October 2010

Single Gal's Fresh Mozzarella & Pesto Pasta

This is the tastiest dinner for a single gal (or dude) looking for a filling, hearty fall meal! This dish serves one and can be enjoyed with a side salad, piece of garlic toast & glass of wine…hope you enjoy! 

*makes one serving for the single gal in the kitchen 

For Pasta:

-1/2 c. whole wheat or brown rice pasta

-1/4 c. spinach 

-1/4 c. Roma tomato, diced

-3 mini mozzarella balls, halved or quartered

-2 generous TB of homemade pesto

To Make Pesto:

-1 c. fresh basil leaves

-2 cloves garlic

-1/4 c. walnuts

-1/4 c. freshly grated Parmesan cheese

-3 TB extra virgin olive oil

-salt & pepper to taste 

1. Cook pasta according to directions on box. In the meantime, add the pesto ingredients in a mini Cuisinart and chop until well grounded, creating a smooth pesto sauce texture. 

2. Mix together tomatoes, mozzarella balls, spinach and 2 TB of pesto. Add in the pasta once cooked. Stir together and add in salt & pepper to taste. Enjoy! 


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Listening to Your Bod

Yesterday my sister called me complaining that she had a stomach ache because she overdid it this weekend. “I ate way too much this weekend,” she moaned. You see, she wasn’t upset over the fact that she over-ate (I’ve always admired my sister because she’s never let food make her feel guilty by any means), but rather she was upset by the way it made her feel...physically. It was family weekend at her school which meant parties and endless meals out. Between an entire chicken parmesan entrée to chips, dips and beer, she was definitely feeling it come Sunday night. Maybe a year ago, this kind of eating wouldn’t have made a difference on how she felt, but ever since she’s developed a healthier diet, she can no longer handle loads of grease, cheese ‘n’ fatty appetizers all in one weekend (and frankly, neither can I). 

This brings up my point that I-among many people who I know-choose to follow a healthy lifestyle and diet not because it’ll make us “skinny,” “healthy” or “heros” in any way but because it makes our bodies feel good. It’s funny because when I was a little kid (yes, I was a … Read More!

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Vegetarian Farmer’s Omelet

This is one of my favorite go-to breakfasts because it’s quick, tasty and oh so filling! Enjoy with a piece of Ezekiel or whole grain toast and half a grapefruit! 

-1 whole egg plus 1 egg white, whisked with fork 

-1/4 c. sliced portobella mushrooms

-1/4 c. chopped zucchini 

-1/4 c. spinach

-1/4 c. chopped red onion 

-2 TB feta cheese

-1 tsp. oregano 

-1 tsp. parsley

-s & p to taste 

1. Cook the veggies in olive oil on medium heat, adding in spinach last (because it cooks faster and we don’t want to burn it!) 

2. Move veggies to one side, and add in the egg mixture. Cook on medium heat. 

3. Once it starts to bubble, add in the feta cheese and herbs. Flip the plain side over the veggie side to form the “omelet shape.” Enjoy : )… Read More!

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More Protein, Please: Keep These Nifty 9 in Your House!

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Now that I’m a “runner girl” (so my dad calls me), it’s even more important than normal to ensure I’m getting my daily protein fix for the day. Women, and especially women who exercise, need protein to build and repair muscles and bones, provide energy, and control the body’s metabolism. And what better way to repair your bod post-workout than the perfect protein snack. No, I’m not talking about muscle milk or scary protein-enhanced high-cal bars. I’m taking healthy, tasty bites for you to enjoy! Here, my top 9 protein picks: 

1. Hard boiled eggs: Or even just the whites! For the perfect hard boiled egg, bring egg to a boil, remove from heat and cover for 14 minutes. It’s a fail-proof method. Make lots in bulk so you always have one to snack on when you’re in a pickle!

2. All Natural Nut Butters: My faves are almond butter and peanut butter, but I’ve even experimented with sunflower butter. Today I purchased Whole Food’s all natural nut butter where you actually get to grind it yourself. Nothing more fresh and natural than that! 

3. Cheese: I love string cheese with rice crackers or an apple for … Read More!

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TGIF: 5 Things I'm Pumped About!

1. I’m leaving in FIVE minutes to take a Power Yoga class at the gym. I haven’t taken yoga in a gym-setting in ages so this makes me super giddy. Power Yoga is especially exciting, because it’s a fitness based yoga, with emphasis on strength and flexibility while holding challenging poses. I love challenging my body!

2. The yummy gluten free waffles from Trader Joe’s that I just had for breakfast…topped with agave and Smart Balance Butter…with a little Teddie’s PB on the side. Do I even need to explain this one? I was in heaven. Oh and I paired it with cinnamon hazelnut coffee with vanilla soy. YUM!

3. I’m going to see The Social Network tonight with my roommates. I’m not only excited to see the move, but I’m thrilled for a night of relaxation & non-drinking. 

4. Boston Local Food Festival is finally here…TOMORROW! I can’t wait to volunteer and then spend the day tasting delicious, local food! A plus? It’s supposed to be a crisp 66 degrees and sunny tomorrow : ) 

5. I’ve been focusing lately on strength training and I’m feeling wonderful. Yes, strength training is possible to do WITHOUT a gym ladies! The … Read More!

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