Healthy Food Do Overs

Junk Food vs. Healthy Options

Like many others, the struggle of wanting to eat healthy is one thing, but doing it is quite another. I’ve been guilty of the double cheesy fries with a triple bacon burger. As tasty as it sounds, the effect on my waist line left me with the greatest regret.

Adding to this craving is the major factor that I am currently working towards an MBA; that means late nights snacking. Isn’t it time for a food do over?

Roasted Salmon in coconut oil with an avocado dressing.

What I’ve discovered is that healthy food can actually taste delicious. How to integrate healthy habits into everyday life for that food do over? Just try these quick and easy recipes that will definitely satisfy your cravings.

Healthy Food Do Overs 

Oven Roasted Vegetables

Oven Roasted Vegetables

Cauliflower, broccoli, pumpkin or even eggplant mixed with a bit of olive or coconut oil, salt and some fresh seasonings, place in a preheated oven at 350 for 20minutes.

Baked Sweet Potato Fries.

Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries

Sweet Potato fries can be made using the same technique. They take a bit of time to chop and roast, but the hot oven makes crispy, faux-fried goodness.

Lentil Tacos

Lentil Tacos (vegetarian delight)

What's needed:

1¼ cups brown lentils (8 ounces)

3½ tablespoons homemade taco seasoning mix

1 red onion

2 cloves garlic

1 tablespoon olive oil

1½ tablespoons ketchup

8 to 12 whole grain or corn tortillas

Toppings of your choice: Lettuce, fresh tomatoes, shredded cheese, salsa, sour cream

What to do:

In a medium sauce pan, bring 1¾ cups salted water to a boil. Add 1¼ cup lentils, cover, and reduce heat. Simmer covered for about 20 to 25 minutes, until most of the water has been absorbed.

Mix the taco seasonings. Wash and chop the lettuce and fresh tomatoes, if using.

Finely dice 1 red onion and 2 garlic cloves. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet; add red onion and sauté for about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and sauté for about 1 minute more.

Turn off the heat and add the lentils. Stir in 3½ tablespoons of taco seasoning mix and 1½ tablespoons ketchup. Add more seasoning if desired.

To serve, add lentils to a warmed tortilla and top with lettuce, tomatoes, shredded cheese, salsa, and sour cream. Fold and enjoy!

Raw Brownies

Raw Brownies

What's needed?

1 cup walnuts (unsalted)

1/2 cup cocoa powder

1/8 teaspoon sea salt

1 1/4 cups dates (about 12)

1/4 cup almonds (unsalted)

Cinnamon

What to do:

1 Remove the pits from the dates. If the 1/4 cup almonds are not already chopped, place them in a bag and hit them with the back of a spoon to break them into pieces (we’ve found this is easier than chopping).

2 In the bowl of a food processor, place 1 cup walnuts. Process on high until the nuts are finely ground.

3 Add 1/2 cup cocoa powder and 1/8 teaspoon kosher or sea salt. Pulse to combine.

4 Turn on the food processor. As the processor is running, add the dates one at a time. Once all the dates have been added, the mixture should be crumbly but easily formable (it may form into a ball depending on how long you process it). Throw in the almonds and pulse a couple times to combine (if a ball has formed, you can also mix in the almonds in a bowl).

5 Form the brownies: Line a small square dish with wax paper and press into the desired thickness (don’t worry if it does not fill the entire pan; the brownies are easy to shape). Alternatively, press the brownies into a mini-muffin tin or another mold. Place in the refrigerator or freezer for 5 to 10 minutes to firm up; they can easily be cut when cold.

Try these healthy food do-overs and let me know how they taste. Even share some recipes and let's see how we can create a do over!