Chewy Chocolate Cookies

These cookies combine simple ingredients for an easy guilt -free SUPER delicious treat. You can customize them with your own mix-ins besides chocolate chips. 

Ingredients: 

1 cup unsalted almond butter 

1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon honey

1 large egg 

1/2 teaspoon baking soda 

1/2 teaspoon sea salt 

1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 

¼ cup mini chocolate chips (I used mini M&Ms) 

Parchment paper or cooking spray 

Directions: 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper (or coat with cooking spray). In a medium sized bowl, combine the almond butter, honey, egg, baking soda, salt, cocoa powder, and chocolate chips until well mixed. Drop tablespoon sized dough using a spoon or scooper and bake for 8-10 minutes, until the tops are set but still soft. 

Makes about 26 cookies 

Serving size: 1 cookie Calories 88 Protein 3 g Carb 6 g Fiber 1 g Sugar 6 g Fat 6 g Saturated Fat

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Cranberry Pecan Quinoa "Stuffing"

 

Last year I tried cauliflower and this year I gave quinoa a whirl for a “stuffing” recipe. These simple ingredients combine to create a dish that has all sorts of flavors, textures and nutrients! Wonderful as a side holiday side dish or stir in some protein like lentils or chopped chicken to make it a meal. 

Ingredients: 

2 cups chopped celery

1 cup chopped onion 

2 cups chopped carrots 

1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon margarine or butter 

3 cups cooked quinoa 

1/4 cup chopped pecans 

1/4 cup dried cranberries 

1 tablespoon Morton Nature’s Season Seasoning blend (or your favorite seasoning) 

¼ teaspoon sage (optional) 

salt and pepper to taste 

Directions: 

Cook quinoa according to package directions. In the meantime, chop the celery, carrots and onion and add to a large pot or skillet coated with one tablespoons of margarine/butter. Cover and cook on medium heat stirring occasionally until tender, 7-10 minutes. Add the cooked quinoa, the last teaspoon of margarine/butter until melted. Sprinkle with the seasoning, sage, pecans and cranberries and cook for another 2-3 minutes until warmed through. 

Makes about 7 cups, 14 servings 

Serving size: 1/2 cup Calories 93 Protein 2 g Carb 14 g Fiber 3 g Sugars 4 g Fat 5 g saturated fat 1 g Sodium 396 mg

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Pumpkin Cheerio Treats

These crunchy treats have all the flavors of Fall with just the right amount of sweetness and spice.

Ingredients:

1 cup creamy or crunchy almond butter

1/4 cup honey

1/8 teaspoon sea salt

1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

3 cups pumpkin cheerios ½ cup white chocolate chips (optional)

Parchment paperDirections: 

Add the almond butter, honey, pie spice and sea salt to a microwave safe medium sized bowl and heat on high for 30 seconds. Remove from microwave and mix well. Stir in the cheerios and chips, until well incorporated. Press mixture into an 8 by 8 inch pan. (Lining the pan with a large rectangular piece of parchment paper, placing the mixture on one side and then folding the paper over to press down works nicely since the dough is so sticky.) Refrigerate or freeze for at least one hour until very firm and then cut into 16 squares. Store in the fridge or freezer in an airtight container.

Makes 16 squares, 16 servings 

Serving size: 1 square Calories 152 Protein 4 g Carb 15 g Fiber 2 g Sugars 10 g Fat 10 g Saturated fat 1.5 g Sodium 49 mg

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Chunky Apple Cinnamon Stove Top Oats

Ingredients: 

1 ¼ cup rolled oats 

1.5 cups water 

2 cups unsweetened almond milk (or skim milk) 

2 cups chopped apples (peeled or unpeeled) 

2 packed tablespoons brown sugar 

2 tablespoons melted butter or margarine 

2 teaspoons of cinnamon a dash of salt 

Directions: 

Add all of the above ingredients to medium to large pot and bring to a gentile boil on high heat, then cover, reduce to low heat and simmer for about 30-35 min until apples are soft and mixture is cooked through. 

Makes 4.5 cups, 9 servings 

Serving size 1/2 cup Calories 118 Protein 3 g Carb 18 g Fiber 3 g Sugars 6 g Fat 4 g Saturated fat

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Sweet and Spicy Cucumber Salad

Just a few simple ingredients combine to create this delicious side salad that is low in fat and calories but big on flavor! 

Ingredients: 

2 cups sliced cucumbers

2 tablespoons seasoned rice vinegar 

1 tablespoon lemon juice 

1/2 teaspoon Tajin seasoning (a chili lime seasoning blend) 

Directions: 

Add the cucumbers to a small to medium sized bowl. Pour the rice vinegar and lemon juice over them and the sprinkle with the seasoning. Toss to coat and serve. Chill if not serving immediately. 

Makes 2 cups,  4 servings 

Serving size 1/2 cup Calories 21 Protein 5 g Carb 5 g Fiber 1 g Sugars 4 g Fat 0 g Saturated fat 0 g Sodium 314 mg

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Dark Chocolate Flourless Brownies

 

These brownies are easy to make, grain-free, lower in added sugar and ...they taste amazing!

Ingredients: 

2 eggs

½ cup creamy or crunchy unsalted natural almond butter

½ cup honey

½ cup banana, mashed or ½ cup natural applesauce** 

1/3 cup cocoa powder

½ teaspoon baking soda 

a pinch of sea salt 

1/2 cup chocolate chips (the Enjoy life is great if you are dairy free) 

Wax or parchment paper 

Directions: 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a medium sized bowl, crack and beat the eggs with an electric mixer for a minute. Then add the almond butter, honey, banana, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt and mix well until a smooth batter forms. Stir in the chocolate chips. Pour into an 8 x 8 pan lined with parchment paper and bake for 25 -35 minutes, until the top is slightly firm. 

 **I found that when I used banana that 25 minutes baking will was sufficient but when I used applesauce closer to 35 minutes was required. Less baking time will create fudge-y brownies vs more will give more cake-y brownies. Store in the fridge. They also freeze well! 

Makes 9 servings 

Serving size: 1 brownie (1/9 th of recipe) Calories 225 Protein 5 g Carb 30 g Fiber 2 g Sugars 23 g Fat 12 g Saturated fat < 1g Sodium 49 mg

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Vegetarian Jambalaya

This vegetarian jambalaya is very easy to make and is so filling that you won't miss the meat!

Ingredients: 

3 cups chopped red bell pepper 

3 cups chopped celery 

1 cup chopped onion 

1 teaspoon olive oil 

2 15 oz cans kidney beans (rinsed well) 

2 15 oz cans black eyed peas (rinsed well) 

2 cups cooked cauliflower rice 

1 tablespoon Cajun or Creole seasoning  

Directions: 

Add 1 teaspoon olive oil to a large pan or pot and add the bell pepper, celery, onions, and sauté on medium heat until just before tender (about 10 minutes). Meanwhile cook the cauliflower rice according to package directions (I use Trader Joes Frozen which cooks for only 3-4 minutes in the microwave) and rinse the canned beans, Add the kidney beans, black eyed peas, cooked cauliflower rice and seasoning to the pan and cook on low heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Makes 12 cups, 6 servings 

Serving size: 2 cups Calories 226 Protein 13 g Carb 37 g Fiber 10 g Sugars 6 g Fat 2 g Saturated fat 1.5 g Sodium 940 mg

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Honey Roasted Peanut Cheerio Bars

                                    

These bars are super easy to make and… they have an amazing sweet/salty flavor. Enjoy one as a quick breakfast, snack or dessert.

1 cup creamy or crunchy peanut butter
1/4 cup honey
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
3 cups honey nut cheerios
½ cup honey roasted peanuts

Directions:

Add the peanut butter, honey and salt to a microwave safe medium sized bowl and heat on high for 30 seconds. Remove from microwave and mix well. Stir in the cheerios and peanuts, until well incorporated. . Press mixture into an 8 by 8 inch pan. (Lining the pan with a large rectangular piece of parchment paper, placing the mixture on one side and then folding the paper over to press down works nicely since the dough is so sticky.) Refrigerate for at least one hour until very firm and then cut into 16 squares. Store in the fridge in an airtight container

Makes 16 squares, 16 servings

Serving size: 1 square Calories 157 Protein 5 g Carb 15 g Fiber 1 g Sugars 9 g Fat 10 g Saturated fat 1.5 g Sodium 159 mg

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Peanut Butter Banana Protein Shake

This smoothie combines a few simple ingredients to make a delicious high protein shake that works great as quick breakfast or pre/post workout snack!

Ingredients:

1/2 frozen banana, cut into chunks
1 cup milk (I used unsweetened vanilla almond milk)
2 scoops collagen peptides (I use Vital Proteins brand)
1 tablespoon peanut powder (I use PB Fit brand)
4-5 ice cubes

Directions:

Put all of the ingredients in a blender and blend on high speed for 30-60 seconds until a smooth mixture is formed. Pour into glass and serve immediately

Makes 1 serving

Serving Size: 1 shake Calories: 196 Protein 24 g Carb 20 g Fiber 2 g Sugar 10 g Fat 4 Saturated Fat 4g Sodium 366 g

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No Bake Peanut Butter and Jelly Thumbprints

These no bake PB and J flavored treats are an easy to make, healthy dessert that are filling and delicious. Perfect to satisfy a sweet tooth after a meal or as a yummy snack with a glass of milk. 

Ingredients: 

1/2 cup creamy or crunchy peanut butter, (pre-stirred type is best) 

2 tablespoons honey 

1 teaspoon vanilla extract 

1/8 teaspoon sea salt 

½ cup of finely shredded unsweetened coconut, plus extra for rolling 

1 tablespoon raspberry jam 

Wax or parchment paper 

Directions: 

In a medium sized bowl, combine the peanut butter, honey, vanilla, salt and coconut and mix well. Chill dough in the fridge for at least an hour. Roll into 12 balls, coat in extra coconut while rolling. Press a small indentation in the middle of each and fill with a small amount of jam. Store in an airtight container in the fridge. 

Makes 12 cookies 

Serving size: 1 cooke Calories 92 Protein 3 g Carb 7 g Fiber 2 g Sugars 5 g Fat 6 g Saturated fat < 1g Sodium 78 mg

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Honey Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

 

This buffalo cauliflower works great as an appetizer, snack or side dish!

Ingredients:

1 medium sized head of cauliflower, cut into florets
¼ cup buffalo sauce (I used Sweet Baby Rays brand)
2 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon canola oil
1/8 teaspoon garlic salt
1 T gluten free oat flour or all purpose flour
salt to taste
cooking spray or parchment paper

Directions:

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Whisk together the buffalo sauce, honey, canola oil, garlic salt and flour in a medium sized bowl. Dip the cauliflower florets to coat with the sauce mixture and spread them out on a baking pan lined with parchment paper or coated with cooking spray. Bake 15 minutes, flip the florets over and then another 15-20 minutes, until lightly browned

Makes 4 servings

Serving size: ¼ recipe Calories 92 Protein 3 g Carb 15 g Fiber 3 g Sugars 8 g Fat 4 g Saturated fat 0 g Sodium 434

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The Ins and Outs of Healthy Take Out

Check out my new article for the Cecelia Health Blog on healthy take out! 

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Dark Chocolate Protein Truffles

 

 

You cannot go wrong with these delicious treats. They are high in protein, low in carb, are grain free and can be made dairy free as well! Make some for a yummy guilt free Valentine’s day!

Ingredients:

1 cup creamy or crunchy unsalted natural almond butter, (thin drippy type is best, if you are using a no stir type you can put microwave it for 10-20 seconds to soften)
¼ cup honey
3 tablespoons cocoa powder
½ teaspoon sea salt
½ cup of unflavored protein powder (I a have used whey or egg white varieties, egg white works great to keep them dairy free) or ¼ c collagen peptide
¼ cup mini chocolate chips (the Enjoy life is great if you are dairy free)
extra cocoa powder, coconut, chocolate chip for rolling (optional)
Wax or parchment paper

Directions:

In a medium sized bowl, combine the almond butter, honey, cocoa powder and salt and mix well. Stir in protein powder and chocolate chips and mix some more. Form into 18 balls. Roll in extra cocoa powder, coconut or chocolate chips if desired. Store in the fridge. They also freeze well!

Makes 18 bites

Serving size: 1 bite Calories 114 Protein 6 g Carb 6 g Fiber 2 g Sugars 3 g Fat 8 g Saturated fat < 1g Sodium 105 mg

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My Recent Article on Beginning Exercise!

 

Check out the latest article I wrote on the Cecelia Health blog about establishing a sound exercise routine!

Click HERE for the post :)

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New Year Brings Book # Three !

 

Excited to announce that today is the release date for a new book that my colleague and I have published entitled:  

The Everything Guide to the Insulin Resistance Diet: Lose Weight, Reverse Insulin Resistance, and Stop Pre-Diabetes.  

In this book you can learn about the lifestyle changes that you can make to help lose weight, reduce insulin resistance and improve your health. It also includes 125 delicious recipes and 10 week plan for healthy eating and increasing activity.  Hope you will check it out and enjoy!!

Available HERE at Barnes and Noble and HERE on Amazon :)

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Easy Bean Soup

Looking for health recipes for the New Year? This hearty soup is packed with protein, healthy high fiber carbs and can be customized with your favorite seasonings. It freezes well and is perfect for a plant-based lunch or dinner.

Ingredients:

One package 15 bean soup mix 

64 ounces chicken or vegetable broth 

One 28 ounce can of crushed tomatoes 

Choice of seasonings –salt, pepper, Italian, Cajun 

Directions:

Soak the beans overnight (or at least 8 hours) in 8 cups of water. Rinse beans well and add to a large pot with 64 ounces of chicken or vegetable broth and bring to a boil on high heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer for. 1.5 hours. Put in the tomatoes and simmer for another. 30 minutes. Add desired seasonings and serve. Note: You can use the seasoning that comes with the soup mix but I usually choose to use more natural seasonings without all the additives. 

Makes 14 cups 14 servings 

Serving size: 1 cup Calories 161 Protein 10 g Carb 30 g Fiber 9 g Sugars 5 g Fat 0 g Saturated fat 0 g Sodium 490

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