Posted by Tastefully Simple on June 18, 2020
A new term has recently been added to our language, and it’s one I have become all-too familiar with: the Quarantine 15. After spending much of the past year avoiding sugar and carbs, the past three months threw me right back into my old eating habits. (What can I say? I’m a stress-eater.) Recently, with the prospect of having to trade my loungewear for work clothes again, I decided it was time to get off the carb-centric, sugar-saturated merry-go-round again.
Yet after months of consuming real – albeit bad-for-me – food, the idea of going back to protein bars and chalky shakes was NOT appealing. Could there be another way? Spoiler alert: YES! Just check these out:
Chicken Kale Salad. First things first: Don’t believe the hype. Baked kale doesn’t taste like potato chips. But raw kale is surprisingly tasty paired with grilled chicken breasts, soft-boiled eggs, avocado, tomatoes and crunchy slaw in a garlicky dressing.
Citrus Herb Chicken with Strawberry Salsa. Fresh strawberries are my favorite summer flavor. This recipe dresses citrus-marinaded grilled chicken with a zesty salsa made from strawberries, sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, onions and jalapenos.
Garlicky Steak Bites & Mushrooms with Green Beans. I’m a relative newbie to marinades, and boy, do I wish I had discovered them earlier. This all-on-the-grill meal features garlicky steak and buttom mushroom skewers and Citrus Herb-seasoned green beans.
Seared Salmon over Spaghetti Squash Bowls. Seafood doesn’t feature as prominently in my eating routine as it should, but that may change now that I’ve discovered this! Spaghetti squash subs for high-carb pasta, and sautéed veggies add a satisfying crunch.
Zucchini Turkey Burgers. Burgers without the bun? Heresy! But who could have guessed that grilled slices of seasoned zucchini more than make up for the lack of bread. Dried Tomato & Garlic Pesto Mix gives turkey patties extra zip, and tomato, onion and arugula toppers make this a marvelous meal.
