Keto Vanilla Chia Pudding

This is seriously my fave afternoon snack - ever!  It curbs my sweet tooth and is so satisfying!! 

Vanilla Chia Pudding 

Ingredients
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
1 cup coconut milk
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp swerve sweetener (add more if you like sweeter)
1/8 tsp salt
1/3 cup chia seeds

Directions
1) Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix well
2) Let stand for a few minutes and then mix again. 
3) Cover and place in the fridge for a few hours or overnight. 
4) Mix one more time before serving, Enjoy! 

Makes 4 servings.

Cheesy Chicken Bacon Cauliflower Bake!

Cheesy Chicken Bacon Cauliflower Bake! 

INGREDIENTS
- 1 head of cauliflower, cut into small florets
- 3 strips of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 cups of shredded marble cheese
- 1 lb chicken breasts, cooked & cubed
- Salt & Pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS
1) Preheat oven to 350 degress
2) Steam the cauliflower until fork tender
3) Spray a baking dish with non-stick spray and place everything in there once cauliflower is done.
4) Season with salt and pepper and mix. 
5) Put the last 1/2 cup of cheese on top and place in oven.
6) Bake for 20-25 mins until heated through and bubbly.
ENJOY! 

Keto Strawberry Cheesecake Fat Bombs!

KETO STRAWBERRY CHEESECAKE FAT BOMBS! 

Ingredients 
- 1/2 cup fresh or frozen strawberries
- 3/4 cup cream cheese
- 1/4 cup butter
- 2 tablespoons Swerve sweetener
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Directions
1)  If you are using frozen strawberries put them out to thaw, once thawed (or with your fresh strawberries) mash with a fork or pulse in a blender until well mashed up
2) Take out cream cheese and butter, cut into small chunks and place in a bowl on the counter to soften for about 30-60 mins.  Do not melt as you still need it to be fairly firm. 
3) Add swerve and vanilla extract and mix well. 
4) Add in strawberries and mix until well blended
5) Spoon into silicone molds, or just in little piles on a baking sheet on parchment paper and freeze for about 2 hours until set.  Keep in the freezer and enjoy anytime!

Keto Buffalo Cheese Sauce!

Y'all!!!!!  You gotta try this!!!  Put it on your veggies, on your chicken on your EVEEERRRRYYYTHHHINNNGG!!!!!!!!  

KETO BUFFALO CHEESE SAUCE!

Ingredients
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup cream cheese
- 1 cup of cheddar cheese
- Buffalo hot sauce to taste

Directions
- Heat whipping cream and butter over medium-low heat in a small pot on the stove until butter is melted
- Add in cream cheese and mix until creamy 
- Add in cheddar cheese and mix until melted
- Add hot sauce  to your liking

Keto Crockpot Chili

Ingredients
4 slices of Bacon, cut into small pieces
1 lb ground beef
1 onion, diced
2 peppers, diced
1 can diced tomatoes, drained
1 small can tomato paste
Chili seasoning to taste
Salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder to taste

Directions
1) Place onions and peppers in bottom of crockpot
2) Cook ground beef until browned, season with salt & pepper, drain and add to crockpot
3) Cook bacon in pan, drain and add to crockpot
4) Drain tomatoes and add to crockpot
5) Add tomato paste to crockpot
6) Season generously with chili seasoning and whatever other seasonings you like.
7) Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4 hours.

Cheesy Zoodles

I know most people have this LOVE for Spaghetti.  For a lot of us, it's a comfort food.... One of those meals you think of when someone mentions "home cooked deliciousness"... Well, this is an AMAZING substitute for the high carb spaghetti like your mama used to make! 

Ingredients
- 8 medium zucchini's, shredded into "zoodles".  The Vegetti works amazing for this or a lot of grocery stores sell them already noodle-fied.
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 red pepper, diced
- 1 jar of marinara sauce (ensure there is no sugar added)
- 1/2 cup cream cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream

Directions
1) Cook ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, once almost all browned add in onion and red pepper.  Continue to cook until beef is browned and onion is translucent.
2) Add the marinara sauce
3) Once that is heated through add in the cream cheese and sour cream until melted and creamy.
4) In the meantime, add the zoodles to a large skillet sprayed with nonstick spray and cook over high heat, tossing often, for about 3 minutes or until they reach a texture that you prefer.
5) Pour sauce over zoodles and enjoy!

Salsa Chicken

Ingredients
- 4 - 5oz chicken breasts
- 2 cups of salsa
- salt, pepper and garlic powder to taste

Instructions
1) Place chicken in crock pot
2) season with salt, pepper, garlic powder and any other seasonings you may like.
3) cover with salsa
4) Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 4 until chicken shreds easily with a fork
5) Shred chicken in crock pot and split into 4 servings - enjoy! 

Turkey Meatloaf Muffins

This is one of my fave meal prep recipes!  I got it from Jamie Eason - yum! 

Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground turkey
- 3 egg whites
- 1 cup quick cooking oats
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- 2 tsp dry yellow mustard
- 1 tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp chipotle pepper spice
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 – 2 tbsp garlic powder (or to taste)
- 2 tbsp ground coriander (optional)
- 1 tbsp McCormick Rotisserie Chicken spice (optional)
- 1tsp Herbes De Provence spice (optional)
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 2 celery stalks (finely chopped)

Directions
1) Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2) Spray muffin pan with olive oil.
3) Mix all the ingredients together in a large bowl.
4) Roll the mixture into 12 even sized balls and place in muffin pan.
5) Bake 40 minutes or till done.
6) Serve warm or freeze in a Ziploc freezer bag.

Weekly Meal Prep - Greek Chicken Bowls

One thing that I've learned along the way in this journey is the importance of planning.  We've all heard the saying "Fail to plan, plan to fail" and I find this to be so true - especially when it comes to not only planning but actually preparing my lunches in advance.  Since I work from home I don't need to actually pack my lunches, but just having everything ready to grab, put together and eat makes a huge difference in my success each week!!  

This was an idea I originally got from eazypeazymealz.com and I just made a few slight adjustments for my own preferences here!! 

INGREDIENTS

Greek Chicken
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 5 oz each)
1/4 cup olive oil
3 tbsp minced garlic
1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 tbsp dried oregano
1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt
sea salt and pepper to taste


Cucumber Salad
2 English cucumbers, sliced
1/3 cup lemon juice
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 tbsp minced garlic
1/2 tsp dried oregano


Tzatziki Sauce
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
1 English cucumber, shredded
1 tbsp minced garlic
1/2 tbsp dill weed
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tsp lemon zest
Salt and pepper to taste


The Rest
3 cups cooked brown rice
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup red onion slices


INSTRUCTIONS
1) In a large freezer ziplock bag, combine olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, oregano, greek yogurt and salt and pepper. Massage to mix.
2) Add chicken into the bag.
3) Massage to make sure chicken is fully covered and marinate for at least 20 minutes, up to 12 hours.
4) Drain the chicken from the marinade, discarding the marinade.
5) In a skillet, heat some olive oil over medium-high heat.
6) Add chicken when it is hot, and cook, flipping part way through. Cook approximately 3-4 minutes per side. Cooking time depends on thickness and size of the chicken. Cook until internal temp is 165 degrees.
5) Remove from pan, and let cool.
6) Once cool, cut into bite sized pieces.
7) Meanwhile, make cucumber salad by chunking the cucumbers, and tossing in a bowl with the lemon juice, olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, and oregano. Set aside
8) Make tzatziki sauce by combining the Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, dill weed, lemon juice, lemon zest in a small bowl; season with salt and pepper.
9) Refrigerate while assembling your bowls.
10) Cook brown rice according to package directions. When finished cooking, divide between meal prep containers, 1/2 cup in each container, halve cherry tomatoes, and mix with red onion slices. Divide amongst the bowls.
11) Top with chicken, cucumber salad, and some tzatziki sauce.
12) Keep for 3- 5 days in airtight container, serve cold!

Spinach & Feta Stuffed Chicken Breasts

Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken Breasts (recipe adapted from food.com)

Serves 3

Ingredients:

• 3 chicken breasts
• 2 tsp olive oil
• 1 tsp minced garlic
• 5 cups baby spinach
• 3/4 cup feta cheese
• 1.5 cups seasoned bread crumbs

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350
2. Prepare chicken for stuffing either by slicing the chicken breasts almost completely in half, but not quite - you wanna leave the two halves attached still.  Or you can beat the chicken breasts to make them super thin.
3. Cook the spinach, garlic and oil on the stove top until done 
4. add in the feta cheese and mix well
5. distribute spinach mixture onto each chicken breast
6. wrap chicken around mixture and secure with a toothpick
7. Roll each breast in bread crumbs until well coated
8. place on baking sheet
9. Cook for 30 minutes or until cooked thru
10. ENJOY! 

This went over really well in my house even my almost 5 year old daughter gobbled it up!  YUM!

Quick & Simple 10 Minute Omelet

Ever have those days where you just have no clue what to have for lunch and you have limited time to prepare anything?  Happens to me like... more often than it should :/ But sometimes, something wonderful comes out of my disorganization! :)  

Ladies and gentlemen - I introduce to you the 

QUICK & SIMPLE 10-MINUTE OMELET

Yep... 10 mins from start to finish is all you need to whip this bad boy up!! 

What you need:

• 2 eggs, scrambled
• 1 cup kale (or spinach), chopped 
• 3/4 cup red peppers, diced
• 1/4 cup diced onions
• no salt added seasoning of your choice (I love the organic no-salt seasoning from costco)
• 2 tbsp shredded light cheese

What you do:

1. Place a pan over medium high heat and spray with non-stick spray
2. add the red peppers, onions and kale (or spinach) and cook for 3-4 mins, until kale (or spinach begins to wilt)
3. remove the veggies from the pan, spray with non stick spray again and add the 2 eggs
4. season the eggs with your no salt seasoning and let cook for a couple minutes until just a bit white underneath
5. add the veggies to the eggs and let cook for 1 minute
6. add the cheese on top of the veggies and let cook until the egg is fully cooked - about 3-4 minutes
7. Serve and enjoy! 

If you are doing the 21 day fix this would count as 2 greens, 1 red and 1 blue!

If you are calorie counting it is 304 calories!

One Pan Turkey Taco Brown Rice Skillet

Wanna know one of my BIGGEST pet peeves??  

Dirty dishes and a kitchen that is a lot of work to clean up after eating a delicious meal.

So, I always appreciate those recipes out there that have you dirtying as FEW dishes as possible!  

One pan?  DONE! 

I came across this delicious One Pot Spicy Taco Rice Skillet recipe and decided it sounded way too good to NOT try!  So I made a few more health conscious adjustments and here's what I came up with! 

One Pan Turkey Taco Brown Rice Skillet

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 bell peppers, diced
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 cup of salsa
• 1 cup of brown rice
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup of water (if using "Minute Rice" omit the water) 
• 2 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 cup light shredded tex mex cheese

Directions:

1. In a large pan, brown turkey.
2. When turkey is lightly browned, add diced onions and peppers.
3. Cook until turkey is fully cooked and the onions and peppers are soft.
4. Add can of tomatoes - no need to drain.
5. Add salsa, rice, water and stock.
6. Stir well to combine.
7. Add in spices and mix, cover.
8. Let simmer on low until rice is soft and liquid has cooked off.
9. Top with cheese, stir in until it melts.
10. Serve!

Low Cal Pumpkin Spice Latte!

Alright, Fall is almost upon us... Which means - pumpkin flavoured EVERYTHING!  One of my all time favourite fall treats is the Pumpkin Spice Latte!  But at about 260 calories for a grande with nonfat milk and no whip... it's no bueno in my healthy eating plan!  Here's a healthier, lower cal version!!

Ingredients:
1 cup nonfat milk
1 Tbsp. pumpkin puree
¼ tsp. pumpkin pie spice
2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
1 cup brewed black coffee or 1 shot espresso
1 dash ground nutmeg (to taste; optional)

Preparation:
1. Heat milk, pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, and extract in medium saucepan over medium heat; cook for 4 to 5 minutes, or until mixture is hot, but not boiling. It is ready when there are many small bubbles on the sides of the saucepan.
2. Remove from heat; mix vigorously with a whisk until frothy.
3. Pour coffee or espresso into serving mug; top with milk mixture.
4. Top with nutmeg if desired.

Makes 1 serving.

Calories - 119

21 day fix this would be 1 yellow

Grilled Honey Cumin Chicken

Grilled Honey Cumin Chicken

Spice up your chicken with a touch of cumin.

Total Time: 25 min.
Prep Time: 5 min.
Cooking Time: 15 min.
Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients:
2 Tbsp. raw honey
2 Tbsp. 100% orange juice
4 4-oz each raw chicken breast, boneless, skiness
1 Tbsp. olive oil
1 tsp. ground cumin
Sea salt and ground black pepper (to taste; optional)

Preparation:
1. Preheat grill to medium.
2. Combine honey and orange juice in a small bowl; whisk to blend. Set aside.
3. Brush each chicken breast lightly with oil. Sprinkle both sides evenly with cumin, salt (if desired), and pepper (if desired).
4. Place chicken on grill; cook, without turning, for 5 minutes. When chicken releases easily from the grill, turn and cook for an additional 3 minutes.
5. Reduce grill heat to low. Brush chicken evenly with honey mixture. Be careful, honey will burn if exposed to flames. Grill until a meat thermometer inserted into the center of each breast reads 160° F. Remove from grill. Let chicken rest 5 minutes before serving.

Note: The FDA suggests cooking chicken to a temperature of 165° F. Chicken will continue to cook after it is removed from heat, so we recommend that it be removed from the grill at 160° F to prevent drying out.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

Calories: 184

Fat: 7 g

Saturated Fat: 1 g

Cholesterol: 67 mg

Sodium: 439 mg

Carbohydrate: 10 g

Fiber: 0 g

Sugar: 9 g

Protein: 23 g

Pita Pizza

Pita Pizza

Pitas make an ideal pizza crust! This is topped with basil, peppers and onion, or you can substitute your favorite vegetables.

Total Time: 18 min.
Prep Time: 10 min.
Cooking Time: 8 min.
Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients:
4 (6½-inch) whole wheat pitas
¾ cup all-natural spaghetti sauce, no salt added
2 fresh basil leaves, chopped
2 oz. shredded mozzarella cheese (½ cup)
¼ medium onion, sliced
1 medium yellow bell pepper, sliced into rings

Preparation:
1. Preheat oven to 350° F.
2. Top pitas evenly with spaghetti sauce, basil, cheese, onion, and bell pepper.
3. Place pitas on baking sheet. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until cheese is melted.

Nutritional Information: (per serving)

Calories: 248

Fat: 5 g

Saturated Fat: 2 g

Cholesterol: 8 mg

Sodium: 569 mg

Carbs: 43 g

Fiber: 6 g

Sugars: 2 g

Protein: 11 g