…And we’re back! Happy 2020!! Sorry for the long hiatus—whew, it’s been busy—what with catching up with family, getting our house ready for the Big Sell, dealing with a lovely little bout of strep throat on New Year’s Eve (ugh!), and returning a certain someone to college, but it’s back to business now. Missed you guys!!

How do you feel about resolutions? I’m all for self improvement (lord knows I need some) but in terms of foodie ones, I just can’t get behind any really restrictive diets, like the very popular intermittent fasting fad or something like Whole 30, where I can’t have any sugar😂😂. Don’t mean to knock them if they work for you, but for me, dealing with the post-holiday decadence, is more about returning to good, clean, low-carbish foods.

So that’s what I’ve got for you today-a list of some of my tried and true favorites over the years for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks that keep me happy, healthy and hopefully lighter too!

Here’s hoping they help you achieve whatever goals you’ve set!

BREAKFAST

These are more for the weekend— most weekdays, I just eat a couple of eggs or some yogurt with fruit

Caprese Eggs

Baked Eggs with Tomatoes, Basil and Parmesan

Creme Brûlée Yogurt Parfait

LUNCH & SNACKS

I generally work from home, so for lunch, I’ll just heat up a cup of soup (I generally make the zucchini one once a week) or reheat leftovers, but all of these would work well if you need to go the brown bag route. Plus a cup of soup or a little bowl of one of the salads makes a great late-afternoon snack!

Light and Easy Sweet Potato and Apple Soup

Skinny Cream of Zucchini Soup

Easy Rustic Greek Chicken and Lemon Soup

The Big Chopped Salad

Chickpea Lunch Salad

Roasted Cauliflower Salad

Sesame Chicken Salad

Anytime of the Day Veggie Frittata

Crustless Leek and Swiss/Gruyere Quiche

DINNER

All of these are heavy on the veggies with lean protein. Another thing I’ll do when I’m short on time, is to make a big very simple salad and either top it with roasted veggies and/or a fried egg or two. The mix of the hot topping with the cold salad is a big time winner!!

Thai Steak Salad with Chile-Lime Dressing

Noodle-Free Soy Glazed Beef, Green Beans and Bean Sprouts

One-Pot Vinegar Chicken with Onions and Roasted Mushrooms

Chicken, Pepper and Onion Lettuce Wraps

Cashew Chicken and Veggies

Baked Coconut Chicken and Arugula Salad

One Pan Roast Chicken Meal

Spicy Seared Green Beans

Crispy Shredded Veggies

Balsamic Roasted Vegetables

Easy Lemony Caramelized Brussels Sprouts

Sautéed Sugar Snap Peas

DESSERT

I am a huge believer in having a little bit of dessert every day. If I go cold turkey, I’m more apt to binge but if I know I can have a little something when I’m being “good”, then all is right with the world. Usually, it’s just a handful of dark chocolate chips but sometimes it’s one of these graham crackers or this chocolate sorbet. It’s all about the balance or at least that’s what I keep telling myself!!