10 Healthy Soup Recipes

10 Healthy Soup Recipes

(Note: this is a post originally written in 2020). Soup is one of the easiest ways to get a lot of nutrition in a very small bowl (or large bowl if you prefer)! 😉 Since I know that many of you are looking for healthy soup recipes, especially in light of the COVID-19 Pandemic, I wanted to find some really good ones for you.

The fun thing about soup is that once you get one delicious, simple, healthy recipe, you can make tons of other similar, but different, and equally as healthy soup recipes!

The following delicious recipes should get your creative (and gastric) juices flowing.

These 10 healthy soups will help you keep within your calorie goals. PLUS they will provide you and your family with much-needed immunity against the illnesses of the season. For example, colds, flu, and the cursed COVID19 virus.

Low Calorie Soups

Healthy Vegetable Soup Recipes – The soups included in my free “kid-friendly vegetable soup recipes” booklet are the perfect way to get started on making soup. These recipes are simple, quick, and easy. The ingredients are similar except for the type of vegetable and seasoning/herb used. Thus, you don't have to have any special ingredients on-hand, which makes them budget-friendly as well.

These healthy recipes are derived from an older Better Homes and Garden Cookbook I own and are complete with appropriate seasoning for each soup. Our favorites are broccoli, potato and mushroom.

Click here for my free “Kid-Friendly Vegetable Soup Recipes Your Kids Will Love.”

How To Control for Calories

I just love cream soups. So, one of the things I do is use 2% or nonfat milk instead of whole milk. For example, 1 cup whole milk contains 150 calories, while 1 cup of nonfat milk contains only 90 calories.

This is an easy, painless way to cut calories. However, if nonfat is too extreme, you can use 2% milk which will still save you 30 calories per cup of milk. And it all adds up over time!

Healthy Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Speaking of broccoli soup… My favorite way to make Healthy Broccoli Cheddar Soup is to follow the recipe in my vegetable soup booklets and just add cheese. However, here is another recipe for you to try:

Broccoli-Cheese Soup Recipe – One of the things I like about this recipe is that it has carrots added in. And remember, even if the recipe doesn't call for it, you can always puree the ingredients to make a smooth texture. This is especially helpful if you have kids with sensory issues to food.

Healthy Mushroom SoupThe mushroom soup recipe in my kid-friendly recipe booklet is the best! This is especially true if you use fresh mushrooms. And if you choose mushrooms that have grown in UV lighting, they will be an excellent source of vitamin D. Again, however, I want you to have choices. So, here is another recipe:

Healthy Mushroom Soup (No Cream)

Healthy Butternut Squash Soup

The thing that is awesome about Butternut Squash (or any kind of winter squash, including acorn and pumpkin) is that it is SUPER high in vitamin A.

Click here for a yummy looking Vegan Butternut Squash Soup Recipe

Healthy Soup Recipes

Healthy Chicken Noodle Soup – Everyone loves chicken noodle soup. And there is actual evidence that chicken noodle soup is therapeutic in treating colds and flu. When my husband makes chicken soup, he simply cuts some celery, onions, carrots, and uses leftover rotisserie chicken and chicken base. Sometimes, if he has them on hand, he will use a half package of frozen mixed vegetables as well.

Most basic soup recipes say to use 8-10 cups of water. But this is not set in stone, so you can add water to taste. Also, you can experiment with different types of noodles and pasta. Though I have found that the only type of noodles that don't soak up all of the broth are egg noodles. I prefer to use whole wheat ones if I can find them.

You can also use brown rice for chicken rice soup!

Here is a link to a gluten-free Healthy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Healthy Soup Recipes

Healthy Lentil Soup Recipe

I created this recipe which is technically lentil stew. However, when I created it, I intended it to be soup. Stew, soup, what's the difference?! But seriously, if you want soup, you can add more water! 😉 Lentils are an excellent source of Folate, B vitamins, fiber, magnesium and more good stuff.

Click here for my Healthy Lentil Stew Recipe. (By the way, the recipe is at the bottom of the article, so scroll down if you don't feel like reading the article).

Here is another healthy lentil soup recipe for you to try:

Lentil Soup Recipe from Allrecipes.com – The cool thing about Allrecipes.com is that there are usually several variations of the same recipes. So if this one doesn't suit your fancy, you can look for another similar one!

Healthy Crockpot Soup

Most, if not all of these soups can be made in a crockpot. Remember a crockpot is simply a slow-cooker. So, if you choose to make a soup in a crockpot, just make sure you start the recipe early enough in the day. This will make sure it's ready in time for dinner. Usually 4 hours at high or 6 hours at low setting will do just fine!

Healthy Tomato Soup Recipe – My husband made a delicious, healthy, tomato vegetable soup recipe awhile ago. You can find the recipe by clicking here. Be sure to scroll to the bottom for the recipe, unless you want to read about the Benefits of Breastfeeding first!

Healthy Soup Recipes

And that is it for now! Let me know by leaving a comment below regarding what you think of the recipes and what else you would like to hear about from me.

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Other Articles by Me You Might Like:

Is Your Child Getting Enough Fluids?

Not All Fats are Created Equal

Empowering Resources for People Living with Diabetes

Color and Make Lunch Activity Pack

3 Reasons Fermentation is Fun

3 Reasons Fermentation is Fun

(Disclaimer: I received a FREE copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way).

3 Reasons Fermentation is Fun. When we were given the opportunity to review the Fermentation Starter Kit by Fermentools, I was excited.  As a Registered Dietitian, I know that probiotics are a healthy addition to your diet. I also knew this would be a great opportunity to give our 15-year-old son another hands-on kitchen experience. What I didn’t know was that this little tool creates a finished product in less than a week.

3 Reasons Fermentation is Fun

1. You get to spend time in the kitchen with your kids.

Our 15-year-old son has autism and is an introvert. As a result, it can be extremely challenging to get him to interact with us—unless it’s his preferred topic, which currently is trains.

When he knows it’s an assignment for school, however, he’s more than willing.

As you can imagine, Fermentools Starter Kit quickly became part of his high school curriculum. 😉

Thus, we all got experience and learned the process of preparing fermented food. Plus, we spent quality education time together.

And all of us learned, including my husband, who’s been cooking for 40 years. Speaking of which, my husband led with the experiments.

And the first thing he said when I asked him what he learned was, “How easy it was.” For example, the process uses very simple ingredients. All that is needed is distilled or spring (non-cholorinated) water, salt, seasoning (which you can choose based on your preference), and the chosen food itself.

Which leads to the 2nd of 3 reasons fermentation is fun.

2. You can ferment virtually anything.

Yes, that's right! We started with what we already had in the refrigerator–carrots.

A few days before we conducted our fermentation experiment, we went to the store and my hubby bought 5 pounds of carrots. The reason for this is that he was searching for yeast so that he could make homemade bread. He went to virtually every grocery store in the area until he found a large supply store that had yeast. While purchasing the yeast, he picked up some carrots. 😉

Since we had so many carrots in stock, we searched online for ideas and decided to ferment some of our carrots. Since my husband and son like garlic so much, they also added garlic. The carrots turned out great. However, I would recommend slicing them because the carrots we used were still crunchy, which I didn't care for. My hubby likes the carrots this way. However, I’m going to give it more time and taste them again. Which reminds me, it states that the longer you ferment the vegetables, the better they will taste. That’s good to know.

I wish I could tell you what my son thought of the taste of the carrots, but he was unwilling to try them. Maybe some day! What I can tell you is that he helped prepare them by cutting up some of the carrots and putting the ingredients in the jar.

My son was fascinated by the process, though! In fact, he kept watching as the bubbles started forming–the very next day, and the day after, and so on.

The bubbles continued to form until the carrots were ready to be put into the refrigerator. It was completely surprising to all of us that the bubbles formed so quickly. It was a surprise to both me and my husband that the final taste included a vinegar flavor. Especially since the jar contained no vinegar!

3 Reasons Fermentation is Fun

Everything you need to ferment a food is included in the Fermentools Starter Kit. All you need is a large-mouthed jar and the food/water/herb combination.

During our research, we also discovered that root beer and sarsaparilla, familiar drinks to most, are fermented drinks! We printed a recipe for these two drinks, but haven't tried them yet as they require exotic ingredients such as sassafras. (You can easily find a recipe online for these drinks).

Reason number 3 of 3 reasons why fermentation is fun is:

3.  You can teach your family about other cultures.

Plus, you get to try new foods you've never even heard of before!

After we completed the carrots, the next three foods we considered were:

  1. German Sauerkraut with Bratwurst, Kielbasa, Pork
  2. Korean Kimchi with (virtually anything you want).
  3. El Salvadorian Curtido with Puposas

I’m not fond of sauerkraut and I wasn’t sure what we would eat the Kimchi with. Thus, I thought it would be more fun to create Curtido. (I didn’t know what it was called. However, while I was in graduate school, I took a class which introduced me to this unique ethnic food).

When we visited the little “Hole in the Wall” El Salvadorian restaurant in San Bernardino, California, I fell in love with Puposas and the accompanying “slaw” it is traditionally served with. But I never knew the name until now!

3 Reasons Fermentation is Fun

This is the Curtido when it was first put into the jar.

So, I chose Curtido because it would be a good excuse to encourage my husband to make Pupusas from scratch. And they turned out delicious! Again, I am amazed that the Curtido tastes like it contains vinegar when it doesn't! The only ingredients included in the Curtido are cabbage, carrots, sweet red peppers, oregano, Malaysian salt, and non-chlorinated water. Yum!

My son and husband enjoyed the puposas, but not so much the Curtido. And again my son wouldn't taste the Curtido. That is fine with me because that means I get it all to myself!

To each his own, they say!

3 Reasons Fermentation is Fun

3 Squash, cheese, and green chili puposas and homemade El Salvadorian Curtido.

Don’t forget to check out the Fermentools Starter Kit now. This cool kit not only allows you to quickly ferment your favorite vegetables, but is super simple to use.

And if you grab one before June 30, 2020, you will receive a 15% discount if you use coupon code CREW2020

 

And don’t forget to read the other reviews by our awesome Homeschool Review Crew members.

Fermentools Starter Kit {Fermentools Reviews}
 

 

Healthy Alternatives for Picky Eaters

Healthy Alternatives for Picky Eaters

People have been asking me what they should be feeding their kids who have ADHD. One of the major things you want to try to achieve is a balanced diet.

What I mean by this is, regular meals and healthy snacks, sufficient protein, calcium and iron, and as natural as possible. So, I have put together three healthy alternatives for picky eaters to help make transitions easier.

Three Healthy Alternatives for Picky Eaters

Most kids love macaroni and cheese, chicken nuggets, and don't like vegetables much. This “problem” is exacerbated when the child will only eat macaroni and cheese and chicken nuggets and won't eat vegetables.  OR when all they are eating is boxed macaroni and cheese and frozen processed chicken nuggets.

This is often the case for children with autism, ADHD, and sensory processing difficulties. As a result, I have looked for and found three healthy alternatives for picky kids, that hopefully won't be too time consuming or difficult to make. Especially because you can double the recipes and serve as leftovers and/or freeze for a later time.

It's kind of a “Instead of this, Eat that,” scenario.

Healthy Alternatives for Picky Eaters Number 1

Hiding vegetables in sauce by pureeing the sauce and vegetables together.

I discovered a recipe “Hidden Veggie Mac and Cheese” a couple of months ago through Pinterest. We finally made the recipe (I had previously posted the recipe from the website–THIS IS AN UPDATE).

I decided after thinking about it for a few months that this recipe would probably not be successful because of the cauliflower and butternut squash. Our son hates cauliflower, and the texture of squash is just too much for him.

I evaluated the nutrition facts on MyFitnessPal.com last night, after my husband made the macaroni and cheese and my son loved it.

The vitamin A in each serving is increased from about 7% to over 40% from our original homemade macaroni and cheese. This with only 1/2 cup of carrots. I would've liked to add more to the recipe but didn't want to overdo it because my son is so picky.

Foods HIgh in Iron
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High Protein Mac and Cheese with Carrots

This delicious, creamy, healthy macaroni and cheese will tickle your kids' taste buds.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: adhd diet, autism diet, autism menu, high protein, kid friendly recipes, recipes kids love, vitamin a
Servings: 6 Servings
Calories: 334kcal
Author: Deborah Hanyon, MPH, RDN, ACE-CHC

Ingredients

Carrots

  • 3/4 cup water 1/2 cup plus 1/4 cup water
  • 3 medium carrots Yield 1/2 cup pureed carrots

White Sauce

  • 1 1/2 cups 2% milk
  • 2 tbsp flour
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 dash white pepper

Cheese

  • 4 ounces shredded cheddar or other favorite cheese 1 cup shredded

Pasta

Instructions

  • Cook carrots in 1/2 cup water until soft enough to puree.
  • Add carrots to food processor or small blender with 1/4 cup water.
  • Puree until smooth

For White Sauce

  • Melt Butter in medium saucepan
  • Add flour, salt and white pepper to pan
  • Mix with wire whisk
  • Add milk all at once, stirring constantly.
  • Use wire whisk to evenly distribute flour mixture and to prevent lumps
  • Stir milk mixture constantly at medium heat, until mixture is thickened and boiling.
  • Cook 2 minutes longer.
  • Remove from heat
  • Add shredded cheese and 1/2 cup carrot puree
  • Pour over pasta and stir
  • Serve as is OR sprinkle with extra cheese and bake at 350 degrees F for 20 minutes for gooey topping

Nutrition

Calories: 334kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0g | Trans Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 40mg | Sodium: 219mg | Potassium: 543mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 2150IU | Vitamin C: 1.7mg | Calcium: 80mg | Iron: 3.6mg

My son likes macaroni and cheese in all forms, except I have had a tough time recently getting him to accept whole wheat pasta with his cheese. My solution to this problem is to use lentil pasta. This is perfect for those of you who are gluten-free or who are trying to reduce the amount of wheat in your diet.

Lentil pasta is super high in protein, and an excellent source of iron, folate, magnesium, and fiber.

When I cook lentil pasta, I usually cook it a little longer than the package directions say. This is because it doesn't taste as good al dente, and my son complains unless it's just right–past al dente state.

Personally, I think we all could benefit from eating a wider variety of grains and legumes. In fact, I've recently been scratching my head wondering when did we start eating only wheat pasta and bread?

He likes this better than the original mac and cheese recipe

Healthy Alternatives for Picky Eaters Number 2

Making Cream of Fresh Vegetable Soups.

This is one I've been using successfully for years.

Broccoli, carrots, potatoes, and mushrooms all make excellent pureed cream soups. And there are others as well. However, my son likes the broccoli soup the best, especially if I add cheese. (Can anyone say, “Cheese Sauce?”)

Cream of Broccoli Soup

Click here for pureed vegetable soup recipes

When you give your picky eaters vegetable soup, you are not only giving them more vegetables, but you are also helping to make sure their fluid needs are being met. This is one way I use to help prevent my son from being dehydrated, since he won't drink water.

Healthy Alternatives for Picky Eaters Number 3

Processed chicken nuggets…Not only are they expensive, but most of them are filled with artificial stuff and preservatives galore. Plus, they are high in sodium. So, making homemade chicken nuggets (or tenders if you prefer), is a fantastic way to ensure you child is getting enough protein in their diet. The recipe below can be doubled or tripled, or even cut in half, and the rest can be frozen for future use.

Homemade Chicken Nuggets

Ingredients

2 pounds chicken breast meat (tenders, fillets) cut into 1-inch pieces/squares

1 cup flour of choice (wheat, rice, or Bob's gluten free flour, for example)

1 cup Panko or other breadcrumbs (gluten-free option)

2 eggs

1 cup milk

1 teaspoon garlic salt (We use Lawry's, because it has no MSG or artificial colors or flavors)

Canola oil (okay to use other vegetable oil, but don't use olive oil, because olive oil has a low smoke point, and will smoke)

Directions

Mix egg and milk together until combined in one bowl

Mix garlic salt with flour

Put flour mixture in separate bowl

Put Panko crumbs in separate bowl

(Keep flour, panko, and egg mixture in separate bowls)

Dip chicken in flour first, and egg mixture second, then dip chicken in panko mixture last.

Preheat canola oil in pan, about an inch deep, until temperature reaches 350 degrees F

Carefully place coated chicken pieces in oil, and cook until golden brown, about 10 minutes.

Place cooked chicken pieces on paper towel covered bowl to drain excess oil.

Makes about 20 nuggets

Click here for recipe

Other things you might find helpful:

Sensory Play for Toddlers Using Regular Household Items

Why are Kids Picky Eaters?

Preschool Food Theme Activities

Whole Wheat Versus White Flour Baking

 

Halloween Food Science Experiments

Halloween Food Science Experiments

I knew that by naming my new fall product, “Halloween Math and Food Science,” I'd be getting controversial because of the word “Halloween.” However, let me just say up front, this is not truly a “Halloween” project in the sense of the word “scary,” dressing up or any of that. (Post may contain affiliate links). This is Halloween Food Science Experiments with a twist.

My intention when creating this fun project was to give your kids something they could play with that would help them wrap their minds around the reality of what the candy of the season is all about. And also to work in some fun (and challenging) math and food science into the mix.

In order to help you know what is in it, and also, if you have already purchased this Halloween Food Science Experiments unit study, I wanted to give you a better idea of how to use it. I've decided to post about our own experiences the past couple of weeks in using this awesome (even if I do say so myself) Halloween Food Science Experiments Unit Study.

Halloween Food Science Experiments

I created this Unit Study to be as hands-on as possible. There are a few questions that have to be answered, however. For example, I required my son to fill out the first page on his own. (If you know my son, you would know this in itself is a major accomplishment).

Moving on, Nathan had to choose 3 of his favorite candies from the list at the bottom of the worksheet. He also had to purchase them at the local grocery store. His favorites are candy corn, Sour Patch Kids, and Peeps.

My son was also required to research if any of his chosen candies contained ingredients suspected of causing allergies or behavioral problems in children.

So, Nathan purchased the candies, brought them home, and read the ingredient list. He was surprised to discover that two out of the three candies (Sour Patch Kids and Peeps) contained Red Dye Number 40. This particular artificial color is associated with allergies and behavioral problems in sensitive children.  Red 40 is also associated with cancer.

The candy corn was purchased at a specialty store, and was more expensive. Though it wasn't Halloween Food Science Experimentsdeclared to be natural only, it was Jelly Belly brand. It's interesting to note that the Jelly Belly brand candy corn did not contain Red 40. It did have other artificial colors, however.

Natural Versus Artificially Colored Candies

The artificial colors in the three regular candies also include Yellow 5 Lake, Yellow 6 Lake, Red 3, Yellow 5, Blue 1 Lake, Blue 1, and Blue 2 Lake. (List not exhaustive). Some of these colors are in the Skittles and M&Ms we also purchased for the math part of the unit study.

There are four factors most people consider when they purchase candy: Availability, Cost, Look, and Taste. . The first thing we came across was how difficult it was to find a natural version of just one candy: Candy Corn.

Availability

My husband first brought my son to the regular grocery store where we shop. We live in an Urban Metropolitan area, so this will drive the point of how difficult it can be to find a natural substitute product such as candy.

So, the regular grocery store, despite that it has a natural foods section, did not carry naturally colored candy corn. As a result of this, my husband and Nathan went to a nearby store called, “Natural Grocers.” They did not have natural candy corn in stock either. However, we did discover that Natural Grocers carries the Yum Earth candy corn in some of its stores throughout the U.S.

Halloween Math

Before I compare cost, I would like to provide a short economics lesson. (That's right, economics is math)!

You may have noticed that candy is less expensive at this time of year. This is a basic law in economics: The Law of Supply and Demand.

Here's how it works. First of all, candy manufacturers expect that people will buy larger amounts of candy. As a result, they manufacture larger amounts of candy in anticipation of the greater demand for candy. Second of all, grocery stores also anticipate a greater demand. As a result of this, most grocery stores purchase candy in larger quantities. The grocery stores get a better deal when they purchase larger quantities from the food manufacturers. The food manufacturers have a large enough supply to offer them a larger amount and a better price. Thus, the savings is passed down to the consumer (customer).

This can be seen at many other times of the year as well. For example, during the summer, picnic items such as paper plates, napkins, ketchup, mustard, and soda pop are usually available at a much lower price. Also, Super Bowl Sunday is another time when you can stock up on cheap snacks. And you can probably think of a lot of other examples.

Cost

The second factor we came up against was the cost. For comparison, we priced the regular “Brach” candy corn at our grocery store. For 8 ounces, the price was $3.00. The specialty candy corn that didn't have the RED 40 was $3.69 for 3 ounces.

Natural Grocers was selling its Yum Earth Product for $5.49 for 5 ounces. I ended up purchasing the same brand from an online natural candy website: https://www.naturalcandystore.com/.

The cost of the candy corn at the Natural Candy Store was $5.99 for 5 ounces.

I got a 15% discount. However, I had to pay for shipping, which was about $6.00. Because I really needed this candy for the experiment, I bought a few extra things, including a few suckers and some natural food dye, to make it worth my while. At any rate, if all you bought was the one package of candy, it would cost about $12.00. OH BROTHER!

So, that's $3.00 for 8 ounces of regular Brach candy corn versus $12.00 for 5 ounces of Yum Earth natural candy corn.  If you want to compare cost for cost, take the total amount of the package and divide it up by the number of ounces. For example, 3.00 divided by 8 = 37.5 cents an ounce for the regular candy corn. For the Yum Earth, including shipping, $11.99 divided by 5 = $2.40 per ounce!  If you can find it at a Natural Grocers near you, the cost is $5.49 for 5 ounces. 5.49 divided by 5 = $1.10 per ounce. Obviously, that's a HUGE cost difference!

Unfortunately, part of the problem is related to the economic law of supply and demand as well. Because there are so few people who are either educated, motivated, or even interested in natural candy, the demand is low. Not only that, but it is apparently a lot harder to make a satisfactory tasting and looking product using only natural ingredients. Plus it is more expensive to do this as well.

So, as the consumer, we can become more educated on the cost and benefits of buying natural versus artificial colored candies. Unfortunately, the natural candies are still candy, and still have lots of sugar. So, there's also that, right?

But at least when you make your decisions, they are informed decisions! For example, if you have children who have allergies, it might be worth it once or twice a year, to splurge and buy the healthier alternatives. But that is a personal decision that each family must make.

Taste and Look

Halloween Food Science Experiments

We just got the natural candy corn in the mail on Saturday. So we taste tested them. Personally, I liked the regular candy corn better, though they were both acceptable. However, Nathan didn't notice a difference.  The look was slightly different however. See picture to the right. Can you tell which one is the natural version? Hint: there are two regular and three natural. 😉

 

This coming week, Nathan will be researching the parsnips he purchased this weekend. This is the unfamiliar vegetable he chose to learn more about.

The fruit or vegetable research project is also part of the “Halloween Food Science Experiments and Math” unit study.  Click here to learn more.

Paleontology Dinosaurs Kids Unit Study

Turkey Recipe and Cooking Time

Nutrition Fun for Kids

Healthy Meal Makeover: Chicken Parmesan

Healthy Meal Makeover: Chicken Parmesan


Who doesn't love a heaping plate of piping hot chicken parmesan oozing with melted cheese and tongue tickling tomato sauce? Chicken parmesan or parmigiana as it is formerly known due to the essential addition of Parmesan cheese is a foodie favorite for sure. However, it's one you may feel like you have to avoid if you're striving for weight loss the healthy way.

There's no need to deny yourself a hearty helping of chicken parmesan if you know how to do the meal makeover right. Optimize nutritious ingredients and lower and lessen your intake of fattening foods that aren't good for your body.

First things first, let's talk about the chicken.

When it comes to protein and reducing your fat intake there's no better source of sustenance than chicken. Some dieters may feel though that chicken is done to death. But with plenty other protein options you can still enjoy classic chicken meals like cutlets parmesan without feeling guilty.

So how to healthy up the chicken? Choose chicken breasts that come from grass-fed, free-range chickens. You may notice that the organic chickens produce meat that seems less meaty. Chicken breasts are smaller. If you can manage the higher price tag for less food, treat your body right with some grass-fed chicken meat for a superior form of meat-based nutrition.

Reduce your portion size. If you would normally fill your plate with two oversized chicken cutlets swimming in sauce and cheese, cut your portion in half. Instead of gorging yourself, be more mindful. Take your time to enjoy this favorite, savory meal.

Substitute another cheese for the mozzarella. Mozzarella is a parmesan lover's favorite and yet you do have some healthy options if you would like to enjoy a weight-loss-friendly chicken parmesan experience. Try a cheese like provolone which is higher in calcium and vitamin A and has a stronger flavor. Stronger flavor means you don't need to use as much to get the same effect. You and your family will hardly notice the difference. You can also make a mix of fontina and provolone. Experiment with different, decent quality artisan cheeses in your parmesan recipes when you can!

Cut the amount of cheese per serving. If you normally would stack three thick slices of mozzarella on each cutlet, shoot for one slice and sprinkle some Parmesan over it for extra flavor. Just be aware that grated cheese does contain fat. So, if you're looking to reduce fat intake, you're going to want to watch your portion size on that as well.

Bake instead of frying your cutlets.

Another change in the recipe for chicken cutlets is making the baked version. To do this, batter or dip your cutlets in eggs and bread crumb like you normally would. Lay the breaded cutlets on a baking sheet lined with foil that you have sprayed with olive oil to prevent sticking. Also spray your olive oil cooking spray lightly over the cutlets to help the breading crisp up with a bit of healthy fat.

Swap out white breadcrumbs for whole grain.

To lower the carbs even more, substitute a bread crumb alternative such as almond flour, to give that crispy texture without adding carbohydrates to the meal.

Switch white flour pasta to whole grain pasta. Or if you want to take the healthy factor up a few extra notches you can bake a spaghetti squash, drizzle in oil and season with garlic and herbs, then topped with spaghetti sauce to serve as a healthy veggie side with your parmesan cutlets. Spaghetti squash does a might good pasta impression, even your kids are likely to love this healthy veggie that's fun to eat.

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Healthy Meal Makeover: Chicken Parmesan

Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 404kcal
Author: Deborah Hanyon, MPH, RDN, ACE-CHC

Equipment

  • Baking dish, mixing bowls, measuring cups and spoons, oven, cutting board, chef knife, meat pounder

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs. 900g chicken breast, boneless, skinless
  • ½ cup 65g panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 cup 100g parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 tbsp. garlic powder
  • ½ tsp. salt
  • 1 egg
  • 3 tbsp. olive oil + 1 tsp. to grease dish
  • 1 cup 260g marinara sauce
  • 1 cup 115g mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • fresh basil for garnish

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C) and grease an oven-proof dish with 1 teaspoon of olive oil.
  • Slice each chicken breast in half, lengthways, then place the chicken on a cutting board and cover with plastic wrap. Using a meat tenderizer, pound the chicken to a ½-inch thickness. Set aside.
  • In a large bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, garlic powder and salt. Whisk the egg into a medium bowl.
  • Dip each chicken breast first into the beaten egg, shaking off any excess, then into the breadcrumb mixture.
  • Heat ½ tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over a medium-low heat. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown. Wipe the skillet between each chicken breast to remove any brown bits and continue to saute the remaining pieces of chicken.
  • Transfer the chicken to an oven-proof dish and top the chicken breasts with the marinara sauce and sprinkle over the shredded mozzarella.
  • Bake the chicken in the oven for approximately 7 minutes or until the mozzarella has melted and the chicken is cooked through.
  • Sprinkle over freshly chopped basil and serve immediately.

Notes

Remove salt from recipe and use reduced sodium marinara sauce (or better yet homemade sauce) to reduce sodium.

Nutrition

Serving: 11/6th of recipe | Calories: 404kcal | Carbohydrates: 61g | Protein: 10.16g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 6.67g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8.83g | Cholesterol: 150.66mg | Sodium: 985mg | Potassium: 780mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 497IU | Vitamin C: 4.66mg | Calcium: 323mg | Iron: 1.67mg

Whole Wheat versus White Flour Baking

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Foods to Boost Your Energy Naturally

Foods to Boost Your Energy Naturally

We all have those days when our energy levels dip, and we find ourselves reaching for that extra cup of coffee or sugary snack to get through the day. But what if there were healthier, more sustainable ways to keep your energy levels up? The good news is, there are! The foods you eat play a crucial role in how energized you feel throughout the day. Let’s explore some of the best foods to boost your energy naturally and a few other uplifting practices that can keep your spirit and body fueled.

1. Oats: The Powerhouse of Energy

Oats are a fantastic source of complex carbohydrates, which provide a steady release of energy throughout the day. Unlike simple carbs, which can cause a quick spike and crash in blood sugar, the fiber in oats slows down digestion, keeping you feeling fuller and more energized for longer. Try starting your day with a bowl of oatmeal topped with nuts and fruit for an energizing breakfast.

2. Bananas: Nature’s Energy Bar

Bananas are rich in natural sugars, fiber, and important nutrients like potassium. These components make bananas an excellent snack to boost your energy before a workout or in the middle of a long day. The natural sugars provide quick energy, while the fiber helps sustain it. Plus, bananas are easy to carry with you, making them a convenient on-the-go snack.

3. Nuts and Seeds: Energy in a Handful

Almonds, walnuts, chia seeds, and flaxseeds are all packed with healthy fats, protein, and fiber, which are key for maintaining energy levels. The healthy fats in nuts and seeds provide a slow-burning energy source, while the protein helps repair and build tissues. Sprinkle them on salads, add them to yogurt, or enjoy a handful as a snack to keep your energy up.

4. Leafy Greens: A Nutrient-Dense Boost

Spinach, kale, and other leafy greens are loaded with iron, magnesium, and vitamins A and C. These nutrients are essential for oxygen transport, muscle function, and energy production. Low iron levels can lead to fatigue, so incorporating leafy greens into your diet can help keep your energy levels steady. Add them to smoothies, salads, or stir-fries to reap the benefits.

5. Greek Yogurt: Protein-Packed Goodness

Greek yogurt is an excellent source of protein, which is crucial for sustained energy. It also contains probiotics that support gut health, which can impact overall energy levels. Pair it with some fruit and a sprinkle of granola for a satisfying and energizing snack.

Other Ways to Boost Your Energy

While food plays a significant role in maintaining energy, there are other practices that can elevate your spirit and keep you feeling vibrant throughout the day.

1. Studying the Bible – Alone or with Friends

Engaging in Bible study, whether on your own or with a group, can be incredibly rejuvenating. Reflecting on God’s Word and discussing it with others can provide spiritual nourishment and mental clarity, giving you a renewed sense of purpose and energy. The Bible reminds us in Isaiah 40:31, “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

2. Singing Praise and Worship

There’s something about lifting your voice in praise that can instantly uplift your spirit. Singing worship songs not only helps to express your love and gratitude to God but also releases endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals. Whether you’re alone in your car or surrounded by your church family, singing can be a powerful way to boost your energy and mood.

3. Moving Your Body

Exercise is one of the most effective ways to increase energy levels. Whether it’s a brisk walk, a session of yoga, or a full workout at the gym, moving your body helps to increase circulation, deliver oxygen to your cells, and release endorphins. Even a short burst of activity can leave you feeling more alert and energized.

Conclusion

Boosting your energy doesn’t have to rely on caffeine or sugar. By nourishing your body with the right foods and engaging in activities that uplift your spirit, you can maintain a steady, vibrant energy throughout your day. Remember to listen to your body, take time for spiritual reflection, and move in ways that bring you joy. And, if you need a little help, check out my Printable Nutrition Education materials! Your body and soul will thank you!