Berry Beet-y Bliss Balls

Beets have SO many health benefits. They are full of nitrates, which means they help our blood carry more oxygen. More oxygen means we have improved cardiovascular endurance! Plus they help our mitochondria grow. Mitochondria are the "powerhouses" of our cells so this means more energy AND improved metabolism. Not to mention they are rich in immune-boosting vitamin C, potassium (for nerve and muscle function), manganese (for bones, liver, kidney AND metabolism). The list goes on... long story short, make these beet berry balls!

Berry Beet-y Bliss Balls

Simple Chia Pudding

If you like the thick texture of rice pudding - but want something a WEE BIT healthier then this recipe is for you! It's thick and creamy and so easy to make. It's loaded with protein and healthy fatty acids (omega 3s) and is low carb! Perfect snack or breakfast or as a "parfait". Plus SO easy to make! (Added bonus - it's vegan/paleo/whole30 and gluten/dairy-free)

Simple Chia Pudding

Hemp Heart "Proat" Muffins

Hemp hearts are the center and most nutrient-dense part of the hemp seed.  These muffins pack an extra punch of protein from the hemp seeds sprinkled on top, the greek yogurt inside and the eggs.  They are a perfect, filling AND portable breakfast or snack that won't leave you wanting more. You can customize them with "mix-ins" of your choice as well but I prefer mine plain with some Siggi's yogurt or almond butter on top.

hemp heart proat muffins

Cashew Maca Cookie Clusters

Maca is a superfood that among many other important things, helps to balance our hormones! And hormones rule the body, so I'd say we want to keep those balanced.  The taste of these little energy bites reminds me of snow ball cookies (if you have ever had those) because the cashews give them a creamy yet crunchy texture. These are also low carb and packed with protein and involve ZERO cooking, hooray! So keep those hormones in check and nosh on these.

Cashew Maca Cookie Clusters

Bad-A$$ Protein Brownies

These "brownies" are BAD A$$ there is no way around it. You feel like you are eating a FLUFFY and FUDGY (AF) brownie but each serving has insane (bad-a$$) macros! If you cut it into 8ths each one only has 5 grams of sugar and 10 grams of protein (AND only about 150 calories) WOOOOOT WOOOOT! Make these and eat them for breakfast, snacks or dessert, they're healthy enough to eat ALL DAY LONG.

Bad A$$ (Protein) Brownies

Pr"OAT"ein Banana Bread

Depending on how small you cut up this recipe, it makes a perfect home made protein bar OR a hearty & filling but low carb/high protein/high fiber breakfast.  Gives you that same satisfaction of banana bread but will fill you up and fuel you up.

PrOATein Banana Bread

Carrot Cake Bites

These carrot cake energy bites are a great way to get in a bit of veggies when you're craving something sweet.  These protein-powder free energy bites are perfect on top of yogurt for breakfast, by themselves as a snack or for a sweet treat for dessert.  The best part is, they're no bake!

Carrot Cake Bites

Golden Chia Pudding

This golden chia pudding is can seriously work wonders on your body.  The turmeric and ginger work double time to reduce inflammation and muscle soreness and boost muscle recovery.  Best part is, there are only 5 ingredients (including the spices) and it takes 2 minutes to mix up!

Golden Chia Pudding

Banana Nut Squares

These banana nut squares are packed with protein, and vitamin E from the almond flour, there is no added sugar, and the bananas add potassium and moistness without using any oil.  The oats help stabilize blood sugar and add resistant starch, which can actually help the probiotics in your gut! You can pick any mix-in, I love walnuts but anything would work great.  They're also paleo-friendly & gluten-free.

Banana Nut Squares

Magical Spirulina Superfood Bites

These bites are bursting with energy.  Don't let the color scare you, they taste like vanilla almond butter and mulberries! The spirulina adds extra protein, iron, Vitamins A & E & plus tons of other phytonutrients.  The maca balances your hormones and boosts your libido <3

Magical Spirulina Superfood Bites

Cinnamon Apple Crumble Protein Bars

These apple bars are perfect to pack for school or work snacks and actually have a ton of protein to keep you full, unlike most recipes that call themselves protein bars.  These have ZERO added sugar OR oil and are gluten-free!  They're really good with some peanut or almond butter drizzled on them (come on who doesn't love apples and peanut butter!)

Cinnamon Apple Crumble Protein Bars

Honey Peanut Butter Bites

Some of my other energy bites are a bit "adventurous" with the flavors.  These are a great crowd pleaser - who doesn't love peanut butter and honey!? Plus, you will definitely have all these ingredients in the house so no grocery shopping needed.  These provide the perfect pre or post-workout snack since they are full of healthy carbohydrates and protein but don't have TOO much refined sugar.  

Honey Peanut Butter Bites

Zucchini Banana Almond Butter Power Muffins

These muffins are made from the most wholesome ingredients and make the perfect breakfast or snack since they are definitely filling (in a good way).  Moms, these are a perfect way to trick kids into eating vegetables (since you don't taste the zucchini)! Not to mention that they're paleo-friendly, gluten and dairy free and contain no refined sugar.  They're loaded with fiber, vitamins and protein AND if you top them with goji berries like I did, you can add an extra bit of protein and superfood power!

Zucchini Banana Almond Butter Power Muffins

Cacao Crunch Bliss Balls

These little bites are loaded with protein, and the cacao gives them tons of magnesium, iron and antioxidants and low on sugar.  These use dried mulberries, which are about 1/10th the sugar of dates and contain tons of phytochemicals themselves - including iron, vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium, calcium, and plenty of dietary fiber.  Now to the important part - they taste like little bites of fudge with bursts of crunch inside.  Satisfy your sweet tooth here without the guilt.  

Cacao Crunch Bliss Balls

Pretty Pitaya Bowls

For those who don't know, pitaya is dragon fruit.  I use "Pitaya Plus" packets (they come frozen) since pitaya is a super fruit indigenous to South America ... so unfortunately I can't find them locally in Michigan.  These packets are organic, non-GMO and only contain one ingredient and are easy to pop in the blender to still get the same great health and taste benefits.  Pitaya is low in sugar AND a great source of:

• Magnesium

• Iron

• Vitamin C

• Antioxidants

• Vitamin B2

So blend away! Below are some suggestions of different combinations I've done with my bowls - some may sound strange, but be adventurous and give them a try! Get creative and let me know if you mix up any amazing creations!

Pretty Pitaya Bowls

Mini Superfood Macaroons

mini superfood macaroons

Hemp hearts are the center of the hemp seed and are full of raw nutrition.  You may have heard them talked about but WHY are they so good for you? They contain all the essential amino acids (building blocks of protein) and essential fatty acids and tons of other vitamins and minerals.  AKA why they got labeled a superfood.  These little cookies also have another superfood friend -  goji berries - which are low on sugar, high on protein and antioxidants.  I mean come on, protein from a berry, that's super!  Anyways you won't be disappointed by these cookies - they barely have any added sugar and are loaded with nutrients so they make the perfect snack or dessert (or smoothie topper!)

The inspiration from this recipe was from in it 4 the long run blog.  I just increased the protein and reduced the sugar a bit, still came out super yummy! Thanks girl!

Carrot Cake Recovery Smoothie

Who doesn't love carrot cake?!  This smoothie is a refreshing, easy way to get your fill of beta carotene, vitamin C and potassium.  PLUS it tastes like carrot cake!! Perfect for post-workout recovery because the ginger and potassium help reduce muscle inflammation.

Carrot Cake Recovery Smoothie

Faux Toast

This is one of my FAVORITE light snacks to pack in veggies and protein without packing on the carbs.  There are so many different varieties but the formula is the same = rice cake + "spread" + crispy veggies + protein on top.  See below for some ideas!

Faux Toast

Green Smoothie Guidelines

People often assume drinking something green makes it healthy - WRONG! However, I am putting together some of my favorite green smoothie combinations that are actually pretty healthy AND taste good for you to experiment with below.  They can be eaten as a breakfast, snack, smoothie bowl - you just need to alter the quantities and proportion of liquid to solid.

Green Smoothie Guidelines

Favorite Crispy Chickpeas

Instead of potato chips try crunchy salty roasted chickpeas! Great swap for croutons on salads too!

Favorite Crispy Chickpeas