COOKBOOK - Amazon Web Services...THE FORCE FACTOR® COOKBOOK Companion recipes for your workout and...
Transcript of COOKBOOK - Amazon Web Services...THE FORCE FACTOR® COOKBOOK Companion recipes for your workout and...
COOKBOOK
THEFORCE FACTOR®
COOKBOOKCompanion recipes for your workout and Force Factor
supplement program selected to help you
Unleash Your Potential™
Anthony Lewis
Copyright © 2012 Force Factor®, LLC
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced
in any form without written permission from the publisher.
CONTENTSBREAKFAST ....................................................................................................................................3
SOUPS ..........................................................................................................................................17
SALADS ........................................................................................................................................31
POULTRY ......................................................................................................................................46
BEEF ............................................................................................................................................61
PORK ...........................................................................................................................................74
FISH & SHELLFISH .........................................................................................................................84
SIDES & SAUCES ...........................................................................................................................98
DESSERTS & SNACKS ..................................................................................................................111
PROTEIN SHAKES ........................................................................................................................124
BREAKFASTYou’ve heard it before: Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.
Well, it’s true, especially when you’re trying to build muscle, lose weight, or
just get in better shape. The fuel you give your body at breakfast can make
a huge difference for your energy level at the gym later on. It can also help
you to stay on track with your diet plan and resist temptations later. During
sleep, our body is fasting. So, breakfast literally means “breaking the fast.”
You need nutrients in the morning to start up your metabolism and get
your body back to building muscle. That’s why many experts recommend
you “eat breakfast like a king” and make dinner your smallest meal.
The building blocks of a great breakfast include proteins, complex
carbohydrates for energy, fiber for fullness, and a small amount of
(healthful) fats. Breakfast is the right time of the day to ingest the
carbohydrates you need for energy. Choose complex carbs in the morning
to avoid the insulin surge caused by simple carbohydrates (like sugars).
For breakfast, we’ve included recipes that cover the basics of our favorite
morning muscle-building meals. From the protein-rich eggs in our Easy
Spinach Frittata to the complex carbs of oats in our Chocolate Banana
Oatmeal to a makeover of traditional pancakes, we’ve got great choices
that will get you out of bed in the morning and fill you up so you’re ready to
start your day.
B
4
THE RECIPESBREAKFAST EGG CUPS .............................. 5
CAULIFLOWER HASH ................................ 6
CHOCOLATE BANANA OATMEAL ................. 7
EASY SPINACH FRITTATA ........................... 8
FIESTA EGGS ............................................ 9
FRENCH VANILLA OATMEAL ..................... 10
LOW-FAT BREAKFAST BURRITO ................ 11
MEDITERRANEAN EGG WHITE OMELET ..... 12
PROTEIN PANCAKES ............................... 13
PUMPKIN PIE OATMEAL .......................... 14
ZUCCHINI PANCAKES .............................. 15
5
Breakfast Egg CupsMaking breakfast for a crowd? These vegetable egg cups will keep everyone full and satisfied
through the morning. You can substitute low or non-fat cheddar cheese for the mozzarella if you
prefer the flavor. Chopped, cooked Canadian bacon can also be substituted for the bacon bits.
INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS1 medium onion, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 ½ cups fresh spinach, torn
12 large eggs
1 cup part-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded
3 tablespoons bacon bits
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and red
pepper and cook until just before onions become translucent. Add garlic
and fresh spinach and sauté until spinach is fully cooked (spinach will
shrink dramatically in size). Remove from heat to cool.
In a medium bowl, whip the eggs, shredded cheese, and bacon bits.
When completely incorporated, add cooled veggies and mix well.
Spray a muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray. Spoon the egg mixture
evenly into 18 muffin cups. Cook in the oven for 20 minutes or until eggs
are set.
Makes 18 savory egg muffins.
6
Cauliflower HashBoth fast-food and diner-style hash browns are diet-disasters. Deep frying in oil adds lots of fat
and saturated fat to the starchy potatoes. As oily and greasy as French fries, they can also be
as addicting, making it impossible to stop after just a few bites. Instead, try our cauliflower hash.
The cooked cauliflower has a similar texture to potatoes but has less starch (and fewer carbs) per
serving. Using turkey bacon and just a little oil also helps keep the fat content under control.
INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS12 ounces of fresh cauliflower, well grated
4 slices turkey bacon
½ cup chopped onion
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the bacon and onion and
cook until they just begin to brown. Add in the cauliflower and some of the
oil. Stir continuously, adding the remainder of the oil gradually as needed
while the cauliflower browns. The hash is complete when the cauliflower is
very soft and browned all over.
Makes 2 servings.
7
Chocolate-Banana OatmealIf you’re a fan of chocolate in the morning, than this is the oatmeal recipe for you. Using a low-calorie
hot cocoa mix and zero-calorie sweetener helps keep the calorie and fat count low so you can get a
sweet fix while you’re getting complex carbs for all-day energy from the oatmeal and potassium from
the bananas.
INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS ⅓ cup regular oats
1 packet diet hot cocoa mix
¼ cup boiling water
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
⅛ cup cold water
1 teaspoon zero-calorie sweetener
1 small banana, mashed well
In a small bowl, mix the cocoa packet, boiling water, and cinnamon until
dissolved. Add in the cold water and stir. Place in the refrigerator for at
least 15 minutes.
Remove from refrigerator and mix with oats and mashed banana in a
large (microwave-safe) bowl and cook in the microwave for 3 minutes.
Stir, then allow it to cool and thicken before eating. Serve with additional
banana slices on top, if desired.
Makes 1 serving.
8
Easy Spinach FrittataThis spinach frittata packs a kick of heat from the jalapenos. If you don’t like spicy food in the
morning, swap out the hot peppers for ½ cup of chopped red bell pepper. If you want even more
spice in the morning, leave in some of the jalapeño seeds.
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
12 eggs
1 cup fresh spinach
4 jalapeño peppers, seeded and diced
½ cup chopped onion
½ cup part-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded
3 tablespoons skim milk
Cook eggs in skillet for approximately 2 minutes, scraping the sides and
bottom with a spatula. When eggs are somewhat cooked, but still very
loose (there should be chunks of cooked eggs amid the loose eggs), stop
stirring and allow it to cook for 1 minute longer.
Sprinkle the eggs with the remaining ¼ cup of cheese. Put skillet under
broiler and brown for 2-4 minutes.
Remove skillet from oven and allow it to sit for 5 minutes to complete
cooking. Cut into 8 wedges and enjoy.
Makes 8 servings.
Preheat broiler.
Spray a skillet (12” preferred) with nonstick cooking spray and place over
medium-high heat. Sauté spinach, peppers, and onions until cooked.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs with the milk and ¼ cup of the cheese.
Add egg mixture to the skillet.
9
Fiesta EggsStart the day off right with protein-packed eggs, lots of flavor, and a kick of spice. You can serve
these eggs plain, without the wrap, if you prefer, but the tortilla makes it super easy to take them for
breakfast on-the-go.
INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS4 whole-wheat, low-carb tortillas
2 green chilies (canned, drained), chopped finely
1 onion, chopped
2 tomatoes, seeded and chopped
3 whole eggs plus 1 egg white, beaten
1 tablespoon taco seasoning
2 tablespoons fat-free cheddar cheese, shredded
Salt and pepper, to taste
Spray a large skillet with nonstick vegetable cooking spray. Over low heat,
add the chopped chilies, onion, and tomatoes. Cover skillet and cook until
tender, stirring occasionally.
In a bowl, combine eggs and taco seasoning. Uncover skillet and push
vegetables to one side of the pan. Add the egg mixture to the other side
and scramble them. When the eggs are almost completely cooked, mix
them with the vegetables to complete the cooking. Season with salt and
pepper.
Place ¼ of cooked eggs on a whole wheat tortilla and sprinkle with
shredded cheese. Wrap tortilla up and enjoy.
Makes 4 servings.
10
French Vanilla OatmealIf you’re a fan of flavored oatmeal, you’ve probably realized by now that buying pre-flavored packets
can jack up the price (and the sugar count) of your breakfast dramatically. Instead, do your wallet
and your body a favor by buying the plain kind and adding your favorite flavors in yourself! This
French Vanilla Oatmeal is a great example.
INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS½ cup oats
Dash salt
¾ cup water
¼ cup vanilla-flavored almond milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon zero-calorie sweetener
2 ounces chopped almonds
½ teaspoon brown sugar
On the stove, add a dash of salt to the water and boil. Stir in oats and
cook for about 4 minutes on medium heat. Add in the almond milk and
cook 1-2 minutes longer. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla and
sweetener. Allow to cool and thicken for 2 minutes. Then top with sliced
almonds and sprinkle with brown sugar.
Makes 1 serving.
11
Low-Fat Breakfast BurritoWhen you’re on-the-go in the morning it can be tempting to stop in for a fast-food breakfast. Instead,
we’ve got an easy and portable option for you to try with this breakfast burrito. It delivers the protein,
complex carbohydrates, and fiber you need to feel full and have energy at the gym later on.
INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS1 low-fat whole wheat tortilla
1 whole egg + 2 egg whites, mixed
2 tablespoons chopped onions
2 tablespoons chopped red bell pepper
1 teaspoon chopped green chile (optional)
1 tablespoon shredded non-fat cheese (e.g. cheddar or Monterey Jack)
1 teaspoon chives, chopped
1 tablespoon chunky salsa
Salt and pepper, to taste
Spray a small frying pan with nonstick cooking spray. Sauté the onions,
bell peppers, and chile over medium heat until the onions are translucent.
Add in the egg mixture and scramble gently until just before it reaches
desired doneness. Mix in cheese for the final seconds of cooking.
Microwave the tortilla between 2 sheets of paper towels for 10 seconds
to soften it. Then, place the tortilla flat on a plate and add the scrambled
eggs on top. Sprinkle the chives and the salsa over the egg, add salt and
pepper to taste, and wrap up the tortilla.
Makes 1 serving.
12
Mediterranean Egg White OmeletThis is a great choice for those who love the Greek flavors of Kalamata olives and feta cheese. With
the whites of 5 eggs, this omelet is packed with protein and is ideal if you’re looking to gain size or
recover from a workout. You can keep the fat to a minimum by choosing reduced fat cheese and
cooking your lean bacon in the microwave on paper towels. The towels help sop up extra fat and
grease so it doesn’t end up in your eggs (or in your mouth).
INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS1 whole egg
4 egg whites
2 strips of cooked, lean turkey bacon, chopped
1 ounce reduced-fat feta cheese, crumbled
2 tablespoons avocado, chopped
5 large Kalamata olives, pitted and chopped
¼ cup fresh, chopped spinach
1 plum tomato, diced
In a small bowl, mix the egg whites and whole egg with a fork. Add to
a nonstick omelet pan or small skillet (sprayed with nonstick cooking
spray) over medium-high heat. Cook on one side until the bottom side
has completed cooking, then flip. Add the bacon, cheese, avocado,
olives, spinach, and tomato atop ½ of the omelet while the egg completes
cooking. Fold egg over to cover the ingredients and serve hot.
Makes 1 serving.
13
Protein PancakesUsing whey isolate protein powder in these pancakes keeps their carbohydrate count very low while
still allowing you to indulge in a favorite morning meal. The egg whites add more protein to these
pancakes, but if you want even more, spread 1 tablespoon of peanut butter over the top of a warm
pancake.
INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS½ cup oats
½ cup very hot water
1 scoop (approximately 40 grams) of whey isolate protein powder
¼ cup egg whites
½ teaspoon cinnamon
⅛ cup chopped pecans, optional
Cook oats by mixing oats and hot water in a small bowl. Stir well and allow
to stand until the oats have absorbed much of the water and are fluffy.
In a separate bowl, combine egg whites and protein powder. Mix well and
then add to the oats mixture. Finally, stir in the cinnamon and optional nuts
if desired.
Spray a hot griddle pan with nonstick cooking spray. Add ¼ of the batter to
the pan and flip after cooking on the bottom side has completed and the
pancake is golden brown.
Makes 4 pancakes.
14
Pumpkin Pie OatmealVery few of our favorite holiday desserts are low-fat and healthful. Traditional pumpkin pie is no
exception. However, we’ve taken the pumpkin flavor and transformed the creamy richness of the
pie into a tasty, oatmeal breakfast that is packed with fiber to keep you full and energized for the
day ahead. It’s a great choice to help you stave off the temptations during the holidays when you’re
faced with the real deal.
INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS¼ cup oats
2 ½ tablespoons canned pumpkin puree
1 tablespoon skim milk
1 teaspoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon zero-calorie sweetener
½ teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
Dried cranberries and chopped pecans (optional toppings)
Cook the oats according to package directions. When
the oatmeal is finished cooking, but is still hot, add in the
pumpkin puree, brown sugar, sweetener, milk, and spices.
Mix well. Cook for 1-2 minutes longer on the stovetop. Set
to cool and thicken for a minute before topping with a few
dried cranberries and pecans.
Makes 1 serving.
15
Zucchini PancakesHalfway between hash browns and pancakes, these zucchini patties are delicious and easy to make
on a hectic morning. Zucchini is easy on a low-carb diet, with just about 7 grams of carbs in 1 cup
cooked. Plus, it’s a great source of fiber, vitamin A, and vitamin C. The two eggs in the recipe hold it
all together, acting as protein-packed pancake glue.
INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS1 cup zucchini, grated
2 eggs
2 tablespoons onion, grated
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon Canola oil
Grate the zucchini and blot lightly with a paper towel to remove some
excess moisture. Beat eggs together in a separate bowl.
Combine all ingredients except Canola oil and mix well.
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. With hands, shape
mixture into 4 flattened patties and add to oil. Flip when browned on one
side to complete cooking.
Makes 2 servings.
SOUPSSoup can act as both a meal starter and a meal substitute. High in liquid
content, soup eaten as a mid-day meal or as a first course can help you
satisfy your hunger and make you feel fuller. Some research shows that
eating soup before a main course can reduce the amount eaten by about
20% at the main meal. This means that having soup before your meal is
a good decision especially when you know you’re going to be faced with
a tempting, unhealthful buffet/menu later on. When you feel full, you’re
less likely to overindulge! If you’re cutting weight, soup can serve as a
low-calorie meal substitute. Try pairing one of our soups with a small
side salad or a slice of toasted whole-wheat bread to fill up your stomach
even more.
To keep fat intake low, we’ve chosen soups that are broth and vegetable-
based instead of those that are high in cream and/or butter. Chunky
vegetable soups like our Vegetable Minestrone and Zesty Taco Soup also
have the extra filling power of fiber from vegetables. If you like a thicker,
creamier soup, our vegetable puree-based soups, like the Pumpkin Soup
and Creamy Carrot Soup, will definitely satisfy.
S
THE RECIPESCHICKEN, NOODLE, & SPINACH SOUP ...... 19
CREAMY CARROT SOUP .......................... 20
FAT-FREE TOMATO SOUP .......................... 21
GAZPACHO WITH CHICKPEAS .................. 22
MINTY PEA SOUP ................................... 23
MISO SOUP WITH MUSHROOMS .............. 24
PUMPKIN SOUP ..................................... 25
ROASTED BUTTERNUT SQUASH SOUP ...... 26
SPICY BLACK BEAN SOUP ....................... 27
VEGETABLE MINESTRONE ........................ 28
ZESTY TACO SOUP .................................. 29
19
Chicken, Noodle, & Spinach SoupWe’ve taken the classic chicken noodle soup and packed it full of nutritious and fiber-rich veggies.
8 ounces of spinach may look like a lot when fresh, but it will shrink dramatically when you add it to
the hot soup. Even after it has shrunk in the soup, the spinach is still a great way to get vitamin C,
vitamin A, and calcium.
INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 large onion, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 ½ cups celery, chopped
½ cup sliced carrots
1 cup leeks, chopped
4 cups fat-free chicken stock or broth
¼ teaspoon chili powder (optional)
8 ounces fresh spinach leaves, roughly chopped
1 cup egg noodles, cooked to al dente
¾ lb. cooked chicken breast, cut into ½” cubes
Salt and pepper, to taste
Over medium heat, add oil to a large soup pot and sauté garlic, onion, bell
peppers, celery, carrots, and leeks. Cook, stirring often, until the onions
are translucent. Add the chicken stock and season with salt and pepper
and optional chili powder if desired. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and allow
soup to simmer for 40 minutes.
Add the fresh spinach and cover the pot. Let spinach reduce in size,
cooking for approximately 2 minutes. Then add noodles and chicken. Cook
for 5 minutes longer and serve hot.
Makes 6 servings.
20
Creamy Carrot SoupIf you love carrots, this is the perfect soup for you. Creamy, yet light, this soup has a little sweetness
from the brown sugar and a little spice from the nutmeg. The carrots are an excellent source of
vitamin A which is great for your vision, immune system, cellular health, and much more.
INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS10 medium carrots, cleaned and sliced
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 cups water
3 tablespoons flour
½ teaspoon nutmeg
4 cups skim milk
Salt and pepper to taste
Parsley, to garnish
Heat the carrots with the brown sugar and water in a large saucepan.
Cover and simmer for about 20 minutes. The carrots should be very
tender. Drain them and set aside.
In a clean saucepan, combine the flour, nutmeg, and milk. Stirring
constantly, cook over medium-high heat until the sauce thickens.
Add both the white sauce and drained carrots to a blender and puree until
smooth. You may thin the soup with a little hot water, if desired. Garnish
with parsley and serve hot.
Makes 4 servings.
21
Fat-Free Tomato SoupSoup is a great way to fill up your stomach; however, many creamy soups can also fill out your
waistline. Our tomato soup is tasty with Italian-inspired flavors and no fat. Serve it piping hot as a
starter or alongside a toasted sandwich as a main course.
INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS1 cup chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, crushed
¼ teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
3 cans (28 ounces each) tomatoes with their juice
2 medium ripe tomatoes, chopped well
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, minced
½ teaspoon dried oregano
Spray a large saucepan with nonstick spray and sauté the onions and
garlic over medium heat. Cover pan and stir occasionally. When onions
are cooked, add the cumin and black pepper and stir. Turn the heat to low
and cover.
Drain the canned tomatoes and set their juice aside. Blend the tomatoes
until completely smooth using a blender or food processor. Add blended
tomatoes to the onion mixture. Then add their reserved juice and the fresh
diced tomatoes. Cover pot and let simmer on low heat for 45 minutes.
Remove from heat, sprinkle with parsley and oregano and serve.
Makes 12 servings.
22
Gazpacho with ChickpeasSoups can fill you up all year long. This gazpacho is served cold, so it’s perfectly refreshing for a
hot summer day. The addition of the chickpeas adds in a lot more fiber to help you feel fuller, faster.
Chickpeas are also rich in important minerals like calcium, iron, and zinc.
INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS1 (15 ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
6 cups tomato juice
1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
3 cloves garlic, crushed
½ cup cucumber, finely chopped
¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
1 teaspoon dried parsley
½ teaspoon hot sauce
¼ cup lime juice
Fresh cilantro, optional
Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and mix well. Cover and chill in the
refrigerator for at least 1 hour prior to serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro,
if desired.
Makes 6 servings.
23
Minty Pea SoupFresh green peas have comparatively more sugar and starch than many other green vegetables, but
they also have bonus phytonutrients, including some that may have anti-inflammatory benefits. If you
prefer a chunkier pea soup, feel free to skip the straining step in this recipe.
INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS2 teaspoons light butter
1 cup chopped onions
4 cups green peas, shelled
3 cups fat-free chicken broth
2 cups water
1 tablespoon lime juice
2 tablespoons finely chopped mint
2 tablespoons chopped walnuts, optional
In a saucepan over medium-high heat, sauté the onions in the butter
until they begin to turn translucent. Add in the peas, broth, and water and
bring to a boil. Reduce heat and allow the soup to simmer for 10 minutes.
Remove the pot from the heat and allow it to cool for 15 minutes. Then stir
in the lime juice and season with salt and pepper.
Puree the pea mixture in a blender until smooth. Pour half of the blended
soup through a sieve to remove the solids. Allow the other half of the
mixture to remain unstrained. Combine both halves and return to the
stovetop over low heat until ready to serve. Just before serving, sprinkle in
mint and garnish with walnuts, if desired
Makes 6 servings.
24
Miso Soup with MushroomsWhether you’re dining out or at home, miso soup is a smart choice for keeping your calorie count
low. 1 cup of this soup has just 100 calories. Miso is a Japanese flavoring made from soybeans.
White miso has a light flavor, but you can increase the level of flavor by choosing a darker variety
instead.
INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
1 cup diced tomatoes, peeled and seeded
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon peeled, minced ginger
4 cups vegetable broth
2 tablespoons white miso
¼ lb. tofu, drained and cubed
5 ounces shiitake (or similar) mushrooms, sliced thinly
1 cup arugula or watercress leaves
¼ cup chopped green onion, for garnish
Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Sauté the
onion until translucent. Then add the tomatoes, ginger, and garlic and
sauté for about 5 minutes. Add the stock and bring the soup to a boil.
Reduce heat and let simmer.
Add the miso, stirring constantly until dissolved. Add the cubed tofu,
mushrooms, and arugula leaves and simmer for 1-2 minutes longer.
Sprinkle with green onion and serve immediately
Makes 4 servings.
25
Pumpkin SoupCanned pumpkin is available year-round, but this soup makes a great lunch especially during the fall
and winter. Having this soup before your meal may even help you avoid the temptation of pumpkin
pie later on! As an added bonus, pumpkin puree is very low in fat and calories and an excellent
source of vitamin E, vitamin A, and fiber.
INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS1 cup water
1 medium onion, chopped
1 (8 ounce) can pumpkin
1 cup vegetable broth
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 cup fat-free milk
Salt and pepper, to taste
In a large saucepan on medium-high heat, cook the onion in ½ cup of the
water until tender, approximately 4 minutes. Add the remaining ½ cup of
water, pumpkin, broth, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix well and bring to a boil.
Reduce heat and allow soup to simmer for 5 minutes. Gently stir in the
milk and heat until warm enough to serve. Do not allow the soup to boil
after the milk has been added.
Season with salt and pepper and serve.
Makes 4 servings.
26
Roasted Butternut Squash SoupRoasting the squash for this recipe makes for a tasty, sweet soup. Butternut squash is a great
source of vitamin A and vitamin C while being full of fiber. The squash and chicken broth allow this
soup to remain very low in fat while still being creamy and satisfying.
INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS1 ½ lbs peeled butternut squash, cut into cubes
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ teaspoon salt
1 medium onion, peeled and chopped in large chunks
1 ounce peeled ginger, thinly sliced
2 ½ cups fat-free chicken broth
Preheat oven to 375° F.
Combine squash, olive oil, salt, onion, and ginger in a baking dish and
toss well to coat with the oil. Bake in the oven for 50 minutes. Vegetables
should be very tender. Remove from oven and let cool for 15-20 minutes.
When cool enough to blend, place the roasted vegetables and chicken
broth in a blender and blend until smooth. Blend half at a time if your
blender cannot fit all of the vegetables at once. Pour blended mixture into
a large soup pot and heat on the stove over medium heat until the soup is
hot enough to serve.
Makes 6 servings.
27
Spicy Black Bean SoupThe soup will warm you up with a spicy kick on a cold day. Nutritionally, the black beans are a
powerhouse. They’re packed with both protein and fiber and are high in flavonoid antioxidants. You
can make this a completely vegetarian dish by subbing vegetable broth for the chicken broth as well.
INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS1 cup frozen corn kernels
3 (15-ounce) cans of black beans, rinsed and drained
1 ½ cups fat-free chicken broth
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes
½ teaspoon cumin
½ tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon salt
In a blender, process 2 cans of the black beans with the chicken broth. Set
aside.
Spray a Dutch oven with nonstick cooking spray and heat on medium-
high. Add frozen corn to the pan and sauté for 5 minutes or until just
beginning to brown. Add in the blended beans, the remaining can of whole
beans, the tomatoes (with liquid), cumin, chili powder, and salt. Stir to
combine. Bring the soup to a boil. Cover, reduce heat to medium, and
simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Makes 6 servings.
28
Vegetable MinestroneDon’t be intimidated by the long list of ingredients in this soup! Most are vegetables that are easy to
find in your grocery store year-round. Although chopping the vegetables takes time, it’s worth it. This
soup is chock-full of tasty (and fat-free!) vegetables that will fill you up with fiber and a huge number
of other important nutrients. It’s a great choice for satisfying your hunger before a winter meal so
you won’t go overboard on the main course.
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup onions, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 ½ cups zucchini, chopped
½ cup celery, chopped
½ cup cut fresh green beans
1 cup carrots, chopped
2 (16-ounce) cans of low-sodium, fat-free chicken broth
1 cup water
1 (15 ounce) can stewed tomatoes
1 (16-ounce) can red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
1 ½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
Heat oil in a large soup bowl over medium-high heat. Add garlic and onion
and sauté for about 3 minutes. Then add all remaining ingredients, except the
pasta and cheese. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 15 minutes.
Bring the soup back to a boil and add the pasta. Cook for 10 minutes or
until the pasta is al dente.
Serve hot and sprinkle each bowl with about a tablespoon of the
Parmesan cheese if desired.
Makes 6 servings.
½ cup uncooked shell-shaped pasta
Grated Parmesan cheese, to taste
29
Zesty Taco SoupLove the taste of tacos? You can get the same great flavor without all the fattening ingredients (like
cheese, sour cream, guacamole) by making this soup at home. For a little crunch, serve this soup
with a few baked tortilla chips on the side or try a small dollop of fat-free sour cream in the center.
INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS1 lb. extra-lean ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
1 jalapeño pepper, minced
2 (14.5 ounce) cans diced tomatoes
1 (4.5 ounce) can green chilies, chopped
2 (15 ounce) cans pinto beans, rinsed and drained
1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 (15 ounce) can cream-style corn
1 package hot taco seasoning
1 cup fat-free chicken broth
Salt and pepper, to taste
In a large soup pot, brown the beef with the onions and jalapeño until beef
is fully cooked (no pink remaining). Drain excess grease from the pot. Add
in the tomatoes, chilies, beans, corn, taco seasoning, and chicken broth.
Mix well and simmer for 20 minutes. Add in extra chicken broth if you
prefer a thinner soup. Season with salt and pepper and serve.
Makes 4 servings
SALADLike soups, salads are a great way to fill up your stomach with the
vitamins, minerals, and fiber of vegetables without adding a lot of fat
and calories to your daily budget. Try to choose salads that are high
in a variety of fruits, vegetables, and legumes as these can provide
antioxidants as well as important vitamins and minerals that you can’t
get as easily from other food groups. Salads require caution if they are
topped heavily with dressing (especially creamy varieties like Caesar,
Ranch, Thousand Island, and Russian dressings), full-fat cheeses, and
croutons. Instead, aim to use vegetable oil-based dressings (like olive oil
and balsamic vinaigrette) as well as avocadoes and nuts in your salads to
provide more healthful, monounsaturated fats.
The salad recipes we’ve included for this book are some of our favorites
and definitely cover a wide range. Some, like the Apple Slaw and
Tabbouleh, are best served as a side dish, while others like the Peppered
Steak Salad can act as a whole, light meal on their own. Salad recipes
are also some of the most flexible. If you hate an ingredient, like a
specific fruit or vegetable, you can often just swap it out for one you like
better or eliminate it entirely without ruining the recipe. So, feel free to get
a little creative with our salad recipes to tailor them to your own unique
preferences.
S
THE RECIPESAPPLE SLAW .......................................... 33
ASIAN SEAFOOD SALAD .......................... 34
BLACK-EYED PEA SALAD ......................... 35
CAULIFLOWER SALAD ............................. 36
CITRUS SPINACH SALAD ......................... 37
FRUITY CABBAGE SLAW .......................... 38
PEPPERED STEAK SALAD ........................ 39
QUICK & EASY BLACK BEAN SALAD ......... 40
SALSA-FIED RED BEAN SALAD ................. 41
SUMMER SQUASH & BROWN RICE SALAD ............................... 42
TABBOULEH ........................................... 43
TUNA MACARONI SALAD ......................... 44
33
Apple SlawGreen and red apples give this side dish/salad its tart taste. They also give it a lot of fiber, vitamin C,
and natural sweetness. Nonfat yogurt adds in a little protein and provides the creaminess to hold it
all together. This salad goes great as a side dish for pork and poultry main courses.
INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS1 cup shredded cabbage
1 crisp green apple, cored and sliced very thin
1 crisp red apple, cored and sliced very thin
2 medium carrots, grated
½ cup pre-packaged broccoli slaw
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon raspberry vinegar
2 tablespoons apple juice
½ teaspoon honey
¼ cup nonfat yogurt, plain or apple-flavored
1 ounce dried cranberries
In a medium bowl, combine the cabbage, apples, carrots, broccoli slaw,
and lemon juice and toss well.
In a separate bowl, combine the vinegar, juice, honey, and yogurt. Mix well
and pour over the vegetables. Toss well and refrigerate for at least 2 hours
before serving.
Makes 4 servings.
34
Asian Seafood SaladOften overlooked, crab is actually a great fit for a healthy, active lifestyle. 3 ounces has only about
100 calories but weighs in with 19 grams of protein! Cooked shrimp has similar stats. This salad is
a light, refreshing way to add both shellfish (and the healthful protein and iron they contain) to your
day.
INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS2 cucumbers
1 can (6.5 ounces) crab
3 ounces cooked shrimp
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
½ cup grape tomatoes, halved
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Slice cucumbers very thinly and pat dry. Drain the canned crab.
In a small skillet, heat the sesame oil over medium heat. Add the sesame
seeds and toast them, stirring constantly, until they are lightly browned.
Remove seeds from pan and grind with a mortar and pestle.
Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl and toss well to combine
thoroughly.
Makes 6 servings.
35
Black-Eyed Pea SaladIf you’re not from the southern US, you might not be very familiar with black-eyed peas. Get to know
them though! Like other beans and legumes, they’re high in fiber and protein and low in fat. They’re
also high in potassium which is critical for keeping your muscles working properly.
INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS3 cups black-eyed peas, cooked
½ cup chopped red bell pepper
½ cup chopped yellow bell pepper
½ cup diced green onion
2 cloves garlic, crushed
½ teaspoon dried oregano
3 tablespoons olive oil
4 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and mix well. Marinate at least 6-8
hours in the refrigerator before serving.
Makes 8 servings.
36
Cauliflower SaladLove the taste of a classic potato salad, but don’t want all the fat and carbs? Subbing out the
potatoes for cauliflower is the answer. This recipe is cheap, easy, and perfect summertime barbecue
fare (although we enjoy it year-round).
INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS2 lb bag of frozen cauliflower, thawed and drained
10 ounces of frozen peas and carrots, thawed and drained
2 ounces dill pickles, shredded
1 ¼ cups light mayonnaise
4 eggs, hard-boiled
2 teaspoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon paprika
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 teaspoons yellow mustard
½ cup chopped onion
1 cup chopped celery
After hard boiling the eggs, peel and slice them in half. Remove the yolks
and discard. Chop up the remaining cooked egg whites.
In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, sugar, salt, pepper, paprika, vinegar,
and mustard. Mix well.
Dry thawed veggies with paper towels. Chop any large cauliflower pieces
to approximate the size of chopped potatoes.
Combine all ingredients. Refrigerate for at least an hour before serving.
Makes 8 servings.
37
Citrus Spinach SaladThis tangy salad is both refreshing and nutritious. The citrus fruits are a great source of vitamin
C and also provide potassium and calcium for bone health. Try it out during the colder months
(November – April) when citrus fruits are in their peak season.
INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS2 tablespoons orange juice
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
2 navel oranges, peeled, pith & membrane removed
½ cup canned mandarin oranges, drained of juice
1 tangerine, peeled, pith & membrane removed
1 red grapefruit, peeled, pith & membrane removed
5 cups fresh baby spinach
¼ cup dried cranberries
2 tablespoons pine nuts
In a small bowl, combine the orange juice, olive oil, and vinegar. Mix well.
Add in the prepared oranges, tangerine, and grapefruit and toss to coat
well with dressing.
Add baby spinach to a large bowl. Top with fruit mixture and dressing. Toss
gently to combine. Sprinkle cranberries and pine nuts over the top. Serve
immediately.
Makes 5 servings.
38
Fruity Cabbage SlawYou’ve never had coleslaw like this before! We’ve taken a classic barbecue favorite and lightened it
up by ditching all the fatty mayonnaise and adding in non-fat, fiber-rich fruit instead. If you add in the
optional walnuts, you’ll also be getting healthful omega-3 fatty acids with your slaw.
INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS1 cup shredded cabbage
1 medium red apple, chopped
¼ cup light Italian dressing
1 tablespoon milk
1 teaspoon sugar
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
¼ cup golden raisins
1 ripe pear, sliced
½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and toss gently to coat.
Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Makes 4 servings.
39
Peppered Steak SaladThis salad is absolutely packed with flavor and much lower in calories than the typical restaurant-
style steak salad. It’s also a great way to re-use any leftover roast beef you have in the fridge. You’ll
satisfy your cravings for protein-rich red meat while keeping fat and carbohydrates counts lower at
lunchtime. You can sub in other raw vegetables (like cucumbers, red peppers, or red onion) if you
prefer.
INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONSSalad:
8 oz. cooked lean roast beef, cut into
thin strips
1 cup grape tomatoes, cut in half
1 cup sliced raw white mushrooms,
1 green bell pepper, sliced into strips
½ cup chopped celery
2 cups shredded cabbage
½ cup bean sprouts
Dressing:
¼ cup olive oil
¼ red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon soy sauce
2 garlic cloves, crushed
½ teaspoon ginger
½ teaspoon black pepper
Mix all dressing ingredients well in a large bowl. Add all salad ingredients
except the cabbage and bean sprouts. Mix well and refrigerate for 2-3
hours to allow dressing to soak. Add cabbage and bean sprouts and toss
the salad just before serving.
Makes 1 serving.
40
Quick & Easy Black Bean SaladSide dishes don’t get much easier to make than this one. Our black bean salad is a quick fix and is
full of fiber so it’s sure to fill you up. Want to add some extra flavor? Kick up the heat by using your
favorite hot and spicy salsa. Still not hot enough? Slip in some minced jalapeño pepper, but be sure
to taste test as you go.
INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS1 (16oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 (8oz) can whole kernel corn, drained
½ cup red onion, chopped
½ cup salsa, chunky variety
2 tablespoons lemon juice
½ cup celery, chopped
1 teaspoon ground cumin
2 small garlic cloves, minced
½ teaspoon salt
Combine all ingredients. Enjoy at room temperature and refrigerate
leftovers.
Makes 8 servings.
41
Salsa-fied Red Bean SaladThis bean salad is the perfect choice for filling you up (and not weighing you down). It’s incredibly
simple to make as well. It’s best when served cold, so mix some up the day before you need it. It’s
also perfect as a side dish for a summertime barbecue.
INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS1 (15.5 ounce) can red beans, rinsed and drained
¼ cup chopped scallions
¼ cup chopped red onion
¼ cup black olives, chopped
2 large tomatoes, seeded and chopped
1-2 jalapeño peppers, seeded and chopped
1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl and refrigerate for at least 1
hour before serving.
Makes 6 servings.
42
Summer Squash & Brown Rice SaladBrown rice is definitely a top choice for getting long-term energy in the form of complex
carbohydrates. Low in fat, cholesterol, and sodium, brown rice is definitely one of our top choice
sides at dinnertime. This salad is the perfect way to add new flavors and use up any leftover brown
rice in your fridge. Best served cold, this dish comes together super fast.
INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS1 cup cold, cooked brown rice
½ cup diced zucchini
½ cup diced yellow summer squash
¼ cup chopped red onion
1 teaspoon chopped fresh basil
½ teaspoon salt
¼ cup low-fat zesty Italian dressing
Combine all ingredients except dressing and mix well. Refrigerate until
ready to use. Top with dressing and toss just prior to serving.
Makes 4 servings.
43
TabboulehTabbouleh is a traditional Middle Eastern salad that is packed with parsley and bulgur. Bulgur is a
grain that has more fiber, protein, and most vitamins and minerals than white rice. It’s also a great
source of whole grains and complex carbohydrates for a balanced diet. You can serve it warm, but
it’s traditionally served chilled.
INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS1 cup water
½ cup bulgur
¼ cup lemon juice
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon lemon zest
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon ground allspice
2 cups finely chopped parsley
3 tomatoes, seeded and diced
1 cucumber, peeled, seeded, and diced
In a small saucepan, combine water and bulgur and bring to a boil. Cover
and remove the pot from the heat. Allow it to stand until the water has
been absorbed completely, about 25 minutes. Drain any extra water at this
point. Cool cooked bulgur and transfer to a large bowl.
To make the dressing, combine lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, zest, salt,
pepper, and allspice in a small bowl. Mix well.
To the bulgur, add the parsley, mint, tomatoes and cucumbers. Pour on the
dressing and toss well to coat. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour
before serving.
Makes 8 servings.
44
Tuna Macaroni SaladThis cold pasta salad is your one-stop shop for protein and carbs. We recommend using whole
wheat pasta to add more fiber and whole grains to the meal. Fiber helps you to feel fuller and
reduces your chance of overeating later on. Finally, use fresh basil if it is available and add it just
before serving.
INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS8 ounces of uncooked, whole-wheat pasta (any bite-sized shape)
10 ounces of frozen peas
13 ounces canned tuna, packed in water, drained
¼ cup onion, minced
1 tablespoon fat-free mayonnaise
1 cup plain, nonfat yogurt
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 cloves garlic, crushed
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
¼ teaspoon dried basil (or 1 teaspoon fresh basil)
Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and cool.
Cook the frozen peas in the microwave according to package directions.
Drain any excess water and cool.
Combine all remaining ingredients in a large bowl. Add in the pasta and
peas and mix well. Chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Makes 8 servings.
POULTRYIf you’re like most guys who are trying to build muscle, you’re probably
a little too familiar with plain, grilled chicken breast by now. Don’t let
boredom get you off track, though! Chicken and turkey are some of the
best sources of lean protein that your body will use to build and repair
muscle. They’re also some of the most cost-effective sources of animal
protein which helps to keep them at the top of our easy dinner list. The
same old plain, grilled breast can get tedious though. Using low calorie,
low carb herbs and spices along with vegetables can totally reinvent
the plain chicken breast. Even better, baking, poaching and stir-frying
chicken are all new preparation methods to add to your grilling routine.
When it comes to chicken, boneless, skinless breasts are the most
popular base for our recipes. To save money, you can buy them in bulk
and freeze some for later in the week to use in a different recipe. For
turkey, we use ground turkey breast most often. Turkey is already a lean
meat, but you can find extra-lean varieties in the grocery store that are
up to 99% fat-free. Keep in mind that these will be drier, so you might
want extra sauce or “wet” ingredients when using extra-lean turkey in our
Turkey Loaf and Turkey Meatballs.
P
THE RECIPESBAKED LEMON-VEGETABLE CHICKEN ........ 48
CHILI POWDER CHICKEN ......................... 49
GRILLED JERK CHICKEN .......................... 50
LIME CHICKEN BREAST ........................... 51
MUSHROOM CHICKEN QUESADILLA ......... 52
ORANGE CHICKEN .................................. 53
PRETZEL-CRUSTED CHICKEN NUGGETS WITH HONEY-MUSTARD DIPPING SAUCE ... 54
SPICY GRILLED GARLIC CHICKEN ............. 55
TANDOORI CHICKEN ................................ 56
TURKEY BEAN BURRITOS ........................ 57
TURKEY LOAF ......................................... 58
TURKEY MEATBALLS ............................... 59
48
Baked Lemon-Vegetable ChickenBaking or roasting your poultry is a great way to avoid the extra fat and oil that accompany other
preparations (e.g., sautéing, frying, braising). The lemon and basil in this dish help ensure you’re
getting plenty of flavor even without any of the extra oil or butter of other preparation styles.
INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 teaspoons dried basil
⅛ cup lemon juice
½ cup chopped onion
1 large zucchini, halved and then chopped into 8 pieces
2 carrots, halved and then chopped into 8 pieces each
1 (14 ounce) can artichoke hearts
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Place chicken in a large casserole dish sprayed with nonstick cooking
spray. Sprinkle with the basil and the lemon juice. Add chopped onions
over top and arrange the chopped zucchini and carrots on top of the
chicken. Pour artichoke hearts over the top of the chicken and vegetables.
Cover dish and bake in the oven for 1 hour or until the chicken is cooked
through and the carrots are tender.
Makes 6 servings.
49
Chili Powder Chicken Forget the sugary bbq sauce! Our chili powder grilled chicken has all the flavor without all the extra
sugar, fat, and carbohydrates of the traditional barbecued chicken breast. Serve it with grilled
zucchini, corn on the cob, and a baked potato for a satisfying and balanced summer meal that will
help you maintain and improve on your gains.
INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces each)
4 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons chili powder
2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon salt
Combine oil, chili powder, paprika, cumin, pepper, and salt in a large,
re-sealable plastic bag. Mix well. Add the chicken breasts to bag, seal,
and shake to coat chicken with marinade. Refrigerate overnight to seal in
flavors.
Add chicken breasts to grill. Cook until the juices run clear, about 10-12
minutes per side.
Makes 4 servings.
50
INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS¼ cup chili chutney
1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons Jamaican jerk seasoning
Rub chicken breasts with jerk seasoning. In a separate bowl combine the
chutney and hot pepper sauce.
Grill chicken on medium high heat, about 6 minutes per side (for 6-ounce
breasts). Brush chicken with chutney mix every few minutes during the
cooking process. Allow chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving.
Makes 4 servings.
Grilled Jerk ChickenThe Jamaican jerk seasoning in this recipe adds Caribbean flavors to a favorite protein. To make
this recipe extra simple, we purchase pre-made jerk seasoning at the grocery store, but you can
definitely substitute your own spice rub recipe instead, if you prefer. For an easy dinner, grill up some
asparagus alongside the chicken and serve together.
51
Lime Chicken BreastEven if you’re not currently enjoying the hot and sunny days of summer, this dish can still add some
tropical flavor to your dinner. It’s a great choice for having leftovers - you can eat this hot or cold. Try
slicing up leftovers for a sandwich at lunchtime the next day. 1 serving (1/4 of the recipe) has just 180
calories and 7 grams of fat.
INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 bay leaves
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon white vinegar
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 teaspoon thyme
¼ teaspoon ground coriander
Black pepper to taste
2 limes, cut into slices
Preheat your oven to 325°F.
Place the chicken breasts and bay leaves into a medium-sized baking
dish. Mix oil, vinegar, and lime juice together and pour over the chicken.
Add the thyme, coriander, and black pepper over the top of that and bake
in the oven for 45 minutes.
Place the lime slices over the top of the chicken and return the dish to the
oven for another 10 minutes.
Makes 4 servings.
52
Mushroom Chicken QuesadillaQuesadillas are typically diet-disasters: overloaded with fatty cheese, wrapped in a huge flour
tortilla, and fried in oil. They are a tasty favorite, however, so we’ve trimmed down the fat, calories
and carbohydrates with our version, using re-vamped ingredients and heating it in a sandwich press
rather than frying it in oil. Prepare your chicken breast the lean way by poaching it in boiling water
until cooked through, cooling it, and then shredding it with a fork.
INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS6 ounces sliced mushrooms
1 clove garlic, minced
4 ounces cooked, shredded chicken breast
¼ cup onion, chopped
1 roasted red pepper packed in water, drained and sliced thinly
½ cup fat-free cheddar cheese, shredded
2 high-fiber, whole-wheat tortillas (12” diameter)
Salsa and sliced avocado (for serving)
In a small skillet sprayed with nonstick cooking spray, sauté mushrooms,
garlic, and onion over medium high heat until the mushrooms are tender
(about 7 minutes). Remove from heat and drain the excess liquid that the
mushrooms have released.
Heat sandwich press to high heat. Spray with nonstick cooking spray.
Divide mushroom mixture between the two tortillas. Layer on chicken,
pepper, and cheese evenly between the two and fold over the tortillas.
Place side-by-side on the sandwich press and close top.
Heat about 5-7 minutes or until the quesadilla is heated through and the
cheese is melted. Enjoy hot with salsa and slices of avocado.
Makes 2 servings.
53
Orange ChickenWe turned our favorite Chinese take-out dish into a leaner, lighter, cook-at-home meal. By ditching
the deep-fryer and swapping out the super sugary sauce, we kept the orange taste with less
saturated fat and fewer calories.
INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS2 ½ lbs chicken (thighs, breasts, legs, wings)
1 cup orange juice
½ cup white wine
½ teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon dried parsley
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large onion, diced
1 large tomato, diced
Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Place the chicken on a shallow baking pan and cover with the orange juice
and white wine. Sprinkle basil, parsley, salt, and pepper over the chicken.
Bake the chicken in the oven for 35 minutes.
While the chicken is baking, prepare the sauce. In a skillet over medium-
high heat, heat the oil. Add in the onions and tomatoes and sauté until the
onions are translucent.
Spoon the onions and tomatoes over the chicken and bake for an
additional 10 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked.
Makes 6 servings.
54
Pretzel-Crusted Chicken Nuggets with Honey-Mustard Dipping SauceTraditional chicken nuggets are usually dipped in batter and fried. By baking our nuggets in the
oven, we cut out lots of unneeded saturated fat and calories. With just five ingredients, our chicken
nuggets are really easy to make and the pretzel topping adds a tasty spin on a fast-food classic
INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONSSauce:
¼ cup Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons apple juice
Chicken Nuggets:
¾ lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
½ cup crushed pretzels
Preheat oven to 375°F.
Mix all sauce ingredients in a small bowl and blend together well. Divide
sauce into two small dishes. Place one in the refrigerator to be used for
dipping sauce later.
Dip each chicken cube into remaining mustard sauce, then coat with
crushed pretzels. Place on an ungreased cookie sheet.
Bake the tray of nuggets in the oven for 10-12 minutes. Serve with the
extra sauce.
Makes 3 servings.
55
Spicy Grilled Garlic ChickenThis is the perfect recipe for anyone who’s getting tired of the same-old grilled chicken day after day.
This spicy marinade definitely adds a punch to a classic lean protein without adding excess fat. Try
serving it with some grilled corn on the cob and a cold salad. You can kick up the heat even more by
keeping some of the seeds from the jalapeños.
INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS1 chicken, approximately 3lbs., cut up and skin removed
1 cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons olive oil
1½ teaspoons dried parsley flakes
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
8 garlic cloves, crushed
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1-2 jalapeño peppers, seeded and chopped finely
Combine all ingredients except chicken in a small bowl and mix well to
make marinade.
Place chicken in a large plastic bag. Add marinade, seal bag, and
massage marinade into chicken. Marinate at least 30 minutes or overnight
in the refrigerator. Turn chicken several times while marinating.
When ready to cook, remove chicken from marinade. Reserve marinade
for later. Place chicken pieces on a lightly oiled grill rack and grill on
medium high heat. Grill until chicken is cooked through and the juices run
clear. Brush both sides with remaining marinade at least twice during the
cooking.
Makes 6 servings.
56
Tandoori ChickenWe’ve lightened up this classic Indian preparation for chicken breast. Slashing the meat before
applying the spices helps it to absorb as much of the spice blend as possible prior to cooking. Also,
make sure to allow the chicken to marinate for a full 24 hours before cooking. If you love spice, feel
free to kick up the heat even more with extra chili powder and crushed red pepper in your marinade.
INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS4 chicken breasts, skin removed (approximately 6 ounces each)
1½ teaspoons chili powder
3 tablespoons lemon juice
1 cup plain, fat-free yogurt
1 medium onion, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon paprika
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon garam masala
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon turmeric
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper
In a small bowl, mix together the chili powder and lemon juice.
Place chicken in a large casserole dish. With a knife, slash each chicken
breast a few times. Brush lemon juice mixture over the chicken and let
stand for 30 minutes.
In a medium bowl, combine all the remaining ingredients. Stir well to
incorporate. Pour mixture over the chicken breasts. Cover the casserole
dish and place in the refrigerator for about 24 hours.
Bake the chicken at 450°F for 40 minutes.
Makes 4 servings.
57
Turkey Bean BurritosBurritos at most take-out chains are enormous – huge carb-heavy flour tortillas full of rice, beans,
greasy beef, cheese, and sour cream. They’re not exactly a lean choice. So we’ve lightened up this
classic take-out favorite by using ground turkey breast, fat-free cheese, and replacing the sour
cream with a spicy flavor.
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
1 lb. ground turkey breast
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (15 oz) can red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
8 oz tomato sauce
⅓ cup salsa
1½ teaspoons chili powder
1 cup fat-free cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup reduced-fat cheddar cheese
10 (8”) flour tortillas
pink (about 10 minutes).
Add the beans, tomato sauce, salsa, and chili powder. Cover and reduce
heat to low. Cook for 10 minutes more, stirring occasionally.
Spray a baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray.
Spoon a ½ cup of turkey mixture onto each tortilla and then sprinkle with 1
tablespoon of each cheese. Roll up tortilla and place, seam side down, on
the baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining tortillas.
Bake in the oven for 12 to 14 minutes. Leftovers can be refrigerated and
re-heated later in the microwave.
Makes 5 servings.
Preheat the oven to 375°F.
In a saucepan sprayed with cooking spray over medium heat, cook the
turkey, onions, and garlic, stirring frequently, until the turkey is no longer
58
Turkey LoafMiss the taste, but not the fat of meatloaf? We make ours with lean, ground turkey. This recipe
requires very little preparation time and is much lower in fat and calories than the average meatloaf
dish. 1/6th of the recipe has about 220 calories and 6 grams of fat. Keep the fat count low by serving
it with a baked, not mashed, potato.
INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS1½ lbs. extra-lean ground turkey
¾ cup dry, seasoned bread crumbs
1 tablespoon soy sauce
¼ cup chicken stock
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
½ teaspoon thyme
1 teaspoon basil
1 teaspoon parsley
1 egg
Salt and black pepper
Preheat your oven to 350°F.
Lightly beat the egg with a fork. Then combine all ingredients in a bowl
and mix thoroughly. Put the mixture in loaf pan and bake, uncovered, in
the oven for about 1 hour. Let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving.
Makes 6 servings.
59
Turkey MeatballsFew foods are as universally satisfying as a big, warm bowl of spaghetti and meatballs. The typical
recipe is usually a diet-disaster though- packed with way more fat and carbs than you really need
in one meal. Instead of limiting yourself to just 2 meatballs, try our turkey meatballs over cooked
spaghetti squash. We’ve kept the same great flavors of traditional meatballs but swapped in a
leaner, high-protein meat with ground turkey instead of ground beef.
INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS¾ lb. ground turkey
½ cup onion, finely chopped
¼ cup panko (or dry bread crumbs)
¼ cup shredded carrot
1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
2 tablespoons fat-free milk
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 garlic cloves, crushed
3 cups of prepared tomato sauce
In a medium bowl, combine all ingredients except tomato sauce and mix
very well with hands. Shape into 1-inch balls.
In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine meatballs and sauce.
Cover pan and cook for 10-15 minutes (meatballs should no longer be
pink in the center).
Serve over whole wheat spaghetti or spaghetti squash.
Makes 6 servings.
BEEFNothing says protein like red meat! The protein in beef helps to build,
maintain, and repair your body’s tissues. Beef is also a great source
of iron, the mineral that is necessary to help your body’s red blood
cells to carry oxygen throughout your body. However, many people
have eliminated beef and other red meats from their diets, citing health
concerns. While some cuts of beef are high in cholesterol and saturated
fat, choosing the leanest cuts can help you get the protein, iron, and
taste you want, without sacrificing your workout gains. Top sirloin steak,
top round roast, sirloin tip side steak, and bottom round roast are among
some of the extra-lean cuts of beef. You can also find lean and extra-lean
ground beef at your local grocery store.
We’ve chosen from among the leaner cuts of beef to base our recipes
around. Most of these recipes also remind you to trim any excess surface
fat that is easily removable before cooking the beef. Don’t worry though.
Our beef recipes, like the Beef Lettuce Wraps and the Cuban Braised
Beef, are so well-seasoned that you won’t need the flavor of the extra fat!
B
THE RECIPESBEEF & VEGETABLE STEW ....................... 63
BEEF LETTUCE WRAPS ............................ 64
BEEF SIRLOIN ROAST .............................. 65
CHINESE-STYLE BEEF WITH BROCCOLI ...... 66
CUBAN BRAISED BEEF ............................ 67
FORCE FACTOR® BURGER ........................ 68
PHILLY STEAK WRAP .............................. 69
SEASONED FLANK STEAK ........................ 70
SPICY BEEF TACOS ................................. 71
WHISKEY-MUSHROOM STEAK .................. 72
63
INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS1 lb. lean beef round, trimmed of fat and cut into cubes
1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
3 carrots, cut into chunks
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 cup frozen pearl onions
1 parsnip, peeled and cut into chunks
1½ cups beef broth
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 teaspoon rosemary, minced
1 teaspoon thyme, minced
6 ounces frozen peas
Preheat the oven to 325°F.
Spray a large Dutch oven lightly with cooking spray and place over
medium-high heat. Add the beef and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
Add in the green pepper, carrots, celery, onions, and parsnip and cook
for about 5 minutes longer. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. Add
in the beef broth, tomatoes, rosemary, and thyme. Season with salt and
pepper to taste.
Cover the pot and place it in the oven for 1 ½ hours. Stir in the frozen peas
and then return to the oven for 15 minutes more. Serve hot.
Makes 4 servings.
Beef & Vegetable StewUsing lean top round beef in this stew keeps the fat content lower than traditional beef stews. This
stew is also loaded with vegetables that will fill you up without filling you out. Feel free to add in
more of your favorite winter vegetables (like butternut squash, turnips, or celery root) for a thicker
and even heartier stew. If you have leftovers, freeze them in plastic containers and reheat later on in
the microwave.
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Beef Lettuce WrapsCutting back on carbs? This recipe requires no bread or bun. Instead, this tasty, Asian-inspired beef
is loaded onto large lettuce leaves as a refreshing and low-calorie serving tool. If you like spicy food,
kick up the heat even more by adding in more chile pepper sauce to your cooking.
INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS1 onion, chopped
1 lb. extra-lean ground beef
5 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon chile pepper sauce
2 teaspoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon dark sesame oil
8 large lettuce leaves
1 red bell pepper, seeded and sliced
In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, garlic, vinegar, soy sauce, chile
sauce, brown sugar, and ground ginger well. Set aside.
In a large skillet sprayed with nonstick spray, cook the onion for 3 minutes.
Add the beef mixture to the skillet and cook about 4 minutes, or until the
beef is cooked through. Add the sesame oil and mix well. Remove from
heat.
Place about ¼ cup of the beef mixture in the center of each lettuce leaf.
Top with sliced red pepper and wrap.
Makes 4 servings.
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INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS2 lbs. lean sirloin beef, trimmed of visible fat
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons freshly cracked black pepper
5 cloves garlic, minced
3 teaspoons dried rosemary
2 teaspoons dried oregano
Preheat the oven to 400°F.
Season beef on all sides with the salt and pepper.
In a small bowl, combine the garlic, rosemary, and oregano. Mix well and
rub mixture all over the top of the beef. Press the herbs into the meat so
they stick well. Transfer beef to a roasting pan that has been sprayed with
nonstick cooking spray.
For medium doneness, cook the meat in the oven for about 30 minutes.
Remove from oven and let stand for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Makes 8 servings.
Beef Sirloin RoastThis is a great meal to make when you’re trying to impress company and eat healthfully at the same
time. Plus, with very few ingredients, it’s quick and easy to prepare. Try serving it with some roasted
vegetables (like asparagus or Brussels sprouts) and a simple side salad.
66
¾ lb. lean sirloin beef, trimmed of all visible fat, sliced thinly
2½ tablespoons cornstarch, divided
2 teaspoons vegetable oil
1 cup fat-free chicken broth
5 cups broccoli, cut into bite-size pieces
½ cup sliced mushrooms
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
¼ cup soy sauce
½ cup water
In a small bowl, coat the strips of beef with 2 tablespoons of the cornstarch.
In a separate small bowl, combine the remaining ½ tablespoon cornstarch
with ½ cup of the chicken broth and the soy sauce. Mix well and set aside.
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef and stir-fry
for about 4 minutes. The beef should be lightly browned. Move beef to a
small bowl, leaving the oil in the pan.
Add ½ cup of the broth to the pan. Add in the broccoli and mushrooms and
cover the skillet for about 3 minutes. Uncover and add in the garlic and red
pepper flakes. Stir-fry for about 2 minutes longer.
Stir in the soy sauce mixture to the broccoli and stir-fry for 2 minutes longer.
Return beef to skillet and toss with sauce and vegetables. Serve hot.
Makes 4 servings.
Chinese-Style Beef with BroccoliOur version of this take-out favorite eliminates some excess fat and calories by using leaner cuts
of beef and re-working the typically sugary sauce. This recipe also works great for wrapping up in
lettuce leaves as a low-carb alternative to traditional white rice.
INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS
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Cuban Braised BeefCooking this beef on low heat for a long time results in very tender and juicy meat. However, since
flank steak is a lean cut and you trim it further of visible fat, this dish is a great way to get lean
protein from red meat without adding a lot of saturated fats. Serve it as is or wrap up a ½ cup
serving in a whole-wheat tortilla.
INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS2 lbs. flank steak, trimmed of fat
3 cups red onion, thinly sliced
2 red bell peppers, chopped
2 green bell peppers, chopped
1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon chopped rosemary
¼ cup white wine vinegar
3 cups fat-free beef broth
2 tablespoons tomato paste
Salt and pepper, to taste
Cilantro, if desired
Coat a large Dutch oven with nonstick cooking spray and heat on medium-high.
Cook steaks until browned (about 2-3 minutes per side). Remove steaks from pan
and set aside.
Add onions, bell peppers, and garlic to pan and cook until tender, about 8 minutes.
Add in cumin, oregano, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Stir well and cook 1 minute.
Add vinegar, stir well and cook until almost all the liquid has evaporated (about 2
minutes). Then, stir in the beef broth and tomato paste and return the steaks to the
pot. Cover, reduce the heat to a simmer, and cook 1 ½ hours. The steaks should
be very tender.
Remove the steaks from the pot and shred using two forks. Return shredded beef
to the pot and mix well with the vegetables. Sprinkle in cilantro if desired. Serve hot.
Makes 8 servings.
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Force Factor® BurgerThere are some foods we just can’t give up – hamburgers are one of them. We’ve improved upon the
standard burger though. The Force Factor burger is lower in fat and calories and still packed with
protein and a kick of spicy flavor.
INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS1 lb. extra-lean (93-97%) ground beef
2 tablespoons onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 to 2 teaspoons finely chopped jalapeño peppers (seeded)
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper
¼ teaspoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
On top: Lettuce, sliced red onions, sandwich-sliced dill pickles, tomato
slices, ketchup, sliced banana peppers, extra jalapenos
4 reduced-calorie or low-carbohydrate hamburger buns
In a bowl, combine the first 7 ingredients. Do not overmix (to avoid dry
burgers). Shape mixture into 4 patties, approximately 1” thick each.
Spray a heated griddle, outdoor grill, or portable grilling machine with
cooking spray. Place burgers on grill and cook approximately 5 minutes on
each side.
Place on hamburger buns and layer with lettuce, red onion, pickles,
tomato, and ketchup. Sprinkle with extra chopped jalapeño peppers if
desired.
Makes 4 servings.
69
Philly Steak WrapWe’ve re-made another classic dish (the Philly Cheese Steak) with this Philly steak wrap. By using
a whole wheat tortilla, you’re getting extra whole grains in your diet and removing extra, unwanted
carbs from the large bun or roll typically used in these sandwiches. Using lean roast beef also helps
to keep the fat content down, while still giving you the protein and red meat taste you crave!
INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS¾ cup green bell pepper, thinly sliced
¾ cup onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
6 ounces lean roast beef, shaved
2 medium whole-wheat tortillas
¼ cup cheddar cheese, shredded
¼ teaspoon hot sauce, optional
In a small skillet sprayed with nonstick cooking spray, sauté the green
pepper, onion, and garlic for 5 minutes. Add in the shaved roast beef and
sauté for an additional 3 minutes. Place half of the mixture atop each
tortilla. Sprinkle half of the cheddar cheese and optional hot sauce over
each.
Re-spray the skillet and place over low heat. Add 1 tortilla and heat until
the cheese begins to melt, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and wrap
up tortilla. Repeat with the second tortilla.
Makes 2 servings.
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Seasoned Flank SteakBeef can definitely be part of a healthy diet! While some cuts can be high in saturated fat, this recipe
calls for one of the leanest cuts, the flank. Flank steaks are flavorful and high in iron and protein but
can get tough if overcooked. We recommend cooking just until medium-rare for best results.
INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS1¼ lbs. flank steak, trimmed of visible fat
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup hot water
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1 bay leaf
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 carrots, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
2 teaspoons lemon juice
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Over medium-high heat, sear the steak in oil, flipping once. Remove steak
from pan and place in a medium casserole dish.
Pour the water into the hot skillet once the steak has been removed
and stir to release leftover flavor. Pour over the meat. Add the remaining
ingredients to the casserole dish and mix to distribute flavors.
Place casserole dish (uncovered) in the oven for 30 minutes for medium
steak. Cook 5 minutes longer if you prefer your steak more well-done.
Makes 4 servings.
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Spicy Beef TacosIf you consider the calories, fat, and money you save by making these tacos yourself, you’ll never go
back to that Mexican fast-food joint again. Adjust the amount of chili powder, habañero pepper, and
the heat of the salsa to change the spiciness of the recipe to best fit your tastes.
INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS2 tablespoons Mexican chili powder
½ teaspoon ground cumin
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 onion, chopped
1 small habañero pepper, seeded and minced
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ lb. lean (93-95%) ground beef
1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 (8 ounce) can red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
8 small corn tortillas
½ cup lettuce, shredded
½ cup chunky salsa or diced tomatoes
4 small corn tortillas
In a skillet over medium heat, toast the chili powder and cumin together for
1 minute before adding the oil and onion. Cook the onion and pepper for
about 3 minutes. Then add garlic and stir fry for an additional 3 minutes.
Add in the ground beef and stir well with a wooden spoon, breaking up
beef, until meat is cooked through, about 5 minutes. Add in the tomato
sauce and kidney beans and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
Wrap ¼ cup of the beef mixture with lettuce and a tablespoon of salsa in
each corn tortilla.
Makes 4 servings.
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Whiskey-Mushroom SteakCraving a flavorful steak? This one is a great choice and requires no sugary steak sauce. The
mushrooms soak up the flavors of the garlic, butter, and whiskey while also providing fiber that will
keep you feeling full, long after the steak has disappeared.
INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS2 New York strip steaks, approx 4 oz. each, trimmed of visible fat
1 tablespoon light butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
5 ounces mushrooms (shiitake, or mixed variety)
¼ teaspoon dried thyme
¼ teaspoon dried rosemary
¼ cup whiskey
Preheat broiler.
Spray a broiler pan with nonstick cooking spray. Add steaks to broiler pan
and broil about 10 minutes on each side. The steaks should be slightly
pink on the inside. Remove from pan and keep warm.
Heat the butter in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the garlic,
mushrooms, and spices. Sauté for 2 minutes. Remove from heat. Allow to
cool for 1 minute, stirring constantly, before carefully adding the whiskey to
the sauce. Stir well for another minute. Pour sauce over steaks and serve.
Makes 2 servings.
PORKLike beef, the cut of pork you choose will have a big impact on its
nutritional stats. Flavorful preparations like bacon, ham, and pancetta
can rank high in fat and sodium. However, when trimmed of excess
surface fat, pork typically contains more unsaturated than saturated
fats. In fact, on a per ounce basis, pork tenderloin can have less fat than
chicken breast! Lean pork is a good source of protein as well as vitamins
and minerals including iron, zinc, B vitamins, and selenium.
As with our beef recipes, we’ve chosen cuts of meat that are among the
leanest for our pork recipes. These include pork tenderloin as well as
pork chops (both bone-in and boneless). A variety of seasonings and
accompaniments make every one of our pork recipes distinct though.
Pork is a great protein to season with a wide variety of flavors, from
the sweet of our Apple Spiced Pork Tenderloin to the savory of our
herb-infused Pork Chops with Zucchini, to the spicy of our Cajun Pork
Tenderloin.
P
THE RECIPESAPPLE-SPICED PORK TENDERLOIN ........... 76
CAJUN PORK TENDERLOIN ...................... 77
PORK CHOPS WITH ZUCCHINI .................. 78
PORK & TURKEY BURGER ........................ 79
ROASTED PORK CHOPS WITH TOMATOES .................................... 80
SLOW COOKER PORK CHILI ...................... 81
STIR-FRY PORK & VEGETABLES ................ 82
76
Apple-Spiced Pork TenderloinPork tenderloin is one of the leanest cuts of pork and you can make it even leaner by trimming it of
visible fat prior to cooking. However, because it is so lean, it can be easily dry out so be careful not
to overcook the pork medallions in this recipe. The apple mixture also helps return moisture and
flavor to this dish.
INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS1 lb. pork tenderloin, trimmed of visible fat and cut into 12 even medallions
¾ teaspoon salt, divided
¼ teaspoon ground coriander
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 tablespoons reduced-fat, whipped butter
2 medium Braeburn apples, cored and thinly sliced
⅓ cup finely chopped onions
¼ cup apple cider
In a small bowl, combine ½ teaspoon of the salt with the coriander, black
pepper, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Apply spice mixture to both sides of each
pork medallion.
Heat a large skillet sprayed with nonstick spray over medium-high heat.
Add spiced pork to the pan and heat about 3 minutes per side (or until
pork is fully cooked through). Remove pork from pan and set aside.
Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the pan. When the butter has
melted, add the apple slices, onions, and the remaining ¼ teaspoon salt.
Sauté until the apple slices begin to brown (about 5 minutes). Add the
cider to the skillet and cook about 2 minutes longer.
Remove from heat and pour apples over pork and serve.
Makes 4 servings.
77
Cajun Pork TenderloinPork may not be the first meat to come to mind when you think about protein, but pork is definitely
a high protein meat. In fact, 4 ounces of this tenderloin has about the same amount of protein as a 4
ounce beef hamburger patty.
INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS2 teaspoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon paprika
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground sage
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon white pepper
1 ¼ lb pork tenderloin, trimmed of fat
Preheat broiler.
In a small bowl, mix the paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, cumin,
sage, and all three types of pepper. Rub the lemon juice all over the pork
tenderloin. Pat the spice mixture all over the tenderloin to make an even
coating.
Line a broiler pan with aluminum foil and spray with nonstick cooking spray.
Add the seasoned tenderloin and broil about 6 inches away from the heat
source. Turn meat over once during cooking. Broil for about 15 minutes.
Transfer meat to a cutting board and let stand for 5 minutes before slicing
and serving.
Makes 4 servings.
78
Pork Chops with ZucchiniUsing tomato or pasta sauce along with oregano gives these pork chops an Italian flavor. Make
sure you have trimmed them well in order to keep the amount of saturated fat to a minimum. If you
are looking for extra carbs in your meal, serve each chop with sauce over a cup of whole wheat
spaghetti.
INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS1 tablespoon olive oil
4 (4 ounce) boneless pork chops, trimmed of fat
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon salt
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2½ cups sliced zucchini
1½ cups chunky tomato sauce
Season both sides of each pork chop with the oregano and salt.
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the pork chops
and cook for about 7 minutes or until well browned on both sides.
Add the onion, garlic, and zucchini to the pan and cook for another 6
minutes.
Add in the tomato sauce and reduce heat to simmer. Cook for an
additional 8 minutes or until the chops are just cooked through. Serve hot.
Makes 4 servings.
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Pork & Turkey BurgerThis white-meat burger is packed with protein without pretending to be a hamburger. Serve it with
the avocado slices. They contain healthier, monounsaturated fats as well as a gram of protein in
every ounce. Plus, they add a creaminess that makes mayonnaise totally unnecessary.
INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS6 ounces lean ground pork
6 ounces lean ground turkey
½ cup canned black beans, rinsed, drained, and mashed with a fork
1 teaspoon onion powder
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon dried rosemary
½ teaspoon salt
4 low-calorie or low-carb hamburger buns, toasted
½ avocado, sliced thinly
1 tomato, sliced thinly
4 large Iceberg lettuce leaves
1 red onion, sliced thinly
In a large bowl, combine the pork, turkey, mashed black beans, onion
powder, garlic, oregano, rosemary, and salt. Mix until well combined.
Shape into 4 patties.
Grill patties until they are well-done, approximately 4 minutes per side.
Place each patty on a toasted bun and top with avocado slices, tomato,
lettuce, and red onion.
Makes 4 servings.
80
Roasted Pork Chops with TomatoesThe leanest cuts of pork are typically tenderloin, top loin roasts, and chops. This recipe calls for the
chops, which typically have about 2 grams of fat per ounce. Pork is high in protein and iron like beef,
but is usually the less expensive option of the two. Serve these roasted chops with green beans and
roasted sweet potatoes for a balanced family-style meal.
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
4 boneless pork chops (approx. 4-6 ounces each), trimmed of fat
½ tablespoon garlic powder
3 tablespoons dried basil
1 tablespoon dried parsley
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 (16 ounce) can tomatoes
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Trim pork chops of visible fat. Sprinkle both sides with seasonings and
place in a roasting pan sprayed with non-fat cooking spray.
Separate the juice from the canned tomatoes and pour over the pork in
the roasting pan.
Bake the pork chops in the oven for 30 minutes.
Add the tomatoes and cheese over the top of the chops and bake for an
additional 30 minutes.
Makes 4 servings.
Preheat oven to 375°F.
Combine all seasonings (garlic powder, basil, parsley, salt, and pepper) in
a small bowl and mix well.
81
Slow Cooker Pork ChiliIf you have a slow cooker, this recipe is both an incredibly simple and very tasty dinner. Cubed
pork tenderloin is a leaner alternative to the ground beef used in most traditional chili recipes.
The chipotle chile gives it all a smoky flavor. If you can take the heat, feel free to add in an extra
tablespoon.
INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS1 onion, chopped
3 jalapeño peppers, seeded and diced
1 lb. pork tenderloin, trimmed of visible fat and cubed
1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 (15 ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
1 (15 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 tablespoon chopped canned chipotle chile in adobo sauce
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
Spray the inside of a slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray. Add in all
ingredients except the bell peppers. Cover and cook on low for 7 hours
until pork is tender. Add in the bell peppers and cook for an additional 30
minutes.
Makes 6 servings.
82
Stir-Fry Pork & VegetablesThis simple stir-fry is perfect for a quick, weeknight dinner. The vegetables and apple provide a
nutritious source of carbohydrates with fiber to keep you feeling fuller, longer. Serve the stir-fry over
½ cup of cooked brown rice to add whole grains and more complex carbohydrates to your meal.
INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS2 lbs. boneless pork top loin or roast
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium onion, chopped
1 medium apple, chopped
1 medium red pepper, chopped
1 medium yellow pepper, chopped
4 carrots, diced
¼ cup chopped celery
½ cup vegetable stock
1 teaspoon ground ginger
Trim pork of as much visible fat as possible. Cut into strips (1/2” thick).
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add pork and stir
constantly until it is browned. Remove pork to paper towels to drain.
Return the skillet to the stove and add in the garlic and onion. Cover skillet
and cook until onion is translucent. Then add the apple, peppers, carrots,
celery, and stock. Cover and reduce the heat to low. After 5 minutes, return
the pork to the pan. Add ground ginger, stir, and continue to sauté until the
pork is completely cooked through.
Makes 6 servings.
FISH &SHELLFISHThe bodybuilding diet is typically low in fat, low in carbohydrates, low in
calories, and high in protein. Fish is a great lean protein choice because most
types meet all of these criteria. Some varieties, including tuna, salmon, and
trout have more fat than others, but even fatty fish have health benefits.
In addition to being good sources of lean protein, fish have bonus nutritional
benefits. First, fish (especially sardines, salmon, halibut, and mackerel) are
great sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s are important for supporting
healthy heart and brain functioning. Research also indicates that omega-3s
can help reduce inflammation – a great benefit for those who are working out
regularly.
When deciding which fish to buy, your first consideration should be what
is the freshest. If you’re shopping at the grocery store, ask the employee in
the fish section what has arrived most recently. If nothing fresh appeals to
you, turn to the freezer section. Shopping at a fish market? Make sure the
fish has been on ice and either cook it within 2 days of purchase or seal it in
an air-tight bag and put it in the freezer. Typically, the sooner you can cook
a fish after it’s caught, the better it is. Fish can be pricier than other proteins;
however, you can often save by buying frozen, canned, or local catches.
Our fish recipes are prepared in some of the most healthful ways: baking,
broiling, steaming, and grilling. We’ve also chosen some of the most popular
types of fish, so you’re likely to have success finding them at your local
grocery store. Although fish is a healthy addition to any diet, you shouldn’t
eat it every day. We recommend you fit in 12 ounces of (low-mercury) fish into
your diet per week.
F
THE RECIPESFLOUNDER WITH SPINACH ...................... 86
INDIAN-SPICED SALMON ......................... 87
MUSSELS WITH COCONUT BROTH ........... 88
PEACH & BLACK BEAN SWORDFISH ......... 89
PIZZA-STYLE TUNA MELT ......................... 90
SALMON BURGERS ................................. 91
SESAME SALMON FOR ONE ..................... 92
SHRIMP WITH MUSHROOMS ................... 93
TERIYAKI SALMON .................................. 94
TROPICAL STEAMED FISH ........................ 95
WASABI TUNA STEAKS ........................... 96
86
INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS1 lb. flounder fillets
10 ounces of frozen chopped spinach, thawed
3 ounces whole-wheat crackers, crushed
2 tablespoons ground flaxseed
3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Preheat oven to 400°F.
Combine the crushed crackers, flaxseed, and grated cheese and set
aside.
Place the fish fillets in one layer at the bottom of a casserole dish. Cover
the fillets with the thawed spinach. Sprinkle the prepared cracker mixture
over the top.
Bake, uncovered, for 15-20 minutes.
Makes 4 servings.
Flounder with SpinachPopeye may have thought his strength came from spinach, but most of the protein in this dish is
coming from the fish! Flounder has about 31 grams of protein per fillet. It’s also a great source of
vitamin B6, vitamin B12, and vitamin D. If you can’t find flounder, you can substitute a similar mild
fish like cod or sole.
87
Indian-Spiced Salmon Here’s an easy way to pack a lot of flavor into a favorite, high-protein fish. About 5 ounces of this
cooked salmon yields just 200 calories and 8 grams of fat. Serve it with vegetables like asparagus
and whole grain rice for a complete, filling, and healthful meal.
INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS4 salmon steaks (about 6 ounces each), 1” thick
¼ cup chicken stock
2 tablespoons lemon juice (fresh squeezed if possible)
¼ teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon crushed fennel seeds
¼ teaspoon ground coriander
Salt and pepper, to taste
Put the salmon steaks in a baking dish and pour the chicken stock and
lemon juice over them. Then sprinkle the cumin, fennel seeds, coriander,
salt and pepper over that. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and put it in the
refrigerator for three hours or more to marinate.
When you’re ready to cook, cover your broiler pan with aluminum foil.
Place the steaks on top and add 1 tablespoon of the marinade on top of
each. Place under broiler on low broil for 8-10 minutes. Turn them over and
add leftover marinade. Then broil them for an additional 8-10 minutes.
Makes 4 servings.
88
Mussels with Coconut BrothMussels are both low in fat and high in protein, making them a great choice for most people
following a clean, high protein diet. 3 ounces of mussels have about as much protein as 3 ounces
of red meat, but these shellfish have less total fat and saturated fat than meat. They are also
particularly high in iron, selenium, and vitamin B12.
INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS½ cup light coconut milk
1 tablespoon sugar substitute
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 teaspoons curry powder
1 clove garlic, crushed
1 tablespoon ground ginger
2 cups fat-free chicken broth
2 lbs. mussels, cleaned
Chopped fresh basil
In a Dutch oven over medium-high heat, add the coconut milk, sugar
substitute, lemon juice, curry powder, garlic, ginger, and chicken broth.
Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Bring to a boil and add in the
mussels. Cover and cook for 5 minutes or until shells open. Discard any
mussels with closed shells.
Top with chopped fresh basil and serve promptly.
Makes 4 servings.
89
Peach & Black Bean SwordfishSwordfish is an awesome source of protein. One 4-ounce fillet will net you about 28 grams of
protein with only about 4 grams of fat if it is prepared on the grill without extra oil or butter. Instead
of flavoring with those fatty add-ons, we pair these grilled fillets with a tasty peach and black bean
combo. If peaches aren’t in season, you can substitute another similar fruit – we’d recommend
pineapple or mango.
INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS2 ripe peaches, pitted and chopped
1 kiwi, skinned and chopped
1 small red pepper, diced
1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
½ cup peach salsa
½ teaspoon salt
2 limes
1 lb. swordfish fillets
In a medium bowl, make the salsa by mixing the peaches, kiwi, red
pepper, black beans, salsa, salt, and juice of 1 lime. Mix well and set
aside.
Preheat the grill or set a grill pan sprayed with cooking spray over
medium-high heat. Squirt the juice of the remaining lime over the fillets
and grill for about 8 minutes, turning them over halfway through cooking.
Top each cooked filet with about ¼ of the peach and black-bean mixture
and serve.
Makes 4 servings.
90
Pizza-Style Tuna MeltFish might not sound like your first choice at the pizzeria, but these pizza-style mini-tuna melts are
truly delicious. Plus, they’re packed with protein from the tuna and are full of the melted, gooey
cheese that makes traditional tuna melts a favorite diner food. These come together very quickly and
make a great lunch.
INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS1 regular or low-calorie English muffin
2 tablespoons tomato sauce
⅛ teaspoon oregano
1 (5 ounce) can of tuna, packed in water, drained
2 slices tomato
¼ cup reduced-fat, shredded mozzarella cheese
Slice the English muffin in half. Spread 1 tablespoon of tomato sauce on
each half and sprinkle the oregano evenly over each.
Drain the tuna and pat dry with paper towels. Divide tuna evenly between
the two halves, place a slice of tomato on each half, and sprinkle with
cheese.
Broil in the toaster oven for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese has just
melted.
Serve open-faced as two mini-sandwiches.
Makes 1 serving.
91
Salmon BurgersIf you’ve never tried a salmon burger before, you’ve got to try this one! Salmon is a great source of
protein – packing 19 grams in just 3 ounces. It’s also a great source of essential fatty acids that keep
the body, mind, and heart healthy. Serve each burger with our tangy yogurt sauce to impress your
guests (and your taste buds) at your next barbecue.
INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONSSalmon Burger:
1 (7.5 ounce) can salmon, drained
½ cup shredded zucchini
2 tablespoons unseasoned bread crumbs
2 tablespoons finely chopped onion
1 egg white
½ teaspoon finely chopped fresh dill
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Yogurt Sauce:
½ cup plain, nonfat yogurt
2 tablespoons fat-free mayonnaise
1 tablespoon chopped onion
1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
4 low-carb pita pockets
To make the sauce, combine all sauce ingredients and mix well in a small
bowl. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
To make the burger patties, combine all salmon burger ingredients and
mix well. Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape each into
a 4” patty.
Spray a large nonstick skillet with nonstick spray. Heat skillet over
medium-high heat and add patties. Cook 5-8 minutes, turning once during
cooking.
Serve each burger on a low-carb sandwich thin or in a pita pocket. Top
with 1 tablespoon of prepared yogurt sauce.
Makes 4 burgers.
92
Sesame Salmon for OneCooking for just one person can be a challenge, especially if you’re not interested in eating that
same dinner over and over for the rest of the week. This is a great way to get your weekly serving
of fish without letting any go to waste (or having to eat more than is recommended due to mercury
concerns). Salmon is a great source of protein and heart-healthy omega-3s. The zucchini adds in
extra benefits with fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, and potassium. A side of quinoa is
the perfect accompaniment if you want to add more carbs to your meal.
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
2 tablespoons low-fat sesame ginger salad dressing
1 clove garlic, minced
1 salmon filet, skinless (about 4 ounces)
2 small zucchinis, chopped into bite-sized pieces
1 teaspoon sesame seeds (lightly toasted, if desired)
spray. Place the zucchini pieces in the center and cover with the salmon.
Pour all the remaining dressing from the bag over the salmon.
Use the aluminum foil to completely cover the salmon and vegetables so
that it makes a sealed packet. Place the packet on a baking sheet and
bake in the oven for 15 minutes.
Remove from oven and allow packet to sit for a minute. Be careful of the
steam released when the packet is opened. Sprinkle with sesame seeds
and serve.
Makes 1 serving.
Place garlic and dressing in a plastic bag and add the salmon filet. Cover
fish with the dressing and allow it to marinate in the bag for 15 minutes in
the refrigerator.
Spray a large sheet of heavy-duty aluminum foil with nonstick cooking
93
Shrimp with Mushrooms Try serving this recipe over bulgur wheat, whole-wheat pasta, or quinoa for a low-fat, high-fiber carb
that will help keep you feeling full until breakfast. Short preparation time makes this meal an easy
choice when you’re hungry after work/school (and a much healthier choice than turning to the drive-
through or the take-out menus). You don’t even need to remember to defrost the shrimp the day
before!
INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS2 teaspoons olive oil
8 ounces of sliced mushrooms
⅓ cup diced onion
1 clove of garlic, crushed
½ medium red bell pepper, diced
12 ounces frozen small shrimp
2 tablespoons white wine
½ teaspoon dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add in the sliced
mushrooms, onions, garlic, red pepper and sauté for about 5 minutes,
stirring constantly. Add in the shrimp, wine, and basil. Reduce heat to low,
cover the skillet, and let simmer for 5 minutes. Add in salt and pepper to
taste.
Makes 4 servings.
94
Teriyaki SalmonLooking for a high-protein dinner with a little more taste than the usual grilled chicken breast? Try
our Teriyaki Salmon. In addition to being rich in protein, salmon is high in omega-3 fatty acids which
have been found to support a healthy cardiovascular system and brain functioning. Your body
can’t make omega-3s on its own which is why it’s a good idea to get them in your diet and through
supplements.
INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONSNonstick vegetable cooking spray
1½ lbs of salmon fillets or 4 salmon steaks, (approx. 6 ounces each)
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon honey
¼ teaspoon ground ginger
⅛ teaspoon mace or nutmeg
Preheat broiler.
Line a broiler pan with aluminum foil and spray it with the nonstick cooking
spray. Arrange the salmon steaks on the pan.
In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, honey, ginger, and mace to make
the sauce. Brush the salmon with the sauce. Broil about 7 to 10 minutes
on each side. Apply remaining sauce during the cooking process.
Makes 4 servings.
95
Tropical Steamed FishSteaming is one of the most healthful ways to prepare fresh fish without adding any extra oil or
butter! Instead, this fish is given a tangy citrus flavor with both lemon and lime juice. We prefer to use
sole for this preparation, but you can substitute a similar fish, like haddock or cod, if desired.
INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS1½ lbs. sole fillets
1 lime
1 lemon
½ cup onion, finely chopped
Pineapple or Mango salsa, optional
Use heavy-duty aluminum foil to create a sturdy base for the fish. Arrange
fillets on the foil and place on top of a steamer rack over boiling water.
Squeeze the lime and lemon over the fish evenly. Then top with the finely
chopped onions.
Cover and steam the fish until it is cooked, about 5 minutes. The fish
should flake easily with a fork. Serve with a pineapple or mango salsa if
desired.
Makes 4 servings.
96
Wasabi Tuna SteaksTuna doesn’t always have to come from the can! Pick up some tuna steaks instead at the grocery
store and try this intensely flavorful recipe that packs a punch from the Japanese condiment wasabi.
Research suggests that eating spicy foods, like wasabi, can help keep you eat slower, eat less, and
even crank up your metabolism.
INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS4 (6-ounce) tuna steaks, approximately 1 inch thick
2 tablespoons soy sauce, divided
2 tablespoons ginger marmalade
2 teaspoons wasabi paste
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Drizzle 1 tablespoon of the soy sauce over the tuna steaks and allow it to
stand for 5 minutes.
In a small bowl, combine the remaining tablespoon of soy sauce,
marmalade, and wasabi paste and mix well.
Spray a grill pan with nonstick cooking spray and heat over medium-
high heat on the stove. Add the tuna steaks to the pan and cook about 2
minutes per side. Coat one side with the wasabi mixture and allow it to
cook for 1 minute longer or until it has reached your desired degree of
doneness.
Remove from heat and sprinkle with parsley.
Makes 4 servings.
SIDES &SAUCESMan cannot live on meat alone! While protein may make up the
center of your plate, it’s important to supplement your meals with the
carbohydrates, fiber, healthful fats, vitamins, and minerals that you
can get from side dishes. For this cookbook, we’ve chosen mostly
side dishes that are focused around fruits and vegetables. Starchier
vegetables like the potatoes in our Easy Microwave New Potatoes,
Oven-Roasted French Fries, and Fruity Sweet Potatoes and the
rice in our Spinach and Rice Bake are all good sources of complex
carbohydrates that will provide your body with long-term energy.
Complex carbohydrates are broken down into simpler sugars and stored
in your muscles in the form of glycogen. Later on, during your workout,
this glycogen is broken down by your muscles as it is needed for energy
to power your workout. Your body needs some complex carbohydrates
in both your pre-workout and post-workout meals.
S
THE RECIPESBAKED TOMATOES ................................ 100
CLASSIC BBQ SAUCE ............................ 101
EASY MICROWAVE NEW POTATOES ........ 102
FRUITY SWEET POTATOES ..................... 103
MANGO SALSA ..................................... 104
OVEN-ROASTED FRENCH FRIES .............. 105
PEAS & CRUNCHY CARROTS ................. 106
PROSCIUTTO-CORN SAUTÉ ..................... 107
ROASTED SWEET POTATO & BANANA MASH ................................. 108
SPINACH & RICE BAKE .......................... 109
100
Baked TomatoesThere are so many ways to use these tomatoes in your meals. You can enjoy them cold, as a
summertime side dish, or piping hot. You can even serve them cold on top of a fresh garden salad.
Each ½ cup serving of tomatoes has about 40 calories so feel free to get creative about the dishes
you add them too.
INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS1 pint cherry tomatoes
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons onion
⅛ cup fresh parsley, minced
2 tablespoons fresh basil, minced
¼ teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, optional
Preheat oven to 375°F.
Wash tomatoes and remove any stems and leaves. Place cleaned
tomatoes in a shallow baking dish and cover with chopped onions,
parsley, thyme, salt, pepper, and cheese (if desired).
Bake the tomatoes for 6 minutes, stirring once halfway through the
cooking process.
Serve hot or allow tomatoes to cool to room temperature before
refrigerating.
Makes 4 servings.
101
Classic BBQ SauceGrilled chicken can get boring if you forbid yourself from adding creamy dressings and sugary
sauces. Our bbq sauce is the solution – great barbecue taste with just about 25 calories per
tablespoon.
INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS1 cup ketchup
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons molasses
2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons soy sauce
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon hot sauce
Combine all ingredients in a medium-sized saucepan. Heat over medium
heat, stirring constantly until it reaches a simmer. Allow to simmer for 5
minutes more. Apply to grilled chicken breasts or use as a substitute for
store-bought BBQ sauces in your favorite recipes.
102
Easy Microwave New PotatoesHungry right now? These microwaved potatoes are the answer to time-crunch cooking. If you don’t
have any leeks in the house, swap them out for chopped onions or scallions instead. These make
a great side dish for poultry and beef dinners and are a lower-fat alternative to both mashed and
scalloped potatoes.
INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS2 tablespoons light butter or light butter spread
1½ lbs. new red potatoes, quartered
½ cup sliced leeks
1 large red bell pepper, chopped
4 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Microwave butter in a 2-quart casserole dish on HIGH for 30-45 seconds
to melt. Add potatoes, leeks, pepper and toss to coat. Cover dish and
microwave on HIGH for 6-8 minutes more (potatoes should be fork
tender). Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
Makes 5 servings.
103
Fruity Sweet PotatoesSweet potatoes are well recognized for their nutrient value. High in fiber, potassium, vitamin A,
and vitamin C, they are great for anyone with an active lifestyle. Sweet potatoes tend to have more
calories than most vegetables because they are high in starch; however, their high fiber and nutrient
content make them well worth it. They’re also delicious: the orange flavor of this recipe adds an extra
sweetness to our potatoes!
INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS6 medium-sized sweet potatoes
⅓ cup orange juice
½ teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon salt
⅛ teaspoon nutmeg, optional
Scrub the sweet potatoes to remove any lingering dirt from the skin. Drop
them in a large pot of boiling water and cover. Boil the potatoes until they
are tender. You should be able to pierce them easily with a fork.
Drain the potatoes and allow them to cool. When possible, peel them. Cut
into chunks.
In a saucepan over low heat, combine all ingredients including the cut
sweet potatoes. Cook until most of the orange juice is gone, about 9-10
minutes.
Makes 6 servings.
104
Mango SalsaChoose the ripest mangoes for this salsa. Ripe mangoes will be slightly softer and will have a fruity
fragrance. Use this salsa as a side dish or topping for grilled chicken or fish.
INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS3 mangos, pitted and cubed
½ cup red onion, finely chopped
½ cup red bell pepper, finely chopped
1 jalapeño pepper, minced
Juice of 1 lime
1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and toss well. Allow juices to mix
for 10 minutes. Toss gently again and serve.
Makes 9 servings.
105
Oven-Roasted French FriesEating well shouldn’t mean having to give up your favorite foods entirely. Cutting out carbs
completely or depriving yourself of all the foods you’re craving can lead to binges and major slips
later on. Instead, try making your favorites in a new way or with more healthful ingredients. French
fries sound good this week? Cut back on the fat content by switching the deep-fried, fast-food
versions for these oven-roasted fries.
INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS5 medium baking potatoes
¼ cup olive oil
½ teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper
Preheat oven to 375°F.
Wash and dry potatoes. Cut into wedges. Each potato should yield 6-8
wedges. Lay wedges flat on a baking sheet and brush both flat sides with
oil. Sprinkle with paprika, salt, and pepper to taste. Roast in the oven for
40-45 minutes.
Makes 5 servings.
106
Peas & Crunchy CarrotsOur twist on the traditional peas and carrots side dish uses an egg to add in some extra protein.
Even though they’re baked in the oven, these carrots will keep some of their crunch. Grate them in
thicker slices for the most crunch, thinner slices for the least. This dish is a perfect veggie side dish
for grilled chicken and turkey breast.
INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS2 tablespoons olive oil
¼ cup onion, finely chopped
1 egg
¼ cup fat-free milk
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon parsley
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 cups grated carrots
5 ounces peas, frozen
Preheat oven to 350°F.
In a small bowl, beat together the egg and milk. Stir in basil, oregano,
parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the onions in the oil until they are
translucent. Add cooked onions and grated carrots to the milk mixture and
stir to combine.
Pour the mixture into a small casserole dish and bake in the oven for 20 minutes.
While the carrots are baking, cook the peas in the microwave according
to package directions. When carrots are finished baking, stir cooked peas
into the casserole dish, mix well, and serve.
Makes 4 servings.
107
Prosciutto-Corn SautéYou can get the great taste and flavors of bacon in a leaner way by using the Italian ham known as
prosciutto. Prosciutto is a complete protein, delivering all nine essential amino acids, with about
15 grams of protein in a 2 ounce serving. It’s also a good source of iron. Best of all, it livens up the
flavors of the vegetables in this recipe for a delicious side dish.
INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS½ teaspoon olive oil
½ cup prosciutto, cut into small strips
2 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced
1 clove garlic, minced
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the
chopped prosciutto and sauté for about 4 minutes. Add in the corn,
pepper, and garlic and sauté for 5-7 minutes longer. Drain any excess oil/
fat from the skillet and serve immediately.
Makes 4 servings.
108
1½ lbs sweet potatoes, scrubbed
2 medium, ripe bananas, peeled and cut into large chunks
2 tablespoons orange juice
1 teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
3 tablespoons brown sugar
Roasted Sweet Potato & Banana MashSweet potatoes are one of our favorite vegetables and a filling source of starch. They’re also a great
source of vitamin C, vitamin B12, and potassium. Try this recipe to switch up your preparation from
simple roasting or microwaving. These sweet potatoes get extra sweetness from potassium-rich
bananas and orange juice while picking up a little spice from the cinnamon. Delicious!
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONSPreheat the oven to 375°F.
Poke several holes in each sweet potato with a fork and place on a baking
pan sprayed with nonstick spray. Bake potatoes in the oven for about 1
hour or until they are soft. Set aside to cool. Remove skin when they are
cool enough to touch.
While potatoes are cooling, place the bananas in a baking dish and roast
in the oven for about 15 minutes. They will become very soft and juicy.
Remove from oven and add orange juice to the hot dish. Mash the orange
juice with bananas.
Place peeled sweet potatoes, mashed bananas (and juice drippings), in a
mixing bowl fitted with an electric mixer. Add in the cinnamon, nutmeg, and
brown sugar and beat until well-combined. The mixture will be smooth.
Transfer mixture to a baking dish and return to the oven. Continue baking
until the mixture is hot enough to serve.
Makes 6 servings.
109
Spinach & Rice BakeThis recipe calls for panko, a Japanese bread crumb that is made only from the center of bread, not
from the crusts, which keeps it lighter and flakier than regular bread crumbs. Panko makes a crispy
coating that absorbs less grease so keep it in mind any time you’re coating proteins for frying. In this
recipe, the panko adds a little crunch to this creamy spinach side dish.
INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS¼ cup low-fat or non-fat cottage cheese
½ cup cooked white rice
2 egg whites, beaten until fluffy
2 teaspoons fresh parsley, chopped
½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
3 cups of fresh spinach leaves, long stems removed
¼ cup Panko or whole-wheat bread crumbs
Preheat oven to 350°F.
In a small bowl, mix together the egg white (pre-beaten), parsley, and
pepper.
Combine rice and cottage cheese in a large bowl. Add the egg white
mixture and spinach and mix well. Pour everything into a casserole dish
and top with Panko crumbs. Bake in the oven for 40 minutes. Serve hot.
Makes 2 servings.
DESSERTS& SNACKSIf you have a sweet tooth, you know that any diet that forces you to
abandon all sweet treats entirely is just not going to work. Instead, you’re
more likely to have success if you allow yourself flexibility. This could be
in the form of a weekly, indulgent “cheat meal” or by choosing lighter,
sweet treats on a daily basis. The desserts included here fit the latter
category best and can be enjoyed, in moderation (aka just one serving!),
every day.
Fruit is one of the best ways to get the sweet flavors you crave into
your diet without reversing the progress you’ve made in the gym. For
this cookbook, we’ve chosen a variety of baked fruit desserts like our
Baked Cinnamon-Sugar Apples, No-Crust Peach Cobbler, and Warm
Streusel Pears that can be enjoyed piping hot out of the oven or cold as
refrigerated leftovers. You’ll be getting the sweetness of the fruit as well
as the healthful antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that they contain.
We’ve also lightened up some of our favorite rich desserts, including
brownies and pumpkin pie, so you can indulge in those cravings with
less guilt.
D
THE RECIPESBAKED CINNAMON-SUGAR APPLES ........ 113
BLACK BEAN BROWNIES ....................... 114
CHILLY COCONUT BANANA TREATS ........ 115
CREAMY FRUIT DIP ............................... 116
GREEK YOGURT PARFAIT ....................... 117
NO-CRUST PEACH COBBLER .................. 118
NO-CRUST PUMPKIN PIE ....................... 119
PINEAPPLE ANGEL FOOD CAKE .............. 120
SWEET & FRUITY BRAN BARS ............... 121
WARM STREUSEL PEARS ...................... 122
113
Baked Cinnamon-Sugar ApplesFruit is a great choice when you’ve got a strong craving for something sweet; however, reaching for
raw apple after apple can get boring. Instead, try baking your fruit like this recipe for baked apples. It
changes the texture and sweetness of the fruit. Your taste buds will thank you for a new sweet treat.
This recipe for baked apples is great hot or cold when served plain or over fat-free vanilla yogurt.
INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS3 medium apples (Macintosh or similar variety)
¼ cup raisins
¼ dried cranberries
2 tablespoons of low-calorie brown sugar substitute
1½ tablespoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ cup oats
Soak raisins and cranberries in room-temperature water for about 20
minutes to re-plump.
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Peel and slice the apples very thin. Discard peel.
Spray a small casserole dish liberally with nonstick baking spray. Add
apple slices, raisins, cranberries, brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of the
cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Mix well. Top with oats and sprinkle
remaining ½ tablespoon of cinnamon on top.
Bake in the oven for about 20 minutes. Enjoy hot or cold.
Makes 4 servings.
114
Black Bean BrowniesHold your judgment until you try these brownies for yourself! Making them with black beans packs
in 2 grams of protein and 2 grams of fiber in every ounce. It also reduces the need to use fatty and
carbohydrate-heavy ingredients like the butter, flour, and sugar of more-traditional brownie recipes.
Plus, these brownies still have an amazing, chocolaty taste!
INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained very well
4 large eggs
½ cup low-calorie sugar substitute
4 tablespoons cocoa powder
1 tablespoon instant coffee dissolved in 1 tablespoon hot water
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 tablespoons canola oil
1½ teaspoons vanilla
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Spray an 8x8 baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
Add the eggs, sugar, cocoa powder, coffee, baking powder, and oil to a
blender. Blend well. Add the black beans and vanilla and blend again.
When the mixture is smooth, pour it into the prepared pan.
Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the
brownies comes out clean. Cool and serve.
Makes 16 brownies.
115
Chilly Coconut Banana TreatsThese nuggets make a great cold, tropical treat for summertime. You can use toasted or untoasted
coconut (but we prefer the chewier, nuttier taste of the toasted). To toast your shredded coconut,
spread it out on a baking sheet and bake in a 300 degree oven for about 20 minutes, stirring
occasionally.
INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS4 bananas (firm)
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
⅔ cup non-fat vanilla-flavored yogurt
2 cups sweetened flaked coconut, toasted
Slice each banana into approximately 7 bite-sized pieces. Using a
toothpick, dip each piece first into the lemon juice, then into the yogurt.
Then roll gently in the coconut to coat well. Place the coated banana bites
in a single layer on a baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap, and freeze for
at least 3 hours. Store leftovers in the freezer.
Makes 7 servings.
116
Creamy Fruit DipNeed an extra incentive to eat your fruit? Whip up this quick dip and you’ll love dunking slices of
bananas, melon, apple, peaches, pears, and more. Keep extra in the fridge for the next time a
craving for dessert hits.
INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS8 ounces low-fat cream cheese, room temperature
6 ounces fat-free vanilla yogurt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 tablespoons no-calorie sweetener
In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until soft. Slowly add the
yogurt, vanilla, and sweetener and beat well until light and fluffy.
117
Greek Yogurt ParfaitGreek yogurt is thicker, creamier, and richer than its American counterpart and has been a healthy
part of the Greek diet for thousands of years. It also typically has less sugar than regular store-
bought yogurts. Pairing the yogurt with the red berries in this parfait packs both protein and
antioxidants into a delicious, low-fat dessert.
INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS½ cup nonfat Greek yogurt
½ cup strawberries, sliced
½ cup raspberries
1 teaspoon honey
10 pistachios
Shell the pistachios and place the nuts in a small plastic bag. Use a flat,
heavy object to smash the pistachios into small pieces.
Into a small bowl or parfait glass, pour ¼ cup of the Greek yogurt. Layer
on the sliced strawberries, then add the remaining ¼ cup of yogurt. Top
with raspberries. Drizzle honey over the top and sprinkle the pistachios
over that.
Makes 1 serving.
118
No-Crust Peach CobblerLove peach pie? The crust can be a disaster of calories, fat, and saturated fat. Choose this recipe
instead to get the sweetness of the peaches without all the unnecessary add-ons. Serve it hot and
“a la mode” with a scoop of low-fat vanilla frozen yogurt.
INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS1 (15 ounce) can sliced peaches in light syrup, drained
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons brown sugar
½ teaspoon cinnamon
3 tablespoons oats
Preheat oven to 375°F.
In a small bowl, mix together the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and oats.
Place peaches in a small baking dish. Cover with oat mixture and toss to
mix. Bake in the oven for 30 minutes.
Makes 4 servings.
119
No-Crust Pumpkin PieWant a lower-carb and lower-fat alternative to the holiday dessert spread? Bring this pie to your next
get-together. It has the delicious taste and flavor of real pumpkin pie, without all the fat, carbs, and
calories of the traditional. Plus, pumpkin is a great source of fiber and vitamin E.
INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin
12 ounces fat-free evaporated milk
½ cup fat-free egg substitute
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
½ cup no-calorie sweetener
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon cinnamon
Preheat oven to 400°F.
Spray a pie dish with nonstick baking spray.
In a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients and beat well. The batter
should be well-incorporated and smooth. Pour into prepared pie pan.
Bake in the oven for 15 minutes. Reduce oven heat to 325°F and bake for
another 45 minutes. A knife inserted into the center of the pie should come
out clean when baking is complete. When cool, sprinkle the top of the pie
with cinnamon.
Makes 8 servings.
120
Pineapple Angel Food CakeWith just 3 ingredients (one of which is optional), this cake couldn’t be any easier to put together!
Serve it with a low-calorie whipped topping and some fresh berries or enjoy it plain, out of the pan.
INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS1 (16 ounce) package dry angel food cake mix
1 (20 ounce) can crushed pineapple in juice, sugar-free if possible
¼ cup coconut, optional
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Spray a 9x13 inch pan with nonstick baking spray.
In a mixing bowl, combine cake mix and pineapple and mix well. Stir in
coconut if desired. Pour batter into prepared pan.
Bake in the oven for 25 minutes. Let cool completely and serve with non-
fat whipped topping.
Makes 12 servings.
121
Sweet & Fruity Bran BarsThese bars are a wholesome and filling way to shut down your sugar cravings. Choose a bran cereal
that is low in sugar and doesn’t have any extra flavorings – you’ll be adding in your own sweetness
with the honey and vanilla. Feel free to substitute the cranberries with extra raisins if you prefer
or swap walnuts for the pecans. The nuts and peanut butter add healthy omega-3 fatty acids and
protein to this snack bar.
INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS2 cups low-sugar, plain bran cereal
⅓ cup raisins
⅓ cup dried cranberries
½ cup chopped pecans
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
¼ cup peanut butter
½ cup clover honey
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter, peanut butter,
and honey and stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and well
combined. Remove from heat and add all remaining ingredients. Mix well
to incorporate.
Grease a 9x9 square pan with baking spray. Press the mixture into the pan
evenly. Allow it to cool completely before cutting into bars.
Makes 20 bars.
122
Warm Streusel PearsAnother baked fruit dessert, these pears are best served warm. Using ground oats instead of flour
to make the streusel topping adds in a nutty flavor and a good source of complex carbs and fiber.
Using honey to sweeten the pears is a great alternative to regular table sugar. Honey has more
calories per teaspoon; however, it is much sweeter than sugar so a little bit goes a longer way!
INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS¼ cup finely ground oats
¼ cup low-calorie brown sugar substitute
1 tablespoon butter, melted
1 tablespoon honey
½ teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon allspice
¼ cup chopped walnuts
3 ripe pears, peeled and cut in half
⅓ cup apple cider
2 tablespoons Calvados or other apple brandy
Preheat oven to 375°F.
For the streusel mixture, combine ground oats, brown sugar substitute,
butter, honey, cinnamon, allspice, and walnuts in a small bowl. Set aside.
Spray a small baking dish with nonstick baking spray. Scoop the core
out of each pear half using a spoon and place each pear cut-side-up in
the dish. Pour cider and brandy into the dish around the pears. Spoon ⅙
of the streusel into the center of each pear half. Cover baking dish with
aluminum foil.
Bake in the over for 30 minutes. Serve warm, topped with some of the
liquid from the baking dish.
Makes 6 servings.
PROTEINSHAKESIt’s not always easy to get all of the protein you need through your
diet, especially if you don’t have a lot of time to devote to cooking and
preparing your meals. That’s where protein shakes come in. Fortunately,
they can be absolutely delicious, like many of the recipes for sweet
shakes that we’ve included here. While protein powders often make for
delicious drinks on their own when shaken with water or milk, you’ll be
glad you invested in a blender to create these unique, delicious, and
protein-packed shakes.
Proteins are not only used to build, maintain, and repair muscles, but
also to make up and repair structures within nearly every cell, tissue, and
organ. Solid food sources of protein can take more time to digest and
break down to repair muscles than liquid sources of protein. As a result,
drinking a protein shake immediately following a workout can be the best
way to help your muscles begin the recovery and rebuilding process.
P
THE RECIPESBERRY CHEESECAKE SHAKE .................. 126
CHOCOLATE PB BANANA SHAKE ............ 127
CINNAMON BUN PROTEIN SHAKE .......... 128
MOCHA CHOCOLATE SHAKE .................. 129
ORANGE-COCONUT PROTEIN SHAKE ....... 130
PEANUT BUTTER CUP SHAKE ................ 131
PUMPKIN PIE PROTEIN SHAKE .............. 132
STRAWBERRIES & CREAM SHAKE .......... 133
TROPICAL PROTEIN SHAKE .................... 134
ULTIMATE CHOCOLATE PROTEIN SHAKE .. 135
126
Berry Cheesecake ShakeLactose intolerant? Try using almond milk and lactose-free whey powders. Almond milk is lactose-
free and still a great source of vitamins and nutrients like calcium, vitamin E, and iron.
INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS1 cup unsweetened almond milk
2 ounces fat-free cream cheese
2 scoops vanilla protein powder
½ cup frozen blueberries
½ cup frozen strawberries
Blend all ingredients together until shake reaches desired consistency.
Add water to thin the shake if desired.
127
Chocolate PB Banana ShakeWe choose natural peanut butter for this shake because it tends to be a little thinner and mix better
in the blender. The two tablespoons of peanut butter in this shake provide about 7 additional grams
of protein.
INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS1 cup unsweetened almond milk
1 frozen banana
1 teaspoon cinnamon
2 scoops chocolate or dark chocolate protein
2 tablespoons natural creamy peanut butter
Blend all ingredients together until shake reaches desired consistency.
Add water to thin the shake if desired.
128
Cinnamon Bun Protein ShakeFind the scent of cinnamon irresistible? Then you’ll love the rich cinnamon taste of this creamy
shake. As a bonus, cinnamon is a good source of antioxidants that help your body fight damage
from free radicals.
INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS2 scoops vanilla whey protein powder
1 tablespoon sugar-free instant vanilla pudding mix
½ teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup skim milk
1 packet no-calorie sweetener
Blend all ingredients together until shake reaches desired consistency.
Add water to thin the shake if desired.
129
Mocha Chocolate ShakeCoffee addict? This is the shake for you. You can adjust for an even stronger mocha taste by adding
more instant coffee powder.
INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS2 scoops chocolate protein powder
1 cup skim milk
½ cup ice cubes
1 cup water
1 tablespoon instant coffee powder
2 teaspoons sugar-free instant chocolate pudding mix
Blend all ingredients together until shake reaches desired consistency.
Add water to thin the shake if desired.
130
Orange-Coconut Protein ShakeAdding in a little coconut extract and coconut milk gives this shake its coconut flavor. If you like a
sweeter shake, you may want to add in a packet or two of no-calorie sweetener.
INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS2 scoops vanilla protein powder
⅓ cup light coconut milk
½ teaspoon coconut extract
⅔ cup non-fat milk
1 frozen banana
2 tablespoons frozen orange juice concentrate
Blend all ingredients together until shake reaches desired consistency.
Add water to thin the shake if desired.
131
Peanut Butter Cup ShakeWant your protein shake to really taste like dessert? Add in a tablespoon of chocolate chips or
sprinkles after you’ve blended. They do add a little extra sugar and fat, but for many of us, the
splurge is well worth it.
INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS1 cup skim milk
2 scoops chocolate whey protein powder
4 tablespoons natural chunky peanut butter
1 tablespoon flax seed oil
1 cup ice cubes
1 tablespoon chocolate chips or chocolate sprinkles, optional
Blend all ingredients except chocolate chips until shake reaches desired
consistency. Add water to thin the shake if desired. Mix in chocolate chips.
132
Pumpkin Pie Protein ShakeFor a very creamy pumpkin shake, substitute the cup of water in this recipe for a cup of light vanilla
soymilk.
INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS2 scoops vanilla whey protein powder
1 cup water
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
⅓ cup canned pumpkin
½ cup ice cubes
2 packets no-calorie sugar substitute
Blend all ingredients together until shake reaches desired consistency.
Add water to thin the shake if desired.
133
Strawberries & Cream ShakeIf strawberry ice cream is your go-to flavor, you’ll love this shake. Use strawberry–flavored Greek
yogurt if you like a thicker shake.
INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS2½ scoops vanilla protein powder
1 cup water
1 cup fat-free strawberry-flavored yogurt
½ cup frozen strawberries
½ teaspoon honey
Blend all ingredients together until shake reaches desired consistency.
Add water to thin the shake if desired.
134
Tropical Protein ShakeWith frozen mango and banana, this shake is easy and refreshing to drink, especially during the hot,
summer months.
INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS2 scoops vanilla whey protein powder
1 cup peeled, frozen mango chunks
½ frozen banana
1 cup non-fat vanilla yogurt
1 tablespoon flax seed oil
1 cup ice cubes
Blend all ingredients together until shake reaches desired consistency.
Add water to thin the shake if desired.
135
Ultimate Chocolate Protein ShakeGet your fix of sweet while you’re helping your body’s post-workout recovery with a delicious,
chocolate whey protein shake. There’s nothing better after a tough workout than the sweet reward of
this super-chocolaty shake.
INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS2 scoops chocolate whey protein
12 ounces skim milk
3 tablespoons low-fat vanilla yogurt
1 cup ice cubes
⅛ cup caramel ice cream topping
1 tablespoon creamy peanut butter
Blend all ingredients together in your blender until it reaches desired
consistency. You can alter the amount of ice to change the thickness of
the shake and the amount of caramel topping to increase or decrease the
sweetness.
Indexapple
• Apple Slaw, 33
• Apple Spiced Pork Tenderloin, 76
• Baked Cinnamon-Sugar Apples, 113
banana• Chilly Coconut Banana Treats, 115
• Chocolate-Banana Oatmeal, 7
• Chocolate PB Banana Shake, 127
• Roasted Sweet Potato & Banana Mash, 108
beans• Black Bean Brownies, 114
• Peach & Black Bean Swordfish, 89
• Quick & Easy Black Bean Salad, 40
• Salsa-fied Red Bean Salad, 41
• Spicy Black Bean Soup, 27
• Turkey Bean Burrito, 57
beef• Beef & Vegetable Stew, 63
• Beef Lettuce Wraps, 64
• Beef Sirloin Roast, 65
• Chinese-Style Beef with Broccoli, 66
• Cuban Braised Beef, 67
• Force Factor® Burger, 68
• Philly Steak Wrap, 69
• Seasoned Flank Steak, 70
• Spicy Beef Tacos, 71
• Whisky-Mushroom Steak, 72
• Zesty Taco Soup, 29
bran• Sweet & Fruity Bran Bars, 121
breakfast• Breakfast Egg Cups, 5
• Cauliflower Hash, 6
• Chocolate Banana Oatmeal, 7
• Easy Spinach Frittata, 8
• Fiesta Eggs, 9
• French Vanilla Oatmeal, 10
• Low-Fat Breakfast Burrito, 11
• Mediterranean Egg White Omelet, 12
• Protein Pancakes, 13
• Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal, 14
• Zucchini Pancakes, 15
broccoli• Chinese-Style Beef with Broccoli, 66
brownie• Black Bean Brownie, 114
burger
• Force Factor® Burger, 68
• Pork & Turkey Burger, 79
• Salmon Burgers, 91
burrito• Low-Fat Breakfast Burrito, 11
• Turkey Bean Burrito, 57
cabbage• Apple Slaw, 33
• Fruity Cabbage Slaw, 38
carrot• Creamy Carrot Soup, 20
• Peas & Crunchy Carrots, 106
cauliflower• Cauliflower Hash, 6
• Cauliflower Salad, 36
chicken• Baked Lemon-Vegetable Chicken, 48
• Chicken, Noodle, & Spinach Soup, 19
• Chili Powder Chicken, 49
• Grilled Jerk Chicken, 50
• Lime Chicken Breast, 51
• Mushroom Chicken Quesadilla, 52
• Orange Chicken, 53
• Pretzel-Crusted Chicken Nuggets with Honey-Mustard
Dipping Sauce, 54
• Spicy Grilled Garlic Chicken, 55
• Tandoori Chicken, 56
chickpeas• Gazpacho with Chickpeas, 22
chili• Slow Cooker Pork Chili, 81
chocolate• Chocolate-Banana Oatmeal, 7
• Chocolate PB Banana Shake, 127
• Mocha Chocolate Shake, 129
• Ultimate Chocolate Protein Shake, 135
cinnamon• Baked Cinnamon-Sugar Apples, 113
• Cinnamon Bun Protein Shake, 128
coconut• Chilly Coconut Banana Treats, 115
• Mussels with Coconut Broth, 88
• Orange-Coconut Protein Shake, 130
corn• Prosciutto-Corn Sauté, 107
desserts & snacks• Baked Cinnamon-Sugar Apples, 113
• Black Bean Brownies, 114
• Chilly Coconut Banana Treats, 115
• Creamy Fruit Dip, 116
• Greek Yogurt Parfait, 117
• No-Crust Peach Cobbler, 118
• No-Crust Pumpkin Pie, 119
• Pineapple Angel Food Cake, 120
• Sweet & Fruity Bran Bars, 121
• Warm Streusel Pears, 122
eggs• Breakfast Egg Cups, 5
• Easy Spinach Frittata, 8
• Fiesta Eggs, 9
• Mediterranean Egg White Omelet, 12
fish• Asian Seafood Salad, 34
• Flounder with Spinach, 86
• Indian-Spiced Salmon, 87
• Mussels with Coconut Broth, 88
• Peach & Black Bean Swordfish, 89
• Pizza-Style Tuna Melt, 90
• Salmon Burgers, 91
• Sesame Salmon for One, 92
• Shrimp with Mushrooms, 93
• Teriyaki Salmon, 94
• Tropical Steamed Fish, 95
• Wasabi Tuna Steaks, 96
flounder
• Flounder with Spinach, 86
gazpacho• Gazpacho with Chickpeas, 22
lemon• Baked Lemon-Vegetable Chicken, 48
lettuce• Beef Lettuce Wraps, 64
lime• Lime Chicken Breast, 51
mango• Mango Salsa, 104
meatballs• Turkey Meatballs, 59
miso• Miso Soup with Mushrooms, 24
mushrooms• Miso Soup with Mushrooms, 24
• Mushroom Chicken Quesadilla, 52
• Shrimp with Mushrooms, 93
• Whiskey-Mushroom Steak, 72
mussels• Mussels with Coconut Broth, 88
oatmeal• Chocolate-Banana Oatmeal, 7
• French Vanilla Oatmeal, 10
• Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal, 14
orange• Citrus Spinach Salad, 37
• Orange Chicken, 53
• Orange-Coconut Protein Shake, 130
pancakes• Protein Pancakes, 13
• Zucchini Pancakes, 15
pasta• Chicken, Noodle, & Spinach Soup, 19
• Tuna Macaroni Salad, 44
peach• No-Crust Peach Cobbler, 118
• Peach & Black Bean Swordfish, 89
peanut butter• Chocolate PB Banana Shake, 127
• Peanut Butter Cup Shake, 131
peas• Black Eyed Pea Salad, 35
• Minty Pea Soup, 23
• Peas & Crunchy Carrots, 106
pears• Warm Streusel Pears, 122
pineapple
• Pineapple Angel Food Cake, 120
pizza• Pizza-Style Tuna Melt, 90
pork• Apple Spiced Pork Tenderloin, 76
• Cajun Pork Tenderloin, 77
• Pork Chops with Zucchini, 78
• Pork & Turkey Burger, 79
• Prosciutto-Corn Sauté, 107
• Roasted Pork Chops with Tomatoes, 80
• Slow Cooker Pork Chili, 81
• Stir-Fry Pork & Vegetables, 82
potatoes• Easy Microwave New Potatoes, 102
• Fruity Sweet Potatoes, 103
• Oven –Roasted French Fries, 105
• Roasted Sweet Potato & Banana Mash, 108
poultry• Baked Lemon-Vegetable Chicken, 48
• Chicken, Noodle, & Spinach Soup, 19
• Chili Powder Chicken, 49
• Grilled Jerk Chicken, 50
• Lime Chicken Breast, 51
• Mushroom Chicken Quesadilla, 52
• Orange Chicken, 53
• Pork & Turkey Burger, 79
• Pretzel-Crusted Chicken Nuggets with Honey-Mustard
Dipping Sauce, 54
• Spicy Grilled Garlic Chicken, 55
• Tandoori Chicken, 56
• Turkey Bean Burritos, 57
• Turkey Loaf, 58
• Turkey Meatballs, 59
prosciutto• Prosciutto-Corn Sauté, 107
protein shakes• Berry Cheesecake Shake, 126
• Chocolate PB Banana Shake, 127
• Cinnamon Bun Protein Shake, 128
• Mocha Chocolate Shake, 129
• Orange-Coconut Protein Shake, 130
• Peanut Butter Cup Shake, 131
• Pumpkin Pie Protein Shake, 132
• Strawberries & Cream Shake, 133
• Tropical Protein Shake, 134
• Ultimate Chocolate Protein Shake, 135
pumpkin• No-Crust Pumpkin Pie, 119
• Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal, 14
• Pumpkin Pie Protein Shake, 132
• Pumpkin Soup, 25
quesadilla• Mushroom Chicken Quesadilla, 52
rice• Spinach & Rice Bake, 109
• Summer Squash & Brown Rice Salad, 42
salad• Apple Slaw, 33
• Asian Seafood Salad, 34
• Black Eyed Pea Salad, 35
• Cauliflower Salad, 36
• Citrus Spinach Salad, 37
• Fruity Cabbage Slaw, 38
• Peppered Steak Salad, 39
• Quick & Easy Black Bean Salad, 40
• Salsa-fied Red Bean Salad, 41
• Summer Squash & Brown Rice Salad, 42
• Tabbouleh, 43
• Tuna Macaroni Salad, 44
salmon• Indian-Spiced Salmon, 87
• Salmon Burgers, 91
• Sesame Salmon for One, 92
• Teriyaki Salmon, 93
salsa
• Mango Salsa, 104
• Salsa-fied Red Bean Salad, 41
seafood• Asian Seafood Salad, 34
• Flounder with Spinach, 86
• Indian-Spiced Salmon, 87
• Mussels with Coconut Broth, 88
• Peach & Black Bean Swordfish, 89
• Pizza-Style Tuna Melt, 90
• Salmon Burgers, 91
• Sesame Salmon for One, 92
• Shrimp with Mushrooms, 93
• Teriyaki Salmon, 94
• Tropical Steamed Fish, 95
• Tuna Macaroni Salad, 44
• Wasabi Tuna Steaks, 96
sides & sauces• Baked Tomatoes, 100
• Classic BBQ Sauce, 101
• Creamy Fruit Dip, 116
• Easy Microwave New Potatoes, 102
• Fruity Sweet Potatoes, 103
• Mango Salsa, 104
• Oven-Roasted French Fries, 105
• Peas & Crunchy Carrots, 106
• Prosciutto-Corn Sauté, 107
• Roasted Sweet Potato & Banana Mash, 108
• Spinach & Rice Bake, 109
shrimp• Shrimp with Mushrooms, 93
soup• Chicken, Noodle, & Spinach Soup, 19
• Creamy Carrot Soup, 20
• Fat-Free Tomato Soup, 21
• Gazpacho with Chickpeas, 22
• Minty Pea Soup, 23
• Miso Soup with Mushrooms, 24
• Pumpkin Soup, 25
• Roasted Butternut Squash Soup, 26
• Spicy Black Bean Soup, 27
• Vegetable Minestrone, 28
• Zesty Taco Soup, 29
spinach• Chicken, Noodle, & Spinach Soup, 19
• Citrus Spinach Salad, 37
• Easy Spinach Frittata, 8
• Flounder with Spinach, 86
• Spinach & Rice Bake, 109
squash
• Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal, 14
• Pumpkin Soup, 25
• Roasted Butternut Squash Soup, 26
• Summer Squash & Brown Rice Salad, 42
steak• Peppered Steak Salad, 39
• Philly Steak Wrap, 69
• Seasoned Flank Steak, 70
• Whiskey-Mushroom Steak, 72
stew• Beef & Vegetable Stew, 63
strawberry• Strawberries & Cream Shake, 133
sweet potatoes• Fruity Sweet Potatoes, 103
• Roasted Sweet Potato & Banana Mash, 108
tabbouleh• Tabbouleh, 43
taco• Spicy Beef Tacos, 71
• Zesty Taco Soup, 29
tenderloin• Apple Spiced Pork Tenderloin, 76
• Cajun Pork Tenderloin, 77
tomato• Baked Tomatoes, 100
• Fat-Free Tomato Soup, 21
• Roasted Pork Chops with Tomatoes, 78
• Gazpacho with Chickpeas, 22
tuna• Pizza-Style Tuna Melt, 90
• Tuna Macaroni Salad, 44
• Wasabi Tuna Steaks, 96
turkey• Pork & Turkey Burger, 79
• Turkey Bean Burritos, 57
• Turkey Loaf, 58
• Turkey Meatballs, 59
yogurt• Greek Yogurt Parfait, 117
zucchini• Pork Chops with Zucchini, 78
• Zucchini Pancakes, 15
You work hard in the gym, but is your diet getting in the way of achieving your best results? The sports nutrition experts at Force Factor® break down their
favorite recipes for muscle-building meals that will fill you up, keep your taste buds satisfied, and help you achieve your best results yet. From breakfast
scrambles to protein shakes to midnight snacks, the Force Factor cookbook has the answer to all your cravings and your body’s needs.
$19.99