Whole Wheat Apple Carrot Muffins

Super soft, hearty, and a blank slate for breakfast, these Whole Wheat Apple Carrot Muffins are so convenient to have on hand!  They’re not overly sweet, and are best enjoyed either warmed up with some butter on top, with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup, combined with yogurt, or with a smear of your favorite nut butter.  Most of the ingredients are likely in your pantry already, plus you get to sneak in some veggies and whole grains…Win-win!

Servings: 12 Muffins

Ingredients:

1 Cup, Packed, Finely Grated Carrots

1 Cup Unsweetened Cinnamon Applesauce

1/3 Cup Unsalted Butter, Melted

2 Eggs

2 Tsp Vanilla Extract

3/4 Cup Light Brown Sugar

1 2/3 Cup White Whole Wheat Flour

1/2 Tsp Ground Nutmeg

1/2 Tsp Ground Saigon Cinnamon

1/4 Tsp Sea Salt

1 Tsp Baking Powder

1/2 Tsp Baking Soda

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350º

Line the muffin pan with muffins liners

Peel and finely grate the carrots, and set aside

Measure out the apple sauce, and set aside

Melt the butter in a large bowl (such as glass in the microwave)

Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the melted butter and stir until combined

Add the brown sugar and stir again until combined

Stir in the applesauce and carrots, then set the wet ingredients aside

In another medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, nutmeg, cinnamon, sea salt, baking powder, and baking soda

Add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, and stir together until well combined

Fill the 12 muffin liners to just below the tops

Bake for approximately 23 minutes, or until a toothpick in the center comes out clean

Dig in while they’re warm from the oven, or store them sealed in the refrigerator or freezer after they’ve cooled

[Reheat in the microwave whenever you’re ready for one, and they’ll taste just as good as they did straight from the oven!]

Enjoy!

Ingredient recommendations linked!

Crispy Potato Wedges

These Crispy Potato Wedges are such a quick and easy side to have on hand and always a crowd pleaser. They pair wonderfully with meaty meals such as steak, chicken, or battered fish, but also happen to be vegan and taste great alongside veggie burgers, veggie sandwiches, or chili too.  You only need 4 ingredients!

Servings: Approx. 1 Potato Per Person, Or Quantity Of Choice!

Ingredients:

Potatoes

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Sea Salt

Black Pepper

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 400°

After cleaning, chop each potato into about 8 wedges

Lightly coat the wedges with olive oil

Add sea salt and black pepper to taste

Bake for 30-40 minutes depending on how crispy you like them

[Optional – You can raise the oven temperature slightly or broil in the last couple minutes for extra crispness if you like!]

Enjoy!

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Baked Oatmeal

Perfect for the autumn season (or any day really!), this Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Baked Oatmeal is for anyone with a serious morning sweet tooth. The texture is that of a thick and creamy oatmeal, all overflowing with melty chocolate chips in a base of pumpkin and cinnamon fall flavor!

Due to the heavy chocolate presence, you only need the lightest drizzle of maple syrup and pinch of sea salt on top of your serving. It’s already quite sweet, but the flavors really pop with these light toppings!

The best part – All of the ingredients are mixed right in the pan!

Servings: About 5

Ingredients:

1 15 oz Can Pumpkin Puree (plain, not pumpkin pie mix)

1/3 Cup Honey

2 Cups Rolled Oats

1 Cup Oat Milk

1/2 Cup Plain Greek Yogurt (I used nonfat)

2 Tsp Saigon Cinnamon

1 Cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (I used 54% Cacao)

Oil To Grease The Pan (I used Avocado Oil)

Maple Syrup And Sea Salt To Taste

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350°

Lightly grease a 9×13 pan with the oil

Pour the pumpkin puree directly into the pan

Add the honey and evenly combine the two

Pour in the oats, oat milk, and greek yogurt, and stir everything until evenly combined

Add in the cinnamon and combine again

Add the chocolate chips and gently mix in

Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the liquid has absorbed and the top and edges look a bit more solid

Let cool to a safe temperature, and top each serving with maple syrup and (a pinch) of sea salt to taste

Enjoy!

[Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator in a sealed container, or in the cooking dish itself if well-covered. To freeze, cut into pre-portioned amounts, store in a sealed freezer-safe container, then simply reheat in the microwave once ready to eat.]

Ingredient recommendations linked!

Peanut Butter Blueberry Yogurt Bowls

When I’m in need of quick and easy plus delicious and nutritious, I love coming back again and again to a combination like these Peanut Butter Blueberry Yogurt Bowls.  The ingredients are likely items that you have in the refrigerator or pantry already, and certain ingredients can absolutely be substituted for what you have on hand!

The Plain Greek Yogurt – Use whatever variety you love!  I enjoy a nonfat option but a full fat choice would be delicious as well.

The Cereal – This is mostly for texture and crunch, but I do really love the flavor profile of a Wheat Squares or Wheat Waffles option.  A similar cereal of choice or a granola would work here as well!

The Blueberries – I love the Frozen Wild Blueberries for their small size and the way that the juices melt into the mix, but if you prefer to use fresh give it a go!

The Peanut Butter – I love a peanut butter that includes the taste of salt.  For me, having that ever so slight sweet and salty combination makes all the difference, which is why in my particular ratios I tend to go pretty heavy on the peanut butter!

I’ve linked all of my personal brand recommendations within the ingredient list, but the point of this easy peasy meal/snack is that it’s customizable to your preferences!

Servings: 1

Ingredients:

Plain Greek Yogurt

A Wheat Squares Cereal

Frozen Wild Blueberries

Peanut Butter (preferably unsweetened and one that includes salt for optimal flavor)

Directions:

Combine in a bowl using ratios to your liking

Enjoy!

Ingredient recommendations linked!

Coconut Lime Ice Pops

On hot summer days, nothing hits the spot like a delicious lineup of icy drinks and snacks to keep yourself cool.  These refreshing and creamy Coconut Lime Ice Pops by my husband are the perfect treat to beat the heat!  The ingredients take only moments to whisk together.

(These pops are not overly sweet as a personal preference, but could be very easily adjusted to have more sweetness if desired!)

Servings: 6

Ingredients:

13.5 oz Coconut Milk

1/3 Cup Shredded Coconut

1/2 Cup Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice (approx. 4 medium limes)

Zest of 2 Limes

2 1/2 Tbsp Agave Syrup

1/2 Tsp Vanilla Extract

Directions: 

Whisk all the ingredients together and pour into ice pop molds

(Whisk between each mold pour to prevent settling)

Freeze until solid (about 8 hours)

Enjoy!

Ingredient recommendations linked!

Fruit & Chocolate Ice Cream Smoothie

Falling in between a lighter milkshake and a decadent smoothie, this sweet treat only requires 4 ingredients and makes for such a satisfying snack on a hot summer day!  It’s thick and creamy while frozen and icy at the same time, all while packing a nutritional punch with lots of vitamins, protein, and fiber. (For additional creaminess, feel free to substitute a higher fat greek yogurt if that’s your preference!)

Servings: 1

Ingredients:

1 Cup (5 oz) Frozen Strawberries

1 Frozen Banana

1/2 Cup Nonfat Plain Greek Yogurt

1/2 Cup Cold Water

1 Packet Nibmor Traditional Hot Cocoa (dry)

Directions:

Add all of the ingredients other than the cocoa into the blender and blend until smooth

Add in the cocoa and blend again until well mixed

Serve and enjoy!

Ingredient recommendations linked!

3 Ingredient Cheesy Omelette

This 3 ingredient cheesy omelette is fluffy, filling, and super versatile!  Add it onto your favorite toast, serve with veggies, or even enjoy plain if you like.  It only takes 5 minutes to make!

Servings: 1

Ingredients:

2 Eggs

Lots of Black Pepper

1 Slice Mozzarella Cheese

Directions: 

Warm up a small pan on medium heat

Scramble the eggs in a bowl

Scramble in lots of black pepper

Tear up a slice of mozzarella cheese into small pieces and evenly mix the pieces in

Once the pan is hot pour your mixture in and cook evenly on each side

Enjoy!

[If you don’t use nonstick cookware, use your preferred method to lightly grease your pan!]

Ingredient recommendations linked!

Protein “PB & J” Smoothie

This 4 ingredient smoothie is one of my go-tos for that post-workout time of day! I love how filling, creamy, and satisfying it is, all while packing a big nutrition punch! I’ve tried lots of variations including using different yogurt varieties as well as adding in extra Sunbutter when I’m looking for something more filling, so do a taste test and adjust the ratios to your preferences!

Servings: 1

Ingredients:

2 Cups Frozen Strawberries

3/4 – 1 Cup Plain Greek Yogurt (nonfat or full fat both work)

1/2 Cup Apple Juice

2 Tablespoons Sunbutter (or more if you want more of the “nut butter” taste!)

Directions:

Blend half of the frozen strawberries, the yogurt, and the apple juice in a blender

Once blended, add in the Sunbutter and second half of the strawberries and blend again

Taste test, adjust to taste, and enjoy!

Ingredient recommendations linked!

Berries & Cream Smoothie

If you’re a fan of traditional Berries and Cream this smoothie is for you!

Servings: 1

Ingredients:

1 3/4 Cup Frozen Strawberries

1/3 Cup Whole Milk Greek Yogurt

3 Tbsp Sunbutter

1/2 Cup Water

1/2 Cup Frozen Blueberries

Optional – A dash of a sweetener of choice (such as agave syrup or honey)

Directions:

Blend

Taste test to see if the optional sweetener is preferred

Enjoy!

Ingredient recommendations linked!

Raspberry Oat & Honey Yogurt Bowl

This combination is a recent favorite of mine when it comes to needing a quick and easy yet nutrient-dense breakfast or afternoon snack! The ratios can be adjusted to your liking, but think overnight oats meets granola bowl!

Servings: 1

Ingredients:

Plain Greek Yogurt (I used nonfat)

Quick Oats

Hemp Hearts

Local Honey

Frozen Raspberries

Directions:

Start with a helping of the plain greek yogurt

Mix in a large sprinkle of the quick oats for texture

Stir in a spoonful of the hemp hearts for some omega 3s and iron

Add a generous drizzle of the local honey

Top with the frozen raspberries

Enjoy!

Ingredient recommendations linked!