Zuchinni boats!

Boy am I loving being a vegetarian again! And I'm crossing my fingers it makes me lose weight! ;-) Tomorrow will be day 4. I love it. For real. I seriously don't miss meat at all. I'm excited to go to Taco Bell & order a Crunchwrap supreme without beef & a side of nachos or something. Or a 5 layer burrito without beef. Or a bean & cheese burrito! But that won't be for a while since my fridge is now stocked full of organic fruits & veggies!

This what I'll be making tomorrow. :)

Ingredients:
4 zucchini, halved lengthwise
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 red onion, chopped
5 plum tomatoes, chopped
1 cup bread crumbs
1/2 cup walnuts, toasted and coarsely chopped
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper
6 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
Get ahead
Prepare and stuff the zucchini a day before.
Directions:
1.Preheat the oven to 375°. Using a small spoon, scoop out the zucchini flesh, leaving a 1/4- to 1/2-inch-thick shell. Wrap the zucchini flesh in a paper towel and squeeze out any excess liquid; discard the liquid and set aside the flesh. Place the zucchini shells cut side down on a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes.

2.Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over high heat. Add the zucchini flesh and onion and cook, stirring, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the tomatoes and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Push the vegetables to the side of the pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil and the bread crumbs, and toast the bread crumbs for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat, stir in the nuts and oregano, then combine with the vegetables; season with salt and pepper.

3.Flip over the zucchini shells and line the bottoms with the mozzarella. Pack in the filling. Sprinkle the parmesan on top. Bake until the zucchini is tender when pierced with a fork, 20 to 25 minutes.

Courtesy of: (http://www.rachaelraymag.com/Recipes/rachael-ray-magazine-recipe-index/side-dish-recipes/Cheesy-Zucchini-Boats)

Vegetarian super healthy pasta!

I'll be the first to admit that this picture of the pasta doesn't do it justice. It's delish! I made up the recipe myself :)

*Why I love this recipe: It makes tuna taste delicious! And it packs protein! about 25-30 g. in this meal alone. Great for vegetarians. You can skip the aflredo sauce or find a lowfat option to reduce fat & calories. It tastes good with just the red wine vinegar as well. It's creamier with it though. :)

1 can drained tuna

1 tomato

2 cups chopped fresh spinach

2 tablespoons chopped red onion

red wine vinegar

2 tbsp lowfat alfredo sauce

1/4 cup dry whole wheat macaroni

salt & pepper to taste

2 tablespoons chipotle pepper powder

italian cheese (optional)

Get water boiling & boil pasta until al dente.

While pasta is boiling start cooking your tuna on the stovetop on medium heat. Add spinach, red onion, & tomatoes. Season generously & cook for about 8-10 minutes. Add alfredo sauce & red wine vinegar (to taste; I used about 1 tbsp). Pasta should be cooked now! Drain & add to sauce. Put in bowl & top with cheese. I used 1 tbsp. to keep it lowfat. :]

Serves one.