Oh My! Fried Rice!

Who said eating healthy has to be boring? Not me! A balanced diet is what I believe in and also being realistic. Every now and then it's okay to order that hamburger with cheese and fries, or those Mexican enchiladas with a basket of chips, and it's definitely okay to take a bite of that delicious chocolate cake at the end of dinner. In moderation, a "cheat" meal won't mess up your end goal, whether it's to loose weight, gain weight, put on muscle mass or regulate your metabolism.

But let's not forget there is a health goal to be reached and no one said your cheat meal can't be good for you. Picking the right ingredients is key to staying on track with your diet and meal plan. Everyone thinks that healthy cooking has to be plain and boring but that is not true.

My Homemade Fried Rice is one my favorite meals to cook for my family and without the restaurants' added MSG, it keeps us on track with our goals. Picking the ingredients best for our bodies is the first step towards making a delicious no-guilty feeling meal.

Calories: 1982 Protein: 85 Carbs: 164 Fat: 54

Servings: 6-8

Benefits:

Carrots- significant amounts of fiber known for helping with digestions.

Broccoli- great source of Vitamin C (antioxidant). Vitamin C builds collagen, which forms body tissue and bone, and helps cuts and wounds heal.

Eggs- high quality protein

White Rice- naturally gluten free; helps to absorb nutrients and aides in the digestive process.

Ingredients:

1.5lbs of boneless/skinless chicken thighs (chopped)

3 eggs

6 cups of cooked white rice

1/2 cup of steamed carrots (option for frozen pre-cooked)

1/2 cup of steamed broccoli (option for frozen pre-cooked)

1/2 large white onion

3Tbsp of soy sauce

4Tbsp of organic and dairy free butter (Smart Balance is my brand choice)

Directions:

1. Cook 3 cups of white rice with 6 cups of water in a rice cooker or stovetop on medium.

2. Chop the white onion and chicken thighs into small pieces and place into their separate bowls. In a different bowl beat the eggs until thoroughly mixed.

3. Warm up a large pan (ideally a stovetop griddle) on medium/high heat.

4. Once the pan/griddle is heated, sauté the butter and onions until onions are soft. Then added the chopped chicken thighs and cook for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked with a light golden color on the outside.

5. In a separate small pan, or move onion and chicken to one side of the griddle, cook the 3 beaten eggs for 3-5 minutes or until cooked cooked all the way. Add the carrots, broccoli, cooked eggs and cooked rice to the onion, butter and chicken mix.

6. Season with soy sauce, pepper and salt. Option to add 1Tbsp of extra butter.

7. Mix thoroughly and cook for 15 minutes all together.