Healthy Fast Food... who knew??

Quite the delicious alternative to fast food is THE VEGGIE GRILL!!!
www.veggiegrill.com

With two locations in LA and two in Orange County, there is no longer an excuse to eat badly when you are on the run!! It happens to be the perfect alternative for vegetarians and vegans; however, you don't have to be either to enjoy a healthy meal here!

The PAPA'S PORTOBELLO is a grilled portobello mushroom on a wheat bun and dressed with chopped tomatoes, garlic and basil pomodoro, caramelized onion, pesto and chipotle ranch sauce! (You have the option of ordering anything protein-style = on a bed of kale)... I must confess, I had the side of sweet-potato fries (my weakness)... but everything is ok in moderation, right?

The GRILLIN' CHICKIN' sandwich was amazing! You'd never know it's not chicken! Served on a whole wheat bun, with avocado, lettuce, tomato, red onion, cilantro pesto, and chipotle ranch. Had this with the side of Steamin' Kale.... the texture was perfect, as was the taste!

We also tried the CHINESE CHICKIN' salad. I must explain, CHILLIN' CHICKEN is made of some specially seasoned and marinated veggie protein blends (including soy), which look and taste like chicken (no pun intended), really.... it does.... and is pretty delicious!

So if you are committed to change your unhealthy ways, this is a great alternative when you are out and about! Remember... change happens one step at a time!! This could be that first step in the right direction to the road of wellness!!

I am sure this will be quite the rage with many of my "health nut" friends!

To your health, mes amis!!

Elle :)

Another Easy and Healthy Meal

For those of you who have requested more recipes... I am taking into consideration a few prime factors... It’s summer... many of us crave fresh ingredients... we want quick meals that won’t require being over a hot stove for a long time... healthy, in an effort to stay on track with our fitness routines... and by all means delicious... because, really? What is the point of eating something if it doesn’t taste good, right?

So staying on the same page with a recipe that I recently posted for a healthy breakfast wrap; this is the dinner version of that! It is great for all you vegetarians out there... but for those of you who want something a bit heartier you can certainly add some grilled or roasted chicken as well! Personally, I love this for its nutritious value and has been a crowd pleaser each time I have served it up for friends.

From Healthy Dinner

Ingredients:

1 serving of canned Trader Joe’s Organic Pinto beans (A can is about 2 1/2 servings)
1 Sprouted wheat tortilla (I prefer Food for Life – Ezequiel 4:9 brand)
1 tbsp. of cheese (any kind you have handy)
1/2 an avocado
5 slices of tomato
1 handful of mixed greens or baby spinach
A Hot Sauce
Extra virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Heat the beans in a medium sauce pan for about 5 mins (I dispose of 1/2 the water so that they are not too watery); mashing with a potato masher... until they come to a boil. (Mashing the beans really gives the illusion they are refried… but because we are not frying them... they are still healthy!).

Warm the tortilla, about 30 seconds on each side... be careful, as overheating may cause the tortilla to get dry and tough. Line the middle with cheese (I love goat cheese because it gives the dish a “bite” of sorts, but any shredded white cheese works). Spoon the beans over the cheese so that the heat from the beans causes the cheese to melt. Season with hot sauce, to taste. Line the tomatoes and avocado wedges alongside the beans; season with salt and pepper. Top with the greens and sprinkle with a good serving of extra virgin olive oil and then sprinkle again with some fresh pepper. Fold over and cut in half.

Serves 1

Of course, you can throw in other favorites if you wish. Sometimes I mix black beans with the pinto and that makes for a delicious fusion!! Another note... I choose to use canned beans, as I don’t normally cook a family portion pot of beans because they spoil quickly. I have found that using canned organic beans, is the next best thing to homemade; however, if you have the homemade beans, more power to you!

Remember... there are no rules here... the thing to keep in mind is fresh ingredients and keeping everything healthy!

This wrap is a great alternative to fast food! Ironically it is fast, meaning it does not take long in the kitchen at all, and you can prepare it in minutes. It is healthy and costs a lot less per serving, whether you are cooking for just yourself or the entire family! Even though I said this is the dinner version of the healthy breakfast wrap, it is actually great for both lunch or dinner... and most importantly... it is flavorful and very satisfying!!

I am a true stand for your well-being and I salute you all for choosing the healthier alternatives!

Bon appetit, my friends!


Elle