lite'n it up

Ever since I posted my recipe for Whole Wheat Banana Bread, user Suzanne has been on a quest to make an even healthier Banana Bread and she made one using Quinoa Flour that's posted in my Healthy Recipe Group. I've gotta say that I was rather skeptical, especially with all the steps involved but that bread sure does looks tasty — and it's healthy! To see her inventive recipe, just read more

If you're looking for an alternative to pumpkin pie this holiday season how about switching it up with Pumpkin Flan. User fragiletearez added this yummy recipe for pumpkin flan from Weight Watchers and it looks totally tasty and super easy. For anyone that follows the WW's points system, this little dessert is only 2 points. For anyone that doesn't follow the WW's point system, that is pretty darn good for a dessert!

To see her recipe read more

To me, nothing says fall more than pumpkin pie, and I think user llendril read my mind when she posted a tasty recipe for Tofu Pumpkin Pie in the Lite'n It Up Healthy Recipe Group. What's more? She paired it with my new favorite, goat's milk ice cream. Yum!

To see the recipe, just read more

Even though summer is sadly coming to an end, I am still looking for a refreshing, low-cal drink, especially since September and October are the hot months here in San Francisco.

User Shanlee has shared a quick and inventive (not to mention low-cal) idea for a refreshing summer drink, that she uses to curb her wine craving.

I've been cutting calories and the best substitute for wine I've found is a glass of Calistoga with Lemon Zest Ice. It's pretty easy to do. Basically, you zest lemon or limes or both together and place a little bit in an ice cube tray and fill with water and freeze. The result are cubes of zesty citrus. Take four cubes and put into a glass and fill with your favorite sparkling water!

Sounds refreshing and oh so easy, doesn't it? I am not sure it can fill the shoes of my occasional glass of wine, but I'd be willing to give it a shot.

Not sure what zest means? Check out the definition on YumSugar.

If you have your own healthy recipe idea, share it in the Lite'n it Up Group. Need something a little more substantial? Then try this recipe for chocolate ice cubes.

Source

User llendril wanted to make something that would use up what she had in the fridge and still be delicious, so she turned to the Bon Appétit cookbook for a Vegetable Couscous recipe and ended up with an amazing and healthy lunch. Lucky for us she posted it in the healthy recipe group.


Learn about llendril's adventure in cooking and how to make this tasty recipe, just read more

Sick and tired of the old scrambled eggs routine? I sure am. User NdHerbert has been posting some really tasty recipes to the Lite'n it Up, Healthy Recipe Group and I am really loving this easy and healthy breakfast idea.

"I have been eating a lot of scrambled eggs (1 whole, 1 white) lately for breakfast, with sliced tomatoes. Since going Vegetarian, eggs are a prime source of protein for me.

This morning I did something a little different. I cut the top of a tomato off and scraped out the insides. I put some salt and pepper in the tomato and cracked an egg inside. I put a little salt and pepper on top with a few pieces of goat cheese. I baked for about 15 minutes in a 425 degree oven and it was done!

Baked eggs taste different than scrambled or pan fried, plus the presentation is so pretty. The tomatoes turn so red, the egg is white, and with a little sprig of parsley you have a pretty, easy, and healthy breakfast."

Yum -- I can't wait to try this! Be sure to share your fabulous healthy recipe ideas in the group and if you're looking for ideas, there are a ton of great recipes in there already.

Source

My husband, a self proclaimed super carnivore, told me recently he wanted to eat less meat. Not give it up entirely by any means, but cut back in an effort to eat more veggies. So I have been trying new recipes and I found this one in a cookbook I have had for years. I had never made this soup before and thought it looked tasty and so good for you. Lentils are high in fiber and tomatoes are full of lycopene, a potent antioxidant.

Here is the recipe. Try it and see if you like it too. It is so easy to make and that is just another reason it is my new fave.

Tomato Lentil Soup
adapted from the New Basics Cookbook

1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cups chopped onion
2 cups chopped celery
2 large cans Roma tomatoes (28 oz. each)
6 cups low sodium, non-fat chicken broth or veggie stock
2 cups dried lentils (rinsed)
1 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley
1 cup dry red wine
4 cloves garlic, finely minced
1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon cloves
1/4 cup balsamic (or red wine vinegar)

1. Sauté onions and celery in olive oil in a large soup pot, for about 10 minutes.
2. Purée tomatoes with their juice in a blender or food processor, and add to veggies.
3. Add chicken (or veggie) stock and lentils. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 20 minutes.
4. Add 1/2 cup of the parsley, along with the wine, garlic, pepper, salt and cloves. Stir well and simmer for another 25 minutes. Add remaining 1/2 cup of parsley and balsamic vinegar. Simmer another 5 minutes.
5. Serve immediately with rustic multigrain bread and enjoy.

Makes 8 portions.

This recipe was originally made with 4 tablespoons butter and I just thought the wasn't necessary. Since lentils are so full of fiber I added 2 cups instead of the original 1/2 cup.

Looking for a tasty dessert or snack that is healthy as well? User celebrity_soup posted this great recipe that is made from ingredients most of us have anyway:

Ok guys, so just now I was craving something sweet and healthy.
My mom suggested an apple, but nahh!
So I wipped up something yummy, sweet and healthy with the apple!
What you ask?
A yogurt and apple sweet treat. Enjoy!

What you need:

- 1 grany smith apple
- 1 cup of plain yogurt
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla essence
- 2 tablespoons of honey

How to make:

Its all very easy. Just cut the apple into bite size pieces (like you see above) and toss in all the ingredients above!

Have you joined our healthy recipe group yet? There are tons of fabulous ideas such as these recipes for banana bread and chicken with shallots, as well as a handy way to skim the fat off liquids:

All this and more can be found in the group! Share your recipes and tips too! By the way, if they are not your own creations, please be sure to source where it came from and I just may feature your idea right here on FitSugar.

The next group I want to highlight in our Better Know a Group series is Lite'n it Up. Lite'n it Up was started by our own FitSugar and is a place to put your healthy recipes and fat-cutting tips. In Lite'n it Up, you'll find original healthy concoctions or "cleaned up" old favorites (like these Lightened Up PB Cookies). So if you're trying to watch what you eat, but still want to experience some great tasting food, then join Lite'n it Up and see what's cooking!