Lynbrook | New Hyde Park | NY

Exercise

RECIPE OF THE WEEK: STUFFED SPAGHETTI SQUASH

This week try some stuffed spaghetti squash. This zesty, southwestern-inspired meal tastes great and is healthy for you too!

Prep Time: 30 mins           Total Time: 1 hr 45 mins     Servings: 4-6

 Calories: 605kcal    Carbohydrates: 34g    Protein: 34g    Fat: 33g    

Ingredients/ Equipment:

  • 2 small spaghetti squash, cut in half and seeds removed (about 3 lb. each)
  • 3 Tbsp. olive oil
  • 2 tsp. kosher salt
  • 1 tsp. black pepper
  • 1 lb. ground turkey
  • 1 (1-oz.) packet taco seasoning
  • 1 (15-oz.) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 c. frozen corn
  • 1 c. salsa, plus more for serving
  • 2 c. shredded Mexican blend cheese (about 8 oz.)
  • 1 c. fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Plain Greek yogurt or sour cream, for serving
  • 1 ripe avocado, diced, for serving
  • Hot sauce, for serving

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
  2. On a baking sheet, place the spaghetti squash cut-side up. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of the oil and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of the salt and pepper. Flip the spaghetti squash cut-side down and bake until fork-tender, 45 minutes to 1 hour.
  3. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon oil over medium heat. Add the turkey and cook, crumbling with a wooden spoon, until the turkey is lightly browned, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the taco seasoning and ½ cup of water and cook until thickened slightly, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in the beans, corn, salsa, 1 cup of the cheese, and three-quarters of the cilantro.
  4. Let the squash cool slightly before carefully flipping over, cut-side up. Use a fork to loosen the flesh and form spaghetti-like strands. Divide the turkey mixture among the spaghetti squash halves and mix it gently with the squash strands. Sprinkle the halves with the remaining cup of cheese. Return the squash to the oven and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly, 10 to 15 minutes.
  5. Serve the squash topped with yogurt, avocado, hot sauce, salsa, and the remaining cilantro.

Original recipe can be found at pioneerwomen here!

RECIPE OF THE WEEK: CILANTRO LIME CHICKEN TACOS

Enjoy chicken lime tacos this week.  A super tasty high protein full of fresh flavor and healthy ingredients. 

Prep Time: 15 mins       Cook Time: 10 mins       Total Time: 25 mins     Servings: 5

 Calories: 407kcal    Carbohydrates: 60.8g  Protein: 31.8g  Fat: 20.4g     Serving = 2 Tacos

Ingredients/ Equipment:

  • 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 8 to 10 6 inch flour or corn tortillas
  • Juice of 2 limes + zest of 1 lime
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 tsp honey
  • 2 Tbsp cilantro, chopped
  • 2 cups shredded green cabbage
  • 1 cup shredded red cabbage
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
  • 1/2 cup chopped green onions
  • Juice of 2 limes
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp honey
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 avocado
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
  • 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 3 Tbsp lime juice
  • 1 tsp Sriracha
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1/4 to 1/2 cup water, depending on consistency

Directions

  • Place chicken in a large ziplock bag or bowl.
  • To make the marinade, whisk together lime juice, zest, olive oil, garlic, honey, and cilantro until combined and pour over top of chicken until completely coated. Cover and marinate chicken for about 4 hours to overnight.
  • To make the coleslaw, combine cabbage, carrots, green onions and cilantro in a large bowl. In a smaller bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, honey and salt and toss together with slaw mixture.
  • To make the avocado crema, combine the avocado, garlic, cilantro, yogurt, lime juice, sriracha and salt/pepper in a food processor and pulse until combined. With the motor running, slowly add the olive oil and water until smooth until you have your desired consistency.
  • To cook the chicken, pre-heat outdoor grill or grill pan on medium-high heat and add marinated chicken breasts. Sprinkle with a little salt and cook chicken about 4 to 5 minutes on each side until juices run clear. Transfer chicken to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes before cutting. This keeps them juicy!
  • To assemble the tacos, place chicken in a tortilla and top with slaw and a drizzle of the avocado crema. Serve with a fresh squeeze of lime and enjoy!

Original recipe can be found at eatyourselfskinny here!

RECIPE OF THE WEEK: MASHED CAULIFLOWER

Need an idea for a healthy side this Thanksgiving. A low-carb option that tastes great and is just as delicious as the classic mashed potato side!

Prep Time: 10 mins       Cook Time: 10 mins       Total Time: 20 mins     Servings: 4

 Calories: 70kcal    Carbohydrates: 8g    Protein: 59g    Fat: 3g

Ingredients/ Equipment:

  • 1 head of cauliflower
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 to 2 teaspoons finely chopped herbs (thyme, rosemary, sage, parsley, chives, etc)
  • kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Directions

  • Prep the cauliflower. Trim the leaves off the cauliflower and cut off the florets. Rinse the florets under water.
  • Steam the cauliflower. Heat 1 inch of water in a pot on medium heat and bring to a boil. Place a steamer insert in the pot and add the cauliflower florets. Steam for 6 to 8 minutes.
  • Cook the garlic. While the cauliflower is steaming, heat the olive oil in a small pan on medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, then remove from the heat.
  • Add everything to the pot. Remove the steamed cauliflower from the pot, drain the water, and add the cauliflower back in. Then, add the olive oil, garlic, chopped herbs, and any optional ingredients.
  • Mash. Use a potato masher or stick blender to mash the cauliflower.
  • Serve. Season with salt and pepper, garnish with fresh herbs and serve immediately.

Original recipe can be found at downshiftology here!

RECIPE OF THE WEEK: SHEET PAN THANKSGIVING DINNER

Get your Thanksgiving plans in order and try this sheet pan Thanksgiving dinner. A great meal that the whole family will enjoy during the holidays!

Cook Time: 30 mins    Additional Time: 3 hrs    Total Time: 3 hrs 30 mins     Servings: 12

 Calories: 608kcal    Carbohydrates: 38g    Protein: 59g    Fat: 26.5g

Ingredients/ Equipment:

  • 1 boneless turkey breast, 2 to 2½ pounds
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided, plus more as needed
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 large garlic cloves, finely grated
  • ¼ cup light mayonnaise
  • 2½ tablespoons za’atar
  • 1-pound sweet potatoes, peeled and cut lengthwise into 1-inch-thick wedges
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 pound brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved lengthwise
  • ½ teaspoon cumin seeds
  • Fresh lemon juice, to taste

Directions

  • Heat the oven to 400ºF. If the turkey breast comes tied, untie it.
  • Pat the meat dry with paper towels. Season the turkey all over with 1½ teaspoons of the salt and the black pepper, then rub all over with the garlic.
  • In a small bowl, stir together the mayonnaise and za’atar.
  • Transfer 2 tablespoons of the za’atar mayo to a separate small bowl and brush that all over the turkey.
  • Set the remaining za’atar mayo aside. Let the turkey sit at room temperature for 15 minutes while you prepare everything else.
  • In a large bowl, toss together sweet potatoes, 1 tablespoon of the oil, the maple syrup, ¼ teaspoon of the salt, and the red pepper flakes.
  • Place turkey on a rimmed sheet pan and arrange the potatoes in a single layer around it. Roast for 20 minutes.
  • In the same bowl toss the brussels sprouts with 2 tablespoons of the oil, the cumin seeds, and the remaining ¼ teaspoon salt.
  • Give the potatoes a toss after roasting for 20 minutes, and push the wedges to one side of the pan to make room for the brussels sprouts.
  • Add the sprouts and continue to roast until the sprouts and potatoes are golden brown and a thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the turkey registers 145ºF, 20 to 30 minutes longer (for a total turkey roasting time of 40 to 50 minutes).
  • Allow the meat to rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
  • While the turkey is resting, season reserved za’atar mayo to taste and add a little more oil and salt, if needed. Season to taste with lemon juice. Serve the za’atar mayo alongside the turkey and vegetables.

Original recipe can be found at skinnytaste here!

RECIPE OF THE WEEK: THE BEST WHOLE ROASTED CHICKEN

Need some early ideas for Thanksgiving dinner, look no further. Try this best whole roasted chicken recipe and you may have a competitor for your Thanksgiving turkey this year!

Prep Time: 10 mins   Cook Time: 75 mins  Total Time: 1hour 25 mins   Servings: 6

 Calories: 354kcal    Carbohydrates: 13.9g    Protein: 32.9g    Fat: 19.1g

Ingredients/ Equipment:

  • 1 large carrot, halved lengthwise and cut into thirds
  • 1 stalk celery, cut into large thirds
  • 1 – 2-4 pound whole chicken, giblets removed and patted dry
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon grated lemon zest
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • salt
  • freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1 head garlic, top sliced off
  • 1/2 yellow onion, cut into 2 large pieces
  • 1 lemon, cut in half
  • 4–6 sprigs fresh thyme

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
  2. To a small mixing bowl add the melted butter, garlic, lemon zest, 1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme, and a generous pinch of salt and freshly cracked pepper.
  3. Place the celery and carrots in a cast iron and skillet. Use a paper towel to pat the chicken dry and then place the chicken on top of the veggies, breast side up.
  4. Rub the melted butter mixture under the skin of the chicken as well as inside the cavity of the chicken, being sure to use all of the butter.
  5. Stuff the chicken cavity with the head of garlic, pieces of yellow onion, lemon, and fresh thyme. If you like, use a bit of kitchen twine to tie the drumsticks.
  6. Drizzle the olive oil over the skin of the chicken and then use a basting brush to ensure that the skin is well coated with oil. Liberally season the chicken with salt and fresh cracked black pepper.
  7. Place the chicken in the oven, on the middle rack, and roast for 1 hour and 15-30 minutes, basting every 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature, at the thickest part, reaches 165 degrees.
  8. Remove the chicken from the oven and let rest for 10-15 minutes in the skillet.

Original recipe can be found at allthehealthythings here!

RECIPE OF THE WEEK: BBQ CHICKEN SALAD

This week enjoy BBQ chicken salad. A great way to get that BBQ flavor with a high protein healthy meal!

Prep Time: 15 mins   Cook Time: 30 mins  Total Time: 45 mins   Servings: 4-6

Calories: 792kcal      Carbohydrates: 55g     Protein: 42g    Fat: 11g

Ingredients/ Equipment:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb. total)
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 3/4 c. store-bought BBQ sauce, divided
  • 1/3 c. buttermilk
  • 1/4 c. mayonnaise
  • 1/4 c. sour cream
  • 1 clove garlic, finely chopped
  • 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 Tbsp. chopped fresh dill
  • 1 Tbsp. sliced fresh chives
  • 1/4 tsp. onion powder
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper
  • 2 heads romaine lettuce, thinly sliced (about 8 c.)
  • 1 (15-oz.) can black beans, rinsed, drained
  • 1 vine-ripened tomato, finely chopped (about 1 c.)
  • 1 c. shredded Mexican blend cheese
  • 1 c. frozen corn, thawed, drained
  • 1 c. tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips
  • 1/4 c. finely chopped red onion

Directions

  1. Place chicken between 2 pieces of plastic wrap and pound with a meat mallet into 1/2″-thick pieces. Transfer chicken to a large bowl; season all over with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Pour 1/2 cup BBQ sauce over chicken. Turn to coat and let marinate, tossing a few times, at least 15 minutes at room temperature, or cover bowl and refrigerate up to 3 hours. 
  2. Meanwhile, prepare a grill for medium-high heat; heat 5 minutes (or preheat a grill pan over medium-high heat). In a medium bowl, whisk buttermilk, mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic, parsley, dill, chives, onion powder, cayenne, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; set dressing aside.
  3. Grill chicken, basting with marinade, until cooked through, about 5 minutes per side. Transfer to a cutting board and let cool slightly. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces.
  4. In a large bowl, toss chicken, lettuce, beans, tomatoes, cheese, corn, tortilla strips, and onion. Drizzle with some of the reserved dressing and remaining 1/4 cup BBQ sauce and toss again to combine. Serve remaining dressing alongside.

Original recipe can be found at delish here!

RECIPE OF THE WEEK: SHEET PAN LEMON GARLIC SHRIMP AND ASPARAGUS

This week enjoy lemon garlic shrimp and asparagus. This easy to make one pan high- protein low-carb meal makes making a healthy dinner effortless!

Prep Time: 5 mins   Cook Time: 15 mins  Total Time: 20 mins   Servings: 1/4th of recipe

Calories: 302kcal      Carbohydrates: 6.2g     Protein: 27g    Fat: 19.5g

Ingredients/ Equipment:

For The Asparagus:

  • 1 lb thin to medium asparagus, ends trimmed
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For The Shrimp:

  • 1 lb medium-sized shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1/4 cup butter, melted
  • 3 Tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 1 Tbsp minced garlic
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/4 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, leave this out if you don’t like a little heat
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, garnish after cooking

Directions

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, melted butter, lemon juice, zest, garlic and seasonings.  Add shrimp and toss everything together until completely coated.  Set aside and let shrimp marinate while asparagus cooks.
  • On a large sheet pan sprayed with nonstick spray, arrange asparagus on one side of the pan, drizzle with olive and add garlic and lemon zest.  Toss until completely coated then season with salt and pepper.  Place in the oven and bake for 5 minutes.
  • Once asparagus has cooked, remove from the oven and add the marinated shrimp to the other side of the pan, arranging them so that they are all in a single layer.  Place everything back in the oven and cook for an additional 8 to 10 minutes, until shrimp are opaque and pink in color.
  • Remove from the oven and squeeze with additional lemon juice and sprinkle with fresh parsley.  Enjoy!

Original recipe can be found at eatyourselfskinny here!

RECIPE OF THE WEEK: PUMPKIN ENERGY BITES

Start off your fall with some pumpkin energy bites. A great easy fun fall snack to begin your day!

Prep Time: 10 mins   Cook Time: 20 mins  Total Time: 30 mins   Servings: 30

Calories: 67kcal      Carbohydrates: 9.4g     Protein: 1.9g    Fat: 2.2g

Ingredients/ Equipment:

  • 2 cups oats
  • 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
  • 1/4 cup almond butter or peanut butter
  • 1/4 cup chia seeds
  • 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional, see notes)
  • 1/2 cup maple syrup or honey
  • generous pinch of salt
  • 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips

Directions

  1. Pulse all ingredients (except chocolate chips) in a food processor until well-mixed.
  2. Add chocolate chips and pulse a few more times until they are in small pieces.
  3. Scoop mixture and roll into balls. Freeze until solid and store in the freezer or refrigerator.

Original recipe can be found at pinchofyum here!