurt SkewersHealthy Berry PopsiclesBanana Berry Soft Serve Ice Cream40 calorie Volume Vanilla Ice CreamNutella Frozen Banana BitesNutella Fudge PopsFrozen Yogurt BlackberriesGrilled Chocolate Banana MeltsBanana Split Cheesecake BitesWatermelon Tart TutorialBanana Almond Chocolate Ice CreamFrozen Fruit PopsBanana Ice CreamChocolate Dipped Peanut Butter Stuffed BananasChocolate Strawberries made with an Ice TrayFrozen Banana BitesPeanut Butter & Chocolate Ice CreamRaw Tropical Ice CreamPeanut Butter & Bananas50 calorie Berry Yogurt PopsiclesFrozen Bananas

Smoothies/BeveragesA list of smoothies/beverages to keep you cool, hydrated & healthy!Strawberry Melon SparklerMango LemonadeHomemade Vitamin WaterFrozen Raspberry TeaCherry Beets Apple Spinach Antioxidant SmoothieFruit CubesGreen Monster SmoothiePure Fruit Ice CubesSmoothies for Weight LossSmoothie Ice CubesPomegranate SpritzerTropical Green SmoothieCake Batter Protein ShakeMango Banana SmoothieRaspberry Mint LimeadePineapple Spinach Ginger Detox SmoothieStrawberry Banana Spinach SmoothieGlowing Green SmoothieMango Strawberry SmoothieBanana Green Smoothie
Not all of these are vegan, anything is adaptable. Replace honey with agave nectar or maple syrup, milk with almond/soy/coconut milk, ice cream with soy/almond/coconut ice cream, yogurt with soy/almond/coconut yogurt, etc.

Healthy Desserts

An archive of healthy desserts to enjoy in the summer!

Low Calorie Ice Cream Sandwich
Strawberry Frozen Yogurt
Vegan Fudge
Summer Pops
Organic Frozen Yogurt Strawberries
Breakfast Banana Pops
Cherry Limeade Popsicles
Grilled Apricots with Honey Greek Yogurt
Oven dried Strawberries
Strawberry Banana Ice Cream
No fuss Banana Cake
Watermelon Sorbet
Low Fat Berry Frozen Yogurt
Strawberry Banana Ice Pops
Mini Honey Kiwi Tartlets
Mixed Berry Yogurt Pops
Pomegranate Dragon Fruit And Lychee Sorbet
Homemade Popsicles
Blueberry Yogurt Skewers
Healthy Berry Popsicles
Banana Berry Soft Serve Ice Cream
40 calorie Volume Vanilla Ice Cream
Nutella Frozen Banana Bites
Nutella Fudge Pops
Frozen Yogurt Blackberries
Grilled Chocolate Banana Melts
Banana Split Cheesecake Bites
Watermelon Tart Tutorial
Banana Almond Chocolate Ice Cream
Frozen Fruit Pops
Banana Ice Cream
Chocolate Dipped Peanut Butter Stuffed Bananas
Chocolate Strawberries made with an Ice Tray
Frozen Banana Bites
Peanut Butter & Chocolate Ice Cream
Raw Tropical Ice Cream
Peanut Butter & Bananas
50 calorie Berry Yogurt Popsicles
Frozen Bananas


Smoothies/Beverages
A list of smoothies/beverages to keep you cool, hydrated & healthy!

Strawberry Melon Sparkler
Mango Lemonade
Homemade Vitamin Water
Frozen Raspberry Tea
Cherry Beets Apple Spinach Antioxidant Smoothie
Fruit Cubes
Green Monster Smoothie
Pure Fruit Ice Cubes
Smoothies for Weight Loss
Smoothie Ice Cubes
Pomegranate Spritzer
Tropical Green Smoothie
Cake Batter Protein Shake
Mango Banana Smoothie
Raspberry Mint Limeade
Pineapple Spinach Ginger Detox Smoothie
Strawberry Banana Spinach Smoothie
Glowing Green Smoothie
Mango Strawberry Smoothie
Banana Green Smoothie

Not all of these are vegan, anything is adaptable. Replace honey with agave nectar or maple syrup, milk with almond/soy/coconut milk, ice cream with soy/almond/coconut ice cream, yogurt with soy/almond/coconut yogurt, etc.

(via fruitandtea)

Strawberry Banana Spinach Smoothiedelicious and packed with vitamins, minerals, & antioxidantsapproximately 150 caloriesIngredients 6 medium Strawberries1 Banana1 cup Baby Spinach6 cubes or ½ a cup of iceDirections
Combine ingredients in a blender or food processor and enjoy!
I usually find it hard to eat raw spinach, but in this recipe, I can barely taste it and it’s so quick and easy to make! 

Strawberry Banana Spinach Smoothie
delicious and packed with vitamins, minerals, & antioxidants
approximately 150 calories

Ingredients 
6 medium Strawberries
1 Banana
1 cup Baby Spinach
6 cubes or ½ a cup of ice

Directions

  • Combine ingredients in a blender or food processor and enjoy!
I usually find it hard to eat raw spinach, but in this recipe, I can barely taste it and it’s so quick and easy to make! 
Healthy Mediterranean Pasta Salad Ingredients
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
2 tablespoon plain 0% greek yogurt
1 tablespoon fat free cream cheese
½ - 1 small lemon or lime (squeeze for juice, use according to taste) 
1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
½ pound skinless, boneless chicken breast, chopped into bite sized pieces
½ cup whole wheat orzo or other pasta of choice
1 cup halved cherry or grape tomatoes
6 oz artichoke hearts
½ cup olives of your choice, cut in to halves
2 tablespoons shredded or grated olives (optional)
½ cup of any nut of your choice (optional)
½ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
 Directions
Cook the chicken in 1 tablespoon of olive oil until cooked through. While the chicken is cooking: In a large bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon olive oil and 2 tablespoons vinegar. Whisk in the yogurt, cream cheese, lemon juice and basil. When the chicken is done, add it to the dressing and stir to coat. Set aside. Optional* Shred, grate or finely chop ½ cup and add to the mixture.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the orzo until al dente (cooked but not overly soft). Drain and add the pasta directly into the bowl with the dressing and the chicken. Stir to coat. Add in the tomatoes, artichoke hearts, olive halves, capers, nuts and feta. Stir to evenly coat everything.
Serve at room temperature or cold.
I modified the recipe to be healthier, the original can be found here 

Healthy Mediterranean Pasta Salad 

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 2 tablespoon plain 0% greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon fat free cream cheese
  • ½ - 1 small lemon or lime (squeeze for juice, use according to taste) 
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
  • ½ pound skinless, boneless chicken breast, chopped into bite sized pieces
  • ½ cup whole wheat orzo or other pasta of choice
  • 1 cup halved cherry or grape tomatoes
  • 6 oz artichoke hearts
  • ½ cup olives of your choice, cut in to halves
  • 2 tablespoons shredded or grated olives (optional)
  • ½ cup of any nut of your choice (optional)
  • ½ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)

 Directions

  • Cook the chicken in 1 tablespoon of olive oil until cooked through. While the chicken is cooking: In a large bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon olive oil and 2 tablespoons vinegar. Whisk in the yogurt, cream cheese, lemon juice and basil. When the chicken is done, add it to the dressing and stir to coat. Set aside. Optional* Shred, grate or finely chop ½ cup and add to the mixture.
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the orzo until al dente (cooked but not overly soft). Drain and add the pasta directly into the bowl with the dressing and the chicken. Stir to coat. Add in the tomatoes, artichoke hearts, olive halves, capers, nuts and feta. Stir to evenly coat everything.
  • Serve at room temperature or cold.

I modified the recipe to be healthier, the original can be found here 

Skinny Coconut CupcakesIngredients:For the Frosting:
8 oz 1/3 less fat Philadelphia Cream Cheese (not fat free)
3/4 cup powdered sugar
2 tsp natural coconut extract
For the Cupcakes:
2 egg whites
1 cup canned light coconut milk (Thai Kitchen)
1/3 cup unsweetened apple sauce
2 tsp natural coconut extract
18.25 oz white box cake mix (Duncan Hines)
1/2 cup sweetened coconut flakes
72 Cadbury mini chocolate eggs (optional)
Directions:
In a medium bowl combine the cream cheese with the powdered sugar and coconut extract with a mixer. Keep refrigerated until ready to use.
Preheat oven to 350°. Line 24 cupcake tins with liners.
In a large bowl combine egg whites, coconut milk, apple sauce and remaining coconut extract. Mix well, then add cake mix and mix until combined.
Pour batter into lined cupcake tins about halfway and bake 22-24 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cupcakes cool to room temperature.
Top each cupcake with 1/2 tablespoon of cream cheese, then top each with 1 tsp coconut flakes. For an Easter theme top each cupcake with 3 mini chocolate eggs.Note: If you make these a day ahead, don’t frost them. Keep the frosting refrigerated and frost them the day you plan to eat them.
Skinny Coconut Cupcakes (without Chocolate Eggs)Servings: 24 • Serving Size: 1 cupcake • Old Points: 3 pt • Points+: 4 ptCalories: 148.6 • Fat: 4.4 g • Protein: 2 g • Carb: 24.2 g • Fiber: 0.8 g • Sugar: 4.7 gSodium: 142.6 mg

Skinny Coconut Cupcakes

Ingredients:
For the Frosting:

  • 8 oz 1/3 less fat Philadelphia Cream Cheese (not fat free)
  • 3/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tsp natural coconut extract


For the Cupcakes:

  • 2 egg whites
  • 1 cup canned light coconut milk (Thai Kitchen)
  • 1/3 cup unsweetened apple sauce
  • 2 tsp natural coconut extract
  • 18.25 oz white box cake mix (Duncan Hines)
  • 1/2 cup sweetened coconut flakes
  • 72 Cadbury mini chocolate eggs (optional)


Directions:

  • In a medium bowl combine the cream cheese with the powdered sugar and coconut extract with a mixer. Keep refrigerated until ready to use.
  • Preheat oven to 350°. Line 24 cupcake tins with liners.
  • In a large bowl combine egg whites, coconut milk, apple sauce and remaining coconut extract. Mix well, then add cake mix and mix until combined.
  • Pour batter into lined cupcake tins about halfway and bake 22-24 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cupcakes cool to room temperature.
  • Top each cupcake with 1/2 tablespoon of cream cheese, then top each with 1 tsp coconut flakes. For an Easter theme top each cupcake with 3 mini chocolate eggs.

    Note: If you make these a day ahead, don’t frost them. Keep the frosting refrigerated and frost them the day you plan to eat them.
Skinny Coconut Cupcakes (without Chocolate Eggs)
Servings: 24 • Serving Size: 1 cupcake • Old Points: 3 pt • Points+: 4 pt
Calories: 
148.6 • Fat: 4.4 g • Protein: 2 g • Carb: 24.2 g • Fiber: 0.8 g • Sugar: 4.7 g
Sodium: 
142.6 mg

(via )

Healthy Spinach Artichoke Cheese DipIngredients
10 oz bag fresh spinach
6 oz (¾ block) ⅓  less-fat cream cheese, softened
6 oz (¾ block) fat-free cream cheese, softened
½ cup fat-free sour cream
1 ½ cups part-skim mozzarella, shredded
1 (14 oz) canned (opt for fresh) artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
½  teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3 garlic cloves, crushed (not minced)
6 tablespoons shredded parmesan cheese, divided
DirectionsFor warm dip
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Tear spinach into bite-size pieces, removing any thick stems. Rinse in a colander, leaving a little water on the leaves. In a large nonstick skillet or Dutch oven, sauté the spinach over medium heat until wilted. Drain in the colander, pushing a little of the extra water out.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheeses with a potato masher. Add sour cream and mash more. Add spinach, mozzarella, artichokes, pepper, garlic, and 2 tablespoons of the parmesan. Stir everything until thoroughly combined.
Pour mixture into a 1 ½ quart baking dish. Sprinkle remaining ¼  cup of Parmesan on top. Bake 30 minutes, or until parmesan is melted dip is all bubbly. Remove from oven and give it a minute or two to cool down.
Nutritional Information per ½ cupCalories: 135 Fat: 7 grams recipe from here

Healthy Spinach Artichoke Cheese Dip

Ingredients

  • 10 oz bag fresh spinach
  • 6 oz (¾ block) ⅓  less-fat cream cheese, softened
  • 6 oz (¾ block) fat-free cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup fat-free sour cream
  • 1 ½ cups part-skim mozzarella, shredded
  • 1 (14 oz) canned (opt for fresh) artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
  • ½  teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 3 garlic cloves, crushed (not minced)
  • 6 tablespoons shredded parmesan cheese, divided

Directions
For warm dip

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  2. Tear spinach into bite-size pieces, removing any thick stems. Rinse in a colander, leaving a little water on the leaves. In a large nonstick skillet or Dutch oven, sauté the spinach over medium heat until wilted. Drain in the colander, pushing a little of the extra water out.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheeses with a potato masher. Add sour cream and mash more. Add spinach, mozzarella, artichokes, pepper, garlic, and 2 tablespoons of the parmesan. Stir everything until thoroughly combined.
  4. Pour mixture into a 1 ½ quart baking dish. Sprinkle remaining ¼  cup of Parmesan on top. Bake 30 minutes, or until parmesan is melted dip is all bubbly. Remove from oven and give it a minute or two to cool down.


Nutritional Information per ½ cup
Calories: 135 Fat: 7 grams 

recipe from here

Healthy Banana, Almond and Chocolate Ice CreamIngredients
3 very ripe bananas, peeled, cut into chunks and frozen
⅓ cup almond butter (can substitute peanut butter)
¼ cup bittersweet or dark chocolate chips
chopped almond and chocolate for garnish (optional)
Directions
Place the bananas and almond butter (or peanut butter) into the blender. Begin blending and quickly increase speed to high. Once everything is slightly combined, stop and add the chocolate chips.  Turn the machine back on and again increase the speed to high.  In about 10-30 seconds, the sound of the motor will change and mounds should appear in the mixture.  Stop machine immediately or melting can occur. If using a food processor: In a food processor combine the bananas and almond butter.  Process until almost smooth.  Add the chocolate chips and process until well combined.  
Scoop into bowls, top with chopped chocolate and almonds, if using, and serve immediately. 
Serves two to three.Note: You can also freeze the mixture to get a harder ice cream, but you may have to let it sit out and thaw for a minute or two before you’ll be able to scoop it. recipe from this website

Healthy Banana, Almond and Chocolate Ice Cream

Ingredients

  • 3 very ripe bananas, peeled, cut into chunks and frozen
  • ⅓ cup almond butter (can substitute peanut butter)
  • ¼ cup bittersweet or dark chocolate chips
  • chopped almond and chocolate for garnish (optional)

Directions

  1. Place the bananas and almond butter (or peanut butter) into the blender. Begin blending and quickly increase speed to high. Once everything is slightly combined, stop and add the chocolate chips.  Turn the machine back on and again increase the speed to high.  In about 10-30 seconds, the sound of the motor will change and mounds should appear in the mixture.  Stop machine immediately or melting can occur. If using a food processor: In a food processor combine the bananas and almond butter.  Process until almost smooth.  Add the chocolate chips and process until well combined.  
  2. Scoop into bowls, top with chopped chocolate and almonds, if using, and serve immediately. 

Serves two to three.

Note: You can also freeze the mixture to get a harder ice cream, but you may have to let it sit out and thaw for a minute or two before you’ll be able to scoop it. 

recipe from this website

Cleanse/Detox juices, smoothies, soups, meals, salads, and desserts:
Baked Fish in an Indian Coriander Spice Broth
Banana, Almond and Chocolate Ice Cream
Carrot Curry
Carrot, Ginger and Lime Juice
Carrot Miso Salad Dressing 
Coconut Chutney
Colorful Asian Slaw with Sweet Miso Dressing
Cucumber, Lime and Mint Cooler
Date with Fate Chia Chai Pudding
Date with Fate Smoothie
Everyday Detox Salad
Fragrant Sri Lankan Rice
Garlicky Kale with Toasted Coconut 
Ginger Carrot Soup
Healthy Mint Chocolate Ice Cream
Homemade Chocolate Chip Lärabar with Coconut
Homemade Coconut Pecan Pie Lärabar
Jamaican Rice and Peas
Jicama Salad with Cilantro and Lime
Marinated Zucchini Salad
Mejadra- Lentils and Rice
Natalia’s Green Lemonade
Nepali Potatoes and Asparagus
Nepali Sesame Cabbage 
Peach Ginger Smoothie
Raw Zucchini Noodles with Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto 
Red Date and Walnut Sticky Rice
Roasted Ratatouille
Spinach and Goat Cheese Rolled Omelet
Thai Vegetable Soup
Tomato and Watermelon Salad
Tropical Green Smoothie
Watermelon, Ginger and Lime Juice

Cleanse/Detox juices, smoothies, soups, meals, salads, and desserts:

(via undoingtheknots-deactivated2012)