Foody Friday | Salad vs. Salad

I try to avoid eating out as much as I can but when I do, I like to treat myself with slightly not-so-good things (like fries with excessive amounts of cheese curds and gravy, or a big juicy burger with all the fixin's, or a crispy chicken wing...yum). I know that this is something I should not be promoting, but when you work as hard as I do or as often as I do in the gym, I think I have given myself a few free passes each week for something naughty.

It is all about balance my friends, for the 3 not so good treats I give myself, I sweat a good 8-10 hours in the gym, and feed myself nutritious meals in between. Lucky for me, I happen to LOVE the taste of healthy food. Unfortunately, I also have the taste for savory foods and the odd bag of chips (I am a whole bag in one sitting kinda girl).

So what to do when you notice you are too busy to prepare yourself a healthy meal and finding yourself repeatedly eating out? Try to replace a meal/day (if you eat out all day) or 3-4 meals/week (if you eat out once every day for the whole week) with a salad. Before you cringe in horror at giving up a hot, tasty meal for cold, boring rabbit food, I have two delicious options for you. And both are found at 2 very popular restaurant chains in Canada (and maybe some parts of the US).

I've tried many different salads at various restaurants..and these take top two spots for sure. Affordable, very filling, light, nutritious, and TASTY!
You'll see all the nutrition facts and ingredients for each of the salads:

1. Raincoast Greens from Cactus Club.

Ingredients: grilled chicken, avocado, tomatoes, feta, egg, pecans, seasonal berries, lemon-thyme vinaigrette.
Nutritional facts:
Calories 600 Sodium 500 mg
Total Fat 20 g Potassium 0 mg
Saturated 0 g Total Carbs 20 g
Polyunsaturated 0 g Dietary Fiber 5 g
Monounsaturated 0 g Sugars 5 g
Trans 0 g Protein 18 g
Cholesterol 0 mg
Vitamin A 0% Calcium 0%
Vitamin C 0% Iron 0%
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

2. Pecan Chicken Spinach Salad from Earls

Ingredients: warm bacon, brie, dried cherries, baby spinach, julienne apples and carrots, candied pecans, maple pecan vinaigrette, pecan and porcini mushroom crusted chicken.
Nutritional facts:
Calories 869 Sodium 1624 mg
Total Fat 58 g Potassium 0 mg
Saturated 14 g Total Carbs 35 g
Polyunsaturated 0 g Dietary Fiber 6 g
Monounsaturated 0 g Sugars 23 g
Trans 1 g Protein 45 g
Cholesterol 193 mg
Vitamin A 0% Calcium 0%
Vitamin C 0% Iron 0%
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Until next time Team, try them both--tell me which one is your favorite...I still can't decide myself..
Health respect & happiness
Beki

Foody Friday - Quinoa avocado salad with fresh veggies

My boyfriend is new to the super grain, quinoa. And has been asking for me to make him a dish...and so a few days ago, I whipped this super easy recipe together.

I am one of those who rarely measures her ingredients...so you may have to eye ball your stuff and tastes as you go along so it's to your liking.

I made a huge batch, which lasted 2 days...between 4 people. And they all loved it!




Here's the recipe!

1 1/2 cups of quinoa (rinsed)
3 cups of water
Half each: red bell pepper, green bell pepper, cucumber (I peeled off the skin, it's up to you)
2 avocados
1 tomato (de-seeded)
Salt
Pepper
Garlic powder
Cumin powder
Chipotle chili powder
Extra virgin olive oil
A few fresh basil leaves

Cook the quinoa with the water and a bit of salt by bringing it to a boil, then turning the heat to low for about 15 or so minutes (and all the water is gone). Let it cool to room temperature.
Chop up veggies to your desired sizes. I had them very finely chopped. Throw em all into a bowl with seasoning & oil. Taste to your liking.
If you want your salad to be more avocado-ish, add one more..if you want more veggies, add more..etc.
Add the quinoa to the veggies and mix. Taste, and adjust seasoning if needed. Finely chop the basil and garnish!

Enjoy your delicious, fresh & healthy meal packed full of your daily nutrients!

Until next time Team, don't forget to comment below how the recipe turned out for you & share any modifications you may have done!

Health respect & happiness,
Beki