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Friday Foodie: Zucchini Quiche on the Grill

Category : Healthy Eating

So it turns out that real men not only eat quiche, they make it on the grill! The idea of baking things in my kitchen while the air conditioning is running is just unthinkable so Iphoto (4) resorted to using the grill as my oven and it worked reasonably well. Previously this summer I’ve baked lasagna and boiled a few dinners. It’s my summer kitchen.

This week’s Friday Foodie is Gini M. who introduced me to the recipe I adapted from Grain-Free Gourmet authors Jodi Bager and Jenny Lass. Thanks also to our business manager, Jennifer, who supplied the monster zucchini and Grandma Zuehlke from whom I inherited the 9×13 aluminum pan that is a prized possession in our kitchen. I doubled the quantities to make a 9×13″ pan to ensure leftovers for lunches.

This is not a ‘low calorie’ nor a ‘low fat’ recipe, however it is extremely satisfying and is a Low Carb Meal for our VEMMA carb-cycling clients .

Zucchini Crusted Quiche (makes 9×13″ pan, cut in half for a 9 or 10″ pie pan)
Crust:
4 cups shredded zucchini patted dry

Zucchini Crust!

Zucchini Crust!


2 eggs
1 cup shredded or grated Parmesan cheese or Mozzarella cheese

Filling:
8 eggs
2 cups plain yogurt ((I used 50/50 yogurt/cottage cheese)
1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon cayenne
 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 10oz chopped frozen spinach, defrosted and drained
1 1/2 cups grated Swiss cheese (I just used Mozzarella because I had it)
1 1/2 cups grated Cheddar cheese (I used 1 cup parmesan and 1 cup Mozzarella)

1. Preheat your oven to 350′ or turn all burners on your grill to low (obviously not an exact science, but since when has my cooking been scientific?)

Chopped Spinach

Chopped Spinach


2. Grate a Wisconsin-sized zucchini, then use a towel to squeeze all the excess water out of it to get about 4 cups of shredded Zucchini.
3. Mix shredded zucchini with 2 eggs and 1 cup Parmesan or Mozzarella cheese.
4. Press into a lightly greased 9×13″ pan and up the sides a bit to make the ‘crust’
5. Bake the crust for 20-30 minutes until cooked through and the edges are browned.

Meanwhile…
1. Make the batter: Mix together 8 eggs, 2 cups of plain yogurt, 3/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon each of nutmeg, cayenne and black pepper.
2. Distribute the chopped spinach on top of the cooked zucchini crust.
3. Layer the cheeses on top.
4. Pour the batter on top.
5. Turn up the grill to medium high (oven to 450′) and bake for 10 minutes.
6. Reduce the grill to low (oven to 350′) and bake 20-30 minutes.
7. Remove from the grill/oven when a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.

Zucchini Crusted Quiche

Zucchini Crusted Quiche

Nutrition (estimated)
Serving size 1/12 pan (3″x 4″ piece)
Calories: 322
Protein: 27g
Fat: 20g
Carbs: 10g
Sodium: 710mg (fairly high, try omitting salt to drop to 560mg/serving)

Comments Off on Low-Carb Chicken Parmesan

Low-Carb Chicken Parmesan

Category : Healthy Eating

Trying to lose weight?

We invite you to check out one of our Smart Loss Programs to learn all about Carb-Cycling! The basic idea is that you alternate between high-carb days and low-carb days in order to rev up your metabolism. You will get a link to some great software which will help you plan your meals and incorporates recipes like the one below!

Chicken Parmesan~Serves 2

2 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (4-6 oz each) 
1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, grated 
1 teaspoon oregano 
1/2 teaspoon paprika 
1 tablespoon butter 
1/2 tablespoon olive oil, divided 
Salt and pepper to taste

1/2 head romaine lettuce

1 tablespoon Caesar dressing, fat free 

1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese, grated

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 

PREPARE CHICKEN
On a plate, combine cheese, oregano, paprika, salt and pepper. 
Lightly brush each chicken breast with a small amount of oil, then dredge chicken into the cheese mixture. In a small frying pan, melt butter and 1 teaspoon of oil together over medium-high heat. Lightly brown chicken on both sides then place in the foil lined baking pan. Bake for about 25 – 30 minutes or until chicken is thoroughly cooked. Serve with a side Caesar salad.

MAKE SALAD

Toss Romain lettuce, fat-free Caesar dressing and a little grated parmesan cheese together. Go easy on the dressing! It doesn’t take much!

IF IT’S A HIGH CARB DAY: (or for the people in your house who aren’t carb-cycling) serve 2 whole grain bread sticks with Garlic bread seasoning.

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Your Spring Weight-Loss Plan

Category : Healthy Eating

Spring is just around the corner…many of us are wondering how to drop a few pounds before the warm weather arrives. Do you have a plan in place to help you rev up your metabolism and lose those excess pounds? 

Here’s what you need to know:

  • What to eat
  • When to eat
  • How much to eat

Register for the next Spring Smart Loss Session to learn more, talk with a personal trainer and get a link to our awesome menu-planning software!

What to eat

Chris Powell, author of “Choose to Lose” and the star personal trainer for “ABC’s Extreme Makeover Weight Loss Edition” suggests Carb-Cycling. Here’s how it works:

Each week, you will have two cycles of two low carb days followed by a high carb day, followed by a guilt-free day on the seventh day of the week. For example, if you want Sunday to be your guilt-free day then Monday & Tuesday would be low-carb, Wednesday would be high-carb, Thursday and Friday would be low-carb and Saturday would be high-carb. Of course, you can decide when you want your guilt-free day and assign the other days accordingly.

Every day for breakfast eat carbohydrates, protein and unlimited veggies regardless of whether it is low-carb or high-carb day. Your carbohydrate can be a piece of fruit or toast/English muffin. Your protein at breakfast could be an egg, however a protein shake, cottage cheese or any left-over protein from last night’s dinner would be great.

On low carb days, the idea is to focus on protein and vegetable consumption and avoid the smart carbs, which include whole grains and fruit (except for breakfast).

On high carb days, all five of your meals will consist of a carbohydrate, protein and veggies. Providing your body with a healthy source of carbohydrates helps replenish glucose stores in the muscle and tissue. High carb days also help prevent your body from going into “starvation mode” (which may lead to a decreased metabolism).

Your guilt-free day each week is the day you are allowed to eat the foods you have been craving all week! It’s ok to splurge a little…I met a person who was very successful on this program while eating pizza and Zesty’s custard once each week!

When to eat

Eat five times each day. Your meals should be spaced about 3 hours apart. This keeps your blood sugar level and keeps you feeling satisfied instead of hungry.

How much to eat

This program is great because you do not have to measure your food or count calories/grams. Instead, just take a look at your hand and remember that a serving of carbohydrate is the size of your fist, a serving of protein is the size of your palm and a serving of fat is the size of your thumb. You can eat as many veggies as you’d like, so you don’t have to measure them at all.

 Which Carbs/Fats/Proteins should I eat?

  • Healthy carbs: fruit, whole grain bread, English muffins & tortillas, rice, potatoes, sweet potatoes corn, couscous, long grain brown rice, oatmeal, popcorn, quinoa, whole grain cereals,whole grain pasta,  wild rice, milk (1% or skim), yogurt and legumes including edamame.
  • Healthy fats: low fat cheese, feta cheese, olive oil, canola oil, flaxseed oil, fish oil, safflower oil, avocado, olives, almond butter (with salt), almonds (raw, whole), peanut butter (natural, with salt), peanuts (raw, chopped), pecans (raw, chopped), pumpkin seeds, sesame butter/tahini, sunflower seeds, soy nuts (roasted, lightly salted), walnuts (raw, chopped)
  • Healthy proteins: chicken, turkey, fish, lean beef, lean pork, cottage cheese (low fat), eggs, egg substitutes, Greek yogurt (nonfat plain), yogurt (low carb/high protein) and vegetarian options include  tofu, TVP and tempeh,

The key to success with carb-cycling is to plan ahead and know what you are going to eat at each of your five meals throughout the day. It’s important NOT to skip meals and remember that no one is perfect…if you slip up, don’t beat yourself up, just pick up where you have left off and keeping moving forward.

Contact us for more information on carb-cycling and we can help you plan for  a healthy spring!

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Low-Carb Pecan Butter Glazed Salmon

Category : Healthy Eating

Trying to lose weight?

We invite you to check out one of our Smart Loss Seminars to learn all about Carb-Cycling! The basic idea is that you alternate between high-carb days and low-carb days in order to rev up your metabolism. You will get a link to some great software which will help you plan your meals and incorporates recipes like the one below!

Ingredients to make 2 servings

2 salmon filets (4-6 oz each, size of palm) 
Salt and pepper to taste 

PECAN BUTTER 
1 1/2 Tablespoons pecans, finely chopped 
2 Tablespoons  butter, softened 
1/2 Tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped 
3/4 teaspoon lemon juice 

SIDE DISHES 
2 cups broccoli, steamed 
Side salad (add your favorite veggies!) 

HOW TO MAKE PECAN BUTTER: Bake pecans on ungreased cookie sheet at 350 degrees until golden (about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.) Mix pecans with butter, parsley and lemon juice. Set aside. 

HOW TO COOK SALMON: Preheat oven to broil to cook the salmon. Sprinkle both sides of fish with salt and pepper. Place in a lightly greased, oven-proof baking dish. Place dish on top oven rack 4 to 6 inches from broiler and broil about 4 minutes. Turn filets over and top each with about 1 tablespoon pecan butter. Continue broiling until fish flakes easily with a fork (about 4 to 8 minutes depending on thickness). 

Serve with broccoli and a side salad (Veggie are unlimited)

Comments Off on Low-Carb Spiced Pork Chops

Low-Carb Spiced Pork Chops

Category : Healthy Eating

Trying to lose weight?

We invite you to check out one of our Smart Loss Seminars to learn all about Carb-Cycling! The basic idea is that you alternate between high-carb days and low-carb days in order to rev up your metabolism. You will get a link to some great software which will help you plan your meals and incorporates recipes like the one below!

Serves 2 

2 pork chops (4-6 oz each, size of palm) 
1/2 tablespoon olive oil 
1/4 tablespoon butter 
1/4 cup chicken broth, low sodium 

SEASONING 
1/2 teaspoon paprika 
1/4 teaspoon oregano 
1/2 teaspoon cumin 
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 
1/4 teaspoon salt 
Pinch of fennel seeds, crushed (optional) 
Pinch of cayenne pepper 

SIDE DISH 
2 cups broccoli, steamed (unlimited veggies!)

Combine spices together in a small bowl and sprinkle mix on both sides of the chops. 

Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat, then add pork chops and cook on both sides until done. Remove from pan and keep warm by covering lightly with foil. 
Add butter to pan and use a whisk to stir browned bits. Add chicken broth and keep whisking until the sauce reduces in about half, stirring well. 

Serve the chops with the sauce on top and steamed broccoli.

If it’s a High Carb Day for you or you have family members who are NOT eating low carb: Serve with steamed brown rice or a baked potato (remember a serving of smart carbs is the size of your fist).

P.S. I am a vegetarian, so I haven’t personally tried this recipe, however my clients who have tried this one really like it!

 

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Low-Carb Seared Citrus Salmon

Category : Healthy Eating

Trying to lose weight?

We invite you to check out one of our Smart Loss Seminars to learn all about Carb-Cycling! The basic idea is that you alternate between high-carb days and low-carb days in order to rev up your metabolism. You will get a link to some great software which will help you plan your meals and incorporates recipes like the one below!

Serves 2 

2 salmon filets (4-6 oz each, your protein serving should be about the size of your palm) 
1/2 tablespoon olive oil 
2 tablespoons low-sodium chicken broth 
2 teaspoons lemon juice (or use fresh squeezed lemon) 
1/2 tablespoon butter 
Salt and pepper to taste 

SIDE DISH: Steamed green beans (unlimited veggies!) 

Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. 
Add filets to the pan, adding salt and pepper as desired. Cook on both sides until done. Remove from pan and keep warm by covering lightly with foil. 
Add chicken broth to the pan and with a whisk, stir up brown bits in pan. Allow the mixture to reduce slightly. 
Whisk in lemon juice and mix well. 
Remove pan from the heat and whisk in butter. 
Spoon the lemon sauce over the seared fish and serve immediately with a side of steamed green beans.

If it’s a High Carb Day for you or you have family members who are NOT eating low carb: Serve over steamed brown rice (remember a serving of smart carbs is the size of your fist).

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Low-Carb Garlic Lime Chicken

Category : Healthy Eating

Trying to lose weight?

We invite you to check out one of our Smart Loss Seminars to learn all about Carb-Cycling! The basic idea is that you alternate between high-carb days and low-carb days in order to rev up your metabolism. You will get a link to some great software which will help you plan your meals and incorporates recipes like the one below!

Low-Carb Garlic Lime Chicken

Ingredients (Serves 2)

  • 2 teaspoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons chicken broth, low-sodium
  • 2 teaspoons butter
  • 2 pieces chicken breast halves, boneless skinless (4-6 ounces each…about the size of your palm!)
  • 1 tablespoons lime juice
  • 8 stalks asparagus
  • 1/4 teaspoon thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 Pinch paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 Pinch cayenne pepper

Preparation

2 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (4-6 oz each) 
2 teaspoons butter 
2 teaspoons olive oil 
2 tablespoons low sodium chicken broth 
1 1/2 tablespoons lime juice

SEASONING 
1/4 teaspoon salt 
1/4 teaspoon pepper 
Pinch of cayenne pepper 
Pinch of paprika 
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 
1/4 teaspoon onion powder 
1/4 teaspoon thyme

SIDE DISH 
8 stalks asparagus, steamed (as always, veggies are unlimited!) 

Mix seasonings together in large zip-top bag. Add chicken breasts to the bag, seal and gently massage around until all chicken is well coated with seasoning. 
Heat pan over medium heat; add butter and olive oil to pan. 
Once butter is melted, add chicken and cook on both sides until done. Remove from pan and keep warm by lightly covering with foil. 
To skillet, add lime juice and broth. Using a whisk, mix liquids to get browned bits off pan bottom and sides. Continue cooking until sauce has slightly thickened. 
Add chicken back to the pan, coating with the sauce. Serve with a side of asparagus.

If it’s a High Carb Day for you or you have family members who are NOT eating low carb: Serve over steamed brown rice (remember a serving is the size of your fist).

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XO Friday Foodie: Super Simple Salmon Patties (Low Carb, Gluten Free)

Category : Healthy Eating

Sometimes it’s nice to simplify something already simple.  Too many ingredients and preparation equals a big mess.  With many of our clients trying out our Smart Loss Seminars and learning how to cycle their carbohydrates to break weight loss plateaus, we decided that it was time to simplify our already simple Salmon Patties.   

Low Carb Salmon Pattie
1 pouch (5oz) of Salmon   (See the original recipe
Salmon Pattie with Roasted Cauliflower

Salmon Pattie

if you want to use a larger, less expensive can of salmon)
1eggs
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1 pinch of black pepper 
Drain any juice out of the pouch of Salmon and place into the bowl with the egg and all spices.  Mix up with a fork until you have a mixture that is Pattie-worthy.
 
Form into a pattie about the size of your hand.   Some will be able to form into patties and arrange onto a pre-heated, canola or olive oil sprayed pan.  Brown on both sides. 
 
The photo shows our favorite way to make Cauliflower: Roasted! (posted back in March 2012) Easy smeezy.  Slice a rinsed head of Cauliflower and slice it into 3/4″ slices.  It will crumble up a bit, but who cares?  Arrange the slices and pieces of cauliflower onto a cooking sprayed jelly roll pan (cookie sheet with low lip) and season with your favorite seasonings.  We like to flavor with Celery Salt and Pepper but you can season it with darn near everything.  All you do then is pop it in the oven at 375′ and cook until a bit browned.  Serve and be praised!