Orange Chicken and Veggie Stir-Fry

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Orange Chicken and Veggie Stir-Fry - Mimi's Fit Foods

Stir-Fry is one of my go-to dinners.  It comes together in a flash, it’s healthy, and I love that it’s loaded with lots of veggies!  This time I decided to give it a nice orange flavor and it was so, so yummy!  I cut the calories down by using Tropicana 50.  It only has 50 calories per cup so I felt totally okay about doubling the sauce.  The sauce has a strong orange flavor and the sweetness is balanced with other popular Asian flavors such as garlic and ginger (orange and ginger were just meant to go together if you ask me).

To cut down on time, I bought pre-cut veggies.  So, all I had to do was cut up my chicken and I was good-to-go.  This comes together so super quick which is so nice when I have an adorable toddler pulling on my leg while I cook.  Oh, and it made a ton!  We’ve been eating leftovers and the hubby has enjoyed having a hot lunch at work the past few days.

Orange Chicken and Veggie Stir-Fry
Adapted from the Daydream Kitchen

For the Sauce:
1 cup Tropicana 50 Orange Juice
zest from one orange
3-4 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons oyster sauce
1/4 cup rice vinegar
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
2 teaspoons minced ginger
1 tablespoon honey

For the Stir-Fry
1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, cubed
6 cups chopped fresh veggies (broccoli, peas, mushrooms, bell peppers)
1 cup chopped onion
2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
salt and pepper, to taste

Put all sauce ingredients in a small saucepan.  Whisk together.  Over medium-high heat, bring the sauce to a boil.  Reduce heat to low-medium and simmer for an additional 2 minutes.  Remove from heat and set aside.

Put 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet and heat over medium heat.  Season cubed chicken with salt and pepper (on both sides).  Put chicken and onions in warmed skillet and cook until onions are softened and chicken is cooked through.  Remove chicken and onions from skillet and set aside (I usually put the chicken on a plate).

Put the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in skillet.  Throw in the chopped veggies and stir-fry for about 2-4 minutes.  You want the veggies to be crisp-tender when done.  (I usually decide they are done with the broccoli turns a bright, vibrant green.)  Add chicken, onions, and sauce to the veggies and stir until warm, about one minute.

Serve over brown rice.

Serves 6 (quite generously), but can easily stretch this out to 8-10 servings.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving Without Rice)
Calories:  217.2
Protein:  26.7g
Carbs:  16.8g
Fat:  6g (0.7g = Sat.)
Fiber:  3.2g
Sugars:  7.4g

Friday Feature – Success Story: Katie

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It’s a new year and I know A LOT of us make some sort of healthy-related resolution.  So, for a little inspiration . . . I bring you Katie!

Katie is one of my dear friends.  She’s had two beautiful children and once she was done nursing that second baby she decided to work hard and pull her weight back down.  She would tell me how she was skinny once and how she even loved running and she wanted to get back to that awesome place.  So, she buckled down, started exercising diligently, and also started eating right.

Needless to say (because the pictures pretty much tell you what happened) she did it with smashing success.  Her pictures tell a lot of her story, but here are a few of her stats:

  • She dropped 67.5 fat pounds!
  • She dropped over 21.3% in body fat!
  • She melted a total of 61.75 inches off her body!

If that doesn’t inspire you to want to shape up this year, then I don’t know what will!! You want to take a double take, don’t you?  You can . . . check out the pictures (click on the picture if you want to see it a little bigger)!

Katie Before-After Comparison - Mimi's Fit Foods

I love seeing the slimming effect through her mid-section!  Plus, her face and neck are so slim and so pretty!  She seriously can’t go anywhere without people commenting on her awesome results.

When she wrapped up her program with me she had plenty to say about it.  She said to me, “What I loved about this program is that it taught me how to EAT and how to eat like I should!  Food was always my biggest issue.  I could never fully grasp the smaller portions more often in the day, and this NAILED it for me.  I finally can eat the way I have always known I should.  I was fueled all day, never felt hungry, and loved craving the good foods!  The workouts have always been easy for me, but I loved learning new exercises from you and trying new things.  My life is forever changed in how I look at food and how I will put it into my body.  I’ve loved seeing the results and hearing what others have to say about it.  It’s so fun to walk into a room and see people’s jaws drop because I look so great.  I know I still have more to lose, but I am completely happy with these results so far!”

Katie is a rockstar!  She took the challenge to lose the weight the right and healthy way . . . through exercise and proper nutrition.  On top of all of this, she ran two (not one, but TWO) half marathons this past summer/fall!  I’m kind of jealous because one was in California at the Disneyland Resort!  She knows how to have fun and she even incorporates the fun into exercise!  She pretty much rocks!

I think I’ve said it before, but I really L.O.V.E. my job!
If you’re looking for a little extra help and guidance with a program that is specifically tailored to your individual body, feel free to visit my Lose Weight/Get Fit page and/or contact me for more information.  I would love to help in any way I can.  Let’s make 2014 a good and  healthy year to remember!

Whole Wheat Triple Berry Protein Muffins

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Whole Wheat Triple Berry Protein Muffins - Mimi's Fit Foods

These seriously taste awesome!  I was a bit skeptical, but curious enough to make muffins with protein powder, and I’m so thrilled with the results!  I’m constantly looking for yummy, healthy, and effective ways to use protein powder.  Using the protein powder in these muffins obviously added a nice chunk of protein to the muffins PLUS it allowed me to cut WAY back on sugar.  I used a healthy oil here too . . . coconut oil.  I love the way they turned out.  They taste just like a breakfast muffin and the berries add extra components of flavor, sweetness, and nutrition (go antioxidants!).

These would be great additions to your breakfast or snack line-up.  We ate these for breakfast alongside a fried egg (just to get a little extra protein).  They can easily be frozen and pulled out of your freezer for your convenience.  They are a great grab-and-go snack.

You can really use any protein powder you like here.  Obviously, depending on the powder you use, the protein content may change slightly (the one I used for the nutritional information below had 18g protein per scoop and there’s about 2 scoops used in the recipe).

Also, the recipe calls for partially frozen berries.  you can take your berries out of the freezer an hour before you plan to use them.  OR, if you’re like me and don’t really plan that far in advance (especially if it’s breakfast), then you can just slightly thaw them in the microwave (I thawed mine on power level 2 for about 90 seconds and they were perfect).

Whole Wheat Triple Berry Protein Muffins
Mimi’s Fit Foods

1 cup whole-what flour
1/2 cup vanilla protein powder
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
2 tablespoons sugar
1/3 cup melted coconut oil
1 cup low-fat buttermilk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups partially frozen berries

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

Combine all the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Create a well in the middle of the bowl. Add the coconut oil and then slowly add the buttermilk and vanilla extract while stirring until it’s just combined (for ease, I combined the buttermilk and vanilla in the same measuring cup).  Fold in the berries.

Spray a muffin tin liberally with nonstick cooking spray, or use paper liners.

Using a cookie scoop, fill each well of the muffin tin 3/4 full.

Bake 17-20 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.

Allow to cool before serving, and refrigerate in a covered container for up to one week.

Serving 12: Makes 12 muffins.

Nutritional Information (Per Sering = 1 Muffin)
Calories:  130
Protein:  5.1g
Carbs:  13.2g
Fat:  6.9g (5.6g = Sat.)
Fiber:  1.8g
Sugars:  4.8g

Triple Berry and Carrot Juice Detox and Antioxidant Smoothie

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Triple Berry and Carrot Juice Detox and Antioxidant Smoothie - Mimi's Fit Foods

We caught some of the nasty winter germs that have been going around and have been down with colds in our house.  Ugh!  In order to help boost our immune systems we’ve been trying hard to get in as many fruits and veggies as possible.  

This little smoothie has become our breakfast drink for the past week.  The berries are LOADED with antioxidants and I love sneaking veggies in the smoothie without anyone even noticing they’re there . . . thus, the addition of carrot juice.  Fruits and veggies will help us to naturally detox and cleanse our bodies too, so this smoothie is great for any of us who may have indulged a little over the holidays.  

If you’re wondering, I buy my triple berry mix from Costco.  I also found the carrot juice at Costco and have noticed that I can get the three bottles at Costco for almost the same price it costs for 1 bottle in the grocery store.  Since we won’t be drinking ALL that carrot juice before it goes bad, I’ve decided to freeze it until I need it.

If you’re in need of a handy-dandy way to get in your fruits and veggies, here’s a great solution.  Your kids will love it too.  My little babe sees it mixing in the blender and starts chanting, “num, num, num.”  Smoothies just seem to be a special treat!

Triple Berry and Carrot Juice Detox and Antioxidant Smoothie
Mimi’s Fit Foods

1 cup frozen mixed berries (blueberries, blackberries, raspberries)
1/2 cup carrot juice
1/2 cup cold water
1 tablespoon honey
1/2 scoop vanilla protein powder
1/8-1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (depending on taste)
crushed ice, optional

Put all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth (about 30 seconds).

Serves 2.

Nutritional Information Per Serving (Per Smoothie)
Calories:  110.2
Protein:  4.8g
Carbs:  22.6g
Fat:  0.4g (0.1g = Sat.)
Fiber:  2.7g
Sugars:  18.4g (mostly all natural from the berries)

Friday Feature: Savings on Healthy Stuff

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Save Money - Mimi's Fit Foods

 

From time-to-time I like to share little tips with you that I think you might find helpful.  Today I want to share some of the awesome savings and sales I’m seeing on health and fitness stuff.  Who doesn’t love to find good deals?!

One of the excuses I hear often by people who don’t want to change their lifestyle is that it’s just too expensive to eat and live healthy.  I’m not here to tell you that it’s the MOST affordable lifestyle, but I can truly tell you that it’s possible to eat and live healthy in an affordable manner.  And, if you want to start adding up all the doctor visits/bills, hospital bills, medication, time missed from work for sick days, the money spent at restaurants, etc., it’s pretty easy to defend the side that healthy living is can be more affordable.  But, we can save all that for a different day.

Today, I want to share some deals I’m seeing RIGHT now on healthy stuff (of course these are deals I’m seeing in my area and some of the pricing could vary a little bit depending on where you live).  January is always a great month to stock up on or invest in healthy living.  Retailers know that most people set some sort of healthy resolution and we see healthy food and fitness products go on sale like crazy!  Of course, this list is not all-inclusive, but just know that if you’re looking for anything particular and you want to do a search for it . . . chances are that you’ll find a sale somewhere for it.

This week is Target’s “Get Fit Event” and they have a lot of fitness equipment, activewear, and healthy products on sale.   You can skim through the sale to see if there’s anything you need/want, but here are some of my favorites:

  • All C9 dumbbells are 20% off (I think they range from 2 lbs to 12 lbs).  You can save an EXTRA 20% off of that if you use Target Cartwheel.  (If you shop at Target and haven’t downloaded this app, you’re crazy!  Do it now.)
  • Several resistant bands and other workout equipment is on sale.
  • C9 Kettlebells are 20% off.
  • Lots of activewear is on sale.  If anyone in the family, including kids, need new workout gear, now’s the time to get it.
  • Most boxes of protein bars are on sale for $4.79 (boxes contain 5 or 6 bars).  In addition to this sale, if you buy 4 boxes, you’ll get a $5 target gift card . . . for free.  This makes the bars only $0.70 each (if you buy boxes of 5 bars).  Umm…..that’s awesome.

Pure Protein Bars on Amazon – 6 Bars for only $4.33:  You can get a 6-pack of Pure Protein Bars for only $4.33.  That’s only $0.72 per par.  In order to get the $4.33 price, you’ll need to be sure to clip the 20% off coupon located on the product page AND purchase the bars using the Subscribe & Save option located on the right hand side of the page.  After placing your order, wait until your order ships and then you can go into your Amazon Account page and cancel the order (just click on the “Manage Subscribe and Save link”).  Amazon prices can change at any time, so the deal with coupon can end soon.

There’s a sale on Zaycon All-Natural Chicken Breasts.  It’s only $1.89 per pound!  This is a great price for chicken, let alone chicken without added hormones, additives or artificial ingredients.  You do have to buy a 40 lb box, but if you have room to freeze it . . . totally worth it!  You could also consider splitting it with someone.  You just go over to the Zaycon Foods page to register and it’ll tell you when and how it will be delivered or how you can pick it up.

Amazon is having a sale on Women’s New Balance Shoes.  Prices start around $22.  Head on over there if you love New Balance!  (Prices can change at any time on Amazon.)

Curves on Groupon:  You can purchase 5 classes at any Curves location for only $10.00.  That’s 74% off the regular price.  There are also options to purchase 10 workouts ($29) or 20 workouts ($39).  This is a great deal for anyone who has been wanting to try Curves out without committing to a long-term contract.  (Be sure to look through all the fine print on the deal to make sure you are okay with the terms and conditions and can activate and use the workouts in the time frames listed.)

Utah Golds on Groupon:  Gold’s Gym is up on Groupon right now and for a limited time you can purchase a one-month Gold’s Gym Membership for only $9.99 for 10 individual visits (including Group Fitness) for only $19.99.  That’s up to 90% off the regular price.  Utah locations that are participating in this deal include Orem, Bountiful, Taylorsville, Cedar City, Draper, Provo, South Jordan, Salt Lake, and St. George.  Again, a great deal for anyone wanting to give Gold’s Gym a try without committing to a long-term contract.  (Be sure to look through all the fine print on the deal to make sure you are okay with the terms and conditions and can activate and use the workouts in the time frames listed.)

Treadmills at Walmart as Low as $287:  Walmart has a sale on some treadmills right now.  Some of us don’t care how fancy the machine is, but just that we have place to run indoors when it’s too cold, the inversion is too bad, or for convenience due to other circumstances.  You can go check out all the treadmills online at Walmart and they even ship for free!

Healthy Finds In Costco’s Coupon Booklet (Ends January 26th):  Costco’s Coupon/Savings booklet is loaded with healthy finds.

  • Special K Cereal Bars-50 Count ($5 Off)
  • Special K Cereal ($2.50 Off)
  • Pure Protein Bars-18 Count ($4.50 Off)
  • Baked Lays-30 Count Variety Pack ($3.45 Off)
  • Rickland Orchards Greek Yogurt Bars-16 Count ($3.30 Off)
  • Dannon Light & Fit Greek Yogurt-18 Count ($4 Off)
  • SkinnyPop Popcorn ($1.50 Off)
  • Prego Heart Smart Sauce-2 Count ($2.30 Off)
  • Healthy Choice Chicken Soup-10 Count ($2.50 Off)
  • Seeds of Change Organic Quinoa & Brown Rice-6 Count ($2.80 Off)
  • Hillshire Farm Deli Ultra Thin Turkey Breast-3 Count ($3 Off)
  • Jimmy Dean Delights-12 Count ($3 Off)
  • Grilled Chicken Sandwich-12 Count ($2.30 Off)
  • Healthy Choice Fudge Bars-18 Count ($2.80 Off)
  • Muscle Milk-Several Varieties ($6.70 Off)
  • Combat Protein Powder ($9 Off)
  • Jalapeño Greek Yogurt Dip ($2 Off)
  • Countless Vitamins are also on Sale
  • You’ll also find fitness equipment on sale this month.  They have a nice-looking treadmill for only $699 shipped.

Fruits & Veggies:  This is just a general tip, but you’ll find that most in-season fruits and veggies tend to go on sale.  So, if you buy in-season, then you’ll pay a lot less than if you buy stuff that’s out of season.  Right now you’ll see that you’ll pay less for oranges, broccoli, cauliflower, and grapefruit.  Depending on where you live, you will also see pineapples on sale during this time.

SO . . . these are just a few of the awesome deals I’m finding.  I’ve also seen lots of stuff for sale at Sports Authority and other sporting goods stores too.  It doesn’t hurt to look for coupons too, because you can usually stack coupons on top of sale prices.  Sweet!  If you need something to help with your resolution this year, now’s the time to get it.  Or, if you just want some new stuff, grab it now.

What awesome deals are you finding this month?  Please share with the rest of us.  We could all use the advice and extra help to get and/or stay healthy!

Black Bean and Sweet Potato Burritos

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Black Bean and Sweet Potato Burritos - Mimi's Fit Foods

Here’s another fabulous meatless meal!  We get some nice protein from those healthy black beans and lots of other good nutrients from the sweet potatoes.  Black beans and sweet potatoes are such a lovely combination.  Mix them with some Mexican spices, throw in some fresh cilantro . . . and, we’ve got ourselves a winner!

I love how fast this recipe comes together.  And, a HUGE bonus is that you can leave the leftover filling in your fridge to whip up a burrito whenever your heart desires.  This has come in handy for lunches as well as lazy and/or busy nights when dinner is pretty much not gonna happen!

I wasn’t so sure that my little person would eat this in burrito form, so I mashed a portion of the filling and made a quesadilla for her.  I threw it in the oven with the burritos, cooked it for the same amount of time, and that worked like a charm.  She found her little quesadilla to be quite yummy.

These have easily jumped high up on my list for go-to dinners and will easily make the dinner/lunch rotation often.  These would also be great with the addition of cooked chicken and there’s no doubt that I’ll be adding it from time-to-time.

Black Bean and Sweet Potato Burritos
Adapted slightly from Mel’s Kitchen Cafe

2 sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed small (about 3-4 cups)
1 jalapeño, seeded and finely diced
1 small red onion, diced small (about 1/2 cup)
2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1/4 – 1/2 cup chopped cilantro (depending on your taste)
2 teaspoons fresh lime juice (from about 1 lime)
1/2 cup part-skim Mozzarella, shredded
8 burrito-size whole wheat tortillas (100 calories each)

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. In a large bowl, toss together the sweet potatoes, jalapeño, red pepper and red onion with the olive oil, cumin, chili powder, salt and pepper. Dump the coated veggies onto a large rimmed baking sheet and roast for 18-20 minutes, tossing halfway through. The vegetables should be tender but not mushy at the end of cooking time.

Let the vegetable mixture cool. Scrape the mixture into a large bowl and toss with the black beans, cilantro and lime juice. Taste the mixture and add additional salt and pepper to taste, if needed. Refrigerate the mixture until ready to assemble the burritos or use immediately.

Place 3-4 tortillas on a microwave-safe plat and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave for 15-20 seconds until the tortillas are pliable. Place 2/3 cup or so of the vegetable mixture in the center of the tortilla and top with 1 tablespoon of shredded cheese. Fold in the sides of the tortilla and roll up. Place seam-side down on a baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining tortillas until you have all the burritos you need (the filling can be refrigerated and used for 3-4 days).

Bake in a 375 degree F oven for about 10-15 minutes, until heated through and the top of the tortilla is golden brown. Adjust the baking time as needed depending on if the filling has been refrigerated or not. For a softer tortilla, wrap each burrito in tin foil and heat through. Serve immediately.

Serves 8.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving = 1 Burrito)
Calories:  229
Protein:  15.6g
Carbs:  40.6g
Fat:  6.8g (1.1g = Sat.)
Fiber:  18.5g
Sugars:  1g

Italian Farro Salad

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Italian Farro Salad - Mimi's Fit Foods

Happy new year!  Let’s get this new year started off nice and healthy!  This salad definitely fits the bill!  I’m sure many of you are sitting there wondering what “farro” actually is.  It’s nothing crazy, it’s just a healthy grain . . . like quinoa.  It’s super delicious and I absolutely love the texture.  It is a wonderful source of protein and fiber.

I was first officially introduced to this lovely grain by one of my sisters-in-law.  She is a huge fan (eats it for breakfast often) and because we both love healthy eats, she gave me a big bag for my birthday.  I’ve loved it ever since!  (Thanks Becca!)

Come the first of the year, I like to throw in a few meatless meals to our weekly menu.  It just helps to detox and it provides for some lighter meals (you know . . . after all that heavy and excess holiday food!).  That being said, I’m picky about my meatless meals because I’m adamant about getting enough protein into our bellies.  That’s why I love farro because it offers a decent amount of protein without adding extra meat to the dish (although, adding chicken to this dish would be delicious too).

These veggies are wonderful when paired up with the farro.  AND . . . I love the Italian twist because it really helps me to feel like I’m eating a real meal.  The Italian Seasoning and the garlic are awesome here and I love the addition of fresh basil.  Fresh herbs make just about anything taste gourmet.  Oh, and the Parmesan cheese . . . don’t even get me started!  It melted all over the farro as soon as I stirred it into the hot mixture.  Delicious!  Have I also failed to mention that it’s only 139 calories per serving?  Hmmmm . . . . looks like I’m having TWO serving for lunch tomorrow.

Seriously.  This makes for a great meatless meal or a beautiful side dish.  Give it a go.  You’ll love it.

Italian Farro Salad
Adapted from The Lilypad Cottage

1 1/2 cups rinsed farro
3 cups fat free chicken broth
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 cup of cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
1 (8-ounce) package of sliced mushrooms, chopped
1 zucchini, chopped
3 cloves of garlic, minced
2 teaspoons dried italian seasoning
3 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
3/4 cup of shredded Parmesan cheese
salt and pepper to taste

Bring farro and chicken broth to a boil. Reduce to medium heat, cover and let simmer for 20 – 25 minutes or until tender. Drain.

Meanwhile sauté garlic, italian seasoning, tomatoes, mushrooms, and zucchini until tender about 15 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Combine cooked farro and vegetables in a bowl.

Add fresh basil, parmesan, and more salt and pepper.

Can be served hot or room temperature.

Serves 6.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving = 1 Cup)
Calories:  139.6
Protein:  7.7g
Carbs:  18.7g
Fat:  5.7g (2.1g  = Sat.)
Fiber:  2.7g
Sugars:  2.3g

Italian Farro Salad

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Italian Farro Salad - Mimi's Fit Foods

Happy new year!  Let’s get this new year started off nice and healthy!  This salad definitely fits the bill!  I’m sure many of you are sitting there wondering what “farro” actually is.  It’s nothing crazy, it’s just a healthy grain . . . like quinoa.  It’s super delicious and I absolutely love the texture.  It is a wonderful source of protein and fiber.

I was first officially introduced to this lovely grain by one of my sisters-in-law.  She is a huge fan (eats it for breakfast often) and because we both love healthy eats, she gave me a big bag for my birthday.  I’ve loved it ever since!  (Thanks Becca!)

Come the first of the year, I like to throw in a few meatless meals to our weekly menu.  It just helps to detox and it provides for some lighter meals (you know . . . after all that heavy and excess holiday food!).  That being said, I’m picky about my meatless meals because I’m adamant about getting enough protein into our bellies.  That’s why I love farro because it offers a decent amount of protein without adding extra meat to the dish (although, adding chicken to this dish would be delicious too).

These veggies are wonderful when paired up with the farro.  AND . . . I love the Italian twist because it really helps me to feel like I’m eating a real meal.  The Italian Seasoning and the garlic are awesome here and I love the addition of fresh basil.  Fresh herbs make just about anything taste gourmet.  Oh, and the Parmesan cheese . . . don’t even get me started!  It melted all over the farro as soon as I stirred it into the hot mixture.  Delicious!  Have I also failed to mention that it’s only 139 calories per serving?  Hmmmm . . . . looks like I’m having TWO serving for lunch tomorrow.

Seriously.  This makes for a great meatless meal or a beautiful side dish.  Give it a go.  You’ll love it.

Italian Farro Salad
Adapted from The Lilypad Cottage

1 1/2 cups rinsed farro
3 cups fat free chicken broth
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 cup of cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
1 (8-ounce) package of sliced mushrooms, chopped
1 zucchini, chopped
3 cloves of garlic, minced
2 teaspoons dried italian seasoning
3 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
3/4 cup of shredded Parmesan cheese
salt and pepper to taste

Bring farro and chicken broth to a boil. Reduce to medium heat, cover and let simmer for 20 – 25 minutes or until tender. Drain.

Meanwhile sauté garlic, italian seasoning, tomatoes, mushrooms, and zucchini until tender about 15 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Combine cooked farro and vegetables in a bowl.

Add fresh basil, parmesan, and more salt and pepper.

Can be served hot or room temperature.

Serves 6.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving = 1 Cup)
Calories:  139.6
Protein:  7.7g
Carbs:  18.7g
Fat:  5.7g (2.1g  = Sat.)
Fiber:  2.7g
Sugars:  2.3g

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

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I’ve been off celebrating the holiday season and spending time with those I love.  I hope you have been too.  I’m planning on being back next week in full force to help you get off to a healthy and happy new year!

Happy New Year - Mimi's Fit Foods

From my family to yours . . . 

Happy New Year!

Roasted Beets

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Roasted Beets - Mimi's Fit Foods

Beets.  You should all know that beets are SO good for you.  They contain so many good vitamins and minerals (just to name a few . . . potassium, magnesium, fiber, phosphorus, iron; vitamins A, B & C; beta-carotene, beta-cyanine; folic acid).  They are good for all of us, including pregnant women as the vitamin B, iron, and folic acid are good for both mommy and baby.  Among many other health benefits, beets are also a natural cleanser of the blood.

With that all being said, I know beets may not be the MOST popular vegetable found at the dinner table.  Perhaps its the taste or perhaps its just the problem of not really knowing how to to prepare them.  I am one who actually loves beets, but have never prepared my own (I’ve always eaten bottled beets or beets that someone else prepared for me).  Some beets made their appearance in a mixed produce box I ordered and I was determined to find the best way to prepare them.

The crazy thing is, after doing all my research, the very best way to prepare the beets is to roast them.  Roasting them brings out the flavor much better than boiling or steaming them.  And, even crazier, roasting them is SUPER easy and pretty mess-free.  I REALLY cannot believe that I haven’t been roasting my own beets for years.  I think I might just be planting beets in my garden this upcoming summer.

Roasted Beets
Adapted from Bobby Flay

4 medium beets, scrubbed, leaves trimmed (red or gold)
cooking spray

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  Spray sheets of aluminum foil lightly with cooking spray.  Wrap beets in aluminum foil (like you would a baked potato).  Place wrapped beets on a baking sheet and roast in oven until cooked through, approximately 45-60 minutes (I find that they take closer to 60 minutes).

Remove from the oven, let cool for 10 minutes.  Peel and slice into 1/4-inch slices.  (I peel the beets under warm, running water as this avoids staining on my hands and countertop.  They peel very easily.)

Serves 4.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving = 1 Beet)
Calories:  22
Protein:  1g
Carbs:  5g
Fat:  0g
Fiber:  1g
Sugars:  4g