Down here in South Florida, I never tire of shrimp. It’s plentiful and fresh and oh so tasty. The secret to great shrimp, is to cook it carefully, you mustn’t overcook, but it needs to be pink and not gray. This dish is easy to prepare, prepare the rice the night before so it has time to chill, the rest of the dish takes only minutes to fix.

8oz. fresh cooked shrimp
8oz. fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut
3 cups cooked brown rice / chilled
2 Tbs. sweet/ hot mustard
4 Tbs. chopped dried tomatoes
1/2 cup almonds

Directions:

In saucepan cook asparagus in bowling water 3 to 6 min until crisp rinse under cold water.
In large bowl toss shrimp, asparagus, rice, tomatoes, add mustard, toss.
To serve divide on plates or bowls sprinkle with almonds.

Health Benefits:
Shrimp is an excellent choice because it is low in fat but high in protein. High in omega 3 fatty acids and an excellent source of vitamin D. It’s the choice of many people who choose a healthy diet. Asparagus is a potent antioxidant that is high in nutrients. A natural aphrodisiac, it has been claimed to increase the libido. Brown rice makes a nice comfort food that has more vitamins and nutrients than most white varieties.

Chicken is such a versatile meat that you can serve it several times in a week without cooking the same thing over and over. This recipe is great for lunch or dinner. After trying a version of this salad at a restaurant, I went home and created my own low fat version.

Package of romaine
1 package of fresh strawberries
1 cup of celery
4 chicken breasts
Nonstick cooking spray
2 tsp olive oil
2 tsp minced garlic
1/4 cup honey
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
Salt and pepper
3/4 teaspoon walnuts

Directions:

1. In a large bowl toss together romaine, strawberries and celery set aside.
2. Over medium heat spray Pam and cook chicken about 4 min turning once half way remove from heat when cooked through.
3. Keep warm.
4. For dressing add oil to skillet, cook and stir garlic in hot oil, stir in honey, vinegar, salt & pepper (optional).
5. Cook through, keep warm.
6. To serve arrange romaine mixture on 4 plates, top with chicken, drizzle dressing and sprinkle with nuts, add a plain sweet potato for a perfect pairing.

Health Benefits:
High in protein and low in fat, chicken is an excellent choice for a main dish. Strawberries are rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants, a beautiful fruit that helps to aid in digestion. Celery adds flavor and antioxidants with few calories. Walnuts are a good source of protein, adds a nice crunch to a salad and a great topping substitute to croutons.

My Great Grandma Titone ate Escarole everyday and she lived to be 106 years old. It’s a great addition to any Italian dish.

4 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 garlic cloves, pressed
1 medium red onion, sliced
1 head escarole, trimmed and rinsed
1/2 cup basil, chopped
4 tomatoes, seeded and chopped
1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Heat 1 Tbsp olive oil and saute with garlic and onion till golden.
2. Add half escarole until wilted.
3. Put in bowl.
4. Saute remaining escarole, adding oil if needed.
5. Heat remaining oil and saute basil.
6. Add tomatoes and cannellini beans
7. Cook for 5 to 10 minutes.
8. Season to taste.
9. Mix with escarole.

Health Benefits
A good source of plant protein, and low in fat and sodium. High in vitamin A and calcium, which women need. Tomatoes are high in vitamin C and aid in digestion.

Have you tried this recipe?  If so, let us know what you think by posting a comment below:

I love couscous, it is one of my favorite fun foods to eat. Serve it with any protein for a well-balanced meal. You can have it for lunch, dinner or snack.

1 Tbsp olive oil
3/4 cup onion
1/2 cup diced carrot, turnip, zucchini and tomatoes
2 Tbsp ground cumin
1 tsp curry powder
1 tsp paprika
1-1/2 cups low sodium chicken broth
1 cup uncooked couscous
Salt and Pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Heat olive oil and saute onions.
2. Stir in all ingredients and cook 5 minutes.
3. Bring to boil.
4. Remove from heat and add couscous until all liquid is absorbed and the couscous is tender.
5. Perfect side for any meal. I like to add a little low fat Parmesan cheese on top.

Health Benefits:
Low in saturated fat, low in calories, low in cholesterol, low in sodium, couscous is an excellent choice for complex carbohydrates. It is a good source of protein, although I recommend eating it with an additional protein. It is easily digestible, especially when prepared with the carrots, turnips, zucchini and tomatoes, which contain antioxidants to help fight cancer-causing free radicals.

You don’t just have to get your spaghetti from pasta. Try this wonderful autumn to winter vegetable that’s perfect with turkey meatballs.

1 spaghetti squash
Salt and pepper to taste (optional)
2 large garlic cloves, pressed
1/2 tsp cinnamon
2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil

Directions:
1. Boil squash in large pot for 30 minutes.
2. Allow to cool.
3. Cut squash in half.
4. With fork, separate and unthread the spaghetti pulp from the skin and place in serving dish.
5. Sprinkle with seasoning and oil, toss lightly.

Health Benefits
Low in fat and sodium, this vegetable dish is deliciously nutrient rich. An excellent source of carotenes that have been found to protect against certain cancers.

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