•Do you ever find yourself eating things you don’t really love because you have a weight loss goal and the food you’re eating fits the “diet” requirements you’ve set for yourself?
•Do you ever watch TV while eating a meal not really knowing what you’ve just consumed?
•Do you ever text and answer e-mails while at the table with a family member, friend or co-worker?
BE HERE NOW!
I look at every meal as an opportunity to enjoy life. Pick a variety of food items to keep meal time an adventure. Spend that time tasting the food and if you are lucky enough to have friends and family sharing your meal, enjoy them. People who have variety in their diets weigh less than those who eat the same food every day. Families who share meal preparation and consumption without the distraction of electronic devices raise happier healthier children who are more successful in school and life. I want to challenge each of you to unplug during meal time and share food and conversation with someone today.
Greek Pasta Salad is an excellent way to enjoy your meal. It is one of our favorites here at PRIER and if you have a picky family, you can serve it buffet style and everyone can just pick the ingredients they like.
Greek Pasta Salad
1-large Chopped Yellow Bell Pepper
1-large Chopped Orange Bell Pepper
1-large Chopped Red Bell Pepper
1-large Chopped Green Bell Pepper
1-large Sliced Purple Onion
1-box Whole Grain Pasta Twirls Cooked and Drained
1-jar Pitted Green Olives Drained-I like mine stuffed with Jalapenos
1-jar Pitted Black Olives Drained-I like Kalamata
1-jar Artichoke Hearts Drained-I like the ones packed in water to reduce the fat
16-oz Crumbled Feta Cheese-You can substitute low fat or no fat if you prefer
1-pint Grape Tomatoes-You can use any kind of tomato, but larger cut tomatoes can get mushy
1/2-cup Salad Dressing-I like to use White Balsamic and Mrs. Dash to reduce salt and fat, but you can use your favorite Italian.
Toss everything in a bowl and serve as a side dish or top with your favorite meat and call it a meal!This makes a lot, so if you are watching your carbs or won’t be eating it all at once, leave the pasta and cheese on the side. This way they don’t get mushy before you finish all of your leftovers. You can also replace the pasta with spinach leaves for a lower carb meal.
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