Healthy Recipes – Avoid Winter Weight Gain
The colder months are notorious for their yummy treats, and time enjoyed relaxing inside. Sometimes all that time at home might lead to some winter weight gain, but don’t worry! We’ve got you covered with some delicious and healthy recipes to prevent the pounds and keep you feeling your best this winter.
Chia Seed Pudding
Starting off with the first meal of the day, eating a healthy breakfast is incredibly important no matter the season. One of our favorites is Chia Seed Pudding, a quick and filling breakfast that will give you energy for the whole day. The best part is that the pudding is prepared the night before, so there’s no need to reach for an unhealthy option when you’re tired in the morning! For this breakfast, you’ll need:
- 1/2 cup chia seeds
- 2 cups Almond Breeze Almond Coconut Unsweetened Vanilla Blend
- 2 tablespoons agave (can sub honey)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
In a large jar, add chia seeds, agave (or honey, whichever you prefer), and vanilla extract. Shake well to combine, then refrigerate for at least 8 hours (preferably overnight). The next morning you can top your pudding with nuts, granola, fruit, or dark chocolate chips!
Stuffed Bell Peppers
Our next recipe works perfectly as a snack or lunch option, and is completely customizable to your dietary needs and preferences. To make a this stuffed pepper recipe, you’ll need:
- ½ cup minced onion
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 (16-ounce) package Extra Lean Ground Turkey Breast (you can also substitute this for beans, tofu, chicken, or whatever protein you like)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ cup tomato sauce
- ½ cup low sodium chicken broth, divided
- 3 large sweet red bell peppers, cut in half lengthwise
- ¼ cup shredded reduced-fat Cheddar cheese (or whatever cheese you prefer!)
Preheat the oven to 400o F. Lightly coat a non-stick skillet with cooking spray, and add onion and garlic until softened. Next, add your turkey or chicken and cumin and cook on medium heat for around 14-16 minutes, or until the meat is fully cooked. Next add in half of the chicken broth and tomato sauce to the pan, and cook on low heat for around five minutes. When your mixture is ready, scoop ⅓ of it into each pepper on a baking dish, and pour the rest of the chicken broth into the dish. Cover with aluminum foil and bake in the oven for 30 minutes. Finally add your cheese and you have yourself a delicious and easy snack or meal!
Gluten Free Bagels
Are you tired of everyone telling you that bagels are too difficult to make at home, or are unhealthy because they have “too many carbs?” Then this is the perfect recipe for you, as these delicious bagels take under an hour to make, and they use alternative ingredients to normal bagels, so they’re extra healthy!
To start, you’ll need
- 1 cup low fat greek yogurt
- 1 egg white
- 1 cup gluten free baking flour
- 2 tbsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- Everything But the Bagel seasoning (optional)
First preheat the oven to 375o F. Then, mix your flour, baking powder and salt together in a large bowl, and combine the yogurt until it forms a crumbly texture. Using your flour on a flat surface, knead the dough until it is tacky, but not sticky. Divide the dough into four balls and roll them out to about 3-4 inches long. Join their ends to form a bagel shape, and lay them on a baking sheet. Next, whisk your egg white and brush it on top of your bagels, and top with Everything bagel seasoning, salt, sesame seeds, or whatever your favorite topping is! Bake for 25-28 minutes and let cool for 15 minutes, and enjoy the best guilt-free bagel ever!
Staying Healthy & Comfortable
Taking care of yourself this winter is so important, with both the food you eat and the home you live in. Make sure your home (and kitchen especially!) are properly heated this winter with Garrison & Garrison’s trusted HVAC maintenance, repairs, and system installations.
Contact Us
Garrison & Garrison is a trusted American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning Customer Care Dealer in Huntsville, AL. Call us at (256) 859-8500 or email us at [email protected] with any questions or for more information.
