The last of the leftover ham, sweet potato casserole, and pumpkin pie are finally out of my fridge. I love indulging during the holidays but it’s right around this point that I realize I need to reign in the treats a bit. There’s nothing like starting the new year off on a healthier note.
Start the day with Joan Hunt’s (Youngsville, NC) Crock Pot Oatmeal With Spiced Apples. The flavors make this taste just like an apple pie… only it’s healthy!
“The steel-cut oats have a more chewy texture to them and are a little heartier than the rolled oats,” explains Joan. “Keeping you full longer so you won’t snack between breakfast and lunch.”
Using steel-cut oats helps the oatmeal from getting too mushy. Hearty and delicious, this oatmeal recipe is so easy and flavorful, you’ll never want that instant stuff again. And waking up to the aroma of this will get you out of bed in no time.
Another healthy breakfast option is Kathy Williams’ Stuffed Portabella Caps. The flavors in the layers of this stuffed portabella are amazing.
“This makes a hearty breakfast,” thinks Kathy. “It could be looked at as a retake of the Egg McMuffin. Low carb and full of vegetables. The egg yolk makes a yummy sauce that brings it all together.”
The beefy portabella mushroom topped with Canadian bacon makes this recipe very hearty. Stuffed with wilted spinach, savory cheese, and Italian seasoning, the combination of flavors is heavenly. My favorite part was the egg on top. It had a runny yolk that made an amazing sauce once broken into. Individually, these layers are good but together they are a yummy breakfast or brunch.
“I developed this Easy Low Carb Chicken and Mushroom Stew to use ingredients that I usually have on hand,” shares Elaine Douglas. “It is very flexible. I used chicken thighs because I think they are tastier than breast meat. The hot pepper sauce and the lemon juice brightened the stew.”
Hearty soup on a cold day is the perfect meal and this one has so much great flavor. The chicken thigh meat is so moist and peas add a pop of sweetness. It’s so good, I will not mind eating leftovers.
You’d never know Marti Green’s (Port Orchard, WA) Healthy Oven Fried Chicken Strips aren’t deep-fried. “I have to say, this is my favorite recipe and my family just loves them,” says Marti. “They are only 277 calories for the whole recipe.”
A bran cereal coating gets nice and crispy while baking. You taste the simple seasonings, but nothing is too overpowering. This is a great recipe if you’re feeding a crowd – it can easily be multiplied. Your family is going to fall in love with these tenders.
“This is a staple for my low carb tendencies,” reveals Heather Haddo (Burlington, KY) of her Lime & Lemon Chili Chicken for the Crock Pot. “However, I love this dumped all over my Cilantro Lime Rice. So flavorful and easy. The aroma while cooking causes some salivating.”
The flavors in this easy Crock Pot meal are out of this world good. There is a hint of heat from the chili powder, but you really taste the lovely citrus flavor from the lemon and lime juice. The chicken becomes so tender and juicy. If you’re truly trying to eat low carb, serve this over cauliflower rice. It’s guilt-free and easy to make… the perfect combination!
Adding these recipes to my menu will help put me on the right track. If you are in the same boat, add one or two to your weekly menu too. They’re so full of flavor, no one will ever guess they’re healthy. Happy Pinching!