Eggplant Parmigiana

Eggplant Parmigiana



315 people rated this recipe
Course: main meals
PointsPlus™ Value: 4
Servings: 4
Preparation Time: 15 min
Cooking Time: 35 min
Level of Difficulty: Moderate

We slimmed down this fattening favorite. Baking the eggplant gives the dish a crispy texture without the fat that comes from frying.

Ingredients
1 spray(s) cooking spray
1/3 cup(s) seasoned bread crumbs, Italian-style
1 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp italian seasoning
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1 medium raw eggplant
2 large egg white(s), lightly beaten
1 1/2 cup(s) canned tomato sauce
1/2 cup(s) part-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded (shredded)
Instructions

* Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat a 9 X 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray; set aside.

* Combine bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning and garlic powder in a medium-size bowl; set aside. Remove skin from eggplant and trim off ends; slice eggplant into 1/2-inch-thick slices.

* Dip eggplant first into egg whites and then into bread crumb mixture. Bake eggplant on a nonstick cookie sheet until lightly browned, about 20 to 25 minutes, flipping once.

* Place a layer of eggplant on bottom of prepared baking dish, then add 1/3 of tomato sauce and 1/3 of mozzarella cheese. Repeat with 2 more layers in same order. Bake until cheese is melted and sauce is bubbling, about 10 minutes more. Slice into 4 pieces and serve. Top with fresh basil and mint.

The Journey

So I could not sleep this morning and I thought about this. I know many of us are ashamed of what we look like now or used to! I found a pic of me in the hospital about to deliver my son and I was almost 300 pounds! I did not even recognize myself in that picture. So now whenever I think I have not come far I will look at that pic. In 2007 I was 290 pounds at the end of my pregnancy. In 2011 I am now at 210. I feel awesome, and I know I can not and will not go back to that person, who avoided mirrors so I could never see how big I really was. I was hiding and lying to myself. Well I am not going to be ashamed of telling that weight anymore, or looking at that picture! Why becuase it reminds me of how strong I have become, that a mirror does not define me. If I had never sunk so low, I would probably never appreciate the importance of eating healthy and exercising! After being that woman I now have more compassion for people struggling with food addiction and obesity. I now know that motivating others and nutrition is my passion and career. I mean if someone walked a mile in your shoes it means so much more than a nutritionist or a trainer that was always thin! Do not be ashamed of your past or your present. Why? You have a bright future! I urge you not to cheat yourself of the opportunity to see just how strong you are and all the accomplishments that you can make! If you fall keep on getting up. You hit a speed bump, keep going. Do not let anything stop you. There will be so many things that will come along to discourage you and hinder you on the journey. But I firmly believe that God puts them there for you to learn something. And then that shapes and molds you into a better you! Do not be ashamed, their is someone watching that needs your encouragement, who watches from afar. That sees you keeping on and says "Yes I can do that too!" Do people stare at obese people and make fun of them at times? Yep, but do not let those shallow minded people get to you! They do not define you or know you! Now when I see a new person at the gym that is there on a regular basis trying to get into shape, or is overweight and looks like they want to hide, I say to them hey great job, keep it up! There is strength in numbers! We are not alone as a country an alarming number of people are now obese, so we are not alone! Do not hide, do not be ashamed. Do not beat yourself up over a set back. Every day is just that a new day and a fresh start. Remember no matter what size you are you are still beautiful! Keep it up and keep going! We will all get there one day no matter how long it takes!

Penne with Sausage and Kale

Penne with Sausage and Kale


Penne with sausage and kale

295 people rated this recipe
Course: main meals
PointsPlus™ Value: 8
Servings: 4
Preparation Time: 10 min
Cooking Time: 16 min
Level of Difficulty: Easy

Italian food is always a family favorite. Use kale or broccoli rabe — depending on what’s available.

Ingredients
2 cup(s) uncooked penne
1/8 tsp table salt, or to taste, for cooking pasta
8 oz raw turkey sausage, sweet Italian variety
4 cup(s) kale, roughly chopped into bite-sized pieces
1 cup(s) canned chicken broth
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp table salt
1/2 cup(s) shredded parmesan cheese, Parmigiano-Reggiano recommended
Instructions

* Cook penne in salted water according to package directions.

* Meanwhile, remove sausage from casing and cook in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat, breaking up sausage as it cooks, about 3 minutes. Add kale; cook, stirring frequently, until limp, about 3 to 5 minutes.

* Add broth to skillet and scrape up browned bits on bottom of skillet with a wooden spoon; season with salt and pepper. Cover skillet and reduce heat to low; cook until kale is tender, about 5 to 10 minutes. Stir in penne; heat through.

* Sprinkle each serving with about 2 tablespoons of cheese before serving. Yields about 1 1/2 cups per serving.

Notes

My Goals for 2011

Well I do not do resolutions, but I will set goals. So I have 15 goals that I have set for myself for 2011.

1.To reach the 100 pounds lost mark!
2.To double my cardio one week out of the month every month!
3. To make at least one new recipe a week!
4. To explore new ways to add vegetables to my meals.
5. Eat fish at least once a week.
6. To get my spin certification.
7. To lift free weights three times a week for at least thirty minutes.
8. To run/walk the American Heart Association 5k.
9. To work with a non profit group on developing a nutritional and exercise program for teenage girls on eating healthy and fit.
10. To take at least five nutrtion courses.
11. To continue with new health and wellness programs at work.
12. To get back into singing in choir.
13. To help at least two people become healthier.
14. To organize at least three volunteer teambuilders for work.
15. To continue on my Bible studies, and growing spirtually!