Turkey cheese cucumber rolls Recipe Idea

 

Great for hot🔥 days. 

Turkey cheese cucumber rolls

Makes 2 servings

Per serving

1 Leaner protein

2 Greens

2 condiments

1 fat

3 ounces ripe avocado

1 garlic clove

2 tsp lime juice

¼ tsp salt

¼ tsp pepper

Two 4 ounce cucumbers

6 ounces low sodium sliced turkey breast

4 ounces low fat cheese

2 Tbs fresh parsley

Instructions:

In a small bowl, mash the avocado with a fork. Add minced garlic and fresh lime juice. Season with sea salt and pepper, to taste. 

Mix until well combined. 

Using a peeler or mandolin, slice the cucumber into equally thin strips. 

Place about 12 cucumber strips next to each other, on a flat surface, such as a cutting board. 

Spread 4 Tbsps of mashed avocado evenly over the slices. Then add slices of ham and cheese. 

Starting at one end, tightly roll all of the cucumber slices into one long “sushi” roll. 

Using a sharp knife, cut the roll into individual servings as shown in the photos. Secure with 

a toothpick and place on a serving platter. Repeat with the remaining cucumber strips. 

Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediatly.

# Chasing Peace... Not People 💅✨

 Once upon a time, I chased people.

I chased texts.
I chased explanations.
I chased closure.
I chased people who gave mixed signals like they were training for the Emotional Olympics.

Spoiler alert...

It was exhausting.

These days? My cardio looks a little different.

I'm chasing peace that lets me sleep at night.
Success that doesn't require me to shrink myself.
Wisdom that helps me recognize red flags before I start decorating them with fairy lights.
Purpose that makes Monday mornings a little less offensive.
Positive energy that doesn't disappear every time drama walks into the room.

And the life I deserve?

Oh, that's non-negotiable.

Here's the funny thing: the moment you stop chasing people, some of them suddenly find their running shoes.

Funny how that works.

But when someone only notices your value after you've stopped chasing them, that's not a compliment—that's bad timing.

Independent women aren't cold.

We're just done auditioning for roles in someone else's story.

We're done convincing people to see our worth.

We're done carrying relationships, friendships, and conversations like we're getting paid by the emotional hour.

Because if I have to beg for your attention, respect, honesty, or consistency...

You can keep it.

I've got bigger goals.

The real glow-up isn't the perfect outfit or flawless makeup.

It's protecting your peace without apologizing for it.

It's knowing your worth without needing applause.

It's realizing that being alone is far less lonely than constantly chasing people who make you question your value.

So here's today's reminder:

Invest in yourself.
Protect your energy.
Celebrate your wins.
Laugh often.
Love deeply—but never at the expense of your self-respect.

Because the right people won't require you to chase them.

They'll meet you where you are... preferably bringing coffee, good vibes, and absolutely zero drama.

And if not?

Keep walking.

Your future is far too busy to wait around for people who can't decide whether they want a front-row seat in your life.

The best chase you'll ever be part of is the one where you're becoming the strongest, happiest, wisest version of yourself.

Everything else?

That's someone else's marathon. 😉

# $10 Worth of Optimism ⛽😂

 I was getting gas this morning when I noticed the person at pump three only bought $10 worth.

My first thought?

"Where the hell were they going... pump four?"

Let's be honest, with gas prices these days, ten bucks doesn't fill your tank—it just gives your fuel gauge a pep talk.

You swipe your card with hope.

The pump clicks.

You watch the numbers climb faster than your blood pressure.

Then the gas nozzle shuts off, your dashboard still says "Low Fuel," and your car has the audacity to tell you it's got 28 miles remaining like it's doing you a favor.

Thanks, Karen. I can read.

Remember when twenty bucks actually got you somewhere?

Now twenty dollars buys enough gas to leave your neighborhood... if you don't hit too many red lights.

And don't even get me started on accidentally squeezing the handle too hard.

You wanted exactly $40.00.

You got $40.01.

Congratulations. You now own one extra molecule of gasoline.

The good news?

Life is a lot like filling your gas tank. Sometimes you can't control the prices, the delays, or the detours. But you can control your attitude, laugh at the ridiculousness, and keep moving forward—even if your wallet is filing a formal complaint.

So here's today's reminder:

Laugh whenever you can.
Stress a little less.
Fill your tank when it's half full instead of playing "Let's See If I Can Make It."
And if someone tells you money can't buy happiness...

Tell them to hand you their gas card and watch your mood improve immediately.

Now if you'll excuse me, I'll be over here debating whether I should fill the tank... or refinance my vehicle just to afford it.

Drive safe... and may your gas gauge be more optimistic than your bank account. 😂⛽

# Destination: Straight Off the Handle ✈️😂

 If airports tracked emotional departures, some of us would have Platinum Status.

"Where was the last place she flew?"

Me. Right off the freaking handle.

And judging by today's level of nonsense? Boarding has already started for the next flight.

Let's be honest—everyone has a breaking point. Some people meditate. Some count to ten. Some sip herbal tea while whispering affirmations.

And then there are the rest of us...

We smile politely through the first inconvenience.
We survive the second.
We ignore the third.

Then someone asks, "Are you sure that's where you parked?" or sends a "per my last email," and suddenly we're mentally packing snacks for an all-inclusive vacation to Lose My Ever-Loving Mind Island.

The funny thing is, people always seem shocked.

"Wow... that escalated quickly."

Did it though?

Or have I been collecting tiny annoyances like they're Pokémon cards while everyone else ignored the obvious warning signs?

Here's the helpful reminder hiding underneath the sarcasm: exploding isn't usually about one thing. It's about a thousand tiny frustrations piling up until your emotional storage closet looks like one more hanger away from becoming a crime scene.

So maybe...

• Take the break before the meltdown.
• Say "no" before resentment starts writing your speeches.
• Eat the snack.
• Drink the water.
• Take the nap.
• And remember that protecting your peace is a lot cheaper than replacing everything you almost threw across the room.

That said...

Some days the universe wakes up, chooses chaos, and personally volunteers as tribute.

If that's today, just know you're not alone.

May your coffee be stronger than people's opinions, your patience last at least until lunch, and your next emotional flight be delayed indefinitely.

But if someone tests you one more time...

Well...

There's another departure scheduled, and the gate is now boarding.

Safe travels. 😏✈️

The "Anti-Pasta" Italian Salad

 

Something so fresh for the summer! YUM!

If you have a favorite leanest protein - Can you add to this great salad!

The "Anti-Pasta" Italian Salad

Ingredients for Salad:

• 6 small zucchini, spiralized (total weight 1 3/4 pounds)

• ¼ c red onion, sliced

• 1 pint organic cherry tomatoes

• 1 green bell pepper, chopped

• 1 orange bell pepper, chopped

• 1/4 c green olives

• 12 oz hearts of palm, drained

• Fresh chopped parsley as garnish

• Homemade or bottled Italian Dressing

Ingredients for Dressing:

•1/2 c apple cider vinegar

•1/4 c extra virgin olive oil

•1/2 TBL garlic powder

•1/2 TBL onion powder

•1/2 TBL Italian herbs

•1/2 tsp dijon mustard, no sugar added

•1/2 tsp dried basil

•1/4 tsp ground black pepper

•1/4 tsp sea salt

Makes 7 servings 

Loaded Cauliflower and Buffalo Chicken Casserole Recipe Idea

 

Thinking ahead to a July 4th picnic?  Here you go!

Loaded Cauliflower and Buffalo Chicken Casserole

Ingredients:

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into ½ inch cubes

8 cups cauliflower florets

2 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp salt

2 tsp ground pepper

2 tsp paprika

1 tbsp garlic powder

4 tbsp hot sauce or buffalo sauce (I use Frank’s)

Topping:

2 cups Fiesta Blend cheese or a mix of cheddar and Monterey jack cheese

4 slices Jennie-o Extra Lean turkey bacon, crumbled

1 cup diced green onion

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a large bowl mix together the olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and hot sauce. Add the cauliflower florets and stir to coat. Scoop the cauliflower into a 9X13 inch baking dish, leaving behind as much of the olive oil/hot sauce mix as possible.

Bake the cauliflower for 30-35 minutes, stirring every 10-15 minutes, until cooked through and starting to brown.

While the cauliflower is cooking, add the cubed chicken to the bowl with the leftover olive oil/hot sauce mix and stir to coat. Once the cauliflower is fully cooked, remove from the oven. Top the cauliflower with the raw marinated chicken.

In a bow mix together the cheese, turkey bacon, and green onion and top the raw chicken with the cheese mix. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for 15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the topping is bubbly.

Serve.

Makes 6 servings

Crockpot Ranch Chicken Tacos Recipe Idea

 

Attention all crockpot lovers!!  Here’s a healthy dinner that the family will love!

Crockpot Ranch Chicken Tacos

Ingredients:

2 ¼ lbs boneless skinless chicken, raw and trimmed

1 tbsp low sodium taco seasoning

1 tbsp ranch dip mix

¼ cup 2% Mexican Cheese, divided

½ cup water

Directions:

Mix water, taco seasoning, and ranch dip mix together. Add chicken to crockpot. Pour seasoning mixture on top of chicken. Cook on low for 6-8 hrs, high for 3-4 hrs. Shred chicken before serving.

Add .5 ounce (1 tbsp) of Mexican Cheese to each serving. Don’t forget your greens. Enjoy!

Makes 4 servings

Greek Chicken Stew Recipe Idea

 

Greek Chicken Stew

Makes 4 servings

Ingredients: 

1 Tbsp olive oil

1/2 cup leeks, chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

36 ounces of boneless, skinless chicken breasts

2 Tbsp red wine vinegar

1 28-ounce can low sodium chopped tomatoes, with juice, pulsed in a food processor

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1/4 tsp salt

1/2 tsp freshly ground pepper

1/2 tsp dried thyme, or 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves

2 cups cauliflower, broken into florets, and sliced about 1/2 inch thick

12 kalamata olives (45 grams), rinsed, pitted and cut in half (optional)

1 to 2 Tbsp chopped flat-leaf parsley

Directions: 

Heat 1/2 Tbsp of the oil over medium-high heat in a large, deep, heavy lidded skillet or casserole and brown the chicken, about 5 minutes on each side. Remove the pieces to a plate or bowl as they’re browned. Pour off the fat from the pan. Add the vinegar to the pan and scrape up all the bits from the bottom of the pan.

Add the remaining olive oil to the pan, and turn the heat down to medium. Add the leeks and salt and cook, stirring often and scraping the bottom of the pan, until it begins to soften, about 5 minutes. Turn the heat to low, cover and let the leeks cook for 10 minutes, stirring from time to time, until it is lightly browned and very soft.

Add the garlic and stir together for a minute or two more, until the garlic is fragrant, then add the tomatoes and their juice, the cinnamon, thyme, and pepper . Bring to a simmer and simmer 10 minutes, stirring from time to time, until the mixture is reduced slightly and fragrant.

Return the chicken pieces to the pot, along with any juices that have accumulated in the bowl. If necessary, add enough water to barely cover the chicken. Bring to a simmer, reduce the heat, cover and simmer 20 minutes.

Add the cauliflower and kalamata olives and simmer for another 20 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender. Stir in the parsley. 

Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Peppers Recipe Idea 💡

 

Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Peppers

Makes 4 Servings (2 Bell Pepper Halves)

Ingredients:

4 medium green bell peppers (4 cups total)

1/3 cup diced yellow onion

2 tsp minced garlic

1/4 cup low sodium beef broth

6 oz sliced baby bella mushrooms

1 lb thinly shaved, deli roast beef or thinly sliced steak

4 Tbsp low-fat cream cheese

4 oz reduced fat provolone cheese, sliced

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Slice peppers in half lengthwise, remove ribs and seeds, and set aside.

In a large skillet, saute, the onions and garlic in broth over medium-high heat for about 5 min, or until onions are translucent. 

Add the mushrooms, and continue to cook until mushrooms are tender.

Mix in the roast beef and heat through, about 3 to 5 min. Remove skillet from heat, and stir in cream cheese.

Fill each pepper with an eighth of the roast beef mixture, then top each half with a 1/2 ounce of cheese. 

Bake for 15 to 20 min until peppers are tender and cheese on top is melted and bubbly

Cauliflower Falafel Recipe Idea

 Cauliflower Falafel

Makes 1 serving 

Ingredients:

1/2 cup (4.3 oz) egg substitute, egg beaters

1 cup (3.52 oz) raw cauliflower

1 tsp oil, olive

1/2 oz almonds

1/2 tsp cumin

1/2 clove garlic, clove

1/2 tsp cayenne pepper

1 tsp coriander, ground

Directions:

Chop cauliflower into small-sized pieces and add them to a food processor. 

Pulse until blended with a slightly grainy texture.

Grind the almonds in a similar manner – just be careful to not over grind them as a slightly crunchy texture complements the dish nicely.

Combine the ground cauliflower and ground almonds in a bowl. 

Add the rest of the ingredients and stir until well blended.

Heat your oil until sizzling. While it is heating, form the mix into 8 three-inch patties. Aim for the thickness of a hockey puck.

Saute them four at a time until browned on one side and then flip and cook the other side. Resist the urge to flip too soon – you should see the edges turning brown before you attempt it – maybe 4 minutes or so per side.

Extra tip:

Add a dollop of Greek yogurt for a little extra flavor and serve it over a bed of mixed greens. Three ounces of low-fat Greek yogurt is equal to 1/4 leaner (for a total of 1/2 lean) and 1 cup of mixed greens equals 1 green (for a total of 3 greens).