Welcome to 2020! The new year is a perfect time to start fresh, especially when it comes to eating well. And that doesn’t mean going full diet mode – just making small steps to eat better foods that make you feel your best! Whether it’s more veggies and fruit, less sugar, or a focus on more local ingredients, eating well can make a big difference in your overall wellbeing. Thankfully there are plenty of great recipes online, and our Pigeon Forge, TN Cabins come with fully equipped kitchens where you can prepare any meal you wish – even while on vacation!
Read on for a few healthy options heading into the new year, from recipes to Pigeon Forge restaurants with healthy options. We also have a few easy tips to being active and staying healthy while on vacation!
Caprese Zoodles | delish.com | 4 servings
INGREDIENTS
- 4 large zucchini
- 2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
- kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 2 c. cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 c. mozzarella balls, quartered if large
- 1/4 c. fresh basil leaves
- 2 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
DIRECTIONS
- Using a spiralizer, create zoodles out of zucchini.
- Add zoodles to a large bowl, toss with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Let marinate 15 minutes.
- Add tomatoes, mozzarella and basil to zoodles and toss until combined.
- Drizzle with balsamic and serve.
Skinny Alfredo | delish.com | 4 servings
INGREDIENTS
- 12 oz. whole-wheat linguine
- 1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 c. low-sodium chicken broth
- 3/4 c. 1% milk
- 1/2 c. freshly grated Parmesan
- 2 tbsp. plain Greek yogurt (optional)
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Pinch crushed red pepper flakes
- Freshly chopped parsley, for serving
DIRECTIONS
- In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook linguine according to package directions until al dente. Set aside ½ cup of pasta water, then drain pasta and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, 1 minute. Add broth and milk and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and add Parmesan and yogurt, if using. Let simmer until sauce is thickened, 5 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Add pasta and a 1/4 cup reserved pasta water to sauce and toss to combine. If sauce is too thick ad more pasta water a tablespoon at a time until desired consistency. Garnish with parsley before serving.
Blackened Tilapia | delish.com |
INGREDIENTS
FOR TILAPIA
- 2 tbsp. packed brown sugar
- 4 tsp. ground cumin
- 2 tsp. kosher salt
- 2 tsp. paprika
- 2 tsp. dried oregano
- 1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- 4 (6-oz.) tilapia filets
- 2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
FOR AVOCADO SALSA
- 2 avocados, diced
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- 1 jalapeño, minced
- 2 tbsp. chopped cilantro
- 2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
- Juice of 1 lime
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
DIRECTIONS
- In a small bowl, combine brown sugar and spices. Rub spice mix all over tilapia.
- In a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Add tilapia and cook until crust is deeply golden and fish flakes easily with a fork, 2 to 3 minutes per side.
- In a medium bowl, toss avocado, tomato, jalapeño, and cilantro. Add oil and lime juice and season with salt and pepper.
- Serve tilapia topped with avocado salsa.
Healthy Choices: Pigeon Forge Restaurants
At The Pottery House Café and Grille, find fruit, light quiches, salads, and sandwiches for healthier options. Bullfish Grill offers a hearty salmon and avocado salad, along with several grilled entrée options, seafood, salads, and steamed veggies. Even Dollywood has healthy options (and bonus that you’ll be walking a ton!), with plenty of salads, fruits, and grilled chicken. For a heartier option, try The Chop House, where you can get steak stopped with grilled shrimp, a grilled turkey burger, rosemary grilled chicken with rice and steamed broccoli, and more. In fact, most Pigeon Forge restaurants have some healthy options, and many have vegetarian and gluten-free options as well.
Staying Active & Healthy on Vacation
Vacations are often known to be the time you over-indulge, eating too much, stacking up the sweets, and completely leaving your exercise routine behind. But it doesn’t have to be like that! In fact, Pigeon Forge is one of the easiest vacation destinations to stay on track! The Great Smoky Mountains National Park has 800+ miles of trails, so you can go hiking, biking, or walking.
