Lynbrook | New Hyde Park | NY

health

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: 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: BROCCOLI SALAD

This week enjoy broccoli salad. This recipe contains less sugar than the average salad mixing and is still bursting with flavor!

Prep Time: 20 mins   Total Time: 20 mins   Servings: 6

 1 Cup = Calories: 162kcal    Carbohydrates: 27.5g    Protein: 5.6g    Fat: 3.8g

Ingredients/ Equipment:

  • 5 cups broccoli florets
  • 1 cup red grapes, sliced
  • 1/2 cup red onion, chopped
  • 1/2 cup raisins
  • 1/3 cup sunflower seeds

For the dressing:

  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 3 tablespoons honey, or maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

  • To make the dressing, whisk together Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, honey, lemon juice and salt/pepper in a small bowl or jar until creamy and smooth.  Feel free to add a touch of olive oil or water if you want a thinner consistency.
  • In a large bowl, add in the broccoli, grapes, red onion, raisins and sunflower seeds and mix in the honey dijon yogurt dressing until everything is nicely coated.  Taste the salad and season with additional salt and pepper, as needed.
  • Cover the salad and let it chill in the fridge for at least an hour or up to 24 hours before serving.  Enjoy!

Original recipe can be found eatyourselfskinny 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!

RECIPE OF THE WEEK: CHICKEN CAESAR WRAP

This week enjoy a chicken caesar wrap. Loaded with flavor this high protein meal is the perfect grab to go option on the run!

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

Calories: 338kcal      Carbohydrates: 27g       Protein: 35g     Fat: 10g

Ingredients/ Equipment:

  • 12- oz. cooked chicken breast cubed or shredded – about 3 cups
  • 1/2 cup lite caesar salad dressing (120g) store-bought or homemade (see notes)
  • 1/2 cup salad croutons, cut in half (28g)
  • 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese – freshly grated is best!
  • 1 Tbsp lemon juice
  • 1/4 tsp each: garlic powder & black pepper
  • 4 pieces green lettuce or romaine lettuce
  • 4 spinach tortillas I used Mission carb balance spinach

Directions

  1. In a medium bowl, combine the chicken, caesar dressing, croutons, parmesan, lemon juice, garlic powder and black pepper.
  2. Lay the tortilla out and place the lettuce on top (it will pretty much cover the whole tortilla). Scoop 1/4 of the chicken mixture on top. Fold the tortilla lengthwise over the filling, tuck in the sides, and roll into a secure wrap. Repeat for each wrap.
  3. Slice in half and enjoy! If meal prepping, slice wraps in half and store in an airtight container in the fridge.

Original recipe can be found at laurenfitfoodie here!

RECIPE OF THE WEEK: SHEET-PAN ITALIAN PORK CHOPS

This week enjoy sheet-pan Italian pork chops. Requiring little prep makes this high protein sheet pan dinner a breeze!  

Prep Time: 7 mins          Cook: 30 mins         Total Time: 37 mins      Servings: 2

Calories: 702kcal         Carbohydrates: 16g        Protein: 47g        Fat: 52g

Ingredients/ Equipment:

FOR THE PORK CHOPS
2 boneless pork chops, ¾-inch thick
1 Tbsp olive oil
¼ tsp Italian seasoning
? tsp salt
? tsp black pepper

FOR THE VEGETABLES
4 cups fresh broccoli florets
¼ cup coarsely chopped bell pepper
2 Tbsp olive oil
? tsp salt
Dash red pepper flakes

FOR SERVING
3 Tbsp olive oil
¼ cup pitted green or black olives, quartered
¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Lemon slices

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking pan with parchment paper. On a cutting board, pound pork chops with a mallet to tenderize. Place chops in the center of the prepared baking pan.
  2. Brush pork chops with oil and sprinkle with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Bake 10 minutes.
  3. Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, combine broccoli, bell pepper, oil, salt, and red pepper flakes; mix well. Spread vegetable mixture around pork chops. Bake 20 minutes, stirring once, or until slightly crisp but still tender. Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the pork is at least 145°F.
  4. Transfer meat and vegetables to plates. Drizzle with oil and sprinkle with olives and Parmesan. Serve with lemon slices.

Original recipe can be found at eatthis here!