Monday, December 31, 2018

5 Veggie-Filled Smoothie Recipes

Let’s get real for a minute. It’s not always easy to get the proper serving of veggies every single day. Maybe you’re strapped for time, or perhaps you never acquired the taste for the veggies you know are good for you. You don’t necessarily have to sit down with a plate of broccoli, however, to get those valuable nutrients. Instead, you can rely on the convenience and deliciousness of a smoothie! Check out these 5 veggie-filled smoothie recipes that not only whip up quickly but are loaded with valuable vitamins that help your body perform its very best.

1.Kale and Orange Smoothie

Kale is one of the best foods for your body because it is bursting with vitamins and minerals. Admittedly, kale may not be everybody’s favorite food, but this recipe has a blend of flavors you can’t resist. Orange, banana, and honey make this a sweeter smoothie, but make no mistake, there is an entire cup of kale in this tasty treat!

2. Spinach and Mango Smoothie

If you really want to boost your health, then you need to incorporate as many superfoods in your diet as possible. Spinach just so happens to be one of them! This veggie-filled smoothie calls for one whole cup of baby spinach! Your body will definitely thank you for treating it so well. Not in love with spinach? No worries! The mango flavor totally camouflages the spinach taste.

3. Maximum Nutrition Superfood Smoothie

Just the name of this recipe lets you know that it’s good for your body! In addition to a variety of delicious fruits, this smoothie also calls for spinach, kale, dandelion, carrots, sprouts, and much more. This recipe seems to have it all. This single smoothie provides health benefits, ranging from weight loss to anti-inflammatory (plus much, much more!) Add this one to your must-try list.

4. Better Than a Shake Green Smoothie

This fruity-flavored blend surprisingly has a ton of fresh veggies mixed right in! Kale and avocado come together to provide a great dose of protein and valuable nutrients to help you stay focused and energized throughout the entire day. If you ever feel tempted to grab a shake, whip up this healthy option instead.  You’ll certainly be glad you did.

5. Wake Me Up, Keep Me Going 

Start your day the right way with this delicious smoothie! It can be rough getting started in the morning and even harder to keep the momentum throughout the day. Allow this veggie-infused rink to get you there every single time. The main veggie contenders in this smoothie are kale and spinach. Both of these foods are a great source of minerals that help give you that energy boost that you need to keep on truckin’!

Absolutely delicious! Can you believe how incredible these all sound? You definitely need to try them ASAP to figure out which one will become your new favorite.

For more delicious options just like this, check out our Pinterest and Facebook page. We’re always posting healthy and flavorful recipes to inspire you in the kitchen!

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Easy Meal Prep Ideas: Shrimp Taco Bowls

Last week, my friend and I met for happy hour drinks that inevitably turned into post-happy hour dinner. One glance at the menus, and we just couldn’t help ourselves. Against our usual rules, we both ordered the exact same thing: shrimp tacos. (This was extra embarrassing because when we arrived we realized we were also both wearing almost identical outfits, but I digress.)

My friend quickly downed both tacos while I leisurely made my way through my first. I was about to start my second when my friend looked me straight in the eye and said, “That taco looks so good that I just want to rip it out of your hands.”

I gave her the taco. Frankly, she earned it. That kind of passion is exactly the enthusiasm shrimp tacos deserve.

Why We Love Shrimp Tacos

Shrimp tacos are the superior taco, hands down, no argument. They’re the perfect combination of seafood and Mexican. Better yet, they also happen to be the healthiest way to enjoy tacos. Shrimp are a tasty, super low-cal protein, which makes a much better base for a healthy taco than ground beef or chicken.

Which brings us here. Inspired by my recent shrimp taco experience, I decided to put together this healthy recipe for shrimp taco bowls. Super easy, this recipe is great for meal prepping. That way, you can enjoy these shrimp taco bowls in the safety of your own home or office and not risk having them torn from your hands after a few happy hour drinks. (Although there’s no reason you can’t enjoy them with a some homemade happy hour drinks of your own.)

A Fun and Easy Meal-Prep Idea

Meal prep doesn’t have to be boring! These zesty shrimp taco bowls are a fun and fresh way to spice up your meal prep routine. Cooked in garlic, cumin, chili powder, and red pepper, this is shrimp with a kick. (If you want a little bit less spice, feel free to skip the red pepper.)

This recipe makes enough for four prepped meals. Start by dividing the brown rice among the four meal prep containers, filling about half of each container. Then, place four of your cooked shrimp on top of the rice in the center of each container. Place the beans, corn, tomatoes, and cheese in four piles surrounding the shrimp. Each ingredient should have its pile. Sprinkle the cilantro over top of all the ingredients, and that’s it! Easy, zesty shrimp taco bowls perfect for meal-prep! Just refrigerate until ready to eat, serve, and enjoy!

Easy Meal Prep Ideas: Shrimp Taco Bowls

Easy Meal Prep Ideas: Shrimp Taco Bowls

Yield: 4 Prepped Meals | Serving Size: 1 Prepped Meal | Calories: 330 | Total Fat: 10 g | Saturated Fat: 4 g | Trans Fat: 0 g | Fiber: 7 g | Carbohydrates: 45 g | Sugar: 2 g | Protein 15 g | Cholesterol 52 mg | Sodium: 477 mg | SmartPoints (Freestyle): 6

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 20 medium shrimp peeled and deveined
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 cups cooked brown rice
  • 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn kernels, canned or frozen and thawed
  • 1 cup tomatoes diced
  • 1/2 cup fat-free cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 2 tablespoon cilantro, chopped

Instructions

  1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil on medium heat. Once hot, add the shrimp, garlic, cumin, chili powder, red pepper, and salt. Cook, about 5 minutes, until shrimp are firm and cooked through. Let cool.
  2. Divide the rice between 4 meal prep containers, the rice should fill about half the container. Place 4 shrimp in each container on top of the rice. Place the beans, corn, tomatoes, and cheese in 4 piles, each ingredient should have their own pile. Sprinkle the cilantro over top of all the ingredients. Cover and seal. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
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Baking Made Easy: Tips for Making Sugar-Free Desserts

It’s no secret that sugar isn’t good for our bodies. Not only can it lead to unwanted weight gain, but it can influence our heart health, increase our risk of diabetes, and much more. For many of us, cutting out dessert feels impossible. But what if there was a different way to reduce your sugar consumption? Let’s check out the top tips for making sugar-free desserts. You may be surprised at just how simple, and oh-so-delicious, recipes can be without all of the unnecessary sugar.

Check Out Natural Sweeteners

You may be surprised to learn that sugar isn’t the only way that you can achieve a sweet flavor. There are a variety of natural sweeteners such as monk fruit sweetener or erythritol. Both of these types of sweeteners are often used in low-carb recipes.

Monk fruit is derived from monk fruit, which is native to Thailand and other areas of China.

Reasons you’ll love monk fruit sweeteners:

  • It’s much sweeter than regular sugar.
  • It doesn’t raise blood sugar levels
  • It has virtually no calories in powder form

Erythritol is another natural sweetener. It is actually a sugar alcohol rather than a pure sugar.

Reasons you’ll love erythritol sweeteners:

  • It does not impact blood sugar
  • Does not cause tooth decay
  • It has virtually no calories
  • Partially absorbed by the body

For more information about natural sweeteners make sure to check out 5 Healthy Sugar Substitutes for even more options!

Use Room Temperature Ingredients

This may sound like one of the oddest tips for making sugar-free desserts, but anybody who’s been baking for a while can vouch for this one. It’s important to allow all of the ingredients to become room temperature before blending them together. It’s said that room temperature allows the parts to blend evenly and give the natural sweeteners the opportunity to actually work.

Keep in mind, certain ingredients like coconut oil may not blend properly if they come into contact with cold ingredients. To avoid this potential issue, simply set out all of your ingredients for about 15 minutes before you plan on starting the recipe.

Understand Types of Flours

White flour is almost always avoided in sugar-free baking. Because of this, you’ll need to familiarize yourself with the various types of flour. Each flour type varies a little when it comes to consistency. Keep in mind, when using a liquid form of natural sweetener, the type of flour you use can absorb some of that liquid to help keep the texture more solid. As you bake more sugar-free desserts, you’ll quickly learn which types of flour will give you the consistency you are going for. As a general rule, whole wheat flours are denser than other options.

Understand Oils

One of the most important tips for making sugar-free desserts is understanding oils and how they interact with other ingredients often found in sugar-free desserts. Oils blend differently with certain flours. For example, recipes that require coconut oil will often need more flour in order to maintain consistency. Olive oil can be a great stand-in when you are using less flour, but it could potentially impact the flavor of the dish.

Get Ready to Use Extracts

If you are a sugar-free foodie, then extracts will quickly become your best friend. This little trick allows you to add a little more flavor and sweetness without relying on traditional sugar or expensive natural sweeteners. You’ll quickly learn that liquid stevia extract is a popular go-to for sugar-free recipes because it adds more sweetness without the calories.

Use Your Oven Less

Who doesn’t love a recipe that requires very little bake time? The greatest thing about sugar-free desserts is that natural sweeteners require less cooking. You can easily knock off about 5-10 minutes per recipe when using a natural sweetener. You should be careful when using a brand new recipe, however, as the bake time may vary a bit. Be prepared for a little trial and error at first.

Play Around!

One of the best tips for making sugar-free desserts is giving yourself permission to play around with the ingredients. Learning how certain ingredients mesh can certainly be a bit of a science. As you try different sugar-free dessert recipes, pay special attention to what works and what doesn’t. For many people, the problem usually rests in the flour and sweetener combination.

Sugar-free desserts are a great way to curb that sweet tooth without sacrificing your diet or health. For more inspiration just like this, follow us on Instagram and like us on Facebook. We’re always posting delicious recipes and tips on how to live a healthier lifestyle! 

 

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Sunday, December 30, 2018

25 Delicious Detox Recipes

The word “detox” can conjure up a lot of varying images depending on who you ask. For me, I always imagine some kind of juice cleanse that involves a lot of apple cider vinegar. I also see myself trying to stuff my hunger down for a lot longer than I’d like! Now you understand why I’m skeptical about the existence of delicious detox recipes.

As it turns out, going on a detox doesn’t mean major restrictions to your diet. In fact, all it really means is eating a bit more mindfully than normal. You can even sneak in the occasional treat! These 25 delicious detox recipes prove there’s so much more behind detoxing than drinking juice (although, there are a few delicious drinks on the list). Hit the reset button on your body and feel better than ever!

1. Apple Cinnamon No Bake Energy Bites

Whether you eat them for breakfast or a midday snack, these no-bake energy bites are ridiculously easy to make. They’re super delicious, too! Apples have plenty of fiber, and when they’re paired with flaxseed, protein powder, and warming spices, you’ve got a super tasty treat on your hands.

2. Sesame-Crusted Baked Chicken Tender with Mandarin-Ginger Dressing

Yes, chicken tenders can fit into a detox meal plan! Instead of being coated in a heavy breading and fried, these tenders are coated in sesame seeds and baked in the oven. Served them over a leafy green salad topped with a light dressing and you’ll have a delicious, detox-friendly version of a classic.

3. The Best Detox Broccoli Cheese Soup

Surprisingly, this cheese soup doesn’t have any cheese in it! It’s able to attain a crave-worthy creamy flavor with the help of almond milk and nutritional yeast. Surprisingly, a lot people have a sensitivity to dairy and don’t even know it. Take a break from dairy without sacrificing flavor by whipping up a pot of this soup!

4. Apple Cider Vinegar and Cranberry Detox Drink

Apple cider vinegar is well-known for its detox qualities, and it recently had a surge in popularity. Not many of us can drink a shot of this first thing in the morning, so mix it with cranberry and lime for a delicious drink. You won’t even taste the apple cider vinegar, but you’ll still get all the health benefits!

5. Ginger and Turmeric Honey Bomb

Sometimes, all you need to get your body feeling back to 100% is a simple, nourishing drink. Perfect for an easy reset (or if you’re battling a cold), this spicy beverage will have you back on track in no time. Honey, ginger, and turmeric are all ingredients that work tirelessly to keep everything functioning properly. We’ll be making this on the next chilly night!

6. Triple Chocolate Detox Smoothie

Any detox plan that includes chocolate is a-okay in our books. This tasty blend of protein, healthy fats, and complex carbs will leave you feeling full all the way until lunch. Plus, the addition of honey as a natural sweetener will make it taste much more indulgent than it actually is!

7. Peanut Butter Granola

Granola is a great snack, but most of the store-bought varieties are packed with sugar and unhealthy fats—not what you want when you’re trying to give your body a reset. Make your own peanut butter-flavored granola with this recipe! With only five ingredients, this is perfect to mix with yogurt or even eat on its own!

8. Detox Coconut Lemongrass Chicken Ramen

Ramen is the ultimate Asian comfort food, so make this detox version for a tasty weeknight dinner. Packed full of veggies and protein and blended together with plenty of spices, this dish is seriously crave-worthy. Ditch the pre-packaged ramen you ate in college for a healthier edition you’ll be sure to make again and again.

9. Coconut Detox Macaroons

Who knew desserts could be considered detox-friendly? With a few simple swaps, we’re able to create cookies that are lighter and more nutritious. This recipe barely takes a half hour to make start to finish, so you can make this sweet treat in a flash! Plus, they’re only 98 calories per serving!

10. Lemon Ginger Detox Drink

This gingery lemon drink will become your go-to detox drink when you’re in serious need of a reset. With only three ingredients, this drink can be made anytime, anywhere. It’s great way to ease into a detox plan thanks to its simplicity. Integrate it into your regular diet for a boost, or as part of an entire detox plan!

11. Grilled Cauliflower Steaks

Cauliflower is great for your diet since it’s a cruciferous vegetable, so start eating them more by making these tasty cauliflower steaks! These can be made as a side or eaten as a meal all on their own; they’re full of flavor either way. Grilled and covered with olive oil and spices, this recipe will convince any vegetable skeptics that cauliflower is delicious!

12. Spinach Artichoke Soup

Spinach and artichoke dip is a go-to appetizer, so make this detox-friendly version by turning it into a healthy soup. You still get that creamy flavor thanks to the addition of sour cream, parmesan, and cream cheese. Plus, it’s done, start to finish, in about a half hour. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!

13. Purple Power Detox Smoothie

Smoothies are usually seen as detox-friendly, and this recipe is no different. Gather up all your favorite purple foods to make this super smoothie! Blueberries and beets give it that distinctive color, but bananas, coconut milk, and orange juice make it taste extra sweet.

14. Sour Cream Bran Muffins

Muffins are great for a Saturday morning breakfast, so try making these bran muffins this weekend! Cinnamon, molasses, and raisins make these muffins perfect for a cold-weather treat. Bran is full of fiber, making these muffins seriously healthy. Serve them up with a hot cup of coffee and you’ll have the perfect breakfast!

15. Detox Tabbouleh

For those who don’t know, tabbouleh is a salad traditionally made with fresh herbs, onion, and bulghur. This detox version replaces the bulghur with cauliflower for a low-carb alternative, but it’s still full of flavor. Serve it over crackers with hummus for a delicious midday snack!

16. Cranberry and Brussel Sprouts Detox Salad

This simple salad is loaded with nutrient-dense foods that will jump start your detox plan and have your body feeling so much better. Ingredients like kale and broccoli provide a ton of health benefits (like vitamins and minerals), and it’s topped with an apple cider vinegar-based dressing. Detoxing never tasted better!

17. Strawberry Detox Water

When we decide to go on a big detox, we usually focus on big changes rather than small ones. A lot of us overlook the fact that we don’t drink enough water, and let’s face it: drinking plain water is boring, and we’d much rather be drinking something else. Give your water bottle a much needed upgrade with this fruit-infused recipe!

18. Antioxidant Smoothie

This smoothie can be made ahead of time as a smoothie pack, and then thawed on the day you need it. Berries are loaded with antioxidants, and that’s what makes up the base of this drink. Bananas add healthy carbs, spinach adds iron, and almond milk makes it deliciously creamy!

19. Detoxifying Slow Cooker Moroccan Stew

Trying to go on a detox during the cold fall and winter months can seem impossible. We’re surrounded by comfort foods that are usually pretty unhealthy. Fortunately, this stew is super healthy and detox-friendly. Plenty of veggies and warming spices make this stew taste indulgent while still being a clean-eating meal!

20. Beet Coconut Water Detox

Another simple, three-ingredient recipe, this juice is a great way to flush out any toxins from your system when starting your next detox. Coconut water is naturally packed with electrolytes, perfect for those times when you’re feeling drained and dehydrated. A splash of beet juice and lemon and you’re good to go!

21. Detox Green Smoothie Bowl

Make all your Instagram followers jealous when you post a pic of this smoothie bowl. This is a perfect way to make your weekday mornings feel a little more special; it’s so pretty to look at! Plus, it only calls for six ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your fridge and freezer.

22. Detox Juice for the New Year

Why wait until the new year to get started on your health and wellness? Whip up this juice any time of year for a quick and easy reset. This juice is made up of traditional detox ingredients: apples, carrots, cucumbers, pineapple, and lemon. There’s a reason why drinks like this are so popular—they work!

23. Gentle Morning Kitchari

Kitchari is a traditional Indian dish made with rice and lentils, and this savory breakfast version is perfect when you’re craving something super nourishing. Eating savory foods for breakfast is common in most Asian countries, so don’t be afraid to start eating less sweets in the morning! As a bonus, this dish is even vegan and gluten-free.

24. Thai Chicken Buddha Bowls

Buddha bowls are known for packing a ton of superfoods into one meal, so try making this Thai chicken version to see what all the hype is about! This recipe uses farro and Asian vegetables topped with a peanut sauce, but feel free to get creative and make your own version!

25. Seriously Delicious Detox Salad

One hard and fast rule for nutrition is to eat the rainbow, and this salad definitely abides by that principle. A ton of vegetables add complex carbs and fiber, and almonds add healthy fats. Top it off with a Japanese ginger carrot dressing for a well-balanced (and seriously awesome) salad!

See? I told you it was easier than you thought. Detoxing can fit into any kind of diet or meal plan, and you can make it uniquely yours with a little bit of planning. We’ve got you covered for every meal, and all the snacks in between. Be sure to save these recipes for a healthy post-holiday reset (or whenever your body needs it)!

Check out the rest of what SkinnyMs. has to offer! Head on over to our Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest to stay up to date on the latest and greatest!

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Skillet Lemon Chicken Breast Dinner

A long, long time ago, I thought chicken was boring. In fact, as a child, I told my mother that I was on strike from chicken. If she served up poultry for dinner, I refused to eat it and made myself a bowl of cereal instead. Gosh, I was quite the little brat! The problem wasn’t my mother’s cooking, it was chicken’s bland flavor. I just got tired of it! Over the years, I’ve grown up quite a bit and now I eat a lot of chicken. It’s not only a lean source of protein, making it incredibly healthy, but it’s also one of the least expensive meats at the grocery store. I’ve learned how to infuse serious flavor into those once-boring breasts, and this Skillet Lemon Chicken Breast Dinner is one of my favorite ways to do it.

The thing I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to pull together. This is one of my go-to dinners when I don’t have much time to cook. It’s ready in 30 minutes and since it cooks in one pan, clean up is as minimal as it gets. Plus there’s little to no chopping involved: Quarter a few potatoes, slice some garlic, and run a lemon over the microplane. That’s it!

Let’s Chat Skillets

You will need one very piece of kitchen equipment for this one-pan meal: an oven-proof skillet. If you don’t happen to have one, we’ll tell you about a workaround in just a minute. But, they’re a really great investment, so it might be a good opportunity to pick one up!

You have a few choices when it comes to skillets. You can use a stainless steel one, in which case we’d recommend a try-ply-clad stainless steel skillet, like this value-priced Tramontina. But, if you really want to get cooking, you should go for cast iron.

Cast iron is super easy to clean and it is as durable as it gets. It also holds its heat exceptionally well, meaning it’ll cook your food faster and more evenly than stainless steel. It doesn’t get better than Lodge cast iron skillets, which come preseasoned and ready to go.

What If I Don’t Have an Oven-Safe Skillet?

If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, you can still make this delicious Skillet Lemon Chicken Breast Dinner recipe. You can use any standard sheet pan instead, but it does take a bit more work. Instead of steaming the potatoes in the skillet on the stovetop, you’ll need to cook them in the oven with a touch of olive or coconut oil. Once they’re fully tender, you’ll add the chicken breasts and finish the recipe like normal.

We think it tastes best the original way (and there’s less fat because we don’t need to use any oil), but we’re always finding ways to help you adapt our recipes to make them work for your kitchen. That’s the best part about SkinnyMs. healthy cooking recipes! If you have any questions or feedback about this recipe, don’t hesitate to reach out to us in the comments. We always love hearing from you!

Skillet Lemon Chicken Breast Dinner

Skillet Lemon Chicken Breast Dinner

Yield: 2 servings | Calories: 347 | Total Fat: 5 g | Saturated Fat: 1 g | Trans Fat: o g | Carbohydrates: 33 g | Fiber: 4 g | Sugar: 3 g | Protein: 43 g | Cholesterol: 124 mg | Sodium: 354 mg | SmartPoints (Freestyle): 4

Ingredients

  • 8 small red potatoes, quartered (about 3/4 pound)
  • 1 lemon, zested and juiced
  • 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 (6 to 8 ounce) boneless and skinless chicken breast
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 2 cups arugula

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400° F.
  2. On the stovetop, heat a large, oven-proof skillet over medium heat. Add the potatoes, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, and water. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
  3. Cover and continue to simmer until the potatoes are cooked through, about 10 minutes.
  4. Meanwhile, pat the chicken breasts dry and season them with the salt, pepper, and thyme.
  5. Remove the lid and add the chicken breasts on top of the potatoes.
  6. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
  7. Place a chicken breast on each plate and top it with 1/2 cup of the arugula. Drizzle the pan juices over the arugula and serve the potatoes on the side.
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