Healthy Almond Chicken Fingers - Cooking for the Week

Like most people, I love crispy, salty and greasy chicken fingers. They taste delicious washed down with a beer at a ballpark. They are not, however, a healthy everyday choice. So I decided to develop a version that would be healthy, simple and have a nice crunch. This is the perfect make ahead recipe for the week because these chicken fingers will last 3-4 days in the fridge and can be used to make a whole bunch of different meals. I made a double batch, threw them in some tupperware and will be using them to top my salad for lunch tomorrow. I also make great wraps and sandwiches with these and 2 minutes in the microwave will heat them up for dinner. Taking around 30 minutes to make, these are filling, protein packed and super tasty. Once you've got a batch of these in the fridge, you don't have to worry about adding protein to your meals.

I recently discovered almond meal, in a failed attempt to make macarons (don't ask, it was a train wreck). Having bought a big bag, I was thinking through some different uses for it, aside from baking. Turns out, it is a protein rich, gluten free way to bread tasty chicken fingers! Now, I mixed it with whole wheat breadcrumbs and panko to add some texture, but you could coat these entirely with almond meal and be totally satisfied. I created a tangy spice mix to flavor the breading mixture and you can certainly add some additional spices if you like.

Full recipe after the jump!
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2011 To Do List: Bring Lunch to Work

Packing your own lunch is a great way to stick to those resolutions to eat better and save money. I always try to pack lunch, but generally only average about 3 days each week. It can be frustrating and stressful to run around trying to pack lunch in the morning so I recommend doing it the night before so you can grab your lunchbag and go. So next time you don't feel like making lunch, remember that there are some great advantages to brown bagging it.

Benefits of Packing Lunch

1. Saves money. If you spent $7 a day on lunch that adds up to $45 per week, $180 per month and $2160 per year! You can spent far less by packing complete, nutritious meals and snacks every day.

2. Healthier. Sometimes, depending on where you go, it can be difficult to find healthy choices. If you have complete control over what you are eating, you are going to make better choices. Additionally, when you make the lunch, you are in control of the portion size and the quality of the ingredients. If you avoid the cafeteria or the fast food restaurant, there is no danger of grabbing a bag of chips or a candy bar in the checkout line.

3. Saves time. Going out to get lunch can eat up your precious break time. When you bring, you can eat as soon as you get hungry and you have more time to enjoy a lunchtime walk, workout or get right back to work.

4. Saves energy/frustration. I work in downtown Boston, so I know what the noon lunch rush looks like. Waiting in lines, navigating slippery sidewalks, and dealing with other hungry, cranky people is not the best us of my lunch break.

5. Eco-Friendly. Purchasing lunch daily results in a lot of plastic and paper bags, packaging and containers being used and thrown away. Packing lunch eliminates a lot of waste, especially if you use a resusable lunch bag, water bottle, and baggies.

6. Snacks! If you're like me, you get hungry mid-morning and mid-afternoon. When I pack my lunch at home I always include yummy snacks to keep me energized. Snacking sensibly also prevents overeating at meals. It is always so nice to reach in my bag and find a healthy snack when I get hungry.

Quick and healthy lunch suggestions after the jump!


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7 Make Ahead Healthy Staples: How one hour on Sunday can give you a week's worth of cheap, nutritious meals

Most people are simply too busy to prepare three meals a day. But everyone knows that cooking your own meals is both healthier and cheaper than eating out. What many don't realize is that with some planning, organization and an hour on Sunday night, you can fill your refrigerator with a variety of nutritious, convenient options that will last you through even the busiest week.


7 Make Ahead Staples:

1. Hard Boiled Eggs

One hard boiled egg has only 70 calories and 6 grams of high quality protein. They are portable, versatile and can be consumed on the go. Cooked, they last about one week in the fridge.

Cost: The best part about eggs: they are CHEAP. A dozen eggs ranges from $2-5, making it an affordable protein option.

How To:
1. Place eggs in saucepan and fill with enough COLD water to cover by 1 inch
2. Cover and bring to a rolling boil
3. Reduce heat to low and cook eggs for 10 minutes
4. Remove from heat and place eggs in cold water or ice water to chill.
5. Dry cooled eggs and store in a Tupperware container that's lined with paper towels to absorb excess moisture.

Ideas:

• Eat for breakfast, lunch, dinner or as a quick filling snack.
• Chop and add to salads
• Slice and add to sandwiches or crackers

Rest after the jump

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