While we are still enjoying beautiful days as summer comes to an end many of us still want to hang out on patios and cocktail with friends. These little get togethers can pack in the calories and pack on extra pounds. For most of the people I know the end of summer and beginning of the school year also is a time for them to get back on track, get their workouts in and start eating well.
Since it's almost impossible to give up a patio invite on a beautiful Chicago night...don't! Just lighten up your load a bit. Here's a recipe for a better dip option and a tip on drinking a bit lighter.
Edamame Dip (from the Adventure Boot Camp Cook Book):
- 4 servings
- 1-12 oz. package of frozen shelled edamame, thawed.
- 2 tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tbs. of rice vinegar
- 1/2 tsp. of sea salt
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/3 cup of chopped parsley leaves
Place edamame in food processor. Add oil, vinegar, salt and water and pulse until smooth. The mix should look like a thin hummus, if it's too thick, add more water. Add parsley and pulse briefly to blend (flecks of parsley should still be visible). Transfer to bowl, garnish with more parsley and serve with pita wedges or veggies.
Calories - 184
Fat - 12g; 2g saturated
Carbs - 9g
Protein - 10g
Now, about lightening up that drink;
Soda water or zero calorie tonic can lighten up just about any drink.
If you like vodka or tequila try pouring a shot over ice, squeeze in a lemon or lime and add soda or diet tonic. It's easy and tastes very refreshing.
If you want a little more flavor add a splash of cranberry or other juice you favor but just a splash and use the soda water or tonic to fill the rest. This gives your drink a little fiz without the calories of most mixtures.
Enjoy the rest of the summer before we are talking about what's good to drink next to a cozy fire!
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