Tasty Tamale Pie

This is another one I've been making practically since I "started to cook", early in our marriage, when we were living in NY. Learned how from my uncle, and adapted it to make it as EASY and HEALTHY as possible -- my goal for all recipes!

Tasty Tamale Pie

Although it's Mexican-type food, it's not actually popular in Mexican American culture -- they prefer wrapping!

This tamale pie was more corn-bready than usual, and still very yummy!

Tasty Tamale Pie

2/3 c dried lentils, cooked with taco spices (optional: chop lentils in a food processor)
2-3 cans refried beans (or make them at home the night before - EASY - healthy - awesome!)
~2 c corn
2 c diced tomatoes
~2 c salsa
~1/2 c chia seeds (optional)
batch of corn bread (follow basic instructions on corn meal container, 1-2 batches depending on how thick you like your corn bread crust)

Cornbread - Plant-Based Tips

Eggs (1 egg = 1 Tbsp ground flaxseed and 3 Tbsp warm water)

Milk - use any plant milk

Oil - use unsweetened applesauce, or more flaxmix

Sugar - as little as you dare; could cut in half

In rectangular glass pan, spread out lentils, top with refried beans (homemade pours on nicely), sprinkle on corn, salsa, and chia. Prepare corn bread batter, and pour over everything else. Bake per corn bread directions for temperature, though it may take more time than directions say, probably around an hour. Lentils are cooked, so you just want everything warm, and the bread topping to be golden.

This tastes great with some avocado slices!  Spice lovers may add more salsa!

Also try Lentil Tacos!

Super-Easy Guacamole for Superbowl Sunday!

Super-Easy Guacamole! 
1 avocado 
1/4 c salsa (or 1/3 can Rotel diced tomato and chilis) 
1 Tbsp lime juice (or 1 packet True Lime and + 1 Tbsp water)

 

For a chunkier salsa, simply combine ingredients in a bowl and mash avocado with a fork to desired consistency and stir in other ingredients!

For super-smooth guacamole, quickly blend all ingredients in a food processor.

Simply follow above ratio for larger quantity!

Costco carries fabulous Kirkland Organic Salsa! They also sometimes sell a yummy black bean salsa by another brand. Salsa is a nutritious addition to any meal! See why HERE!

ALTERNATIVELY, with a bit of work, you can combine 1-2 avocados with a fresh tomato, small onion, garlic clove, a few sprigs of cilantro, and Tbsp lime juice, and some pepper and cumin, to taste! Chop, mince, mix, mash, and enjoy!

You may also want to try Heavenly Hummus!

Or BLISSFUL Baked Bean Dip!

Another great snack is Spicy Lime Popcorn!

For dessert, try a new LARABALL recipe, rolled in coconut!

Thank you for the great idea, Mara!

TELL ME? Are you going to a Superbowl party? Do you have any party tips for not going too wild with your eating at a party?

Chipolte Anyone?! Spice Up Your Order with Health!

I love Chipolte! And eating there doesn't have to be a "2000 calorie jamboree!" I loved that, Julie!

With some adjustments to your usual order eating out at Chipolte can be a healthy experience!

Start with a burrito in a bowl (SUBTRACT 290-CALORIE white tortilla).

Next, ask for BROWN rice. This great NEW addition to Chipolte's menu is not even on their website yet!

Choose the BEANS AND SALSA that you like best; just be sure to take BOTH! The corn salsa has more calories, but they are healthy calories! If you really want to cut calories, pick one of the other 3 salsa varieties AND make it a "salad" (adds lettuce and omits rice)! Black beans are the ideal choice, if you have no preference. All beans are super nutritious, but the darker in color, the more phytochemicals.

A more FUN change is to ask for the guacamole! It adds calories, but they are ALL healthy calories, healthy fat, and who can pass up FRESH guacamole! Yum, I can taste it now! Maybe that's because I actually did just eat this (click here)! which tastes very similar to Chipolte, actually! And look how pretty!

This is a big one, SKIP the meat AND cheese AND sour cream. To ease into this adjustment, ask for 25% of the cheese (This will get you half. If you just ask for half, you might get nearly the full serving.) This change REDUCES SATURATED FAT of your meal by 12 grams.

Perhaps make just ONE order-change PER VISIT, if you're overwhelmed, and think I'm stealing your burrito! Gradual changes are going to STICK -- become "what you do", rather than "just a phase".

TELL ME IN A COMMENT! Do you try to order out healthy sometimes? Or do you save your healthy eating for at home? What tricks do you use to cut the calories at your favorite restaurant?

Spice up Your Morning!

Here is a quick and delicious option to add protein, fiber, and cayenne pepper to your day first thing! Weight loss helpers! Tofu is an awesome protein source to start your day! Additionally, cayenne pepper has been shown to speed metabolism!

Refreshing "Egg" Wraps (Tofu Scramble)

3/4 c tofu, mashed with a fork
1/4 tsp turmeric
1/4 c salsa (experiment with quantities per your spice-meter)
1 whole wheat tortilla

Mix the ingredients in a microwaveable bowl. Heat for 1-2 min. Fill tortilla with mixture, roll up, and enjoy! Great with a side of fresh fruit! It's surprising how much salsa you can add without it being too spicy.

Salsa is a great way to add veggies, cooked tomatoes for lycopene (cancer prevention, especially prostate), and hot peppers for capsaicin (speeds up metabolism and decreases appetite)!

"Like" the fresh-you Facebook page here!

WHAT DO YOU THINK? Tell me in a comment below: What foods seem to be good for you one day and bad for you the next? For example, how eggs have gone in and out of the spotlight.

2-Minute Friday Night Dinner*

Celebrate the end of the week with a quick dinner Friday night! Tonight, while you are surfing Facebook, cook some brown rice. When you prepare the rice ahead of time, dinner can be ready in just a few minutes!*

Prepare dinner in a flash!

Mexican Fiesta Bowl

Combine in a large glass bowl:
1 can black beans, drained (or 1 cup of cooked beans from dried beans ~ directions here)
1 cup salsa or diced tomatoes and chilis
1 avocado, cut in chunks
1 cup frozen corn
2-3 cups cooked brown rice (Click here for benefits!) 
Fresh cilantro chopped and lime juice, for extra awesomeness!

Stir it all up, pop in the microwave for a few minutes, and viola! Dinner is done!

For a slow cooker variation, you can put everything except the avocado in a slow cooker, along with lots of water, in the morning. End up with a lovely "tortilla soup" at the end of the day! Top with avocado slices, adding tastiness and nutrition!

The unlikely event of leftovers!

If you would like to see more recipes and tips, "like" my Facebook page!

WHAT DO YOU THINK? Tell me in a comment below: do you ever "cook" in the microwave? Besides just warming things up, what do you make?