Teenagers – need a healthy diet and exercise too!

Aren’t teenagers supposed to be skinny, thin, in shape?  I mean I went to Wonderland the other day and wow, I guess I have been inside for too long, but so many were totally out of shape. I guess what they say is true about the society today and being totally into gaming, texting, sleeping, tv watching…I don’t mean to be mean, but I feel bad for them. Imagine what will happen when they get older and it is more difficult to lose weight. I suggest a healthier diet and exercise. Honestly think about it now and don’t wait until it’s too late!  Be sure to check out the Health Challenge  . For more ideas please contact me: Jill skype: jillannbromwich

Broccoli Salad

You Need…

One package of broccoli tops or 3 to 4 fresh broccoli tops.

1 orange pepper chopped (or red or yellow)

1/4 cup sesame seeds

1 cup light mayonnaise (or yogurt)

1/4 cup vinegar (or apple cidre vinegar)

2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup) I use both!

1 teaspoon dijon mustard (or regular mustard)

Dash s & p if you choose…

What to do…

1. Be sure to wash all broccoli thoroughly and then cut into bite-size pieces. Put in a larger bowl and add pepper.

2. In separate, small bowl mix/whisk all other ingredients thoroughly.

3. Add dressing and sesame seeds to broccoli and mix well.

4. Serve chilled! Enjoy!

Cream Cheese Salsa Dip

CREAM CHEESE SALSA DIP

1 container of soft cream cheese

1 bottle of mild salsa

1 Tbsp. Mayonnaise

1/4 cup Black Olives (optional)

1/4 cup Red Peppers

Shredded Colby Cheese

In medium bowl mix cream cheese, 1 Tbsp. of salsa and mayonnaise.  Stir until smooth.  Move to a serving platter.   Spread the rest of the salsa on top.  Put sliced red peppers, olives and shredded cheese on top like a pizza.

Put in fridge until ready to serve.  Serve with veggies, tortilla chips or crackers.

Summer Vegetable Pasta

You can use ORZO as called for in the recipe or ANY other type of small pasta noodles for this recipe.

2 cups ORZO

2 cups snow peas (trimmed and halved)

1/4 cup olive oil (divided)

1 cup corn kernels (Fresh or Frozen – add frozen corn kernels directly to the warm pasta, no need to thaw first)

1 1/2 cups diced tomatoes

1 cup diced seedless cucumber

1/2 cup finely chopped red onion (optional)

1/4 cup chopped, fresh mint (optional)

1 tsp grated lemon zest

1/4 lemon juice

1/2 tsp salt & pepper

1.  In large pan of boiling water cook pasta for 6 minutes (if using Orzo).  Add the snow peas and cook for 2 minutes or until Orzo and peas are JUST tender. Drain well…

2.  In large bowl, add pasta, peas, and 1 tsp of the olive oil.  Stir in corn, tomatoes, cucumber, onion, mint and lemon zest.

3.  In small bowl, whisk together remaining oil, lemon juice, s&p…Serve warm or allow to cool!

This recipe is compliments of the “Better Food for Kids” Recipe book from “The Hospital for Sick Children”

 

Oatmeal for the Healthier You

I like eating oatmeal at breakfast time, because it is so good for you and a substantial meal.  It stays with you…

But people often don’t like it or think it is way  too healthy. 

I usually make it on the stove using instant oatmeal, because it is fast. 

However, if you buy the ‘quick’ cooking oats be aware that there are some chemicals and more salt added. 

I just found a recipe for baking oatmeal in the oven and you can use the regular oats, which are free of

chemicals.  You can even buy organic. 

In a bowl you just combine 2 cups of oatmeal with 2 cups of skim milk or any kind you like…

Add 1/2 tsp of vanilla; mix in 1/2 cup of dried cranberries or any other fruit you prefer and 1/2 cup of sliced almonds, if you like. 

You can add a grated Mcintosh apple to mix in, or leave it out…

Stir all ingredients…

Then put mixture into a baking dish, previously greased to avoid sticking.

Spread evenly…

You bake it in the oven at 400 degrees F for about 45 minutes or less.

Then it’s done…so easy and healthy. 

Plus, you can put leftovers in the fridge for the next morning.

My family loved it and my husband usually will not go near oatmeal. 

My son liked it so it is a healthy choice for children too!

You can put some agave or maple syrup on top if you choose.

Eat it in a bowl with milk on top and it’s ready to go. 

Try it and see what you think!

From the “Eat-Clean Diet” cookbook by Tosca Reno

Recipe: Broccoli and Tomato Bake

We all know that broccoli scores high points for keeping us healthy and preventing cancer.  For one it is a dark green veggie, so that definitely helps!  But, sometimes it can be boring…well here is a healthy and yummy recipe that gives a twist to our healthy, yet sometimes boring broccoli.

Broccoli and Tomato Bake

1 Broccoli

1 Can diced tomatoes or 3 fresh tomatoes chopped

1 Tbsp. olive oil

1 Clove Garlic

Spices of choice ( I like oregano and basil)

Splash Lemon

Pinch Salt and Pepper

Favourite Cheese

1.  Steam broccoli to el dente, not too soft because it still has to broil in the oven and will cook a little more…

2.  In a separate pan heat oil, add garlic and simmer 1 minute.  Then add tomatoes.  Heat for about 3 minutes. Add spices.  Add dash of s&p and lemon zest, stir. 

3.  Put steamed broccoli in baking dish then cover with tomatoes and sprinkle with your favourite cheese. 

4.  Then bake in the oven for about 10 minutes until hot and cheese is melted.  Or simply place under the broiler for one minute so the cheese is melted, but be sure not to burn it! 

*Quick Tip: The broiler tends to be faster if you are in a hurry or need to get dinner asap!

Let stand 5 minutes so not too hot.  Enjoy!