A Healthier, Happier You
For The New Year

If you are like millions of others who made the resolution to lose weight and get fit in this new year, you already know that keeping that resolution will be anything but easy. I’m with you, so let’s get a head start by getting rid of the junk food in our lives and make an effort to stick with a healthier lifestyle. I hope these ideas will help get you pointed in the right direction and keep you there. Happy, Healthy New Year!

Morning Power Smoothie

4 large strawberries
½ cup low-fat plain yogurt
1 cup fresh orange juice
1 medium size banana
½ tsp vanilla
1 Tbs. honey

Remove stems from strawberries and wash. Blend all ingredients in
blender until smooth.

Makes two 8 oz. servings

Five Can Soup
(1 Weight Watcher’s point per serving)

1 can Progresso Minestrone soup
1 can corn
1 can diced tomatoes
1 can mixed veggies
1 can red, black or white beans (your choice)

Mix well in large pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for a
while to blend flavors.

Chicken Dijon

1 Tbs. olive oil
¼ cup minced onions
2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms
2 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup white cooking wine (optional)
½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
4 Tbs. minced fresh parsley
Fresh ground pepper
1 Tbs. Dijon style mustard

Place chicken breasts between 2 sheets of waxed paper; flatten to ¼ inch using a meat mallet. Coat a large skillet with nonstick cooking spray and place over medium-high heat until hot. Add chicken to the skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until chicken is browned on each side. Remove chicken from skillet; set aside and keep warm.

In the same pan, add olive oil. Sauté onion, mushrooms and garlic for 2 to 3 minutes. Add the wine, chicken broth and 2 Tbsp of the parsley and cook for 3 to 4 minutes. Return chicken back to pan and cook over medium heat for 10 to 12 minutes. Remove chicken and vegetables using a slotted spoon. Arrange the chicken on a serving platter and keep warm. Continue cooking broth mixture until it is reduced to 1/3 cup. Remove from heat; whisk in the remaining parsley, pepper, and mustard. Spoon sauce over the chicken and serve.

Low-Fat Brownies

¾ cup sugar
½ cup flour
½ tsp. baking soda
2 egg whites, lightly beaten
1 tsp. vanilla
2/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Spray an 8-inch square baking pan with cooking spray. Combine ingredients in large mixing bowl, blend well. Pour batter into pan and bake in preheated oven 20 to 30 minutes until done. To test, insert a toothpick. If it comes out clean, brownies are done.

Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes in pan. Gently remove from pan; place on wire rack to cool.

 

Don’t forget your copy of “Lovin’ Spoonful . . . Cooking With Family and Friends,” a compilation of nearly 400 mouth-watering recipes by Sherrie Norris. It is available at all locations of High Country Media – Boone, Banner Elk, West Jefferson, and at The Avery Journal in Newland, all Boone Drugs, Black Bear Books, Trailway Laundry, Wilcox Emporium,( top level, booth 312-W,) and beginning June 15 at Mast Store locations.