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By admin On August 24, 2009
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It’s beautiful. It’s odd shaped. It’s purple. And as the bagboy at my grocery store said, “Why do they call it an eggplant? Why not a purpleplant?”
Not only are eggplants in season, they are loaded with fiber and antioxidents! As for the name, who knows! One thing I do know is here are some fabulous eggplant recipes that will have you asking for more…
Eggplant Cannelloni
Get this..
Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 large shallots, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic
- 2 jars (12 oz each) roasted red peppers, drained
- 1/2 cup fresh squeezed orange juice (juice of 1 orange)
Eggplant:
- 2 medium eggplants, cut lengthwise into 1/2-inch slices
- olive oil cooking spray
Filling:
- 4 oz goat cheese
- 4 kalamata olives, pitted and minced
- 1 teaspoon capers, chopped
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Preppin’..
For sauce: Heat oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Cook shallots and garlic until soft, about 1 minute. Reduce heat. Cook until golden, 3 to 5 minutes. Add peppers and juice; bring to a boil. Lower heat; simmer until peppers are soft, about 5 minutes. Cool. Puree in a blender. Pour into a 9″ x 13″ baking dish.
For eggplant: Coat eggplants with cooking spray and broil on a baking sheet until golden on both sides, about 15 minutes. Heat oven to 400˚.
For filling: Mash cheese, olives, capers and 1 tbsp of the parsley in a bowl. Place 1 tbsp of filling at the end of each eggplant slice; roll up. Lay seam side down in dish. Bake 10 to 15 minutes. Top with remaining 1 tbsp parsley.
Here’s the skinny scoop: 259 calories per serving, 10.7 g fat (4.7 g saturated), 32 g carbs, 10.8 g fiber, 10.5 g protein
Grilled Vegetable Flatbreads Stuffed With Zucchini, Eggplant and Tomato
Get This..
- 2 zucchini, cut into 1/3-inch slices
- 2 eggplants, cut into 1/3-inch slices
- 2 beefsteak or heirloom tomatoes, cut into 1/4-inch slices
- 2 roasted red bell peppers, cut into 2-inch slices
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cups lima beans
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/4 teaspoon fresh thyme
- 1/4 cup vegetable or chicken broth
- 4 flatbreads or pitas, uncut
Preppin’..
Brush zucchini, eggplants, tomatoes, and peppers with extra-virgin olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill until each is tender. Put 2 tbsp olive oil and onion in a nonstick pan and sauté over medium-low heat, stirring until onion becomes brown and syrupy, about 15 to 20 minutes. In a food processor, puree onion, lima beans, Parmesan, parsley, lemon zest, and thyme. While machine is running, add remaining 2 tbsp olive oil and broth. Season with salt and pepper. Grill or toast both sides of each flatbread. Remove from heat and spread with bean puree. Layer on vegetables. Cut in half.
Urban Girl Fitness Quote of the Day:
How can people say they don’t eat eggplant when God loves the color and the French love the name? I don’t understand. ~Jeff Smith, The Frugal Gourmet
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By admin On August 20, 2009
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Who wears short shorts?
Michelle Obama wears short shorts!
It’s all over the news, everywhere we look there she is wearing *gasp* shorts!
Some may call it scandal, some may say “how dare she?” but I believe she looks comfortable, sassy, stylish and in amazing shape. Good for you, Michelle!
Here are some tips on how to pull off the short shorts look yourself (as we all aspire to have legs like the First Lady)..
For the thin and petite (lucky girls): Cuffs. Cuffs. Cuffs. To make your body have a longer, leaner silhouette, reach for a pair of mid-thigh length, cuffed shorts. When choosing shoes, try wearing wedges or heels, these shoes will instantly lengthen your body.
For the tall and lean (wishful thinking!): If you’re tall and have a thinner, boyish shape, super short shorts will make you look like a giant. Mid-thigh or bermuda length shorts with give you some shape and make you look tall, but not TOO tall! For daytime, choose cute sandals. For night, go ahead and wear heels. Show off that height, think America’s Next Top Model!
For the petite and curvy (work those curves, girls!): Pick shorts that hit mid thigh and flare away from your body. Cuffed shorts are always great for that. Remember to pick solid colored shorts. If you like patterns, stick to patterned tops to draw the eye up, not down. When choosing shoes, always opt for heels or wedges to lengthen your body.
For the tall and curvy (show it off!): Tall, curvy women want to avoid skin tight shorts, shorts this style will only make your body appear bigger. Bermuda shorts and knee length shorts without pleats look great! Wear shorter, mid-thigh shorts if they flare away from the body and are paired with the right top. Wedges and heels will give your legs a nice shape, but you can also wear sandals.
Urban Girl Fitness Quote of the Day:
Eat my shorts! -Matt Groening, The Simpsons
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By admin On August 18, 2009
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It’s no secret that high protein and low-carb diets are all the rage. With all of the benefits it’s easy to understand the excitement!
Protein is an important component of every cell in the body. Not only are hair and nails mostly made of protein, your body uses protein to build and repair tissues. You also use protein to make enzymes, hormones, and other body chemicals. Protein is an important building block of bones, muscles, cartilage, skin, and blood–who wouldn’t want to add more to their diet?
There’s great news for all of you protein fanatics out there, protein doesn’t have to cost a pretty penny. Check out these finds, thanks to fitsugar.com, all are under $2 and packed with up to 10 grams of protein.
Chobani Greek Yogurt: Greek yogurt has double the amount of protein than regular yogurt. Most brands range under $2, but Chobani ranks in at the cheapest at only $1.19! It’s only 120 calories with 16 grams of protein. Opa!
Edensoy Organic Soymilk: Need to quench your thirst? Try this soymilk packed with 11 grams of protein and 140 calories. Get a three pack at only $2.61. I’ll have soy more please!
Seapoint Farms Dry Roasted Edamame: Sure frozen edamame is amazing, but you can’t quite keep it in your purse or gym bag. Try the dry roasted version and you won’t be able to put it down. At 130 calories and 14 grams protein, this edamame costs only $1.46 for a four-ounce pack. Now that’s a number I can certainly crunch!
Kind Plus-Almond, Walnut, Macadamia: If it’s an energy bar you are craving, look no further than this one. It packs a protein punch at 210 calories and 10 grams protein. Get a pack of 12 and you’ll find yourself with each one costing $1.48. That price, I believe, passes the bar.
Cheese n’ Crackers: So simple. So cheap. So yummy. So much protein! Try going for a one ounce stick of string cheese and a bag of Kashi crackers. The cheese is only $0.64 per slice and crackers only $0.58. So good it’s almost cheesy!
Urban Girl Fitness Quote of the Day:
Life goes faster on protein. ~Martin H. Fischer
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By admin On August 17, 2009
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Of course the Internet is great for Google, surfing for endless information, social networking. But, what about saving?
That’s right, saving!
Not only can you find the best steals with online shopping, there are also sites specifically dedicated to helping you save some dough. If you are lucky you might find yourself in a world full of freebies, finds and frugalista bloggers.
Here are some of my favorite sites for all of the freebies, deals and discounts right at the click of a mouse.
Coupon Geek: Not only does this site have a cute name, but it’s where saving and spending meet! Now those are two words I can live with, I certainly love to save and love spending more! Coupon Geek helps everyone save money with great deals, freebies and even helps readers transform their current shopping and spending habits. Check out this great freebie for a copy of the electronic version of The Full Plate Diet, loaded with healthy eating tips!
Freesnatcher.com: Who says nothing is free? Certainly not Freesnatcher.com. Find a wide range of free samples, coupons, deals and sweepstakes here. No extra fees. No special sign ups. No gimmicks. No kidding. Trust me, this is from the girl who got a subscription to Self magazine for free!!!
The Recessionista Blog: Fashion. Saving. Does it get any better than that? I think not. This blog is great for fashion/trendsetting savings in a down economy. Seems as though everyone is mad for plaid this season and Walmart is now featuring a collection from Miley Cyrus and Max Azria. Miley and Max at Walmart?!? Good to know, thank you Recessionista Blog!
Urban Girl Fitness Quote of the Day:
I like my money right where I can see it - hanging in my closet. ~Carrie, Sex and the City
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By admin On August 15, 2009
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It’s what every girl dreams of finding.
She searches high and low looking for that magical, mystical, amazing power of the sale rack.
After digging through mass piles of clothing and finding the buried treasure, it makes it that much sweeter responding to a well-deserved compliment, “Why thank you and it was only $10!”
If you love bargain shopping you’ll love the following end-of-season sales, provided by Forbes.
Nordstrom Rack: It’s hard not to feel naughty when shopping at Nordstrom, it’s all fashionably fun until you take a glance at the receipt and eek! There’s good news for Nordstrom addicts everywhere and it’s called Nordstrom Rack. Even better news, a selection of shoes, apparel and home goods have been marked down by 33-60 percent. Think it can’t get any better than that? Just you wait, Nordstrom Rack outlet stores are hosting their mid-month New Arrivals event, which features merchandise from its traditional stores discounted by at least 50 percent off of the original price.
Macy’s: Macy’s certainly is a miracle and never disappoints when it comes to the sales rack. Those on the hunt for back-to-school steals will find 50-75 percent discounts on clearance clothing and shoes. Now that deserves a parade!
Athleta.com: One trip to Athleta.com and you’ll see it’s an ahhhh-mazing fitness clothing destination. What’s more amazing is its end-of-summer sale, swimsuits are discounted by up to 70 percent, a wicking tricot zip-up is marked down from $84 to $50.
Filene’s Basement: Filene’s Basement is quite the find! This gem always offers 30 percent-60 percent off department-store wares, but because traditional stores had more difficulty offloading merchandise this spring and summer, outlets like Filene’s are benefiting. You’ll find everything from Coach gear to Dolce and Gabbana dresses, often up to 80 percent off.
Anthropologie: Favorite. Store. Ever. Check out all of the markdowns on this fave’s vintage-inspired women’s wear and home goods. Indie fashion brand Storee’s draped plaid dress is marked down from $148 to $70.
Urban Girl Fitness Quote of the Day:
Whoever said money can’t buy happiness simply didn’t know where to go shopping. ~Bo Derek
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By admin On August 14, 2009
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Acai berries, mangosteen, pomegranate and spirulina are all well known super foods with super powers for overall well-being and health. Yet, with super foods, come super prices and that’s bad news for those of us recently keeping a tight grip on the wallets.
Turn those frowns upside down, frugalistas. You don’t have to feel like you’re hurting your health if you can’t afford to cough up the extra dough for expensive health items, chances are you already shop for super foods. Some may already be waiting for you in the fridge!
Here are five super foods at a super price everyone will love..
Tofu-tastic: Soy is the best way to get protein minus the cholesterol and saturated fat. It’s loaded with great ingredients that promote cardiovascular health.
Saving with Spinach: Not only is spinach is a great antioxidant in preventing cancer, it also promotes better brain function and is an excellent source of iron. Even frozen spinach passes the test!
Bring on the Bell Peppers: What doesn’t this vegetable do for your health? From your heart to your lungs , to your eyes and everything else bell peppers offer a great nutritional bang for your buck.
Ode to the Onion: Not only does the onion add amazing flavor to any meal, it also benefits your cardiovascular and gastrointestinal system. It also helps fight cancer and maintain blood sugar levels.
Amazing Apples: Apples are jam packed with antioxidants, fiber and flavanoids. As the saying goes, an apple a day keeps the doctor away!
Urban Girl Fitness Quote of the Day:
We are indeed more than what we eat, but what we eat can nevertheless help us to be much more than what we are. ~Adelle Davis
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By admin On August 12, 2009
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A little chicken here.
Some salad and veggies there.
Ring it all up at the grocery store and you think to yourself, no way that’s not possible!
These days every penny counts and spending $50 plus dollars every time you make a visit to the grocery store can be costly and detrimental to anyone’s wallet.
Thanks to Health.com here are four healthy meals under $10, your stomach and wallet will thank you for it!
Baked Rigatoni
You’ll need:
Rigatoni or penne pasta (16-ounce box from Barilla): $1.59
Lean ground beef (1 pound): $3.99
28-ounce can plum tomatoes: $2.49
Onion: 99 cents
Garlic (for the entire head): 75 cents
Total: $9.81
Do this:
Cook beef in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until browned; stir to crumble. Drain well. Combine beef, cooked rigatoni, tomatoes, and onion and garlic to taste. Bake at 350° for 20 minutes or until thoroughly heated. If you have some in your fridge, you can add mozzarella or parmesan cheese on top.
Black Bean Chili
You’ll need:
Onion: 99 cents
Garlic (for the entire head): 75 cents
Bell pepper: $1.64
15.5-ounce can low-sodium black beans: $1.09
14.5-ounce can chicken broth: $1.09
14.5-ounce can stewed tomatoes: $1.49
Ground turkey (1/2 pound): $2.40
Total: $9.45
Do this:
Heat a large saucepan over medium heat. Add first 3 ingredients and turkey; cook for 6 minutes or until turkey is done, stirring frequently to crumble. Rinse and drain the canned beans. Stir in beans, tomatoes, and half of the can of chicken broth; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 30 minutes.
Potato Broccoli Casserole
You’ll need:
Red potatoes (1 pound): $1.29
Frozen broccoli (Birds Eye, 10 ounces): $1.59
Low-fat milk ($2.99 for 1/2 gallon): $2.39
Shredded low-fat cheddar (Richfood, 8 ounces): $2.79
15-ounce can bread crumbs: $2.19
Total: $10.25 (only 25 cents over, not bad!)
Do this:
Preheat oven to 375°.
Place potatoes in a saucepan; cover with water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer 20 minutes or until tender. Drain potatoes in a colander over a bowl, reserving 1 cup cooking liquid. Return potatoes and liquid to pan; mash with a potato masher until slightly chunky. Steam 1 cup of broccoli, according to packaging instructions. Add broccoli and milk to pan; stir well. Spoon potato mixture into an 11×7 baking dish coated with cooking spray; bake at 375° for 35 minutes. Sprinkle with cheddar cheese and bread crumbs; bake an additional 5 minutes or until cheese melts.
Vegetarian Tacos
You’ll need:
15.5-ounce can low-sodium kidney beans: $1.09
Taco shells: $1.29
Salsa (12 ounces): $2.59
Romaine lettuce (1 head): $1.99
Shredded Mexican blend cheese: $2.79
Total: $9.75
Do this:
You don’t really need a recipe for this one. Just rinse the beans and heat them in a pan with a few shakes of ground chipotle pepper. Heat the taco shells in the oven, then fill with the beans, salsa, lettuce, and cheese.
There you have it, four recipes that just trimmed the fat off of your grocery bills. Now get cooking!
Urban Girl Fitness Quote of the Day:
You’ve got bad eating habits if you use a grocery cart in 7-Eleven ok? ~Dennis Miller
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