Clean Eating Sides

Tortilla Chips

We all like a good crunch every once in a while, right?! Since starting The 21 Day Fix Extreme, I have been changing some of my habits since I've gotten a little comfortable with where I have been. Changing one's exercise and nutrition routine every 4-6 weeks is very beneficial. Completing the same workouts and eating the same foods ALL the time can surely put you in a plateau.

I used to make these chips ALL the time! They really hit the spot, especially when paired with some salsa or guacamole! Mmm! I really enjoy eating what people call "normal" foods but making them with much better ingredients that leave me satisfied as opposed to overstuffed and bloated.

INGREDIENTS:

1. Whole wheat tortilla/pita- I use Aladdin's whole wheat pitas because they have FAR less ingredients than most tortillas or pitas. I purchase them at my local Giant Eagle. 

2. Olive oil

3. Garlic Powder

4. Grated parmesan cheese

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. 

2. Take a pizza cutter and cut the pitas into triangular pieces. Separate the triangles in half so it is 2 thinner pieces as opposed to one thicker chip. 

3. Place the pita pieces on a baking sheet and use a basting brush to rub olive oil over them.

4. Generously sprinkle garlic powder and sprinkle a little bit of grated parmesan on each.

5. Bake for approximately 8-10 minutes. I typically do 8. They may not seem hard like a chip, but they will harden once out of the oven.

*They store well in a Ziploc bag. 

**21 Day FIXERS: 1 yellow= 14 chips!! :) 

Make these for a party to serve with salsa or chips. They make a great appetizer, which my kiddos LOVE! My husband really enjoyed them yesterday with guacamole. :) 

Happy Eating!!

XoXo

Kynslee

Would you Like Fries with That?

French fries are a nice side with certain dishes such as hamburgers, chicken wings, wraps...need I continue! Heading up to your local fast food restaurant is certainly not the best option.  Personally, fried foods don't sit well in my tummy, especially after my gallbladder was removed a couple years ago.  More importantly, it weighs me down and makes me feel sluggish.  Just because I want to put foods into my body that help it function properly as well as keep me fit and healthy, doesn't mean I don't REALLY enjoy food.  I have found a new appreciation for foods in their natural state and using other whole, healthy ingredients to exemplify the good flavor.

INGREDIENTS:
*1 lb. Golden (Yukon) potatoes- I purchased a 5 lb bag and just took 2 out of it
* 1Tbsp of extra virgin olive oil
*1 Tbsp of dry Italian seasoning-I used Italian dressing seasoning
*1/2 tsp of garlic powder
*1/4 to 1/2 tsp of black pepper
*Sea Salt-sprinkled small amount over entire fries

Golden Yukon Potato

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.

2.  Wash potatoes and cut into strips. I won't lie, I watched a YouTube video for tips on this. LOL

   3. Place tin foil on a baking sheet and place fries on it. 

   4.  *Sprinkle the above ingredients over the potatoes.  Mix around on baking sheet to coat all fries.

 

   5.  Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.  After about 10 minutes, flip fries over and finish baking until. 

*I had a hard time flipping the fries because they stuck to the tin foil, so I will try another method of baking.  I may season the fries on the tin foil; however, remove it before baking.  Another option may be to season in a bowl and place on baking sheet.

I separated these fries (about 30) into 4 servings.  This was a very filling amount to go along with my bun less burger and dinner salad.  :) The original recipe I found called for adding Parmesan cheese to them.  I tasted one out of the oven and decided they needed nothing else.  Play around with different seasonings you enjoy!

Happy Eating!!

Cucumber & Tomato Salad

'Tis the season for parties! This is the time of year when people want to get together, be outside to enjoy the weather, and eat good food!! Party prep is so much easier when everyone brings something be it a side or a dessert (You need to try the clean eating chocolate cookies I made- Check my 7/3/14 post). I brought this to my family's 4th of July get together.  It is very easy to make and a nice alternative to a traditional salad.

INGREDIENTS:

*1 cucumber

* 1 container of grape, cherry, or cherub tomatoes(which I used)

*1 medium red onion

*red vine vinegar

*balsamic vinegar

*extra virgin olive oil

*lemon juice

*parsley flakes

*basil flakes

INSTRUCTIONS:

1.  Peel cucumber leaving stripes as noted in the above picture.  Cut the cucumber into slices and then continue to cut until you have triangular pieces.  I cut them in 1/4 pieces.  Add to bowl.

2.  Cut the tomatoes in half and add to the cucumbers.  

3.  Chop up a medium sized red onion and add to the bowl.  You can use less if you like; however, I LOVE onions.  

4.  Add 3 tbsp of red wine vinegar, 2 tbsp of balsamic vinegar, 1.5 Tbsp of extra virgin olive oil, 2 tbsp of lemon juice, 2 tbsp of parsley flakes, and 2 tbsp of basil flakes.  Mix everything together in the bowl.  

This is a great side to have at a picnic or a nice addition to any meal! I really enjoyed adding it to my daily salad.  

I made it the day before the party and refrigerated it overnight.  You can easily make and go if necessary! I drained the excess dressing that settled at the bottom of the bowl and am using that for my daily dinner salad!

Happy eating!!!