Tuesday, June 24, 2014

dinner overhaul


Lately, I've had this recurring realization over and over again. 

I'm a terrible eater. Like, really bad. As in... pizza twice a week, chicken tenders and french fries, junk food galore, and ranch-dipped everything. It's not good.

I've been on healthy eating kicks before and I know I can do it again. When you make it a habit, you learn to crave good-for-you foods and that's what I'm striving for here. Not to rain on Brandon's parade, but he sometimes makes it difficult for me to eat foods that are more healthy. Mushrooms, onions, peppers, zucchini, eggplant, tomatoes, etc. ...I love these things. Brandon does not. See? Enter pizza because sometimes I just don't know what else to cook that he will like! (Although I have been known to sneak things like onions into our meals if I chop them fine enough. Got to be sneaky.) But now I've gotten into the habit of making poor choices and it's time to quit.

My overall goals for eating more clean are to cut out processed foods (as best as possible), greatly reduce carb consumption, and decrease sugar intake. Eventually, I'd like to drastically cut my dairy consumption, but let's not get crazy. 

I've been on a huge hunt for healthy recipes that normal people can make. You know what I mean. I am interested in recipes where I can pronounce everything on the ingredient list and don't need two hours and a specialty grocery store in order to make the meal.

Here are some pretty great recipes I've found that are worth sharing. These aren't crazy strict healthy recipes, but ones that will be great baby steps for us.
Malt Vinegar Oven Fries - Because I'm a french fry fanatic.
Vegan Creamed Kale 
Sweet and Spicy Asian Glazed Grilled Drumsticks 
Zucchini Tots - These look amazing and seem pretty simple to make. 
Turkey Taco Lettuce Wraps 
Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps - Because anything that combines the crock pot and buffalo sauce is a winner in my book. 
Healthy Peanut Butter Freezer Cookies - Have I ever expressed my love for peanut butter to you before? 
Spicy Buffalo Cauliflower Bites - Once again... Buffalo Sauce, you win. 
Garlic Mushroom Quinoa - Garlic and mushrooms sound heavenly together. 
Baked Parmesan Zucchini - I think I bookmarked this one because it looks so pretty.  
Healthy Chicken Alfredo Pita Pizzas - YES. 
Honey Salmon 
Whole Wheat Greek Yogurt Pancakes - When reading this title, all I see is pancakes. 
Pecan Crusted Trout - I think you could probably use this topping on any fish.
Got to give major kudos to this blog, this blog, and this one, too (where I stole the feature image!) Got any good recipes to share? Help a sister out!

18 comments:

  1. I know this problem too well! My boyfriend won't touch vegetables and my eating habits are suffering majorly because of it! I love to cook, but when your guy doesn't like the veggies, it's SO hard to make 2 separate dishes on a busy schedule!! Glad I'm not the only one struggling with this... Thanks for the recipes! :)

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  2. My "go-to" sites for recipes are www.skinnytaste.com and http://natashaskitchen.com/
    There are lots of easy recipes!

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  3. I totally understand where you're coming from. We have the same issues too. It really has gotten bad over the past several months, and I know I need to make a change! Check out SkinnyMom- they have lots of great recipes and calorie counts right on the website. It's so hard to do things like count calories and stick to it- that's my biggest problem. I've been wanting/needing to cut out carbs and processed foods as well. Good luck! Keep us updated!!


    Xo,L
    simplylowcountry.com

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  4. I actually made the zucchini tots this morning to go with my lunches this week. They're so good. My husband (also a Brandon!) loves them!

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  5. Thanks for sharing these great recipes! I agree...it's much harder to eat healthy with my boyfriend, not because he doesn't like it, but because he would rather have the junky food! Working on healthier eating habits too. xo!

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  6. Can you post the link to the recipe of the picture you posted? I cannot find it! Thanks!!

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  7. Can you post the link to the recipe of the picture? I cannot find it. Thanks!!

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    Replies
    1. Here you go! http://pinchofyum.com/spicy-shrimp-avocado-salad-miso-dressing

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  8. I am awful when it comes to eating enough veggies, so I picked up the deceptively delicious cookbook by jessica seinfeild and I love it! It is geared towards sneaking veggies into your kids meals, but it is perfect for all ages of picky eaters. The main concept is that you prep veggie purees and replace some of the bad ingredients with the puree. My favorite is macaroni and cheese that uses cauliflower puree in place of some of the cheese.

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  9. Thanks for mentioning my Chicken Alfredo Pita Pizzas!

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  10. As another reader said you have to try our Skinnytaste. Gina has tons of recipes and they are so so good. I make her recipes at least twice a week and my boyfriend likes them just as much!

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  11. Girl! I totally feel you on this. David is a somewhat healthy eater, but he is still really picky, so it really limits what I can cook. I feel so much better when I eat healthy and I crave those healthy foods, but it's still time consuming to cook two separate meals for me and him. These recipes are great though.

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  12. I can't wait to try some of these recipes especially the PB freezer cookies and parmesan zucchini. Thanks for sharing!

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  13. I agree with a previous comment you have to try Skinnytaste recipes. I typically make Gina's recipes twice a week if not more and my boyfriend has liked them all and hasn't felt like he has been eating healthy (not to mention weight watcher's friendly) foods.

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  14. I make those zucchini tots a bunch, they are so so good and very easy to make! love them as a side with anything! can't wait to try the crock pot buffalo chicken .

    www.itsthelittlethingsblog.blogspot.com

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  15. Not sure if you're familiar with Dashing Dish, but it's a wonderful resource for delicious, healthy recipes! :) Love your blog--- thanks for opening up your life to us!

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  16. I couldn't agree more!! I go through spells of really eating well and then completely fall off...of course the hubby doesn't always help and then we indulge together. It's a vicious cycle. We just returned from vacation, and now I need to get back on track. Thanks for sharing the links to some great recipes!

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