Anti Inflammatory Beet Smoothie

This vibrant beet smoothie combines sweet and earthy beets with berries, banana and orange juice for a well-balanced flavor. Look for packaged cooked beets where the prepared fruits and vegetables are sold. Beets are high in belatins, an antioxidant that may help decrease inflammation in the body. Other nutrient-packed ingredients add even more anti-inflammatory power, like the anthocyanins in blueberries and the gingerol found in ginger.

 

Active Time: 5 mins

Total Time: 5 mins

Servings: 2

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 cup frozen strawberries
  • 1 cup frozen blueberries
  • 1 cup orange juice
  • 1 (8.8-ounce) package refrigerated cooked beets (such as Love Beets)
  • 1 medium banana, peeled
  • 1 medium carrot, peeled and sliced
  • 1 (1/2 inch) piece fresh ginger, peeled and grated

Directions

Combine strawberries, blueberries, orange juice, beets, banana, carrot and ginger in a blender; process until combined, about 30 seconds. Divide between 2 glasses. Serve immediately.

Nutritional Info:

Servings Per Recipe 2

Serving Size about 1 3/4 cups Calories 248Total Carbohydrate 58g 21%Dietary Fiber 9g 32%Total Sugars 38gProtein 4g 8%Total Fat 1g 1%Vitamin A 7258IU 145%Vitamin C 85mg 94%Vitamin E 1mg 9%Folate 60mcg 15%Vitamin K 20mcg 17%Sodium 79mg 3%Calcium 78mg 6%Iron 2mg 11%Magnesium 45mg 11%Potassium 694mg 15%

 

Passion Fruit Smoothie Recipe

This 3-ingredient smoothie features frozen passion fruit that packs tons of floral notes and tart flavor. While any type of kiwi will work, we like yellow kiwi, which adds more flavor and natural sweetness and brightens the color. Taste and add a teaspoon or two of honey at the end to balance the flavor.

Active Time: 5 mins

Total Time: 5 mins

Servings: 1

 

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 cup frozen passion fruit
  • 1 kiwi, peeled
  • ½ cup reduced-fat milk or unsweetened nondairy milk
  • 1 – 2 teaspoons honey (optional)

Directions:

Combine passion fruit, kiwi, milk and honey to taste (if using) in a blender; process on high speed until very smooth.

Nutrition Facts

252Calories4gFat52gCarbs8gProtein

 

 

Slimming World Ham & Mushroom Pizza Calzone Recipe

As much as I love cooking, there are some nights when I absolutely just can’t be bothered.

For these kind of evenings, it’s always wise to have a couple of recipes up your sleeve that are fuss free, can be made from ingredients that you’ve probably already got in your fridge, and can be on the table in hardly any time at all.

IS THIS RECIPE REALLY SLIMMING FRIENDLY?!

Yes! Coming in at just 240 calories, this slimming friendly pizza calzone is also a great option if you’re a calorie counter.

MIXING AND MATCHING YOUR PIZZA CALZONE FILLINGS

Ham and mushroom is my favourite calzone filling, but you can get creative as you like. This kind of recipe is a great opportunity to get in some more speed foods, and use up anything that you might have in your fridge.

You could try peppers, pulled chicken, tuna, olives, fresh tomatoes, or anything else you might fancy.

You’ll notice that I’ve used light mozzarella cheese, and the main reason for this is that I find it’s less greasy when melted than some alternatives, so the wrap stays nice and crispy once cooked. Of course though, you can experiment with your favourite cheese if you’d prefer.

SERVING YOUR PIZZA CALZONE

This pizza calzone makes a filling meal, so you might find that it’s enough to serve it with a leafy salad.

If you’re really feeling hungry though, you could cook up some slimming chips as a side dish.

These calzones are quick, easy, and surprisingly filling. A great option after a long day at work!

Prep Time: 5mins

Cook Time: 20mins

Total Time: 25mins

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Servings: 1 

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 Weight Watchers wrap
  • 4 tbsp tinned tomatoes
  • 40 grams light mozzarella grated
  • 1 slice cooked ham chopped
  • 2 mushrooms sliced
  • 1 tbsp red onion finely sliced
  • 1 egg beaten
  • Low calorie cooking spray

INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. Preheat your oven to 200 degrees.
  2. Spritz a baking tray with low calorie cooking spray. Place the wrap on top, and spread the tinned tomatoes over one half, being careful not to get too close to the edge.
  3. wrap tomato sauce
  4. Add the mozzarella, ham, mushrooms, and onions. Brush the outer edges of the wrap with the beaten egg.
calzone filling
  1. Fold over the wrap to form the calzone, and use the back of a fork to crimp together.
  2. Brush the calzone with the beaten egg, and place in the oven for 10-15 minutes or until golden brown.
  3. Remove from the oven, turn over, brush the opposite side with the beaten egg, and place back in the over for 10-15 minutes or until golden brown.
  4. Serve and enjoy!

NOTES:

The nutritional values provided are carefully calculated and correct at time of publication but may not always be completely accurate.

If you’re serious about sticking rigidly to your plan, it’s always worth doing your own calculations for extra peace of mind – and remember, we may be using different brands or variations of ingredients which can significantly impact the nutritional values!

Nutritional Info:

Calories: 240kcal

Green Grapes Smoothie Recipe

This simple grape smoothie is so good, and very easy to make, that it is difficult to beat. Now you can enjoy the deliciousness of a smoothie without the lines or cost.

Making a fresh grape smoothie is very simple and it tastes fabulous. Not only is this smoothie recipe the perfect treat, but it is also a healthy snack you can enjoy without guilt.

Be sure to give this easy smoothie recipe a try, or save it for later. You won’t want to miss out on this easy smoothie recipe!

 Today we are excited to show you how you can easily make a Green Grape Smoothie from scratch with only a few additional ingredients included. You can also use other types of grapes, with this same recipe to make a Concord Grape Smoothie or a Red Grape Smoothie. 

The types of grapes you use will slightly change the flavor of your smoothie. But all types taste delicious when you make this simple grape smoothie recipe.

PREP TIME: 10mins

TOTAL TIME: 10mins

COURSE: Appetizer, Breakfast, Dessert, Drinks

SERVINGS: 2 glasses

INGREDIENTS:

  • 3 cups green grapes
  • 1 cup yogurt
  • 3/4 cup apple juice
  • 1/4 tsp lemon juice

INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. Before you begin making your smoothie, it is best to buy fresh grapes, remove them from their stem, and thoroughly rinse them in cold water.
  2. After they dry, transfer the grapes to a plastic freezer bag and freeze.
  3. When your grapes are frozen solid, add to your blender along with yogurt and juice. Blend until smooth.
  4. Pour your smoothie from the blender into your serving glass.
  5. If desired top with whipped cream, then serve right away. Enjoy!

 

NOTES:

Any variety of grapes may be used for this recipe as long as they are seedless and have been completely frozen.

You may also choose to add a top of flavoring to this recipe if you wish. ½ tsp of vanilla or ¼ tsp of lemon juice often add a nice little bit of additional flavor.

Nutritional Info:

2 Servings Each serving is estimated to contain 222 calories. It is also estimated to contain 2.1g total fat, 7mg cholesterol, 92mg sodium, 42.8g total carbohydrates, and 7.9g protein. 

The Best Crack Cake Recipe

Crack Cake is incredibly moist and dense, with delicious warm hints of cinnamon and a buttery wine sugar glaze that takes this cake to new levels of pure decadence!

 COURSE DESSERT

 CUISINE AMERICAN

 PREP TIME: 15minutes

 COOK TIME: 1hour 

INGREDIENTS:

CAKE INGREDIENTS

▢1 yellow cake mix

▢3.4 oz. vanilla pudding mix

▢¼ cup packed light brown sugar

▢¼ cup granulated sugar

▢2 teaspoons cinnamon

▢5 large eggs room temperature

▢½ cup whole milk

▢½ cup vegetable oil

▢1 cup sour cream

▢½ cup sweet white wine I used a Riesling

GLAZE INGREDIENTS

▢½ cup salted butter

▢¼ cup sweet white wine

▢1 cup granulated sugar

INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a bundt pan with nonstick baking spray and set aside.
  2. In a medium mixing bowl, beat together all of the cake ingredients.
  3. Beat mixture until fully combined.
  4. Pour batter into prepared bundt pan.
  5. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the cake comes out clean and the edges of the cake have pulled away from the pan.
  6. In a small saucepan, heat butter wine and sugar for the glaze. Heat and stir until sugar is dissolved, then remove from heat.
  7. Use a bamboo skewer or toothpick to poke holes all over the cake bottom (still in the pan).
  8. Pour glaze over the cake and allow it to soak up the glaze. This takes 15-20 minutes.
  9. Once the glaze is absorbed into the cake, loosen the sides of the pan with a spatula as much as possible. Turn the cake out of the pan onto a cake plate.
  10. Cut and serve cake.

NUTRITIONAL INFO:

Calories: 518kcal | Carbohydrates: 70g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 101mg | Sodium: 464mg | Potassium: 107mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 52g | Vitamin A: 472IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 144mg | Iron: 1mg

 

Creamy Beef Roasted Red Pepper Pasta Bake Recipe

Creamy Beef Roasted Red Pepper Pasta Bake – Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with our creamy ground beef pasta recipe. This delectable dish features trofie pasta, roasted red peppers, and a heavenly blend of torn mozzarella and Parmesan. Baked to perfection, each bite is a symphony of flavors that will leave you craving more. Get ready to experience a mouthwatering culinary delight like no other.

There’s something undeniably irresistible about the combination of pasta and a hearty meat sauce turned into a delicious pasta bake. Imagine a bubbling casserole dish, brimming with layers of mouthwatering goodness, proudly displayed at the center of our table.

As a family, we value the time spent together at the dinner table, and I believe that enjoying a healthy, low-calorie meal doesn’t mean sacrificing the joy of sharing the same foods. That’s why I always make sure to include nutritious sides that encourage healthy eating habits for everyone. By incorporating wholesome ingredients and smart choices, we can all indulge in the same delicious spread while maintaining a balanced lifestyle.

Trust me, once you experience the magic of this dish, it will become an absolute favourite, and you’ll be inspired to recreate it again and again. So gather around the table, savour the delightful flavors, and revel in the knowledge that a healthy meal can be both satisfying and enjoyed by the whole family.

Variations on the the Recipe

Bring your own unique twist to the classic Creamy Beef Roasted Red Pepper Pasta Bake with these creative variations. Customize the dish to suit your preferences and add an exciting burst of flavor to your culinary creation. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Vegetarian Option: Embrace a vegetarian lifestyle or simply explore meat-free alternatives by swapping the ground beef with plant-based ground meat. The plant-based version will provide a delicious and satisfying vegetarian option, without compromising on taste or texture.

Different Mince/Ground Meat: Experiment with various types of mince or ground meat to suit your preferences. Turkey, chicken, or pork mince can be excellent alternatives to beef, bringing their unique flavors and characteristics to the dish. Each variety will lend a distinct taste and create a delightful variation.

Additional Spicy Kick: For those who enjoy a fiery culinary adventure, amplify the heat level by adding a dash of hot sauce, such as Tabasco. This extra kick will infuse your pasta bake with an irresistible zing, tantalizing your taste buds with every bite.

Additional Flavor: Explore the depths of flavor by substituting sweet regular paprika with smoky paprika. The smoky variation will impart a rich, smoldering essence, adding complexity and a touch of intrigue to the dish. However, if you prefer a milder flavor, stick to sweet paprika for a more delicate taste.

Herbaceous Twist: Elevate the freshness of your pasta bake by incorporating fragrant herbs like basil, thyme, or oregano. The addition of these aromatic herbs will infuse the dish with a burst of natural flavors, enhancing its overall appeal and providing a delightful herbaceous twist.

Added Vegetables: Amp up the nutritional value and add vibrant colors to your dish by including additional vegetables. Choose vegetables that complement the flavors of the pasta bake, being mindful of their water content. Spinach, bell peppers, mushrooms, or any vegetable of your choice can be sautéed or lightly cooked before being added to the pasta bake, ensuring they retain their texture and flavor.

Unleash your culinary creativity with these variations, allowing you to personalize the Creamy Beef Roasted Red Pepper Pasta Bake to your liking. Whether you’re exploring different protein sources, enhancing the spice level, or infusing fresh herbs and vegetables, these modifications will elevate your dining experience and create a dish that truly reflects your unique tastes.

Tips for Freezing

To enjoy this scrumptious pasta bake on a busy weeknight or store leftovers for later, follow these freezing suggestions. Keep in mind that not everyone finds frozen, defrosted, and reheated pasta appealing due to its slightly overcooked texture. However, if you’re content with the outcome of frozen pasta dishes, you can confidently freeze this particular dish.

Creamy Beef Roasted Red Pepper Pasta Bake – This delectable dish features trofie pasta, roasted red peppers, and a heavenly blend of torn mozzarella and Parmesan. Baked to perfection, each bite is a symphony of flavors that will leave you craving more. Get ready to experience a mouthwatering culinary delight like no other.

PREP TIME: 15 mins

COOK TIME: 40 mins

TOTAL TIME: 55 mins

INGREDIENTS:

  • olive oil spray
  • 1 onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves of garlic, crushed
  • 455g (1lb) of extra lean ground beef (mince)
  • 1 teaspoon of sweet paprika
  • salt and black pepper
  • pinch of red chilli flakes (optional)
  • 200g (7oz) of roasted red peppers (jarred in brine), drained
  • 1 cup (240ml) of chicken stock
  • 2 tablespoons of tomato paste (puree)
  • 1 tablespoon of granulated sweetener
  • 80ml of reduced fat single cream or half and half
  • 240g of trofie pasta, uncooked – or use your preferred pasta shape)
  • 90g (3oz) of fresh mozzarella, torn into pieces
  • 30g (1oz) of freshly finely grated parmesan
  • 2 teaspoons of dried parsley

INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. Spray a deep ovenproof frying pan with olive spray
  2. Add the onion and fry for a few minutes until softened.
  3. Add in the mince and garlic and fry until browned.
  4. Season well with salt and black pepper and stir in the paprika and pinch of chilli flakes if using.
  5. Add the drained roasted red peppers, tomato paste, stock and sweetener to a blend and pulse until sauce like.
  6. Pour this into the mince along with the cream , and simmer for 10 minutes.
  7. Taste the meat sauce and season as needed to your desired taste with salt and black pepper
  8. Cook the pasta in a pot of salted boiling water until al dente, reserve a 1/3 cup (80ml) of the cooked pasta water, then drain the pasta, spray with olive oil spray and toss to coat to prevent it from sticking together.
  9. Preheat oven to 170c fan, 190c, 375f or gas mark 5
  10. Add to the meat sauce, along with the reserved pasta water and stir until all combined and coated.
  11. Scatter with the torn fresh mozzarella and sprinkle inbetween with the parmesan.
  12. Bake in the oven for 20 minutes until cheese on top is melted and lightly golden
  13. Sprinkle with the dried parsley and enjoy!!

Notes:

WW Points and other Slimming or Weight Loss programs: due to plans regularly changing and updating, we recommend calculating with the official tools you get as a member to those plans to ensure accuracy of values

Gluten Free Friendly – use gluten free pasta and stock

Suitable for Freezing ❄️

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Nutritional Info:

Yield: 4

Serving Size

1 SERVING

Calories547TotalFat13gSaturatedFat7gTransFat0gUnsaturatedFat10gCholesterol66mgSodium521mgCarbohydrates54gFiber2gSugar4gProtein39g