Dana's Spinach and Feta Brown Rice

 Seen here with Caramelized Brussels sprouts and Sage Pork Chops.

Makes two generous 1/2 cup servings

1/4 c chopped sweet onion
1 t minced garlic
1 cup cooked brown rice
1 cup chopped fresh spinach leaves
3 T (about 3/4 ounce) crumbled low fat feta cheese
salt to taste
ground black pepper to taste

Lightly mist a small, nonstick skillet with olive oil spray.  Set over medium heat for 30 seconds.  Add the onion and garlic.  Cook, stirring occasionally, for 4 to 6 mins, or until tender.  Do not allow to brown.  Add the rice and spinach.  Cook, stirring constantly, for 3 to 5 mins, or until the spinach is almost completely wilted.  STire in teh cheese.  Season and serve.

Nutrition per serving:
137 cal, 5 g protein, 27 g carbs, less than 1 g fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 3 g fiber, 192 mg sodium

Found in The Biggest Loser Cookbook pg 125

Big Rooby's Almost-Famous Skillet Fajitas

This is a good twist on traditional fajitas. But the recipe has no added spices so we seasoned the meat with salt and pepper of course and the veggies with some of our favorite Mexican spices, like cumin, coriander, and smoked paprika.  You could also maybe just add a fajita season package.

Serves 2

2 whole-wheat flour tortillas (we use Ezekiel 4:9 wraps)
1/2 medium onion, cut into strips
1 large red or yellow bell pepper, cut into strips
1/2 large jalapeno chile pepper, minced (we used the whole thing for more kick)
1/2 medium zucchini, cut into strips (we used one small)
1 1/2 t crushed garlic
1/2 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast trimmed and cut into strips
1/2 cup salsa, drained if watery
Low-fat cheese, low fat sour cream and or avocado to garnish. 

Lightly mist a large nonstick skillet with olive oil spray.  Set over medium-high heat.  Add the onion, bell pepper, chile pepper, zucchini, and garlic.  Cook, stirring occasionally, for 6 to 8 mins, or until veggies are tender and the onion is lightly browned.  Transfer the vegetables to a place.  Cover and keep warm.  Mist the pan again with olive oil spray and return to medium-heat heat.  Add the chicken.  Cook, stirring occasionally for 2 to 4 mins or until the chicken is browned and no longer pink on the inside.  Add the salsa and the reserved veggie mixture to the pan.  Reduce heat to low and cook for 2 to 3 mins or until warm. 

Meanwhile, heat the tortillas either in the microwave or in foil in a 400 degree oven for 5 mins. Fill tortillas with one fourth of the filling.  Place the another one fourth of filling on the side of the fajita (or if you are not watching calories and carbs have two tortillas).  Repeat with the other serving.  Serve with toppings of your choice if desired. 

Nutrition: 254 cal, 32 g protein, 20 g carbs, 4 g fat, 66 mg cholesterol, 5 g fiber, 570 mg sodium

Found in The Biggest Loser Cookbook Pg 172

Competitor's Chicken Curry

Makes 3 servings

3/4 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, trimmed of visible fat and cut into 1" cubes
Salt, to taste
Ground pepper, to taste
2 t extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 cup chopped white or yellow onion
1/4 cup chopped celery
2 gloves garlic, minced
2 T whole-grain oat flour
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1/2 cup canned no-salt-added diced tomatoes in juice
1/2 t Worcestershire sauce
1/2 to 1 t curry powder, to taste
1/8 t cayenne powder
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Season the chicken with salt and pepper.  Set a medium nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until a spritz of water sizzles on it.  Add 1 teaspoon of oil to the pan.  Scatter the chicken pieces in the pan.  Cook, stirring frequently, for 3 to 5 mins, or until the cubes are browned.  Cook, lowering the heat slightly if needed, for 2 to 4 mins, or until the chicken is no longer pink.  Transfer the chicken to a plate.  Set aside.

Reduce the heat to medium.  Add the remaining 1 teaspoon of oil to pan.  Add the onion, celery, and garlic.  Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 mins, or until the just starting to brown.  Stir in the flower until well combined.  Add the broth.  Cook, stirring constantly, for 4 to 5 mins, or until thickened.  Stir in the tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 t curry powder, cayenne, and the reserved chicken.  Simmer for 2 or 3 minutes for the flavors to blend.   Taste and add up to 1/2 t more curry powder, if desired.  Turn off the heat and stir in the cilantro.  Serve.

Nutrition per serving: 191 calories, 28 g protein, 6 g carbohydrates, 5 g fat (less than 1 g sat), 67 mg cholesterol, 1 g fiber, 308 mg sodium. 

Found in the Biggest Loser Cookbook.