These potato-based tamales remind cookbook author Sandra Gutierrez of growing up in Guatemala. My nephew’s wedding in the small southern city of Antigua provided the best excuse to travel. Days before my trip, cravings for my favorite Guatemalan comfort foods began to taunt me. Photo: Julia Estrada What did I want to eat first upon my arrival? Luckily for us, she received us with a bountiful lunch including many traditional dishes....

French fries are a near-perfect food. Luckily, making your own crispy sweet potato fries is easy to do in your oven. That means you don’t need a deep fryer. Here are the best tips for making perfect crispy sweet potato fries. This ensures that the fries cook at the same rate. Remember: You’re cooking at 450Fthat’s high heat. If you’re going for the classic “fry” shape, 1/4-inch-thick matchstick slices work....

Learn how to make popcorn in the microwave for a quick, fuss-free snack. Once the kernels are popped, you could add any seasonings you want for a sweet or salty snack. Fold the top of the bag down about 1 inch. Photo: Casey Barber Then fold it 2 more times. Place the bag in the microwave; set it for 3 minutes on High. Do not leave the bag unattended (there is a small risk of burning if the bag overheats)....

Popcorn is quite possibly the perfect snackfilling, crunchy, salty, healthyand its a whole grain. Learn how to make popcorn on the stove in just a few steps. If you dont have a saucepan with a lid, a Dutch oven works well. Photo:Getty Images Heat the oil to the point of shimmering but not smoking. Add 2 or 3 popcorn kernels to the oil. If the kernels pop or spin, the oil is hot enough....

Fresh zucchini noodles, or “zoodles,” are a popular swap for pasta. Learn how to make and cook zoodles without them turning soggy. That means they work in dishes from spaghetti to pad thai, Alfredo to beefy stir-fry. They’re quite versatile, and they’re a healthier alternative to traditional white pasta, too. What Are Zucchini Noodles? They can be added to dishes such as stir-fries or quiches to cut calories and increase the filling factor....

Plus, learn how to broil and grill chicken breast to perfection. How’s that?Oilshelp the meat retain its moisture while cooking, resulting in a juicier finished product. Do it’s crucial that you Wash Chicken Before Marinating? No,you shouldn’t wash chicken. Washing raw chicken doesn’t clean it, but it can actually spread germs in your kitchen. Just use paper towels to blot the chicken instead. You should always wash your hands after handling raw chicken....

We’re walking you through three simple meal-prep guides to prepare high-protein lunches in as few as 10 minutes. Look for seasoned and grilled chicken breast or baked tofu in the cooler near the hummus and dips. Or grab something from the freezer case. Photo: Carolyn Hodges Stick with a classic vinaigrette, or try something different, like their fresh avocado-based Green Goddess salad dressing. Store these healthy lunches in an air-tightmeal-prep containerto keep fresh....

The more muscle you have, the more calories you burn over the course of the day. For example, a moderately active 30-year-old woman needs about 50 grams of protein per day. Choose 1-2 servings of lean protein 1 serving =3 oz. chicken, fish or beef; 1/2 cup tofu; 1/2 cup edamame; 1 egg; 2 Tbsp. hummus; 1/2 cup cooked beans or lentils 2. Incorporate 1 serving of healthy fat 1 serving =1/4 of an avocado; 1 Tbsp....

One ticket, a water and a small popcorn, gone! Heck, most pizza places charge $24 for a large pie these days. Twenty bucks doesn’t get you very far anymore. One way to you’re able to help stay on track with your budget is to meal-plan. Meal prep on a budget has never been so easy! We also love that this recipe comes together with only 5 minutes of hands-on time....

to stick with weekly meal prep. These plans involve very little cooking and require as few as 10 minutes. And because vegetables are a great way to add fiber, we suggest you start here. We use the Asian Stir Fry Vegetables from the produce section in ourTeriyaki Tofu Rice Bowls. The falafel contribute both fiber and protein to the 10-minuteFalafel Tabbouleh Bowls with Tzatziki. Step 2: Cook pasta Cook 2 cups Trader Joe’s Organic Black Bean Rotini according to package directions....

to help keep blood sugar stable throughout the morning. Plus, they keep saturated fat and sodium in check while still being totally satisfying and full of flavor. Get ready for a week of really delicious mornings! Photo: Carolyn Hodges They’re simple to assemble and perfect for meal prep. Store them in the fridge for up to four days to reheat on demand. Top them off with dark chocolate chips before serving for breakfast that tastes like dessert....

Set yourself up for a healthy week with this easy meal-prep lunch plan. These delicious recipes fit our heart-healthy guidelines but can certainly be enjoyed by anyone and everyone. In addition to perks like convenience and cost savings, prepping meals at home allows you to control ingredients. And for those interested in following a heart-healthy diet, it can be key. Select lean proteins Including one or two protein sources per meal helps to prevent those dreaded midafternoon energy crashes....

We broke down the menu to show you healthier Chipotle options, from burritos to bowls. Here’s how to save up to 900 calories on your next visit to Chipotle. Chipotle is one of the healthier fast-food joints: It uses fresh ingredients withno processed or artificial additives. Getty Images That’s pretty impressive for a restaurant chain of its size. Plus, get six dietitian-approved orders, including bowls, tacos and salads. Using Chipotle’sNutrition Calculator, we found that a Chipotle burrito caneasilyweigh in at over a thousand calories....