Skinny You

Looking to lose weight?

I lost ten pounds and dropped two pant sizes without trying. In order to lower cholesterol, I started eating low-fat, high-fiber, vegetarian foods, and I added about 2 additional hours of exercise per week. I eat as much as I want of these healthy, delicious foods and I never feel hungry. You can lose weight and get healthier too without depriving yourself! It’s all about choosing the right foods.

Get started with the easy recipe below.

Black Bean Chili

Leftover black bean chili is great packed for lunch. Black beans are full of fiber and no-fat! Make sure you drain and rinse, if using canned, to wash off extra sodium.

2 15 oz. cans of black beans, rinsed and drained
1 10 oz. can of Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies
½ green or red pepper, chopped
½ large onion, chopped
½ package ground veggie burger* (6 ounces)
2 tbsp. olive oil
2 tbsp. chili powder
1 tbsp. cilantro
1 tsp. cumin
2 cups of water
Salt & pepper

1) In a large pot, heat olive oil on medium-high heat. Add onions and stir a few minutes, until onions start to soften.

2) Add green pepper and stir fry with onion for a minute or two.

3) Add chili powder, cilantro and cumin and stir.

4) Add veggie burger. Stir fry with other ingredients for a few minutes.

5) Add black beans, tomatoes with chile rellenos and water. Simmer for about 15-20 minutes on medium-low heat.

6) Salt and pepper to taste.

7) Great with sliced avocado, diced purple onions, fresh cilantro or diced tomatoes.

Makes enough for four people with good appetites.
*I used Smart Ground Original veggie protein crumbles

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Spicy Chili for Your Superbowl Party

My brother Jeff has long been known for his chili recipe. I think he makes it every year for the Superbowl, as well as for other similar winter parties. Well, being a vegetarian, I hadn’t tried it before since he puts hamburger in it. As luck would have it though, his daughter is now a vegetarian, so the other day, I got to try the veg version, with veggie crumbles in it. I loved it! The secret ingredient is……Campbell’s tomato soup. Also the jalapeno peppers make it really spicy. Since some jalapenos are spicier than others, you might want to taste one before adding it to figure out just how much to add.

Hope you enjoy the Superbowl and all of the great party food.

Jeff’s Spicy Chili

2 14.5 ounce cans of diced tomatoes
1 or 2 14.5 ounce cans of kidney beans
1 can Campbell’s Tomato Soup (the secret ingredient)
2 jalapeno peppers, chopped (use more or less depending on how spicy you like your chili)
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
¾ cup veggie burger crumbles
Olive oil
Chili powder, to taste

1) In a large kettle, add a 2 or 3 tbsp. of olive oil and the chopped onion. Saute until tender, about 6 -8 minutes.

2) Add the remaining ingredients. You may wish to add some water if it is too thick for you. Simmer for about 2 hours.

3) Add olives, sour cream, cheese, diced onion or your favorite chili topping. Serve with corn chips or corn bread.

4-6 servings, depending on how hungry you are

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Vegetarian Light Cooking: the Cookbook!

Introducing the Vegetarian Light Cookbook!

After being repeatedly asked when I was going to put together a cookbook with recipes from the website, I decided to do it. And here, at last, I present to you Vegetarian Light Cooking!

Vegetarian Light Cooking contains 133 easy-to-follow, delicious, low-fat recipes that feature ingredients vital to physical wellness and energy, along with information about their unique health benefits.

What you eat plays a significant role in creating energy, preventing and managing diseases, and enjoying mental and physical stamina. If Spinach Lasagna, Roasted Red Peppers in a Tomato Cream Sauce, and Jambalaya sound good to you, you will have no trouble incorporating these recipes into your healthy lifestyle.

Click here for more information and to order Vegetarian Light Cooking.

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Veggie Tacos

Veggie Tacos

I can make these tacos in about 15 minutes. The seasoning packets that come with taco meals to prepare at home are often packed with sodium. The seasonings here do not add any extra sodium. These are healthier and tastier than most tacos you would purchase in a restaurant too!

1 cup ground veggie burger (I use Lightlife Smart Ground Original)
1 tbsp. olive oil
½ tbsp. cumin
1 tbsp. cilantro
1 tsp. chili powder
½ tsp. cayenne pepper
3/4 cup black beans
½ cup water
4 taco shells

Optional toppings:
¼ cup taco sauce or salsa
Reduced fat Cheddar or Mexican cheese
Orange peppers, sliced very thin
Lettuce, shredded
Tomatoes, cubed
Avocado, sliced thin or cubed
Fresh cilantro

1) On medium heat in sauce pan, add veggie burger, olive oil and spices. Stir fry a few minutes. Add water and bring to a boil. Immediately reduce heat to simmer. Simmer about 5-10 minutes.

2) While simmering taco filling, heat taco shells in 350 degree oven for about 5 minutes. Heat black beans.

Veggie Tacos

3) Add ¼ of veg beef to bottom of each shell. Top with ¼ of the black beans. Then top with your choice of toppings.

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