Things can get pretty hectic in a family. Parents work full time jobs, kids are involved in extracurricular activities, there are chores to do, and on and on. My family got caught in a rut a few years ago, and now I am trying to change our habits and patterns.
Both my husband and I were working forty hours a week, and we were both taking evening classes. There was never time for anything, and a lot of meals were rushed. We fell into a habit of depending on fast food and not such great choices during the week, and trying to eat better on the weekends when there was a little more time.
Because this became an easy way to manage time, we stayed in this habit even after we were no longer so pressed for time. Lately though, we have cut out all fast food, most sugar and we are trying to eat healthier. In five weeks, I have lost thirteen pounds and I feel much better about myself.
I’ve been trying new meal ideas that are nutritious, low in fat and easy to prepare. I thought that I would share some of those with my readers. I have tried a few things that haven’t turned out so well, but here is one of my successes:
Mandarin Beef Salad
This is quick and easy to prepare and is absolutely delicious! You’ll think it is a dish from an upscale Asian fusion restaurant. It is a great meal choice during the hot summer months.
Ingredients for Marinade - 3 cloves of garlic, minced, 1 tbsp hoisin sauce, 1 1/2 tbsp peanut oil, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1/4 rice vinegar, 1 pkg stir fry beef
The evening before, combine garlic, hoisin sauce, peanut oil, soy sauce, and rice vinegar in a bowl. Add beef. Cover and marinate in refrigerator overnight.
Ingredients for Salad – 1 bag of mixed greens, 1 small can of mandarin oranges, segmented, 1 pkg of chow mein noodles
Grill or broil stir fry beef. This should only take 5-8 minutes. Pour reserve marinade into a small saucepan. Bring to a boil and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Place bed of greens on a plate, add about 3 ounces beef, some orange segments (drained) and some chow mein noodles. Drizzle with the reserve marinade and serve!
I hope you try it and like it!