FitSugar

Healthy Recipe: Eggplant Stacks

FitSugar — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 08:00:00 -0700

I love finding new ways to use seasonal produce, and lately, the tomatoes here - especially the multicolored heirloom varieties - have been irresistible. One of the best ways to feature fabulous tomatoes is in a classic caprese salad made with mozzarella cheese and basil. Since I found some good-looking basil and eggplant at the farmers market, I decided to try this variation.

To make the dish healthier, I used part-skim mozzarella, and instead of beefsteak tomatoes, I used heirlooms. Though this recipe is designed to yield two appetizer servings, I just ate the two eggplant stacks for dinner with nothing else. It was plenty filling and a great way to work fresh veggies into mealtime. To get the recipe, read more.

Eggplant Stacks
Modified From Quick Simple Food

Ingredients

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon minced fresh rosemary
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 1 1/2- to 2-pound eggplant, trimmed and cut into six 1/2-inch slices
4 1/4-inch thick slices fresh mozzarella (about 4 ounces)
1 large beefsteak tomato, cut into four thick slices
4 large basil leaves, plus more for garnish

Directions
Makes two appetizer servings.

Heat the grill to medium (or the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit).
In a blender or food processor, combine the olive oil, rosemary, garlic, salt, pepper, and 2 tablespoons of water. Puree.
Brush the eggplant slices with the olive oil mixture and let stand for 5 minutes.
Grill, turning occasionally, until they just begin to soften (or bake on a greased baking sheet for 12 to 15 minutes).
Place the cheese on 4 slices. Put the tomato slices on a piece of aluminum foil on top of the grill to warm. When the cheese begins to melt, transfer the eggplant slices to a platter. Top the cheese slices with a basil leaf and a warm tomato slice. Top each with another cheese-topped eggplant slice and tomato. Top both with a basil leaf and a plain eggplant slice. Serve hot.

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Healthy Eating Tip: Don't Eliminate, Elaborate!

FitSugar — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:00:14 -0800

When approaching health and fitness, many of us have the mentality that less is more. While this may be a healthy perspective to avoid overeating and practice portion control, a restrictive diet can wreak havoc on your mood and leave you wondering whether there’s anything out there you can eat. Instead, alter your state of mind: rather than thinking about what foods to cut out, start to think of your daily menu as a chance to add great-tasting, healthy options. Challenge yourself to make the most of your mealtime and see just how many creative and good-for-you foods you can include in your daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner routine.

To get creative, I like to take a cue from vegan menus. Let me start by saying that I am not vegan. I love poultry and seafood, but each time I decide to dine vegan, I’m always amazed by the variety on the menu. Every item is loaded with healthful, delicious ingredients that remind me to think outside the box the next time I’m planning a meal.

To get creative meal ideas, just read more.

Craving lasagna or a baked potato? Don’t deprive yourself these treats, simply reimagine them and treat yourself to a healthier version. An eggplant stacks is a great alternative to cheesy lasagna, and using fresh herbs, crumbled tofu, and fresh red pepper means it’s loaded with bold flavors and good-for-you ingredients. A baked sweet potato is another great option – and a great way to satisfy your craving for starch. Plus they are one of the healthiest vegetables around, since they contain vitamin C, potassium, fiber, and fewer calories than your regular potatoes. Even small changes like these can be big steps toward a healthier attitude and a healthier you.

To get creative ideas from your fellow FitSugar readers, check out their healthy food swap ideas.

Learn to Love Eggplant

FitSugar — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 03:00:00 -0700

Even as a child I appreciated the beauty of eggplant; it was the taste I didn't care for. Things have changed though, and I have learned to love this veggie. Considered unglamorous by many, eggplant is making a comeback. It is part of the increasingly popular Mediterranean diet in the pureed form of baba ghanoush or simply grilled with other veggies.

Because of its rare deep purple coloring, eggplant is high in some hard to find antioxidants. One of those being the phytonutrient nasunin, which protects brain cells and the other being chlorogenic acid, a powerful scavenger of disease causing free radical. But don't skip the skin when eating this nightshade because the skin is where these valuable micronutrients are found. Eggplant is also high in B vitamins as well as potassium. This veggie is also a good source of fiber, and a low calorie food as well. I would avoid frying eggplant however, because it will soak up copious amount of oil, transforming quickly into a high calorie food.

Eggplant is in season now through October. Not only is it good grilled or roasted, it is great in curries too. I like to use it grilled in eggplant stacks with basil and fresh mozzarella, and YumSugar has many recipes for you to experiment with eggplant.

Do you love eggplant, or do you hate it? Tell me in the comments section below.

Source

In Case You Missed It: Healthy Recipes

FitSugar — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 02:50:00 -0800

Eating healthy doesn't just have to be about carrot sticks and granola bars. There are so many recipes out there that taste decadent and rich that you won't even realize what you're enjoying is good for you. So put down those boring rice cakes and give these recipes a try.

Eggplant Stacks	Broccoli Mushroom Leek Quiche	Baked Eggs in Tomato
Chai Spiced Polenta	Creamy Zucchini Boats	Almond Macaroons

Do you have a healthy snack or recipe to share? Then post it in the Lite'n it Up - Healthy Recipe Group and I might just feature it on FitSugar.