Today I wanted to share with you some of my favorite new recipes and meal ideas that have been my go-to for the past few months. They are full of color and packed with healthy and whole ingredients!
1. Buddha Bowl
The Buddha Bowl makes for the perfect summer lunch. It is packed with protein and veggies and you can customize your bowl to include all of your favorite healthy foods. My go-to Buddha Bowl always has a Spring Mix base, some sort of protein, and an assortment of colorful vegetables. Some of my favorite toppings recently have been roasted chickpeas, beets, broccoli, carrots, and avocado (of course). Feel free to season your vegetables however you like. Sometimes I roast my vegetables with garlic powder and Herbs de Provence, or with my sister's homemade garam masala mix... depends on my mood that day. These bowls keep you full for a very long time and are a super healthy lunch (or dinner) option!
2. Salads
I love a good chopped salad. Some of my favorite salads recently have been a classic caesar, a Greek grilled seafood salad, or an asian chopped salad with peanut ginger dressing. Salads are perfect for when you need to use up your vegetables or you want a light and refreshing meal. The key to making a good salad is 1. add protein (it'll keep you full for longer) and 2. make your own dressing (store-bought dressings are often packed with preservatives and highly caloric ingredients)! Part of the reason why I love to cook is because I have control of everything that goes into my food. It's important to know what you are putting in your body!
3. Lettuce Wraps
These light and healthy wraps make for the perfect summer meal. Like the Buddha Bowls, you have endless options for fillers! Recently, I have been loving these shrimp taco lettuce wraps. They are full of flavor and taste even better with a splash of your favorite hot sauce. When my family decides to have summer rolls for dinner, I always ditch the rice paper and wrap all the veggies in lettuce. I especially love the crunch of these lettuce wraps!
4. Banana Pancakes
Banana pancakes are my current breakfast obsession. They are healthy alternatives to your favorite fluffy breakfast pancakes. It only requires 5 ingredients and takes no time to make! You can even add cacao powder or matcha to change the flavor of your pancakes! Add your favorite toppings to your pancakes and enjoy.
Ingredients:
1. 1 banana 2. ¼ cup of oats
3. ¼ tsp of baking powder
4. ½ tsp of vanilla extract
5. Coconut oil (for the pan)
Topping Ideas:
Fruit
Peanut butter
Cinnamon
Honey
Maple syrup
Cacao nibs
5. Lemon "RX" Bars
Craving an RX bar? You need to try these. These healthy bars take less than 15 minutes to make. Add all the ingredients to a food processor and blend until you get a sticky dough. Transfer it to a dish and freeze for at least 1 hour. Cut the bars in whatever shape you want and enjoy!
Ingredients:
1. 10 small deglet nour dates
2. ½ cup of cashews
3. ¼ cup of walnuts
4. ¼ cup of almonds
5. 2 tbsp of lemon zest
6. 2 tsp of lemon juice
7. ½ tsp vanilla extract
8. Pinch of salt
6. Carrot Cake Balls
If you are craving carrot cake but want something much healthier, this is the recipe for you. These treats taste exactly like carrot cake but much healthier! Enjoy them as an afternoon snack or a post-dinner dessert! Like the Lemon "RX" bars, all you have to do is blend the ingredients in a food processor. Shape the dough in ball forms and freeze them for at least 1 hour before enjoying!
Ingredients:
1. 10 small deglet nour dates
2. ¼ cup of almonds
3. ¼ cup of coconut flakes
4. ½ tsp of cinnamon
5. ⅔ cup of carrots