Ep 019: Simple Healthy Meals with Amy Weinstock

This is one of my favorite episodes so far that I know you are going to want to go back and listen to over and over again! I’m so blessed to have my sweet friend, Amy Weinstock, award winning news anchor turned food blogger with a passion for all things health and wellness on the podcast.  This week Amy shares her top 3’s for a go-to snack, meal, and cocktail/mocktail that are perfect for these summer months. The cool thing about these recipes is that the ingredients are fresh and can be substituted for whatever you have on hand or seasonal faves! She recommends a fun theme night for meal inspiration and even using specific ingredients for their many health benefits, like natural digestive enzymes, low glycemic index, and those with lower calories. I also love that Amy shares some smart practices when getting the whole family to eat healthily. She believes it’s so important to model healthy eating in front of our kiddos, using simple, fresh ingredients, and enjoying some yummy treats in moderation too!  Additionally, Amy encourages us to involve the kids in the food prep, and make the effort to sit down and have family dinner together to share in great conversation.    Here are the highlights from this episode: {1:29} Introduction to Amy {5:14} Modeling positive behaviors with food around our kids {8:12) Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies {10:46} Amy’s go-to meals {14:58} Amy’s favorite ingredients {17:51} Drinks for themed dinner nights {21:25} Amy’s advice for cooking for the family   Here are the recipes mentioned in the show: 3- Ingredient Protein Cookies 2 ripe bananas 2 cups gluten free oats 1/2 cup almond butter   add ins: 1/2 cup Enjoy Life Dairy Free Chocolate Chips 1-2 Tablespoons maple syrup (additional sweetness) 1/4 cup chopped walnuts    Drop cookies onto a cookie sheet, flatten slightly, bake 350 degrees, 15-20 minutes.    Italian Night Meal- Spaghetti and Meatballs   Package of spaghetti Noodles (Banza & Explore Cuisine makes great chickpea pasta) Salad with homemade croutons from sourdough slices (5) French bread loaf with balsamic and olive oil dipping sauce on a plate.  1 lb meat of choice (Beyond Meat Beyond Beef Block) 1 40 oz. jar marinara sauce    Meatballs Recipe: 1 lb meat, one egg, 1/2 cup grated parmesan, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/8 tsp pepper, breadcrumbs- (1 slice Ezekiel bread, 1 Tbsp fresh parsley, 1 garlic clove blended until crumbled)   Mix above ingredients in mixing bowl, form into balls, place in crockpot with one 40 oz. jar marinara sauce. Cook on low, 3-5 hours   No crockpot? Place balls onto sheet pan, bake 350 degrees, 20-25 minutes. Warm marinara sauce in a sauce pan on the stove, add meatballs to sauce pan to meld 10 min or so, serve.    Croutons- cube sourdough bread, drizzle with olive oil, few dashes of garlic powder, few dashes of dried oregano (or other herb), dash of salt and pepper. Coat evenly, bake on baking sheet, 350 degrees 10-15 minutes.      Refreshing Summer Spritzer   1 cucumber, peeled. Blend with 6 oz. soda water.  Divide mixture between two cups, add 1 shot vodka or tequila, ice, additional soda water and herbs - cilantro or mint.  Omit alcohol for great mocktail.    Carrot Bacon   2-3 carrots, thinly peeled using vegetable peeler. Toss in a bowl with a splash of avocado oil, 2 Tbsp coconut aminos (or soy sauce), 1 Tbsp coconut nectar (or maple syrup), 1/2 tsp liquid smoke (optional. paprika can work too), 1/2 tsp garlic powder.  Let marinate for 15 min. Place on baking sheet, cook 400 degrees 10-15 minutes, flipping half way through.    ...