Healthy Holiday Side Dish: Asparagus

I just came across this link and can't wait to try out the below asparagus recipe! Holiday parties are always filled with heavy, calorie-laden foods: Delicious, yes, but figure-friendly? No. sometimes it's nice to have a lighter alternative to offer guests. Whip up the below recipe for your next holiday dinner party and you won't be sorry!

Asparagus is low in calories, high in fiber, and full of nutrients! The high fiber content means it will keep you regular and the high content of soluble fiber means asparagus can help lower blood cholesterol levels. The potassium in asparagus helps to lower blood pressure & the folate in asparagus is heart healthy and an essential nutrient for pregnant women. Asparagus also contains Vitamins A & C which help prevent free radical damage to your skin.
Low cal, heart healthy, nutrient rich, & skin healthy! How could you not want to make this dish :)

Lemon Asparagus
1 1/4 lbs thin asparagus, trimmed
2 tsp extra-virgin olive oil
1 Tbsp bread crumbs
6 lemon wedges

1 Preheat oven to 425°F. On baking sheet (with sides), combine asparagus and olive oil, then roll in bread crumbs and salt to taste. Place asparagus in single layer on baking sheet. Squeeze lemon on top.

2 Bake asparagus for 8 to 10 minutes, or until tender (time will vary depending on the thickness of the spears). Season with pepper to taste.

Makes 8 servings. Per serving: 30 cal, 1.5 g fat (0 g sat), 3 g carbs, 10 mg sodium, 2 g fiber, 2 g protein

Kate's Spiced Brussels Sprouts

2 1/2 cups Brussels Sprouts (washed, stems removed, & Chopped)

1 tbsp olive oil

1/2 cup water

1/4 tsp Cinnamon

1/8 tsp ground cloves

pinch allspice

Salt & Pepper to taste

1 slice cooked bacon

1) Coat large saute pan in olive oil

2) Bring stovetop to medium heat, add chopped sprouts and saute 1 min

3) Add in water, and spices through salt & pepper and stir with spoon

4) Let cook for approx 12 mins or until water has evaporated, stirring occasionally

5) Crumble strip of bacon and sprinkle into saute pan

6) Continue cooking until sprouts are tender when pierced when cooked

Serve!

Because of their high protein content, this can even serve as a meal when paired with a whole grain!