Get In My Belly

Bananas Foster French Toast at Bona Bella in Savannah, GA

"Food is like love, it should be entered into with abandon or not at all." ~ Harriett Van Horne

It is summer time for at least 1/2 of the world, and with that comes crushing heat, skimpier clothes, and party after party.

That trifecta of summer fun can oftentimes pose a problem for those of us who were not exactly watching our weight the way we should have during the colder months. Each year I kick myself for not trying harder, but just like the year before, I get it - life happens.

I have been perusing the Food "Pinterest" boards trying to pick out new recipes to give a try this summer. I crave fruits and veggies like crazy, especially in the warmer months, but trying to figure out new ways to make it interesting poses a problem. Let's not forget, I'm basically cooking for one (sometimes two, but honestly, my roomie and I have completely different tastes in food. She likes more southern specialties, while I go for the more Mediterranean in nature.)

I wanted to share with you a few of the recipes I am adding to my repertoire this summer. I found some that I really think could end up being staples in my home, and I can't wait to give them a go. If you click through on the picture, it will take you to the original page for the recipe. 

Feta, Blackberry & Melon Salad

I saw this and thought... this... this is exactly something I would love to eat at lunch! It's a feta, blackberry, and melon salad! Seems simple enough, and what a wonderful mix of delicious greens, cheese, and fruit!

Rainbow Ribbon Salad

This is not only beautiful, but sounds incredibly flavorful! It is called a Rainbow Ribbon Salad. The ingredients include rainbow carrots (variety of colors, ribboned) baby arugula, Parmigiano Reggiano ribbons, slivered red onion, fresh parsley, basil, toasted pine nuts, salt & pepper, and nice light vinaigrette. 

Spiraled Greek Cucumber Salad

This one really caught my attention! It's a spiraled Greek Cucumber Salad - and it has lemon & feta and a ton of other super yummy, natural ingredients. Again - another summer winner in my book!

Turmeric & Potato Soup

You guys may remember back in the day, when I worked for the American Heart/American Stroke Association, I used to go on and on about the benefits of turmeric. Well here is a wonderful twist with one of my favorite soups - it's turmeric & potato! Super easy, and apparently you use a Cypress black salt! (Can't WAIT to try this one!)

Garlic Shrimp 

How about a sauteed shrimp in garlic, something very typical in a Spanish tapas joint? Yum!

Grilled Eggplant Roll-ups with Ricotta Pesto

Now how about the piece de resistance? Grilled eggplant roll-ups with ricotta pesto? I just loved a good eggplant - and now you want to add the herb-y goodness of pesto and the creaminess of cheese? Holy Moly - where do I sign up?


These are just a few that really caught my eye this week. I hope to give them a try while I am on vacation next week. Maybe you might like to do the same. 

It is time I stop waiting for a reason to cook, and just enjoy life as it is! :-)

Snacks for the Dieter

Okay - I promised to share a few recipes I am trying, but to be perfectly honest, I am in the first month of a diet and it's been a little difficult to try new things. For one, the first half of the month I was living with my family. The second half - in my new home. If you have ever moved, you know how expensive it is.. and since we do not have any kids, we were able to just buy a few essentials to get by on.

What I thought I would share with you is what I am eating. I have lost almost 10 pounds. (I am like .4 away from 10 pounds.) In one month!

Perhaps I can share with you some of the items I have found to help quench my hunger and keep me on track.

Let's start with breakfast:

- Liquid Egg Whites. (Comes in a  carton.) I typically pour a little in a skillet and scramble. They are zero to 1 point, depending on how much you use. It's protein. It's energy. It's zero fat and cholesterol. The trick is to use cracked pepper and herbs.
- Whole Wheat English Muffin. I'm getting my fiber this way. While I am preparing my egg whites (which takes less than one minute) - I am toasting my one English muffin. Once the egg is done, I place it on the English muffin. This makes me feel full and provides sufficient fiber.
- Turkey bacon. To trick myself into thinking I am having some big, hearty breakfast, I have opted for turkey bacon. I typically make two slices - before I make my egg whites. That way it provides a little oil to cook my eggs in. I add those to the breakfast sandwich.
Two slices are 2 points on WW.

That little breakfast tastes great and provides me with everything I need to think clearly. I do drink about two cups of coffee (0 points) with 2 tbsp a piece of fat-free creamer. I don't add sugar, but when I do - I use Truvia. I don't approve of the chemical sweeteners.

Sometimes, when I am REALLY hungry, I will add one wedge of Laughing Cow creamy Swiss cheese (lite) to my egg white.

Lunch:

I have been trying something super yummy:

I buy one whole grain pita, stuff with the organic herb salad mix (in the plastic containers in your local produce section,) I odd a little chopped red onion, shredded carrots, sliced avocado, and sometimes a slice of provolone cheese. I drizzle with balsamic vinegar and olive oil. A tasty veggie sandwich.

This time of year I opt for watermelon and strawberries on the side. Fruit happens to be zero points in Weight Watchers.

Snacks:

I LOVE chips and dip. What I am doing now is purchasing a container of fat free Greek yogurt (Oikos) and adding one packet of ranch powder. (Or you can add fresh herbs.)

Then I grab the fat-free ruffles with 1/2 the calories and dip away. Or I use Quaker Rice cakes.

Another salty treat that is zero points - Pickles. I do love my pickles and green olives.

Dinner:

I am eating a normal dinner for the most part. I go heavy on the raw veggies (in our home, we eat Mediterranean dishes, since my husband is from Egypt,) and I go easy on the meat. We might cook some form of meat about once ever 2 weeks. It's rare, honestly. Lots of salads, hummus, veggie dishes, basmati rice, etc. I have eaten some grilled shrimp a few times this past month, as well as bean salads.

Dessert:

Has typically been fruit or I found these 97% fat free with no sugar added ice cream sandwiches. They are okay. Fruit is way better.

That's it. That's my food choices so far. I figured once I got closer to my 5% goal weight, I would start to reintroduce my favorite foods but in an altered state.

Can I just Stop Eating?

The single worst thing about traveling is eating out. The single best thing about traveling is eating out.

Just wait - I left my USB cord at home. I have been taking pics of the food I am eating... geez.. scary.

Which got me to thinking about choosing healthier options. Each restaurant I choose to eat at, and sure they are more than likely tourist traps, had ZERO healthy options. TRULY healthy options.

I have two more days of travel. I am in Fairhope today (did I mention, charming??) and heading to New Orleans.

More food.. more options..

Can I just stop eating?? ;-)

Food Porn

"I lurched away from the table after a few hours feeling like Elvis in Vegas - fat, drugged, and completely out of it." ~ Anthony Bourdain

After watching numerous episodes of "No Reservations," I became hungry. Not craving anything in particular - just everything in particular!

With out a doubt - I LOVE FOOD. Sure, who doesn't? Well.. maybe the anorexic. (No, I am not poking fun... just saying..)

I thought I would post some of my ab-fab recipes. Not the actual recipe - more so, a pictorial journey... food porn, if you will!

Soo.. if we are ever out to eat, and you want to know what I crave - then look no further than my absolute favorite dishes!!! You will see.. it is by no means "fancy." But oh sooo.. good.

Let's start with a lunch time staple in my home - Orzo Salad. Soo good, and actually - good for you.

I think I drench almost everything in Balsamic Vinegar. I always love when my Italian exchange students send me a new shipment!

Did I tell you I make the best banana pudding in the world? No? Well... I do.

BABY BACK BBQ RIBS. The best? At a little hole in the wall on Beale Street in Memphis.

We always have a basket full of cucumbers in our frig. We will add a little seas salt and pepper. Or soak them in vinegar. YUMMM

Biscuits and sausage gravy. I don't get to eat it often - only when I go home (Georgia.) My dad makes the best!

A nice piece of french bread with balsamic vinegar and a little olive oil. One of mine and the egyptain's favorite thing to snack on.

Did you read my buffalo chicken blue cheese dip recipe on Monday? This is what it looks like.

Give me a good cheese calzone. I love the one's at Lazio's here in Hoover.

A really good cup of chai. Best? Indian restaurants.

Extra Cheese pizza

Potato & cheese soup and Irish soda bread - my mom's only!

Chicken tandoori. Best in town? Silver Coin Indian Grill in Hoover.

Give me chips and dip. If you see me go for this combo - I am stressed!

Hot apple cider

Coffee flavored ice cream

Pink cotton candy!

A double shot of espresso with creme and a hot, buttered croissant. A perfect breakfast in my eyes.

Shepard's Pie. I have to admit - I make the best!

Veggie Egg Rolls.

Egg nog

Fried pickles dipped them in ranch! (I love the ones at Baumhower's Wings or Pub 260.)

Fried Chicken, english peas and mashed potatoes.

Just a big ass plate of fruit!

Goat cheese!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Green Tea Frappucino

Grilled Cheese Sandwich - best? Urban Standard. They have this wonderful balsamic/jam dip for it!

Guacomole - here? Iguana Grill in Hoover

A Gyro!!

Prime Rib with horseradish sauce (I love the P. R. at J. Alexander's.)

Hummus!

Coconut popsicles

Pad Thai Chicken

A Krystal double cheeseburgar

A Layered Salad - again - my recipe is the best!

Dark Chocolate with Sea Salt

Dark Chocolate with hot chiles

The egyptian recipe for macaroni bechamel!

Mac & Cheese! (A staple around here)

Lamb Kebabs (Here? Ali Baba)

Mc Donald's French Fries are the BOMB

A Nuway Chili Dog!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (Only found in Macon, Georgia)

Cheese Omelet and hashbrowns at Waffle House

I love fruit trifles.. my favorite one is my mom's Georgia Peach trifle

This what I snack on around the house - sweet peppers stuffed with creme cheese.

Philly Cheese Steak Sandwich

Pig in a Potato Patch. (okay.. my northern friends.. let me explain..) It is an oversized baked potato loaded with sour cream, butter, chives, and bbq pulled smoked pork and bbq sauce.) Go to Jim N Nicks to get the best one!

Pumpkin Pie

Queso dip with rotel

My favorite cookie is a snicker doodle

Iced Caramel Macchiato

Sweet Potato Pie

Tabouli

Taco Salad

Tahini

Greek Yogurt and Cucumber salad

Tiramisu

Argula, Strawberries, spinach, oil & vinegar salad

Lindor white truffles

Turkish coffee

FINALLY - chicken wings with blue cheese dressing...

Which one do you LOVE?