Eggplant is a
fun and pretty plant to cook with and while my first few attempts at cooking
with it were epic failures, this recipe was so easy even I couldn’t mess it up!
I hope you enjoy this one as much as my family and I did!
Eggplant
Parmigiana
1 Large Eggplant
Salt and Pepper
2 Cups of Basic Tomato Sauce (ok, I cheated; I used Prego Tomato and Basil Sauce)
Fresh Basil, finely chopped
Mozzarella Cheese, sliced
½ cup Parmigiana Cheese
¼ cup fresh bread crumbs (I used ½ cup French Fried Onions, crushed – zero carbs remember)
Preheat oven to 450˚ F.
Lightly oil baking sheet with EVOO – this keeps the eggplant from sticking.
Slice the eggplant into 1 inch slices (about 6 pieces). Lightly season each
disk with salt and pepper and place on oiled baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 min
until deep brown. Remove from oven.
Lower oven temperature to
350˚ F. In a large baking dish spread a thin layer of tomato sauce on bottom of
pan. Place the largest pieces in the dish, spacing evenly. Spread half of the
remaining sauce on the disks and then sprinkle with fresh basil. Place 1 slice
of Mozzarella cheese on each ring and sprinkle with parmigiano. Place smaller
slices of eggplant over each disk and repeat layering tomato sauce, basil,
mozzarella, and parmigiano. Sprinkle the top with toasted breadcrumbs (I used French
Fried Onions) and bake uncovered until cheese melts and turns light brown,
about 20 minutes. (serves 3)
I know, this one isn’t a
10 minute meal, but there is plenty of time between baking to sit down and
relax for a few minutes. Serve with a crunchy green salad and you have a meal
that would make any Italian foodie proud AND it stays within the healthy eating
to lose weight lifestyle!
Now after I work out I always need to rehydrate and replenish my electrolytes – especially with it being as hot and humid as it has been in the afternoons these days. But in keeping with my healthy lifestyle changes, Gatorade and Poweraid had too much added sugars which do nothing for keeping the blood sugars stable and the pounds dropping off. So I started to ask around and do some research of my own. Please meet my new rehydrating and electrolyte loaded friend, Coconut Water! Jam-packed with naturally occurring electrolytes, more potassium than a banana (good for warding off those post workout muscle cramps), and only naturally occurring fruit sugars, this drink has quickly become my post-work out go to! Now, I personally think it has a funky aftertaste so I add 1 fresh squeezed lime and 1 tsp of Stevia to my drink which gives it a light and refreshing flavor! I have also mixed this in my Nutrimeal shakes and with my USANA Rev3 Surge packs for a light, lemon tea energy drink super powered by green tea and ginseng (only 14 calories!!)
What we drink is as
important to watch as what we eat. Many drinks are sweetened with artificial
sugars which research is beginning to show has a significant part in the
increase in insulin resistance and Type 2 Diabetes. Energy drinks are great but
a lot of time the energy spike they provide through caffeine and guarana are
followed by a severe crash that leaves the body feeling jittery and lethargic. I
know that coffee isn’t supposed to good for Fibromyagia sufferers but I will have
to get more information on the “Why” before I post anything specific about
that. I still have at least one big mug a day…and its not for the energy either…I
just love the smell and taste.
I will continue to
research and share easy healthy meals so check back for more posts! If you
would like, there is a link that allows you subscribe to my blog and you will
receive an email notification whenever I post something new! I am always open
to suggestions and if you have something you would like to add or contribute,
please feel free!
A happy home is a healthy
home!
Love Rachel
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