As I’ve mentioned before, sometimes it’s so hard to come up with different ways to cook chicken. I’m always keeping my eye out for a recipe that’s not only healthy, but delicious. Just today I found a great recipe that’s figure friendly and perfect for this beautiful Fall weather!

Healthy Ways to Cook Chicken – Chicken with Apples and Cider Sauce Recipe

All you’ll need:

1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 4 to 6 oz. each
salt to taste
freshly ground black pepper
flour for dredging
2 apples, peeled, cored and sliced
1/3 cup apple cider
2/3 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1/2 cup non-fat sour cream
1 tablespoon chopped parsley

All you’ll do:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large, non-stick skillet. While the oil is heating, season the chicken with salt and pepper and dredge it in flour (optional).

2. Sauté the chicken over medium-high heat until golden brown, about 2 minutes on each side. Remove the chicken to a platter and keep warm.

3. Add the apples and apple cider, stir with a wooden spoon to release any caramelized bits that may be stuck to the pan and cook until the cider has reduced by half.

4. Add the chicken broth, chicken and any juices that have accumulated on the platter. Simmer until the chicken is cooked through, about 10 minutes.

5. Remove the chicken to a clean serving platter and keep warm. Simmer the broth mixture until it has reduced by half, about 5 minutes. Add the sour cream and stir until it is thoroughly combined. Spoon the sauce over the chicken, sprinkle with parsley and serve.

Nutritional info:

Serve this with a green salad, and it’s a perfect Fall meal!

Source: Foodfit.com

Yesterday we talked about all of the benefits of eating Apples, so I thought today I’d post some healthy Apple recipes that are super simple and easy to make. If you’re not sure what to do with your apples, give these a try! If you have your own favorite apple recipes, feel free to share…

–Healthy Apple Bran Muffins–

All You’ll Need:

1 1/4 cups bran
1 cup whole wheat flour
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/3 cup milk
2 large eggs
3/4 cup pure maple syrup
1/4 cup butter
1 cup peeled and chopped apple
1 cup raisins

All You’ll Do:

1. In a large bowl combine bran, whole wheat flour, baking powder, nutmeg, and cloves; set aside.
2. In a small bowl cream together milk, eggs, maple syrup, and butter; fold into flour mixture. Stir in chopped apples and raisins. Pour into greased muffin tins.
3. Bake in a 350*F oven for 15 to 25 minutes, or until the center is set. Remove from oven. Let completely cool on wire rack.

Source

–Healthy Apple Crisp–

 All You’ll Need:

1/4 cup instant oatmeal
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 1/2 Tbsp margarine
4 Granny Smith apples
2 cups vanilla nonfat frozen yogurt

All you’ll Do:

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
2. Spray an 8×8-inch baking pan with cooking spray.
3. In a bowl, thoroughly combine the oatmeal, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and margarine.
4. Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples.
5. Spread the apple slices evenly over the surface of the baking pan.
6. Sprinkle the oatmeal-flour mixture over the apples.
7. Bake in the preheated over for 30 minutes or until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown.
8. Serve warm, topping each serving with 1/4 cup frozen yogurt.

Nutrition Information:

142 calories; 63mg sodium; 3g fat; 1g fiber, 20g carbohydrates

Serves 8

Source

It’s Apple season in America right now which means there’s no better time to eat them! Not only do Apples taste good, but they’re good for you too. And with so many varieties to choose from (over 2,500 different kinds), I’m sure there’s at least one kind that you’ll like.There are a TON of health benefits that come from eating Apples, so lets take a look…

1. Helps control weight gain – studies have shown that eating apples regularly will help you control gaining weight
2. Apples contain fiber – fiber helps you feel full
3. Low in calories
4. Great source of certain vitamins and minerals
5. Helps boost your energy
6. Includes disease fighting chemicals that help prevent cancer, heart disease, and more…
7. Helps lower blood cholesterol
8. May prevent wrinkles from forming

What’s listed above is only the start of all the healthful benefits, there are many many more. The more often you eat apples, the better, and that’s why the saying “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” is so true. To get the most benefits from an apple, remember to eat the skin. While it may not taste as good as the inside of the apple, it’s the best part for you.

Now that we know the benefits of eating apples, here are a few tips for buying the best apples and keeping them fresh:

• Apples should be hard when you buy them
• If there are any dents in an apple, it’s not a good choice
• One study suggests that red apples have more benefits than green – it’s your call which to buy though…
• Keep your apples refrigerated so that you get the longest life possible out of them
• If you slice apples and they’ll be sitting for a short amount of time before you eat it, squeeze some lemon juice and water over the apples to keep them from turning brown

Each year it seems studies reveal more and more benefits of eating apples, so I can’t think of any reason why you wouldn’t want to eat them. Find the different kinds of apples that you like, and find different ways to serve them such as slicing them and spreading a little bit of peanut butter on them, or dipping them in a low-fat yogurt or other healthy dips.

And remember, an apple a day… certainly does keep the doctor away. Hmmm… I think it’s time for an Apple!