Low Carb Cauliflower "Mashed Potatoes"

Hi fit fam!  It has been quite some time since I've shared a delicious and nutritious recipe with you all.  But, wait no more!  Lol :)  I like to get creative with my food.  Because, let's face it, food is awesome!  I will probably eat almost anything, and I'm not going to lie I love pizza, froyo, and nut butters probably a little too much lol.  But, it IS possible to make healthier versions of your favorite foods and here is an example of doing just that!

With just 3 simple ingredients you can make...

Low Carb Cauliflower "Mashed Potatoes"

Ingredients:
- One bag of frozen Cauliflower Florets (you can use a head of fresh cauliflower)
- 1/4 cup Unsweetend Vanilla Almond Milk
- Mrs. Dash Garlic & Herb Seasoning

Instructions:
- Empty cauliflower florets into a microwave safe dish with a couple tablespoons of water and cover.
- Heat on high (covered) for 10-12 minutes, stirring one time half way.
- Pour microwaved cauliflower into a blender or processor (if you don't have either, you can use a masher, it will just take longer).
- Add in the 1/4 cup of almond milk and season with Mrs. Dash to your liking.
- Blend the ingredients together to your desired consistency (I personally like mine a little chunkier, but I know some people who prefer them pureed).

And.... you are done!

Additional Ideas:
You can choose to garnish with some low fat shredded cheese or if you're going gluten and dairy free you can use almond cheese like I did.  You can purchase almond cheese at your local health food store such as Whole Foods.  They have a few different flavors like cheddar, monterrey jack, or mozzarella like I used.  If I had some green onions or chives I probably would have added those on top too!

Enjoy!

Nutritional Information:

100 grams of Cauliflower:

23 calories, 0g fat, 4g carbohydrates, 2g fiber, 2g protein

vs.

100 grams of Potato:

94 calories, 0g fat, 21g carbohydrates, 2g fiber, 2g protein

Protein Pudding

Protein pudding is quite possibly the easiest healthy treat you can make.  All it takes is mixing together all natural non-fat Greek yogurt and some protein powder and BOOM!

You got yourself a basic protein pudding :)

So why Greek yogurt?  Well, according to a recent article I read on Bodybuilding.com a study published by the International Journal of Obesity showed that low-fat, high-protein dairy products can accelerate abdominal fat burning.  Researchers noted both higher fat loss from the trunk region and higher lean muscle mass retention in the group that ate yogurt!

In addition, Greek yogurt has double the protein of most regular yogurts.  A typical 6-ounce serving contains 15-20 grams of protein which is comparative to 2-3 ounces of lean meat!  Also, it is a great source of calcium, which we all know helps build strong teeth and bones.  Furthermore, the probiotics found in Greek yogurt help regulate digestion and keep the bacteria in your gut healthy.

Personally, I think it is the perfect pudding base due to it's smooth and creamy consistency.  I always purchase plain Greek yogurt because the flavored varieties contain high amounts of sodium and sugar which is just not necessary when you can add your own all natural ingredients and toppings!

Here's what I made for my mid-morning snack!

Fruit & Nut Protein Pudding

Ingredients:

- 1/2 cup All Natural Non-Fat Greek Yogurt (I used Fage)

- 1/2 scoop Protein Powder (I used VPX Sports SRO Zero Carb - Chocolate)

- 1 tbsp (10g) Fruit & Nut Trail Mix (I used Kirkland Signature)

- 1/4 tsp Ground Cinnamon

- Splash of Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk (I used Blue Diamond)

Instructions:

- Mix all ingredients together in a bowl and place in the refrigerator until you're ready to enjoy!

The great thing about Protein Pudding is that there is literally an endless list of ingredient options you can choose from.  Here are some of my suggestions:
- All natural nut butters
- All natural, unsalted nuts
- All natural, unsalted seeds (Chia, Flax, Hemp, Poppy, Pumpkin, Sunflower)
- Dark chocolate
- Fresh organic fruit
- PB2
- Unsweetened coconut flakes

Nutritional Information:
Serves 1
155 calories, 3g fat, 73mg sodium, 65mg potassium,
9g carbohydrates (1g fiber, 8g sugar) 23g PROTEIN


Someone pass me a bowl of protein pudding... please :)

Spinach & Zucchini St. Patty's Day Protein Pancakes

Most people celebrate St. Patrick's Day by drinking green beer... 

I'd rather eat pancakes!  Lol!  

So, in honor of the Irish holiday I made some delicious and nutritious protein pancakes :)

Spinach & Zucchini St. Patty's Day Protein Pancakes

Ingredients:

- 1 scoop VPX SRO Whey Protein (I used chocolate)

- 1/2 small Zucchini (cut into slices)

- 1 cup Organic Spinach

- 1/4 cup Oats

- 3 tbsp Egg Whites

- 1 tbsp Organic Ground Golden Flax Seed

- 1/2 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract

- 1/4 tsp Ground Cinnamon

- 1/8 tsp Baking Soda

Ingredients:

- Coat pan with non-stick cooking spray or coconut oil.

- Mix all ingredients in food processor (or blender, or Magic Bullet, etc.) until smooth.

- Pour 1/3 of the batter onto pan and cook on Low heat until golden brown

(this should take about 2 minutes on each side).

*Tip* When the pancake begins to bubble that is a good indicator that you should flip!

This recipe makes 3 medium sized protein pancakes which equals 1 serving.

As a topping, I added 1/2 tbsp of Sunbutter (all natural sunflower spread) and 1/2 tbsp of Walden Farms Pancake Syrup.  You can choose to add whatever you like or whatever fits your macros.

Topping Suggestions:

- All Natural Unsalted Nuts or Seeds

- All Natural Nut Butter (Almond, Peanut, Sunflower)

- All Natural Organic Jam (Apple, Blueberry, Peach, etc.)

- Cottage Cheese

- Greek Yogurt

- Organic Fruit (Apples, Blueberries, Cranberries, Peaches, Pears, Strawberries, etc.)

- PB2

Nutritional Information:

(without topping)

238 calories, 4g fat, 308mg sodium, 193mg potassium,

21g carbohydrates (5g fiber, 1g sugar) 30g PROTEIN


Enjoy!

 

Cinnamon Raisin Swirl Protein Pancakes

Maybe I should change my blog to Protein Pancake Paradise! Lol!  I know I post a lot of protein pancake recipes but I just can't help that I adore pancakes :) Any who, I woke up this morning with a huge hankering for something sweet!  Alone, my usual egg whites and oatmeal just wasn't going to satisfy my sweet tooth, but together with a couple added ingredients... they can make magic!  My goal was to meet my macros; I needed to get at least 25g of protein and 20g of carbohydrates in my system for my morning meal.  This recipe packs 31g of protein and 20g of carbohydrates.  Mission accomplished!

Cinnamon Raisin Swirl Protein Pancakes

Serves 1

Ingredients:

1) 1 scoop VPX SRO Zero Carb Chocolate Whey Protein

2) 15g Organic Oat Flour (I used Arrowhead Mills)

3) 1/4 cup Egg Whites

4) 1/8 cup Applesauce

5) 1/4 tsp Ground Cinnamon

6) 1 tbsp Peanut Butter & Co. - Cinnamon Raisin Swirl

 

Instructions:

- Mix the first 5 ingredients together until it is of pancake batter consistency. (The great thing about this recipe is that you don't even need a blender, you can just mix with a spoon!)
- Coat pan with non-stick cooking spray.
- Pour 1/2 of the batter onto pan and cook on Medium-Low heat until golden brown (this should take about 2 minutes on each side).

*Tip* When the pancake begins to bubble that is a good indicator that you should flip!

- Spread 1/2 tbsp of Cinnamon Raisin Swirl peanut butter onto each pancake.

ENJOY!

This recipe makes 2 medium sized protein pancakes, nutritional information below includes all ingredients!

Nutritional Information:

258 calories, 7g fat, 198mg sodium, 296mg potassium, 20g carbohydrates (3g fiber, 6g sugar), 31g protein.

Banana Coconut Protein Pancakes

Unfortunately for me I have been bitten by the flu bug and so I stayed home from work yesterday just bumming around the house.  Fortunately for you all, I can't sit still for long and of course I became hungry but my throat hurt :(  Then it hit me... warm, soft, and sweet... PROTEIN PANCAKES!!! I haven't made protein pancakes in quite some time so I just grabbed what sounded good to me and this is the result :)

Banana Coconut Protein Pancakes

Ingredients:

- 1 scoop of Vanilla Whey Protein Powder (I used VPX SRO)

- 1/2 cup Egg Whites
- 1/4 cup Organic Oats

- 1/2 small Banana

- 1/8 cup Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk

- 1 tbsp Organic Coconut Flour

- 1/8 tsp Cinnamon

- 1/8 tsp Baking Soda

Instructions:
- Blend all ingredients in a blender (I use my Magic Bullet) until mixture is of pancake batter consistency (this should take less than 30 seconds).
- Coat a non-stick pan with Organic Coconut Oil.
- Pour 1/3 of the mixture into pan and cook on Medium-Low heat for about 2 minutes on each side.

*Tip* When air bubbles form on top that is a good indicator that you should flip your protein pancake!

This recipe produces 3 medium sized protein pancakes which is one serving.

Enjoy!

I topped my Banana Coconut Protein Pancakes with a tbsp of Walden Farms Syrup because they were perfect on their own, but if you'd like some options, below I have listed healthy topping suggestions :)

My Topping Suggestions:
- Fresh Fruit; Banana, Blueberries, Strawberries, etc.
- All Natural, Unsalted Nuts; Almonds, Walnuts, etc.
- All Natural Organic Nut Butter; Almond Butter, Peanut Butter, Sun Butter, etc.
- Organic Coconut Flakes

Nutritional Information:
295 calories, 2.8g fat, 383mg sodium, 515mg potassium, 31g carbohydrates (6g fiber, 6g sugar), 36.2g protein.