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    7 Delicious "Slim Down" Suppers

    By | Shine Food – Wed, Jan 11, 2012 5:50 PM EST

    stewstewWe're a week into the year - how times have you broken your New Year's resolutions?

    Okay, so this whole eating-healthy-in-the-New-Year thing is a whole lot harder than it sounds when you first declare it, but don't lose heart! There are still a good 50 or so weeks left to get well into the groove of your new healthy lifestyle. To help us all along, I've found some great, mouthwatering recipes that can truly be called healthy. They're low calorie but delicious. (So delicious you're gonna need to practice some serious portion control.)

    1. Hearty Vegetable And Chicken Stew

    Use up any leftover veggies you might have lying around your kitchen by making this hearty - yet healthy - stew.

    Related: 12 simple secrets for healthier eating this year

    Ingredients:

    4 cups of chicken broth (I keep the pantry stocked with Trader Joe's liquid concentrate chicken broth packets)
    2 chicken breasts, cut into strips (there's always several packs of 2 frozen chicken breasts in my tiny freezer)
    2 carrots, sliced
    1/2 onion coarsely chopped
    3 ribs celery chopped
    6-8 Swiss chard, leaves trimmed and coarsely chopped, stems chopped
    1 small turnip, cubed
    1 small parsnip, cubed
    1/3 cup barley, rinsed ( I keep a bag in my pantry because it makes any soup heartier, not to mention, mmmm)
    2 cloves garlic
    1 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or 1 tablespoon dry
    olive oil
    sea salt and pepper

    * Vegetarian Option: omit the chicken and use veggies broth in place of the chicken broth

    Directions:

    Heat oil in a pot over medium and add the onions, cook for 3 minutes. Add the celery, swiss chard stems, carrots, and garlic, cook for 5 minutes. Drop in the chicken pieces and cook until the chicken is light, not pink, on all sides. Pour in the chicken broth and add the barley. Bring to a boil, cover and cook for 10 minutes. Add the turnip and parsnip, cook at a simmer for 20 -25 minutes or until barley is done and veggies are soft. Serves 6.

    Related: The 25 healthiest foods under $1

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    2. Fennel With Root Vegetables And Pork
    Pork and fennel should get married and have root vegetables for the wedding party.
    Make fennel with root vegetables and pork


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    3. Easy Baked Spaghetti Squash
    This spaghetti squash is so good you will have no regrets.
    Make easy baked spaghetti squash


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    4. Roasted Vegetables And Chicken With Tortellini
    I switched the title to roasted since it's winter and grilling isn't always possible. Also, use whole wheat pasta in place of the tortellini - still yummy, now healthier.
    Make roasted vegetables and chicken with tortellini


    Related: 10 ways to make your favorite recipes healthier


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    5. Healthy Chicken Pot Stickers With Minted Soy Sauce
    Have something fun and healthy and super yummy with these chicken pot stickers!
    Make chicken pot stickers with minted soy sauce


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    6. Marinated Chicken And Grape Skewers With Garden Lentil Pilaf
    Add a tasty combo to your dinner menu with these chicken and grape skewers.
    Make marinated chicken and grape skewers with garden lentil pilaf


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    7. Spinach Brown Rice Balls
    This is an awesome version of Arancini...an up and coming trend!
    Make spinach brown rice balls

    For 3 more delicious "slim down" suppers, visit Babble

    MORE ON BABBLE

    The 50 best recipes under 100 calories
    The top foods that will make you gain weight
    16 skinny soups to warm you up this winter
    Delicious salads hearty enough for tonight's dinner
    10 recipes everyone should know how to make

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