Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

     It's time to take a bite out of Halloween with out the fear of cavities, sink your teeth into these sugar free treasures guilt free!  Nuthin scary about these Pumpkin Sugar Cookies other than how delicious they are.  These 12 cookies will make a splash at any party or just at home in your mouth, and each one is only 91 calories, 4g net carbs and 8g protein.  Such Bootiful fun  :)

Ingredients for 12 cookies~
1/4 cup Coconut Oil
1/2 cup Pumpkin
1 Extra Large Egg
1/4 cup Coconut Flour
1/4 cup Lakanto Monk Fruit~use code Paige20 at checkout for discount
1 scoop Quest Vanilla Protein Powder

1 teaspoon Baking Powder
Dash Vanilla
Dash Pumpkin Pie Spice, but can sub with Cinnamon
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4oz Cream Cheese
1/4 cup Lakanto Confectioners Monk Fruit~use code Paige20 for discount at checkout
1/4 cup low carb Vanilla Carbmasters Yogurt (sub with full fat Yogurt for Keto)
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Food Coloring
24 candy Eyeballs

     Mix first set of ingredients til well blended and drop by rounded Tablespoons to yield 12 equal cookies on Silpat lined cookie sheet, bake at 350 for 12 minutes, remove and cool.  Meanwhile mix second set of ingredients til fully incorporated and chill til ready to frost.  When ready, frost cookies, and use remainder to dye with food coloring, add to baggies, snip corner and frost to your freaky delight.  Finish with eyeball garnish.  Enjoy  :)

Aquafaba Whipped Cream

     When the nice folks at Next Sugar, www.next-sugar.com, sent me their non GMO, low-glycemic, natural cane Sugar with half the calories, I knew what had to be done!  It was time to create Aquafaba Whipped Cream, ... have you heard of this stuff!?  If Aquafaba is a new word for you, join the club, but let me translate... it's Bean juice man, Garbanzo Bean juice to be exact...to be even more exact, it's the juice drained off one can of Garbanzo Beans. Before you say eeewwww and stop reading, watch me take advantage of Next Sugars unique blend that naturally and safely blocks up to 50% of the sugar from being absorbed by the body, and tastes just like real Sugar.  #woohoo  This recipe tastes just like the real deal, whips up in minutes just like Whipped Cream and holds up well for 6 hours refrigerated (it's still good after that, but starts to separate at the bottom).  This massive bowl makes 8 cups, each 1/4 cup serving is only 8 calories, 3g carbs and zero protein, these numbers were based on a study found that had tested the macros of Aquaba.  If you are in the mood for a fun science project, go ahead and give it a whirl and see what you think, all guilt free!  ;)

Ingredients for 32~1/4 cup servings~
1 can organic Kroger Garbanzo Beans, drain the juice from can, should yield 3/4 cup
1/2 cup Next-Sugar (can sub with regular Sugar)
1 Tablespoon Betterbody Foods Vanilla
1/2 teaspoon Cream of Tartar

     Throw all ingredients in your Kitchen Aid and start to blend, once fully incorporated, whip on medium high for 15 minutes.  Store in fridge.  Will remain fully fluffed for about 6 hours.  Enjoy  :)

Pumpkin Cheesecake Brownies

     Check out this masterpiece, hello Pumpkin Cheesecake Brownies.  THIS IS GOOD!!!!  Not only is it good, but good for you, but no one will be able to tell!  Each of the 9 generous pieces are only 217 calories, 7g net carbs and 16g protein.  While I am proud of all my creations, this may actually be the best thing I have ever come up with!  Decadence in it's full glory  ;)

Ingredients for 9 pieces~
1/4 cup melted Coconut Oil
2 Tablespoons Black Cocoa or Regular Cocoa
1 scoop Quest Chocolate Milkshake Protein Powder
1 extra large Egg
1/2 cup Pumpkin
1/4 cup Swerve Granular or Confectioners Erythritol
2 Tablespoons Coconut Flour
1 teaspoon Baking Powder
Dash Pumpkin Pie Spice or Cinnamon
Dash Vanilla
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7oz 2% Fage Greek Yogurt
5 Tablespoons Cream Cheese, softened
1 extra large Egg
1/4 cup Swerve Confectioners Erythritol
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1/4 cup Pumpkin
3 Tablespoons Cream Cheese, softened
2 Tablespoons Swerve Confectioners Erythritol
2 Tablespoons Butter, softened
2 Tablespoons Coconut Flour
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1 Quest Pumpkin Pie Protein Bar, diced~sub with Cinnamon Roll

     Mix first set of ingredients til well incorporated and pour into parchment line 8X8 pan.  Mix second set of ingredients and pour over top of Brownie layer.  Mix third set of ingredients and drop by four equal dollops in each of the 4 quarters of the pan, then take a knife and swirl thru each of the Pumpkin areas.  Bake at 350 for 40 minutes, remove and sprinkle with Protein Bar bits and slightly pat down.  Bring to room temperature and chill in fridge over night.  Enjoy the heck outta this baby  ;)

Pumpkin Pear Zoats

     I love having a bowl full of health for breakfast, it just makes me feel all uppity, ...like I'm better than everyone else ...especially those who had drive thru donuts...that's usually about the time I trip over my own shoelaces and am brought back to reality... I digress.  Regardless, it's still a good idea to start the day on the right foot and my Pumpkin Pear Zoats are just the ticket.  Each of the 3 servings are only 277 calories, 18.5g net carbs and 25.5g protein.  The great thing about this is when you make a batch, you are making breakfast (or snack) for the next three day, I love having my premades ready to grab and go!  :)

Ingredients for 3 servings~
1/2 cup Gluten Free Oats
2 cups 30 cal/cup Almond Milk
4oz grated Zucchini, I trim the ends and grate with skin on.
1/4 cup Lakanto Monk Fruit ~use code Paige20 for discount at checkout 
Dash Salt or Lite Salt
Dash Pumpkin Pie Spice or Cinnamon
Dash Vanilla
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4oz diced Pear
1/4 cup Pumpkin
1/4 cup Ground Flax
2 scoops Quest Vanilla Protein Powder
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1.5 Tablespoons of your favorite Nut Butter
1 Tablespoon chopped Walnuts

     Bring first set of ingredients to simmer and stir for 10 minutes, remove from heat and stir in second set of ingredients, divide equally into 3 bowls (should be about 1 cup and 2 Tablespoons per bowl).  Top each Bowl with 1/2 Tablespoon Nut Butter and 1 teaspoon of Walnuts.  If you want to garnish with candy Pumpkin you can, not included in macros.  Store any leftovers in fridge.  Enjoy  :)

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Pancakes

     With cooling temperatures, breaking out the Pumpkin and Chocolate Chips seems like a natural.  Thanks to yours truly, I have created a stack of YUM that will tickle your Fall fancy.  My Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Pancakes are only 385 calories, 16g net carbs and FOURTY FOUR grams protein.  I love all the traditional flavors that come with changing seasons.  Happy Fall y'all  :)

Ingredients for one tall stack~
1 rounded scoop ABS Chocolate Chip Protein Pancake Powder
1/4 cup Pumpkin
1/4 cup 30 cal/cup Almond Milk
1 Extra Large Egg
2 Tablespoons Lakanto Monk Fruit~use code Paige20 at checkout for discount
Dash Pumpkin Pie Spice or Cinnamon
Dash Vanilla
3oz (1/2 of a container) Kroger Carbmaster Yogurt (pick your fave flavor)
1 Tablespoon Peanut Butter Powder mixed with Water to desired consistency
1 Walnut Half, broken to pieces
6 Lily's Stevia Sweetened Dark Chocolate Chips

     Mix Pancake Powder, Pumpkin, Almond Milk, Egg, Erythritol, Pumpkin Pie Spice and Vanilla til well incorporated and smooth.  Cook Pancakes using a 1/4 cup batter in Pam coated skillet, should yield 4 Pancakes.  Cool to touch and frost each Pancake equally with Yogurt, stack and top with Nut Butter, Walnuts and Chocolate Chips.  Enjoy  :)

Pumpkin Granola Overnight Oats

     Don't tell his wife, but I'm in love with Bob!!!  Bob's Red Mill that is!  Can you blame a girl that likes to eat!? ...didn't think so.  Using Bob's Apple Blueberry Granola, I was able to make 2 beautiful HUGE servings of Pumpkin Granola Overnight Oats.  In fact these servings are so large, you could consider it 4 small if desired.  Regardless, the macros for 2 servings are 352 calories, 35g net carbs and 30g protein.  This is the perfect way to start your day with a nutrient rich breakfast.  Thanks Bob, I can't be your only secret admirer!  #heroesofthemill

Ingredients for 2 large servings~
1/2 cup Pumpkin
3/4 cup Bob's Red Mill Apple Blueberry Granola
2 scoops Quest Salted Caramel Protein Powder
2 cups 30 cal/cup Almond Milk
1 Tablespoon Bob's Red Mill ground Flaxseed
1 Tablespoon Betterbody Foods Chia Seeds
Dash Cinnamon
Dash Betterbody Foods Vanilla

     Mix all together and chill overnight.  Divide into two servings.  #voila

Slim Reuben Casserole

     Since I have discovered Thin Slim Foods and their low carb Rye bread it has opened up a whole new world of possibilities!  Such was the case with my Healthy Reuben Casserole.  My macros reveal the reason for my devotion, each of the 8 large servings are only 274 calories, 9g net carbs and 27g protein.  Www.thinslimfoods.com is a great resource for many of your high protein low carb breads, pastas and desserts.  So the next time you want to sink your teeth into a savory hearty sandwich guilt free, check out my Healthy Reuben Casserole!  ;)

Ingredients for 8 servings~
6 slices Thin Slim Foods Rye Bread, cubed ( www.thinslimfoods.com)
32oz jar Franks Sauerkraut, drained
16oz jar Kroger sliced Dill Pickles, drained
2 jumbo Eggs
1/3 cup Kraft Fat Free 1000 Island Dressing
1/4 cup Kroger Spicy Brown Mustard
1 pound thinly sliced Boars Head Pastrami
1 pkg/18 slices Sargento Ultra Thin Swiss Cheese

     Spray casserole dish with Pam and add 5 slices of the cubed Rye Bread to dish.  Add Sauerkraut, making sure to drain and squeeze any excess liquid before adding to top of Bread.  Next add a layer of the drained Pickles.  Stir together Eggs, Dressing and Mustard til well blended and pour over Casserole, bake at 425 for 20 minutes.  Remove and add half of Pastrami, then half of the Cheese, the other half Pastrami and finish with last half of Cheese, top with remaining slice of cubed Bread.  Bake again at 425 for 12 minutes.  Garnish with extra Dressing if desired.  Enjoy  :)

Healthy Burgers

     You know that jealousy feeling you get when you see others eating a big fat juicy burger!?  Well Food Fitness by Paige is here to help...not in a clinical way (you need to see your therapist for that), but in a physical way (you need to see me for that)!  I have re created the "Burger" into a "Healthy Burger" with a few simple tricks that you will definitely want to incorporate into your life.  Each of my 10~4oz patties are only 138 calories, less than one carb, and 20g protein.  With those macros you have nothing to lose by trying , other than Burger envy!  ;)

Ingredients for 10 Burgers~
2 pounds 96% lean ground Beef
1 Tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1/4 cup finely diced Onion, (I used my Pampered Chef chopper)
4 finely diced Dill Pickle Spears, (I used my Pampered Chef chopper)
2 Tablespoons Kroger Brown Spicy Mustard
1 Tablespoon chopped Garlic
Dash Cayenne Pepper, to taste
Dash Salt, or Lite Salt, to taste
Sargento Ultra Thin Cheddar Cheese Slices, if desired (about 40 calories a slice)
Thin Slim Foods Hamburger Buns, if desired (100 calories, 2g net carbs and 14g protein.  Order at www.thinslimfoods.com)
Garnish with Tomato, Pickles, Onion, Lettuce as desired

     Mix first 8 ingredients til well incorporated and divide into ten 4oz patties that are 3 inches in diameter and 1/2 inch thick, you may end up with 5/8oz extra meat, if so, divide among the 10 patties.  Prepare your grill and cook for about 2 minutes on each side for medium rare, longer if you want a more well done Burger, however, these can dry out VERY fast so keep a close watch.  If they overcook you will have a hockey puck consistency and lose a lot of the flavor, these perform better leaning on the medium to medium rare side.  You can always cook on the stove top as desired.  I served these with the Sargento Ultra Thin Cheddar Cheese and a Thin Slim Foods Hamburger Bun and had the perfect experience.  This recipe makes a lot, which I loved, so save the extra for lunches to crumble on a salad, or have a pattie for breakfast or afternoon snack, and freeze any left overs for later use.  Enjoy  :)

Next Sugar

     Are you looking to reduce or cut Sugar out of your life!?  Well, I may have a simple answer for you, Next Sugar!  For years, the health world has been on the search for a healthy and delicious alternative for natural sugar.  But at Next Sugar, they found the solution by changing the conversation entirely.  Next Sugar is the first clinically-tested, low glycemic, natural cane sugar blend that tastes just like sugar because it is real sugar.  Their unique blend naturally and safely blocks up to 50% of the sugar from being absorbed by the body.  This means that you taste the full sweetness of sugar with out any unpleasant taste.
     They believe in the importance of using natural ingredients.  This is what inspired them to find a healthy option that does not rely on artificial sweeteners and questionable substitutes.  True health is all about making natural foods work for our body, and that's exactly what they've done with Next Sugar.
     What's in Next Sugar you ask!?  Fortunately, its a short list.  It's a proprietary blend of exactly two natural plant sugars-cane sugar (or sucrose), and pectin sugar.  Sucrose is common table sugar, the kind we've all grown up with.  It is made up of two simple sugars called fructose and glucose.  It's the careful combing of sucrose and pectin sugar that gives Next Sugar its incredible ability to block absorption of too much sugar into your body, making it a healthy alternative to sugar that's every bit as sweet and delicious.  Each teaspoon only has 8 calories and 4g carbs.  To find out more or order yours today, go to www.next-sugar.com.  In good health, paige  :)

Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins

     When Pumpkin meets Chocolate Chips, a star is born!  True love may be a better description!  And I make it very easy to stay on a healthy track while filling your bellies with loads of joy!  Each of these 9 Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins are only 130 calories, 4g net carbs and 7g protein.  This easy recipe will blow your mind!

Ingredients for 9 Muffins~
2 Tablespoons Coconut Oil, melted
1 cup Pumpkin
1 Extra Large Egg
1/3 cup Lakanto Monk Fruit~use code Paige20 at checkout for discount
3/4 cup Almond Flour, add more for a dryer texture
1 teaspoon Baking Powder
Dash Pumpkin Pie Spice or Cinnamon
Dash Vanilla
1 Tablespoon Lily's Stevia Sweetened Dark Chocolate Chips
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1 Tablespoon Lily's Stevia Sweetened Dark Chocolate Chips
2 Tablespoons chopped Pecans

     Mix first set of ingredients and divide equally into 9 Silpat lined muffin tins.  Sprinkle equally with second set of ingredients and bake at 375 for 14 minutes.  Enjoy   :)

Spooky Pretzels

     Tis the Season to be scurrrrd!  These easy little snacks are a fun arts and crafts project to whip together, and simple enough to make with your kiddos!  Plus, everything tastes better when you are feelin' all artsy with your creations.   This entire batch is one LARGE serving, all for 222 calories, 39g net carbs and 4g protein.  Even though it's not my typical macros, health takes many forms, and Spooky Pretzels for Halloween is one of them!  PS  you don't even have to share, invite your friends over and let them make their own!  ;)

One large serving~
1 square Lily's Dark Stevia Sweetened Premium Baking Bar
1 Tablespoon 30 cal/cup Almond Milk
1 serving/18 mini Kroger Pretzels
36 candy Eye Balls

     Melt Chocolate and Almond Milk in microwave safe dish for 20 seconds and stir til smooth, dip each Pretzel in Chocolate til well coated and rest on wire rack, set Eye Balls in place while still wet.  Enjoy  :)