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Traveling Tips (Continued)

With a little extra planning you can have a fun and healthy trip. Of course, you will probably treat yourself while on vacation, but try to balance it with your other meals and keep your activity level up, too. Here is a quick chicken pita that could be packed for a road trip -- a fast food restaurant wouldn't even tempt you after eating this.

Pesto Chicken Pita

4 whole-wheat pita pockets
1/2 cup whole basil leaves
2 tablespoons pine nuts
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
¼ cup light mayonnaise
¼ cup fat-free half-and half
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast

1. Slice one side of each pita to open pocket, but do not cut all the way through. Set aside.
2. In a blender or food processor, puree basil leaves, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and mayonnaise until a past forms, about 2 minutes.
3. In a medium bowl, add basil mixture and half-and-half and whisk together. Reserve 4 tablespoons of basil sauce for later use.
4. Place each chicken breast between 2 pieces of plastic wrap and pound with a meat tenderizer or rolling pin until breasts are about ¼ inch thick.
5. Place chicken breasts in shallow dish and pour basil sauce over chicken, coating well.
6. Cook chicken breasts on indoor or outdoor grill for about 4 minutes each side.
7. Toast pita pockets. Slice breast into strips and stuff inside pita. Add 1 tablespoon reserved basil sauce to each pita. Repeat procedure for remaining 3 pitas.

Serving Size: 1 pita
Yield: 4 servings

377 calories, 13 grams total fat, 3 grams saturated fat, 78mg cholesterol, 395mg sodium, 34g total carbohydrate, 2 grams dietary fiber, 34g protein.

Copyright © American Diabetes Association from Healthy Calendar Diabetic Cooking. Reprinted with permission from The American Diabetes Association. To order this book, please call 1-800-232-6733 or order online at http://store.diabetes.org/.

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NOTE: The information is not intended to be a replacement or substitute for consultation with a qualified medical professional or for professional medical advice related to diabetes or another medical condition. Please contact your physician or medical professional with any questions and concerns about your medical condition.