Mexican Rice

Try making this simple and delicious Mexican rice recipe as a side dish for your next meal! Brown rice provides plenty of fiber for bowel regularity and heart health. It is gluten-free, unrefined, and a great source of magnesium. Jalapeños are rich in vitamin A and help protect against free radicals and pathogenic microorganisms. Cumin contains plenty of flavonoids, which have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. This recipe is simple to make and is perfect for when you are looking for a quick side dish to prepare. Feel free to add in your favorite meat or enjoy by itself!   

Ingredients:

• 4 cups cooked brown rice

• 1 tbsp coconut oil, or cooking fat of choice

• 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and diced

• 1 white onion, chopped

• 2 medium tomatoes, chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, diced

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper

• ½ tsp cumin

• ¼ tsp smoked paprika

• 1 tsp salt

• Fresh sprouts for topping, optional

Instructions:

1) In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add in the onion, chopped tomato, and jalapeño and sauté for 2-3 minutes. Toss in the garlic and sauté for another minute.

2) Add in the tomato paste, cayenne pepper, cumin, paprika, salt, and stir all together. Toss in the cooked rice and cook for an additional minute or two. Serve with fresh sprouts on top and enjoy!

Raspberry Chia Pudding

Try making this sweet and easy raspberry chia pudding for your next breakfast or snack! Raspberries are high in fiber, an excellent source of Vitamin C, and can help manage blood sugar levels. Chia seeds are a great source of anti-inflammatory omega-3 fats and promote gut health. Maple syrup is the sweetener of choice for this recipe as it is naturally unrefined and provides minerals to fuel your day. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups unsweetened almond or coconut milk

• ½ cup chia seeds

• 1 pint raspberries

• 2 tbsp maple syrup

• Fresh berries and/or nut butter for topping, optional

Instructions:

1) Combine chia seeds and milk of choice in a jar and seal with lid. Shake the jar well and let sit overnight.

2) When ready to eat, combine the pint of raspberries and maple syrup into a saucepan. Heat mixture over medium heat until it boils, and then let simmer. Mash the berries well and cook for an additional 2-4 minutes.

3) Separate chia pudding into two separate glasses. Pour raspberry mixture over chia pudding. Top with extra fresh berries and/or nut butter and enjoy! 

Plantain Chips

Try making these quick and savory plantain chips to enjoy on the go! Plantains are known to be rich in potassium and are a great source of fiber. They are also high in Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and magnesium! Coconut oil strengthens the immune system, improves bone strength, and controls blood sugar levels. It also improves insulin secretion and promotes nutrient absorption. Adding sea salt to this recipe will provide you with plenty of minerals, electrolytes, and help with overall digestion. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

• 2 large plantains, peeled

• 1 ½ tbsp coconut oil

• ½ tsp sea salt

Instructions:

1) Preheat oven to 375 F and line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.

2) Slice plantains thinly (around ⅛ inch thick). Place in a bowl with melted coconut oil and evenly coat.

3) Place plantain slices on parchment paper in a single layer and space them around ½ inch apart.

4) Bake for around 17-20 minutes until golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool completely on a baking sheet. Sprinkle with sea salt and enjoy!

Brownie Cookies

Try making these gooey and decadent brownie cookies! Cocoa powder is known to be rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It helps in lowering blood pressure, is rich in iron, and has powerful antibacterial properties. Adding eggs to this recipe will provide you with brain boosting nutrients including choline and omega-3 fatty acids. Coconut flour is high in fiber, protein, and naturally gluten-free. Coconut oil improves immunity, boosts heart health, and aids in weight loss. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

• ⅔ cup dark chocolate chips

• 2 eggs

• ½ cup coconut flour

• 1 cup coconut sugar

• 3 tbsp coconut oil, melted

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• ⅓ cup cocoa powder

• 2 tsp baking soda

• 1 pinch sea salt

 Instructions:

1) Preheat oven to 350 F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2) In a bowl, combine eggs and coconut sugar. Mix until well combined.

3) Melt dark chocolate chips and coconut oil. Pour melted chocolate into the mixing bowl and stir to combine. Add in remaining ingredients and stir until a batter forms.

4) Use a cookie scoop to scoop and form dough on parchment paper.

5) Sprinkle sea salt on the top of each cookie.

6) Place in the oven and bake for 11-12 minutes. Take cookies out of the oven and let them cool for 3 minutes before placing them on a wire rack to cool. Enjoy!