Aside from it's obvious religious connotation, Lent in South Louisiana is almost like a New Year's resolution redo. In addition to trying to reconnect to our faith, Catholics also try and make sacrifices that bring us closer to the best version of ourselves. It's a chance to convert from an old way to a new, and many people try and adjust their eating habits as a result. Now we know all benefits, and wholeheartedly intend to adapt, but being inundated with delicious fried seafood makes it even harder to adhere to the idea of penance and fasting during the 40 days and nights of Lent.
Lightening up the menu with more vegetables and whole grains is a great way to fast and make your way to a healthier diet. This year I'm cutting out unhealthy splurges in general, in the hopes that it'll stick after the season is over. As an added challenge, I'm recording everything I eat. And trust me, it's a lot easier to be healthy with those three slices of pizza staring back at you from your food log! Here are a few menu ideas to make your Lent (and conscience) a little lighter.
Grilled vegetable wrap with sprouts & feta
Menu ideas:
- Authentic tacos - make Mexican night healthier and more authentic by skipping the cheese & opting for chopped white onion and cilantro. Use shredded chicken (or skip the meat entirely) instead of ground beef. Grill corn tortillas or opt for whole wheat ones instead of white flour.
- Veggie chili - this slow-cooker favorite is as easy as it is delicious. Couple dried beans with diced tomatoes (with or without chiles), corn and onions. For extra flavor keep the chili powder and cumin, but substitute chopped celery where you would use water. This veggie is mostly water anyway, but packs a lot more flavor. The last batch I made only had 180 calories/serving!
- Tuna salad - replace fatty mayo with low-fat Greek yogurt, then pile on the flavor with spices. Stuff tuna salad in hollowed out tomatoes and place on a bed of freshly dressed spinach leaves. You'll never look at tuna "salad" the same way again.
- Rethink your protein - lentils and rice when eaten together are just as protein-packed as a small steak, but leave you feeling a lot less heavy. Serve with steamed vegetables and don't feel guilty about having seconds!
- Wrap it up - grill onions, bell peppers and mushrooms together in olive oil to get a hearty filling for a homemade wrap. I top mine with alfalfa sprouts and feta cheese and hold it all together with a multi-grain pita or tortilla.