Hilary's Eat Well "World's Best" Veggie Burger

I'm on day 3 of 30 of the 30-Day Bikini Body Meal Plan and on today's menu was a ham and egg microwave breakfast (effin' terrible!) that tasted like rubber and also a veggie burger that was a success!

Sunday morning I planned ahead by mapping out of my meals for the week and made my grocery list before going to Whole Foods. A veggie burger... hmmm... I have never made/bought a veggie burger and had no idea what to expect. I took to the Internet to find some direction and came across a blog, Yum Veggie Burger, and scrolled through until I saw a post about a veggie burger made from a frozen patty. This sounded like an easier approach then making my own veggie patty or not being in control of the calorie count by ordering one out.

I followed the inspiration from the blog and pan fried the patty then dressed it up with sauteed garlic spinach, roasted red pepper, and a black pepper mayo.

This is a filling burger without giving you an overstuffed feeling. The patty fries up nicely getting a crispy coating and it is absolutely tasty. As far as the "world's best" veggie burger... well it's the best I've ever had. Ha!

Spicy Chicken and Pasta

Every Sunday is my weigh in day. Depending on the number returned on the scale determines if I need to step up my diet and exercise or ride out the current plan another week. This past Sunday's weigh in reflected a gain so I spent some time browsing Pinterest for some thinspiration.

Women's Health Magazine published a, 30-Day Bikini Body Meal Plan, and given that Summer is right around the corner and Texas has hit temps close to the 90s I figured this would provide some good direction. I started Day 1 of 30 today... after four failed attempts. Day 1 was a success... 29 left to go.

(Photo from Women's Health Magazine... WTF?! The recipe doesn't mention cheese.)

Tonight's dinner was the Spicy Chicken and Pasta. Very easy to make, super tasty, and filling which is perfect for a weeknight. The name is somewhat deceptive as this is not spicy but has a subtle hint of heat.

Spicy Chicken and Pasta

Adapted from: Women's Health Magazine

Makes 2 Servings

Stars of the Show:

• 4 1/2 oz angel hair pasta
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp onion powder
• 1/2 lb ground chicken - Made my own in the food processor.
• 2 tsp chili powder
• 1 cup spaghetti sauce

And Action:

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium high heat. Add the ground chicken and season with onion powder and chili powder. Saute until cooked through. While browning the chicken cook the pasta according to the package directions, drain. Add the spaghetti sauce to the chicken until heated through and then toss with the pasta. 

Nutritional Facts per serving

CALORIES

464.3 CAL

FAT

10.3 G

SATURATED FAT

1.3 G

CHOLESTEROL

66.7 MG

SODIUM

375.7 MG

CARBOHYDRATES

56.7 G

TOTAL SUGARS

8.8 G

DIETARY FIBER

2.6 G

PROTEIN

35.4 G

Tropical Green Smoothie

Even though it's Spring and rain showers are in the forecast today it's okay to start fantasizing about summer and a dream vacation to Anguilla. Sigh. A girl can dream. This is my first time using spinach in a smoothie and I'm surprised that I couldn't even taste it since the fruit masks the flavor.

Spinach is bursting with antioxidants and disease-fighting phytonutrients. The pineapple and mango reduce inflammation, lower cholesterol, boost your immune system, improve digestion, and protect your eyesight. These ingredients also add fiber which help keep you full.

This is such a healthy breakfast option and a perfect way to sneak a serving of veggies in first thing in the morning or after my workout like I did this morning... like being on a classy Spring Break. This smoothie is thick, cold, and a refreshing balanced meal.

Little Man entertained a sip but quickly stated his distaste for it. Oh well... more for me!

The best thing about smoothie recipes are how versatile they are and you can make numerous servings and freeze until ready to enjoy. You can substitute or omit any ingredients to suit your taste.

Tropical Green Smoothie

Adapted From: Averie Cooks

Makes 1 Serving

Stars of the Show:

• 1 cup frozen spinach
• 1/2 cup frozen pineapple chunks
• 1/2 cup frozen mango chunks
• 1 ripe banana, frozen is ideal
• 1 cup milk - I used 2%. 
• 1 tsp pure cane sugar
• 1 small container Fage nonfat yogurt
• 1 scoop protein powder - I used Tera's Whey Goat Whey Protein. 

And Action:

Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Serve immediately and freeze extra portions in a freezer safe container for up to 1 month (thaw before serving).