Avocado Chicken Salad

Boiling chicken is the healthiest way you can go, but it's not the tastiest, most flavorful way. I grew tired of substituting mayo with hummus, and was looking for something new. I am totally in love with my homemade guacamole, and decided to combine the two. I loved it so much I think I've had it for lunch or dinner everyday for the last week. It's a must-try!

Ingredients (for single serving):

1 Chicken breast (I use Nature's Promise; 4oz, 110 calories)
1/2 ripe Hass avocado
1-2T mild salsa

Boil the chicken until fully cooked. Mash avocado and salsa together until well combined. Cut chicken into chunks, add to guacamole, and mix. Juicy, flavorful, with a protein and good-fat boost. 245 calories, filled with a protein boost that will keep you full! Eat as a snack or pair with a baked sweet potato and green veggie for a filling meal that's still under 500 calories!

Date Truffles

Personally, I find these delicious. However, I think that months of clean-eating and a well adjusted pallet plays a major role. In other words, these "truffles" are healthy, and if you're expecting rich and creamy, these aren't for you. However, if you're a health nut like me and are craving a little something sweet and chocolately, these are perfect!

Ingredients:

14 pitted dates
2-4T peanut butter (I used Teddy, smooth and unsalted)
1T rolled oats
3T unsweetened cocoa powder
unsweetened finely shredded coconut, for rolling

Now, if my toddler had not burned out the motor on our food processor, I would have used it. But since it's out of commission for now, I mixed all ingredients by hand. I added a bit of hot water to the dates to soften, then mashed with a fork until a paste was formed. I then mashed in the peanut butter, rolled oats, and cocoa powder (you can add more water, or even a bit of melted coconut oil to add moisture). Once all ingredients are well mixed, I scooped 1/2T full, rolled into a ball, and rolled in the coconut. Serve right away, or keep in the fridge for later snacking!

Makes about 20 truffles, at only 25 calories each (if you use 2T PB)

Additional options:
crushed almonds
maple syrup, for added sweetness

Hemp Protein Smoothie

This tastes similar to my previous green smoothie, with a few tweaks and new protein :)

Half of a large banana (potassium)
Half cup of frozen blueberries (anti oxidant)
1 TBS all natural peanut butter (texture, taste disguise, protein)
1/2 tsp cinnamon (metabolism booster)
Handful of spinach leaves, tough stems removed
3 TBS hemp protein ( I used Nutiva organic; 15 grams of protein! )
1 TBS chia seeds (anti oxidant, energy, omega 3's)
1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
1 cup water (or more almond milk)

Place all ingredients in blender and blend until smooth. Amazing post work out meal!!

Veggie "pizza"

Ingredients:

Trader Joe's middle eastern flatbread
Olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
Some zucchini
A few pepper slices
A few Brussels sprouts, chopped
Basil
Rosemary


Coat flatbread with olive oil. Add garlic and veggies, and give another small drizzle of olive oil. Sprinkle with spices. Bake (I used toaster oven) @ 400 degrees for about 15 minutes.

Mmm!

Mexican inspired salad

Ingredients:

Salad mix (I used romaine and baby spinach)
1 celery stalk, sliced
Half an avocado, diced
A bit of chopped onion
1/3 can black beans
Few dollops of salsa (I used peach salsa for a touch of sweetness)

Mix up and enjoy! The salsa makes for a great salad dressing replacement to cut some serious calories (10 calories per serving vs. 100+)

Simple green-veggie stir fry

1 T Extra virgin olive oil
6 Brussels sprouts
1/3 large zucchini
1/3 bag baby spinach
Spices of choice
( ingredients for single serving)

Heat olive oil in skillet over medium heat
Cut Brussels sprouts in half & place flat side down in heated oil. Cut 1/3 zucchini into chunks & add to skillet. Cook until they start to brown, then add spinach and cook until wilted. For spices I used basil and rosemary, but anything will do :)

Simple & makes a great side dish when paired with a lean protein! Enjoy :)

Chocolate mousse

Another sweet tooth craving - here's what I came up with

Half of a Hass avocado - very ripe
1 TBS unsweetened cocoa powde
1/4 teaspoon vanilla
Drizzle agave nectar
Tiny pinch of sea salt

I combined all ingredients in a bowl and mashed with a fork until combined and fluffy. Would work well in food processor too i'd assume. Texture & taste like chocolate mousse...fabulous.

Single serving :)