Beet Crisp Protein Salad

The Beet Crisp Protein Salad is a delicious way to increase your protein and nutrient intake.  By making your own dressing you also avoid a lot of unnecessary added sugar.  

Spinach is a very nutrient-dense food.  It is low in calories and high in vitamins and minerals.  Spinach is full of flavonoids which act as antioxidants, protecting the body from free radicals.

Beets impact the liver by acting as a purifier for the blood.  They can also lower your blood pressure because of their vasodilating effects.  Beets contain betaine, a substance used in certain treatments of depression.  The trytophan in beets relaxes the mind and improves mindfulness.

The magnesium in sunflower seeds can also promote a healthy mood. Sunflower seeds also contain selenium, as essential nutrient that plays a crucial role in hormone metabolism.

Enlightened Crisps are a great vegetarian source of protein.  They are also high in fiber.  These broad beans are a member of the legume family.  Broad beans are also rich in folate and B vitamins.  

Beet Crisp Protein Salad

2 c spinach

1 3.5 oz package of Enlightened Sea Salt Crisps

1/2 c beets

2 T sunflower seeds

2 T feta cheese

Dressing

1/4 c olive oil 

1 T apple cider vinegar

2 t dijon mustard

2 t honey

1 t garlic powder 

Vitamin D for Immune Health & Strong Bones

Along with hoodies, Vitamin D can be considered must-have for individuals in cloudy climates, particularly during the cold winter months.  Our skin makes Vitamin D when exposed to natural sunlight.  Without Vitamin D, the body cannot produce calcium and phosphorus, both of which are needed to build and maintain strong bones.  Vitamin D also helps reduce inflammation in our cells.  Inflammation can lead to disease.

The Institution of Medicine recommends that most Americans supplement with 600-800 International Unites (IU) of Vitamin D per day. This is enough for bone health.  Excessive dosages of over 40,000 IU per day can be dangerous.  Vitamin D is crucial when it comes to activating your immune system as well.  It helps keep the "guards" of your immune system alert.

There are different forms of Vitamin D. Vitamin D3 is the kind made naturally by your body and is what's recommended for those taking Vitamin D supplements.  An easy and convenient way to reach the daily recommendation of Vitamin D is with the Mixed Berry Chews from Vitamin Shoppe.  The chews are free of wheat, gluten, dairy, fish, animal derivative, artificial colors and artificial flavors.  They also contain Vitamin K1 which plays an essential role in promoting bone density and strength.

Please consult your doctor if you have concerns regarding use of this product or any other supplements and practices.

Vegetarian Chili Pizza

Meat free, guilt free and gluten free! Satisfy your sensation for something savory with this high protein chili pizza. 

Ingredients

1 c. almond meal

1/2 c. liquid egg white

1/2 c. vegetarian chili

1/4 c. shredded Colby Jack cheese

1 T. Hemp Hearts hemp seeds

Preheat oven to 375 F. Mix almond meal and egg white in bowl. Pour into plate and microwave for 1 minute (it will become "tortilla like"). 

Remove and place onto baking pan. Top with chili, hemp seeds and cheese. Bake for approximately 15 minutes. Enjoy! 

Cauliflower Parmesan Bites

Cauliflower Parmesan Bites! With pumpkin seed sprinkles. My friend has been raving about pumpkin seeds so I picked some up during my last trip to Trader Joe's. A 1/4 cup serving contains 15g of fat, 6 which are polyunsaturated and 5 which are monounsaturated. 

Studies show that eating foods rich in monounsaturated fats (MUFAs) improves blood cholesterol levels, which can decrease your risk of heart disease. Research also shows that MUFAs may benefit insulin levels and blood sugar control, which helps control cravings and energy levels. 

Evidence shows that eating foods rich in polyunsaturated fats (PUFAs) improves blood cholesterol levels, which can decrease your risk of heart disease. 

HOW TO MAKE THIS TREAT?

I steamed the cauliflower in the microwave, dipped in almond meal, then dipped in liquid egg whites, and coated in a mixture of garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, Parmesan cheese and nutritional yeast. I cooked on the skillet with about 2 T of olive oil (another healthy fat!). 

Ingredients
2 1/2 cups cooked cauliflower
1/2 cup almond meal
3/4 cup liquid egg white
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
3 T. nutritional yeast
2 t. garlic powder
2 t. onion powder
2 t. cayenne pepper
2 T. pumpkin seeds
2 T. olive oil

Cake Batter and Ice Cream Parfait

Ingredients
Cake:
1 scoop cake batter whey protein
2 T. coconut flour
3/4 c. liquid egg white
Ice Cream:
3/4 c. pre-sliced, then frozen banana
1 scoop cake batter whey protein
approximately 1/2 c. almond milk (use sparingly to maintain thick consistency)

Directions
Combine cake ingredients and microwave for about 1 minute, 20 seconds.  Blend ingredients for ice cream.  Pour blended ice cream over cooked cake and enjoy!

Visit Vitamin Shoppe to purchase cake batter protein.  Shipping is free with your purchase of $25 or more.

Chocolate Frosted Raspberry Truffle Pancakes

Topped with fresh raspberries, this chocolatey treat can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch or dinner!

Ingredients

Pancake:

1 scoop Quest Nutrition Chocolate Milkshake protein

3/4 c coconut flour 

3/4 c liquid egg white 

3/4 c almond milk 

Chocolate topping:

1 T cocoa powder 

1.5 T coconut oil

1 t xylitol

Water to mix

Topping:

Cacao nibs

Raspberries 

Directions 

Mix all of the pancake ingredients. Mixture will be thick. Cook pancakes. 

Combine ingrdients for chocolate topping. Stir well. Drizzle over pancake stack.

Add cacao nibs and raspberries. Enjoy! 

Double Chocolate Blueberry Brownies

These healthy brownies are a great source of protein and antioxidants. Fresh blueberries mingle with chocolate and rich cacao nibs dance among the sweetness!

1 scoop Quest Nutrition Chocolate Milkshake protein

1 package sugar free chocolate pudding 

1/2 cup coconut flour

1 container reduced sugar applesauce

1 t baking powder

1/2 c almond milk

1/2 c liquid egg white

6 oz fresh blueberries 

2 T cacao nibs 

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Coat baking dish with coconut oil. Stir all ingredients in mixing bowl. Pour into baking dish. Bake approximately 40-50 minutes. 

Four Ingredient Protein Pizza - Gluten Free!

Yes, it's true. And easy! And healthy! I've made something similar before, in the microwave. But to be blog-worthy, I decided to use the oven. Chances are you may already have the ingredients to make this. 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 

Combine equal parts liquid egg white and brown rice flour. 

Coat a pan with olive oil to prevent sticking (ok, there's a 5th ingredient) and pour/spread "dough" onto it.  Don't fret, he dough will likely be a little runny before it is baked.

Top with sauce, cheese, and whatever yumminess you like. 

Bake for 15-20 minutes.  Enjoy!