Apple Almond Flour Protein Bread (Paleo)

This is the second loaf of Almond Flour Protein Bread my mother and I baked!  Although they both were amazeballz, I think I may have liked this one better... Probably due to the hint of chocolate peanut butter flavor from the PB2 I added, YUM!!!

Apple Almond Flour Protein Bread 
(Paleo)

Ingredients:

- 2 cups Organic All-Natural Almond Flour

- 1/2 cup SRO Zero Carb Protein Powder, Graham Cracker

- 3 large Free Range Eggs

- 1/4 cup Chocolate PB2 (Powdered Peanut Butter)

- 1/4 cup Applesauce

- 2 tbsp Honey

- 1 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar

- 1/2 tbsp Vanilla Extract

- 1/2 tbsp Cinnamon

- 1 tsp Baking Soda

- 1/2 tsp Nutmeg

- 1 Red Apple, cored & diced

Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350F.
- Spray glass bread pan with no stick cooking spray.
- Mix all of the ingredients together in a large bowl and then fold in diced apples.
- Pour mixture into glass bread pan.
- Bake for about 30-35 minutes or until loaf is golden brown and toothpick comes out clean.

Prepare for your house to be filled with the mouth-watering aroma of apples and cinnamon! 

*Tips*
- Let cool before slicing and serving.
- Cover loaf with plastic wrap and save slices for a grab and go snack like I did!  It is actually delicious cold!

If you'd like to purchase

VPX Sports Zero Carb SRO 100% Whey Protein Isolate

you can do so online at www.vpxsports.com 

and use the discount code CANDY20 to receive 20% off your order! 

Blueberry Almond Flour Protein Bread (Paleo)

I spent this past weekend with my mom coming up with some awesometastic Paleo approved protein bread recipes using all natural almond flour and my favorite protein powder; 

VPX Sports Zero Carb SRO 100% Whey Protein Isolate!  

Which, if you'd like to purchase you can do so online at www.vpxsports.com 

and use the discount code CANDY20 to receive 20% off your order!  

This one was the first!  Hope you enjoy the recipe as much as myself and my family did :)

Blueberry Almond Flour Protein Bread (Paleo)

Ingredients:

- 2 cups All-Natural Almond Flour (Homemade in the VitaMix)

- 1/2 cup VPX Sports Zero Carb SRO Protein Powder, Graham Cracker

- 3 large Free Range Eggs

- 1/4 cup Applesauce

- 2 tbsp Honey

- 1 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar

- 1/2 tbsp Vanilla Extract

- 1/2 tbsp Cinnamon

- 1 tsp Baking Soda

- 1 cup Blueberries (mine were frozen but you could use fresh)

Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350F.
- Spray glass bread pan with no stick cooking spray.
- Mix all of the ingredients together in a large bowl and then fold in blueberries.
- Pour mixture into glass bread pan.
- Bake for about 30-35 minutes or until loaf is golden brown and toothpick comes out clean.

Prepare for your house to be filled with the mouth-watering aroma of blueberries and cinnamon! 

*Tips*
- Let cool before slicing and serving.
- Cover loaf with plastic wrap and save slices for a grab and go snack like I did!  It is actually delicious cold!

Nutritional Information:

Per slice (Yields 10 slices)

197 calories, 12g fat, 159mg sodium, 50mg potassium

11.6g carbohydrates (4.1g fiber, 5.4g sugar) 12.6g protein

Not only are blueberries delicious, they have wonderful health benefits as well!

1) Blueberries are extremely high in antioxidants which boost your immune system and help prevent infections.  In fact, blueberries contain the highest antioxidant capacity among all fresh fruits.
2) The anthocyanin, the selenium, the vitamins A, B-complex, C and E, the zinc, sodium, potassium, copper, magnesium, phosphorus, manganese etc., among others, can prevent and heal neural (brain) disorders.  It is amazing that these berries can also cure serious problems like Alzheimer’s disease to a great extent. They even heal damaged brain cells and neuron tissues and keep your memory sharp.  Researchers found that diets rich in blueberries significantly improved both the learning capacity and motor skills of aging animals, making them mentally equivalent to much younger ones.
3) Blueberry extract, high in compounds called anthocyanosides, has been found in clinical studies to slow down visual loss. They can prevent or delay all age related ocular problems like macular degeneration, cataract, dryness and infections.
4)  The high fiber content (which promotes healthy digestion), the abundant antioxidants, and the ability to dissolve the ‘bad cholesterol’ make blueberries an ideal dietary supplement to cure many heart diseases.
5) A new University of Michigan Cardiovascular Center study suggests that blueberries may help reduce belly fat and risk factors for cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome. 
*Tip* Choose blueberries that are firm and have a vibrant color. Shake the container; if the blueberries do not move freely, this may indicate that they are soft and damaged or moldy.  The deeper the color of the blueberries, the more they are rich in antioxidants and other medicinal values.

References: http://www.womenfitness.net/blueberries.htm

 

Cinnamon & Nutmeg Spiced Plantain Slices (Paleo)

Yum, yum, yum!  Just made some delicious cinnamon & nutmeg spiced plantains!  I picked up a ripe organic plantain at this amazing whole foods store in Pembroke Pines, FL called Nutrition S'mart.  Let me just say I think I have found a new favorite grocery store!  I really love discovering new healthy supermarkets and eating a variety of fit foods.  I love bananas so I figured I'd pick up a plantain and try cooking it.  I cooked the plantain slices in a pan on the stove top using organic coconut oil.  This was one whole plantain and made 3 servings!

Cinnamon & Nutmeg Spiced

Plantain Slices (Paleo)

Ingredients:
- 1 Organic Plantain, ripe
- 1 tsp Organic Coconut Oil
- Organic Cinnamon
- Nutmeg

Instructions:
- Cut plantain into slices (I think diagonally looks pretty).
- Sprinkle cinnamon and nutmeg spices evenly over plantain slices.
- Heat coconut oil in a pan on Medium heat.
- Gently place plantain slices into pan.
- Cook for about 5 minutes on each side or until golden brown.

Easy as that! Enjoy the sweet taste of plantains :)

Nutritional Facts About Plantains

100 g plantain consists of 122 calories.

It contains 2.3 g of dietary fiber per 100 g. Adequate amount of dietary-fiber in the food helps normal bowel movements, thereby reducing constipation problems.

Fresh plátanos have more vitamin C than bananas. 100 g provide 18.4 mg or 31% of daily required levels of this vitamin. Consumption of foods rich in vitamin-C helps the body develop resistance against infectious agents and scavenge harmful oxygen-free radicals.

Plantains have more vitamin A than bananas. In addition to being a powerful antioxidant, vitamin A plays a vital role in the visual cycle, maintaining healthy mucus membranes, and enhancing skin complexion.

As in bananas, they too are rich sources of B-complex vitamins, particularly high in vitamin-B6 (pyridoxine). Pyridoxine is an important B-complex vitamin that has a beneficial role in the treatment of neuritis, anemia, and to decrease homocystine (one of the causative factors for coronary artery disease (CHD) and stroke episodes) levels in the body. In addition, the fruit contains moderate levels of folates, niacin, riboflavin and thiamin.

They also provide adequate levels of minerals such as iron, magnesium, and phosphorous. Magnesium is essential for bone strengthening and has a cardiac-protective role as well.

Fresh plantains have more potassium than bananas. 100 g fruit provides 499 mg of potassium (358 mg per 100 g for bananas). Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids that helps control heart rate and blood pressure, countering negative effects of sodium.

Paleo Vegetarian Quiche

This is a great quick and easy quiche recipe for anyone living a fit and healthy lifestyle!  Perfect for my paleo or vegetarian fitties!  Packed with protein from free range eggs, fresh vegetables, and herbs; this healthy and delicious quiche is sure to please the whole family.  Or... you may want to save the leftovers for yourself ;)

Paleo Vegetarian Quiche

Serves 6

Ingredients:

- 10 Free Range Whole Eggs (can sub half for egg whites)

- 1 Zucchini, shredded

- 1 cup Carrots, diced

- 2 handfuls of Organic Baby Spinach

- 1/8 cup Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk

- Savory, Thyme, Basil, Lavender, Fennel, Cilantro, Sage, and Black Pepper

*I basically threw in whatever herbs/spices I had in the pantry without measuring!*

Note: You can incorporate any vegetables you like with this recipe!  These veggies are what I had on hand but you can add what fits into your diet and macros.  When it comes to vegetables, I always think the more the merrier :)

Instructions:

- Preheat oven to 375F.

- Spray a 9x13 inch glass baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.

- Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl and pour mixture into baking dish.

- Bake for 40-45 minutes or until edges are golden brown.

- Let cool for 15 minutes.

- Cut, serve, and enjoy!

Nutritional Info Per Serving

(for half egg whites)

98 calories, 4g fat, 149g sodium, 177mg potassium,

4.4g carbohydrates (1.3g fiber, 1g sugar), 10g protein

Apple Raisin Almond Flour Muffins

Quite possibly the easiest and most delicious muffins I've ever had 

IN MY LIFE.  

Thanks to my amazing mother for the recipe!  

*I get my love of cooking and eating from her*

<3 

These Apple Raisin Almond Flour Muffins are: 

PALEO approved, gluten-free, and all natural!!!

Apple Raisin Almond Flour Muffins

Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups Almond Flour (grounded all natural almonds in Vita Mix!)
- 3 Free Range Whole Eggs
- 2 small Apples (cored and chopped into small pieces)
- 1/2 cup Unsweetened Applesauce
- 1/2 cup Raisins
- 2 tsp Organic Cinnamon
- 1 tsp Baking Powder
- 1/2 tsp Kosher Salt

Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a medium sized bowl and mix!
- Place muffin liners in muffin tin and spray with non-stick cooking spray.
- Pour batter evenly into muffin tin.
- Bake at 350F for 20-25 minutes.
- Makes 12 delicious and nutritious Apple Raisin Almond Flour Muffins!

Enjoy the goodness :)

Nutritional Information:

Per Serving (1 Muffin)

 166 calories, 12g fat, 123mg sodium,

9g carbohydrates (4g fiber, 4g sugar), 6.5g protein

Wholesome Chow: Organic, Gluten Free, & Vegan Brownie Mix

I took a trip with my mom to one of our favorite stores the past weekend; Home Goods!  Cause Home Goods "makes me happy"! Lol!  No but really, it does, I love that store.  Any who, I stumbled across this Organic, Gluten Free, & Vegan Brownie Mix made by a company called Wholesome Chow and decided to give this mix a shot because I'm absolutely obsessed with anything chocolate, especially brownies :)

 Organic, Gluten Free, Vegan, Brownies!

Super easy to prepare, just add: Butter (non-dairy or dairy), Flax Meal (or an egg) and Water!  Mix, bake and serve these delicious brownies in under an hour!  Made with the finest non-gmo, organic and gluten free certified ingredients...yum!

 

Wheat, Gluten, Egg, Dairy, Casein, Peanut, Nut and Corn Free!

Mix, bake and serve! Ingredients: Organic Evaporated Cane Juice, Organic White Rice Flour, Organic Brown Rice Flour, Organic Fair Trade Cocoa Powder, Organic Potato Starch, Organic Tapioca Starch, Sodium Bicarbonate, Aluminum-Free Baking Powder (Sodium acid pyrophosphate, Sodium bicarbonate, Corn starch, Monocalcium phosphate), Xanthan Gum, Evaporated Sea Salt.

Each package yields 6-9 brownies

Not too sure how many calories it comes out to per brownie because  of the way the nutrition facts are... who eats 2 tbsp of dry mix?!  Lol!  I'm assuming if you slice the brownies into 9 equal servings that would equal out to about 2.4 servings per brownie, but I could be way off in my assumption.  I always prefer making anything from unprocessed, all natural, whole foods but these were so easy and delicious I had to share with you fit fam!

I actually had this for breakfast with scrambled eggs!  Freshly chopped organic strawberries topped with a crumbled brownie and all natural almond butter.

Amazeballz! :)

Chocolate Coconut Protein Pancakes

You all know how much I LOVE my protein pancakes!  Personally, I think pancakes should be their own food group.  Just sayin!  Lol.  So, this morning I was craving chocolate and coconut for some reason and decided to put those two flavors together to make a delicious and nutritious stack of high protein pancakes :)

Chocolate Coconut Protein Pancakes

with warm almond butter sauce and fresh strawberries

Ingredients:

(Dry)

- 2 tbsp Organic Coconut Flour

- 1/2 scoop VPX Sports SRO Zero Carb Chocolate Protein Powder

- 1/8 tsp Ground Cinnamon

- 1/8 tsp Baking Powder

(Wet)

- 1/2 cup Unsweetend Vanilla Almond Milk

- 1/4 cup Egg Whites

- 1 tbsp Plain Non-Fat Greek Yogurt

- 1/8 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract

(Topping)

- 1 tbsp All Natural Almond Butter

- 50g Fresh Organic Strawberries, chopped

Instructions:

- Mix all the dry ingredients together in a small bowl.

*Tip*

Use a glass measuring cup with a spout to mix ingredients so you can easily pour the pancake batter!

- Combine wet ingredients with dry ingredients and stir until you reach a smooth pancake batter consistency.

- Heat pan to Low-Medium heat and spray with non-stick cooking spray or coat with coconut oil.

- Pour 1/3 of the batter onto pan and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side.

*Tip*

When pancakes form air bubbles that is a good indication you should flip your pancake ;)

- This recipe makes 3 medium sized Chocolate Coconut Protein Pancakes!

- Spoon 1 tbsp of almond butter into a small microwave safe bowl and heat for about 30 seconds.

- Pour warm almond butter sauce over Chocolate Coconut Protein Pancakes stack.

- Chop fresh strawberries and place on top!

Now enjoy deliciousness! <3

Nutritional Information:

Per Serving (Topping Included!)

262 calories, 11g fat, 316mg sodium, 317mg potassium,

17g carbohydrates (9g fiber, 5g sugar), 24g protein