I never thought of myself as a foodie until recently. Maybe it’s the natural progression of time, but just a few years ago you’d be hard-pressed to find more than a bag of baby carrots, egg whites and a bottle of vodka in my fridge. Today’s another story – I’m stocked up on a myriad of fresh fruits and veggies, lean proteins and the fixings for leather pant friendly (this is a fashion segment) gourmet meals. It’s been a transition for the best as I settle into my late 20′s and focus on health and wellness instead of partying (don’t get me wrong, I still party, just not as hard or as often).

From top: fresh oysters, dinner detailed at left, and breakfast with the addition of pumpkin pancakes

When I’m not obsessing over NYFW trends, the latest fitness craze or finding the perfect casual weekend attire, I’m obsessing over food. I used to live for take-out and depended on Whole Foods, the local Greek restaurant and teriyaki joint to supply me with a seemingly healthy dinner. Now I chef up a version of these, and more – without breaking the bank.

Some of my favorite simple bikini-ready friendly meals are outlined below:

• Breakfast: prosciutto and spinach omelet with sweet potato hash
• Snack: green smoothie (my latest favorite is the perfect blend of ginger, kale, banana, mango, flax & chia seeds)
• Lunch: Mediterranean tuna (made with EVOO, dill, capers, scallions, lemon juice and cracked pepper on a bed of arugula)
• Dinner: steamed mussels and clams with seared sea scallops in a homemade tomato sauce with fresh basil and parmesan
• Dessert: flourless black bean brownies sweetened with stevia and topped with smoked sea-salt

I hope this inspired you to find your inner foodie.  Now hit the grocery store, put on that frilly apron and cook up something that would make you momma proud!

Stay tuned and stay stylish.

I like to pretend I’m a foodie, but in all actuality, I’m not. I’m too picky an eater to be a foodie. Carrots and eggs make me gag, I shy away from all types of fish except rare/raw ahi tuna, and I can’t eat meat that is on the bone. My palate is very close-minded. So I pretend.

My favorite way to pretend is by jazzing up basic appetizer dishes for dinner parties, barbecues, etc. For instance, rather the bringing a jar of salsa to the potluck, I opt to arrive carrying a bowl of handmade Mango Pico de Gallo, time and budget allowing of course. Because let’s face it, sometimes we’re just too busy and/or broke to procure and dice a bunch of mangoes. Sometimes hummus and pita chips is the way we’re going to have to roll. Which is where this post comes in.

While flipping through my August issue of Real Simple magazine, I came across some super easy, three-ingredient recipes. Recipes designed for those of us rocking a nearly empty wallet, an overloaded calendar and a desire to play “foodie” for a day. Hallelujah, is all I have to say.

Photo by Christopher Baker, Real Simple

Stuffed Sweet Peppers

Total Time: 15 minutes | Serves 4

Cut 2 ounces of fresh mozzarella into 12 pieces. Dividing evenly, stuff 12 pickled sweet red cherry peppers (such as Peppadews) with the mozzarella and 12 flat-leaf parsley leaves.

Photo by Christopher Baker, Real Simple

Prosciutto-Wrapped Nectarines

Total Time: 40 minutes | Serves 4

Cut each of 2 nectarines into 8 wedges and cut 8 slices prosciutto in half lengthwise. Wrap each nectarine wedge with a piece of prosciutto. Grill over medium-high heat, turning often, until the prosciutto begins to crisp, about 4 to 6 minutes. Brush with 2 tablespoons maple syrup during the last minute of grilling.

Photo by Christopher Baker, Real Simple

Radishes with Creamy Ricotta

Total Time: 5 minutes | Serves 4

Place 1 cup ricotta (preferably fresh) in a small bowl, drizzle with 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, and sprink with 1/8 teaspoon each kosher salt and black pepper. Serve with2 bunches of radishes (about 16; trimmed or sliced).