Nutrition Straight Talk | Alcohol & Training (Part 3 of 3)

With Memorial Day weekend starting in just a few hours, you need to watch this one if you’re trying to get in shape and are going to be tempted at the many barbecues happening! Have a great weekend!

You have questions… we have answers. Welcome to IronPlate’s “Nutrition Straight Talk” where we’ll be tackling a variety of food-related questions in less than 60 seconds. Feel free to post any questions you have in the comments section and we’ll get to those in the future. Enjoy!

Nutrition Straight Talk | Alcohol & Training (Part 2 of 3)

Going out with friends tonight for drinks and trying to get in shape at the same time? Then you need to watch this one!

.You have questions… we have answers. Welcome to IronPlate’s “Nutrition Straight Talk” where we’ll be tackling a variety of food-related questions in less than 60 seconds. Feel free to post any questions you have in the comments section and we’ll get to those in the future. Enjoy!

Nutrition Straight Talk | Alcohol & Training? (Part 1 of 3)

Going out with friends tonight for drinks and trying to get in shape at the same time? Then you need to watch this one!

You have questions… we have answers. Welcome to IronPlate’s “Nutrition Straight Talk” where we’ll be tackling a variety of food-related questions in less than 60 seconds. Feel free to post any questions you have in the comments section and we’ll get to those in the future. Enjoy!

 

Ridiculous Tahini Sauce

We often get asked what sauces and condiments can be used to dress up otherwise dull chicken breast, eggs and grilled salmon, so for the next few weeks we’re going to focus on some different recipes that will keep life exciting. They’ll all be easy to make and, better yet, pack a taste punch.

This easy-to-make tahini sauce is completely ridiculous: ridiculously delicious, ridiculously healthy, ridiculously quick. We love it on kale salads, over grilled chicken breast, over vegetables; on pretty much anything. (I’m amazed we haven’t yet drank it straight from the bowl.) If you’re looking to shake things up and get away from salsa, give this a whirl — you’ll be ridiculously happy you did.

Prep Time: 3 minutes | Cook Time: 0 minutes | Servings: 8

INGREDIENTS

1/3 cup tahini, stirred
1 garlic clove, minced finely
2 tablespoons lemon juice (about 1/2 a lemon)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
Pinch cayenne, optional
2 to 6 tablespoons lukewarm water
1 tablespoon cilantro, optional

DIRECTIONS

Whisk all ingredients, except water and cilantro, in a bowl until combined. The mixture will be very pasty, but that is normal. Add water a couple of tablespoons at a time and whisk until you have the desired consistency. Keep it somewhat thick if making a sauce for chicken or water it down a bit more if you’re using it as a salad dressing.

Taste for seasoning and adjust with more salt or lemon juice, as you prefer. Top it with some of the cilantro and dig in! Store covered in the refrigerator up to 7 days.

Enjoy!

Mexican Quinoa Salad

It was only a matter of time that we shared a quinoa recipe and we’re surprised it’s taken us this long, especially since it’s so damned good for you. It’s high in protein; gluten-free; a good source of calcium, magnesium and manganese; and contains all nine essential amino acids, which other grains do not.

This recipe is great for week day dinners. Throw some chicken breast or salmon on top and you’re all set!

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 8

INGREDIENTS

1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, roughly chopped
1 jalapeno, minced
1 cup quinoa (we like Trader Joe’s organic tri-color quinoa)
1 can (14 oz) fire-roasted tomatoes
1 can (15-oz) organic black beans
1 cup vegetable or chicken broth
1 cup corn
1 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
Juice of 1 lime
1 avocado, diced
Salt and pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS

1/ Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for 4 minutes. Add garlic and jalapeno and cook for an additional minute.

2/ Stir in quinoa until fully mixed. Then add broth, tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, beans and corn. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil then cover and reduce heat to simmer for about 20 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in lime juice and avocado.

3/ Enjoy!

Tenacious Turkey Chili

It’s snowing like mad outside, but we’ve got a big pot of this going inside, so we’re happy. We’ll be even happier later on when we dive into it. 

Turkey chili is the ultimate easy, healthy, comforting make-ahead meal. You can whip a pot of this up in less than an hour, freeze portions for during the week and know you’re covered. Even better, not only is this version super low-fat and high in protein, it’s off the chart with flavor. Tweak the amount of jalapenos and chili powder to your liking and feel free to throw in any additional vegetables you like — we’ll sometimes add zucchini, broccoli, cauliflower. So good and so easy!

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 30-40 minutes | Servings: 8

INGREDIENTS

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 lbs ground turkey
1 large white onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 jalapeño, minced (use less if you don’t like heat)
1 red pepper, diced
1 sweet potato, peeled and cubed
2 cups kale, chopped
1 package frozen corn
1 can black beans
28 oz can crushed tomatoes
24 oz chicken broth
2 bay leaves
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 tablespoon chipotle chili powder (omit if you don’t like heat)
1 tablespoon dried oregano
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS

1. In a large heavy pot, heat oil and cook turkey until lightly browned, breaking up turkey into bite-sized pieces.
2. Add onion, garlic, jalapeño, red pepper, oregano, cumin, chili powders and basil. Cook for 5 minutes stirring frequently.
3. Add tomatoes, tomato sauce, chicken broth, bay leaves, corn, beans, sweet potato and salt and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. 
4. Add kale and cook for an additional 5 minutes, until kale is wilted.
5. Serve with cauliflower rice and low fat sour cream (or plain yogurt). Enjoy!

Red Lentil Soup

Now that it’s gotten crazy-cold out, it’s time to cook something that will help warm up your chilled (and hopefully tired since you’re coming back from working out!) bones. This is it. It takes about 10 minutes to prep, another 30 on the stove and then you’re good to go. A couple of slices of pita, a dollop of yogurt and you can call it a day.

Lentils are high in fiber (you’ll feel full longer), low calorie (about 230 calories per cup) and a great source of plant-based protein. They’re also rich in other vitamins and minerals. 

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 6-8

INGREDIENTS

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 carrots, loosely chopped
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon coriander
1 teaspoon chile powder
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
16 oz red lentils
32 oz vegetable broth, preferably organic
32 oz water
Salt and pepper, to taste

DIRECTIONS

1. In a large pot, add olive oil and onions. Cook over medium heat until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add carrots and garlic. Cook an additional two minutes.
3. Add cumin, coriander and chile powder. Cook for one minute, stirring.
4. Add the tomatoes and cook, stirring, for two minutes.
5. Add the lentils, vegetable broth and water. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer, covered, over medium-low heat for 30 minutes until lentils are soft.
6. With a hand blender — or in batches in a regular blender — puree the soup. Add additional salt and pepper to taste.
7. Enjoy!

Slow Cooker Chicken Chili Verde

A slow cooker is a wonderful thing. Fill it up with stuff, turn it on, go to work and then get hit with a blast of “OMFG, THAT SMELLS SO GOOD!” when you come home. If only everything in life was so simple and so thoroughly satisfying. 

Packed with protein and nutrients, this piquant chili verde is great for a night in at home. Have it over quinoa or riced cauliflower and top it with some scallions, avocado and a small dollop of (low fat!) sour cream and you’re good to go.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 4-8 hours | Servings: 6-8

INGREDIENTS

1-1/2 pounds chicken breast
1 white onion, roughly chopped
2 fresh jalapeños, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
2 cans green chilis
1 cup salsa verde
2 cans white beans, drained and rinsed
1 32-ounce container of chicken stock, preferably low sodium and organic
Salt and pepper, to taste

DIRECTIONS

1. Place the onion, jalapeño and minced garlic in the bottom of the slow cooker. Add spices and mix.
2. Top with chicken breasts.
3. Add undrained cans of green chills and salsa verde.
4. Add the white beans and chicken broth.
5. Let chili simmer on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours.
6. Remove the chicken breasts and shred, then add back to the slow cooker for an additional 10 minutes.
7. Enjoy!