Skinny Summer Jalapeño Corn Chowder (Crock Pot)

July 27, 2015 Amanda Plott

I know it's summer, and who could possibly want hot soup when it's 100 degrees outside... but, sometimes you just have to roll ahead with seasonal produce while you can. It's all about corn right now in central Texas, so I wanted to make something a little different that would stand out and make that corn shine.

This corn chowder actually reminds me quite a lot of a loaded baked potato soup, just with a lot less potato and a lot more sweet corn flavor. I got some red potatoes, jalapeño, and chives in my local produce box this week, plus I had some bacon stashed away in my fridge. All of those things instantly made me think to make my twist on on this corn soup...

Skinny Mexican Style Caprese Salad

July 21, 2015 Amanda Plott

I've been in love with caprese salads for a long time now. I think that my love of them actually started some years ago when I worked as a waitress in a newly opening restaurant when I was visiting home for the summer one year from college. It was a horrific experience, but only because I am not good at the whole waitressing thing. That job takes a very skilled and specific type of person to do properly. And I am not skilled or specific to customer servicing!

It did give me an entirely new perspective though on restaurants and I have always had another level or respect for those that wait tables.

Anyway, the restaurant had a caprese salad and I felt like eating vegetarian that day; plus, I mean... I got half off meals and they had great food there so I was pretty set on trying almost everything on the menu. It was love at first bite...

Melon, Mozzarella, Tomato & Prosciutto Snack

July 17, 2015 Amanda Plott

So, I've found lately that eating a couple of lighter snacks in the afternoon instead of an actual lunch has been fitting into my crazy schedule a bit better. Especially when at least one of the snacks includes cheese, I mean... come on. Who doesn't look forward to a little indulgence with cheese? I know I do!

This past week I ordered up a local fresh mozzarella from my grocery service, which I have to say... tastes about a hundred times better from the fresh mozzarella that you get from the grocery store. I was absolutely shocked with the difference between the local fresh mozzarella and what I've become used to. So if you can get your hands on some local mozzarella, I implore you to do so.

You won't regret it!...

Mediterranean Olive Salad

July 15, 2015 Amanda Plott

Thank you California Ripe Olives for sponsoring this post. Click here to enter the California Ripe Olives Facebook sweepstakes for a chance to win a Midsummer Mediterranean prize package!

As a health food blogger, I like to stay in the know about all the different diets and ways of eating that are currently being circulated. One of the ones that's become quite popular over the past few years has been the Mediterranean Diet.

The Mediterranean Diet is pretty simple and incorporates the basics of healthy eating; including fruits, vegetables, fish, whole grains, and limited unhealthy fats. Any way of eating that allows for olive oil and a few glasses of wine is a bonus in my eyes.

The basis of the Mediterranean Diet is eating primarily plant-based foods, such as fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes and nuts. Replacing butter with healthy fats, such as olive oil. Using herbs and spices instead of salt to flavor your foods. Limiting red meat and eating fish and poultry at least two times a week. Plus, red wine in moderation!

All of these things are pretty much how we eat in my house on a day to day basis...

Skinny Greek Yogurt Egg Salad

July 9, 2015 Amanda Plott

Wholesome snacking and healthy eating in general has been important to me and my family for all of my adult life. One of my favorite better-for-you swap out staples is greek yogurt. I find that I can substitute greek yogurt for not only sour cream, but also generally for any recipe that calls for mayonnaise as well.

It makes a pretty great substitute when baking as well.

Egg salad one of my most favorite 'guilty pleasure' snacks. So today I decided to lighten it up and make it my own by incorporating greek yogurt. I'm sort of a traditionalist when it comes to egg salad, being that I basically like for it to taste like a well combined deviled egg, another 'guilty pleasure' of mine...

Skinny Mini Key Lime Cheesecakes

July 2, 2015 Amanda Plott

I'm sort of in love with greek yogurt, if you hadn't noticed. I tend to find any reason and excuse to use it in almost every meal and in every way possible; not just as breakfast in the morning!

Wholesome snacking and summer fun is what it's all about for me right now. And any way that I can escape using the oven right now is key right now during these hot summer months. This no bake cheese cake is the perfect hot weather snack or dessert; cool, refreshing, and super easy to do.

Key limes are definitely one of my favorite flavors, especially in the summer, they're sweet, tangy and with just the right amount of lime flavor without giving too much of a sour punch to your taste buds. So, when I got a bagful in my local produce box this week, I knew exactly what I wanted to do; no bake key lime cheesecakes!...