If quick and easy smoothies are your thing, try My Jump-Start Smoothie<\/strong> \u2013 it combines low-fat yogurt, fresh fruit and agave and can be customized however you like for the perfect A.M. pick-me-up!<\/p>\n A d’lish smoothie to start your mornings!<\/strong> At lunch time, my Big Protein Red Quinoa Salad<\/strong> is just the thing to keep you full and well fueled during the mid-day crunch. You can make a big batch early in the week and pack yourself small lunch portions.\u00a0 For extra fiber, add in some chopped kale or hearty greens.<\/p>\n For dinner, I like to pick up some chicken pho (Vietnamese noodle soup) at my favorite local noodle joint \u2013 then add a heaping helping of steamed veggies back at home.<\/p>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n So start out the New Year right with some healthy goodness! -Kathy<\/p>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n Kathy\u2019s Jump-Start Smoothie<\/strong> Makes 1 serving<\/p>\n 1\/2 cup frozen fruits \u2013 such as Trader Joe\u2019s Tropical Fruit Trio Place ingredients in the order above and blend until smooth. Enjoy your healthy start to a great day!<\/p>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n Recipe \u00a9 Kathy Casey Liquid Kitchen\u2122<\/sup><\/p>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n Big Protein Red Quinoa Salad Makes about 4 cups<\/p>\n 3\/4 cup red quinoa* Rinse quinoa in cold water and drain well. Put the drained quinoa in a heavy medium saucepan and dry roast the grain over medium heat, stirring occasionally for about 1 minute. Add the water, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cover with a tight-fitting lid. Cook for about 15 minutes or until all water is absorbed. Remove from the heat and let stand, covered, for 10 minutes. Remove lid, fluff grains with a fork, and let cool to room temperature.<\/p>\n In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa with the remaining ingredients and toss well.<\/p>\n![\"berry-smoothie-sl-1017338-l\"](\"http:\/\/farm8.static.flickr.com\/7160\/6632087921_9e5cd53f8d_m.jpg\")
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\n(Photo courtesy of MyRecipes.com<\/a>)<\/p>\n
\nThere are lots of things you can get creative with. Add a tablespoon of protein powder, a banana, change up the frozen fruits, add a dash of OJ or fat-free milk if you like your smoothie less thick or if you have a \u201cchallenged blender.\u201d And if you love smoothies- be sure to get yourself a good blender. I love my Vita Mix<\/a>!<\/p>\n
\n1\/2 cup fat-free or low-fat plain yogurt
\n2 Tbsp agave nectar (or sub honey or a packet of no-cal sweetener)
\n1\/2 cup ice cubes
\n1\/2 \u2013 1 teaspoon flax seed (the more seeds \u2013 the more \u201ctexture\u201d)<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>I like to make this salad with all organic produce and also add in a cup of chopped fresh raw kale for extra fiber!<\/p>\n
\n1 1\/2 cups water
\n1 teaspoon minced garlic
\n2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
\n1\/4 cup fresh lemon juice
\n2 teaspoons minced or grated lemon zest
\n1\/2 cup peeled, seeded and 1\/4-inch-diced organic cucumber
\n1\/2 cup canned organic garbanzo beans, drained
\n1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
\n1\/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
\n1\/2cup organic golden raisins
\n1\/2 cup organic hazelnuts, lightly toasted and coarsely chopped
\n1\/4 cup thinly sliced green onions
\n1\/4 cup grated carrot
\n3\/4 to 1 teaspoon sea salt
\n1\/4 teaspoon black pepper<\/p>\n