Stuffed Pork Tenderloin

Comfort foods hold a special place in my heart, especially because they are usually relatively quick and easy to make for the times when I am craving swift satisfaction in my belly. Often times, "comfort foods" tend to be loaded with more unhealthy calories and fat than I want to consume. However, it doesn't always have to be this way! Eating a clean, healthy diet does not mean you have to give up your favorite foods or spend hours prepping in the kitchen. With just a little tweaking and a few substitutions, you can enjoy your quick and easy comfort foods with gratification sans the guilt! 

Simple, healthy comfort food may be one of my favorite things. Some warm, lean red meat can go a long way on a cold night. Dinner doesn't always have to be so complicated!

Stuffed Pork Tenderloin

Serves: 2 people

Serving Size: 5 slices

Calories per Serving: 235

Macros: 12g of Carbs

              10g of Fat

              22g of Protein

Ingredients:

1 lean Pork Tenderloin

2 wedges of light Laughing Cow Cheese (I used light creamy swiss.)

½ Cup Fresh Spinach

2 Large Eggs

½ Cup Panko Bread Crumbs

Toothpicks, optional (I would recommend them, but I did not have any on hand, either.)

Directions: (refer to the image above for a demonstration)

Preheat the oven to 350ºF. 

Whisk the eggs in a bowl and set aside.

Butterfly the Tenderloin length-wise to create a pocket, without cutting it totally in half (leave one side still connected). Spread the cheese on the loin inside the pocket. Next, layer the fresh spinach. Fold the tenderloin to close it, securing it with toothpicks, if you have them. Dip the stuffed tenderloin in the eggs, making sure to give it a good coat, and then roll it in the bread crumbs. Place on a baking pan and bake for 20-30 minutes until cooked through, or until the internal temperature is 140-155º. Let the tenderloin sit for about 10 minutes to allow it to cook through a little more. Remove toothpicks, slice and serve!

My Tip: Top it off with Sriracha Sauce for an extra "kick." It only adds 5 calories and 1g of Carbs to your macros! Plus, the chili peppers in Sriracha Sauce contain a component known as capsaicin, which is loaded with health benefits, including a boost to your metabolism and a rise in your endorphin levels.