Easy Shrimp Quesadillas

These delicious shrimp quesadillas take about 5 minutes to prepare.  One quesadilla provides one person with a completely balanced meal.

Ingredients:

1 burrito-sized whole wheat flour tortilla
4 oz cooked salad shrimp or medium cocktail shrimp
1/8 cup chopped or sliced onions
1/2 cup grated skim cheddar
1/2 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp cumin
1 tbs salsa
1 tbs lowfat sour cream
lowfat nonstick cooking spray

Mix the shrimp and spices in a small mixing bowl ensuring that all shrimp are well covered.  Spray a flat cooking surface (electric or stove-top skillet) with nonstick spray and cook with medium heat.  Place the tortilla on the heated skillet and spread the shrimp evenly over 1/2 of the tortilla.  Add the onions and the cheese.  Fold the uncovered part of the tortilla onto the covered side.  Allow to cook for 1-2 minutes.

Flip the quesadilla by rolling it over the folded edge.  Cook on the second side for 1-2 minutes or until the cheese has melted.  Remove from the pan and slice into 4 wedges.  With the sour cream and salsa on the side, eat and enjoy!

Terrific Pita Pizza

This Pita Pizza serves one person a complete, balanced meal that tastes GREAT!

Ingredients:

1 whole-wheat pita
2 TBSP lowfat pizza sauce
1/8 cup chopped onions
1/8 cup chopped bell peppers (yellow and red are great)
4 oz skinless chicken breast grilled and sliced
1/8 cup grated parmesan cheese (lowfat mozzarella is also acceptable)

Preheat oven to 425 degress.  Place the pita on a baking sheet.  Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the pita.  Top the pizza with the onions, peppers, and chicken.  Sprinkle the cheese over the top.

Bake for 10-12 minutes.  Parmesan cheese should have a hint of brown color to it.  Mozzarella cheese will be melted.

Slice and enjoy!  Don't forget to drink water!

Spicy Egg Wrap

This recipe will get your morning off with a bit of a kick.

3 Egg whites
1 Whole egg
1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
1/8 tsp cumin
1 whole-wheat flour tortilla
1/8 cup grated skim cheddar
1 tbs salsa

In a medium mixing bowl, scramble the egg white and whole egg. Add the spices. Pour into a skillet sprayed with no-fat cooking spray. Scramble the mixture well. Heat the flour tortilla in a microwave for 10 seconds. Pour the scrambled eggs onto the warm tortilla. Top with cheese and salsa. Wrap it up and enjoy!

Mandarin Grilled Chicken Salad

1 cup Romaine lettuce
1 cup shredded cabbage (slaw mix w/o sauce)
1 skinless chicken breast
1/4 cup mandarin orange slices (they come in a jar)
1/4 cup crunchy chow mein noodles
2 tbs Newman's Own Sesame Ginger dressing
1 tbs sesame oil (regular vegetable oil can be substituted if necessary)
Dash of low-sodium soy sauce

In a medium frying pan over medium heat, grill the chicken breast until juices are clear. While the breast is cooking, splash a dash of low sodium soy sauce over each side. Once the chicken breast is fully cooked, remove it from heat and allow it to cool. While the chicken is cooling, prepare the salad by tossing the Romaine lettuce, shredded cabbage, and orange slices in a large bowl. Cut the cooled chicken breast into bite-sized pieces and add them to the salad mix. Transfer the salad to a large plate and sprinkle the chow mein noodles over the salad. Add the salad dressing and enjoy.

The beauty of this meal is that it is very filling due to the large volume of vegetables, has a very low calorie count, and tastes great. If the Sesame Ginger dressing is not to your liking, try a vinaigrette or other low-calorie option. Avoid anything "creamy" as such choices are usually very calorie-dense and fattening.

Simple Chicken Fajitas

I love this recipe and could eat these every day. Seriously.

1 chicken breast (grilled)
1/2 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp chili powder
1 tsp lime juice
1 tbsp salsa
1/4 cup grated cheddar (skim, preferably)
1/2 cup shredded lettuce or bagged slaw mix
2 whole wheat flour tortillas
1 tbsp light sour cream (optional)
1/4 tsp of ground cayenne pepper (optional)

Slice the warm chicken breast. and place in a medium mixing bowl. Add the lime juice and toss the chicken in the lime. Add the cumin and chili powder (and optional cayenne pepper) and toss until the chicken is well coated. Spread 1/2 of the sour cream on each of the whole wheat tortillas. Place 1/2 of the chicken on each and top with the lettuce or slaw mix, cheese, and salsa.

Remember that adding cayenne adds considerable kick. If you don't like spicy food, skip the cayenne pepper.

Serve with water, and you've got a great-tasting, lean meal.