Italian White Bean Chicken Salad

     Once you bite into my Italian White Bean Parmesan Chicken Salad you will feel transported back to the cobblestone streets of Venice.  And while you are there, feel free to travel the bridges from the Old World to the New World bringing the flavors from the past to the present.  This modern twist adds several healthy components to be enjoyed guilt free, each of the six servings is only 328 calories, 25.5g carbs, and 26.7g protein.  Time to throw a themed dinner party!  Ciao ;)

Ingredients for 6~
1 pound boneless skinless Chicken Breast
2/3 cup BRIANNAS Italian Vinaigrette, divided into two equal portions
2 cups Baby Spinach Leaves
10oz Zucchini, spiralized, shredded or chopped ( I use a sprializer to make long noodles)
3oz shredded Carrots
15oz Garbanzo Beans, drained
15oz Cannellini Beans, drained
5oz Red Cherry Tomato, diced in half
5oz Golden Cherry Tomato, diced in half
1/4 cup shredded Parmesan
4 Green Onions, diced
1/4 cup Tomato Italiano Roasted Gourmet Pumpkin SuperSeedz (sub with favorite nut or seed)
Dash Salt and Pepper to season, as desired

     Marinate Chicken in 1/3 cup BRIANNAS over night or for 8 hours, grill and dice into bite size pieces.  Meanwhile, in large salad bowl layer Baby Spinach Leaves, Zoodles, and Carrots.  Make a mixture of the 2 Beans and the diced grilled Chicken and add next layer to Salad.  Arrange halved Cherry Tomatoes around perimeter of bowl.  Then finish by topping Salad with Parmesan, Green Onion, Pumpkin Seeds and finish by drizzling with remaining 1/3 cup BRIANNAS Italian Vinaigrette. Season as desired.  Enjoy  ;)

Fruit and Walnut Protein Oats

     What's for breakfast you say...Good Morning Fruit and Walnut Protein Oats, so happy to lay my eyes on you!  You make it worth it getting out of bed!  Even better news is this whopping hearty deep dish of heaven is only 302 calories, 27g net carbs, and 29g protein.  When you start your day this way you know it's going to be a good one!!!  ;)

Ingredients for one large bowl~
2/3 cup 25 cal/cup Cashew Milk
2/3 cup Water
1/3 cup Old Fashion Oats
Dash Salt
Dash Cinnamon
Dash Vanilla
2 Tablespoon Swerve Granular Erythritol
1 scoop Quest Vanilla Milkshake Protein Powder
1/4 cup Blueberry
1/4 cup Strawberry
1 Tablespoon broken Walnut pieces

     Bring Cashew Milk and Water to boil, stir in Oats, Salt, Cinnamon and Vanilla, simmer for 15 minutes, remove from heat and cool slightly.  Stir in Erythritol and Quest Protein Powder, pour into bowl and top with Blueberries, Strawberries and Walnuts!  Enjoy  ;)

Grilled Citrus Avocado Chicken Salad

     While Grilled Citrus Avocado Chicken Salad is a warm weather favorite, I think it's good enough to devour all year round,... whom am I to judge!?  As long as it falls in the "yummy" category I'm first on the band wagon!  And the macros are over the top as well, each of the four servings are only 322 calories, 11.7g net carbs and 26.5g protein.  Can I just say, there "ain't nuttin bad" about this work of art!!!  This beautiful bold flavored salad has it all.  ;)

Ingredients for 4 servings~
3/4 cup BRIANNAS Real French Vinaigrette
1 pound Chicken Breast
2 heads Romaine
2 cups Baby Spinach Leaves
3oz Shredded Carrots
1 Grapefruit
1 Orange
1 Avocado, peeled and sliced
1/4 cup Shredded Parmesan
2 sliced Red Onion
Dash Salt and Pepper to taste

     Marinate Chicken in 1/2 cup BRIANNAS Real French Vinaigrette over night or for 8 hours, grill and dice.  Meanwhile, layer chopped Romaine, Baby Spinach Leaves, and Carrots on large platter, then scatter diced marinated Grilled Chicken on top.  Peel and section Grapefruit and Orange into the same bowl.  After finishing with the peeling, remove Grapefruit and Orange pieces and  place on top of Salad, there should be remaining juice in bottom of bowl, reserve and set aside.  Add Avocado slices, Parmesan Cheese, Red Onion, Salt and Pepper as desired.  Lastly, mix remaining 1/4 cup BRIANNAS Real French Vinaigrette with reserved citrus juice and drizzle on top of salad.  Divide into 4 servings~ Enjoy  :)

For 10 dollars off your first 30 dollar order at Vitacost.com click http://goo.gl/jjEvV7.

Disclosure: I received free product from BRIANNAS and included them in this post because I genuinely love their products. I wasn’t required to write this post nor was I compensated for it. They just make the best salad dressing out there … simple as that!

PB&J Cupcakes

     How cool would it be to turn yourself into a neon cupcake liner and wrap yourself around these PB&J Cupcakes foreva and eva!?  Then you could have jelly in your belly thru out all eternity!  I actually want that to be my job til the day I die... #happilyevaafta  These might be the best tasting high protein low carb Cupcakes known to man!  And at only 152 calories, 4.6g net carbs and 12.7g protein, I would call this a dream come true every night of the week!  Time to get your Cupcake on  ;)

Ingredients for 6 Cupcakes~
2 Tablespoons Vanilla Cupcake Sweet Spreads Coconutter
1 Jumbo Egg
3/4 cup 25 cal/cup Silk Cashew Milk
1 1/2 scoops Quest Peanut Butter Protein Powder
1/4 cup Nutiva Coconut Flour
1/4 cup Swerve Granular Erythritol
1 teaspoon Baking Powder
1/2 teaspoon Salt
Dash Cinnamon
Dash Vanilla
1 Quest Peanut Butter & Jelly Protein Bar, diced into bits
6 teaspoons Sugar Free Strawberry Preserves
6 Strawberries

     Melt 1 Tablespoon Vanilla Cupcake Sweet Spreads, and stir in Egg, Cashew Milk, Quest Protein Powder, Coconut Flour, Swerve Erythritol, Baking Powder, Salt, Cinnamon and Vanilla til thoroughly incorporated, then gently stir in Quest PB&J Protein Bar bits.  Drop equal amounts of batter into Siplat lined Cupcake tin, add 1 teaspoon Sugar Free Preserves to center of each Cupcake batter making sure to press into center.  Bake at 350 for 22-23 minutes.  Meanwhile, microwave remaining Tablespoon Vanilla Cupcake Sweet Spreads for 13 lucky seconds and put a 1/6th Tablespoon on top of each of the baked Cupcakes, finish by topping each with a luscious fresh red Strawberry!  Cool before eating to avoid any potential burn from overly hot jelly, then dig in with abandon!  Enjoy  :)

For 10 dollars off your first 30 dollar order at Vitacost.com click http://goo.gl/jjEvV7.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Mocha Shake

     I'm soooo conflicted...should I count this as a breakfast, healthy snack or dessert!?  ...decisions decisions... Either way, you can't go wrong with this Chocolate Peanut Butter Mocha Shake!  As long as you make it, savor it and enjoy it, that's all that matters!  And as if this thick creamy delight wasn't enough, the macros are outstanding at 352 calories, 5g net carbs and 30g protein, and 20g fat.  What will you be having for breakfast, snack or dessert tomorrow!?  ;)

Ingredients for One Shake~
1 scoop Quest Nutrition Peanut Butter Protein Powder
1 Tablespoon unsweetened Cocoa Powder
1 Tablespoon De-Caf Coffee or Postum
2 Tablespoons Ground Flax Seed
1 Tablespoon Coconut Oil
1 cup 30 cal/cup Almond Milk
Baby Spinach Leaves as desired, optional
Dash Cinnamon
Dash Vanilla
Crushed Ice
Whipped Topping for garnish, if desired, not included in macros

     Add all ingredients (except Whipped Topping garnish) to Magic Bullet or Blender and whip til thoroughly blended.  Top with Whipped Topping if desired.  Enjoy  :)
Hot Tip Alert~  I make up a weeks worth of these at a time.  This helps tremendously in the mornings when time is short.  I simply unscrew the lid, add my crushed ice and a smidgen of water, then blend... all in a matter of seconds.  I have also found when these are premade, the flavors are enhanced and the shake becomes thicker as the Flax incorporates with the other ingredients.  If your system is not used to Flax Seed, then start with 1 Tablespoon and work your way up to 2 Tablespoons. #winning

Peanut Butter and Jelly Ice Cream

     Feel like a kid again with this frozen breadless PB&J!  But enjoy your adultness by savoring every bite guilt free!  Each 3/4 cup is only 103 calories, 4g net carbs and 11.5g protein.  With these stats we can have our PB&J's every day of the week while still leading responsible lives!  ;)

Ingredients for 4 ~ 3/4 cup servings~
1 cup diced Strawberries
1 scoop Quest Peanut Butter Protein Powder
2 cups 25 cal/cup Cashew Milk
3/4 Swerve Confectioners Erythritol
Dash Cinnamon
Dash Vanilla
1 Quest Peanut Butter & Jelly Protein Bar, diced into small bits
Whipped Topping for garnish, if desired

     In blender, add diced Strawberries (reserve a few for garnish if desired), Quest Protein Powder, Cashew Milk, Erythritol, Cinnamon and Vanilla til thoroughly mixed.  Pour into previously frozen freezer bowl of a Cuisinart 2Qt. Frozen Yogurt-Sherbert & Ice Cream Maker and churn for 25-35 minutes until desired consistency, add Quest Bar bits during last couple of minutes (reserve a few for garnish if desired).  If you don't have a Cuisinart, pour batter into casserole dish and place in freezer, stir every 45 minutes til desired consistency.  Top with Whipped Topping as garnish as desired.  Enjoy  :)

   

Tuna Taragon Farfalle Pasta Salad

     Who doesn't love Pasta!?  I do!  I just don't love all the the extra carbs!  So, what's a girl to do...whelp, I'll tell ya ...reduce the Pasta portion serving size, add extra protein and veggies to your meal, and look for the healthiest Pasta available!  And then, enjoy enjoy enjoy!!!  This dish makes 7 hearty cups, each cup servings is only 274 calories, 21.5g net carbs, and 27.5g protein.  I serve mine over a bed of mixed greens to make the perfectly balanced meal (macros don't include mixed greens).  Enjoy  :)

Ingredients for 7 servings~
7oz Farfalle Pasta, cooked al dente'
24oz can Tuna packed in water
12oz Edamame, cooked and cooled
1 Red Bell Pepper, diced
3oz shredded Carrots
4 Green Onions, diced
1/3 cup Light Mayo
1/3 cup Walden Farms Amazin Mayo
1 teaspoon Taragon
Dash Salt and Pepper to taste

     In large bowl put cooked Farfalle, Tuna, cooked Edamame, diced Bell Pepper, Carrots, and Onion, set aside.  In small bowl combine Mayo's and Taragon, pour over Pasta mix and toss to coat thoroughly.  Season with Salt and Pepper as desired.  Enjoy  :)

For 10 dollars off your first 30 dollar order at Vitacost.com click http://goo.gl/jjEvV7.

Spicy Salmon Blueberry and Goat Cheese Salad

     Isn't it interesting when you fill your plate with all of your favorite things how each and every bite is full of glory!?  If you listen real closely you can see the heavens part and angels sing!... and who does't mind having an angel chorus during meal time!?  You might even break into song when I tell you that this salad is only 326 calories, 31g net carbs and 23g protein.  Prepare to enjoy the sweet melody this Salad will bring into your life.  :)

Ingredients for a Salad for one~
1 head of Romaine, torn into pieces
2.5oz  packaged Salmon
1oz shredded Carrots
1/2 cup Blueberries
1oz Whole Foods Goat Cheese, crumbled
1 Green Onion, diced
1 Tablespoon BRIANNAS Blush Wine
Dash Pepper
1 Tablespoon Somewhat Spicy Gourmet Roasted Pumpin SuperSeedz

     Put torn Romaine on a plate and top with the rest of the ingredients in order as listed.  Enjoy to the moon and back!  ;)

For 10 dollars off your first 30 dollar order at Vitacost.com click http://goo.gl/jjEvV7.
Disclosure: I received free product from BRIANNAS and included them in this post because I genuinely love their products. I wasn’t required to write this post nor was I compensated for it. They just make the best salad dressing out there … simple as that!

Chocolate Filled Coconut Cashew Cookies

    Chocolate Filled Coconut Cashew Cookies, ...say that 3 times! If you love Coconut and if you love Chocolate then you are going to love ME!!!  These cookies are absolutely amazing, and they actually melt in your mouth!  Each cookie is only 58 calories, 1.3g net carbs and 5.2g protein, which gives you even more to love!  And did I tell you they are super simple to make!?  You're going to love that part too  ;)

Ingredients for 8 Cookies~
2 Quest Coconut Cashew Protein Bars
8 squares of Lily's Coconut Dark Chocolate Bar (Stevia Sweetened, No Sugar added, All Natural, Non GMO Chocolate)
2 Tablespoons Reduced Fat Shredded Coconut

     Divide each Quest Bar into 4 equal parts, pat each of the 8 pieces of dough into a flatten shape big enough to lay a piece of Chocolate in the middle and wrap the dough around into a ball, roll in the Coconut Shreds and place on Silpat lined cookie sheet, flatten down slightly and sprinkle any remaining Coconut on top.  Bake at 350 for 7 minutes.  Remove, cool and Enjoy  :)

For 10 dollars off your first 30 dollar order at Vitacost.com click http://goo.gl/jjEvV7.

Salted Milk Chocolate stuffed Banana Walut Cookies

     Welcome to the world Salted Milk Chocolate stuffed Banana Walnut Cookies!!!  Glad to meet ya!  I hope we are friends forever!  And I appreciate that you are only 278 calories, 5.5g net carbs, and 22g protein for the entire batch of FOUR!!!  Can't wait til tomorrow when we meet again  ;)

Ingredients for 4 cookies~
1 Quest Banana Nut Protein Bar
4 squares Lily's Salted Almond Milk Chocolate Bar~Stevia Sweetened, No Sugar Added, All Natural, Non-GMO
1 Tablespoon (7.5gm) Walnut pieces

     Divide Quest Bar into 4 equal pieces, microwave unwrapped Quest Bar pieces for 12 seconds and flatten enough to add a square of chocolate into center and wrap up in a ball, press an equal amount of Walnut pieces into each cookie top and bake on Silpat lined cookie sheet at 350 for 5 minutes.  Remove and cool~Enjoy every stinkin bite!  ;)

For 10 dollars off your first 30 dollar order at Vitacost.com click http://goo.gl/jjEvV7.

Champagne Caper Chicken Brussels BLT Salad

     If you love BLT's, prepare to have your mind blown with this new (better) twist on an old classic!  The macros on this BLT will add to your pleasure, for each of the 4 servings it is only 301 calories, 10g net carbs and 28g protein.  I guess you really can teach old dogs new tricks!  :)

Ingredients for 4~
2/3 cup BRIANNAS Champagne Caper Vinaigrette
1 pound Chicken Breast
1 pound fresh Brussels Sprouts
6 slices Turkey Bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 Roma Tomato, chopped and drained on paper towel for several hours
Dash Pepper

     Marinate Chicken Breast with 1/3 cup BRIANNAS Champagne Caper in ziplock bag overnight or for several hours, grill and diced.  Meanwhile, add fresh,cleaned, and trimmed Brussels Sprouts to food processor to grind to slaw consistency and add to large bowl.  Pour remaining 1/3 cup BRIANNAS on top and toss to coat thoroughly, top with diced Chicken, then Bacon crumbles, finishing with diced Tomatoes and dash of Pepper.  Serves 4~Enjoy  :)

For 10 dollars off your first 30 dollar order at Vitacost.com click http://goo.gl/jjEvV7.

Disclosure: I received free product from BRIANNAS and included them in this post because I genuinely love their products. I wasn’t required to write this post nor was I compensated for it. They just make the best salad dressing out there … simple as that!