Coconut Crusted Chicken with Apricot Ginger Glaze

My company decided to throw a "Holiday Party" this month (late much?) and usually our company parties are fancy dancy and a bit too formal if you ask me. Well, this year we got to kick back, play pool and drink beer at Jillians Boston! That being said, Jillians served up platters of appetizers and burgers, the usual bar food. However, there was one app that I could not get enough of - Coconut Fried Shrimp. It was succulent and delicious accompanied by a sweet chili dipping sauce. This of course was not a healthy decision to chow down on them all night, so I wanted to make something lighter and healthier, but with the same kick ass coconut flavor!

I should note that I ran 7 miles the next day out of guilt - was it really worth it? YES.

Skinny Chicken Marsala

I am a carb-o-holic, so even in dieting I need my pasta/anything Italian fix. Luckily I found a great whole wheat pasta at Whole Foods that doesn't have the grainy texture of most. Whole Foods' line of 365 Everyday Value foods is awesome, and this is the whole wheat pasta I now swear by.

Chicken marsala is one of my Italian favorite dishes because I looove mushrooms and the marsala wine adds such a rich and sweet flavor without the added fat of other rich italian pasta dishes (ie. alfredo!). This version  of the recipe is slightly adapted from the weight watchers recipe.

I should note that, to my dismay, my camera is broken!!!! Not worry I am buying a new one this weekend! This was such a beautiful dish and I am so sad I don't have any pics, but trust me....it is DELICIOUS :) and nothing beats healthy and delicious. I served my chicken over a small portion of the whole wheat pasta and a side of fresh steamed broccoli. Enjoy!

Baked Zucchini Sticks

I've been on a vegetable binge lately and wanted to find a way to kick it up a notch. Matt loves zucchini, but he also loves mozzarella sticks, so why not make two become one!? Nix the fattening cheese for juicy zucchini and bake, not fry!

NOM NOM NOM

A Little Sweet Tooth...

I totally should not be posting this recipe here because there is nothing healthy about it! BUT everyone has a little sweet tooth and I have found that when you crave something sweet it is better to treat yourself to a little something (key word = little) Everything in moderation is fine.

That being said, who could resist chocolate chip cookie dough cheesecake bars?!?!?! NOT THIS GIRL. Luckily this recipe that is all over the pinterest world only makes a small 8x8 batch AND I live with the cookie monster, so he ate the majority of the batch :)

Brings tears to your eyes, doesn't it? 

Distance Training!

LOL - I love my coach :)

Broiled Tilapia with Mango Salsa

I have been dying to try out my own mango salsa recipe, and what better to serve with than some protein rich tilapia! Tilapia is the kind of fish that can be used in almost any white fish recipe and its mild taste makes it a crowd pleaser. Fish has been a huge part of my diet and this mango salsa adds so much flavor.

Since I work full time (and by full time I mean 50+ hours a week) I am not left with much time to figure out "What’s for dinner?"; the dreadful question that haunts so many people’s lives. PLANNING IS KEY. Every week before I do my grocery shopping I plan out the meals for the week because if I don’t Mr. Matthew will try and order chinese food or some other terribly bad food. Easy meals are also very important. Do not try out the latest Ina Garden recipe that calls for 1 hour prep time and 2 hours cooking time - bad idea. This recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights and if I can work from 8am to 6pm, go to the gym until 7-7:30, then come home and cook - you can, too.