Lynbrook | New Hyde Park | NY

Fitness

RECIPE OF THE WEEK: CHICKEN CAPRESE SALAD

This week enjoy chicken caprese salad a bright fresh meal with a great protein boost to keep you fueled throughout your day!

Active Time: 20 mins             Total Time: 1 Hour           Servings: 4 Servings 

Serving Size = 3 oz. chicken & 2½ cups salad

Calories: 426kcal      Carbohydrates: 21g        Protein: 39g        Fat: 22g

Ingredients/ Equipment:

  • 1/3 cup aged balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil plus 1 teaspoon, divided
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon ground pepper
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons honey
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt, divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt-free Italian seasoning (such as Dash)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 (8-ounce) boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut in half horizontally
  • 8 cups coarsely chopped romaine lettuce hearts
  • 1 pound grape tomatoes, halved horizontally (about 3 cups)
  • 1 (8-ounce) container fresh small mozzarella cheese balls in water, drained
  • 1 cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves

Instructions:

  1. Whisk vinegar, 2 tablespoons oil, mustard and pepper in a medium bowl until well combined. Transfer 6 tablespoons of the mixture to a small bowl. Whisk honey into the reserved mixture in the small bowl; set aside.
  2. Add 1/2 teaspoon salt, Italian seasoning and garlic powder to the remaining mixture in the medium bowl; whisk until combined. Add chicken; toss to coat completely. Let stand, covered, at room temperature for 30 minutes.
  3. Preheat a grill pan over medium heat, 3 to 5 minutes. Brush with the remaining 1 teaspoon oil. Add the chicken; cook, turning once, until grill marks appear on both sides and a thermometer inserted into the thickest parts registers 165°F, about 10 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board; let stand for 5 minutes. Slice.
  4. Arrange romaine, tomatoes, mozzarella and basil on a large platter; sprinkle with the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt. Top with the sliced chicken and drizzle with the reserved balsamic mixture.

Original recipe can be found at EatingWell here!

RECIPE OF THE WEEK: CHOCOLATE-PEANUT BUTTER PROTEIN SHAKE

This week enjoy a chocolate-peanut butter protein shake. Only taking 5 minutes anyone can make this high-protein shake. A great way to increase your protein and satisfy your hunger!

Prep: 5 Mins                Total Time: 5 Min               Servings: 1 Servings 

Calories: 402kcal      Carbohydrates: 41g        Protein: 26g        Fat: 16g

Ingredients/ Equipment:

  • Blender
  • 1 cup unsweetened vanilla soymilk
  • ¾ cup sliced frozen banana 
  • ½ cup reduced-fat plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
  • 1 tablespoon natural peanut butter

Instructions:

  1. Combine soymilk, banana, yogurt, cocoa powder and peanut butter in a blender; blend until smooth.

Ingredient Swaps to Try

  • Try any plant-based or dairy milk. Any milk will work for this smoothie, so feel free to swap the soymilk for almond, cashew or other plant-based milk. Dairy milk is also a great swap, but whichever milk you choose, make sure it’s unsweetened.
  • Use plain yogurt or plain plant-based yogurt. Greek yogurt will make the smoothie ultra-creamy and also packs plenty of protein. However, if you prefer regular yogurt, that will work too, or you can skip dairy yogurt altogether and opt for a plant-based yogurt instead.  
  • Swap in another nut butter. The peanut butter in this recipe can be subbed out for any other nut or seed butter. Choose a “natural” style nut or seed butter so that you’re getting just the nut or seed, without any added trans fats, oils or added sugar.

Original recipe can be found at eatingwell here!

RECIPE OF THE WEEK: EASY EGG MUFFINS

This week enjoy easy egg muffins. A high protein breakfast option that you can even snack on later. Easy egg muffins makes prepping breakfast or any meal a breeze!

Prep: 10 Mins     Cook Time: 25 Min     Total Time: 35 Min      Servings: 12 Servings 

1 Muffin: Calories: 50kcal    Carbohydrates: 1g      Protein: 6g       Fat: 3g

Ingredients/ Equipment:

  • 1 nonstick cooking spray
  • 1 cup thawed and squeezed frozen chopped spinach
  • 6 eggs
  • 4 egg whites
  • ¼ cup of plain nonfat Greek yogurt
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray each cup of a muffin pan with one spray of non-stick cooking spray.
  2. Add 1 heaping tablespoon of the thawed spinach to the bottom of each muffin cup in the muffin tin.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, egg whites, yogurt, salt and pepper. Evenly divide the egg mixture among the 12 muffin cups. Top each egg muffin with 1 teaspoon of parmesan cheese.
  4. Place in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the eggs are slightly firm to touch. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool for 5 minutes.
  5. Remove from the muffins from the pan and serve or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week, or freeze and store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
  6. To reheat from the refrigerator, place the muffin uncovered on a plate in the microwave for 30 seconds. To reheat from frozen, place the muffin uncovered on a plate in the microwave for 1 minute.

Original recipe can be found at diabetesfoodhub here!

RECIPE OF THE WEEK: SOY-MARINATED BEED AND BROCCOLI SKEWERS

This week enjoy some soy-marinated beef and broccoli skewers. A healthy and delicious way to start off your summer grilling!

Prep: 10 Min        Cook Time: 8 Min     Marinade Time: 30 Min     Total Time: 15 Min

Servings: 2 Skewers    Calories: 199kcal    Carbohydrates: 11g   Protein: 29.5g    Fat: 5g

Ingredients/ Equipment:

  • 8 wooden or metal skewers
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce, use low-sodium tamari for gluten-free or coconut aminos for soy-free
  • 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1/2 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, grated
  • 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • black pepper
  • 16 ounces trimmed NY strip steak, 1 inch-thick, cut into 16 cubes
  • 1 large head broccoli
  • 6 to 8 medium scallions, white and light green parts only, cut into 1-inch pieces

Instructions:

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, vinegar, honey, sesame oil, garlic, ginger and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt. Season with black pepper.
  • Divide the marinade between 2 medium bowls. Add the meat to 1 bowl and toss to coat. Leave to marinate for 30 minutes at room temperature, stirring occasionally, or cover and refrigerate for up to 8 hours.
  • Separate the broccoli into 16 florets. They should each be 1 to 1 1/2 inches, cut any particularly big florets in half and trim the stems.
  • Meanwhile, if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 20 minutes so they do not burn on the grill. Drain before threading the skewers.
  • When the meat is ready, make the skewers: Thread 1 piece scallion perpendicular to the skewer, then carefully thread 1 broccoli floret onto the skewer, then 1 piece of beef. Repeat with another layer of scallion, broccoli, beef, then finish with the last of the scallion.
  • Brush the skewers generously with the reserved marinade then season with a pinch of salt and black pepper.
  • To grill: Prepare the grill on high heat. Grill the skewers to desired doneness, about 3 to 4 minutes per side for medium-rare, brushing with the remaining marinade. Serve right away.

Original recipe can be found at skinnytaste here!

RECIPE OF THE WEEK: AIR FRYER FISH TACOS

This week enjoy some air fryer fish tacos. A high protein meal that is fast, easy, and delicious!

Fresh fish tacos sitting on blue plate with blue corn tortilla chips and salsa

Prep: 5 Minutes      Cook Time: 10 Minutes     Total Time: 15 Minutes   Servings: 3 Tacos                             

 Calories: 296kcal      Carbohydrates: 39.2g           Protein: 26.2g               Fat: 2.9g

Ingredients:

  • 1-2 bell peppers sliced (or 300 g frozen sliced bell peppers)
  • 2 filets of mahi thawed (224 g)
  • Trader Joe’s BBQ seasoning*
  • Salt and Pepper
  • 6 Extra thin mission corn tortillas
  • 2 cups shredded green cabbage
  • ¼ cup skinny chipotle cream 60 g
  • ¼ cup pickled onions
  • ¼ cup cilantro lime ranch 60 g

Instructions:

  • Pre heat air fryer to 400 degrees. Spray basket with a mist of avocado oil spray and add bell peppers. Cook for five minutes. While bell peppers cook, season mahi filets liberally with BBQ seasoning and a good sprinkle of kosher salt. *You can always just use a good blend of garlic, chili powder, paprika, salt, pepper. Just season well.
  • When the five minutes are up, scoot bell peppers to the sides to make room for the fish. Add fish and cook for another five minutes until done.
  • Toss cabbage in 2 Tbsp of the cilantro lime ranch. Char tortillas over the stove, or heat in a pan with a little oil spray. Build each taco with 10 grams (2 tsp) of chipotle cream, a pinch of the cabbage, a couple tablespoons of the cooked bell pepper, about 40 grams of cooked mahi, a few pickled onions, and a drizzle of the cilantro lime ranch. Enjoy!

Original recipe can be found at Lillie eats and tells here!

RECIPE OF THE WEEK: LEMON CHICKEN RICE BAKE

Lemon Chicken Rice Bake

Enjoy a high healthy protein meal this week that is bursting with flavor! A combination of tender chicken paired marvelously with lemon and herbs creates a tasty one-pan dish!

Prep: 10 minutes   Marinating Time: 20 Minutes   Cook: 50 Minutes   Yields: 6 Servings

Per Serving:          Calories: 391kcal       Carbohydrates: 30g       Protein: 33g   Fat: 14g

Ingredients:

For Marinade:                   

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ¼ cup white wine (I used Sauvignon blanc)
  • ¼ cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
  • ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 8 chicken thighs (with bone and skin)

For Rice:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion (chopped)
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 cup rice (long grain uncooked)
  • 2 cups chicken broth (low sodium)
  • ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
  • zest from 1 lemon
  • lemon slices
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley                               

Instructions:

  1. In a ziploc bag combine with wine, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, oregano, garlic and chicken thighs. Shake the bag well and marinate for at least 20 minutes up to overnight.
  2. Preheat your oven to 350? (177?).
  3. 3Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet that’s oven safe. Add the chicken thighs and cook on both sides until skin is golden brown and crispy. Make sure to reserve marinade. Chicken doesn’t have to be cooked through since it will continue cooking in the oven. Transfer the chicken to a plate. 
  4. In the same skillet add the onion and cook for about 3 to 5 minutes just until the onion is soft and translucent. Add the garlic and saute for another 30 seconds just until it becomes aromatic.
  5. Stir in the rice and cook for 2 minutes. Add the chicken broth, reserved marinade and season with more salt and pepper if needed. Add the lemon zest, stir and bring to a boil.
  6. Add the chicken back to the skillet on top of the rice, arrange lemon slices around the chicken and cover the skillet with a lid. 
  7. Bake covered for 20 minutes then remove the lid and bake for another 10 minutes.

Original recipe can be found at Jocooks here!

RECIPE OF THE WEEK: HEALTHY ORANGE CHICKEN

Healthy Orange Chicken

This Healthy Orange Chicken is quick and easy to make, containing no added sugar of any kind! This recipe involves no deep frying making it a better option than takeout!

Total Time: 30 Minutes                           Yields:4 Servings                      Calories:255kcal

Carbohydrates: 11g                                Protein: 22g                               Fat:13g  

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs – or chicken breasts, cut into 1/2? cubes
  • 2 tbsp avocado oil
  • 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp minced ginger
  • 1 clove minced garlic
  • 1 tbsp orange zest – from a microplane grater
  • 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice – about 2 oranges
  • 1/4 cup coconut aminos – or tamari/soy sauce to taste
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon tapioca starch or cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water
  • Sea salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions
  • Sesame seeds to sprinkle over the top

Instructions:

  1. Place a large 9-10″ cast iron or non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. When the pan is hot, add 1 tablespoon of avocado oil and the cut-up chicken.
  2. Sauté stirring only as the chicken browns for 3-4 minutes, or until just done. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
  3. Lower the heat to medium-low and add the remaining tablespoon of avocado oil, toasted sesame oil, ginger, and garlic. Cook stirring constantly to prevent browning until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  4. Then add the orange zest, orange juice, and coconut aminos to the pan. Bring to a boil then lower the heat to maintain a brisk boil. The goal of this step is to reduce the sauce.
  5. When the sauce is thickened, for 8-10 minutes, add the chicken back to the pan. Or if you like a bit more sauce you can add the optional thickener before the sauce thickens on its own, at about the 5-minute mark in the cooking time.
  6. Cook to warm the chicken and combine it with the sauce. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Then sprinkle with the green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Original Recipe can be found at getinspiredeveryday here!

RECIPE OF THE WEEK: BAKED PESTO CHICKEN BREAST

Baked Pesto Chicken Breast

This fast and easy Baked Chicken Breast recipe is topped with pesto, tomatoes, mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Bake in the oven, or make it outside on the grill!

Prep:10minutes mins

Cook:15minutes mins

Total:25minutes mins

Yields: 4 Servings

Serving: 1 Piece of Chicken

Calories: 205 kcal, Carbohydrates: 2.5 g, Protein: 30 g, Fat: 8.5 g

Ingredients

2 16 oz total boneless, skinless chicken breasts

kosher salt and fresh pepper to taste

4 teaspoons Skinny Basil Pesto

1 medium tomatoes, sliced thin

6 tbsp 1.5 oz shredded mozzarella cheese

2 teaspoons grated parmesan cheese

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 400° F. Line baking sheet with foil or parchment if desired for easy clean-up.
  • Place the chicken on prepared baking sheet. Spread about 1 teaspoon of pesto over each piece of chicken.
  • Bake for 15 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink in center. Remove from oven; top with tomatoes, mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Bake for an additional 3 to 5 minutes or until cheese is melted.
  • To Grill: Grill chicken over medium flame on both sides until cooked through in the center.  Lower flame, top chicken with pesto, tomatoes and cheese, and close grill until cheese melts.

Original recipe from Skinnytaste can be found here!