Protein Berry Crunch

Have you ever had something so good, you crave it every meal of the day? For the past few days, this has been my go-to post workout meal, but I find myself craving it for lunch and at night. It's that good!

Being vegetarian, I am always looking for little ways here and there to sneak in more protein in my diet. I try to eat 1 gram of protein per pound of body weight. So that's...one hundred and...c'mon you didn't really think I would tell you how much I weigh, did you? But yes, that is a good rule to go by when it comes to protein macro numbers. 

After the gym, I come home starving. Like hangry starving. I am always in a rush because that is when I'm getting my kids out the door for school, so I need something quick and easy. This tasty little parfait does the trick. It also contains some healthy carbs which is SUPER important post workout. You need to replenish those muscles with protein and healthy carbs. Plus fiber is an essential part of a healthy diet. The cereal I use in this parfait contains loads of fiber. Fiber helps you stay fuller longer. Whenever I eat this parfait, I am always full for at least 4 hours. This is very helpful when you are looking to lose weight.

Protein Berry Crunch

First thing you will want to do is make some Protein Pudding. 

Protein Pudding

1/2 cup plain greek yogurt

1/2 scoop protein powder (any flavor will work, I chose to use vanilla)

1 tsp of water to thinn it out into a pudding consistency

Cut up strawberries and wash any other berries you want to use

Layer:

Protein Pudding

Berries

Handful of Fiber One Cereal

Pudding 

Handful of Fiber One Cereal

Berries

You can also drizzle some natural nut butter on top. 

Toasted Coconut is also really yummy too. Get creative!

Enjoy!

XO,

Veggie Lisa

Roasted Brussel Sprout and Kale Salad

Last week I went to Southern California with my daughter for a cheer competition. We were able to escape to Huntington Beach one day and my friend introduced me to BJ's Restaurant and Brewhouse.  I was a little worried about finding something healthy to eat, even though everything looked so amazing on the menu. But low and behold I found a Roasted Brussel Sprout Salad and it was amazing. I kind of have a thing for roasted veggies. Literally, it probably the best salad I have ever had at a chain restaurant. After coming home, I was determined to recreate it. Last night we had it as our main entree ( I served it with salmon) and my family gobbled it right up. I was secretly hoping for some leftovers for lunch today, but it was that good! This salad is chocked full of nutrients from all of the Superfoods.

-walnuts (omega 3s)
-brussel sprouts (phytonutrients)
-blueberries (antioxidants)
-pepitas (essential fatty acids)

Roasted Brussel Sprout and Kale Salad 
serves about 8 as a side salad/4 as a main salad

-1 lb of brussel sprouts tried and cut in half. Roast them in EVOO at 450 for 20-25 mins
-1/2 cup of pepitas or pumpkin seeds (these taste best roasted...toss in a dry pan until they become    fragrant...set aside)
-1/4 cup candied walnuts or pecans (toss in maple syrup. toast in oven on 350 for 5-7 mins)

Now I know there are a few working parts to this salad, i.e. the items above, but it really can go quickly if you do it at the same time. Plus this salad is friggin' delicious...

Place the following in a large salad bowl:
-1 head of romaine lettuce, cut and washed
-4 cups baby kale (or kale cut very small)
-1/4 cup blueberries
-1 cup diced cucumbers
-1/2 cup purple grapes, halved
-1/4 cup golden raisins (the original recipe has Cranrasins in it, but did you know those suckers have as much sugar as a Snickers bar..for real...even the 1/2 sugar ones are high and made with Sucralose)
-1/4 cup feta cheese or goat cheese (the goat cheese gives the salad a strong flavor)
-1/4 cup diced red onion

When the sprouts, pepitas and nuts are done, place them on top of the salad. These will give the salad a nice crunch.

Strawberry Vinaigrette
2 TBSP apple cider vinegar
2 TBSP EVOO
1TBSP raw honey
1/4 tsp sea salt
1/4 tsp ground pepper
1 1/2 c sliced strawberries

Place all ingredients in a blender and pulse until creamy

Enjoy!!

XO, 

Veggie Lisa