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10 Weeknight Dinner Ideas For The Whole Family
FoodLifestyleRecipes

10 Weeknight Dinner Ideas For The Whole Family

by Bee
written by Bee

Every Monday through Friday, moms everywhere face the same challenge: how in the world are we supposed to feed our families and keep them happy between work, toddler dance class, baseball practice, homework, music lessons, and who knows what else? There’s barely time to tie our shoes let alone cook a delicious and nutritious weeknight dinner the entire family will agree on.

It’s an age-old problem that doesn’t seem to go away no matter how old your kids are or how many appointments you cram onto your calendar. When you’re tired of pizza and even the kids can’t stomach any more hot dogs, it’s time to refresh your weeknight dinner repertoire.

These recipes were chosen based on being weeknight-friendly. There’s something here for every set of taste buds.

1. Garlic Butter Pork Chops

weeknight dinner

Before you panic, trust us, these pork chops are tasty, and they take about 20 minutes to make. A lot of pork chop recipes can leave you checking the oven every few minutes worried about overcooking, but this pan-fried recipe is foolproof. 

You have the option of either bone-in or boneless meat, but remember, bones provide a whole lot of juicy flavor. Boneless is the leaner option, as most of the fat has been removed, but it will be drier and slightly less flavorful.

Regardless of what you pick, make sure your meat is high quality. You’ll have to pay a little more, but the flavor is worth it.

Click here for the full recipe.

2. Parmesan Baked Chicken Breast

This is a go-to recipe for when you want a hardy meal but don’t have a lot of time (or ingredients) to make it happen. 

Everyone loves chicken, and there’s even a chance your pickiest little eaters will scarf down this tasty recipe. The key is in how you bake it. You want your chicken breasts to be perfectly seasoned and baked just the right amount so they’re juicy and not rubbery.

Don’t worry, it’s not as hard as it sounds.

Check out the full recipe for Parmesan baked chicken breast here.

3. Garlic Butter Sauteed Asparagus

Finding a main dish is one thing, but don’t forget about those sides. It’s a good idea to stock your kitchen with side dish ingredients that pair well with most of your family’s favorite meals. You don’t want to restrict your already complicated meal planning because your sides don’t go well with your mains.

This garlic butter sauteed asparagus recipe is exactly what we’re talking about. It’s one of those side dishes that can be paired with almost anything. Salmon, chicken, shrimp, even pastas—you have plenty of options. 

Your kids might initially turn up their noses at the sight of these green spears, but the garlic butter makes up for any vegetable-ness they might resist.

You’ll find secrets for the perfect saute along with the full recipe here.

4. Garlic Butter Fish

When you feel like you’ve been cycling through the same routine of chicken, beef, pork, and pasta, why not add some variety to your life? Fish recipes are great for weeknight dinners because they’re fast and filling. 

You also have the benefit of having an entire sea’s worth of fishy flavors to choose from. If your kids don’t like a certain kind of fish, mix it up and try something different. Halibut is a mild type of fish that’s often great for picky eaters.

Pair your family’s favorite type of fish with this easy-to-make and affordable garlic butter for a meal that tastes like it came right from a seafood restaurant. 

Get the recipe here.

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7 Creative Ways to Get Your Kids to Eat Their Veggies
FoodFood HacksHealthy Eating

7 Creative Ways to Get Your Kids to Eat Their Veggies

by Guest Post
written by Guest Post

You know the struggle—dinner time rolls around, and all of a sudden there is unstoppable complaining, crying, and a complete meltdown at the table. What happened? You had the nerve to serve your kids some vegetables. How dare you! No one wants to fight this battle night after night—it’s exhausting. So, spare yourself the fight and get your kids the nutrition they need with these tricks to help sneak veggies into everyday meals.

1. Blend Up Some Smoothies

Many kids love juice. Smoothies or juices are a great way to sneak in some extra veggies. First, choose a selection of fruits your child enjoys, like strawberries, banana or melon, so it has a familiar, sweet taste. Then add veggies for extra nutrients. Spinach is easy to add to a smoothie and doesn’t change the flavor much. Also, consider frozen cauliflower or even some avocado for a creamy texture.

2. Give a Boost to Mac and Cheese

Mac and cheese is a childhood favorite. It’s also an easy place to sneak in an extra helping of veggies by mixing in peas, broccoli florets, or spinach. Also, consider adding purees to the mix. Butternut squash can be cooked and pureed, then blended in. Since it’s orange, when the noodles are covered with cheese, the kids won’t even notice!

3. Dip it

Kids love to dip, especially raw veggies. Set out several different sliced raw veggies, such as cucumbers, baby carrots, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers. Serve them with a dip such as hummus, ranch, cream cheese, or another favorite salad dressing.

4. Set Up a DIY “Bar”

Create a “bar” style meal where kids can choose toppings and create their own meal. For example, try a pizza bar with various veggie toppings, or a taco bar with loads of veggies such as lettuce, tomato, olives, and avocado. Or, try a soup bar, where you give them a base and let them add various veggies. This idea works great with tomato soup as a starter. Whenever children are in control of their food, it’s more likely they will eat what’s in front of them.

5. Flip Out Over Quesadillas

Most kids love quesadillas, and they’re another great option for hidden veggies. Add in a few diced tomatoes, avocados, or spinach. They won’t change the taste much because of the strong flavor of the cheese, and kids might just love the added textures.

6. Serve Up Some Skewers

Allow kids to make their own skewers. Start with chicken, steak, or a hearty fish, then lay out several vegetables to skewer. A few veggies that grill well includes zucchini, tomato, and peppers. Kids can also dip the skewer into a favorite sauce, such as teriyaki, tzatziki, or honey mustard.

7. Consider Foods with Veggies Added

There are many prepared foods that have vegetable purees added, particularly kid-friendly foods like pasta, chips, and crackers. The purees bring additional nutrition when compared to the standard version. Although these will not replace the need for vegetables in your child’s diet, they can be a first step for picky eaters to get in a few extra nutrients.

 

Sneaking in veggies can be a great place to start getting kids used to new flavors. But, a little patience will also help. It can take some kids up to 20 exposures to a new food for them to want to try it. So, keep putting the veggies on their plate (and slipping them into their favorite foods) and give them some time to become veggie lovers.

 

Author Bio

Ana Reisdorf, registered dietician, enjoys helping parents find ways to get their kids to eat healthier throughout the day. She also writes for Walgreens, where you can find a variety of vitamins and supplements for the whole family.

 

RELATED POSTS

7 Sneaky Spinach Recipes For Kids

10 Clever Ways To Get Your Kids To Eat Their Vegetables

9 Kid-Friendly Paleo Recipes

 

7 Creative Ways to Get Your Kids to Eat Their Veggies

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meatless recipes
FoodHealthy Eating

7 Easy, Delicious and Meatless Recipes For Your Family to Enjoy For Lent

by Guest Post
written by Guest Post

As tradition goes, those who observe Lent give up their meat-eating ways every Friday until Easter. For some families, though, the lack of a carnivorous centerpiece can be more of a burden than an adventurous culinary experience.

We’re here to change all that.

It turns out your meals can be filling, tasty and exciting without meat! The following 7 meatless recipes are simple and easy to prep ahead of time!

meatless recipes

1. Crockpot Lentil Soup

Not only is this recipe meat-free, but it’s nearly effortless. That’s because it relies on a crockpot to do the slow-cooking for you. In other words, you can dump the ingredients into the basin in the morning, set the device and let it cook while you work. When you get home, voila: you have a huge, hearty batch of lentil soup.

There is a little bit of prep involved, as you’ll have to chop some veggies before pouring them into the crockpot. On top of that, though, you won’t have to do much once everything’s ready to go: 10 hours on medium heat and you have a full pot of soup.

2. Asparagus, Spring Onion and Feta Quiche

Whether you’re a brunch fan or a breakfast-for-dinner aficionado, this quiche recipe will fit the bill — and fill you right up. Plus, using a few pre-made pie crusts to complete your quiche makes things a bit easier on your end. After sautéing the onions and asparagus, you’ll add those in layers with feta cheese. Top it all off by pouring a seasoned egg mixture over the top and baking everything until it’s cooked through and ready to eat.

3. Eggplant and Tomato Pasta

This recipe showcases the eggplant, a vegetable favored by many vegetarians for its heartiness. That’s why so many Italian restaurants serve eggplant parmesan alongside chicken or veal: it rivals the texture of a cutlet and is just as filling.

This recipe is Italian-inspired, too. After cooking your pasta, you’ll pour it out and sauté your eggplant in the same pot. On top of that, you’ll add the rest of the ingredients to make your sauce before combining everything, serving and kissing your fingers like a real Italian chef.

4. Cajun Black Beans and Brown Rice

Some like it hot: if that’s you, then Cajun black beans and brown rice should be part of your Lent rotation. This simple recipe requires just seven ingredients, including a heaping tablespoon of chili powder for heat. You’ll brown one cup of rice in oil before adding the rest of the ingredients and spices until everything’s tender, hot and ready to eat. We promise the black-bean-and-rice combo will satisfy you without a single slice of meat.

5. Easy Lo Mein

You can almost never go wrong with a pasta-based dish. Now, consider that this lo mein recipe takes a mere 15 minutes to make — and we’re pretty sure your tongues are officially wagging now. Along with the noodles, you’ll have fresh peppers, mushrooms, snow peas and spinach for added healthiness that even your kids will happily dig into. The soy-based sauce contains with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry, including Sriracha, a pinch of sugar and ground ginger.

5. Carrot and Ginger Soup

Lent just so happens to fall in that transition period between winter and spring. As such, you can expect rainy days, chilly days, windy days, and days that combine all three.

With that in mind, you’ll want to have some comfort foods in your meat-free arsenal, too, just in case you’re craving soup without chicken broth or other carnivorous elements. This carrot and ginger soup brings all of the warmth and flavor you’ll crave, and it’s just enough to fill you up at lunch or dinnertime.

6. Chili and Cornbread Casserole

The transition to meat-full to meat-less is a tough one. This chili and cornbread casserole will ease that transition because it contains a vegetarian ground beef substitute meant to mimic the flavors of your favorite mince. Not only that, but meat substitutes often contain soy or other protein-rich ingredients, so you’re satisfied after dining sans meat.

If that’s not enough to convince you to try this recipe, consider the fact that its crowning glory is a layer of cornbread on top. The cornbread and chili combo is so scrumptious already, but baking both elements together makes it tastier than ever before. Time to try it out and see!

7. Stove Top Macaroni and Cheese

Finally, when all else fails, wow them with macaroni and cheese. Everyone loves macaroni and cheese: it’s a scientifically proven fact. This one is so simple to put together, too: butter, milk, Cheddar and spices like nutmeg, dried mustard and paprika make it rich, creamy and a bit spicier than tamer recipes past. We promise, your kids — and you — will be coming back for seconds.

What’s on your meat-free menu this Lent? Chances are, at least one of the above recipes has knocked your socks off. And it’s also likely that you’ll find yourself adding more and more meatless recipes into the rotation once you try — and love — what you’ll be whipping up this Easter season.

 

Author Bio

Jennifer Landis is a 29-year-old healthy living blogger who loves yoga, running, and dancing it out with her toddler! You can find more from Jennifer at her blog, Mindfulness Mama, or by following her on Twitter: @jenniferelandis.

RELATED POSTS

Easy & Delicious Stuffed Pepper Recipes

8 Family-Friendly Vegetarian Dinner Recipes

8 Vegan Jackfruit Recipes That Are So Good, You Won’t Miss The Meat

 

meatless recipes

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on-the-go breakfasts
Food

These 11 On-the-Go Breakfasts Will Make Your Morning Much Easier

by Guest Post
written by Guest Post

Let’s face it — mornings are hectic. Whether it’s the struggle of waking up a cranky child or that early conference call you promised your boss you’d be able to make, there just never seems to be enough time.

Avoid the added stress of skipping breakfast with these convenient, on-the-go breakfast options. You’ll skip the mid-morning hunger pangs and the hangry arguments during that last meeting before lunchtime.

on-the-go breakfasts

1. Veggie and Egg Breakfast Wraps

These veggie and egg breakfast wraps are completely customizable and keep great in the freezer for a couple of weeks. On Sunday afternoon, grab some tortillas and slice up a bunch of your favorite fresh veggies. Come Monday morning, you’ll be able to pop one or two in the microwave and grab it on your way out the door. Don’t forget a napkin.

2. Smoothie

Smoothies are a delicious way to sneak extra fruits and veggies into your diet. As a bonus, they travel well and are easy to drink in the car or at your desk. For a twist on tradition, try a pumpkin-apple smoothie with unsweetened vanilla almond milk. This creamy drink is as delicious as it is nutritious. Not a pumpkin fan? Rest easy, smoothies are completely customizable to suit your taste preferences. Mix yours up from day to day with different fruits, veggies or yogurt alternatives. Your taste buds will thank you.

3. Egg Sandwich

This egg sandwich seasoned with dill, chives, salt and pepper offers a twist on an old classic. Though the recipe makes two sandwiches, you can always make a few extra and put them in the freezer for easy reheating throughout the week. Total preparation and cook time is around five minutes. Another benefit of this recipe is that it doesn’t even require a skillet.

4. Breakfast Quesadillas

Add a little spice to your morning with a delicious loaded breakfast quesadilla. Each quesadilla offers a balanced meal with protein from beans and eggs, carbs from the tortillas and a serving of veggies with the tomatoes, onions, and spinach. This recipe yields 8, which is perfect for a large family or saving the left-overs for the following several days. Eat them in the car or while you wrap up your morning routine.

5. Cranberry Oat Scones

Spend a Saturday afternoon preparing a batch of these cranberry oat breakfast scones which are both light on sugar and heavy on flavor. Each scone contains a mix of cranberries, ginger and oats which will have your family looking forward to getting out of bed in the morning. From start to finish a batch of eight takes about thirty minutes to make. Simply pop them in the microwave in the morning for thirty seconds to warm them up before devouring your delicious breakfast masterpie

6. Hard Boiled Eggs

Hard-boiled eggs are a quick way to add a little vitamin D and natural fat into your diet. Depending on the size of the egg, the cook time can vary between nine and 15 minutes. Use a large pot and boil a dozen or so at a time. Hard boiled eggs keep well in the fridge and can be eaten as an after school snack or filling breakfast. If you’re pressed for time, grab a few and munch away on your morning commute or while you wait with the kids at the bus stop in the morning.

7. Quinoa and Berry Breakfast Bowl

Breakfast bowls can cost a pretty penny at local coffee shops and restaurants. Rather than front the bill when you’re on the go, save time and money by prepping them at home. Whip up this recipe with cooked quinoa, toasted almonds, berries and hemp hearts over the weekend or in the evening. It yields four servings, which keep well in the fridge.

8. Breakfast Burrito

Burritos can be eaten with one hand in just about any location. This recipe features a standard, no-frills version with eggs, sausage, potatoes and cheese. Customize yours with veggies, different meats or special tortillas. The options are endless. Make a bunch up front and pop them in the freezer. When your kids are rushing out the door, hand them one of these to make sure they’ve got the proper fuel to start their day. You might even find yourself sneaking an extra one for lunch.

9. Morning Glory Muffins

Use the dairy-free, gluten-free morning glory muffin recipe to trick your children – and spouse – into eating a healthy breakfast. Each muffin is filled with pineapples, apples, carrots, coconut, walnuts and raisins. Bake a second batch and keep them on the counter so you and your family can load up on your way out in the morning. The total preparation and cook time is just under an hour, though the recipe yields 24 muffins.

10. Breakfast Parfait

Break up your routine with a fruity breakfast parfait filled with raspberries, creamy vanilla yogurt, bananas, dates and almonds. Simply layer the ingredients in a serving dish or glass container to eat at home, work or school. This recipe can be whipped up in less than ten minutes. Get creative and switch out ingredients to create your own unique concoctions. Your taste buds will never get bored.

11. Healthy Toast

Toast doesn’t have to be boring. Skip the usual butter or cinnamon and opt for figs and ricotta cheese topped with sliced almonds and honey. This delicious and portable breakfast takes about ten minutes to prepare and can be enjoyed anywhere. If someone in your family has food allergies, you can substitute gluten-free bread or a dairy-free cheese alternative.

It’s possible to start your day right with a hearty breakfast without the added worry of running late. Just whip up one of these tasty, easy recipes!

 

Author Bio:

Jennifer Landis is a 27-year-old healthy living blogger who loves yoga, running, and dancing it out with her toddler! You can find more from Jennifer at her blog, Mindfulness Mama, or by following her on Twitter: @jenniferelandis.

Check out more of our posts on breakfast!

8 Delicious Instant Pot Breakfast Recipes

7 Overnight Oats That Are Perfect For A Quick Breakfast

7 Savory Slow Cooker Breakfast Recipes

7 Fun & Fast Breakfasts For Your Busy Kids

10 Quick & Healthy Breakfasts For On-The-Go Moms

 

on-the-go breakfasts
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jackfruit recipes
Food

8 Vegan Jackfruit Recipes That Are So Good, You Won’t Miss The Meat

by Karly Wood
written by Karly Wood

If you’ve searched for any type of recipe this year on Pinterest, you’ve probably come across a few jackfruit meals. The jackfruit has risen to the top as a pork substitute, is the largest tree fruit in the world, is high in vitamin C and improves digestion. It can be used in soups and ground into flour and overall is supposed to be THE food of the year. If you’d like to give this interesting food a try, keep reading for some amazing jackfruit recipes.

jackfruit recipes

Source: PrettyPracticalPantry.com

1. Jackfruit Pulled Pork

Whether you avoid meat because you don’t like the taste, have ethical concerns about animals, or just want to fill your diet with other foods, you still may miss eating delicious meats like pulled pork from time to time. And would you believe the photo above is actually NOT pulled pork, but pulled jackfruit instead? Canned pulled pork is mixed together with onions and a homemade sauce that will fool anyone into thinking this is actually the real deal. The best part? It only takes 45 minutes, instead of the usual slow roast of traditional pork.

Snag this recipe and many other savory treats at PrettyPracticalPantry.com.

jackfruit recipes

Source: DoraDaily.com

2. Vegan Nachos with BBQ Jackfruit

It’s easy to skip the meat and sometimes still feel hungry, and that’s where BBQ jackfruit can save the day. Instead of just feasting on chips and veggies, add in some simmered jackfruit that will fill you up and is a healthier option than meat. Top with homemade vegan nacho cheese top and enjoy!

Find more plant-based recipes from DoraDaily.com.

jackfruit recipes

Source: TheVegLife.com

3. Vegan Teriyaki Jackfruit

The jackfruit, when rinsed, has a very neutral taste that easily mimics what it’s seasoned with. For this meal, chunks of brined jackfruit are cooked until cripsy, then tossed with a homemade teriyaki sauce that is left to thicken into a rick marinade. Serve with rice, spinach and carrots.

You’ll find tons of amazing vegan recipes over at TheVegLife.com.

jackfruit recipes

Source: SoyDivisionBlog.com

4. Vegan Jackfruit Pot Pie

Everybody needs some comfort food now and then, and nothing comes to the rescue more than a pot pie. You don’t have to miss out on this American favorite just because you avoid meat. Potatoes, carrots, peas and jackfruit all come together in a creamy sauce, that’s surrounded by flaky and delicious pastry dough. Bake, enjoy and you’ll hardly miss the chicken (if you even notice at all!).

Learn more about living the vegan life and incorporating delicious meals at SoyDivisionBlog.com.

jackfruit recipes

Source: ElephantasticVegan.com

5. Pulled Jackfruit Wrap

BBQ, pulled jackfruit is combined with tasty garlic, sunflower seed dressing and piled on top of fluffy warm wheat tortillas in this totally delicious looking meal. I can see this being perfect for a hot summer night, or a great way to meal prep and bring to work for lunch.

Learn how to live the vegan lifestyle, and eat well while doing it, at ElephantasticVegan.com.

jackfruit recipes

Source: Living-Vegan.com

6. Jackfruit Tortilla Soup

Soup is good for chilly nights and when you’re feeling under the weather. When you want to feel warm from the inside out, try out this jackfruit tortilla soup. It’s made with onion, green chili, tomatoes, jackfruit and topped with crispy tortilla strips and savory cilantro.

Living-Vegan.com has this recipe and other amazing ideas for living vegan.

jackfruit recipes

Source: FullOfPlants.com

7. Almond Butter Jackfruit Potstickers

I’ll be the first to admit that I’m a meat eater, but these Almond Butter Jackfruit Potstickers look DIVINE. Onions, garlic, ginger and lots of jackfruit are covered in a tasty almond butter sauce, then sealed into potsticker wrappers and fried. I dare anyone to not LOVE these!

Find more delicious plant based recipes at FullOfPlants.com.

jackfruit recipes

Source: HealthierSteps.com

8. Jackfruit Curry

If you love Eastern inspired food, you probably enjoy a good curry dish now and then. This Thai curry recipe packs tons of flavor, and will make your house smell even better. Coconut milk, red curry paste, garlic, ginger, kumquats, purple potatoes- the list goes on for all that goes into this dish.

Learn more about juices, vegan cooking and healthy remedies from HealthierSteps.com.

 

We’ve got even more healthy recipes for the entire family:

8 Family-Friendly Vegetarian Dinner Recipes

15 Easy Weeknight Paleo Recipes Your Family Will Love

7 Tasty Lettuce Wraps The Whole Family Will Love

 

jackfruit recipes

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fruits & veggies
FoodHealthy Eating

6 Spring Recipes Using Seasonal Fruits & Veggies

by Leena Kollar
written by Leena Kollar

Trying new recipes is fun. And while you usually have a specific reason for trying a new recipe, sometimes finding one “just because” is fun too. Like “just because” it’s spring, and you want to try something seasonal. Instead of just looking for a general spring recipe, why not narrow it down to slightly healthier options? Fruits and veggies are always best when they are fresh and in season. During the spring, there are fruits and veggies that you can totally use to mix up some delicious dishes. I wish I could share a recipe for every seasonal fruit and veggie, but these 6 are the ones that I think you’ll have the most fun trying. Bon appetit!

spring recipessource: The View From Great Island

1. Apricot Pie

Why not start with dessert, right? Mmm mmm, this looks yummy! I’m a sucker for fruit pies, and this would be a great choice to serve at a spring get together. Or, “just because” it’s Thursday. Or any day. Stock up on those fresh apricots next time you’re at the farmers’ market, and then hit the kitchen to whip this up.

You’ll find the full recipe and baking instructions on The View From Great Island.

spring recipessource: The Girl Who Ate Everything

2. Spinach Parmesan Rice Bake

Most kids cringe when they hear the word “spinach.” But maybe “parmesan” and “rice” will win them over. If not, there’s more of this deliciousness for you to enjoy! This healthy meal could be served as a main dish or a side. Perhaps you could even make a spring spinach salad to have beforehand.

Check out the full recipe details from The Girl Who Ate Everything.

spring recipessource: Barefeet in the Kitchen

3. Pineapple Jalapeno Salsa

Add a kick to your dinner table by serving this sweet and spicy salsa as an appetizer. Perfect for a night with friends, enjoy this with tortilla chips and a margarita. It would work for a Cinco de Mayo celebration too!

Head over to Barefeet in the Kitchen, where you’ll find the list of ingredients and directions for making this.

spring recipessource: Lil’ Luna

4. Asparagus & Tater Toss

If your children resist when you offer them asparagus, try adding bacon and potatoes to the mix. In fact, maybe try wrapping the bacon around the asparagus to trick them into eating it. Or, just make this seasonal dish and enjoy it, whether or not they decide to join you.

The ingredients and instructions can be found on Lil’ Luna.

spring recipessource: Little Sweet Baker

5. Mango Pudding

You know, I’ve never been big on mango flavored anything. I think it’s somewhat an acquired taste. But this pudding sounds sooo yummy! With coconut milk and coconut garnish, this probably has a sweet taste that will delight anyone and would be lovely as an after dinner dessert.

Check out the recipe video tutorial on Little Sweet Baker.

spring recipessource: The Seasoned Mom

6. Southern Pea Salad

I’ll tell you right now, this is not a kid-friendly recipe. With ingredients like peas, red onion, pimento and Greek yogurt, this is better served as a side dish at your next ladies’ brunch. This recipe is super easy, super healthy and super perfect for your seasonal spring recipe book.

The Seasoned Mom tells you how to toss it together.

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Lactation recipes
BabyKids

6 Lactation Recipes To Help Your Milk Supply

by Ellice Vargas
written by Ellice Vargas

It’s no secret that nursing moms have an unstoppable appetite. The whole “eating for two” may be even more real now then when you were pregnant. Unfortunately, while you do need to keep packing on the calories, this doesn’t mean hamburger and fries for lunch should be on the agenda everyday. Instead you want high nutritional foods that are filled with milk-making ingredients. While these are not a proven cure for low supply (and if that is your struggle you should certainly talk with a lactation consultant and your practitioner), many mamas have said to have experienced a boost in their milk production. If anything, they recipes are a surefire way for you to get those extra calories in a healthy and delicious way.

Lactation Cookie Bar

Source: Mary Makes Good

1. Baby Mama Bars

These look delicious and breastfeeding or not, I definitely don’t need an excuse to eat them. With ingredients like whole oats, flax seeds, hemp hearts, and brewer’s yeast, these milk making bars are packed full of goodness.

Head over to Mary Makes Good for everything from green living, arts and crafts and tons more recipes for you to try!

 

No-Bake Lactation Bites

Source: The Baker Mama

2. No-Bake Lactation Bites

As a busy new mama, you may not always have time to bake. Enter these yummy lactation bites. With no oven time you can throw them together in no time at all by simply combining all ingredients, except chocolate chips in electric mixer. Then stir in chocolate chips, roll into balls and place on lined baking sheet. You can eat right away or chill in refrigerator for 30 minutes. Perfect for on the go snacking.

Check out The Baker Mama for tons of recipes for your whole family.

Lactation Smoothie

Source: We’re Parents Blog

3. Lactation Milkshake

Smoothies are probably the easiest way to get that milk-making goodness everyday. Extra bonus is they are super fast to make and taste delicious. Even though these are perfect for lactating moms, this healthy recipe can also be enjoyed by the whole family!

We’re Parents have everything from travel tips, recipes and their “semi-cruchy” lifestyle topics for you to browse.

Source: We’re Parents Blog

4. No-Bake Protein Bars

This other simple no-bake option is chock-full of nuts, oats, berries and everything else that is good for you. Combine all ingredients together in large bowl, then spoon mixture into a lined 8×8 pan. Freeze for 2-3 hours then, enjoy!

We’re Parents have everything from travel tips, recipes and their “semi-cruchy” lifestyle topics for you to browse.

Source: Tastes Lovely

5. Dairy Free Lactation Cookies

While this isn’t the case for everyone, may women have to remove dairy from their diet completely while nursing. If this is the case then these dairy-free lactation cookies are for you. Filled with the same nutritional benefits as other lactation cookies such as oats, flax seed, hemp seed and brewers yeast, but without the diary products. With a light and crispy outside and soft and chewy center, eating these definitely will not be a chore. 😉

Make sure you check out Tastes Lovely for more simple and healthy recipes.

Pumpkin Lactation Muffins

Source: Love And Zest

6. Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Lactation Muffins

It may not be Fall but I can go for pumpkin flavored anything all year round, and these muffins are no exception. Deliciously moist, and packed full of nutrition, these are a yummy snack for nursing moms (or hungry dads). Instead of the usual sugar and butter these muffins are made with applesauce and coconut oil so your can feel extra good about eating one, or three.

Head over to Love and Zest for healthy recipes and nutrition tips for your active lifestyle.

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Healthy Avocado Toast
FoodHealthy EatingPregnancy

8 Healthy Pregnancy Snacks That Aren’t Totally Boring

by Jordyn Smith
written by Jordyn Smith

I spent a large part of my pregnancy stressing out about what I could and couldn’t eat. I was trying desperately to hold onto my favorite foods while staying as healthy as possible and feeding into my never ending hunger. My doctor, various nurses, and countless family members shared their personal and professional opinions. While I definitely stayed away from the things that were marked as serious no-no’s, there were plenty of gray areas as well.

As long as you’re staying healthy and following your personal nutritional guidelines, breakfasts, lunches, and dinners shouldn’t be too difficult to figure out. Snacks, on the other hand, are a huge hassle. Most of the healthy, store-bought snacks suitable for pregnant women are super boring and filled with too many unmentionables. All of the snacks on this list can be made in your own kitchen and are perfect for those middle of the day cravings or late night fridge ravagings.

Superfood Smoothie

Source: rhubarbarians.stfi.re

1. Pregnancy Superfood Smoothie

This smoothie is every pregnant woman’s dream. Packed full of fruits like strawberries and bananas along with walnuts and yogurt, this smoothie is packed with plenty of fiber, nutrients, and proteins. The best part? You can seriously make it in under 5 minutes.

Find more amazing healthy snacks, dinners, and desserts at Rhubarbarians.

Healthy Quesadillas

Source: damndelicious.net

2. Zucchini Corn Quesadillas

Lots of people, myself included, eat quesadillas for dinner. But sometimes, you need a snack that is a little more substantial than granola. Entirely meatless, the melted cheese inside these guys is filled with an amazing amount of corn, peppers, and zucchini.

Find great recipes made simple at Damn Delicious.

Overnight Oats

Source: thekitchn.com

3. Blueberry Pie Overnight Oats

Make ahead recipes are always a lifesaver, especially when they involved ample amounts of rolled oats, blueberries, and yogurt. These oats are super easy to put together and make a great mid-day snack.

Get amazing cooking technique tips and recipe recommendations at The Kitchn.

Healthy Avocado Toast

Source: twopeasandtheirpod.com

4. Avocado Toast with Eggs, Spinach, and Tomatoes

I love a good avocado toast, especially when it’s also topped with scrambled egg whites, tomatoes, and spinach like this recipe. Ten minutes is all it takes to throw together this healthy, colorful recipe.

Get meal plan ideas and recipes at Two Peas & Their Pod.

Homemade Protein Bars

Source: gimmesomeoven.com

5. Cranberry Almond Protein Bars

Not only are these bars way cheaper than store-bought ones, but they taste much better too! Dried cranberries, almonds, rice cereal, and coconut flakes come together in this awesome 30 minute snack recipe.

Head over to Gimme Some Oven to find more cool, healthy food recipes.

Homemade Hummus

Source: cookieandkate.com

6. Green Goddess Hummus

After you try this green goddess hummus, you’re never going to look at the stuff from the grocery store ever again. Putting it together is definitely a little more complex than some of the other recipes on this list. But the fact this it’s filled with tons of healthy, all-natural ingredients and tastes absolutely amazing is totally worth the work.

See more awesome vegetarian recipes at Cookie & Kate.

Homemade trail Mix

Source: thehealthymaven.com

7. Healthy Trail Mix

Regular trail mix gets mistaken as a healthy snack all the time, even when it’s usually filled with tons of salt and sugar. This homemade trail mix has the same great flavor but uses components like dark chocolate, dried fruit, and nuts, to create a snack that is fully delicious and super healthy.

Get travel inspiration and healthy recipes at The Healthy Maven.

Homemade Ice Cream

Source: thekitchn.com

8. Creamy Banana Ice Cream

All you need to make this uber creamy ice cream is one ripe banana and a food processor. Seriously. That’s it. It takes a little time to create as it involves freezing the banana beforehand, but you’ll be so amazing that you created a bowl of ice cream with one ingredient that you won’t even care.

Find more cool recipes like this one at The Kitchn.

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7 Healthy Versions Of Your Favorite Comfort Foods
Food

7 Healthy Versions Of Your Favorite Comfort Foods

by Jordyn Smith
written by Jordyn Smith

When you hear the words “comfort food” what comes to mind? If the first things you think of are covered in cheese, deep fried, stuffed, or a combination of all three, then we have the same idea. Comfort foods represent all of the best things about eating, they are familiar, filling, and devoid of any pretense. Unfortunately, while these foods may be amazing, they aren’t typically something that you should be eating very often. If you love your comfort foods too much to designate them to holiday specialties but would also rather keep your diet on the healthy side, try these awesome alternatives.

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Source: pinchofyum.com

1. Healthy Grilled Sweet Potato Nachos

Nachos and the word “healthy” don’t typically go together, but this delicious recipe is about to change your perception of the two terms. Multigrain tortilla chips are topped with chunks of grilled sweet potatoes, organic beans, sweet corn, and a gooey homemade cheese sauce. They are surprisingly easy to put together and completely guilt-free.

Head over to Pinch of Yum to find more delicious, healthy recipes.

rosemaryapplechickenburgerswithslaw

Source: dessertfortwo.com

2. Rosemary Apple Chicken Burgers

These awesome burgers are so just as simple as they are delicious. With their ground chicken patties filled with rosemary and their homemade apple slaw, they prove that simplicity is definitely key.

Dessert for Two has decadent desserts, delicious drinks, and awesome savory dishes to keep you satisfied in-between.

vegetarian-lasagna-with-spinach-mushrooms-3811

Source: mycaliforniaroots.com

3. Vegetarian Lasagna

You’d be hard-pressed to find someone who doesn’t go gaga over a nice steaming plate of lasagna. All that meat, cheese, pasta, and tomato sauce are such a winning combination. This recipe, which replaces ground beef with things like mushrooms and kale, give a healthy flair to this old school recipe.

Find more great vegetarian recipes at My California Roots.

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Source: realhousemoms.com

4. Southern Oven Fried Chicken

It doesn’t matter where you live, nothing quite hits the spot like a nice piece of crispy fried chicken. This clever recipe manages to get that same old school taste and crunch without any of the grease of fat.

Get great parenting tips, recipes, crafting ideas, and more at Real Housemoms.

healthy-mac-and-cheese-51

Source: pinchofyum.com

5. Healthy Mac and Cheese

We have already established our love for mac and cheese in all its glorious forms at Life As Mama. And while we definitely love our mac filled with crab meat and combined with chili, this healthy version, outfitted with butternut squash, is just as delicious.

Find enough healthy recipes to last you a lifetime at Pinch of Yum.

healthy-chipotle-chicken-sweet-potato-skins-4

Source: halfbakedharvest.com

6. Healthy Chipotle Chicken Sweet Potato Skins

This game day and dive bar favorite is easily turned into a contender for your new favorite dinner dish with this recipe. Delicious sweet potatoes are stuffed with shredded buffalo chicken and spinach then topped with a bit of melted cheese to bring everything together.

Half Baked Harvest  is full of healthy savory recipes and completely decadent desserts.

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Source: ambitiouskitchen.com

7. Healthy Turkey Chili

Chili is the perfect hearty dish to have on those chilly fall nights. It’s hearty, simple to make, and delicious enough to please the entire family. This chili recipe utilizes ground turkey, corn, and kidney beans to give the traditional recipe a healthy twist.

Find your next favorite dinner recipe at Ambitious Kitchen.

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9 Fantastic Fall Salads
Healthy Eating

9 Fantastic Fall Salads

by Karly Wood
written by Karly Wood

Images of Fall usually conjure up warm sweaters, boots, hot beverages and soups. We don’t often think about eating something as chilly as a salad unless it’s summer. Well, the Fall Salad is here to stay and not only do they use delicious vegetables that are the epitome of Autumn, but they are colorful too! Here are 9 mouthwatering salads you need to make this Fall.

Fall-Shredded-Brussels-Sprouts-Salad-iowagirleats-02

Source: IowaGirlEats.com

1. Fall Shredded Brussels Sprouts Salad

This salad has everything that’s right with Fall: cranberries, pecans, gorgonzola cheese, pears, fried shallots and shaved brussels sprouts. The only cooking required is toasting up the shallots to a nice and crispy texture, before adding to your salad and topping with homemade vinaigrette. I can see this as a great way to sneak in some brussels sprouts with the kids!

IowaGirlEats.com has this tasty recipe, and other great ideas on eating gluten-free.

apple-pecan-salad-maple-vinaigrette-2

Source: LeCremeDeLaCrumb.com

2. Apple Pecan Salad & Maple Vinaigrette

Get that feeling of crunchy fall leaves with this crisp fall salad. Homemade candied pecans, sharp feta cheese, red onion, greens and delightfully crunchy apples are all included, and topped with a maple vinaigrette dressing that’s to die for.

Make sure you get this recipe, especially the one for the dressing, over at LeCremeDeLaCrumb.com.

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Source: DamnDelicious.net

3. Harvest Cobb Salad With Poppy Seed Dressing

You’re either a lover or hater of cobb salads, and that’s why this Fall version is a winner for you hard boiled egg-eating people. Crisp greens, apples, pears, pecans and of course, chopped hard-boiled eggs are expertly displayed in this harvest cobb. Topped with a creamy poppy seed dressing, this salad is worthy of being eaten all year long.

Check out DamnDelicious.net for this recipe and other tasty meal ideas.

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