Fitness4Her

Women's Fitness

Pearly White Pita Pizza

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This pizza is quick and simple to make. It’s the perfect pick-me-up for that afternoon lull when you need a snack or you can enjoy it for breakfast or lunch. Kids love it because it’s pizza and the crust comes out perfect every time.

2 whole wheat pitas, split in 2 round halves, not into pockets
1 cup fat-free ricotta cheese
3/4 cup shredded reduced-fat mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 clove garlic, minced
4 Tbsp Le Grand Garden Pesto Sauce

Directions:

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
Spray baking sheet with PAM cooking spray.
Place pita halves on prepared baking sheet.
Bake 4 minutes, careful not to overbake.
Let cool for 4 minutes.
In a small bowl, mix together ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan and garlic.
Spread 1/4 of mixture onto each pita pizza.
Bake 5 to 6 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Health Benefits:
Low in saturated fat, low in cholesterol, low in sodium, low in sugar and low in calories, these pizzas are a good source of protein, calcium, iron and potassium.

Broccoli Breakfast Frittata

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Start the day with this healthy frittata and get the power you need to propel you through your work-out. It’s also great if you suffer from PMS or other monthly woes. Broccoli and eggs have been found to reduce symptoms such as crabbiness during that special time.

1 small onion
1/4 cup red bell pepper
1 egg
6 egg whites
1/2 cup low-fat cheddar cheese
1/2 cup broccoli florets, chopped
1 Roma tomato

Directions:

1. Preheat broiler and move rack to 4 inches from burner.
2. Spray PAM lightly onto one side of an ovenproof skillet.
3. In a small bowl whisk egg and egg whites.
4. Add cheese, onion and broccoli.
5. Pour mixture into skillet.
6. Cook on stovetop for 3 to 4 minutes, should be partially set but still wiggly in the middle.
7. Place skillet in oven to finish, about 3 minutes.
8. Divide into two dishes, top with chopped tomato or tomato slices.

Health Benefits:
Broccoli contains one of the most easily absorbed forms of calcium, which means your body gets more for less. Eggs are one of the best sources for Vitamin D, which helps to curb cramping and discomfort during a woman’s menstrual cycle. This healthy breakfast or snack is low in saturated fat, low in cholesterol, low in sugar, low in sodium and of course, low in calories.

Sesame Orange Roughy

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My husband and I enjoyed this at a restaurant in South Florida and I mimicked the recipe until it tasted just right. I love to imitate our favorite dishes and add my own twist to each one. That way I can be mindful of the ingredients that are being used and I can assure that the meal doesn’t contain a frightening amount of hidden fat, salt or calories. Serve this with wild rice, cous cous, pasta, potatoes, carrots or greens.

2 Tbsp of low sodium
1 tsp dry mustard
2 tsp honey
1 tsp ginger
2 Tbsp fresh lime juice
2 Tbsp sesame seeds
1 Tbsp reduced calorie margarine
3 Tbsp green onions

Directions:

1. Combine first 6 ingredients in small bowl, stir well, set aside.
2. Brush both sides of each fillet w/lime juice and sprinkle with sesame seeds..
3. Coat a large non-stick skillet with cooking spray, add margarine.
4. Heat over medium heat.
5. Add fillets and cook 3 to 4 minutes each side.
6. Drizzle with soy sauce mixture and add green onions on top.

Health Benefits:
Orange roughy is high in Omega 3’s that are essential to a healthy heart. Low fat, low in sodium, low in cholesterol, low in sugar and calories, orange roughy is a delicious source of protein that adds versatility to your diet.

Cooking Healthy and the Sneaky Chef

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When you have finicky eaters who refuse to eat foods that are good for them, it’s time to call on the Sneaky Chef. That’s the nickname a friend of mine called me one day after I had explained the art of substituting healthy ingredients in my family’s favorite meals. It’s not so much being sneaky, as it is being a savvy cook. It’s about making foods taste great without the extra calories and then adding ingredients that are actually good for you.

If you have ever eaten a cake made with applesauce rather than cooking oil, you will probably agree that there is little difference in the taste or texture. The cake is just as moist but without the higher calories of the oil. I use applesauce in many of my recipes.

I have substituted tofu for meat in many recipes and used ground turkey in place of ground meat. Cottage cheese is a wonderful substitute for ricotta cheese, and can be used in lasagna and other tomato sauce dishes. I like some low-fat cheeses, but others don’t have much taste. I never compromise the flavor of the dish by cutting too much fat or calories from a recipe.

Another way to sneak healthy foods on your family and yourself is to make a big salad. Add ingredients that you don’t normally try, but do it gradually. One new vegetable or fruit at a time will allow everyone’s taste buds and digestive system to adjust. Make your own salad dressing to control the amount of sodium and sugar that you are adding to your meals. You can make it ahead of time and store vinaigrettes on the table and cream based dressings in the refrigerator until you are ready to use.

As often as possible, substitute olive oil for butter and vegetable oil. Olive oil has so many health benefits; it’s good for your digestive system, your cardiovascular system, and your immune system. Eating foods with olive oil will give you radiant skin, lustrous hair and beautiful nails. It’s delicious on meats, vegetables and bread.

If you dare to be sneaky and substitute healthy ingredients in your family’s meals, you won’t regret the benefits of healthier eating. Keep them eating this way and they will continue to make healthy choices for the rest of their lives. A happy family is a healthy family; some foods your family members will like but others they may not, the important thing is that you all try new foods together as a family—that’s really what it is all about.