You know we’ve got you covered over here at Body Electric. We know you want to stay on track with your health and fitness goals but you also want to enjoy yourself at this weekend’s BBQs and picnics! Have no fear, we’ve got a few recipes that are sure to win over the crowd. If you stick to what you bring along with fruits, veggies, and grilled meats, you should be good to go! Oh, and don’t forget to fit that workout and Shakeology in before you walk out the door.
Just lookin’ out.
Our Top 5 Favorite Recipes for Labor Day Weekend!
1. Berry Patriotic Fruit Salad
By far more delicious than that cupcake or candy, and way more nutritious!
Ingredients:
1 small container fresh blueberries, rinsed
1 large container fresh strawberries, rinsed
2 cups diced watermelon (optional)
All-natural mini chocolate chips (I prefer Enjoy Life brand)
Shredded coconut (for topping)
Directions:
Combine all above fruits and top with shredded coconut and mini chocolate chips. Enjoy!
2. Grilled Balsamic Veggies
Ingredients:
1 lb. zucchini, sliced lengthwise
1 lb. bell peppers, sliced into strips
1 large onion, diced
1/3 cup basil
Olive oil (or coconut oil) cooking spray
Vinaigrette:
2 Tbsp. olive oil
2 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1 tsp. Himalayan salt
1/2 tsp. black pepper
(Whisk dressing ingredients together and set aside).
Directions:
Spray grill with oil. Place veggies on grill and cook until tender. Transfer to bowl and drizzle with vinaigrette. Serve hot.
3. Orzo Zucchini Salad
By far the most filling and healthy option at the table. Make plenty, because friends will be diving in!
Ingredients:
1 cup orzo
4 tsp. olive oil, divided
2 zucchinis, thinly sliced
Himalayan salt and black pepper (to taste)
1/2 cup fresh basil
1 Tbsp. white vinegar
1 clove garlic, chopped
Directions:
Cook orzo in boiling water. Drain and spread onto baking sheet to cool. Heat 1 Tbsp. olive oil in skillet. Stir in garlic and zucchini until tender, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Mix orzo, zucchini, basil, vinegar, and remaining olive oil in a medium bowl. Cover bowl and refrigerate. Serve cold.
Dressing:
3 Tbsp. white wine vinegar
2 Tbsp. extra virgin, cold-pressed olive oil
1 tsp. oregano
1/8 tsp. salt
Directions:
Combine ingredients and mix well. To sweeten, add a tsp. of local honey.
4. BBQ Pulled Chicken
Yessssss. Enjoy!
Ingredients:
1 8oz. can tomato sauce (low sodium)
1 4oz. can green chiles, drained
3 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar (we prefer Bragg’s)
2 Tbsp. honey
1 Tbsp. paprika
1 Tbsp. tomato paste
1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
2 tsp. dry mustard
1 tsp. ground chipotle chile (optional)
1/2 tsp. Himalayan salt
2.5 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts (we prefer organic, antibiotic free)
1 small onion, diced
1 clove garlic, diced
Directions:
Add all ingredients to slow cooker and cook on Low 5 hours. Shred chicken. Put on whole grain sandwich buns, serve as a lettuce wrap, or eat plain. Our personal favorite: Top sweet potato fries with the BBQ chicken and voila! Sweet, succulent flavor.
5. Grilled Bananas with Maple Syrup
Believe it or not, grilled bananas are DELICIOUS and they satisfy that sweet tooth we get after eating a bunch of salty BBQ foods. Check it out.
Ingredients:
4 ripe bananas, halved lengthwise
Coconut oil
1/4 cup maple syrup
Fresh blueberries
Directions:
Brush bananas with coconut oil. Grill bananas in foil until golden brown, about 2 minutes. Drizzle with maple syrup and top with fresh blueberries and dive in with a spoon! (Optional: Add a dollop of coconut whipped cream).
Here’s the best part about these recipes, friends. You can combine ALL of them for a killer BBQ. Enjoy, and Happy Labor Day Weekend!
Yours in Health & Fitness,
The Body Electric Team