So I am tired of the last few pregnancy pounds hanging onto my body for dear life. Enough is enough already! I lost so much of the weight so quickly and it was awesome. But now I am hovering at a plateau for the last few months and it is time to shake it! I need something to boost up my metabolism and get everything moving so we have decided to start up South Beach Diet. Not really all that thrilled about "dieting" but I have done low-carb a few times before and it really works quickly. The nice thing with South Beach is that you don't need to stay altogether low carb past the first two weeks. *phew* I know many people that have had a lot of success with the diet, including my parents, so I am excited to see some positive changes in myself as well. Wish me luck and I will share some of our favorites recipes along the way too.
There is an awesome blog, Kalyn's Kitchen, that is primarily all South Beach Friendly recipes. You don't need to be on the diet to be able to appreciate her recipes. Seriously, everyone could pretty much benefit by reduced carbs and increasing vegetables, whole grains and lean meats!
After sleeping for 6-10 hours a night your body needs a serious recharge. You need to break the fast that your body was doing while your were snoring away. Hence the name breakfast. These Egg Muffins are a wonderful start to your day. Once you make a full batch you then have a quick breakfast for the rest of the week. They have no flour, making pretty much carb free but also gluten free and high in protein. Oh, and did I mention yummy?!
Egg Muffins
recipe slightly adapted from Kalyn's Kitchen
12 Eggs
1/2 cup low fat 2% cottage cheese
1 (4 oz) can chopped green chili's
3 green onions, chopped
1-2 cups grated low-fat cheese (I used sharp cheddar, but any of your favorites will work great!)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Optional: chopped veggies such as blanched broccoli, red pepper, zucchini, mushrooms, etc. (Using veggies will reduce the fat content)
Optional: diced Canadian bacon, lean ham, or crumbled cooked turkey sausage
Preheat oven to 375 F. Use regular or silicone muffin pan, 12 muffin size. If using silicone pan, spray with nonstick spray. If using regular muffin pan, put two paper liners into each slot, then spray liner with nonstick spray.
In the bottom of the muffin cups layer diced meat, if using, vegetables, if using, cheese and green onions. You want the muffin cups to be about 2/3 full, with just enough room to pour a little egg around the other ingredients. Break eggs into large measuring bowl with pour spout. Add the cottage cheese, salt and pepper, and beat well. Pour egg into each muffin cup until it is 3/4 full. I like to stir slightly with a fork. Bake 25-35 minutes until muffins have risen and are slightly browned and set.
Muffins will keep at least a week in the refrigerator without freezing. Egg muffins can be frozen and reheated. For best results, thaw in refrigerator before reheating. Microwave on high about 2 minutes to reheat.
