Two Times Breakfast Burrito

So I call this "Two Times" because you only use two of every color. White: Eggs whites and sour cream, Yellow: egg yolk and cheddar cheese, Red: salsa and red peppers, and Green: cilantro and avocado.
First, spray a pan and cook red pepper strips over medium heat for a few minutes. I used about a quarter of a fresh pepper. Add in your eggs (two whites and only one yolk!).


Once the eggs are done, melt some sharp cheddar cheese on top and scoop the egg scramble onto a whole grain tortilla.


Add a bit of cilantro (you won't need nearly as much as the pictures, it just looked pretty) and your favorite salsa (I used mango, of course).


Top that off with 1 TBS or so of fat free sour cream and some chopped avocado and you're done!

Nutty Banana Stuffed French Toast

It was too hard to give up french toast, so I figured out a way to make it healthier. Also, if you grew up eating peanut butter and banana sandwiches - or know some kids that like 'em - this will be a favorite. I'll give you the recipe for one and you can adjust it for however many you're cooking for.


Start with beating one egg and a splash of milk together.


Add 1/2 TPS each of pure vanilla extract and ground cinnamon. Mix well because the cinnamon has a tendency of separating.


Preheat a pan on medium to medium-low and cover with non-stick spray. Dip 2 pieces of bread in the mixture and place on pan. I used a whole wheat bread that has tons of yummy seeds baked in!


Meanwhile slice a whole, ripe banana.


When the toast is done, take the first piece and spread 1 TBS of natural peanut butter on it and layer banana slices on top. Now don't ruin it with fake maple syrup! Skip the hydrogenated junk and, instead, drizzle some warmed 100% pure maple syrup on top. Enjoy!

Salmon Burgers with Lime Sauce

I bought salmon burgers a couple days ago and wasn't sure what to put on them. I would have put tartar but I didn't have any, so this is what I came up with:


It only takes 10-15 minutes to defrost the burger in a pan over medium heat (You can find frozen ones at Costco). No need for any oil, salmon has more than enough to keep the burger from sticking.


Meanwhile, top an herbed, whole grain roll with lots of fresh mixed greens.


Mix juice from a quarter of a lime with less than 1 TBS low-fat mayo per burger. Chop a few slices of tomato to top off that burger. This was so delicious, I almost made another one!

Alternative to a Heart Attack

Have you ever been to a breakfast place that offers steak, sausage, or bacon with a couple whole eggs (I always added cheese to mine) and your choice of pancakes, toast, or biscuits topped with butter or - even worse - margarine? That's a heart attack on a plate, for sure! Here's my version of a hearty breakfast that keeps you full and even satisfies your sweet tooth...


I always start my eggs with spinach. Since I recently became a pescetarian, I try to eat spinach at least every other day to keep my iron up and I've become so used to wilting some into my eggs, I don't think I ever notice it anymore. So, fill a small pan with handfuls of spinach and a little pan spray, so it doesn't burn.


Once the spinach cooks down, add some chopped vegetables. I used mushroom, asparagus, and red pepper. The great thing about vegetables is that you can add as many as you want. They're a low calories, nutrient rich way to fill you up! I cook them just until they are hot (so I don't kill all those good, little vitamins and minerals) and then add my eggs.


Eggs are a tricky thing. I mean, not to make but they're a really good source of protein, so automatically you'd think they're just good for you whenever and in whatever quantity you want. Actually, one egg yolk contains just about the maximum amount of cholesterol you should eat in a day. That means every other animal product you eat that day adds to that number, too. So, I put 2 egg whites and one whole egg in my omelets. All egg whites is just fine, but if you're used to whole eggs, it's a good way to go. Once the eggs are cooked, add some diced tomato and melt on a little bit of sharp cheddar.
Now, you might be wondering about that toast with berries on it when all I've talked about is eggs, right? Well, make these eggs well-rounded by toasting some whole grain bread. Instead of butter or jelly, try honey with a sprinkle of cinnamon. Top with some fresh, ripe berries and you won't ever think about jelly again!

Arroz Mexicano del Mónica

I know this probably isn't a Mexican dish at all but, I mean, what do you expect me to name it, right? Anyways, I had some leftover brown rice that I cooked the other day, so this is what I made:
I started with dicing a clove of garlic and about the same in onion. I added about 1/3 of a Roma tomato and 1/2 cup of frozen mixed pepper strips. I'm starting to switch over to all fresh fruits and veges, so that was the last of a bag.


Add about 2 TBS of salsa (I used mango salsa) and simmer until your veges are softened.


Add in 1 serving of firm tofu, 1 TSP of taco seasoning, and a 1/2 OZ of sharp cheddar. Cook until tofu is warm and cheese is melted.


Top with some cilantro, 1/8 avocado, 1 TBS fat free sour cream, and some lime juice. Can you believe all that is under 400 calories and 13 grams of fat??

Perfectly Powerful Oatmeal

OK, so oatmeal isn't that hard to make but it's what you put in it that makes it so good. Instead of those sugary instant packets here's what I did:

* Microwave 3/4 cup water and 1/2 cup Quaker Oats (Coach's Oat are also a great source of fiber, though too coarse for some tastes).
* Mix in a generous sprinkling of cinnamon. It's one of the few natural ways to help control your blood sugar and fight diabetes!
* Top with 1 TBS of ground flax seed. You'll barely notice the nutty flavor and get more Omega-3s than in any fish oil pill.
* Top with a few of your favorite berries. I used Blackberries and Strawberries.
* Drizzle with a little of nature's sweetener: honey.

And viola! A yummy well-rounded breakfast to keep you full for hours.

Italian Vege Grill Sandwich

I got a little excited at the store today. I just kept grabbing more and more vegetables and then was so happy when I was at the checkout and they were so cheap! The same thing happened when I started to make a sandwich. I think I'm gonna have to try and tweak this one cause it was a lot of different flavors. Anyways, here's what I made for dinner:

I popped an herbed multi-grain roll in to broil with some Gorgonzola on it. I used just enough veges for a layer of each and the roll was still too big to fit in one bite. I sautéd crisp red bell pepper strips, yellow squash, and fresh mushrooms with freshly chopped garlic and onion in a little bit of oil and oregano. Just enough oil so they don't burn. Right before I put all the veges on the roll, I browned some firm tofu and warmed a few tomato slices on the skillet. Add some romaine leaves and you're set.


I think next time I'll use mozzarella and a plain, crusty roll. Maybe cook the veges in a little Caesar dressing instead of oil, too. I'll try it out and let you know...

Toasty Pear Sandwich

I made something delicious the other day.
You should try it.


Toast 2 pieces of Dave's Killer Bread (you can find it at Costco or get some seedy whole grain bread). Put about a tablespoon each of Nutella and natural peanut butter on it. Get a red pear (they're the best. seriously, if you haven't already tried one, do) and put slices in the middle of that sandwich. It's ridiculously yummy.

Why?

Well, I learned how to cook when I was younger. Boil pasta, toast bread, microwave. My diet consisted of mostly refined sugars, cheese, and chocolate. I've now discovered these wonderful, fresh delights called fruits and vegetables. I'm slowly teaching myself to cook and finding (or creating) healthy, balanced meal ideas. As I learn, I'll post the recipes I try, the ones I invent, and what my experiences are with the whole world of healthy cooking. Enjoy!