Lighter Broccoli Salad

It's Thanksgiving week here in Canada. I am gearing up for a week of menu planning, recipe sharing and preparations to prepare a feast you can leave the dinner table thankful you won'y have to worry about your skinny jeans fitting the next day. Even the worst recipes can be saved....just don't tell your grandmother!

Every year no matter who I am celebrating the holiday with, there are always more side dishes than  a single plate can handle. Don't feel quilty about going back for seconds with my harvest broccoli salad. Traditional broccoli salad we've had at Thanksgiving is laden with mayo, sugar, hefty doses of cheese and bacon. Although my recipe is lightened up so it doesn't weigh you down, I personally feel it is heavier in taste and satisfaction!

• 2 cups fresh broccoli flowerts
• 1 local, fresh apple, diced
• 1/3 cup dried cranberries or raisins
• 1/3 cup roughly chopped walnuts or pecans
• 3 slices cooked crispy turkey bacon, chopped (optional)
• 1/2 cup 2% Greek yogurt (such as Chobani or Fage)
• 2 tsp pure maple syrup
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• sea salt and pepper to taste

In a large bowl toss together the broccoli, apple, cranberries, walnuts and bacon.

In a seperate bowl mix together the yogurt, maple syrup, vinegar and salt and pepper until smooth.

Even toss the dressing into the broccoli mixture to coat. Serve right away or cover and store in the fridge.

Serves 8 (1/2 cup each)
Per Serving: 85 calories, 4g fat, 10g carbs, 2g fiber, 3.5g protein

Won't Stick to Your Thighs Skinny Fries

Who ever said you can't have your cake and eat it too clearly had no idea what they were talking about. Forbid a food from anyone and you know what happens?? The person starts to drive themselves crazy "craving" the food and obsessing over what they can't have. It's kind of true as they say- we want what we can't have. Certain foods get such a horrible rep because of the brutal unhealthy ways they are cooked these days. Fast food joints rank right up there. It's like making a supersized order of high blood pressure with a side of plumped thighs.

Forgo the drive thru, crank up your oven and ladies get to chopping like your grannies did years ago. If you chop enough and with a little force you might even want to check off an arm workout from your to-do exercise for the day! Nothing beats homemade french fries. If you do it right, you can get the same crispy skinny tater in the oven as you would the deep frier.....but you'll be keeping the grease off your fingers and your skinny jeans will still show some love to your thighs.

Skinny Baked Fries

• 2 large russet potatoes, cut into fries shape (peeled or not)
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp white pepper
• 1/2 tsp smokey paprika (optional)
• 1/2 tsp sea salt

Preheat oven to 440 degrees F.

Mix the olive oil and spices in a large bowl. Add the chopped potatoes and toss to coat well.

Place on a large non-stick baking sheet.

Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, flipping half way through.

Serves 4 as a side.