Labor Day Weekend - What should I eat?!
Labor day weekend is here which traditionally marks the end of Summer and I'm NOT ready to say goodbye to the most glorious season of all! There is still plenty of sun to soak up during the long weekend and I hope you spend the days focused on the important things: laughing with family and friends, relaxing, reading, traveling, trying something NEW and eating delicious healthy food.
This weekend will bring lots of backyard cookouts full of some of Summer's best food, drinks and company of course. Fill up on things like corn on the cob, fruit salad, grilled chicken and veggies. If you want to feel your best while strutting in the sand, I suggest you skip the burgers, cheese, and mayo filled "salads" out there. I'm a big fan of bringing your own meals/snacks to bbq's. That way you ensure that there will be something good for you to eat plus people will be pleasantly surprised that your delish food is also HEALTHY It's a fun game I play :).
Quick and easy ideas to take with you (plus the host will love you):
- Veggie Skewers for the grill
- Grilled chicken or Veggie Burgers
- Pre-made salad
- Fruit salad
- Hummus w/ organic corn chips
- Quinoa with fruit and nuts
Below is one of my favorite EASY "pasta salad" recipes to share (pic at top of page). I use quinoa pasta because it contains more protein and fiber than regular pasta PLUS it's gluten free! I also used vegan mayonnaise but that's completely up to you. If you go with regular mayo I'd suggest you increase the amount of avocado and decrease mayo. Some people like to add mustard but I prefer lemon and capers. You really can't mess this up!
Veggie & Tuna Macaroni Salad
Ingredients You'll Need:
- Quinoa Pasta - about 2 cups (I like Ancient Harvest)
- 1 tbsp vegenaise (or regular mayo)
- 1 tsp EVOO
- 1/2-1/4 Avocado (mashed)
- 1 can of all white chunk tuna (more if you'd like)
- 2 cups chopped Spinach or Kale
- 2 stalks celery chopped (not pictured - I ran out oops)
- 1 cup corn
- 1 cup edamame
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt/pepper to taste and I LOVE adding capers - just eyeball that one ;)
Make 4-6 servings
Directions:
Cook quinoa pasta according to directions. Let it cool slightly the add pretty much everything else in! This recipe is so simple. Add more or less of any ingredient. It will leave you feeling light but satisfied. Great mix of fiber, protein and nutritious veggies.
DESSERT: rather than pie or ice cream, how about you try some grilled pineapple! Pineapple is one of my favorite things to eat in the Summer. Its full of Vitamin C, great for digestion, plus helps fight inflammation and contains anti-aging properties. Sign me up!
My talented friend Liz from Floating Kitchen has an amazzzzzing GRILLED PINEAPPLE recipe. I suggest you make this asap. If your short on time you could top with a little greek yogurt or froyo. Click here and enjoy!
How good does that look?!
Cheers to amazing weekend!