Quick and Healthy Lunch Idea

In an attempt to use what was in my fridge/pantry, I discovered a somewhat tasty and healthy lunch option! I love it when that happens!

What I used:

Zucchini (cut up in bite size pieces)

Chickpeas (1 can)

Chicken breast (1 breast cooked overnight in crockpot with 1/2 cup chicken broth, then shredded)

Salt/pepper to taste

2 tbsp lemon juice

Olive oil

1/2 tsp parsley

Mix zucchini, chickpeas, shredded chicken, salt, pepper, olive oil, lemon juice, and parsley in a bowl with a lid and shake until well mixed.

Refrigerate for at least 1 hour. I heated mine in the microwave upon serving but it could be served cold as well.

Enjoy!

3 Surprisingly Good Green Protein Smoothie Recipes

Green Smoothie Recipes

I am finally getting tired of the same ole’ protein shake recipes. (I’m using the plural form of the word but I really only have one!) Each morning I drink the same mixture for breakfast which you can read about here. In an effort to change things up, I would like to add some greens to my routine. In the past I have tried this but they tasted very GREEN. After trial and error, I have found a few surprisingly good recipes!

 

Every time I drink this, one word comes to mind. SMOOTH. It just tastes so smooth!
SMOOTH SAILING

SMOOTH SAILING

Smooth is the word that comes to mind with every drink! It’s a great stepping stone into the world of green smoothies because you can hardly taste the spinach. This was probably my favorite!

  • 1 cup Unsweetened Almond Milk
  • 1 cup Frozen or fresh mango (if using fresh mango, add a few ice cubes )
  • 1-2 cups Spinach
  • 1/2 Banana
  • 1 scoop Vanilla Protein Powder
  1. Blend all ingredients. Add ice for a slushie texture. Enjoy!

PURPLE -N- GREEN

PURPLE -N- GREEN

The greens taste hidden in this purple smoothie, thanks to the berries. It’s a great recipe to add some Flax or Chia seeds to as well.  

  • 1 scoop Vanilla protein powder
  • 4 slices Avocado
  • 1 handful berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries)
  • 1 handful spinach
  • 1 cup Unsweetened Almond Milk
  • 1 handful ice cubes
  • 1 tsp flax seed or chia seeds (optional )
  1. Blend all ingredients and Enjoy!

PEAR APPLE SMOOTHIE

 

Pear Apple Smoothie

Another smooth recipe that hides that green taste. If you want to thicken it up a bit, add some oats. 

  • 1 scoop Vanilla Protein Powder
  • 1 handful Spinach or mixed greens
  • 1/2 Pear (cored)
  • 1/2 Apple (cored)
  • 2-3 ice cubes
  • 1 cup Unsweetened Almond Milk
  1. Blend all ingredients and Enjoy!

Let me know what you think!

Protein Shake for Breakfast on the go

I am not a big breakfast eater, mainly due to lack of time in the mornings. But I do know a healthy, filling meal is important to start the day. This wasn’t always the case. When I was in college, I used to have a donut and Mountain Dew every morning for breakfast. I have no idea how I am even still alive! What was I thinking?! Back then I actually had time to make a good breakfast, but I chose to sleep in instead!

Now that I am married with kids, my mornings are spent less on myself and more on getting everyone else out the door. I try to work in some quiet time as well, so it doesn’t leave much room for a big breakfast. My days of sleeping in are long gone. R.I.P. lazy mornings. I wake up at 5:30 just to get my crew out the door by 7:15. I simply don’t want to get up any earlier! Soooo, I rely on a quick and easy breakfast.

On good weeks, I make some breakfast burritos ahead of time so they are ready to go. I brown sausage, add chopped veggies, and sometimes add in eggs. This is super easy to make and it tastes good reheated. Throw the mix in a wrap and boom – breakfast is served.

Unfortunately, not all weeks work out this way. Instead of reverting back to the Mountain Dew/Donut combo, I make a protein shake. I’ve got it down to about 2 minutes so there is really no excuse! This combo below is my new favorite.

PB Honey Cacao Protein Shake

I use Almond milk, Raw Cacao powder, Protein powder, Peanut butter powder, and honey. Add some ice, blend (I use my Nutri-bullet) and viola. This is something I can make at home, then drink on the way to work. 99% of my breakfast is consumed in the car, unless it’s the weekend, so this works well.

If you’re looking for a protein shake, give it a try!