Breakfast: Celebrate Vitamins ENS Vanilla Cake Batter Shake in my blender bottle as I ran out the door. I had a million errands and at least I know I have 25 grams of protein in already... actually I had a bit more because I made it with 1/2 soymilk and 1/2 water.
Lunch: Got home and made lunch. I packed up my bento box and took it outside on the patio. I munched on it as I weeded (this is a losing battle), planted 2 tomato plants (no big garden this year, but I must have warm from the sun tomatoes), disposed of a creature gift my neighbors cat brought me (lovely, glad I ate first) and caulked seams in the house (I lead the glamorous life.)
Pink Box (top left): Shelly's Strawberry Cannoli
Green Box (top right): Tomato, Mozzarella, Basil & Oregano Caprese-ish Salad
Blue Box (bottom left): Cold Cut Roll-ups (Ham & Turkey w/ Cheese), mustard for dipping
Orange Box (bottom right): Almonds, Peanuts, Pistachios
More bento box lunches
Dinner: Spotted this Grilled Chicken Cacciatore on my last trip to Trader Joe's. It is in the refrigerator section. Fully Cooked. Just heat & serve.
Serves 3 - $4.99
Calories - 150 per serving w/out additions
Protein - 20 grams
Fat - 6 grams
Carbs - 9 grams
You just pop a few holes in the bag it comes in and nuke for 4 minutes. I am always looking for quickie protein packed meals like this. I always have a meal plan but occasionally I get home later than I thought I would and the last thing I want to do is prep, cook and especially clean up afterwards. This was a perfect meal for a night like that. Here's what it looks like after you nuke it...
I jazzed it up slightly. While the chicken nuked, I sauteed some extra mushrooms (about 5, sliced) and added can of rinsed and drained cannelini beans and warmed those through. When the chicken was done I sliced it into strips and combined it with my beans and mushrooms. I sprinkled with a little Parmesan right before serving. It was just a few steps, about 10 minutes from start to a protein packed, restaurant quality dinner. Take that Rachel Ray... Whapow.
It would be tasty as is, with beans like I served it or with some zucchini "pasta" or sauteed onions. The way I prepared it, with beans and extra mushrooms it would easily serve 4. I'll be grabbing another on my next Trader Joe's trip.
Snacks: Coffee and an Apple w/ Dip while I watched American Idol (not feeling it this year.)
Shelly's Salted Caramel Cheesecake Apple Dip
1 wedge Laughing Cow Cinnamon Cream Cheese
1 Tablespoon Ricotta Cheese
1 Tablespoon Greek Yogurt
1 Tablespoon Sugar Free Torani Salted Caramel (or any flavor SF Caramel, SF Cinnamon Vanilla would be yum too) Syrup
Optional: Squiggle of SF Smucker's Caramel Sauce
Mix together till well blended. Dip apple slices.
More days in my pouch
P.S. If you haven't already thrown your name in the hat for the Spring Sample Giveaway (ends Sunday) be sure to do that.
