crisp apple strudel {favorite things}

okay, not gonna talk about crisp apple strudel. even though it's DELISH.

yesterday i shared a recipe for the best pizza i've ever eaten {i am such a liar. the best pizza i've ever eaten was at gino's east of chicago. this would be the best pizza i've ever eaten that won't put me in an early grave.} so even though i won't have pictures to share with you, i thought i'd tell you guys a few other of my favorite things to make. things that are in the 'in-between' zone on natural/organic but are healthy and affordable alternatives to some of my favorite things.

FAVORITE BREAKFAST FOOD:

you'll need:
thomas multigrain light english muffin
egg white
kroger turkey sausage patty
kraft american 2% single

sometimes i use just egg and cheese, sometimes just turkey and cheese, sometimes all of them. it is so delicious and satisfying. if you use all 4 things, it has 217 calories, 7 grams of fat, 8 grams of fiber, 18 grams of protein. pair it with a greek yogurt and some fresh fruit and it's a BALLER breakfast.

note: they freeze well too. make them on sunday nights and have breakfast ready in 40 seconds every morning.

FAVORITE SIDE DISH:


you'll need:
spaghetti squash
olive oil
garlic
veggies

if you go way back in my blog, you'll see how to prepare spaghetti squash. it's one of my favorite things ever. i use it often in a main dish, but it's great on the side too. mix your squash with a little bit of olive oil, minced garlic, and some steamed veggies and eat it with a grilled chicken breast or turkey burger and you have a satisfying, healthy, delicious side.  {note: not that it's natural cause it isn't, but i skip out on the olive oil and use 'i can't believe it's not butter' spray. saves you mucho calories.} made my way, it's 70 calories, 1 gram of fat, 8 grams of fiber, 2 grams of protein. for a CUP of it. delish.

FAVORITE SALAD:


you'll need:
2 cups baby spinach
5 strawberries
1/4 cup craisins
1/8 cup slivered almonds
1/4 cup fat free feta cheese
2 tbsp fat free balsamic vinaigrette dressing {or see favorite dressing}

rip up the spinach, slice the strawberries, toss everything else. it's my favorite salad ever. and takes about 2 seconds to make and costs maybe 1/16 of what you'd pay eating out. high in fiber, good protein, has spinach in it - SUPERFOOD. made with the balsamic, it is 255 calories, 8 grams of fat, 13 grams of protein, 9 grams of fiber. if you measure it as listed above, it is a meal size salad. serve with grilled trout. perfection.

FAVORITE SALAD DRESSING:


you'll need:
1/2 cup champagne
1/2 cup jellied cranberry sauce
1/4 cup minced shallots
1 tsp dijon mustard
2 tbsp EVOO
salt and pepper to taste

i tried this dressing when i was in florida visiting my college roommate, alexandra. we both fell in love. we ate it with a pear and walnut salad {that is in second place as favorite salad ever. google it. love it.} i make this dressing weekly to have on hand. put everything in a pan and bring to a boil and them simmer until reduced to about 1/3 cup dressing. remove from heat and salt and pepper to taste. best served warm but good cold also. i haven't had the time to figure out the nutritional information of this dressing but i promise you - it's worth it! :) so yummy. and better for you than ranch, you can take that to the bank.

FAVORITE DINNER:


you'll need:
one can chili hot beans
one cup favorite salsa
1 link turkey smoked sausage

this is my take on 'red beans and rice'. i skip the rice. not a fan. plus empty carbs. and the meal doesn't need it. mix it all up. eat it. love me for it. portion control - eat a cup of it with a simple salad and you will love me. it's 250 calories, 7 grams of fat, 15 grams of protein, 6 grams of fiber.


so there are some of my favorite things. a lot of people think i eat foods you wouldn't want to eat {and some things i do i can admit that} but i really eat very similar to you. i just eat it at home {i know exactly what's in it}, natural/organic when i can {i...uh, know exactly what's in it...}, and healthier.

i've said it before. cut out the food you shouldn't be eating but to keep yourself sane, find a healthier option for some of them and let yourself have it. and remember, there is always a healthier option.

love love.