Lunch

So it's the second month of the new year and the effects of overeating has finally caught up with me. You guys know what I mean - clothes feeling a little snug, feeling sluggish and tired during the day. I know I certainly overdid with the food while on vacation over the Christmas holidays so for the past two weeks I started working on getting on track. I have eliminated all refined sugar from my meals, drinking eight glasses of water, eating home more, not skipping meals, and most recently I have joined a gym. I am doing all this so as to maintain my current weight and build some muscles, just a little bit.

Today I was in the mood for some tilapia. I prefer to have fried tilapia, but in keeping up with my healthy trend, I opted for broiled. It was very tasty and tasted very similar to fried tilapia, but without all the extra fat. I paired the fish with sauteed broccolini and seasoned couscous. I have posted the recipe for you guys to try. Do enjoy.

Seasoned Couscous w/ corn
Ingredients
½ cup plain couscous
1 cup water
¼ cup fresh or frozen yellow corn kernels
4 garlic cloves, finely grated
½ tsp oregano flakes
½ tsp parsley flakes
¼ tsp kosher salt
2 tsp extra virgin olive oil

Method
In a small pot, add water and last five ingredients and bring to a boil. Remove from heat. Add couscous, let sit for five minutes and fluff.

Sautéed Broccolini
Ingredients
1 bunch broccolini, stemmed to about two inches and each floret cut in half lengthways
¼ cup green bell pepper, julienne
¼ cup red bell pepper, julienne
¼ cup white onion, julienne
¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
½ tsp herb de Provence
¼ tsp kosher salt
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

Method
In a medium skillet on high heat, heat oil. When oil is hot but not smoking sauté bell peppers and onions for about five minutes, lower heat and add broccolini. Sauté for another five minutes, remove from heat. Season with red pepper flakes, herbs de Provence, and salt. Mix well. Serve hot.

Broiled Tilapia
Ingredients
12 oz tilapia
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Non-stick spray
1 lime, halved
1 scallion, finely sliced
Spice mix
½ tsp celery flakes
½ tsp minced onions
½ tsp granulated garlic
½ tsp kosher salt
¼ tsp smoked paprika
¼ tsp oregano flakes
¼ tsp ground cayenne pepper
Method
Set oven to broil.
In a small mixing bowl, combine spices. Spray flat non-stick baking sheet with cooking spray. Brush both sides of fish with olive oil. Generously season both sides of fish with spice mix, use tips of fingers to gently press seasoning onto fish. Place fish on baking sheet. Broil for total of ten minutes, turning once. Remove from oven. Squeeze juice of lime on both sides and garnish with scallions. Serve warm