As a Certified Health Coach and passionate baker, Maura Knowles (Mo) is on a mission to change the way we eat. Read her Vitacost blog and get weekly recipes and tips for making healthy meals, snacks and treats!
Delight your mitten-clad crowd with a cup of creamy, homemade hot cocoa the next time they come in from the cold. This twist on everyone’s favorite winter drink is made with organic cocoa powder and dairy-free almond milk, with a hint of citrusy-tropical flavor from orange extract and coconut oil. Artificially flavored powdered packet-mixes are about to become a thing of your past!
If you’ve got some extra brown rice leftover from last night’s stir-fry dinner, today’s breakfast is going to be a breeze! Stir in a scoop of almond butter, some applesauce, a pinch of cinnamon and a few other simple ingredients for a delightful, belly-warming bowl of porridge. Top with fresh berries for added antioxidants and sweetness.
Chase away winter chills with a bowl of homemade chili or soup and these Gluten-Free Cornbread Mini Muffins. Melt-in-your-mouth moist with just the right amount of crumble, they’re quick to make and healthier than the traditional version—made with flax instead of eggs, coconut oil spread in place of butter and your choice of dairy or non-dairy milk.
You know they’re good for you, but how can you add more super seeds such as chia, hemp and flax into everyday meals? Here’s a simple solution (and you don’t even have to turn on the stove!). Blend up this Green Protein Machine Smoothie with fresh kale, cucumber, parsley and other healthy greens, then sprinkle in a scoop or two of each type of seed. A single serving supplies nearly 15 grams of protein — plus vitamins, minerals, fiber and omega-3s!
Fast food that’s healthy? You can’t score one of these “burgers” in a drive-through, but in less time than it takes to wait in line, you can make a meal far better for you than anything brought home in a hurry. Combine sautéed fresh vegetables, white beans and hemp powder for a hearty, protein-packed patty, then pan fry in coconut oil for a tropical taste!
Spice up ordinary taco nights with a twist on everyone’s favorite Mexican dish. This enchilada casserole is meat free but full of authentic flavor—with corn tortillas, sautéed veggies, black beans and vegan cheese, layered and baked to bubbly perfection. Sprinkle with pepitas and hemp seeds for a protein boost!
The holiday season may be on its way out, but the color green is here to stay! Blend up a banana-berry smoothie, then toss in a handful of veggies, some chia seeds and a scoop of vegan protein powder for a revitalizing, nutrient-packed drink.
