Egg Bake with Spinach, Mushrooms, and Herbed Cheese

Life lesson #487 – The struggles you're having

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Although you think you're the only one.  You're not

A theme I came back to this week, over and over in my mind

Week one of a 9-week challenge at Goals in Motion.   A wonderful group of people who have chosen to take the journey of improving their health.  Some are just starting, and others are picking back up after that left turn at Albuquerque, and so many of the feelings are the same

As a coach, I often feel awkward when someone looks to me to guidance, like I have a lock on this.  I don't

I'm just one woman, trying her best, who knows how they feel, quite intimately.

During my life I've been fat (100+ pounds heavier than I am now, not once.  But I had to learn the lesson, twice!) thin, and every jeans size in between.  You'd think one would forget, but really, you can't.  In my mind's eye looking at myself in the mirror all those lifetimes ago

Truth be told, I'm not sure I want to forget.  Somehow it keeps me honest in my today.  Never wanting to go back.

So this week, as I gave ideas for balanced meals, I couldn't help but remember one of my favorites.  The humble egg bake.  If you think about it, it's really a beautiful idea

Easily scalable for college-age people or those that live alone.  The recipe is easily halved.  For those with more tummies to feed at their dinner table, doubled

Eggs are inexpensive, not to mention a wonderful source of protein.  If you're someone who shoots for balance in their meal ratios, my go-to is one egg to three egg whites.  If you're not, it's all good, simply use regular eggs

(Philosophy, the yolk provides the fat and calories.  While the whites are all about protein and low in calories.  If you use all eggs, the dish would be heavier in its fat content)

Any veggie combination can be added.  The complexity of flavor can come either from roasting or sautéing them ahead of time or from your favorite spices added to the mix.

Remember your greens; they can easily be folded in

A bake lasts well in your fridge and is extremely versatile for putting meals together that feel fresh and different.

Some ideas?  If you're feeling fancy, on your dinner plate, have a square along with a beautiful side salad.  Headed out the door for work?  Warm some up in the micro and crumble it into a whole wheat wrap.

A note on cheese.  Lots of egg-bake recipes out there call for a variety of orange cheese, in fairly high quantities, producing a beautiful gooey texture for sure, but one can do better.

A couple of tricks I've found.  Don't add it to the bake ahead of time, instead, sprinkling it on with your meal, in small quantities.  Just a kiss will give you the taste you're searching for.

Another idea?  Choose some wedges of flavored light laughing cow cheese, crumble them up and add them to the mix.  They bring great flavor without all of the fat and calories.  Giving your mouth a burst in each bite.

Enjoy!

xoxo ps:  If you're shooting for a balanced meal, the recipe itself is a little shy on carbs.  If you crumble it up in a wrap or include a side salad or a piece of whole-wheat toast, you'll be good 

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~ Adapted from Kalyn's Kitchen