If you followed the previous BridalFit post then you and your fiancé have definitely worked up a sweat and ready to nourish your body with nothing but the best. Like training together, cooking together can be a very fun and intimate activity to do together. Take turns on who will be the Chef and who will be the sous-chef. Just like a marriage, a couple needs to share responsibility and be a team.  Remember: a man typically needs more calories than a woman does so remember to serve appropriate portions for each. In general, a moderately active 19- to 30-year-old woman needs 2,000 to 2,200 calories a day, whereas a man in the same category needs 2,600 to 2,800.

Summer Sweet Potato Salad

High-fiber sweet potatoes can regulate blood sugar and help you lose weight, while a spicy antioxidant-rich red pepper and jalapeño dressing ties everything together. This salad tastes even better the next day.

Ingredients

4 large sweet potatoes
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil, divided
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup red-wine vinegar
1 medium red bell pepper, cored, seeded, and quartered
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 tablespoon grated orange zest
1/2 cup sliced scallion
1/2 cup minced fresh mint leaves
1 or 2 fresh minced chiles (jalapeño, Thai, serrano, or habanero), or to taste
1/4 cup raisins (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 400˚F. Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into bite-size pieces. Put them on a baking sheet, drizzle with two tablespoons of the oil, and toss to coat. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, and roast, turning occasionally, until crisp and brown outside and just tender inside, about 30 minutes. Remove and keep on the pan until ready to dress.
2. Make the dressing while the potatoes cook. Put the remaining six tablespoons of oil in a blender, along with the vinegar, bell pepper, cumin, and zest if you’re using it. Sprinkle with a little salt and pepper. Purée until smooth.
3. Toss the warm potatoes with the scallion, mint, chiles, and raisins if you’re using them. Add 1/2 cup of the dressing, and toss to coat, adding more if necessary. Taste and adjust the seasoning. Serve immediately or at room temperature.

The Perfect Filet Mignon

Beef isn’t as unhealthy as it’s often made out to be. Just cook small portions of lean meat — and marinate it well.

Ingredients
cloves garlic, smashed
¼ cup Olive oil
1 tablespoon ground coriander seeds
1/4 tablespoon black pepper, ground (fresh is best)
2 1/2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce

Directions

Use a mortar and pestle to grind the garlic, coriander and pepper into a paste (you can use a food processor if that’s easier for you). Whisk in the  olive oil and soy sauce until well-combined. Pour into a plastic bag with the filet, and marinate for a minimum of two hours and preferably overnight. Remove steak, discard marinade, and grill to your liking.

There you have it, the perfect summer meal that will satisfy your post workout hunger. Have fun and enjoy!

 

Lara Marq is a contributing writer to the Bridal Guide.