Wow, I am on a ‘cooking something healthy’ for dinner kick lately (by this I mean I made a healthy dinner once last week and once this week. A new record).
I call this Janae’s Refrigerator Quinoa and if you ever do make this I have copyrighted it so you have to use the proper name when referring to it. I cooked quinoa in the rice cooker and then added a baked sweet potato and some sautéed mushrooms, cabbage, spinach and asparagus. I let that chill for a few hours and then added walnuts, feta and cranberries right before serving it.
I was going to get all technical and make my own sauce for it but then I remember that I love dressing. Especially this dressing, on everything.
After dinner Brooke and I went on over to a baby shower for my good friend.
The below picture was taken approximately 100 minutes past Brooke’s bedtime. She fell asleep the second I buckled her in her carseat.
Oh the food. The food was really good and all homemade. The lemon meringue thing was amazing and I think I had just a few of those ‘slivers’ of chocolate mint brownies.
Hopefully those mint brownies fuel my speed workout this morning….
I have a feeling my next post will be titled: Don’t eat ridiculous amounts of brownies the night before a hard workout unless you want to be cruel to yourself.
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Last ‘healthy’ dinner that you made? I need ideas if I am going to be keeping this streak up.
Speaking of streaks… who is doing a running streak right now? The Runner’s World Summer Run 2013 Streak?
Is there any type of dessert that you DON’T like?
-Pecan pie and brownies with nuts in them (I’ll still eat them but I don’t like them). Billy doesn’t like banana splits. I know, weird.
94 comments
Julie @ Sweetly Balanced
That quinoa dish looks so good! the only “Healthy” meals I know how to make come from a frozen vegetable pack in the freezer that I heat up in the microwave! I leave the cooking to my cute fiance! :)
Elizabeth @ My Neon Running Shoes
Last night joe requested something light so I made us chicken salads. That dessert looks yummy! We are also fans if that tj dressing :-)
Megan
Last night I did pork with corn on the cob and a sweet potato! I love corn on the cob this time of year!! Also for the sweet tot if you bake / microwave / whatever then mash with butter and hot sauce. YUM.
Wendy @ New Moms Talk
We’ve pretty much given up eating dinner, as it’s been so hot. Yet, I’ve been craving quinoa-shredded carrots- lemon juice. Amazing and simple!
I’m not a fan of super gooey, jello-y, overly sweet desserts.
Emma @ a mom runs this town
Chocolate def fuels me. In not a fruit pie girl. Anything else goes!
Nicole @ Work in Sweats Mama
I’m not a fruit pie gal either. There are some cobblers that I really love, but I don’t like traditional fruit pie.
Kim @ Hungry Healthy Girl
The quinoa looks like a great recipe! I’m going to give it a try, but don’t worry I’ll give it it’s proper name. ;) A dessert I don’t like is really hard….maybe lemon meringue pie.
Ashley @ OurPersonalRecords
I can’t think of the last healthy dinner I made, but I love have quinoa in the fridge because it’s so versatile! I actually don’t really like brownies or chocolate cake. Don’t get me wrong I really like chocolate, I just think that when it’s a brownie or a cake it’s a little too rich for me.
The picture of Bill(y) and Brooke is SOOO cute!
Monica L
I don’t like mint flavored ice cream, but I would chow down on those brownies. That whole dessert picture is amazing. The picture of Brooke looking up at Billy melted my heart!
Emily @ Running for Boston
This is not really healthy – well, it’s about 95% healthy – but runner’s can eat it whenever they want as long as they’re exercising regularly…plus it’s good carbs (pasta party anyone?!). Next time you make mac and cheese (and not the stuff from the blue box) – put tomatoes and broccoli in it and bake it. It’s so good, crispy, and delicious!
I love every type of dessert. Although, I’m not a fan of chocolate covered cherries or chocolates that are cherry-flavored. Does that count?
Deb
Brooke is in Daddy Love! Too cute!!!
You have the best group of friends. I love pecan pie, not that I eat it very often. I hope we can still be friends. ;-)
Andrea @ mainerunnergirl
I had salad for dinner last night because I was too lazy to cook! I put beans and corn and avacado on it. I’ve never met a dessert I didn’t like!
Britt @ BrittsRunningStyle
I don’t care for bread puddings or jello with fruit in it. They seem like something you would get in the hospital. I love pecan pie though! We don’t make anything too creative for our healthy meals, we always have a huge bowl of tossed salad in the fridge and have some grilled chicken with it. We do that probably 3 to 4 nights a week. Easy, quick, delicious & healthy!
mary @ minutes per mile
I tried a Whole Living “detox” recipe the other night — it was pretty healthy! I would definitely add cheese next time, though :) Happy cooking!
Recipe:
http://www.wholeliving.com/216351/french-lentil-salad
Recap: http://minutespermile.com/2013/05/30/endurance-running-cheeseburgers/
Erin
I’m trying to lose weight at the moment so all of my dinners are healthy!
I actually don’t like quite a few desserts… mostly those that involved dried fruit (fruitcake, Christmas pudding) or weird textures (creme brulee, pavlova). Anything cake-based is a winner though!
Amanda N
I don’t like Jello….just don’t enjoy the texture of it. Not a big fan of the mint/chocolate combo either. My super healthy meals are usually a little rice or pasta mixed up with seasoning and whatever veggies we have on hand. Nothing too particular.
Sarah @pickyrunner
I don’t like anything with nuts or fruity desserts. Basically anything chocolate or vanilla or caramel is fair game. Those sugary desserts are perfect run fuel. I can’t remember the last healthy dinner I made. I’m pretty sure I’ve eaten Mac and cheese and Pizza for the last four days…
Nicole @ Work in Sweats Mama
That quinoa looks amazing! I’ll be sure to properly attribute when trying it out! We make this great black bean and edamame salad. Super simple and yummy. Black beans, edamame, mozzarella cheese, grape tomatoes, red onion, cilantro and homemade dressing – basically olive oil, minced garlic, lime juice, salt, pepper. Mince meat pie makes me shudder – dessert should not include ‘meat’ in the title!
Samantha @ 24to30
Yesterday I put a couple of frozen chicken breasts in the crockpot with some salsa, black beans, and corn. It was really good! I took it to the ballpark with us last night with some watermelon for a little picnic.
Katie
I’ve been having my fiance grill tilapia or salmon while I bake sliced pieces of sweet potato drizzled with olive oil, salt , pepper and oregano. And I make a quinoa dish too. I sautee mushrooms with lots of garlic, make the quinoa with chicken stock instead of water, then add in the sauteed yumminess and voila – deliciousness and healthy! Oh and for breakfast I can’t seem to get enough of sliced avocados on my eggs, SO GOOD.
I’ve been running a lot more this summer. I’m trying to do speed work and also mix up my work outs with Insanity dvd’s (ouch) and weights.
I’m not a fan of nuts in brownies. I also don’t really care for toffee. Other than that….bring on the dessert!!
The Hungry Runner Girl
Come cook for me! That all sounds amazing!
Katie
If I find myself in Cali I definitely will!!! I love to cook! ( and bake of course, who are we kidding, dessert is priority!)
Karen @ Runner Girl Eats
I don’t like nuts in my brownies either but I love pecan pie…especially chocolate pecan pie! I have been on a vegetarian cooking streak and loving it. Last night I made stuffed eggplant. So tasty. I am also on the RW Streak! I am loving my daily miles :)
Charlotte @ Commitness to Fitness
That is a great question- there MUST be dessert I dont like but nothing is coming to mind. That quinoa looks delicious!!
Amanda @ .running with spoons.
Desserts I don’t like? Anything with peanuts in it because that just means I can’t have it… and it’s cruel to toy with me like that! As for healthy dinners… does a bowl of whole wheat cereal count? Lol, I’ve been kind of failing on the cooking front lately, so most of my dinners end up being thrown together in 10 minutes or less, but grilled chicken salads are a pretty big staple around these parts.
Stephanie
I’m obsessed with that dressing! I will put that or their cilantro dressing on anything..I had the Asian one on garlic chicken sausage and roasted veggies last night!
Adriana @Laced Up With Lipstick
I don’t like pecan or pumpkin pie! I’ve been eating a lot of Salmon with a brown rice quinoa mix and cooked with mixed veggies. I also make a spinach salad with balsamic vinaigrette, slithered almonds, flower seeds
And parm cheese.
I think it’s cute that Brooke follows Billy around. Izzy is stuck to James as soon as he walks in the door and cries when he goes to work now.
Amanda
I was doing the run streak . . . until I got injured. I made it 12 days on the streak and I’m itching to get back out there, but I know I need to rest. Injuries are the worst!
nerri @LaPetiteRunner
the only desserts I don’t like are any with bananas in them. everything else is fair game!
I love that Brooke follows Billy around – I used to be just like that with my dad!
Rebecca Jo
I’m all about quinoa… I never thought of putting in feta… I’m all about that!
I add in black beans with onions & tomatoes, some good spices & cover it with a salsa – you can put it on a tortilla & have a healthy Mexican dish
Lindsey
Last night we had vegan Moroccan Chickpea stew with red quinoa :)
Too funny, my little brother was just saying the other night how brownies and carrot cake should not have nuts in them! I am not a huge fan of pie (unless its pumpkin), anything with whipped cream and strawberry ice cream.
Victoria @ My Bright Pink Runners
The last really healthy dinner was lemon garlic tilpaia. I’ve been on a bad food kick lately and need to change it. There are few desserts I turn down, but puff pastries aren’t always on the top of my list.
Linda @ running4two
I just made this ground turkey and veggies calzone type thing using a pillsbury wheat pizza crust. It turned out amazingly well!
You took the words right from me….nuts should NEVER be in brownies.
Mary Jo
Question – I have a rice cooker also and have never cooked quinoa in it. Do you follow the same directions as you would for rice? I love quinoa, but never seem to get it the same as when I eat it out. Your recipe looks great!!
The Hungry Runner Girl
Thank you!!! Yep!!!! I put in one cup quinoa and two cups water and let it cook! Always comes out delicious. Good luck and have a great day!
Liz @ The Girl on Fire Now
I am not a huge brownie person
Linda
Sorry to be nosey but did you get that necklace from jcrew? I was in there yesterday and was looking at a necklace that looks just like that! I am so obsessed with j.crew! And can’t stop going in there. I love everything!
The Hungry Runner Girl
It is!!!! Oh I understand your obsession with J Crew! I can’t stop!!!
Lauren @ The Highlands Life
That dressing is soooo good!!
And how funny, I just posted a thin mint brownie recipe on my blog yesterday.
Renee @ Renee Runs Miles
I can’t stand nuts in brownies. I won’t eat them. I don’t like banana cream pie or banana splits either…pretty much anything with banana.
Laura @ Live, Run Sparkle
You don’t like pecan pie?! I don’t know if I can read this blog anymore.. haha, kidding. My grandma makes the best pecan pie ever, its one of my faves. My all-time fave dessert though is cheesecake with raspberries on top, I want my future wedding cake to be all different tiers of cheesecake. haha, aaaand I’m not even engaged yet. lol
Also, Brooke following Billy around everywhere is so cute!
Tiff
Dear HRG, PLEASE get these shoes so you can be matchy matchy with Brooke!!!
http://m.urbanoutfitters.com/mobile/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=28616787
Gracie (Complicated Day)
Brown rice topped with steamed veggies (I like broccoli) and blue cheese. Takes no time at all and tastes delicious.
[email protected]
I don’t cook, my husband does it all. He made Chicken Gyro’s on Sunday night they were yummy.
Custard.. don’t like it! It’s pretty hard to find something I really don’t like that involves sugar!
Amanda
Our dinners are always pretty healthy and we just keep it basic with some meat, a carb and lots of veggies. It’s not super exciting but it’s healthy and easy
Anissa Angelosante
I have to agree with Billy. I love ice cream but when it is in banana split for I am not a fan. I will eat it, but I wont enjoy it.
I like to think all the meals I cook are healthy. Last night I made pulled pork with potatoes and Brussels sprouts!
Rachel @ Undercover Diva: A Sitcom
I made a tofu scramble the other day, but I love stuffed mushrooms (without the cream cheese), salads, and “pastas” (aka spaghetti squash or I use squash/zucchini ribbons as a base) topped with lots of vegetables.
I don’t think there is a dessert that I do not like, unless it involves marshmallows. Or jello. Does jello count as a dessert?
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Inadequate taxi salad last night, and it had lettuce in it so it was healthy ;) those desserts look like a kneaders display!!!
Chelsea @ LittleOneRuns
Salad with tomato, avocado, bell pepper, chicken – had it the other day and had to have it again! With a side of green beans!
Hmmmmm the only thing I can think of that I don’t like (which is amazing I thought of one) is Custard, it’s just weird to me lol.
Good luck with your speed workout! I did mine yesterday, ugh they are too hard :)
Nicole
I love feta in rice/quinoa dishes — good call ;) I’ve been wanting to try making cauliflower pizza crust… Seems super easy and healthy to make!
Fiona @ Get Fit Fiona
I don’t like banana splits either! I also don’t like coconut, so macaroons and nanimo bars are out too.
Ashley
I bought a spiraizer and made zucchini pasta… Sautéed it with butter, garlic and red onions then tossed it with pesto and avocado. Soooooo good! Tonight I will do the same but add turkey sausage.
And follow it up with a coconut toffee chocolate bar.
I also dislike brownies with nuts.
That Brooke and Billy… Umm Bill… Pic is super adorable.
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Last night, we had rotisserie chicken from the crockpot and broccoli. That was it. But I was trying to recover from too much snack mix in the afternoon.
The Kidless Kronicles
Laura @ Mommy Run Fast
Mmm, those desserts… yum! We aim for healthy most of the time- but easy stuff, like fish with sweet potatoes and broccoli, or grilled chicken salads.
Leah
I cook healthy most of the time. I make lots of tilapia. The Man’s fave is my ‘fishiladas’. Super easy. Tilapia, onion, garlic, mushroom, cilantro and cayenne. Rolled up in soft corn torts w/ some cheese and baked. I also make fresh salsa, and boil black beans seasoned w/garlic, onions, lime juice and cilantro. Pretty low fat and low cal. Mmmmm. I’m hungry just thinking about it!
I have never liked baked fruit, with the exception of blueberries and blackberries. I don’t apple pie, peach cobbler, etc… I have to have my fruit fresh and cold. I will kill some blackberry cobbler though. :)
Cori @ olivetorun
It’s not that I don’t LIKE them it’s that I prefer something else.
I can say no to cake, cupcakes, brownies, cookies, basically all baked goods. But put that ice cream of froyo in front of me and it’s on.
My husband made me a fruit salad “cake” last year for my birthday- if he didn’t win my heart before then he definitely sealed the deal with that concoction!
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I have a major hate on for sugar pie. I cannot stand it. One time at a wedding (when I was preggo and could not partake in “refreshments”), I was sooooo looking forward to dessert. I may have had a silent, inner meltdown when the dessert arrived and it was sugar pie.
Megan D
I love brownies with nuts in them, why does everyone else (including Ross) not? I love those mint brownies. Once I may have ate 3 )big) slices and then tried to go for a run an hour later. I REALLY regretted that choice. lol. When will I ever learn? However, I am usually indifferent to cakes. Some I like, but most aren’t ‘worth it’ to me. And most pies I don’t care for (I like silk/cream pies).
Your story about Brooke reminds me of our last lunch date. It was crazy funny how fast she fell asleep once she got in her car seat. lol.
I am making this for dinner tonight. Yummy and healthy:
http://www.howsweeteats.com/2012/06/thai-crunch-chicken-salad/
And I NEED that TJ dressing in my life. I might drink the bottle though. Hmmmm.
Hope your brownie fueled run went well this morning!
Sam @ Better With Sprinkles
Adore the chocolate mint combo…so I would be all over those brownies! And tonight I’m making salmon with rice and green beans, so that’ll easily be the healthiest thing I’ve eaten all week.
Sara B
Last healthy meal was fish tacos for dinner on Sunday. Not really a big fan of anything lemon or lime (pies, cakes, cookies, etc.) but plenty of sugar covers a multitude of sins. ;)
Meaghan @ Tale of Two Teachers
Last healthy meal was grilled vegetables (carrots, yams, peppers, jicama, parsnips) with feta and balsamic reeducation. Delicious!
I don’t like Black Forest cake… Not a big cherry fan (cherry flavor/candied cherries- I love fresh wild cherries). Other than that I like pretty much every dessert!
Natalie @ Free Range Human
I generally try to make something healthy every night. I can’t believe you don’t like brownies with nuts-sacrilege! I don’t like most desserts with fruit in them. I like fruit just not in dessert! It’s a texture thing, I’m sure!
MartinaNYC
I usually run in the evening and by the time I get back home it’s late and I’m STARVING! So what I do is I stock my freezer with salmon burgers, chicken patties, and grass fed angus burgers (all from Trader Joe’s of course!)… it takes five minutes to grill them! I then top everything with homemade guacamole ! I also prepare baked potatoes in advance and have one. Sometimes I add a small salad, sometimes I don’t. I thinks those are pretty healthy choices and, above all, they’re QUICK ones!
Is there any type of dessert that you DON’T like? Girl, this is by far the hardest question you’ve ever asked us! All I can tell you is that I don’t like anything with mint inside and I also don’t like when they put too much cinammon. And yes, I’m not a big fan of desserts that have nuts in them but I’m like you…I’d still eat them! Ha!
Suzanne @ Mixing It Up
I am so sad for you. Pecan pie is AMAZING and it is just sad that you weren’t blessed with taste buds that love it.
Dessert that I don’t like: Pretty much anything with raisins in it. I just don’t understand how people can ruin a perfectly good dessert by adding those in.
Healthy Dinners: I made a turkey sausage, spaghetti squash, broccoli bowl last night that was super tasty and healthy. Easy, too!! Can’t beat that!!
Erica
Cream pies: French silk, banana cream
Cheesecake other than the original: snickers, turtle etc. = NO
Healthy: fish tacos.
Billy pic is precious.
Mallory @ my quarter life [crisis]
I pretty much love all desserts. I’m with you on the desserts with nuts though, no thank you, but hey it’s a chocolate brownie at the end of the day so I’ll still eat it (obviously).
Ja @Ja on the RUN
pinning your quinoa recipe!
Lora @ Crazy Running Girl
I don’t like a lot of desserts… not a fan of chocolate, cheesecake or whipped cream. I know, weird.
Amy N.
I’m trying this new thing where I actually take time to recover from my marathons and I’m going stir crazy! How come as soon as they tell me not to work out I want to work out super bad?
I just posted a pasta dish on my blog yesterday that had a relatively healthy meal on it. It was delicious and super easy to make.
michelle kim
I’m not a huge fan of anything double chocolate (like chocolate cake with chocolate frosting). It gets to be too sweet.
Hehe, Brooke is growing up so quickly!
Kay
Your quinoa looks great! Looks like a delicious spread at the baby shower!
Michelle @ 3cheaprunners
I’m not on a running streak right now – but I am on a planking one!
Alyssa @ See This Girl Run
I don’t really like cheesecake or pies that aren’t chocolate or coconut or apple.
Tiff @ Love Sweat & Beers
Mmmm, brownieeeees! I hope they didn’t cause you too much pain. ;)
Miranda @ Miranda Runs
Chicken breasts in a crock pot. Perfectly easy and delicious! :) Chocolate gal all the wayyyyyy
Ashley
I think that most of our meals are pretty healthy. Now that it’s so warm all the time we pretty much end up serving everything over a giant salad. The other night I made curry tofu w/ kale and onions and warmed up some Soycutash (frozen from TJs, it is heavenly you need to buy it! edamame and corn and peppers) and threw that over a big bowl of romaine. Quick and easy!
Ashley @ Eat Run Live Happy
I don’t like Pecan Pie, Pumpkin Pie, or Watermelon… I’ve been told I’m un-American.
I make a lot of whole grain pastas for dinner, using almond milk instead of heavy cream, or making a olive oil, tomato type topping.
Christina @StinaOnTheMove
I have to shamefully admit that I have never had quinoa. I think it’s the cooking part that keeps me from making it. Your recipe looks amazing though!
Last (healthy) dinner I made: salad with bell peppers, tomatoes, and feta cheese with flatbread and tzaziki.
Holly @ Healthy Living Holly
the last healthy dinner i made was lemon dill salmon with roasted veggies (zucchini, broccoli, cauliflower, red onion) and a quinoa salad TOO! whoa, twins. mine was super simple with green onion, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and goat cheese :)
not doing a running streak, but i AM running my seventh half marathon on sunday!
anddd i don’t like jell-o very much!
J
Hahah oh my goodness, that picture of Brooke looks like she just slugged that happy pregnant lady.
Lauren
I will eat any desserts but I’m not a fan of cheesecake. I mean, if it’s the only option I’ll eat it; or if it’s smothered in chocolate and other delicious things, I’ll eat it. But definitely is not one of my favorites.
Brooke looks like I do at about 10 o’clock at night (my grandma bedtime). Lol!
jan
I am doing the streak! :) Those brownies sound divine.
Nicole
Last healthy dinner I made for myself was pretty basic…..chicken and vegetables. Thaw frozen mixed vegetables. Once all the icy-ness is gone, put them in a sautee pan, sprayed with Pam. Add a little water and put a lid and cook them through. Then, turn up the heat on the burner. Add garlic pepper and stir until the veggies start to get a little brown on them. Serve with grilled chicken.
Speaking streaks….I thought you were talking about my last at-home spray-tan. ZOINKS! ;)
Desserts I don’t like….fruit-flavored chocolate. I don’t like those chocolate oranges that come out at Christmas time. Just give me a ball of chocolate-flavored chocolate and I’d be happy!
Dana
I’m not a cake person, but I’ll have a slice here and there. Ice cream cake–no thanks. regular ice cream is just fine, and totally agree with nuts in brownies. I won’t eat them.
Jen W.
Do you have a secret recipe for those mint brownies? They look delicious…..
nicole
oh, and a dessert i don’t like… that’s hard. reading these comments, i actually love bananas, nuts, and raisins (sometimes altogether — hellooo banana bread!)… i guess i don’t care for jello, except almond or mango gelatin. actually, i don’t care for caramel. i will avoid things with caramel, and that’s saying a lot. everything else is fair game ;)
Emily
I don’t like angel food cake. I have a big problem with textures, and angel food cake is one of those I can’t handle, too spongy. I’ll still eat it if I’m at someones house and that’s dessert, to be polite and all, but I cover it up with a mountain of strawberries and whipped cream. :) Strawberry shortcake is much better. Last healthy dinner I had was last night. Super easy and delicious chickpea salad alongside grilled salmon.
1 can garbanzo beans
1/2 diced cucumber
1 diced tomato
1/2 c. diced red onion
1 tbs. chopped parsley
1/2 tbs. chopped mint
1/2 c. feta cheese
Dressing:
1 lemon, juiced
1 tbs. olive oil
1 tsp. rice wine vinegar
1/4 tsp. cumin
salt and pepper to taste.
SUPER delicious and healthy!! :D
Katie @ Peace Love & Oats
Ask Billy, but I don’t think you can copyright a recipe! haha
LosingLindy
I can’t believe you didn’t get the recipe for those chocolate mint brownies! I want some stat!
Monique
My healthiest meal is grilled or baked Maple Salmon (1/4 cup maple syrup, 2 Tbsp soy sauce, minced clove garlic, 1/4 tsp garlic salt, black pepper, marinate half hour), baked sweet potato, and steamed broccoli. Fast, simple, and easy to make.
I’m not a fan of fruit and chocolate together. I’d rather have something unhealthy with my chocolate.
My daughter loves to follow my husband around before he leaves for work and when he gets home too. I love it because it gives me a break. It’s also extremely cute to watch. The picture of Bill and Brooke is adorable!
Mia
I can think of several desserts i don’t really like. I can’t think of one that i wouldn’t eat. And probably still have seconds of.
Lauren @ Dallas Duo Bakes
Last healthy meal I made? Just plain ole grilled chicken. Can’t get much healthier or EASIER than that! :)
Desserts I don’t like…I wish there was a dessert I didn’t like, but that’s not the case! I’ll eat anything sweet!!!!
Maria @ runningcupcake
That quinoa dish looks lovely- so summery.
I don’t like coffee flavour things- coffee cake etc, but that is about it!
Jen
I am not a big desert person, but I really don’t like cake or chocolate and yes I know that’s crazy :-)