Don't forget the leftovers

Who doesn't love Thanksgiving?  It is a time of being thankful for those around you and for the food on your table.  And if you are anything like my family, there will be plenty on that table.

Save the leftovers!  Some of the best meals can be made out of your leftovers.  A few of my favorites are:

• Turkey and cranberry sandwich: If you have rolls left over, use that as the bread.  Or if you have your favorite bread handy, use that.  Use a little cranberry sauce as your condiment and load up some turkey in there.  Sometimes I will use mustard too (because I love the heck out of the stuff) and lettuce.  I have also tried this with a little bit of cream cheese (a little bit goes a LOOOONG way so keep that in mind).  Yum!  
• Turkey casserole:  This is one of my mom's favorites.  She makes a casserole with the leftover dressing and turkey.  Super easy, as all you have to do is mix the two in a casserole dish and bake it!  She will sometimes add potatoes and gravy if needed or cream of mushroom soup.
• Turkey soup or stew: You can really put anything in your soup or stew.. that's what I love about them.  Use your favorite vegetables, add the turkey and chicken broth, and make your soup or stew with love.  Need a little more help?  Check out this recipe from AllRecipes.  Looks delish!  http://allrecipes.com/recipe/hearty-turkey-stew-with-vegetables/
• Turkey bulgur salad: I love the way turkey and bulgur taste together with a little twist of fruit.  I usually make this salad with a little pineapple, but since it is Thanksgiving and cranberries are so IN right now I found this recipe that looks tasty from Taste of Home:  http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/turkey---bulgur-salad

Have a favorite Thanksgiving leftover recipe?  Please share!  

And before you enjoy your meal, think of everything you are thankful for.  I am thankful for all of the important relationships in my life... family, old friends, new friends, and of course my furry loves too.  They bring a smile to my face daily!

Eat well,

Bri

Summer Time Salads

With spring in full swing and summer just around the corner, let's officially call this swimsuit season.  Some of you have been working hard to feel and look good in that swimsuit (maybe a few extra pure barre classes?), while some would rather wear that cover up. It's all about confidence, ladies, and one way to stay confident in that swim suit is to eat light before you head out to the beach, pool, or lake.  

Nutty Nix Up Salad
(I hate food pics b/c the food never looks
as good as it really is)

One easy way to eat light, but not feel starving is to fill up on a summer time salad. One of my favorites is the Nutty Mix Up Salad from Jason's Deli (the smaller portion with dressing on the side).  This creation can easily be made at home though, too.  Here are a few keys to keep in mind for that light salad:

1. Have a nutritious base.  Fill up that bowl with spinach or spring mix.  These greens are full of antioxidants & vitamins.
2. Include plenty of protein.  To keep you full on your outdoor adventure, choose a protein source like chicken, shrimp, salmon, or boiled eggs to top your salad with.
3. Go nuts!  I personally like walnuts or slivered almonds, but add whatever nut you want.  Most nuts are full of healthy fats and some even have omega-3's, which we all know are great for the heart.  Healthy fats also help slow down your digestion (leaving you fuller longer). 
4. Color it up.  Add a colorful fruit to the mix like fresh blueberries, strawberries, or mandarin oranges.  Or if you prefer dried fruit, add raisins or cranberries.  Adding a carbohydrate from fruit will give you a little more energy & keep you from crashing later on.  Plus, can I say more vitamins?  Seriously, fruits & veggies provides so many vitamins & minerals that your body is probably rolling out the red carpet for them as we speak.
5. Keep your dressing on the side.  It is so easy to over pour dressing, which of course adds calories.  Keep your dressing on the side  & either dip as you go or sprinkle dressing on as you need it.  A little goes a long way!

What is your favorite summer time salad?

Eat well,

Bri

Healthy Eatery Alert: Spiral Diner

Healthy Eatery Alert: Spiral Diner.

Spiral diner serves organic vegan food in the Oak Cliff area of Dallas.  They also have a location in Fort Worth. Even if you are non-organic or non-vegan, I guarantee that there is something on the menu you will like. My boyfriend, a meat loving & non-vegan eater, favors the "Ate" Layer Burrito, while I enjoy the Sweet Luv' Us Hummus Wrap or the Big Texas Salad.  All extremely nutritious and yummy!

What else do I dig about this place? The owner's story.  You can read her full story on the website, but I will preview you it here.  Amy McNutt became vegan after filming a short film and seeing firsthand how heartless some of the dairy & egg farming practices are.  The owner was determined to provide access to good vegan food.  And that she has!  Another cool fact about the place: it is named after a Tool song.   The power & influence of music transcends into food/restaurants even.  I love it!

While I am not vegan or vegetarian, I can certainly respect the people who are.  Especially whenever it is a person not following a trend or next best thing, but rather one who has true respect for animals and certain farming practices.  I think we can all agree that even reducing meat consumption can have a good impact on the environment and benefit our health.  So with that said, if you are not vegetarian or vegan I encourage you to consider having a meat free day of the week or a few meat-free meals throughout the week.  On days you need some extra motivation to eat meat-free, visit the Spiral Diner.

Oh and in case you didn't know, Earth Day was on Monday.  Happy Earth Day y'all!  

Spiral diner website: http://www.spiraldiner.com/

Eat well,

Bri