Healthy Alternatives

Healthier Cheese and "Crackers"

1/2/2014

I love cheese & cracker plates as a snack, appetizer, or even light dinner - but don't love feeling guilty after taking in so many crackers. Use cucumber instead of crackers, and even avocado in place of some of the cheese in order to cut down on calories.

After making this I actually prefer this to regular cheese and crackers because the cucumber doesn't take away from the flavor of any other toppings the way a cracker can. Enjoy!

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Spaghetti Squash Casserole

12/7/2013

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I had seen people making dishes using spaghetti squash as a replacement for spaghetti noodles, I was intrigued but I don't like squash so I was sure I wouldn't like it. I figured I'd try it out anyway since I love finding a good healthy alternative to a dish I love. This was SO easy compared to what I thought it would be, the squash literally strings out like noodles once it is cooked. I absolutely loved this dish and so did my roommates!

You will need:

1 large spaghetti squash
1 pound lean ground turkey
24 oz jar of tomato pasta sauce
2 tbsp butter, preferably sea salt
2 tbsp garlic (optional for flavor)
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp basil
Italian blend grated cheese, about 1 cup.
Sea salt & pepper to taste.

1. Preheat oven to 375'.
2. Cut squash in half. (HINT: If the squash is to tough put the whole thing in oven 10 minutes to soften and then cut in half.

3. Use a spoon to dig out the seeds and pulp.
4. Bake about 50 minutes to one hour. Make sauce while squash is baking. See below.

5. Using a fork dig at the squash it will easy fall apart like spaghetti. If it does not bake it a few more minutes. Add all the "noodles" to a 9X12 baking dish

1. Add meat, garlic, Italian seasoning, and basil to a large frying pan.

2. Cook over medium-high heat until meat is fully cooked.

3. Add cooked meat, pasta sauce and a dash of salt & pepper to a mixing bowl and stir.

1. Add 2 tbsp of melted/softened butter to the squash noodles and stir.

2. Pour meat sauce over the top and evenly spread with a spoon or spatula.

3. Sprinkle cheese on top and then bake in the oven at 375' for about 15 minutes.

Knowing your eating a vegetable not noodles leaves you feeling guilt free, which is the best part. Enjoy!

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Egg White Garlic Pizza Crust

11/3/2013

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Pizza is one of my favorite foods and biggest weaknesses when it comes to eating right. I noticed people starting to make pizza crusts out of healthy alternatives and decided to put a little spin on an egg white crust I saw online. I was expecting this to be edible, but not great - and I wanted to eat the whole pizza, everyone loved it! If you can make recipes like this you won't have to give up your favorite foods :)

You will need:

1 cup oats (whole grain for healthiest option).
2/3 cup egg whites
1/2 cup water
3 cloves garlic minced, or about 1 tsp. garlic paste
1/2 tsp garlic salt
1 tsp basil (optional)
1 tbsp flour
Pizza sauce, cheese, pepperoni - or whatever toppings you prefer.

Preheat Oven to 375'.

Step 1:
Combine egg whites, oats, water, garlic, garlic salt, basil, & flour in a mixing bowl. Hand puree until smooth. (If you don't have a hand puree blender then you may put all ingredients in a blender and spatula out).

Step 2:
Spray cooking spray or olive oil in a medium-large skillet (about 12 in). Pour in egg white mixture and equally spread through pan. Allow to cook about 4 minutes then flip over and cook another 3.

Step 3:
Lightly spray a round baking sheet with cooking spray and slide crust from skillet to the pan.

Step 4:
Add your pizza sauce and toppings. I used light layer of sauce, light cheese, and turkey pepperoni but you may use anything you want.

Step 5: Bake 10 minutes at 375 degrees. Remove and cut like a normal pizza...enjoy!

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Healthier Cheese and "Crackers"

Spaghetti Squash Casserole

Egg White Garlic Pizza Crust

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