Eating Clean

One of the resolutions my sister, Thereasa and I have made is eat clean. That's just one of the goals we hope to achieve while achieving our ultimate goal: health. No. This isn't about getting thin. This is about being healthy in more than one way.

1. Eat Clean by utilizing Clean Eating's magazine and cookbook. While eating clean, also utilizing local produce from farmer's markets, utilizing a CSA or a produce co-op. Eating at local mom and pop restaurants/cafes/coffee shops and the trickles down to local economic health.

2. Exercising more. A healthy body also manifests a healthier mind.

3. Healthier interpersonal relationships. This is mine (Jaime). I have been horrible about maintaining my friendships, communicating with my family members, being a better parent... where do I hide? Behind my computer and text messages. My daughter needs me to be a better mom. I am tired and lack energy (see goals #1 and #2) and she needs me to be me.

That's all I am listing for now! Hahahahaha. However, I want to kick off this post with a delightful photo:



This is so delicious!

Recipe courtesy of the Best of Clean Eating:

Instructions

INGREDIENTS:
1 tsp olive oil
1/2 yellow onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic
1 lb extra-lean ground turkey
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh basil
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh oregano
1/2 cup whole-grain bread crumbs
1 Tbsp tomato paste
1 egg
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp fresh ground black pepper
8oz whole-wheat spaghetti
4 cups baby spinach
3/4 cup low-fat ricotta cheese
juice and zest of 1 lemon

INSTRUCTIONS:
one: Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Heat oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and cook until soft but not browned, three to five minutes.

Two: In a large bowl, place turkey, onion-garlic mixture,basil, oregano,breadcrumbs, tomato paste, egg, salt and pepper. Using your hands or a large spoon, gently mix together until combined.

Three: Using a small ice cream scoop or a tablespoon, portion out turkey mixture in golf ball sized increments. Use clean hands to roll mixture into 20 meatballs and place on a parchment lined baking sheet. Bake until lightly browned and cooked through, about 20 minutes.

Four: Meanwhile, cook spaghetti according to package directions, until al dente reserving 1/2 cup pasta water

Five: In a large serving bowl, add speghetti, spinach, cheese,lemon zest and juice, and quarter-cup reserved pasta water. Gently toss to combine, allowing heat of spaghetti to wllt spinach and cooking water to melt ricotta to a creamy sauce. Add more reserved water if necessary.to reach desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning if desired. Add meatballs and serve immediately..