Tag Archives: healthy

cool off with these summer drinks

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Wow, summertime in the Midwest sure is H-O-T! It can get warm where I’m from in California, but I’m having a bit of a hard time getting used to the humidity of Indiana summers. I am grateful to air conditioning and electric fans for getting me through the hot afternoons we are having! {And local friends tell me it’s only going to get hotter in July & August…}

When it is hot out, it is especially easy to get dehydrated, which can make you feel lethargic, irritable, and headachy. I’ve been guzzling the cold water, and I’ve come up with two quick and easy recipes that have been keeping me hydrated and cool even on the hottest of summer days. I’m excited to share them with you!

Zero-calorie Iced Tea

1. Steep a bag of your favorite tea in hot water. This recipe works particularly well with fruity teas — two current favorites of mine are Trader Joe’s Mango Black Tea and Lipton’s Blueberry-Acai Green Tea.

2. Fill a large drinking glass with ice cubes. {Don’t skimp on the ice — I typically use half a tray!}

3. Once the tea has steeped for 3 minutes or so, pour it into your ice-filled glass and enjoy!

Ice Water with Cucumber Slices

This recipe comes courtesy of my grandma, who declares it “the most refreshing drink around on a hot day.”

1. Rinse and peel a cucumber and cut it into thin slices.

2. Fill a large drinking glass or pitcher with ice cubes and water.

3. Drop the cucumber slices into the ice water and let it sit for 2 or 3 minutes until drinking.

*This recipe is also great with lemon or lime slices, but there’s something about cucumber that I think is the most refreshing of all.

And there you have it! Hope these recipes help you stay hydrated, healthy and cool this summer. What are some of your favorite summer drinks?

Always,
Dallas

turkey enchiladas

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Sorry I’ve been MIA the past week … I strained my hand from overuse of the computer, so I had to take some time completely computer-free. (It’s crazy how much I use the computer in my daily life — writing, blogging, checking email — I didn’t know what to do with myself without it!)

My hands are feeling better, and today I have another delicious & healthy recipe to share with you, courtesy of my amazing mom!

Ingredients:

  • 1 package ground turkey meat
  • 1 yellow onion
  • 1 package of whole wheat tortillas
  • 1 can enchilada sauce (I like the La Victoria brand, mild)
  • a few handfuls of shredded cheese

1. Brown the ground turkey in a pan on medium heat. While the turkey is cooking, dice the onion.

2. Drain the fat from the turkey. Add the onion and cook for 2-3 minutes more.

3. Open can of enchilada sauce and pour about 1/3 of the can into a glass baking dish (I used a 10 x 13 size) so it covers the bottom.

4. Hold one tortilla in your hand. Scoop in some of the ground turkey mixture, a spoonful of enchilada sauce, and a bit of shredded cheese. Roll the tortilla closed and place in the baking dish. Repeat until all the ground turkey is gone. (I usually make 5-6 enchiladas.)

5. Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the enchiladas and spread with a spoon until all parts of the tortilla are covered. Sprinkle with cheese.

6. Bake for 15-20 minutes in an oven set to 350 degrees.

And there you go! I served mine with green beans and a fresh garden salad. This recipe served my whole family with two extra enchiladas left over for lunch the next day! Yummy, healthy, easy and inexpensive — what more can you ask for in a meal?

Happy eating!
-Dallas

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Cost: $15.00
Time: 30-40 minutes (including bake time)