If I could get a dollar for the number of times I’ve heard those words jabbed at me, I could be a very very rich woman. From my mother to my roommate, my odd concoction of food has always been a topic of conversation. That is, until they took a bite. Then I would see it. Their eyes light up, as they start to roll around a bite of my creation in their mouth. Then the questions change. “How did you make this!?” Aha! Never judge a book by its cover is a motto my food lives by, as my odd midday snacks and homemade dinners are far from something you might stumble upon online. Where do my ideas come from? My love for healthy food and many years of noshing on delicious Afghan food from my mother’s kitchen. All my midday lunches and snacks range from 200-300 calories and are filling enough that you won’t be looking at your fridge until dinner (unless you’re going to indulge in a scrumptious piece of fruit, of course). I thought I’d use this blog to share some of my infamous “Nilla Dishes,” and hopefully my taste buds will start to make a little more sense to those who surround me.
1) Veggie Lover’s Sandwich
What you need:
- 2 Slices of Whole Wheat Bread
- Handful of Mushrooms
- Half an onion sliced in thin long strips
- Goat cheese
- Salsa (Hot, medium or mild)
- 2 tablespoons Hummus
Toast the slices of bread until crispy
Microwave the mushrooms and onion for 1 and half minutes
Slather Hummus on one slice bread, top with mushroom and onions
Top with a sprinkle of goat cheese crumbles
Finish off with salsa, and top the sandwich with the other slice of bread
The warmth of the mushrooms and onions will melt all the ingredients together, and after your first bite of this healthy goodness you’ll know exactly why the ingredients are so particularly put together.
2) Flavorful Midday Snack
Who doesn’t love chips and dip as a yummy snack to get through the day? Sadly, tortilla chips pack a lot of calories without leaving you full for too long. The solution? Popcorn with salsa. Sounds weird I know but try the two together and see why they are a secret match made in heaven.
What you need:
- 1 bag of individual size popcorn (Butter or Kettle Corn)
- Lots of Salsa
Use the salsa to dip the popcorn and bon appétit!
3) Turkey Salsa Delight:
This easy to make sandwich helped get me through the dreaded O’Hill dining first year.
What you need:
- 2 slices of Whole Wheat Sandwich Bread—Something like Arnold Sandwich Thins (Only 100 Calories!)
- Low Sodium Turkey Bread—(You don’t want to ruin the healthiness of the snack with high sodium)
- Salsa (Hot, Medium or Mild)
- Slice of Cheese (Take your pick, Part-Skim Mozzarella is always a favorite) or Hummus
Put all the ingredients together on a sandwich, and enjoy a light and flavorful meal!
4) Light and Fruity
Looking for a light snack? My absolutely favorite is slicing a medium size apple and using vanilla flavored Greek yogurt as dip! This light and refreshing snack is packed with vitamins and energy, and will be sure to keep you full and satisfied for hours to come
These are just a glimpse into the odd combinations of foods that are possible! Try them out and see what new ideas you can come up with that are healthy, low-cal, and super satisfying!