Yikes.  I’m not certain what possessed me to eat 4 (!) large baked chicken drumsticks for lunch as if I were Henry VIII at a medieval banquet, but those plump spicy leftovers in the frig just looked and tasted awesome.  After a big breakfast and obviously an even bigger lunch, I still never skip dinner.  Although it’s tempting, skipping meals just slows the metabolism and sets myself up for overeating the next day.

QUICK SKINNY TRICK: Roasted Lentils and Steamed Green Vegetables

Roast lentil beans or any kind of beans with minced garlic and herbs for 5-10 minutes in oven, then serve yourself a measured 1/2 cup portion along with plenty of non-starchy steamed vegetables.  The triple shot of protein, complex carbs, and fiber in beans makes very efficient use of just 110 calories.  Mixed with the greens, it’s filling and nutritional without going overboard when I’m already at my calorie fill (and then some!) for the day.  I serve a regular entrée along with a side of the same beans and vegetables to the rest of the family, so everyone is a happy and full camper.

To make my life even easier, I keep cans of organic lentils, black beans or chickpeas in my cabinet so all I do is rinse, pat dry, then just bake or roast on a foiled sheet.   What could be easier?

Works perfect for those overboard kind of days!

Kathy