Nanny to Mommy

Let’s be honest, getting back into a healthy routine after the holidays can feel a bit like trying to run through molasses. The sweets, snacks, and casseroles were fun at the time, but after weeks of indulging, I found myself feeling sluggish, low on energy, and just not my best self.

So, in our home, we’ve been slowly working our way back into healthier habits. Notice I said slowly. I’ve done the all-or-nothing approach before and burned out fast. This time, it’s about balance, grace, and small, manageable changes that feel sustainable.

I’ve picked up Beachbody's P90X again, but with a gentler approach. I’m giving myself permission to modify, to start where I am, and to build strength back gradually. And just as importantly, we’ve started focusing on what’s going on our plates.

Healthy Doesn’t Have to Mean Boring

One of the things I remind myself (and my picky eaters) all the time is that healthy food doesn’t have to be bland or boring. You really can enjoy delicious, flavorful meals that are still good for you, and this Island Pork Tenderloin recipe is proof.

It’s one of our favorite go-to dinners lately because it checks all the boxes:

- Quick to prepare

- Full of bold flavor

- Low in calories

- Budget-friendly

- Kid-approved

And if you’re meal planning again like we are (hello, structure!), this dish fits right into the plan with minimal prep and leftovers that actually get eaten.

Island Pork Tenderloin – Sweet, Spicy, and Simple

This pork tenderloin is rubbed with a fragrant blend of spices, seared to lock in flavor, and topped with a tangy-sweet glaze that caramelizes perfectly in the oven. It smells amazing while it cooks and tastes even better. You won’t believe it’s under 500 calories per serving!

Ingredients:
- 16 ounces pork tenderloin, lean cut

- ½ teaspoon salt

- ¼ teaspoon black pepper

- ½ teaspoon chili powder

- ½ teaspoon ground cumin

- ½ teaspoon cinnamon

- 2 teaspoons olive oil

- ¼ cup brown sugar (I use Truvia Brown Sugar Blend to cut the calories)

- ½ tablespoon garlic, finely chopped

- ½ tablespoon Tabasco sauce

Bonus tip: You can double the spice rub and keep it in a small jar for next time. It’s also amazing on chicken!

Directions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.

2. In a small bowl, combine salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin, and cinnamon. Rub this mixture evenly over the pork tenderloin.

3. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork on all sides until lightly browned (about 4 minutes total).

4. In another bowl, stir together the brown sugar blend, garlic, and Tabasco sauce to create your glaze.

5. Once the pork is seared, transfer it to a roasting pan or oven-safe dish. Pat the brown sugar mixture over the top of the tenderloin.

6. Roast in the oven for about 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reads between 145°F and 160°F.

7. Let it rest for a few minutes, then slice and serve.