Turkey and Bean Bowl of Goodness...

1 pound ground turkey
1-2 cans kidney beans
1-2 cans black beans
1 tbsp black pepper
1 tbsp cumin
1 onion chopped
8-16 oz red enchilada sauce

Grill turkey and onions until turkey is brown and onions are caramelized. Then add beans, seasonings, and sauce. I like mine thicker so I add less sauce, but add more or less depending on your preference. Serve with whole wheat tortilla chips and a sprinkle of sharp cheddar cheese and it's a yummy quick meal full of protein and low in calories. Plus did I mention it takes less than 10 minutes to make. Now that's my kind of meal. Bon appetite!

Baking Tips...

I love to bake. Sometimes more than others, but lately I've been on a baking kick and it has reminded me of a few of my favorite healthy tricks. When something calls for flour use half white/half whole wheat flour. I've experimented with this and using only wheat flour is too much wheatiness where as half the called for amount seems to be just enough to add a kick of fiber while not sabatoging the recipe and making it taste like cardboard.

Also another good tip is to exchange applesauce for butter. I've found this works best with breads, muffins, and cakey type things verses cookies. Although it works with cookies too you just have to add more flour because it causes them to be a little thin and flakey when they cook.

I also never use whole milk when they call for that. I always use skim or 1% and if you do use butter use smart balance and/or canola oil. Never shortening or margarine.

These are just a few of my tried and true tips that work for me everytime. I also would like to add I've tested these on my hubby and he doesn't notice how healthy they are either as long as I throw in a few chocolate chips as well. Moderation in all things right :)

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

I had the best cookies this weekend. They are super yummy and perfect for this time of year. I don't know about you guys, but I'm making these the staple at our house when we need a treat around the holidays.
-1 box spice cake mix
-2 cups canned pumpkin (add more if you want them to be more gooey)
-1 cup chocolate chips
Just mix, drop, and bake at 375 for 8-10 minutes, and enjoy. I got the recipe from my sister in law Bethany, but I think they might be a Weight Watcher Recipe.

Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe

If you haven't heard of this book or seen it already I totally recommend it. Low calorie recipes for all sorts of yummy food that we usually get rid of when we are watching our calories. I've been trying recipes from it and I have a new favorite that I had to share. For that sweet tooth it's a PB Fudge recipe that's super easy.

Ingredients:
Betty Crocker 18.3 oz box (Fudge Brownie mix, but you could probably use your favorite)
2 cups canned pumpkin
2 tbsp room temperature Peanut Butter

Mix brownie mix and pumpkin in bowl. Grease pan (9' by 9' is best) and put in mixture. Then mix the PB on top with a knife. Heat at 350 for 35 minutes (it looks like you should keep cooking it but take it out) and then cool in fridge for 2 hours.

This is super yummy and low calories too! I hope you try it and enjoy.

It's been asked if you taste the pumpkin in it? I notice the pumpkin most in the texture not so much the taste. The first bite tastes a little different than normal fudge, but after that I didn't really notice. Everyone will have to tell me what you think when you try it!

Salsa Chicken

Want a quick yummy alternative to normal chicken. Make this salsa chicken. It's so easy and you'll love it!

What you need:
chicken breasts (I do a lot so I have leftovers. about 8-10 chicken breasts)
1 cup salsa (whatever you have around)
sliced onion (I used green, but again whatever is handy or you can cut this out. It's also good with bell peppers)
pepper, cayenne pepper, garlic, any other seasoning to taste
Put all of the above on low in your crock pot. In 4-6 hours you are ready to go.

I like to shred up the chicken and use it on salads, burritos, in soup, on rice, whatever you want. My favorite is to make a homemade Cafe Rio salad. Tastes just as good with half the calories!

Try this healthy treat...

I'm the biggest ice cream lover out there and I'm constantly on the look out for a healthy snack that will satisfy my sweet tooth after a meal (besides ice cream.) I think I might have found a good one. It's not super creative, but it's really good. I used low fat vanilla yogurt, frozen raspberries, and a little granola. Layer to your desire and then eat up. I was thinking this would also be good to do with low fat chocolate pudding and cool whip. I will do that next time. Thought I'd pass this along and I will keep you updated as I discover more options as the summer continues.