Veggie Burger Wrap

So in order to shed my proverbial winter coat, I enrolled in the Self.com Drop 10 Challenge. While I didn't really think I needed to lose 10 pounds, I did think there was some serious work to be done. I am a person who already exercises 6ish days a week and eats pretty darn healthy. Making progress is challenging for me unless I want to starve and be a total bitch. The food diary on self.com is pretty much the only thing that works for me. Once you sign up for the challenge you have access to the food diary, the workout diary, and tons of recipes (think Weight Watchers- but FREE). The recipes are quick, easy, and many times use things that you already have in your fridge. All of the nutrition information is right there so you can quickly add it to your food log. I log my food during the week. On the weekends I am still cautious, but don't spend the time on the computer logging. I have allowed myself 1 or 2 cheat meals per week. The only thing that I have not been entirely successful at is limiting my drinking. I am on week 3 and so far I feel pretty good about my progress. My clothes fit better and I am feeling healthier. I really recommend the program! I tried making the Veggie Burger Wrap (a suggested lunch) for dinner tonight. It turned out pretty tasty...PLUS I had all the ingredients in my fridge (which is pretty bare) already!

Here is the link to the recipe:
http://www.self.com/challenge/2011/nutrition/recipe/lunches/veggie-burger-wrap

BBQ Seitan Sandwich

(Photo stolen from Columbus Vegan website)

I have to share this BBQ Seitan Sandwich recipe I found. I love it because it is CHEAP and DELICIOUS. The only ingredient you probably don't already have in your fridge is the seitan. Do not skip out on the jalapenos... they add the perfect kick! Of course I add sriracha as well!

Black Bean and Lentil Soup

I think I stole this healthy, easy, and cheap recipe from Self.com a while back but it has since become my own. In total, it costs about 12 bucks and makes about 6-7 servings! Freeze it and then grab it for a no-hassle healthy lunch at work!

2 cans black beans
2 cans lentil soup
1 bag crinkle cut carrots
about 1 bunch fresh kale
about 1 cup chopped onion
Sriracha (to taste)
pepper (to taste)

New Cookbook!

Matt bought me a cookbook while I was being a groomsman in Buffalo. It is titled "Hot & Spicy" and is half Indian and half Thai recipes. We made eggplant curry and vegetable sambar for our friends Brian and Adam. Check it out!

The Greatest Hummus I Have Ever Made (so far)

Chickpeas
(2 cans)
Tahini
(about 1/2 cup)
Lemon Juice
(about 1/3 cup)
Sriracha
(to taste)
Roasted Garlic
(to taste)
Roasted Red Pepper
(I used a 7 oz. jar)

I got a food processor for my birthday, it is truly a gift that keeps on giving. Hummus is so much cheaper (and more fun) to make than to buy. This recipe makes a ton!

Sand Dessert

I made this dessert to bring to a Fourth of July cookout. The bowl was licked clean! I used a traditional "dirt" recipe but subbed the crushed Oreos for crushed graham crackers and vanilla wafers. I originally got this idea from the cooking class Zack and I used to teach with kindergarten through thrid grade students. To make it a little leaner I used Cool Whip Lite, light cream cheese, and skim milk when making the pudding. You could also substitute sugar free vanilla pudding mixture, but I feel that it tastes too "diety". This is a great creative dessert to bring when you are low on cash. I obtained all of the ingredients at Marc's (decorations excluded) for under $10. In retrospect some strawberries would have tasted awesome in there but I am unsure of what sea creature they would represent? Another idea is to serve the dessert in a new beach pail and scoop it with a shovel! Happy summer!

Lemongrass Stir Fry

I got this idea from a Jillian Michael's cookbook. Veggies are incredibly cheap at the West Side Market. This recipe called for coconut milk. I used the light version, definitely not as flavorful but saves on the calories. The other ingredient that made this recipe unique was lemongrass. I went to an Asian market on the corner of my street and luckily they had some. It tastes great but is very difficult to cut. I sliced my finger right open when I made this dish a week ago and it still has not healed! I served the stir fry over quinoa but rice or noodles would work great as well!