Creamy Avocado Dip

Something cool, creamy, protein-packed and perfect for dipping veggies or spreading on fajitas? We got you.

This week's recipe for Creamy Avocado Dip combines Greek Yogurt, Avocado, Garlic and Cilantro. Just the right amount of flavor to make raw vegetables pop or to add a hint of flavor to complement the smokiness of grilled chicken or fish. The Greek Yogurt has a high protein and calcium content, and the avocado brings the good fats and fiber. Garlic is an incredible cancer fighting properties, but also is used to fight all kinds of illness including the common cold. There is also research to suggest that Garlic consumption may aid in athletic performance by reduce fatigue and enhancing labor capacity. (You guys...it was used in ancient Greece as a performance enhancer in the original Olympics!)

Whether your a Spartan warrior or a modern Gym Rat, this week's recipe is unbelievably simple, extremely tasty and packs a nutritional wallop to keep your diet in check and your cravings on lock. 

Creamy Avocado Yogurt Dip/Topping

Gather:

 1/2 cup plain fat-free Greek yogurt

2 ripe avocados, peeled and seeded
1 clove garlic, minced
3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
1 tablespoon finely chopped seeded jalapeño pepper
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
Salt + pepper, to taste

Cut up veggies-for serving (or grilled chicken or fish!)

Method:

1. Place the yogurt, avocados, garlic, cilantro, jalapeño, lime juice, and cumin in a blender or food processor. Mix until smooth. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. 

2. Scrape dip into a serving bowl and serve with pita chips, tortilla chips, or cut up veggies.

Enjoy and Stay Cool in this hot, hot heat!

Check back here next week for another healthy recipe.

Grilled Strawberry Skewers

Think that these juicy red pops of sweetness can't be grilled? Think again. Stick some strawberries on a skewer (always a griller's friend) and heat these rubies into warm jewels. The smoky flavor from the grill complements the sweetness of the strawberries perfectly, making it a great side dish or dessert--or both. 

If you're aren't in the know about this summertime fruit, time to get schooled. Not only do they scream with the warmth of the season, but they are also a bonafide superfood. Bursting with antioxidants and Vitamin C--a known immunity booster. Strawberries boost eye health, help fight cancer, and their known collagen producing benefits help fight those sun's rays at the battle of your skin. That's right, strawberries can help your skin look younger and prevents the formation of some wrinkles. They also fight bad cholesterol, reduce inflammation and regulate blood pressure. 

Need further convincing? Well, putting anything on a skewer immediately makes it more delicious, because, science.

Grilled Strawberry Skewers

Gather

Skewers

One package fresh strawberries

Method

Skewer strawberries, approximately 4-5 per stick.

Place on medium/high grill, turning every few minutes.

Total grill time: Approx. 7 mins

Allow to cool for a few minutes, and then chomp. Try grilled strawberries with yogurt as a dip. 

Eating seasonal desserts is delicious, easy, and much healthier than grabbing an ice cream or a fruit flavored popsicle from the grocer's freezer. Skewer some strawberries and throw them on the grill this weekend!

Grilled Bananas

So, the past few weeks we have offered up some delicious + healthy ideas for the grill. Including: Grilled Portobello mushrooms, Lemony Grilled Chicken, and Grilled Cauliflower Steaks. This week, it's still hot, (actually even hotter) so we have another grilling recipe for you-- but this time, it's dessert. 

Grilling fruit is the perfect way to release the natural sugars within the fruit, giving a full, smoky-sweet flavor that is the perfect accompaniment to a cookout or barbecue. The best part? Grilling up fruit is not only absolutely delicious, it's also much healthier than your regular summertime desserts like ice-cream or popsicles. The preparation is easy and goes from peel to grill to mouth in less than 10 minutes. 

Bananas are an excellent source of potassium, a nutrient your body needs to maintain electrolyte levels in high heat and is full of fiber, so if the grilled chicken or steaks didn't fill you up, the grilled banana will do the job! 

Grilled Bananas

Gather

4 bananas

1/2 tbsp of natural sugar crystals

Method:

1. Cut bananas in half lengthwise, leaving skins on. 
2. Sprinkle the cut sides with sugar
3. Grill bananas for about 3 minutes each side--be careful, you don't want them to get mushy.
4. Pop them out into a bowl, and add a scoop of Norton Fitness Strawberry Frozen Yogurt if desired. 

That's it, you're done. Enjoy the sweetness of the season without ruining your diet or hard work in the gym. See you back here next week for some more delicious grilled fruit recipes. 

Grilled Stuffed Portobellos

Back again with a grill recipe! This week, another side dish to add to last week's chicken, or an easy appetizer for your next home grilling soiree. Portobellos are a meaty, tender choice and can also mimic beef in a burger for an vegetarians in your friend circle. Don't be nervous to play with different types of fillings; cheeses, vegetables, spices. 

These grilled portobellos are healthy and tasty, and grilling gives them a smoky char flavor that really complements the tomatoes within. Plus, both tomatoes AND mushrooms are packed with vitamin C. Portobellos offer a boost of copper and selenium, and both vitamins B and D. Basically, grill side-strong side. 

Grilled + Stuffed Portobellos

Gather

2/3 cup chopped plum tomato 

1/4 cup (1 ounce) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese 

1 teaspoon olive oil, divided 

1/2 teaspoon finely chopped fresh or 1/8 teaspoon dried rosemary 

1/8 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper 

4 (5-inch) portobello mushroom caps 

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 

2 teaspoons low-sodium soy sauce 

Cooking spray 

Method:

1. Heat grill to medium/high heat
2. Mix tomato, cheese, 1/2 teaspoon oil, rosemary, pepper  in a small bowl.
3. Remove brown gills from the undersides of mushroom caps using a spoon, and toss. Remove stem and discard the as well. 
4. Combine 1/2 teaspoon oil, juice, and soy sauce in a small bowl-- brush over both sides of mushroom caps. 
5. Place the mushroom caps, stem sides down, on grill rack coated with cooking spray, and grill for about 5 minutes on each side
6. Spoon 1/4 cup tomato mixture into each mushroom cap. Cover and grill 3 minutes or until cheese is melted.

And that's all she wrote. Another perfect summer side dish, courtesy of your grill.

Check back here next week for a breakfast recipe to make your mornings a little easier.

Lemony Grilled Chicken

Back again with another delicious grilling recipe! This week we are featuring a lemony twist on plain grilled chicken, just the right amount of tangy citrus to keep the flavors seasonal. The marinade can be used on chicken thighs, breasts, tuna steaks or mahi-mahi. The healthy, lean protein choices are endless. Add rosemary to punch up the verbal bouquet, or combine the lean meat with your asparagus or cauliflower steaks for a tasty side dish.

The flavors of the season are perfect for grilling, and grilling is one of the healthiest ways to prepare your proteins and vegetables. Take advantage of the warmer weather and stay on track with your diet! Don't be lured in by the mountains of mayonnaise filled potato salad, burgers + kielbasas that are stuffed full of fat, (and not the good kind). 

Fire up the grill and prepare this recipe for this weekend's festivities.

Lemony Grilled Chicken

Gather:

1 tablespoon grated lemon rind 

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 

1 teaspoon olive oil 

2 garlic cloves, minced 

8 skinless, boneless chicken thighs (about 1.5 pounds) 

1/2 teaspoon salt 

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 

Cooking spray

Method:

1. Prepare grill, heating to medium/high

2. Combine first 4 ingredients in a large zip-top plastic bag. Add chicken to bag and seal. Marinate in refrigerator for about 15 minutes, turning the bag occasionally.

3. Remove the chicken from bag; discard marinade. Sprinkle chicken evenly with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Place chicken on grill rack coated with cooking spray

4. Grill 5 minutes on each side or until done.

That's it! Easy and delicious. Join us back here for another healthy summer grilling recipe. 

Happy 4th!