Friday, February 4, 2011

One Pot Meals

I'm trying to get healthy. It sucks. I have a friend who loves to work out and she eats really well like 95% of the time and I envy that because given the choice between Pizza and laying around or working out and a salad I will always ALWAYS chose the pizza and laying around. I am surprised I am not 347 pounds because I love food. All food. And I really don't like working out. At all.
In order to kick start my healthy habits we bought an elliptical machine. My husband uses it more than I do, but we've put it to good use and it has yet to become a dirty clothes and towel mecca.
Through all of this I have started to cook and chose healthier options. When I first start to "get healthy" I always make a ton of salads which leave me satisfied for about an hour or two but after that I am sucking down left over slices of pizza and cheesy microwave nachos in the kitchen while wearing sweats and shaking my head in shame because I have failed again. But now, I tend to make one pot meals. These are probably the best way to get a ton of veggies, a little protein, and actually be satisfied when I am done. Also, they are super quick. I could have a whole segment on the Food Network called One Pot Meals with Sterling and I wouldn't be half as annoying as the Neely's or Giada.

Basically while grocery shopping get a few staples
Beans - cannellini, butter, kidney, black etc.
Grains- brown rice, quinoa, barley etc. (Stick with WHOLE grains. Nothing white)
Peppers - bell, jalepenos, chilis, etc.
Leafy Greens - fresh or frozen chard, kale, spinach, etc.
Other greens & veggies - fresh or frozen peas, green beans, broccoli, corn (fresh or canned), squash, beets, asparagus etc
Garlic
Onions
Olive Oil
Protein - chicken, tofu, seafood, ground turkey, lean beef

If you need veggie ideas because you might be stuck in a rut check on this list of vegetables

Now here is what I do for my One Pot Meals
Cook the meat. Add whatever spices you like. Cook it in a little olive oil or broth to add extra flavor
While the meat cooks, chop onion, garlic, and whatever peppers and veggies you are using
Remove meat from pot and let rest elsewhere
Add chopped veggies to pot
Cook until tender
While cooking chop leafy greens
Shred or chop meat if you haven't done so
Add beans or corn to pot. Let it heat up and cook
Add greens to pot of veggies (add more broth if needed or a little extra oil if needed)
Cook until tender
Add meat
Mix and let it heat up

Serve over grains if desired.

My new favorite beans.

Me after I work out. You know how I do
JUST KIDDING!