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Monday, May 21, 2012

Spinach Artichoke Dip

Spinach Artichoke Dip!
Breakfast: Cereal mixed with Yogurt
½ cup of Lower Fat Granola w/ raisins
½ cup Cheerios
1 Strawberry/ Banana Greek Yogurt
5 oz. glass of OJ
Cup of coffee, black


Tip:  I love granola, but it is high in calories, sugar, and fat so I regulate that by mixing in ½ cup of Cheerios (instead of having a full cup of just granola).  The Cheerios have a really nice sweet oat taste with very little sugar, fat or calories.   Mixing it all with Greek yogurt is a nice change of pace, meanwhile still giving the dairy/ calcium serving with a good kick of protein (compared to non-greek yogurts).






 
Brunch:
Cheddar Scrambled Eggs
Watermelon
Kiwi
½ Sour Cream Glazed Cake Doughnut
2 slices of Lower Sodium Turkey Bacon
Glass of water
Cup of coffee, black



Snack:  A ton of baby carrots, raw, plain (I'd guess like 20-25)
 

Dinner:
Spinach Artichoke dip w/ toasted corn tortilla chips (recipe below)
Glass of White wine


 
Note:
I found the following tidbit about spinach in Real Simple magazine intriguing:
“Spinach is loaded with lutein, folate, and beta-carotene. These nutrients have been linked with preventing dementia. I know neurologists who recommend eating spinach at least three times a week.”    


 
Dessert:   
1 Gala Apple, Glass of water

 

Amy’s Artichoke Spinach Dip Recipe

Ingredients:
-1 garlic clove
-1 frozen box of chopped spinach
-1 can of artichoke hearts, drained & rinsed
-1/2 to 1 cup of Parmesan cheese
-½ cup of mayo with olive oil
-½ cup of fat free plain yogurt
-1/2 to 1 cup Part skim shredded mozzarella cheese


Directions:
Preheat oven at 350.  Chop garlic in food processor.  Add drained artichokes.  Thaw spinach and squeeze excess liquid out and then add to food processor, along with the Parmesan cheese, yogurt and mayo.  Blend to desired consistency.  Put into a greased oven safe dish.  Top with mozzarella cheese.  Cover and put in oven for 30 minutes.  Take lid off and bake another 20 minutes to brown the cheese on top.    Serve!

You can serve this dip with chips or veggies or crackers or bread.  You can even toss it with pasta or beans to make it into a more substantial meal, with some sun dried tomatoes and/ or grilled chicken.  I’ve made it tons of ways because it is a yummy base and packs a ton of brain healthy spinach and artichoke hearts, which helps the body rid itself of toxins, into your day.



Tip:  I love this recipe because it is easy and fast and yummy.  For a richer, though less healthy version, you can omit the yogurt and simply use 1 cup of regular mayo (without the olive oil mixed in), and do the full cup or Parmesan and mozzarella.  Yes, this has a lot more fat, but is popular with guests :)



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