Cooking toward a healthier you

As I mentioned in my first column, I love to cook. Sometimes it works out well and sometimes it doesn't. Recently, through my wife, I have discovered a wonderful meal that is not only healthy but also super simple to make. We call them "Flatout Pizzas" but I'm sure many other people have different names for it.

In just a few minutes, you can make a pizza that tastes great and you won't feel guilty about eating the whole thing. To start, preheat the oven to 350 degrees then chop up any vegetables you want, green peppers, olives, onions, mushrooms ... the possibilities are endless. Put the "Flatouts" which can be purchased at local grocery stores for a couple of dollars for a pack of six, on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil and sprayed with cooking spray. Just like making a pizza, spread a little pizza sauce and add the cheese toppings. Place the pizzas in the oven for 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted.

For those who are observing Lent, this is a great dinner because it is easy to leave off the meat.

In fact, when my wife and I make them, we rarely put meat on them. Flatout Pizzas can also be turned into a fun family event to help get the kids involved in cooking. Each pizza can be made according to the individuals liking.

I have also been exploring alternative side items. I have made my first batch of baked sweet potato fries, which are very nutritious and much healthier than French fries. My first try tasted great, but they were not crispy at all. After doing some more research, I am going to try them again.

This week I also grilled some asparagus for the first time. With just a little bit of oil, salt, and pepper, you too can grill up a healthy side dish, not to mention the rich green color is visually pleasing and makes any dish look like it came from a restaurant. My grilled asparagus turned out pretty well. I would have liked them to be a little more crispy and I put too much salt on them. Like with the baked sweet potato fries, I will try again and soon I will get them right.

As a little update on my personal progress, I am knocking on the door of the 290s which would bring my weight loss total to 20 pounds since the beginning of the year. I hope to break out of the 300s this weekend. Thank you for all the support and comments that I have been receiving. I hope that others will find inspiration and motivation through my column so that they, too, can change their life.

I welcome you along on my journey and I would love to hear from readers about their successes and challenges.

Please feel free to contact me by phone at (620) 223-1462 or by e-mail at mpommier@fstribune.com.