Yummy Healthy Breakfast

When I have the time, I like to whip up a nice breakfast for myself. Usually, I make an egg white omelet with vegetables. This makes for a great breakfast because the egg whites are full of protein and the veggies have lots of nutrients and fiber.

Below is the basic recipe I follow. Needles to say, I do mix it up based on what vegetables are in season and, more importantly, what’s available in my refrigerator. Sometimes I’ll have the omelet with a side of toast and berries depending on how much time I have…

Note: This recipe makes one omelet.

Ingredients

¼ cup egg whites (sometimes I add in a full egg, with the yolk)

1 handful of baby spinach

¼ teaspoon (about a pinch) onion powder

¼ cup halved cherry tomatoes

¼ cup shredded low fat (or skim) grated mozzarella cheese

Note: A few vegetables I like to sub in are steamed asparagus, sautéed mushrooms, or steamed broccoli.

Instructions

1. In a bowl, beat together the egg whites, spinach and onion powder.
2. In a small skillet coated with olive oil cooking spray over medium heat, pour in the egg mixture and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes.
3. Flip with spatula and cook another 2 minutes. (At this point it will look like a big egg pancake. Yum!)
4. Reduce heat to low and sprinkle on cheese and cherry tomatoes and then fold omelet in half (one side over the other). Cook for another minute or so to allow cheese to melt and then serve.
5. Add salt and pepper to taste. Enjoy!

This omelet is really simple, quick, and very easy to make! Plus, it’s a great way to kick start your day. The best part? You’ll notice that the egg + veggie combo will keep you feeling full longer.

Enjoy!

Cheers to 30 years

In just a few days I will be the big 3 - 0. 

It is crazy to think about. 

I was talking with Jake the other day about what it means to be 30.

 I was telling him that when I would dream about being 30 when I was 15, I didn't think my life would be where it is now. 

I always thought that I would have gotten married at 21 and had two kiddos by the time I was 25. 

Thankfully that was not God's plan for my life. 

I think that if I would have married the guy I was dating at 21 I would have been divorced by 25. Not that he was a bad guy, but more so the fact that I didn't know who I was as a person. I was still growing and exploring life. At almost thirty years I am just now feeling like an adult, and at 21 I was still so unsure of who I was. 

Even though life didn't go as fast as I wanted or dreamed of at 15, I am so so thankful of where I am today. I am happier now then I ever have been, and am excited to be in this time of my life. This is the time in my life that I will remember and cherish forever. I am strong in who I am, and know what I want out of life. 

CHEERS TO 30!

Healthy Spring Time Goodies

Here are a few recipes that are healthy and refreshing for spring, enjoy!

Tropical Sangria

There’s nothing like a pitcher of fruity sangria to get the party started! I suggest using a nice, light merlot or a similar wine that you like. I use lemon-lime seltzer in this recipe, which cuts the calories while amplifying the drink’s fruity flavor. It’s a refreshing alternative to other festive cocktails, which can be extraordinarily caloric—a single frozen margarita, for instance, can run you more than 500 calories. Yikes!

Ingredients

1 (750-ml) bottle red wine

1/4 cup orange liqueur, such as Triple Sec or Grand Marnier

1 orange (unpeeled), thinly sliced

1 lime (unpeeled), thinly sliced

1 (8- ounce) can pineapple chunks packed in 100% juice, with juice

2 cups naturally flavored lime or lemon-lime seltzer or club soda

Sliced citrus fruit, for garnish

Directions

1. Combine the wine, orange liqueur, orange and lime slices, and the entire can of pineapple, including the juice, in a large pitcher. Stir, and store in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours (or overnight).

2. To serve, strain out the soaked fruit if desired. Pour the chilled seltzer into the pitcher, and stir to combine with the wine.

3. Serve over ice, and garnish with fresh sliced fruit.

Grapefruit-White Wine Sparkler

                   

This cocktail combines sweet-tart grapefruit juice and herbal gin with sparkling wine for an effervescent drink that's perfect for any season.

Ingredients

1 cup gin

• 4 teaspoons sugar
• 1/4 cup fresh grapefruit juice
• 1 bottle dry sparkling white wine or Champagne
• Ice
• 6 thin lemon slices

Directions

1. In a punch bowl or large pitcher, combine gin and sugar.

2. Stir until sugar dissolves, 1 minute.

3. Add grapefruit juice and bottle of sparkling wine; stir to combine.

4. To serve, fill six glasses with ice and wine mixture, then garnish with thin lemon slices

Cinnamon Cheesecake Fondue

Unlike chocolate fondue, this recipe requires no cooking and is not served hot, which means you can whip it up in a flash. It’s a great way to satisfy a craving for New York–style cheesecake without excessive calories, fat, and sugar. A bowl of this fondue makes the perfect ending to an informal party—it’s pure fun!

Ingredients

4 ounces (1/2 cup) low-fat cream cheese, at room temperature

3/4 cup nonfat sour cream

2 tablespoons packed brown sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cut fresh fruit (apples, pears, cantaloupe, honeydew, pineapple, peaches, strawberries)

Directions

1. Combine all the ingredients except the fruit in a medium bowl, mixing them vigorously with a whisk until completely smooth. For best results, refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving.

2. Serve with the cut fresh fruit for dipping.