recipe | Lucille Roberts Health & Fitness Blog - Part 2

Recipe: Skinny Summer Ice Cream

May 30, 2012 at 7:00 am

It’s feeling like summer, and you may be feeling like splurging on ice cream. Before you flag down the local ice cream truck, give this recipe a try. It will save you a lot of calories and fat–and it tastes great!

Skinny Summer Ice Cream

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup chocolate or vanilla Live Rite protein powder
  • 1 small banana
  • 3 cups almond milk (This works better dairy milk for helping the ice cream to thicken.)

Directions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until consistent. Mixture should be thick and creamy, not lumpy.

2. Pour the mixture into a medium-sized metal bowl, cover with aluminium foil, and place in the refridgerator to chill for 1 hour. (Chilling the mixture before freezing allows it to reach freezing temperature faster once placed in the freezer, and it helps create a smoother ice cream).

3. Remove bowl from the refridgerator and place it in the freezer for 2 hours. Mix every half hour to create a “Mr. Softee”-style guilt-free ice cream in your favorite flavor!

For an extra treat, top with a healthy topping like crushed walnuts or chopped fruit.

Nutritional info: serving size = 1.5 cups; 325 calories, 2.5 g fat, and 17 g protein per serving.

Recipe by Ilise “Baker Babe” Reilly, manager of Lucille Roberts Jamaica.

Recipe: Healthy Pasta Dogs for Kids

May 22, 2012 at 1:09 pm

We always want our kids to eat a varied diet, but it’s not always easy because kids can be so picky. In our house, whenever we ask the kids what they want for dinner, the answer is always, “PASTA!”.  To get the kids to eat more protein and fiber, we dish up “pasta dogs”.  They are so easy to make, and the kids just can’t get enough of them. We substitute turkey dogs for regular hot dogs to lower the fat and nitrate content, and we use whole wheat pasta to get more whole grains and fiber into the dish. It only takes about 10-15 minutes from start to finish. Here’s how to make pasta dogs!

Pasta Dogs

Ingredients:

  • 2 turkey dogs
  • 2 oz. (a small handful) of whole wheat spaghetti pasta

Recipe: Protein-Packed Chocolate Covered Strawberries

May 18, 2012 at 1:26 pm

Who says you can’t eat chocolate-covered strawberries when you’re trying to lose weight? This snack recipe is one you can indulge in (occasionally) to satisfy your chocolate cravings while getting in some extra protein.

Protein-Packed
Chocolate Covered Strawberries

Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup dark chocolate cut into pieces (Nutritional info for this recipe uses Lindt 70% dark chocolate.)
  • 1 scoop chocolate Live Rite protein
  • 6 strawberries cut in half

Directions:

1. Microwave chocolate until fully melted.

2. Stir in protein powder.

3. Drizzle over strawberries and enjoy–or, put strawberries in the refrigerator to allow chocolate to cool and enjoy later!

Nutritional info: 354 calories, 16.69 g fat, 18.22 g protein

Lucille Roberts Live Rite protein shake mixes are available at all Lucille Roberts gyms for $19.99.

Recipe by Ilise “Baker Babe” Reilly, manager of Lucille Roberts Jamaica.

Recipe: Carrot-Cinnamon Juice for Metabolic Boost

May 10, 2012 at 4:59 pm

A summer of skimpy bathing suits and bare sundresses is upon us, and many women will begin thinking more about their weight. Incorporating juice into your diet is a popular and healthy way to lose weight because you get nearly all of the nutrients your body needs in one glass. Recent studies also show that consuming cinnamon boosts your metabolism. The spice can help you lose weight by lowering your body’s blood sugar so that you store less fat.

This juice recipe contains cinnamon as well as vegetables and fruits that are low in simple sugars.

Carrot-Cinnamon Juice

Ingredients:

    • 8 oz. cold water
    • 4 large carrots
    • 2 stalks of celery (including leaves)
    • 1 green apple
    • 1 handful of spinach
    • 1 teaspoon of lemon or lime juice
    • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

Blend and enjoy!

Nutritional info: Makes 1 serving with 221 calories, 1.5 g fat, and 2.96 g protein.

Recipe by Michelle Blaga, social media and blog contributor for Lucille Roberts.

Recipe: 20-Minute Tofu Stir-Fry

May 2, 2012 at 2:17 pm

This vegetarian meal is quick and easy! It makes 1 serving, and all you need is 15 minutes to prepare the ingredients and 8 to 10 minutes to cook them. It’s dinner for one in 20 minutes or less!

color-flow.com

Tofu Stir-Fry

Ingredients

  • 1/4 of a 1 lb. block of firm-style organic tofu
  • 2 Tbsp. soybean or sesame oil
  • 1/2 cup onions, raw and sliced
  • 1 garlic clove, chopped
  • 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
  • 1/2 cup zucchini, chopped
  • 1/2 cup spinach, raw
  • 1 Tbsp. soy sauce (low-sodium)
  • 1 oz. water

Recipe: Chia Seed Muffins

April 30, 2012 at 5:01 pm

We know what you’re thinking: “Ch-ch-ch-chia!” But this recipe isn’t for Chia Pets; it’s for breakfast!

Dr. Oz recommends chia seeds as one of the five supplements everyone over 50 needs to take each day. Chia seeds are effective for helping with weight loss because they are high in fiber, and high-fiber meals help you feel full. The seeds are also high in omega-3 acids. You can sprinkle them on salads or add them to recipes, like this chia seed muffin recipe.

Chia seeds

Chia Seed Muffins

Ingredients:

  • 1 Tbsp. ground Chia seeds
  • 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
  • 2 tsp. baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1 cup sweet potato puree
  • 1 cup unsweetened apple sauce
  • 2 egg whites
  • 1/2 cup agave syrup
  • 2 tsp. lemon juice
  • 1 tsp. lemon zest
  • 1 Tbsp. vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries

Directions:

1. Mix together wet ingredients. In a separate bowl, mix dry ingredients.

2. Fold wet ingredients into dry ingredients.

3. Scoop into muffin tins and bake for 15-20 min at 350 F.

Nutritional info: Serving size is 1 muffin, 150 calories.

Recipe by Pat Nitti, certified personal trainer at Lucille Roberts Bayshore and Commack.

Live Rite Shake Recipe: Powerful Pineapple

April 27, 2012 at 12:52 pm

Did you know that one serving (100 g) of pineapple contains 60% of your recommended daily intake (RDI) of Vitamin C? This tropical fruit is also a good source of manganese, as it contains 43% of your RDI. The following Live Rite shake recipe can be made with pineapple juice or fresh pineapple; both version pack a vitamin punch!

Powerful Pineapple Shake 

  1. Crush 4-6 ice cubes in a blender.
  2. Add 10-12 0z. of water or 1% milk. (You can substitute almond, soy, coconut, or lactose-free milk.)
  3. Add 1/2 cup fresh pineapple or 4 oz. of pineapple juice (no sugar added).
  4. Add 1 scoop of vanilla Live Rite protein.
  5. Blend and enjoy!

Lucille Roberts Live Rite protein shake mixes are available at all Lucille Roberts gyms for $19.99.

Recipe: Simple Tomato Soup

April 19, 2012 at 6:39 pm

domestifluff.com

Soup is almost always a healthy meal choice. It’s filling and usually minimal in calories (unless it’s prepared with heavy cream or cheese), so it’s great for low-calorie diets. Even with warmer spring days, there are always a few that are chillier and even rainy. So, warm up–and shape up–with this chunky tomato soup that puts Campbell’s to shame!

Ingredients:

  • A few cloves of garlic, chopped
  • Olive oil (or if you’re feeling adventurous, sesame seed or truffle oil)
  • 1 can of pureed tomatoes (I prefer Muir Glen fire-roasted.)
  • 1 can of  diced tomatoes (Again, Muir Glen fire-roasted has a nice, robust flavor.)
  • Spices of your choice: rosemary, cilantro, or dill
  • Cumin (Optional–this gives the soup a smokey flavor.)
  • Dash of freshly ground sea salt
  • Dash of freshly ground pepper

Note: It’s better to use organic ingredients, as they aren’t peppered with pesky pesticides. Plus, they tend to retain vitamins.

Directions: 

1. In a large saucepan, sauté the garlic in the oil of your choice.

2. When the garlic is translucent, add both cans of tomatoes over low to medium heat (so the soup doesn’t burn).

3. Stir in the fresh herbs, cumin, salt, and pepper.

Recipe yields 2.5 cups (one large bowl of soup).

Nutritional info: Serving size = 1 cup, 167 calories, 5.6 g fat, 2 g protein

Recipe by Sharon A. Gordin, personal trainer at Lucille Roberts Forest Hills.

Recipe: Healthy Grilled Cheese Sandwiches for National Grilled Cheese Day

April 12, 2012 at 3:43 pm

karenlovesgoodfood.blogspot.com

It’s National Grilled Cheese Day! Here are some healthy grilled cheese sandwich ideas from our members and managers!

“I love grilled cheese. I usually have it on whole wheat bread with Swiss cheese, tomatoes, and raw onions. Yummy.” –Alexandra F., Third Ave.

“Smoked gouda and baby spinach leaves on whole wheat and 1/2 cup tomato soup.” –Lia E., 42nd St.

“Rye bread with low-fat mozzarella and Weight Watchers Mexican cheese mix. Put together and grill on a panini maker. So good!!” –Nina M., 42nd St.

“Bake a sweet potato. When cooled, cut length-wise slices. Take two slices and spread one side of each with coconut butter. Use one slice of fat-free American cheese (or cheese of choice). Put between sweet potato slices, grill away, and enjoy.” –Joanne F., Plainview

“This recipe is a different take on grilled cheese. You need one whole wheat tortilla, 1/2 cup fresh tomatoes, 1 oz. low-fat cheese (cheddar or colby), and fat-free salsa. Layer it all on the tortilla and then broil!” –-Meredith R., Yonkers

“Sprouted gluten-free bread, tomatoes, mustard, olive oil spray, and two slices of low-fat cheese. Delicious!” –Crystal B.

“Open-faced Ezekiel bread (one slice) with low-fat Swiss, tomato slices, and oregano. Sear in covered pan or heat in toaster. Ezekiel bread is an organic sprouted whole grain bread that is a complete protein and weighs in low on the glycemic index. It comes in wheat, cinnamon raisin, and my favorite, sesame! I get mine at Trader Joes, but it’s also available at Whole Foods, Super Stop & Shop, as well as Costco.” –Ilise Reilly, Manager at Lucille Roberts Jamaica

What’s your favorite healthy grilled cheese recipe? Leave a comment and let us know!

Recipe: Cinnamon Chicken

April 11, 2012 at 4:40 pm

This is a recipe inspired by Iron Chef Cat Cora. I took the recipe and made it my own. It sounds weird to use cinnamon, but trust me–you must use it! I almost didn’t use it the first time I tried this recipe, but I am so glad I did!

Cinnamon Chicken

Ingredients:

  • 2 Tbsp. olive oil
  • 1/4 cup flour
  • 2 Tbsp. cinnamon
  • Garlic (to taste)
  • 4-5 chicken breasts
  • 6 oz. tomato paste
  • 1 cup dry white wine
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)

Directions:

1. Heat oil in large skillet. Combine flour and cinnamon in separate bowl.

2. Coat the chicken in flour mixture and add chicken to hot skillet. Brown on both sides (3-5 minutes each side).

3. Pull chicken out and add garlic and all liquid ingredients to skillet. Cook on medium-high for 5 minutes.

4. Add chicken and simmer until fully cooked. If desired, you can add any leftover flour mixture to thicken the sauce.

Serve with brown or wild rice or with whole wheat egg noodles. Don’t forget to have fun with it–you can add carrots or mushrooms or zuccini or whatever you like!

Recipe by Jill Foley, Assistant Manager at Lucille Roberts Roosevelt Blvd. and nutrition student at Lasalle University.


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