Healthy Recipe of the Week ~ Honey Chicken Kabobs

It's time to fire up the grill, and these tasty, colorful kabobs make a great summertime meal.  You can marinate overnight and make these kabobs for an outdoor barbecue as a tasty, healthy alternative to the usual barbecue fare! Fresh mushrooms, summer squash, and cherry tomatoes are also great choices for the veggies.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup vegetable oil *
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1/3 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 8 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - cut into 1 inch cubes
• 2 cloves garlic
• 5 small onions, cut into 2 inch pieces
• 2 red bell peppers, cut into 2 inch pieces
• skewers

Directions

1. In a large bowl, whisk together oil, honey, soy sauce, and pepper. Before adding chicken, reserve a small amount of marinade to brush onto kabobs while cooking. Place the chicken, garlic, onions and peppers in the bowl, and marinate in the refrigerator at least 2 hours (the longer the better).
2. Preheat the grill for high heat.
3. Drain marinade from the chicken and vegetables, and discard marinade. Thread chicken and vegetables alternately onto the skewers.
4. Lightly oil the grill grate. Place the skewers on the grill. Cook for 12 to 15 minutes, until chicken juices run clear. Turn and brush with reserved marinade frequently.

* If you want to trim some of the the fat in this recipe, substitute rice or other white cooking wine for half the oil. Chicken broth can also be used instead of the oil for an equally tasty dish.
 

Nutritional Information

The nutrition data for this recipe includes information for the full amount of the marinade ingredients. Depending on marinating time, ingredients, cooking method, etc., the actual amount of the marinade consumed will vary. 

Amount Per Serving (8) Calories: 178 | Total Fat: 6.6g | Protein: 13 g
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Monday Meditation ~ On Being Alone

I love people. I love my family, my children . . . but inside myself is a place where I live all alone and that's where you renew your springs that never dry up.

~ Pearl S. Buck

The person who tries to live alone will not succeed as a human being. His heart withers if it does not answer another heart. His mind shrinks away if he hears only the echoes of his own thoughts and finds no other inspiration.

~ Pearl S. Buck

For today's meditation, I decided to include two quotes from award-winning American writer Pearl S. Buck because they offer two very important perspectives on something many people struggle with; being alone.

Too often in trying to find peace and happiness, people will either try to isolate themselves (think of the stereotypical wise man who lives off by himself), or they try to do the opposite; fill up their lives with so many people that they are never alone.  But like many things in life, this is a time when balance is the key.  In order to find peace and happiness, one must be able to find comfort and joy both in themselves and in others. 

Live Healthy.  Live Happy.
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Shake Up Your Weekend! ~ Berry Banana Smoothie

This delicious smoothie is the perfect way to start a summer day.  It has a generous amount of protein and fiber to help you feel full longer combined with the added antioxidants and thermogenic benefits of green tea and fast-acting botanicals for energy and weight-management support.

Ingredients:
2 scoops French Vanilla Formula 1 Nutritional Shake Mix
2 tablespoons Personalized Protein Powder
1 cup plain soy milk or nonfat milk
1/4 cup vanilla or strawberry non-fat yogurt
1/2 cup frozen whole strawberries
1/2 very ripe banana, frozen if possible
1/2 tsp Raspberry Herbal Tea Concentrate

Directions:
Place all ingredients in the blender and blend thoroughly.  Enjoy!

Nutritional Analysis Per Serving
Calories: 292
Protein: 30 grams
Fat: 0.5 grams
Carbohydrate: 43 grams

Healthy Recipe of the Week ~ Black Bean Veggie Burgers

I have a confession. I love burgers.  Especially in the summer.  I eat them way too much, even when I'm watching my calorie intake and know I could make better choices.  Choices like having one of these burgers instead.

Huge on taste. low on fat and calories. Satisfying ~AND~ packed with fiber and plant protein.  These veggie burgers are inexpensive, easy to make and taste amazing.  If you like things really spicy, substitute a fresh poblano pepper for the bell pepper, or add mushrooms (be sure to mince them with the onions and peppers) for a more meaty taste and texture.

Serve them on hamburger rolls or stuffed in pitas or tortillas.  Some great topping choices include avacado, tomatoes, grilled veggies, salsa (corn or mango salsas are absolutely fantastic on these), low-fat cheese and turkey bacon.

Ingredients (Makes 4 Patties)

• 1 (16 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 bell pepper (red or green), cut into 2 inch pieces
• 1/2 onion, cut into wedges
• 3 cloves garlic, peeled
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili sauce or hot sauce
• 2 tablespoons Personalized Protein Powder
• 1/2 cup whole wheat bread crumbs

Directions

1. If grilling, preheat an outdoor grill for high heat, and lightly oil a sheet of aluminum foil. If baking, preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C), and lightly oil a baking sheet.
2. In a medium bowl, mash black beans with a fork until thick and pasty. It is important that the beans be well rinsed and somewhat dry for the burgers to stay formed while cooking.
3. In a food processor, finely chop bell pepper, onion, and garlic. Then stir into mashed beans.
4. In a small bowl, stir together egg, chili powder, cumin, and chili sauce.
5. Stir the egg mixture into the mashed beans. Mix in bread crumbs until the mixture is sticky and holds together. Divide mixture into four patties.
6. If grilling, place patties on foil, and grill about 8 minutes on each side. If baking, place patties on baking sheet, and bake about 10 minutes on each side.

Amount Per Serving 

Calories: 198 | Total Fat: 3g | Protein: 12g

Live Healthy, Live Happy Weight Loss Challenge ~ June Update

My first Live Healthy, Live Happy Weight Loss Challenge is almost done and so far, we've seen some awesome results.  Kirby has lost 10 pounds so far and I've lost 8!  Thats a total of...

So to celebrate, I'm launching the "My Loss, Your Gain" promotion.  Since we've lost 18 pounds so far, I am offering a 18% discount on all of my Herbalife Weight Management products through the end of June.  The discount also applies to the three Core Product kits, including the Advanced program, which is the one Kirby and I are following to help achieve our weight loss goals.

To get the discount, just order any Weight Management product from my secure online store and when you are checking out, be sure to enter coupon code WLC2011.  That's it.  It's that easy! :)

All of my customers get free, anytime nutritional advice and loads of tips and tools to get you started on your weight loss program in addition to your own personal wellness coach to help ensure you're successful in achieving your weight-loss goals. 

Live Healthy.  Live Happy.

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