I was chatting with one of our challenge members, Linda Gillman, yesterday and she helped me decide my text topic! She was talking about how difficult it is to eat healthy while camping/being outdoors. There definitely are a lot of temptations (burgers, hot dogs, smores!) The goods news -- there are tons of excellent options that will not only satisfy you, but will be healthier as well!
Grilling is one of my favorite things to do -- especially in the summer of course! It's so much fun to grill and eat outside. Grilling can become fattening though if not done correctly. **When grilling choose leaner meats such as: lean ground beef burgers, turkey burgers, veggie burgers, chicken breasts, sirloin steak, fish, etc. These will keep you just as full for way less fat! I love beef, but the leaner kind tastes just as great! Season them with yummy no-salt seasonings (Mrs. Dash has excellent flavors!)
One of my favorite sides is pasta salad!! I have been making a pasta salad recipe for quite awhile since I discovered it! I snagged it from Hungry Girl (Lisa Lillian) -- if you don't know who she is, look her up! I love her! Enjoy this pasta salad next time you're craving it! Pair your grilled meat and pasta salad with a fruit salad and grilled veggies and you've got a plate full of delicious, filling, and healthy foods! :)
Pasta Salad
Ingredients:
Salad
6 oz. (about 2 cups) uncooked rotini pasta with at least 4g fiber per 2-oz. serving
1 zucchini, chopped
1 large tomato, chopped
1 yellow bell pepper, seeded and chopped
1 large cucumber, chopped
1 cup artichoke hearts packed in water, drained and chopped
1/2 cup roasted red peppers packed in water, drained and chopped
1/2 cup chopped scallions
1/4 cup sliced black olives
Dressing1/3 cup fat-free Italian dressing
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh basil
2 tbsp. sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, drained, patted dry, finely chopped
Optional: salt and black pepper
Directions:Prepare pasta according to package instructions. Drain well and transfer to a large bowl. Set aside.
Combine dressing ingredients in a small bowl and mix until blended. Set aside.
Add all remaining salad ingredients to the bowl with the cooked pasta. Add dressing and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, until completely chilled.
If you like, season to taste with salt and black pepper. Enjoy!
MAKES 8 SERVINGS
Serving Size: 1/8th of recipe (1 heaping cup)
Calories: 124
Fat: 1.5g
Sodium: 302mg
Carbs: 23.5g
Fiber: 3.5g --> Look for recipes with a good amount of fiber! 4g is best, but this one is close! They help keep you full!
Sugars: 4g --> Yahoo for low sugar!
Protein: 4.5g
Fat: 1.5g
Sodium: 302mg
Carbs: 23.5g
Fiber: 3.5g --> Look for recipes with a good amount of fiber! 4g is best, but this one is close! They help keep you full!
Sugars: 4g --> Yahoo for low sugar!
Protein: 4.5g
Check out this site for tips on snacks while you're on the go!
And probably one of the favorite topics of this -- Alcohol! Although I'm not 21 yet, I am familiar with this subject because I worked at bar as a bartender for many years. I watched people drink and drink so many empty calories that I was determined to come up with a better idea for you all! Since we're all ladies, we love fruity drinks! :)
Here's a favorite of mine to drink (non-alcoholic) or alcoholic!
Spiked Pink Lemonade -- Makes 8 Servings of 1 cup (110 calories each cup)
6 cups Club Soda
2 cups Diet Cranberry Juice
1 1/2 cups Vodka
2 packets Crystal Light Pink Lemonade
8 no calorie sweetner packets (Truvia or Splenda)
Juice of 3 lemons
Ice
Yum!
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