Lime Chicken Tacos: Homemade and Healthy!

Adam likes to brag that he won me over with his lime chicken tacos. While I may laugh and roll my eyes at the hilarity of his claim, I'm here to confess that it's 100% true. 

Allow me to explain...

When I moved to New York from Atlanta, I was shocked at the lack of good Mexican food in the city, specifically queso. Because my withdrawals were so intense, Adam, being the sweet guy that he is, decided to take it upon himself to find me some queso. He led me from restaurant to restaurant, but sadly, nothing could meet my expectations. After years of hunting, we eventually gave up, and I accepted my fate - queso consumption in Atlanta only... boo.

While he failed miserably at the 'Queso Quest' (it's not your fault, Adam), he DID however find a way to fill the void - with his lime chicken tacos. Adam make the BEST lime chicken soft tacos I've ever had, and today, I'm here to share the secret recipe with you so that you too can make some guy (or girl) fall in love with you. 

Want to know what else is awesome about this recipe?

It's a piece of cake, it's foolproof and it's delicious! It's also a great way to 'clean up' the traditional Mexican meal that's packed with grease and fat! We made them this past weekend, and while we decided to splurge with a little cheese and sour cream, you could easily replace the sour cream with guacamole (for a dose of healthy fats) and ditch the cheese altogether (they will still be good, I promise!). Get creative with these! The lime chicken provides the perfect palette for your culinary creativity!

To prep, finely chop 4 cloves of garlic.

Wash and finely chop 1 bunch of cilantro.

Wash and chop 1 bunch of scallions.

Slice 2 limes in half.

Dice 1 1/2 lbs. of organic chicken breasts (this amount will feed 3-4 people).

Saute the garlic in the oil of your choice (Adam uses chipotle olive oil) over medium-high heat.

Now add the chicken and cook over high heat.

While the chicken is cooking, grab your spices - oregano, basil, sea salt and pepper.

When the chicken is slightly cooked, add all four spices to taste.

When the chicken is about halfway cooked (some pink still showing), add the scallions and cilantro.

Now add the juice of 1 lime.

Let the juice reduce down. Adam likes to move the chicken to the outside of the pan so that the juice can reduce in the center, stirring the chicken in every once in a while so that it absorbs the taste. Trust us. Once the juice is gone, let the chicken cook a minute or two before squeezing in the other lime. The pan will be so hot at this point that the second round of lime juice will soak up into the chicken much faster.

When the chicken is slightly brown, you're done!

Now heat up your tortillas (whole-wheat of course!) on a pan over the stove OR wrapped in foil in the oven on 250 degrees until warm.

Time to dress that taco! We start with organic sour cream, top with chicken, sprinkle with cheese and cover with pico de gallo (recipe here). Oh...and Chili-Garlic Cholula hot sauce (how could I forget?!).

Then of course, serve with tortilla chips and the leftover pico de gallo!

Now enjoy your Mexican fiesta and don't worry about your waistline!

An Apple a Day: Eatin' Clean, Feelin' Good!

Image courtesy of getshockt.com

If a genie suddenly appeared before me and gave me three wishes, I would most definitely ask him to turn one of my female relatives into a doctor... a doctor who took up residence in my apartment and was available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. CONFESSION: Even though I know it's good for me, I HATE (notice the all CAPS) going to the doctor. To me, a visit to the doctor's office is nothing short of the worst blind date ever, except for the fact that said doctor is poking and prodding your body before you've even had a drink! Talk about a red flag!

Clearly my problems would be solved by a live-in doctor/relative - someone who already knows me like a book and is not shocked or awed by any of my strange questions regarding the body (oh yeah! I've got a lot of them).

Image courtesy of tattoodonkey.com

But since no genie is knocking down my door, I have to resort to other measures. You've heard the phrase 'an apple a day keeps the doctor away'. Well friends, I'm here to tell you that there's some major truth to this children's rhyme! When you take the time to put good things into your body, then you reap the benefits of good health and avoid paying an arm and a leg to see the doctor! That's what I call two birds with one stone!

Here are my top five tips for eating healthy while still watching out for your wallet...

1) Eat less meat. Now before I lose you to your favorite steakhouse and a serious case of denial, hold on! I didn't say you couldn't eat meat. I just said eat less meat. Americans in general consume much more meat than they should. If you try to eat just a little less meat each week, you'll have some extra cash in your pocket to splurge on the good stuff - the grass-fed, organic, and free-range types - so that when you do eat meat, you're getting the good stuff!

2) Eat more grains and beans. Grains and beans are so good for you... and very filling in the process. Plus, they're inexpensive and you can usually buy them in bulk. Their lengthy shelf life makes them perfect for storing long-term, in addition to saving you money long-term. And when it comes to beans, if you don't have time to deal with the dry version, just buy them in a can! No judgment here!

3) Pick and choose which organic produce you buy. Though I may come across as completely fanatical at times, I DO understand that organic is expensive and it's not always feasible. If you can't justify buying all organic, the Environmental Working Group has made your task of picking and choosing much simpler! They've created an easy guide to stick in your wallet and reference when you're shopping the produce section. The Dirty Dozen are the top 12 produce items that you should try to buy organic if possible! Then there's the Clean Fifteen, which are the 15 items lowest in pesticides. You can download or print your very own copy on their website. Here's a sneak peak...

Image courtesy of ewg.org

4) Buy local. Local farmers usually charge less for their goods because they avoid the costs accumulated from shipping their produce to faraway lands. So if you have a local farmer's market near you, by all means, take advantage! Plus local produce is higher in nutrients because it's not on the road in the back of a semi for days or weeks at a time! Local = Fresh + Nutritious!

Image courtesy of responsibletechnology.org

5) Join a CSA. This fancy little acronym stands for Community Supported Agriculture. When you join a CSA in your neighborhood, you purchase a share of fruits and vegetables (and sometimes even fresh flowers) from a local farmer. You make a bulk payment up-front but enjoy a whole season of fresh produce for much less than you'd pay at the store. You usually get so much produce that it forces you to get creative in the kitchen to use it all! If you live in New York, you can find a CSA near you on the Just Food website, and if you live outside New York, check out Local Harvest.

Eating healthy doesn't have to be a drag. If you take my advice, you'll barely notice the cost difference and your doctor will have to find someone else to poke and prod!

New York City: Healthy Eatin' on the Run!

Image courtesy of amybarickman.com

Look, I'm as busy as the next person, and I'll be the first to admit that eating healthy is not always the easiest or most affordable option. Plus, temptation is everywhere (I mean... I can walk two blocks and get 2 slices of pizza and a Coke for $2.50). But here's the thing, eating healthy CAN be good. It can be really, REALLY good actually. So good that I get excited about grabbing a healthy lunch or dinner to go.

Today, I've compiled a list of some of my favorite healthy eats-on-the-run in New York City! If you're lucky enough to live here but have never tried these excellent establishments, it's time you got to work. So here we go! Grab a pen... you may want to take some serious notes!

Image courtesy of portfolio.darkigloo.com

Dig Inn Seasonal Market 

I give this place 5 stars, 2 thumbs up, a high-five and all that jazz! First of all, it smells delicious every time I walk by, and the food is fresh and hearty. Plus, I can get behind the philosophy on their website: "Bottom line - we believe that you don't have to be a health food martyr to eat well. Quality, healthful food is about abundance, freshness, and flavor - not deprivation!".

Here's why you can consider Dig Inn a solid meal-on-the-go choice:

*Their meat comes from animals that are raised humanely, without hormones and antibiotics.

*They source their produce from local, sustainable farms and actually visit these farms to see for themselves!

*All meals are prepared from scratch!

*They believe in full transparency and post all the nutrition information on their website!

So what's on the menu? You can create your own plate, choosing one meat (like rosemary turkey or wild salmon salad), one green or grain (like tomato brown rice, house greens or baby spinach), three market sides (like kale & apple salad, roasted local Brussels sprouts or organic whole wheat orzo & arugula salad), and one sauce or spread (like tzatziki spread, house hot sauce or guacamole). They also have an array of cold-pressed raw juices. The best part? It doesn't break the bank!

There are 5 locations in the city. Click here for more information.

Image courtesy of tastingmenu.com

Hummus Kitchen

When I lived on the Upper East Side, Hummus Kitchen was my go-to spot when I wanted a light and healthy meal for brunch, lunch or dinner! If you choose to dine-in, the atmosphere is warm and inviting. It almost transports you to another place and time. And if you order out, you can rest assured that what you're eating is of the best quality.

Here's why you should try Hummus Kitchen:

*Their menu is packed with simple, healthy Mediterranean dishes!

*They have a seasonal kitchen, using top end raw ingredients - lots of vegetables, whole grains and beans!

*Their menu highlights the health benefits of certain dishes and provides tasty vegan options!

*Their staple - hummus - is made with organic chickpeas and believe me, it's delicious!

So what are my favorites? The Mediterranean chopped salad is excellent for a light meal - the ingredients are finely chopped and super fresh. Their Moroccan chicken wrap is my favorite dinner option - roasted chicken, hummus, mild Harisa sauce, cucumbers and parsley. And if you're in the mood for brunch, you can't go wrong with the green shakshuka!

There are 4 locations in the city. Click here for more information.

Image courtesy of nycgreennews.com

Energy Kitchen

Energy Kitchen is going to take over the world. Yes, it's true. I've met one of the owners personally, and his vision is exceptional. The company's slogan says it all: fast food, not fat food. I love the idea behind their company, which they explain on their website, "Energy Kitchen was created with the belief that you shouldn't have to compromise health or taste when it comes to fast food".

When you need your food fast, here's why you should stop by Energy Kitchen:

*Everything on the menu is under 500 calories!

*The food is always grilled, baked or steamed... never fried!

*Their beef is grass-fed, free range, 90% lean and all natural!

*Their buns and wraps are made with whole grains!

*Calorie content is listed on the menu!

*All their food is cooked to order so you know it's fresh!

So what's on the menu? I love the kitchen chopped salad, a tasty mix of romaine, grilled chicken, scallions, tomatoes, blue cheese and turkey bacon. Then there's the delectable thai chicken wrap filled with grilled chicken breast, carrots, baked Chinese noodles, cucumbers and spicy peanut sauce on a whole wheat wrap. Even their sides are guilt-free! Try the asparagus salad, corn & edamame salad or the baked fries!

There are 7 locations in the city, but they are also open in Florida and New Jersey (with more states coming soon)! Click here for more information.

Image courtesy of livingmaxwell.com

Organic Avenue

I'm having a love affair with Organic Avenue, and it's a downright disservice to humanity that there's not one in my neighborhood yet. What's a girl supposed to do?!? Organic Avenue is known for their juice cleanses, but they also have a solid array of smoothies, salads, wraps, snacks and sweet treats! 

Organic Avenue should be on your list of spots to try (as soon as today) because:

*All the menu offerings are Certified Organic! You can rest assured that what you are eating is of the highest quality!

*Most of the menu items are raw, which means that you take in the most nutrition possible! Nothing is destroyed or lost by cooking!

*The company's founder Denise Mari practices what she preaches! She has been a vegan for the last 13 years, and her excellent health and glowing skin are proof of what the diet can do for you!

So what are my favorites? My lunch of choice is the big kale salad, a lip-smacking combination of shredded kale, arugula, red onion, carrots, hemp seeds, raisins and sun dried olives topped with possibly my favorite dressing in the whole wide world (I think that recipe might be top-secret). I also like to round out my lunch with the turmeric tonic - alkaline water, lemon, ginger and turmeric. This juice aids in digestion and relieves menstrual discomforts, among other things.

As of now, there are 8 locations in the city. Click here for more information.

Choo! Choo!: Everybody on the Eggplant Train!

Image courtesy of onehungrymama.com

I know what most of you are thinking! Ew! Gross! Eggplant? Why, Lauren? Why? My friends, you are not alone. I didn't eat one single eggplant growing up, and I've probably only had them a handful of times in my adult life. Eggplant is one of those fruits (yes! it's a fruit) that just doesn't have a good rep on the streets. It actually has a long history of being globally despised. In various parts of Europe before the 18th century, eggplant was believed to cause all sort of horrible things - insanity, leprosy, cancer, even bad breath. In Italy, it was dubbed 'mala insana', meaning 'bad egg' or 'mad apple'. Ancient Persian philosophers cited eggplant as the reason behind everything from pimples to epilepsy. Poor little fruit. Nobody seems to like it very much.

On this glorious Wednesday though, I'm here to tell you that eggplant has caught the attention of my taste buds. I'm not sure how it happened, but it did. If you can visualize eggplant outside it's typical (and disgusting, i might add) eggplant parmesan incarnation, then I'm here to tell you, you might just be pleasantly surprised!

Image courtesy of toonpool.com

In addition to being surprisingly tasty, eggplant is full of nutrients. Here's why you should work a 'mad apple' into your diet...

FIGHTS CANCER - Eggplant helps fight cancer in a number of ways... 1) The peel of an eggplant contains an antioxidant compound called nasunin, which has antiangiogenic properties. Cancer cells have angiogenic properties, allowing them to increase their own blood supply and grow rapidly. The nasunin in eggplant can actually prevent the growth from occurring. 2) Eggplant also contains a plant compound known as chlorogenic acid. It's actually the DOMINANT compound in eggplant. It works to fight cancer-causing free radicals and also has antimutagenic properties, which protect cells from mutating into cancer.

LOWERS LDL (BAD) CHOLESTEROL - The chlorogenic acid in eggplant also has the ability to lower LDL (bad) cholesterol, which can reduce your blood pressure and risk for cardiovascular disease.

AIDS THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM - 1 cup of raw eggplant contains 11% of your DV of fiber. The best part is that it contains both soluble AND insoluble fiber. When your digestive system is working properly, you decrease your risk for colon cancer and other intestinal issues.

RICH IN MINERALS - Eggplant boasts large quantities of potassium (for cellular and electrical function), magnesium (for energy production), calcium (for bone formation and maintenance) and phosphorous (for bone and teeth formation, as well as growth and maintenance of cells and tissues).

ASSISTS IN WEIGHT LOSS - Because of it's fiber content, eggplant will make you feel full without consuming a lot of fat and calories. A 1 cup serving contains no fat and only 27 calories.

Now here comes the disclaimer... If you have kidney or gallbladder issues, then you might need to watch your eggplant consumption. Eggplant contain a noticeable amount of oxalates. When oxalates become too concentrated in the body, they crystallize and can cause damage if your kidney or gallbladder are not working properly to flush them out. 

Last night for dinner I made Grilled Eggplant with Herbed Quinoa from Sprouted Kitchen (Can you tell I love her blog?). The dish was fabulous, first of all, but better yet was it's ability to provide leftovers for lunch at work the next day. That's what you call a win-win, folks! 

Here's a visual step-by-step for those of you who like that sort of thing (no shame in needing extensive visuals like this girl). Check the recipe link above for exact measurements 'cause this is only a quick play-by-play...

Cut the eggplant into slices about 1" thick.

Spread them out on a baking dish or cutting board and sprinkle the tops with salt. This makes the eggplant
'sweat' out all the water inside. Let them sweat for 30 minutes. Meanwhile...

Cook the quinoa. Quinoa is nothing like rice. Do not fear. You can't mess this up.

While the quinoa is cooking, preheat your oven to 350 degrees and toast the pine nuts for 5-10 minutes until brown.
Pine nuts can be expensive, so feel free to use raw unsalted cashews instead.

Roughly chop the red onion, basil and cilantro. The recipe calls for fresh dill as well,
but I cheated to save the wallet. 

Now roughly chop the capers. You can find capers near the olives in the supermarket (usually in a glass jar).

Pat all the water off your eggplant with a paper towel or dishcloth. Brush both sides with olive oil
and grill 5 minutes on each side on a grill pan. They should be fairly soft when they're cooked.
Remove to a plate and sprinkle the tops with za'atar seasoning.

Now add all the fixins' to the quinoa, including the red wine vinegar, olive oil,
honey (or agave nectar) and salt and pepper.

 Cover the eggplant with the quinoa mixture and garnish with the pine nuts. You're done! Even the
eggplant-haters in your life will be converted with this one!

Here are some other recipes to get you started...

GRILLED EGGPLANT & TOMATO STACKS:

http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/grilled_eggplant_tomato_stacks.html

Image courtesy of eatingwell.com

BAKED EGGPLANT FRIES WITH LEMON DILL DIPPING SAUCE:

http://www.shape.com/healthy-eating/cooking-ideas/10-new-ways-cook-eggplant?page=3

Image courtesy of shape.com