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Tag: clean recipes

FitnessHealthy TipsLifestyle

Passover Week

[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]This Saturday March 27th, marks the first night of Passover. This week long holiday is a celebration of freedom in the Jewish faith, with traditions including celebratory meals and symbolic foods and restrictions. This can be a tough time for many of us, trying to navigate the dietary changes, staying on program and also being faced with huge feasts. Many of you will choose one of the days this weekend as your Cheat Day, but as usual the celebrating will probably last for more than just one day. Now is the time to plan out your week, weekend and be ready to get back on track next week. Don’t let things surprise you – you should have your family dinners and holiday celebrations planned so there is no reason for you to be unprepared. Some of us may be more restricted than others for the holiday, but it’s always possible find healthy and clean alternatives that fit into your Passover plans, such as these suggestions and recipes below.[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]

Green Shakshuka

[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]Shakshuka is a middle Eastern dish traditionally made with poached eggs in tomato sauce and spices. In this clean version, it features egg whites, onion, spinach and spices. Perfect breakfast option![dt_sc_hr_invisible_small] [dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]Ingredients:

•1 onion

•1 lb bag of spinach (fresh or frozen)

•1/2 tsp paprika

•1/2 tsp cinnamon

•1/2 tsp coriander

•2 tsp cumin

•Salt to taste

•1 tbsp oil

•Egg whites (depends on size of skillet)

 DIRECTIONS:

1. Dice the onion.

2. Heat skillet and add onions and spices. Cook until onion is soft.

3. Add spinach and allow all to cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Make spaces in the spinach to hold the egg whites so they don’t run all over. Cook on low-medium heat until eggs are cooked thoroughly.

5. Remove skillet from heat and serve. 4 egg white is 1 meal serving.[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]

Root Vegetable Medley

[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]Bring together traditional root vegetables in this new way for an exciting and delicious festive dish.

Ingredients:

•2 red onions, diced

•2 cloves of garlic, chopped

•2 sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed

•1 lb carrots, cut into 1 inch pieces

•1 lb beets, peeled and cut into wedges

•1 lb celeriac, peeled and cubed

•Zest of 1 lemon

•Zest of 1 orange

•2 tbsp chopped fresh thyme

•2 tbsp chopped fresh savory

•1 tbsp chopped fresh tarragon

•Salt and pepper

•1/2 tsp ground coriander

•Cooking spray

DIRECTIONS:

1. Heat oven to 375 F and coat large casserole dish with cooking spray.

2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, spray with cooking spray then add onions and garlic. Sauté until soft and starting to brown, about 10 minutes.

3. Transfer this mixture to a large bowl then add sweet potatoes, carrots, beets, celeriac, lemon zest, orange zest, thyme, savory and tarragon. Season with salt and pepper and toss. Spoon into casserole dish.

4. Bake for 1 hour, or until vegetables are tender. 1/2 cup serving is one side.[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]

Lemon Mousse

[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]Ingredients:

•One 4-serving size package of Jell-O  vanilla pudding mix

•2 cups skim milk

•1 packet Crystal Light Lemonade powdered drink mix (the size that makes 1 pitcher)

•One 12 oz container of low fat Cool Whip

1. Add pudding mix and milk into a medium bowl and beat until smooth and thick.

2. Beat in lemonade mix until combined.

3. Fold in Cool Whip.

4. Chill before serving. 1 cup serving is one dessert/snack.[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]

[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]CAN I HAVE MATZAH? YES!

MATZAH – 2 Matzah with 1 tbsp of peanut, almond or Sun Butter,  light cream cheese or 1/2 avocado = meal

MATZAH AND FRUIT: 1 Matzah with 1 tsp of pb or sunbather with 1 piece of

fruit or 1 cup of fruit = meal

MATZAH AND EGGS – one Matzah with 3 egg whites = meal

•1/2 container Light tuna or chicken salad or egg white salad with 1 matzah = meal

• 1 slices of low fat cheese or 1 light part skim cheese stick with 1 Matzah  =. Cat 3 Snack or you can do 2 slices with 2 matzah as a meal 

[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]Matzah is only once a day and remember never eat just to eat. If you don’t need it, don’t eat it. You don’t want to end the night feeling bloated and sick. Like you over did it and you regret it. Instead, you want to end the holiday feeling amazing and in control. You will enjoy the food, but also what is really important – the company and the celebration.[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]

[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]Have a Happy Passover and Safe Travels to everyone going away!

~Love to Live Healthy with Josephine Fitzpatrick[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]

FitnessHealthy TipsLifestyle

Passover Week

This Monday April 10th marks the first night of Passover. This week long holiday is a celebration of freedom in the Jewish faith, with traditions including celebratory meals and symbolic foods and restrictions. This can be a tough time for many of us, trying to navigate the dietary changes, staying on program and also being faced with huge feasts. Many of you will choose one of the days this weekend as your Cheat Day, but as usual the celebrating will probably last for more than just one day. Now is the time to plan out your week, weekend and be ready to get back on track next week. Don’t let things surprise you – you should have your family dinners and holiday celebrations planned so there is no reason for you to be unprepared.

 

Some of us may be more restricted than others for the holiday, but it’s always possible find healthy and clean alternatives that fit into your Passover plans, such as these suggestions and recipes below.

 

MAINTAIN:

 

If you want to have a Cheat Meal on any of the nights of Passover then you must stay clean all day and only go off at night. If you choose this option you will have a Maintenance Week. All other days must be clean and on program. You can only do this if you give up your Cheat Day and replace it with cheat meals for the week.

 

Remember, when you go off at night it doesn’t mean you have to eat everything in sight. In fact, a great way to enjoy is to take a large spoonful of everything you like. This way you get to taste everything but you won’t over do it. Sometimes a taste is all you need to feel satisfied and not stuffed.

 

*If you are going away on a trip during the holiday week it might be best to plan to maintain to limit your confusion and stress. Many of us start a vacation with the best intentions but when we get there we can’t stay in control. Eat clean all day then treat yourself to one off meal, dessert OR drinks. If you do this you should give up your one Cheat Day and have only cheat meals throughout the week when you need them. REMEMBER: It’s a meal, dessert or drinks each day. Not all three. Choose what works for you and stick to it. You can still enjoy everything about your trip and be able to come back and get back on track. You can even switch it up each day and choose which option to cheat with (drinks one day, meal the next, etc.).

 

WEIGHT LOSS:

 

If you decide you want to keep this Passover Holiday a Weight Loss week then you must stick to only one day cheat day. On the remaining day(s) that you celebrate Passover you can incorporate some of the suggestions below to keep you on track and stay true to your holiday traditions.

 

Green Shakshuka

 

 

Shakshuka is a middle Eastern dish traditionally made with poached eggs in tomato sauce and spices. In this clean version, it features egg whites, onion, spinach and spices. Perfect breakfast option!

 

Ingredients:

•1 onion

•1 lb bag of spinach (fresh or frozen)

•1/2 tsp paprika

•1/2 tsp cinnamon

•1/2 tsp coriander

•2 tsp cumin

•Salt to taste

•1 tbsp oil

•Egg whites (depends on size of skillet)

 

1. Dice the onion.

2. Heat skillet and add onions and spices. Cook until onion is soft.

3. Add spinach and allow all to cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Make spaces in the spinach to hold the egg whites so they don’t run all over. Cook on low-medium heat until eggs are cooked thoroughly.

5. Remove skillet from heat and serve. 4 egg white is 1 meal serving.

 

 

Root Vegetable Medley

 

Bring together traditional root vegetables in this new way for an exciting and delicious festive dish.

 

Ingredients:

•2 red onions, diced

•2 cloves of garlic, chopped

•2 sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed

•1 lb carrots, cut into 1 inch pieces

•1 lb beets, peeled and cut into wedges

•1 lb celeriac, peeled and cubed

•Zest of 1 lemon

•Zest of 1 orange

•2 tbsp chopped fresh thyme

•2 tbsp chopped fresh savory

•1 tbsp chopped fresh tarragon

•Salt and pepper

•1/2 tsp ground coriander

•Cooking spray

 

1. Heat oven to 375 F and coat large casserole dish with cooking spray.

2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, spray with cooking spray then add onions and garlic. Sauté until soft and starting to brown, about 10 minutes.

3. Transfer this mixture to a large bowl then add sweet potatoes, carrots, beets, celeriac, lemon zest, orange zest, thyme, savory and tarragon. Season with salt and pepper and toss. Spoon into casserole dish.

4. Bake for 1 hour, or until vegetables are tender. 1/2 cup serving is one side.

 

Lemon Mousse

 

Ingredients:

•One 4-serving size package of Jell-O sugar free vanilla pudding mix

•2 cups skim milk

•1 packet Crystal Light Lemonade powdered drink mix (the size that makes 1 pitcher)

•One 12 oz container of low fat Cool Whip

 

1. Add pudding mix and milk into a medium bowl and beat until smooth and thick.

2. Beat in lemonade mix until combined.

3. Fold in Cool Whip.

4. Chill before serving. 1/2 cup serving is one dessert/snack.

 

CAN I HAVE MATZAH?

Yes!

Try 1/2 sheet original Matzah with 1 tbsp peanut butter (or sun nut butter if you cannot have peanuts) with or without 1 piece or 1 cup of fruit as a meal.

 

Matzah is only once a day and remember never eat just to eat. If you don’t need it, don’t eat it. You don’t want to end the night feeling bloated and sick. Like you over did it and you regret it. Instead, you want to end the holiday feeling amazing and in control. You will enjoy the food, but also what is really important – the company and the celebration.

 

You can also check out our previous blogs for some more recipes here and here.

 

Have a Happy Passover and Safe Travels to everyone going away!

~Love to Live Healthy with Josephine Fitzpatrick

 

Innovation Weight Loss and Fitness

8031 Jericho Tpke Woodbury, NY 11797

211 E 43rd Street Manhattan, NY 10019

Uncategorized

Innovation Recipes

HERE ARE SOME RECIPES TO TRY THIS WEEKEND.   
 
 

 1) BANANA PEANUT BUTTER ICE CREAM

 

1/2 medium frozen banana
1/4 cup of non fat greek yogurt
1 tsp peanut butter
1/2 cup blackberries, raspberries, or strawberries
 
Place banana in blender and blend until smooth.  Mix banana, peanut butter and yogurt.  Place in a parfait glass.  Top with Berries. 
2) LEAN AND GREEN SMOOTHIE
 
8 oz water
1/2 avocado
1/2 banana
1/2 cup of berries or cherries
1 cup of leafy greens (fresh spinach)
1 tsp fresh tumeric powder
1 tsp chia or flaxseed
 
Blend until smooth.
 
 
3) CHERRY ALMOND SMOOTHIE 
 
1 cup of non fat greek yogurt
1/2 cup frozen cherries
1 tbsp of almond butter
Blend until smooth.
 
 
4)  CHICK PEA AVACADO SALAD
 
1 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil 
3 Tbsp of Lemon Juice
1 cup of Arugula
1/2 sliced zucchini
1/2 can rinsed chick peas
1/2 cup artichoke hearts
1/2 sliced avocado 
2 tbsp of parmesan cheese
1 tbsp roasted pumpkin seeds
 
In large bowl combine olive oil and lemon juice and add arugula and zucchini.  Add in chick peas, artichoke hearts.  Gently Toss.  Place sliced avocado on top and sprinkle pumpkin seeds and parmesan cheese.  
Enjoy!
~Love to Live Healthy with Josephine Fitzpatrick
Innovation Weight Loss and Fitness
8031 Jericho Tpke Woodbury, NY 11797
211 E 43rd Street Manhattan, NY 10019
FitnessHealthy TipsLifestyle

Healthy and Clean 4th of July Recipes

 

This year 4th of July is on a Monday, and this can cause some confusion and complication for everyone trying to eat clean and stay on track this weekend. Though the holiday itself is on Monday, we will probably find ourselves attending multiple cookouts or barbecues and we don’t want to over do it. These recipes can help you keep your indulging to one day and ensure that you can still enjoy the celebration.

 

Dry Rub for Chicken

 

Screen Shot 2016-07-01 at 9.15.46 PM

 

Summer is the grilling season, and 4th of July is a perfect time to enjoy it, but most of us are bored with the same old grilled chicken. This dry rub is exactly the recipe to mix it up. 

 

Ingredients: 

1 1/2 tbsp smoked paprika

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon sea salt or table salt

1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

1/4 teaspoon ground cumin

1/4 teaspoon ground mustard

1/2 tablespoon thyme leaves

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

 

Instructions:

Mix all ingredients and refrigerate overnight. Grill accordingly and enjoy! 

 

Turkey Burgers

 

Screen Shot 2016-07-01 at 9.14.28 PM 

 

Give your turkey burgers a fresh spin with lettuce wraps, zucchini buns or mini sliders. Use your own clean recipe or try this one. 

 

Ingredients: 

1 1/4 lb lean ground turkey (1 package)

1 tbsp oil

1/4 cup parsley, finely minced

2 tbsp onion, finely minced

1 egg white

1 tsp paprika

1/2 tsp cumin

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp cayenne pepper 

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp pepper

Cooking spray

Burger toppings of choice (lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, mustard, etc)

 

Instructions:

Place turkey in a large mixing bowl. Add parsley, onion, egg white, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt and pepper. Mix ingredients. 

For sliders, shape them into 1/4 cup sizes patties, they will shrink while cooking. For regular sized burgers make patties 1/2 cup size. 

Preheat grill and spray with cooking spray. Cook patties for around 15-20 minutes, depending on grill type and pattie size. 

Either wrap in lettuce or stick patties on a skewer. Add toppings and enjoy! 

 

Red White and Blue Fruit Salad

 

Screen Shot 2016-06-30 at 5.40.20 PM

 

It wouldn’t be 4th of July without something red, white and blue! This fruit salad is bursting with flavor, looks amazing and so easy to make. 

 

Ingredients:

Cubed or cut out watermelon (1/2 watermelon)

Cubed or cut out honeydew (1 medium honeydew)

2 cups strawberries

1 cup blueberries

1 cup cherries

2 sliced bananas

2 tbsp coconut flakes

 

Instructions:

Cubed the watermelon and honeydew, or you can use a cookie cutter and make shapes. You can cut up the strawberries and cherries or leave some or all of them whole. Slice bananas. 

Combine and top with coconut flakes. Enjoy! 

 

1 cup = 1 serving

 

Patriotic Punch

 

Screen Shot 2016-07-01 at 8.24.27 PM

 

Another great way to make a festive red, white and blue treat with the season’s best fruit is this delicious and refreshing “punch”. You could even cut the fruit into shapes or freeze the fruit in ice cubes the night before for more flavor and decoration. These are non-alcoholic but you could add 1 oz of vodka for the adult version. 

 

Ingredients:

A handful of fruit (blueberries, strawberries, watermelon, apple, pineapple, raspberries, blackberries or whatever you prefer)

A few more piece of fruit for garnish

1 can of plain or flavored seltzer

Ice

 

Instructions:

Place some fruit in a glass and mash or muddle them. Add a few ice cubes and seltzer then garnish with fresh fruit. Sip and enjoy!

 

 

Home Made Frozen Yogurt

 

Screen Shot 2016-07-01 at 9.17.45 PM

 

The best part about this recipe is that it is completely customizable. Choose your favorite fruits or make new combinations like Strawberry Banana, Mixed Berries, Peach and more. This will make 4 servings. 

 

Ingredients:

6 cups any fruit (can be mixed)

2/3 cup plain Greek yogurt 

 

Instructions:

Either freeze fresh fruit or use frozen fruit. Combine fruit and yogurt in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth. Pour into medium container and freeze overnight. 

 

Enjoy! And have a Happy and Healthy 4th of July weekend! 

 

~Love to Live Healthy with Josephine Fitzpatrick

 

Innovation Weight Loss and Fitness

8031 Jericho Tpke Woodbury, NY 11797

469 7th Ave Manhattan, NY 10018

FitnessHealthy TipsLifestyle

Refreshing Summer Recipes

 

Enjoy all that summer has to offer with these delicious and clean recipes. They can help keep you on track and are perfect for Father’s Day this weekend or any summer get together. 

 

Red Lentil Veggie Burger

 

red lentil 

 

If you’re grilling this weekend, this recipe is perfect. This recipe makes 6 burgers. Lentils are legumes that contain a high amount of nutrients like folate, fiber, iron, protein and many vitamins. To make these burgers you will need:

 

2 cups water

3/4 cup dried red lentils

3/4 teaspoon salt, divided

1 cup diced onion

1/2 cup finely diced carrot

3 garlic cloves, chopped

2 cups chopped mushrooms

1 teaspoon dried marjoram (spice, optional)

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1 tablespoon lemon juice

3 egg whites

Cooking spray

Burger Toppings

 

1. Start by boiling the water, lentils and 1/4 teaspoon of salt in a pot. Reduce to simmer and core for 20 minutes. Drain and set aside. 
2. Heat a pan with cooking spray and add carrot, onion and garlic. Sautéed for a few minutes. Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt, mushroom, marjoram and pepper. Sautéed for another few minutes. 
3. Add this mixture to a bowl and let sit for 5 minutes, then add the lentils, lemon juice and egg whites. Mix then cover and chill for 30 minutes. 
4. Divide the mixture into 6 equal patties. Spray pan or grill or foil with cooking spray and cook patties on each side for 5 minutes. 
5. Top your burger with ingredients of your choice – lettuce, arugula, onion, tomato, mustard, etc. Enjoy!

 

Shrimp Scampi

 

Screen Shot 2016-06-16 at 8.07.10 PM

 

This is a clean version of a tasty recipe that is perfect for summer. This will make 2-4 servings. 

 

You will need: 

 

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

2 medium zucchini, cup into noodles

1 lb shrimp, shelled and deveined 

1 tablespoon minced garlic

2 tablespoons lemon juice 

1/4 cup vegetable stock 

 

1. Start with a warm pan sprayed with cooking spray. Add garlic and red pepper flakes and cook them for 1 minute, stirring. 
2. Add shrimp to the pan and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are cooked and pink on all sides. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper then put them in a bowl and set aside. 
3. Add zucchini noodles and lemon juice and stock to the pan, stirring occasionally for 2 minutes. Then add the shrimp back into the pan and combine everything. Plate and enjoy! 

 

Seafood Salad on Cucumber

 

Screen Shot 2016-06-16 at 8.08.30 PM

 

This is a delicious and easy appetizer that only takes a few ingredients. You can make light salad with any type of seafood – shrimp, crab, lobster or tuna – or you can buy it from your local grocery store, or the Innovation Store! 

 

If you make it at home, just add 1 tbsp of light mayonnaise to any protein listed above. You can also add extras like celery, onion or even jalapeño for a little spice. 

 

Simply scoop the salad onto slices of cucumber and enjoy! 

 

 

Homemade Popsicles 

 

Screen Shot 2016-06-16 at 8.17.27 PM

 

It wouldn’t be summer without ice cream! Here are some healthy and clean alternatives that you can make at home. All you need is an ice cube tray, small glasses, disposable cups or a popsicle mold and some tooth picks or popsicles sticks. After these are blended and poured, let them freeze for a few hours or overnight. Serving size depends on the size of the popsicle. 

 

Pina Colada – Blend 1/2 banana, 1/4 cup unsweetened coconut milk, 1/2 cup fresh pineapple and 3 ice cubes.

 

Green Watermelon – Blend 3/4 cup cubed watermelon, 1/4 cup frozen berries, 1 cucumber (sliced) and 1 cup chopped spinach.

 

Skinny Fudge Pop – Blend 1 cup unsweetened chocolate almond milk, 1 1/2 cups vanilla non fat Greek yogurt, 2 tbsp cocoa powder, and 2 small bananas.

 

Ginger Peach Tea – Steep 8 black tea bags in 2 cups boiling water for 5-7 minutes. Add 3 pitted and pureed peach to a pan with 1/2 cup water and 1 tablespoon fresh chopped ginger. Bring to a boil, stirring frequently. Simmer for a few minutes. Combine tea and peach mixture, then pour into molds. You can even add a couple chances of peach to each one.

 

~ Love to Live Healthy with Josephine Fitzpatrick

 

Innovation Weight Loss and Fitness 8031 Jericho Tpke Woodbury, NY 11797 469 7th Ave Manhattan, NY 10018

FitnessHealthy TipsLifestyle

St. Patrick’s Day

 

Today is St. Patrick’s Day, a holiday that celebrates St. Patrick, the foremost saint of Ireland – although this holiday is much more well know for its parades and festive food and drinks. It is a fun and cheerful holiday that is celebrated by all people, but because of its emphasis on food and drinking especially, it can be hard for us who are eating clean to stay on track. Here are some ways to help you stay clean and enjoy the holiday. 

 

Keep it simple – If you don’t plan on celebrating big, keep things clean and simple. You don’t have to skip the holiday, there are smart ways to celebrate. Start your day with a green omelet, packed with your favorite veggies like spinach, broccoli, peppers, asparagus and more. Or try this Shamrock Protein Shake: Blend 1 cup unsweetened coconut milk, 1/2 cup fresh spinach, 3 tbsp fresh mint, 1 frozen banana and 1 scoop vanilla protein powder. It’s a healthy shake with a fresh twist. Keep going with the green theme and include the traditional cabbage in a green salad for lunch with lettuce, cabbage, avocado, cucumber and more. You can go even further with the colors and make a vegetable pizza or vegetable platter like the Irish flag using broccoli, peppers, cauliflower, carrots, snap peas, mushrooms or any vegetables you choose: 

 

Screen Shot 2016-03-16 at 10.12.42 PM

 

Pay Attention to Drinks – Drink in moderation. Unless it is your Cheat Day™ alcoholic beverages are still one snack each. This means that 4oz of wine, 1oz of alcohol or 2 light beers are each a snack. Make sure you are drinking plenty of water. 

 

Choose Your Cheat Day™ – Since St. Patrick’s Day is on a week day, some people might not celebrate until this weekend. This can be tricky because it extends the holidays and makes it hard for us to stay clean. Choose your Cheat Day™ wisely and stick to it. 

 

Enjoy the Celebration – If you have the time, a St. Patrick’s Day parade is a great way to get the family out of the house and doing something fun and active together. If you drive to a parade location, try and park a couple blocks away and enjoy the walk. 

 

Be Safe – This is our most important tip for everyone today whether you are all out celebrating or just trying to avoid the chaos. No matter how safe you plan to be, today is a day where you should be extra careful. Many people will be drinking and celebrating in large crowds, so just be careful when going out, watching a parade and driving home.

 

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

 

~Love to Live Healthy with Josephine Fitzpatrick 

 

Innovation Weight Loss and Fitness

8031 Jericho Tpke Woodbury, NY 11797

469 7th Ave Manhattan, NY 10018