Lighter fare

So for dinner last night we wanted to do a lighter fare.  We are both trying to get into shape so that we can go on a 17 mile hike this fall into Yellowstone National Park.  So far we have added a lot of veggies and cut back on portions.  When we are home for a day and are just milling around the house I set out broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots for us to munch on instead of candy and chips.  So far we have noticed that we are filling better.  So now I am looking for tasty yet healthy meals to make for us.  Here is what I came up with for dinner.

Protein:

        2 chicken breasts halved

        2 Tbls extra virgin olive oil

        Salt & Pepper

Starch:

        2 C rice

        3 C water

Veggies:

2 C cauliflower – cut up (I even use the stems if I am steaming it)

2 C broccoli – cut up (again I use the stems for steaming)

2 C carrotts

Directions:

        I always like to start my rice first when I have a simple meal going on with rice.  I have a basic rice cooker that I absolutely love.  Go ahead and get your rice going according to package directions or however you like to make it.

        I then like to get my veggies steaming.  I usually already have my broccoli and cauliflower already cut up and then I add in some of the stocks of the vegetables.  They taste the same as the florets, they can be really chewy when raw, but they get tenderer when you steam them.

In a large skillet heat the extra virgin olive oil till almost smoking, it gets a shimmery look to it.  Season each side of the chicken with salt and pepper.  Place the chicken onto the hot pan.  Brown on each side, I usually leave it on each side for about 4 minutes.  Then you can start checking temps.  Poultry needs to be cooked to an internal temperature of 175 degrees F.  I always have my kitchen thermometer handy to check this.  

You can put sauce on your chicken or eat it plain.  I like to put the wing sauce on and my husband likes barbecue sauce. 

 I usually put a little bit of butter on my rice and veggies for a little bit of flavor.  I do not use margarine or any butter substitute.  I like the way real butter works in recipes and it is actually better for you than the substitute products.

Hope you all enjoy eating a little healthier with us.  That doesn't mean that I won’t share some really not good for you recipes for you too, because every once in a while you just need a really good hamburger and greasy french fries to make your day better.