Happy Hump Day!

Continuing on the trend of healthy food ideas–with summer approaching, one of my goals has been to cut down on excessive carbs and sugars.

Every body is a bikini body! However, eating clean has plenty of health benefits. I find that when I eat clean, my body feels fitter, faster, and I have more energy overall. Not only this, but eating well makes me feel confident and translates into positive energy.

Not gonna lie… Salads don’t generally excite me. I don’t “naturally” gravitate towards lettuce. However, this simple salad recipe incorporates crunch, color, and a touch of sweetness, making salad a joy (not a job) to eat.

I didn’t do any grocery shopping prior to creating this simple, springtime meal–all I had to do was take a look in the fridge. Eating healthy doesn’t need to be a hassle! Give this guilt free meal a try, it will only take 10 minutes of your time.

Simple, Springtime Salad

Time: 5 minutes

-1/2 heart of romaine, chopped (ribbon cuts)

-1/4 of a green apple, sliced

-3 baby carrots, chopped

-1 strawberry, sliced

-handful of halved, roasted pecans

Wash and dry all ingredients before chopping. Arrange bed of lettuce and top with apple, carrot, strawberry, and roasted pecans.

Unfortunately, when making my salad, I did not have pecans on hand. However, they are a great addition for protein, crunch, and nutty flavor. I suggest popping the raw nuts in the oven for a couple minutes–it brings them to a whole new level.

Pro Tip: Squeeze a lemon over your apple slices. The acid from the lemon keeps the apple from going brown and adds a nice tang!

Fresh Raspberry and Balsamic Vinaigrette

Time: 2 minutes

-1 tablespoon of fresh, mashed raspberries

-1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

-2 tablespoons EVOO (extra virgin olive oil)

-crack of black pepper

This is my favorite salad dressing of all time, I swear by it. I promise that soon you will too.

Whisk ingredients together, that’s all it takes! If the dressing separates, give it a quick stir and you’re good. The fresh raspberries add natural sweetness, no sugar added.

Cinnamon-Agave Apple Slices

Time: 2 minutes

-1/2 thinly-sliced green apple (use remaining apple from salad)

-squeeze of lemon juice

-drizzle of raw agave nectar

-sprinkle of cinnamon

Healthy dessert? This recipe is pretty self-explanatory. Simply arrange your apples, add a squeeze of citrus, drizzle with agave, and sprinkle with cinnamon.

Pro Tip: Pop these suckers in the microwave for 30 seconds for a “crustless apple pie” like treat.

Lastly, if you’re craving a soda, give this alternative a try:

Pomegranate Fruit Fizz

Before we get started–yes, this recipe contains added sugar. However, this is a good lower sugar alternative to many sodas, sugary fruit juices, and cocktails. When I’m craving a sweet drink, this is what I turn to.

Time: 1 minute

-1 cup sparkling water

-3 pumps Monin Premium Gourmet Syrup (pomegranate flavor)

-a few cubes of ice

Mix this fizzy drink together and toast to healthy eating!

To Note: You can find Monin syrups online in a variety of flavors. One bottle will last you months, so it’s a worthwhile investment.

Now go on and feel good today!

See you Sunday!

Cheers,

Iman & Chloe