I feel like I’m starting every post with an apology for not writing more often, but it’s hard to find the time for it these days. I only have a few mornings a week with Jack in daycare, and they quickly fill up with article writing for Respoken Magazine, creating client meal plans and preparing for baby boy #2 who will be here in the next 3 weeks – ahh!
For as long as I can remember the weather on the May two-four long weekend in Ontario is always hit or miss, but this weekend it’s going to be a hit; mid-twenties and sunny from Friday to Monday – oh yeah. My OB gave me the clear to go to the cottage for the long weekend so I thought I would share with you a few long weekend healthy meal and snack ideas for inspiration.
When the weather is nice at the cottage no one wants to spend a lot of time indoors cooking a big breakfast. I’m bringing some fruit and a big batch of Creamy Overnight (no cook) Steel Cut Oats. This recipe is perfect for taking to the cottage because it can be made the night before, travels easily in a sealed container, and it includes all the essentials (protein, whole grains and healthy fats) to keep you going until lunch. I bring my Whole-Wheat Banana Muffins with me wherever I go, and we’ll also pack a loaf of sprouted bread, aged white cheddar cheese and organic eggs.
Lunch is usually simple; homemade pizzas, leftovers and salads. My sister-in-law is in charge of salads and veggies, and nothing is better than the Costco pre-packaged kale salad – jam packed with cancer-fighting kale, raw Brussels sprouts and broccoli! The dressing is kind of gross, but we usually substitute my homemade Apple Cider Honey Dijon Vinaigrette. Apple cider vinegar has so many health benefits (made from fermented apple juice; it puts good bacteria back into your gut; making it amazing for healthy digestion, it aids in weight loss, lowers cholesterol & high blood pressure, and stabilizes blood sugar), but it can be hard to drink straight up. Mixing it into a salad dressing is a great way to incorporate it into your diet.
The cottage just isn’t the cottage without happy hour on the boat, and of course a few appies. Guacamole is a fan favourite, but there are months of summer ahead and if you want to keep your calories in check, I’d recommend making my Slimmed Down version that uses zucchini in place of the 2nd and 3rd avocados.
I’m not a big chip person as they’re typically high in trans fats and calories, but Kettle Chips recently sent me samples of their new Classic Caesar flavour (just in time for National Caesar Day on May 19th), and they’re delicious – just the right amount of spice, and will pair perfectly with a cold drink. Being pregnant, this is a great way for me to enjoy the flavours of a classic Caesar cocktail without the booze. And as far as real chips go (as in real I mean made from potatoes and not lentils or brown rice); I’ve seen worse in terms of ingredients. They’re non-GMO, contain no trans fats, no preservatives and no artificial colours or flavours. I’m not promoting eating chips as regular healthy snack option, but if you want to treat yourself this weekend, definitely give these a try.
Dinner plans are organic burgers (now available frozen and pre-made at Costco) and I’m making one of my favourite summer meals: Maple Ginger Cedar Plank Salmon with Sweet Potato Fries and salad. Superstore sells my favourite salmon from True North Salmon Company. Their salmon is farmed, but unlike most farmed salmon, the feed is all-natural – no dyes, chemicals or growth hormones.
I hope this gave you a few healthy meal and snack ideas for the beautiful long weekend coming up. Cheers!
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