This post will contain some of my favorite recipes. I'll write out what goes into making them, some variations, and why I choose to eat these things (micronutrients, health benefits, ect.)
**Number One ~ Savory **
Veggie Sautee and Sweet Potato Chips with Edamame
I love meals like this because there are a huge variety of flavahs to be experimented with. All sorts of seasonings, oils, and veggies can be used to switch it up and keep yo- self interested.
What I used:
Sweet Potato Chips
half of a large sweet potato
coconut oil (or coconut oil spray, depending on how much fat content you wish to add!)
cinnamon
salt
--> ALL this recipe requires is slicing the potato into thin, chip- like rings. Lay them out on a baking sheet, preferably with them not touching each other (they'll get crispier and bake more evenly). Spray them with coconut oil spray/cover them in coconut oil, and sprinkle cinnamon and salt. Use your hands to toss them around and evenly coat everything. Bake at 375 F until they reach a texture that you like.
--> Variations: use garlic/salt/pepper for garlic chips! or cumin/cayenne/pepper flakes for some heat!
--> Why: The orange color of sweet potatoes is indicative of beta- carotene content, which is processed into Vitamin A in the body. They are a great source of Vitamin C, as well as fiber for that gut health! They are also SUCH a comfort food: warm, hearty, and willing to take on any flavor palate we choose.
Veggie Sautee
ANY sort of veggies you wish --> a mix of colors provides a diverse micronutrient profile
olive oil (or olive oil spray)
salt/pepper/garlic in some form
--> This recipe is supah easy as well! It's a one pan wonder. Just chop all veggies into pieces that are similar in size. Get the pan up to medium heat before you begin to sautee and drizzle/spray olive oil directly onto it. Add veggies in order of how long they take to cook (more substantial/fibrous things should be added first), add seasonings, and stir occasionally. Continue until they've reached a texture you're into!
--> Variations: soy sauce or amino acids/ginger/lemon juice, curry paste/coconut milk/tumeric
--> Why: Having plant- based meals provides ample fiber and necessary vitamins/minerals. Reducing meat intake has a massive effect on our carbon footprints; a vegetarian's is about 2/3 of the average American. (Source: shrinkthatfootprint.com)
Number Two ~ Sweet
Protein Smoothie Bowl/Swamp Juice/Soft Serve Concoction
I LOVE this recipe because it provides a huge amount of volume, satisfies my sweet tooth, and gives back a lot in terms of health benefits. It has a creamy, rich texture and there are so many ways to mix it up.
Ingredients
a bunch of ice
1 cup milk of choice (regular, soy, almond are all good!)
*note: each kind of milk has different calories, as well as macronutrient breakdown. choose according to taste and and goals!)
1/2 a frozen banana (or handful of another frozen fruit, adds to the creaminess)
1 scoop protein powder of choice
spices and toppings to yo taste!
How to
spinach at the bottom of the blender!
stack ice atop!
add the rest of the ingredients and blend, stirring the whole time to make sure all the ice is broken down
pour into a massive bowl, top with all the goods, and enjoy!
Varieties
MY FAVE: use some kind of chocolate/peanut butter protein, banana, and cinnamon
use some kind of vanilla/cinnamon protein, pumpkin spice seasoning, and pecans
use avocado and coconut shavings
peanut butter protein and mixed berries
Toppings
nuts (walnuts are my fave, and provide essential omega- 3 fatty acids that many of us lack in our diets)
nut butters of all sorts (pro tip- microwave them a bit before adding, they'll turn into a creamy sauce)
shredded coconut or coconut chips
chia seeds
pretzels
sweet pita chips (Stacy's brand cinnamon are AMAZING)
