Healthy Chicks

Seeing as though it’s mid July (the peak of summer), I’ve been advising my clients to cool down in all aspects of life, be it food, wellness or work. One of my favorite ways to cool down is by eating cooling, refreshing seasonal foods like watermelon, citrus, cucumbers, and herbs.

Last night, I decided to add a little Mediterranean flare to the dinner table by making a platter of Mediterranean-inspired eats. After all, I find that a diet rich in refreshing dishes with whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats fill me up most. I decided to go with a healthy trio: homemade tabouli + sauteed chicken + pita & hummus, a combo my sister and I can both agree was pure genius.

Refreshing Summer Tabouli

{makes 4-6 servings}

• 1 1/2 c. water
• 1 c. bulgar wheat
• 1 medium organic cucumber, chopped
• 1 c. fresh parsley
• juice of 1/2 lemon
• 2 TB olive oil
• 1/2 c. full fat feta, crumbled
• 1 clove garlic, crushed
• salt & pepper to taste
• fresh mint for garnish (optional)

1. Boil water and pour over bulgar wheat. Stir and then let sit covered for 20 minutes.

2. Drain the bulgar wheat of excess water and then place in a large bowl. Add in cucumber, garlic, parsley and feta, and stir well. Then mix in olive oil, lemon juice and salt and pepper to taste. Top with fresh mint for an optional garnish for extra flavor.

Lemony Chicken

{makes 4 servings}

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 TB olive oil for cooking
• juice of 1/2 lemon
• 1/4 c. fresh parsley, chopped
• salt & pepper to taste
• 1/2  TB thyme

1. Coat large skillet with olive oil. Rub the chicken with parsley, thyme salt and pepper and then sauté on medium heat until tender.

2. Squeeze juice of 1/2 lemon over the chicken, and allow the chicken to finish cooking.

~Serve with tabouli, pita, hummus and a glass of red wine (of course!)