Chickpea & Lentil Soup

Fall says to me it's time for some more soup recipes! I have been playing around with theMediterranean Diet a bit and using more chickpeas, lentils, nuts, etc.  This soup worked well because I had a ton of veggies to use up before we leave for California tonight...FREEZER SOUP!!

Chickpea & Lentil Soup

Ingredients

1 large onion, finely chopped

1 red pepper, finely chopped

4 celery stalks chopped (I always like to use the core for soup and include the leafs for flavor and color)

1 can diced tomatoes

1 can chickpeas drained/washed

1 cup dried red lentils

1/2 lemon juiced

4 cups chicken broth

2 cloves garlic finely chopped 

1 tsp grated ginger (or dried)

1 tbsp cumin

1/2 tsp coriander 

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp turmeric
1/4 tsp cayenne (if you want a bit of spice)

1 tsp Himalayan salt

1 tbsp Coconut Oil

Directions

1. Heat oil in large pot. Add onions, peppers, celery and cook until soft (5 minutes)

2. Add spices and cook for another 3-4 minutes.

3. Add can of tomatoes and cook down 5 minutes.

4. Add lentils, chickpeas and broth. Bring to simmer, reduce to medium low and simmer 20 minutes.

5. Serve and top with a touch of lemon juice!
** I LOVE a dollop of plain greek yogurt on mine!!

Hummus Devilled Eggs

Quick and Delicious Snack!

Hummus Devilled Eggs 

2 Hard Boiled Eggs
1/2 Blue Container Hummus
1tbsp plain Greek yogurt
1 tsp mustard
Himalayan Salt & Pepper

Cut eggs in half, scoop out middles and mix with ingredients, spoon back into eggs and top with Sriracha!

*21 Day Fixers* 1 red, 1/2 blue

Best Vegetarian Chili

 

It's officially comfort food season! This will always be my weakness.  I LOVE comfort food!  Unfortunately, most comfort foods aren't exactly the most friendly on your waistline.  BUT, good news for you! I am going to start posting my comfort foods made skinny!  Today's lunch:

Best Vegetarian Chili
Ingredients

1 tsp coconut oil
2 onions
1 green pepper
3 garlic cloves
2 cans no salt added stewed tomatoes, drained
1 can black beans
1 1/2 tsp cumin
1tbsp Chili powder
1/2 tsp Himalayan salt
1/4 tsp chipotle or cayenne
1 cup frozen corn

(I topped with a glob of plain low fat greek yougurt)

 

1. Heat oil in large saucepan and add onions, green peppers, and garlic.

2. Add cumin, Chili powder, salt and cayenne. Cook 1 min.

3.Stir in beans and tomatoes.

4. Let simmer and cook down for 20-30 minutes.

*makes 4 servings*

 

Inferno Tips:

• Add ground 1.5 pounds ground turkey or chicken for more protein!
•  Make extra and freeze in baggies for meal prep!

 

*21 Day Fixers* one serving is 1.5 green, 1 yellow, 1 red (if turkey added)

Body Beast (3 vegetable,1 legume, 1/2 starch) per 1.5 cups of Chili...if added turkey (5 protein)

 



Clean Eating on a Budget

When it comes to getting fit and transforming your body, the most expensive part is usual the FOOD!  Especially if you are trying to build muscle or bulk up and are consuming several thousands of calories a day, the cost can add up very quickly!

Luckily, you are not the first person trying to lose weight or beast up on a limited budget!  Here are few of my tips for clean eating on little funds:

1.  Always use a grocery list:
Only buy what you really need for your meal plan.  Also, don't go grocery shopping on an empty stomach which can lead to hungry tummy impulse buying!

2. Avoid those pre-packaged meals:
I tell you to avoid this for more reasons than one.  Pre-packaged foods are packed full of preservatives and added sodium.  You will never know what EXACTLY is in there.  When purchasing these items, you are paying for the packaging and processing as well!  So not only will you be contributing to your health, but also to your wallet.

3. Buy in Bulk:
Things like rice, quinoa, oats, potatoes, beans, nuts and other high protein foods can be found in bulk for a fraction of the cost (again, no packaging cost).  Meat and protein such as chicken can be purchased in bulk, divided up into freezer bags and frozen into single servings.  My personal favorite is getting bulk ingredients to make BIG batches of food such as chili and freezing it for a quick meal.

4.  Buy your Veggies and Fruits in season:
Not only will they be cheaper, but also more delicious and nutritious!  If it isn't in season, frozen produce is also a great option and tends to be inexpensive.  Flash freezing maintains the nutritional value of the produce; a much better option than sampling it "fresh" and shipping it across the world.  Anyone for a 6 month old apple?!?!

5.  Keep your eye out for Sales:
Stock up when prices are good.  Use coupons and buy the generic brand option when the ingredients are the same as the brand-name product.

6.  Most affordable food list:

• canned tuna
• eggs (egg whites in carton)
• legumes (beans, lentils, etc)
• chicken breast
• brown rice
• oats
• bananas
• potatoes
• lean ground beef, chicken or turkey
• cottage cheese
• nut butters

On my journey to getting in the best shape of my life I decided to simplify this WHOLE thing for myself!  I chose to take a Daily Dose of Dense Nutrition shake.  I had one shake a day (which cost me under $4 a day) to ensure I got max results and max nutrition.  This was my game changer.  I found it so easy to work in with my insane busy schedule as a working mom. 
 Click HERE for more info.