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Healthy Holiday Recipe: Healthy Pumpkin Pie

FitSugar — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 03:30:00 -0800

What's a Thanksgiving meal without a slice of tasty pumpkin pie? Even though this dessert is technically made with a vegetable, it's traditionally high in saturated fat because of the butter used to make the crust, the whipped cream or condensed milk, and not to mention eggs. More than a few of you asked for a pumpkin pie alternative and here's a lowfat version made with silken tofu (to add protein and creaminess), and a pre-made graham cracker crust (it's lowfat and also makes your life easier).

To see how I make a healthier version of this Thanksgiving favorite

Healthy Recipe: Cranberry-Pear Wild Rice Stuffing

FitSugar — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 08:00:00 -0800

Thanksgiving is exactly one week from today, and I'm getting into the spirit of this food-centered holiday by testing out a couple of healthy side dishes before serving them on the actual day. This vegetarian cranberry-pear wild rice stuffing is made with whole grain bread instead of the usual white or sourdough, and does not call for even a dab of butter. While I followed the recipe exactly on my first attempt, it is easily adaptable and I could picture substituting apples for the pears or dried apricots for the dried cranberries.

My home was filled with smells of the season when this was in the oven, and while it would complement a Thanksgiving table perfectly, it was a satisfying warm side to a crisp green salad on a cold Fall evening. This would also make a yummy main dish when served inside Winter squashes. I'll be making this dish again, though next time I'll leave out the pepper because it was a to bit too prevalent in the aftertaste.

To get the recipe,

Learn to Love Parsnips

FitSugar — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 03:30:00 -0800

Parsnips are more than just craggy looking albino carrots. They are tasty tubers that are worth learning to love, and I don't think you will have to work hard to love them. Nutritionally speaking, parnips are like a cross between carrots and potatoes. They have a lot less vitamin A than carrots, but more vitamin C and a bit more fiber. Parsnips are high in folic acid, which is important if you are planning on getting pregnant in the near future.

Tastewise, the parsnip is also a blend of carrots and potatoes. They are sweeter than carrots and bit starchier, too. I don't think I am the only one who would say that they taste like Fall. They are in the height of their season right now, making them a perfect addition to your Thanksgiving meal. Parsnips are great roasted in a medley of Winter veggies and make a nice addition to mashed potatoes.

You can also turn them into tasty curry oven fries, and see how, just

Healthy Recipe: Vegetarian Black Bean Chili

FitSugar — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 12:00:00 -0800

This is one dish that has been made so many times in my kitchen, I've memorized the recipe that was passed down from my mom. It's a family favorite because it's delicious and nutritious, packing in protein, fiber, and flavor, and even meat eaters crave seconds. I like to serve it with quinoa, but I've also served it on top of a baked potato or brown rice. A big bonus to this recipe is that one large pot is good for about six meals, and leftovers taste even better as the seasonings have more time to meld together.

To see the recipe, just

Healthy Recipe: Apple-Walnut Bread Pudding

FitSugar — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 04:00:00 -0800

When the weather turns cold, I love to bake. I don't necessarily think of dessert when I think of Runner's World, but this recipe I found in the running mag piqued my interest and I had to try it. I did substitute agave nectar for the sugar in the pudding, but I couldn't imagine a streusel topping without brown sugar. I also left out the optional booze and raisins (in my opinion raisins belong in trail mix, not baked goods).

My entire family liked this dessert, but I will tell you, it tasted healthy. It is not an indulgent dessert, but I ate a huge satisfying piece and still felt great afterward. Since the amount of sugar is low and the fiber is high, it is truly a remorseless dessert. I will be making it again, but not for a fancy dinner party.

To see the recipe, just

Healthy Recipe: Sweet and Salty Pumpkin Seeds

FitSugar — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 02:47:00 -0700

It's a tradition in my house to carve pumpkins and roast pumpkin seeds the night before Halloween. Between my entire family though, we have too many seeds to bake. So I save them in a container in the fridge to roast later that week. These make a great snack because they're sweet and salty, and 1/4 cup of seeds contains 18 grams of protein and 457 milligrams of potassium.

There's a special ingredient in my roasted pumpkins seeds. To find out what it is

Healthy Recipe: Couscous With Chard and Roasted Chickpeas

FitSugar — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 05:28:27 -0700

Lately, I have been in love with chickpeas. Then I tried them roasted, and my relationship with the garbanzo bean blossomed even further. I wanted to make a Mediterranean-style dish with Swiss chard and whole wheat couscous. Then I thought adding roasted chickpeas to the dish would be delish.

I think I was right. This dish offers veggies, fruit, whole wheat carbs, and protein; it is perfect for a light lunch, especially when you have an afternoon workout planned. It is easy to make and works as either a main dish or a side dish.

To see the recipe, just

Healthy Recipe: Pumpkin Zucchini Muffins

FitSugar — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 03:30:00 -0700

It's harvest time and amazing produce is plentiful, especially zucchinis and pumpkins. Why not take advantage of these veggies with a little Autumn baking? Here's my recipe for Pumpkin Zucchini Muffins. They're a cinch to whip up and take half as long to bake as regular loaves. Plus the smaller portion size allows you to enjoy them without inhaling half a loaf in one sitting, which is always a plus in my book.

To see how I make these savory muffins

Create Chinese "Fake-Out" For You (and Your Furry Friend)

PetSugar — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 12:00:51 -0700

The latest pet-friendly recipe from the November issue of Everyday Day With Rachael Ray uses your leftover rice to make Chinese Fake-Out for you (and your furry friend). Let your pooch take a small sample of the frozen veggies and egg combo mixed in with his regular kibble and add some grilled chicken on the side for you. Yum-o! Find the full recipe when you

Healthy Recipe: Vegetable Curry With Chef Shaikh's

FitSugar — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 03:30:00 -0700

I absolutely love curry, but when I try to mix the spices myself, it never really comes out the way it should. That's why I love to use a pre-made curry sauce like this one from Chef Shaikh's. The sauce itself is really healthy. Each serving contains 45 calories, 1g of fat, 120mg of sodium, 7g of carbs, 3g of fiber, 3g of sugar, and 2g of protein. And adding a variety of veggies makes it even healthier.

To see how I make my vegetable curry