Wedding Cake

     I just love love (and yes, I watch the Bachelor...#noshame), and when you love love you want to celebrate it with all things white...right!?  Dress, Flowers and of course C.A.K.E.!!!  So my sister recently got married and I made her wedding cake (no, not protein cake, silly goose), ...but I did bring a small protein Wedding Cake to enjoy for myself!  And, I have to say this proves my point that I truly did not feel like I was missing out, in fact, I fit right in!  Each of the 8 slices are only 163 calories, 2g net carbs and 9g protein, I guess it's true  what they say, you really can have your cake and eat it too!  ...you had to see that one comin'  ;)

Ingredients for 8 slices~
1/4 cup Nutiva Buttery Coconut Oil, melted
1 scoop Quest Salted Caramel Protein Powder
2 jumbo Eggs
1/2 cup Swerve Granular or Confectioners Erythritol
1/3 cup Nutiva Coconut Flour
1/3 cup Fage 2% Greek Yogurt
1 teaspoon Baking Powder
Dash Cinnamon
Dash Vanilla
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4oz reduced fat Cream Cheese
1/3 cup 2% Fage Greek Yogurt
1/2 cup Swerve Confectioners Erythritol
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Sprinkles, optional (not included in macros)

     Mix first set of ingredients in bowl with beaters til well whipped.  Pour into 8'' greased and parchment lined cake pan.  Bake at 350 for 30 minutes, remove and cool.  Beat second set of ingredients til thoroughly incorporated, frost as desired.  Garnish with Sprinkles if desired (not included in macros).  Enjoy  :)

Blueberry Goat Cheese Salad

     One of my favorite things is warm chicken in a cool salad...hey, we all have our things and this happens to be one of mine!  What I love about this Blueberry Goat Cheese Salad is that it is perfect for any Season (warm or cool...#seewhatIdidthere).  And, if you have never experienced roasted Sweet Potatoes in a salad you are really missin' out...and, it's time to change that...right now.  Consider this large bowl 6-8 servings, and keep in mind how hungry you are and if you are in the mood to share... or not!  ;)

Ingredients for 6-8 servings~
2 large Sweet Potatoes, skinned and diced
Extra Virgin Olive Oil, enough to drizzle on diced Potatoes (approx 2-3 Tablespoons)
2 pounds boneless skinless Chicken Breast, diced
1/4 cup Kraft Lite Italian Roasted Red Pepper, plus more for dressing
Large plastic container of Baby Kale, approx 5oz
Large plastic container of Arugula, approx 5oz
6oz fresh Blueberries
4oz Goat Cheese, crumbled
1/4 cup slivered Almonds
2 Green Onions, diced

     Put skinned diced Sweet Potatoes on large foil lined cookie sheet, drizzle with enough Olive Oil to lightly coat, toss together for full coverage.  Bake at 450 for 45-50 minutes, flip half way thru cooking time.  Meanwhile, add diced Chicken to skillet along with 1/4 cup dressing, and heat til cooked thru.  In large Salad bowl, add Kale and Arugula, toss til combined.  Top with cooked diced Chicken, Sweet Potatoes, Blueberries, Goat Cheese, Almonds and Green Onions.  Season with Salt and Pepper if desired, and dress with extra Italian if desired (dressing not necessary depending on how you like your Salad).  Enjoy  :)

Shaved Brussels and Parmesan

     If you love your veggies, this will be your dream dish!  There are so many ways to enjoy Brussels Sprouts~ raw, cooked, steamed, roasted, or stir fried.  I took a walk on the wild side and decided to chop mine and stir fry them with a few of my favorite things.  This turned out so fabulous, I truly hope you give this one a try!  This should be referred to as a side dish extraordinaire!!!

Ingredients for 6-8 side dish servings~
1 Tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 medium sweet yellow Onion, chopped
1 Tablespoon minced Garlic
Dash Cayenne Pepper
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1 Tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 net pound of cleaned, chopped, sliced Brussels Sprouts
2 slices Turkey Bacon, chopped
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1 Tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
8-16oz sliced fresh Mushrooms
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Brown Spicy Mustard, desired amount (optional)
Shredded Parmesan, desired amount
Diced fresh Red Bell Pepper
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste

     Saute first set of ingredients in large skillet til Onions are golden brown, add second set of ingredients til Sprouts and Bacon pieces are cooked, add third set of ingredients til Mushrooms cooked thru.  Stir in Mustard if desired, sprinkle with Parmesan and Red Bell Pepper, season as desired.  Enjoy  :)

Natrol Turmeric

     You may know turmeric as the bright yellow spice with an aromatic kick that's responsible for the vibrant color of delicious Indian dishes like curry.  But turmeric is more than a culinary spice and is a versatile superfood with powerful antioxidant and health-promoting properties used by populations all over the world for thousands of years.
     Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, is what gives the spice its powerful benefits.  Curcumin has been extensively researched and shown to have multiple health benefits, from heart health to joint health to cellular health, to helping support a healthy inflammation response.
     Because of its poor solubility, only a very small amount of regular Curcumin is absorbed into the body.  That means, you typically need extremely large doses of standard Curcumin powder to experience its health benefits, which can be difficult to use on a regular basis.
     That's where Natrol Extra Strength Turmeric comes in.  It features CurcuWIN, a water soluble form of curcumin that has been proven to be 46 times more bioavailable than standard Curcumin Powder and significantly more bioavailable than other enhanced forms of Curcumin.  This means that your body will receive the optimal amount of Curcumin through simple daily dosing of one capsule.
     In addition to having better absorption, in a recent scientific study CurcuWIN also showed improved heart health and circulation in young healthy people.  What's more important for your general health than a healthy heart that pumps the equivalent of 2,000 gallons of blood each day and provides oxygen and nutrients to every part of the body?
     A happy, healthy heart means a happy, healthy you.  As mentioned, turmeric has also been shown in multiple studies to support cellular health, healthy inflammation, joint health, and brain health.  So put it to the test and give Natrol Extra Strength Turmeric a try and experience their safe, clinically studied, GMO-free CurcuWIN.  For more information and where to buy, visit https://www.natrol.com/products/extra-strength-turmeric/.  In good health, paige  :)

Theraband CLX

     Looking for a little something new to spice up your workout!?  I have answers for a fun method for strong muscles.  If you like the idea of being able to exercise everywhere, then keep reading.
     TheraBand CLX Consecutive Loops will inspire you and your work out.  Unique, reinforced loops make standard resistance exercises simpler and more comfortable and deliver new whole body exercises and unlimited creative possibilities.  Pick your level of resistance, download the Free App, and never look back.
     The Free Exercise App provides a CLX-exclusive exercise library with unique support tools.  And, these are not made with Natural Rubber Latex, so they are perfect for those with latex allergies or sensitivities.  There are 4 levels offered, Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced and Elite...you get to choose what level of challenge suits your needs.  For more information on this great product that really targets your specific muscles, visit www.therabandclx.com .  In good health, paige  :)

Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies

     If healthy is the name of your game, then I have a cookie that will add to your fun for a winning score!  Each of these 16 champions are only 34 calories, 2g net carbs and 2.5g protein.  Not only are these delicious, but oh so simple to whip together.  If you want to make a meal out of cookies, (and why wouldn't you...), these can easily turn into breakfast or lunch by consuming the perfect amount of TEN!  These are winners all the way around!

Ingredients for 16 cookies~
1/2 cup Oats
1 Tablespoon Coconut Oil, melted
1 scoop Quest Chocolate Milkshake Protein Powder
1 jumbo Egg
1/4 cup Swerve Granular Erythritol
2 Tablespoons Cocoa
2 Tablespoons 30 cal/cup Almond Milk
1 teaspoon Baking Powder
Dash Cinnamon
Dash Vanilla
1 Tablespoon Pecan pieces

     Add 5 Tablespoons of Oats to Magic Bullet and grind to powder, add to bowl along with rest of  Oats and ingredients minus the Pecans, and mix til well blended.  Drop by Tablespoon on Silpat lined cookie sheet and slightly pat down, sprinkle top of cookies with Pecans, bake at 350 for 7 minutes.  Enjoy  :)

Red Velvet Cake

     Red Velvet Cake is the perfect Valentines mascot for love.  Do we know how to celebrate at this house, or what! (btw, who decided chocolate with a slight red hue is more desirable!?...that one may even stump google)  Anyhoo, not only is this fun and delicious, each of these 8 pieces are only 195 calories, 6g net carbs and 11g protein.  If you are looking to impress your Sweetheart this year, surprise them with Red Velvet Cake (btw, who decided two layers were better than one!?...not complaining, in fact, grateful for more bites of cream cheese frosting)!

Ingredients for 8 servings~
1/4 cup Coconut Oil, melted
3/4 cup baked mashed Sweet Potato
1 scoop Quest Chocolate Milkshake Protein Powder
1/2 cup Lakanto Monk Fruit~use code Paige20 for discount at checkout
1/4 cup Cocoa
2 Extra Large Eggs
2 Tablespoons Coconut Flour
1 teaspoon Baking Powder
Dash Vanilla
Dash Cinnamon
Red or Electric Pink Food Coloring, optional for deeper color, desired amount
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4oz Cream Cheese
7oz 5% Fage Greek Yogurt
1/2 cup Lakanto Confectioners Monk Fruit~use code Paige20 at checkout for discount
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1 Tablespoon 100% Vanilla Casein Protein Powder, sub with other Vanilla or unflavored Protein Powder
1 Tablespoon Lakanto Confectioners Monk Fruit~use code Paige20 at checkout for discount
1-2 Tablespoons Water, to desired consistency
Pink Food Coloring

     Mix first set of ingredients til well blended, pour into Pam sprayed and parchment lined bottom of 7" or 8" cake pan.  Bake at 350 for 30 minutes, keep an eye to determine if done sooner, never over bake protein powder desserts as can be drying.  Cake will be done when center starts to crown.  Meanwhile, mix second and third set of ingredients til smooth and chill til cake has cooled.  After cake is done baking, flip upside down on wire rack to cool, split in half equally and frost each half with cream cheese frosting, then stack.  Add pink frosting to ziplock baggie, snip corner and decorate as desired.  Enjoy  :)

Hugs and Kisses Cookies

     What says love more than Hugs and Kisses Cookies!?  Nothin' I tell ya...  Whether you are celebrating Valentines, an anniversary or just a special occasion, this will keep the festivites going with out derailing your health.  The entire batch of all 6 huge cookies can be yours for only 417 calories, 7g net carbs and 40g protein (you could share this with a loved one...or eat them all for lunch just like me...#ooops)  Now that's amore'  :)

Ingredients for 6 cookies~
1 Tablespoon Coconut Oil, melted
6 Tablespoons Egg Whites
1 scoop Quest Chocolate Milkshake Protein Powder
1/4 cup Lakanto Monk Fruit~use code Paige20 at checkout for discount
2 Tablespoons Cocoa
2 Tablespoons Coconut Flour
1 teaspoon Baking Powder
Dash Cinnamon
Dash Vanilla
Red or Electric Pink Food Coloring, if desired for deeper Red Velvet Cake color
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1 Tablespoon Cream Cheese, softened to room temperature
1 Tablespoon Lakanto Confectioners Monk Fruit~use code Paige20 at checkout for discount
Water to desired consistency, if necessary
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Sprinkles, if desired for garnish

     Mix first set of ingredient til well incorporated, spray inside rim of heart shaped cookie cutter and set it on Silpat lined cookie sheet, separate dough in six equal parts, fill in cookie cutter with dough and gently remove cutter, repeat 5 more times.  Bake at 350 for 9 minutes.  Meanwhile, mix second of ingredients til smooth and chill in fridge til ready to frost, add to baggie, snip corner and  decorate as desired or with X's and O's like me, garnish with sprinkles if desired (not included in macros).  Enjoy  :)

Sweet Potato Toast

     It's good to have friends, especially those who keep up on the latest food trends (thanks Elizabeth)!  Such is the case with Sweet Potato Toast.  Do you know what all you can put on Sweet Potato Toast...well neither did I, til my friend filled me in.  Top with Fried Eggs, Avocado, Peanut Butter, or Peanut Butter and Jelly...or just let your imagination run wild and throw all caution to the wind and dream big (aka Cinnamon and Sugar/Erythritol)!  What a great way to start your day  :)

Ingredients for Sweet Potato Toast~
1 large Sweet Potato, sliced into 1/4 inch thick slices
Melted Coconut Oil

     Rub each slice of Sweet Potato with melted Coconut Oil and bake on Silpat lined cookie sheet at 450 for 45 minutes, flip over half way thru.  Top to your hearts desire!

Ganache Covered Peanut Butter Cup

     I just had to do it, I couldn't be stopped.  I found this new product from Kay's Naturals, Cinnamon Toast gluten-free protein pretzel sticks, and was so blown away I had to create an entire recipe around them (found them at Vitacost.com, get 10 dollars off with your first 30 dollar order by clicking http://goo.gl/jjEvV7).  This Ganache Covered Peanut Butter Cup can be yours for only 211 calories, 4g net carbs and 11g protein.  This melt in your mouth extravaganza is worth every morsel!  This is one to be experienced!

Ingredients for one serving~
1 Tablespoon Lily's stevia sweetened dark chocolate chips
1 teaspoon Betterbody Foods Coconut Oil
2 teaspoons 30 cal/cup Almond Milk
1 Quest Cravings Peanut Butter Cup
Kay's Naurals Cinnamon Toast Pretzels, for garnish
Dash of Salt, to taste

     Mix Chocolate, Oil and Milk in microwave safe bowl, heat for 20 seconds, stir til smooth (repeat if necessary), pour half into bottom of Silpat cupcake liner, top with Peanut Butter Cup and finish off with rest of Chocolate on top.  Garnish with Pretzel Sticks, and Salt to desire.  Rest til cooled, or chill in fridge til ready.  Enjoy  :)

Chicken Fried Rice

     Thank you universe for finally offering fabulously prepared riced cauliflower, the options are limitless!!!  Besides pizza crust, bread sticks, or taco shells, riced cauliflower can actually be used in place of rice.  Chicken Fried Rice just became a natural for this great product, found in the freezer department (and how happy am I to avoid the mess of doing it myself, never again will I go thru that big process).  And the macros are outstanding with this replacement, 8 hearty portions are only 214 calories, 8g net carbs and 31g protein.  You will never be able to tell the difference, if you don't believe me, just try it and see for yourself!  :)

Ingredients for 8 servings~
1 Tablespoon Sesame Oil
1 yellow Onion, diced
1 Tablespoon chopped Garlic
5 Green Onions, diced (separated White from Green)
1 Tablespoon fresh chopped Ginger
Dash Salt
12oz bag frozen Peas and Carrots, thawed
3 Tablespoons Lite Soy Sauce
24oz Green Giant Riced Cauliflower
2.5 pounds diced Chicken Breast or Tenders
1 Large Egg
1/3 cup Egg Whites

     Heat Oil in large skillet, add Onion, Garlic, White Parts of Green Onion, Ginger and Salt to taste, til golden brown, may take 20 minutes to get rich golden color.  Add Peas and Carrots til cooked thru, add Soy Sauce and Cauliflower til well cooked (can add lid to increase cook time).  Scoot veggie mixture to perimeter of skillet, add Chicken to middle and continue to cook til well done and incorporate with veggie mixture.  Stir in Egg and Egg Whites til cooked thru.  Serve and garnish with the diced Green portion of the Green Onions. Enjoy  :)