Skinny Skinny Bang Bang

As 2019 begins we are all excited to make and hopefully stick to our new years resolutions. My resolution was to make healthier choices. I just turned 29 and with 30 right around the corner it is time to create positive and healthy habits. As a teacher I know all too well that habits take 21+ days to form... so I am being very diligent about sticking to my new healthy choices for the 1st 21 days... and hopefully beyond that will be easy! I created a list to help me focus my thoughts and stick to my goals.

My List of Healthy Habits:

1) Drink 4 bottles of water a day

2) Floss at least once a day... try for twice

3) Unplug by 10pm on work nights... lights out and time for bed! 8 hours of sleep is a MUST!

4) Be active each and every day (bike, walk, stand.. don't be a lounger)

5) Spend 20-30 min 5x a week "working out"..this includes stretching! (I can't even touch my toes)

6) Carb balance... make healthy conscious choices and substitute or negate every chance you get ( examples: no croutons, balsamic vs ranch, dairy free options... water or un-sweet tea vs soda or sugary juice, measure the creamer that goes in my coffee..uhhh lol, no alcohol on work nights- just to name a few)

7) Use nice face wash/ moisturizer to keep the skin fresh and daily SPF in my makeup/ primer

8) Take vitamins daily (I like hair and nail grow gummies)

9) Know it's OK to say no and have down time to self-reflect.

10) SMILE and laugh everyday.

Now this list may seem long and I may not accomplish each of the things I listed daily, but that is my goal and on day 6 I can say I have stayed true!

The hardest thing for me, because I love to cook, has been the "carb balance". On day 4 I really started to feel the carb flu and for those of you who think I'm joking... I am NOT! The carb flu is real haha According to the web...the most common side effect on low carb is what most people experience during the first week, often on day 2-4. The “induction flu”, so called as it can mimic flu-like symptoms. Headaches are very common during this transition, as is feeling tired, lethargic and unmotivated. Nausea is also common. So knowing this I have allowed myself a few carbs here and there. Being healthy is about balance and not punishing yourself, but also know if you stick it out and practice moderation it will get better!

Last night I was in need of a little cheat. I love bang bang shrimp... well, really anything fried and covered in spicy mayo, normally over rice and fried in oil. Which is in no way shape or form good for you ha.. so I manipulated the traditional recipe and made "skinny" bang bang!

Please know I teach Kindergarten and am terrible at math so never look to me for calorie counts or carb counts... I use apps on my phone and let it guesstimate, but

when I am cooking at home I do what I consider healthier choices and hope for the best! Below I have posted my recipe for skinny skinny bang bang.. it was very delicious. I was worried I would not be satisfied, but with the help of my air fryer it was a huge success!

XOXO, Meagan

Skinny Skinny Bang Bang Bowl with Greek Yogurt Sauce

Ingredients:

yields 2 servings

For the Base:

1 head of iceberg lettuce

For the Shrimp:

12 shrimp pealed and deveined

¼ cup almond or all-purpose flour

2 eggs, beaten

½ cup cornstarch

½ cup panko breadcrumbs

salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

For the Sauce:

1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt 2 tablespoon reduced fat mayo

2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce 2 teaspoons sriracha or hot sauce (add +1 extra teaspoon if you like it extra spicy) 2 teaspoons rice vinegar

Cooking Instructions:

Set up a dredging station for the shrimp. Combine the flour, salt and freshly ground black pepper in a Ziploc bag; beat the eggs together in a medium bowl; and combine the breadcrumbs and cornstarch in a shallow dish. Add the shrimp to the bag of flour, seal the bag and toss the shrimp around to coat them evenly. Remove the shrimp from the bag, shake off any excess flour and gently toss them with the egg to coat on all sides. Finally, add the shrimp to the breadcrumbs in small batches and gently press the crumbs onto all sides of the shrimp. Pre-heat the air-fryer to 400°F. Spray the shrimp with canola oil and air-fry in batches at 400ºF for 4 minutes. Turn them over, spritz with oil again and air-fry an additional 4 minutes. While the shrimp is air-frying, combine the bang bang sauce ingredients, whisking until smooth. Season to taste. Transfer the hot air-fried shrimp to the bowl with the bang bang sauce. Gently toss to evenly coat the shrimp and then transfer to a serving platter lined with lettuce.

Make it Simple... I am not sure if it gets much easier. If you do not have an air-fryer you can can pan fry or deep fry, but I was trying to make it a bit healthier. You could also do bang bang cauliflower for a vegetarian option or bang bang chicken chunks if you are not feeling shrimp!