Thurs. Oct 25th

Ellie Krieger's Healthy Refried Beans

Daily Tidbit:  I love Refried Beans!  But you have to be careful because there is a broad spectrum of health levels in Refried Beans, from high in saturated fats (think Lard) to low-fat Vegetarian varieties.  I go for the more healthy Vegetarian option at home, canned for convenience, and load up on all the Fiber and Protein somewhat guiltlessly.  However, if you are concerned about Sodium levels, and it seems like we all should be to some extent, homemade is the way to go.  As usual Ellie Krieger of the Food Network does not disappoint in providing an easy and healthy looking version here:

www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ellie-krieger/refried-beans-recipe/index.html 
         

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Puffins Cereal with Walnuts & Milk

Breakfast:  Puffins Cereal with Walnuts & Milk
1 cup Puffins Cereal
1 cup Fat Free Milk
2 tbsp plain chopped Walnuts 
5 oz. Orange Juice
Regular Coffee, black
 

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Refried Bean Avocado Dip

Corn Tortilla Chips with Cheddar Cheese

Lunch: Nachos with Refried Bean Dip & Avocado

1 Pan measuring 6.5 by 10 inches, of Organic White Corn Lower Sodium Tortilla Chips, topped with
1/4 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese, toasted & served with:
Refried Bean Avocado Dip: 1/2 cup Vegetarian Refried Pinto Beans made with Jalapeno Peppers, 1 Vine Ripened Tomato, chopped, 1/8 cup chopped Red Onions & 1/2 Avocado, chopped
Green Tea, plain/ hot 

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Snack:  None today, lunch filled me up!

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Dinner: Girls Night Out!  
Yes, I'm being spoiled this week with 2 nights out with friends!

Appetizer:  Lime Corn Tortilla Chips with Guacamole & a Margarita

Chicken Fajita with all the fixings!

Chicken Fajita, wrapped up

Dinner:  2 Chicken Fajitas served on Flour Tortillas and topped with Fresh Salsa, Cheddar Cheese, Onions & Peppers, Refried Beans and Guacamole
White Wine

  

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Chocolate Brownie with All Natural Vanilla Ice Cream

Dessert:   Brownie & Vanilla Ice cream (well it was a friend's birthday after all!)

     

I was in charge of bringing the dessert, so this was my contribution.  Though, yes, you are looking at a high fat and high calorie yummy dessert, I made a couple conscious health choices while making it, such as using apple sauce (instead of more oil or more eggs) to add some much needed moisture to the batter (it was a box mix) and I went for the All Natural Vanilla Ice Cream in an effort to avoid all the Artificial Colors, Flavors and ingredients which are standard in most Ice Creams - yuck!  Everyone loved it, as did I - a delicious way to enjoy a friend's birthday!

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