sweet roasted tomato sandwich

        Ooeey gooey goodness, is the best way to describe this sandwich! Sweet roasted tomatoes, vibrant basil, tangy balsamic, and a tiny bit of creamy melted mozzarella cheese. Doesn't sound very healthy does it?  Well surprise surprise, it is, with a few nutritional twists. I found this delicious sandwich recipe on Pinterest, and was able to recreate it at home. When I make my sammy I only use one piece of whole wheat bread, double up on the heavenly roasted tomatoes,use plenty of fresh basil, and use 1 ounce or less of fresh mozzarella. The rich balsamic reduction adds a great depth of flavor, and I love to serve this along side crisp purple grapes. A question I hear quite often is, "why whole wheat?"Whole wheat is made up of complex carbohydrates, which is made of links of chains of simple sugars.  Complex carbohydrates, or starches, provide more vitamins, nutrients, and minerals. Our nutritional goal is to get as many nutrients as possible out of every meal. When roasting the tomatoes and toasting the bread I use a very small amount of olive oil. The reason i use olive oil instead of butter is because the phenols (micronutrients) in olive oil have been linked to an improved immune system, anti inflammatory components, as well as reduced risks of heart disease. Because it is a monounsaturated fat (good fat), it can be beneficial to overall health in moderation! Basil is not only delicious and vibrant, it also has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Basil has also been linked to reduced cholesterol in blood plasma, and cancer prevention. Long story short this sandwich is a nutrient filled feast! I can't wait for you to devour this!

Ingredients 

(makes 2 sandwiches)

2 tomatoes

1-2 tbsp olive oil

1/3 cup good balsamic vinegar

fresh mozzarella cheese

2-3 fresh basil

bakery fresh whole wheat bread

Preheat your oven to 325 degrees. Cut tomatoes into slices and drizzle lightly with extra virgin olive oil as well as a dash of salt and pepper. Let tomatoes roast in the oven for 40-45 minutes. While roasting put a pan over medium heat and add balsamic vinegar. Allow to simmer for 10 minutes, until reduced by half. Pour the reduction into a bowl and set aside. Once the tomatoes are ready, pull out your multigrain bread, brush a little of olive oil on the outside and put cheese on top.Toast the outside of the bread in a pan on medium heat until the outside of the bread is crisp and the cheese is just starting to melt. Place the bread on a plate and start piecing together the  sandwich. Put roasted tomatoes on top of cheese, rip up basil and place on top, and finish with a light drizzle of the balsamic vinegar. Now devour! O an p.s. don't be afraid to change it up, If you love cheese or are craving two pieces of bread go for it. It's almost impossible to mess this sandwich up.

My Mission

I love to eat! There's nothing better than sitting down to a delicious meal with family and friends. Although I have a healthy appetite, I also know the importance of eating right. A healthy diet can make you look your best and give you all the energy you need to live life to the fullest. I am a nutrition major, and my goal as a nutritionist is to make eating right enjoyable and delicious. Many of the leading causes of death in America, such as heart disease, cancer, osteoporosis, and type 2 diabetes, are greatly connected to a life of unhealthy eating. Through this blog I hope to make nutrition fun by sharing some delicious healthy recipes along with important information that we all should know to maintain a healthy lifestyle. I want others to view me as someone they can come to with all their questions, as well as a ally in the continual battle against cravings, fast food, and all the little things that have a big impact on our overall health and happiness.I am a mother, daughter, sister, and wife, and my mission in life is to make people look and feel beautiful, healthy, and alive. I believe that your healthiest self is you happiest self. The healthier you are the more beautiful you will look and feel. This is my first tango with the internet. The only view people have of me is through face to face encounters.Since I plan to become a nutrition mentor it is extremely important for me to live what I teach. It is my job to make sure I am energized, fit, and ready for action every day! I am so excited for this delicious journey to reach true beauty, health, and happiness.

delicious and nutritious guacomole

Avocados, so rich, creamy, and delicious. Who wouldn't love them? However, over the years avocados have gotten a bad rep because of their high fat and calorie content. The truth is avocados are not only delicious but extremely nutritious. They are high in monounsaturated fat, also known as "good" fat, which raises good cholesterol. Avocados also contain fiber, vitamins E, and B foliate, and more potassium than a banana! The suggested serving amount of avocado is two tbsp. which contains approximately 5 grams of fat and 55 calories. My favorite way to enjoy avocados is in a delicious guacamole. This recipe is my personal favorite, and I know you'll love it!

Ingredients

2 avocados
1/2 of a ripe tomato
1/2 garlic clove
1/4th cup red onion
1/2 a lemon
pinch of salt to taste

First scoop the inside of both avocados into a bowl, discarding the pit. Then chop the tomato, red onion, and garlic into small pieces. Continue by squeezing the lemon juice on top and adding the salt. Finish by taking a fork and mashing the contents of the bowl together until well combined. Enjoy along with Triscut flats or fresh veggies.

Serves 6-8