Guilt-Free Comfort Food: Oven-Baked Sweet Potato Fries Recipe

Mmm… fries.

You’ve got to be crazy if you don’t crave the crunchy, salty comfort food at least every once in a while. But as you well know, oil and salt drenched french fries are not exactly on the top of the healthy foods list.

But that doesn’t mean you have to avoid all fries at all costs. Because with these oven-baked sweet potato fries, you get all the awesomeness of french fries… without the guilt.

Because not only do sweet potato fries taste amazing (seriously!), they’ll give you an insane amount of beta-carotene (or Vitamin A), vitamin C, vitamin B6, potassium, calcium, and more. They’re packed with fiber and can help stabilize your blood sugar (and appetite) for hours.

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Mashed Cauliflower Recipe: The Healthier (and Better Tasting!) Mashed Potatoes

I used to be the world’s biggest mashed potatoes fan.

There was just something about the creamy deliciousness of the ultimate American side dish that was so comforting… so satisfying… so good.

But that was until a couple of weeks ago, when I finally tried to make mashed cauliflower for the first time.

I’ve tried to make mashed cauliflower before from Paleo-approved recipes and it turned out a little blah, so this time I tried to tweak the recipe to fit my taste buds.

The result was magnificent. 

Not only did the dish live up to all my comfort food taste and texture expectations, it didn’t leave me feeling heavy afterwards like mashed potatoes always would… and it was way healthier.

So try this mashed cauliflower recipe at home… you won’t regret it!

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The Best (Healthy) Mocha Protein Frappuccino Ever Created

I have a confession to make. I love mocha frappuccinos (or blended iced coffee drinks, or whatever you want to call them).

Yes, I know they’re looked down upon in the coffee world, the same way blended margaritas are sneered upon by true margarita experts.

And yes, I know they’re loaded with sugar and calories and really crappy chocolate (if you get them at Starbucks, at least—the Peet’s Coffee ones are much better).

But really, there’s nothing better on a hot day than an icy, chocolately, blended coffee drink to cool you off and satisfy your sweet tooth.

So that’s why I was so psyched to finally make my own mocha frappuccino at home. Because I was finally able to put the ingredients I wanted in it… and it turned out way healthier (and tastier!) than any coffee shop version I’ve ever had.

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Protein Pancake Recipe: The (Real) Breakfast of Champions

There’s just something about pancakes that makes them the ultimate comfort food. 

Maybe it’s because they remind us of being kids, or maybe it’s because they go so well with bacon (or meatless bacon) and eggs.

Whatever it is, they’re delicious smothered in syrup, covered in fruit, or even topped with peanut butter if that’s your thing.

But, unfortunately, pancakes aren’t always the healthiest option out there. Typically loaded with white flour, sugar, and tons of carbs, they’re usually something to avoided or eaten in only small quantities on a few special days of the year.

That’s where these four-ingredient protein pancakes come in. They taste just like the real thing, but are packed with protein, and will keep you satisfied and full for hours.

Plus, you can eat the entire stack for a mere 314 calories!

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Amazing Piña Colada Protein Smoothie Recipe

pina-colada-protein-smoothie

I don’t know about you, but I love piña coladas.

There’s just something about them that makes me feel like I’m right in the tropics… even on a cold rainy day. They’re so smooth, pineapple-y and coconut-y, they never fail to put a smile on my face.

In fact, if I could, I’d have one every single day.

But since piña coladas can clock in around 700 calories each (!), I try to avoid including them in my diet more than once a year or so.

So that’s why, one day, when I got a craving for a piña colada, I decided to make myself a healthier version.

I threw in some protein powder to make it good for an after workout shake, and boy was it good.

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Mouthwatering Veggie Tofu Scramble Recipe

Sick of eating eggs or oatmeal every single day for breakfast or brunch?

Then it’s time to mix it up with this (seriously) mouthwatering tofu scramble recipe.

I used to think tofu scramble was weird and something to avoid at all costs. That was, until I had it cooked like this.

Filled with fresh veggies, heart-healthy olive oil, and protein-packed tofu, this recipe is sure to please vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike.

(It’s true: even my highly carnivorous brother will eat this when I make it, it’s that good.)

Plus, it’s quick and easy to make, tastes great and is sure to keep you full all morning long. And it makes for awesome leftovers!

Here’s how to make it:

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The Best PB & J Protein Shake Recipe You’ll Ever Try

I don’t know about you, but it’s probably been over 10 years since I’ve had a PB & J sandwich.

Like most kids, I used to devour them on a daily basis, but when I grew up I discovered they probably weren’t the healthiest option on the planet, with all that bread and sugary jelly.

Yet every once in a while, I still crave the comfort of a PB & J and the childhood memories it evokes.

That’s where the PB & J protein shake comes in.  

I first got the idea for this smoothie when I was a college student working at Laughing Planet Cafe, an awesome health food restaurant in Portland, Oregon.

They had (and still have, I assume) these PB & J smoothies that are just to die for—and I’d drink them any chance I got.

Since I no longer live in Portland, I can’t have the Laughing Planet ones, but I can make my own. I’ve made them a little healthier by substituting the orange juice for coconut water and by adding a scoop of protein powder.

The result is the perfect shake for an after workout booster or snack any time of the day.

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Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe

Like most kids, I grew up thinking that brussels sprouts were about the worst food on the planet.

Not that I’d ever tried them—I’d just heard horror stories of the mushy, bland vegetable and avoided them like the plague.

Then, a few years ago I realized that when cooked right, brussels sprouts are fricken amazing. And an added bonus, they’re easy, quick to make and full of vitamins and minerals.

These days, I’m pretty much obsessed with this roasted brussels sprouts recipe and make it anytime I get the chance.

Try it for yourself and you’ll see why… and be sure and let me know what you think!

Ingredients:

3 cups brussels sprouts, ends cut off and cut in half
1-2 T olive oil
1 T balsamic vinegar (the longer it’s aged, the better)
Sea salt
Fresh cracked pepper
Rosemary to taste

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Morning Protein Oatmeal Recipe

  I started eating this breakfast nearly every day over a year ago and have yet to get tired of it. It keeps me full, gets my energy up in the morning, and is a cinch to make! Ingredients: 1/2 cup quick or regular oats 1/8 – 1/4 cup skim milk (or soymilk) 1 scoop protein …

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