When you think of breakfast, what comes to mind? Eggs, most likely, as they are some of the most common components on breakfast plates. Eggs provide potassium, protein, vitamins A, D, and B12, and choline, an essential nutrient for many metabolic processes. It’s common for people dealing with cholesterol issues to avoid them, as the yolk contains cholesterol. The research shows that the cholesterol in eggs does not seem to negatively affect healthy people, compared to other sources of cholesterol. 

Things take a turn for the worse when you start eating eggs with bacon, cheese, butter, bread, and hash browns. For some reason, that is the classic American breakfast, but it contains a lot of sodium and saturated fat, two things that increase the risk of heart disease. You can start your day with a lot of other breakfast foods that provide more fiber, protein, and antioxidants for cardiovascular health. 

Chia Pudding

Chia seeds contain a lot of soluble fiber, which creates a gel-like substance in the digestive tract. The seeds bloom in liquid to create a pudding that has a similar consistency to tapioca. Soluble fiber may help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels by reducing its absorption in the digestive tract. Chia seeds also provide a lot of omega-3 fatty acids, which encourage optimal heart and brain function. Studies show omega-3s may help control inflammation within the body. You can incorporate nuts, nut butter, spices like cinnamon, and fruits into chia pudding for a balanced breakfast. 

Almond Butter Overnight Oats

Just like chia pudding, you can prepare overnight oats at night and have your breakfast be ready to go in the morning. That helps you save a little time and eliminates the “what should I eat?” question from your morning routine. Oats are naturally rich in protein, fiber, unsaturated fats, and magnesium. Combining oats with almond butter creates a fiber-rich meal that supports cholesterol and blood sugar control. The fiber in oats has been proven to naturally lower cholesterol levels. The magnesium in almond butter helps support healthy blood pressure and may reduce the risk of hypertension by relaxing blood vessels. 

Quinoa Breakfast Bowl

Quinoa for breakfast? Absolutely! It is not reserved for savory lunch or dinner options; rather, you can cook it with almond milk, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and pure maple syrup, or other options that you prefer. You cook the quinoa in the almond milk (or other liquid) with your ingredients of choice, creating a breakfast porridge of sorts. Quinoa is rich in fiber, protein, and antioxidants, and studies confirm that quinoa contains plant compounds that encourage optimal cholesterol levels. Plus, the fiber and polyphenol content may help fight oxidative stress that contributes to cardiovascular disease. 

Oatmeal With Flax Seeds And Blueberries

Let us first clarify that oatmeal from a packet that contains processed ingredients and lots of sugar is not a healthy breakfast. Oatmeal made with rolled or old-fashioned oats is what we are referring to. Oats are naturally rich in soluble fiber, particularly beta-glucan, which is a type of fiber that forms a gel in the digestive tract to reduce cholesterol absorption. Research suggests that regular beta-glucan intake can help lower LDL cholesterol levels. Adding blueberries to your oatmeal provides necessary plant compounds that may improve blood vessel function and encourage optimal brain health. Finally, flax seeds provide omega-3s and lignans, which are plant compounds linked to lower risk of cardiovascular disease. 

Peanut Butter And Cacao Smoothie

Cacao powder contains beneficial plant compounds called flavanols, which work to encourage healthy blood flow and protect blood vessels from oxidative stress. Peanut butter contains beneficial fats and fiber, two things associated with healthier cholesterol levels. Just make sure you purchase healthy, natural peanut butter that is free of unhealthy oils and added sugars. Peanuts or roasted peanuts should be the only ingredients. Anyways, add some banana, spinach, cacao powder, peanut butter, and unsweetened almond milk to your smoothie and you’ve got yourself a great breakfast.

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What is cinnamon vanilla cashew butter? Please, allow us to introduce you to your new, favorite indulgence. It is regular homemade cashew butter, but with the addition of warming cinnamon and vanilla. It’s as though plain old cashew butter got dressed up for a night on the town. Didn’t this recipe arrive just in time for this cooler fall weather? Not only is it incredibly easy to make (although blending process can be a little lengthy), but it is also brimming with flavor.

If you have ever browsed the raw vegan nut butters at the grocery store, you know that they can be quite expensive. That is especially true for cashew butter and almond butter. Instead of paying $21 for a small jar of raw cashew butter, buy a large bag of raw cashews and you can make multiple jars yourself. All you need is a food processor, the cashews, cinnamon, and alcohol-free vanilla extract. Just keep in mind that it can take 10-15 minutes to become velvety smooth. You will have to stop blending, scrape down the sides of the processor bowl, and continue blending to ensure all of the cashews blend evenly. You can also leave it a little chunky if that’s what you prefer.

One thing to keep in mind about this highly addictive cashew butter is that it does come with a small price. It is naturally rich in calories and fats, even though they are healthy fats. Keep servings small because you can rack up a lot of calories very quickly if you go at this jar with a spoon. If losing weight is your goal, keep yourself away from this, or keep your portions very small and limited.

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Golden milk, or turmeric milk, has been a part of Indian culture for centuries. Not only is the drink bright gold, which stems from the turmeric, but it also offers a rich, smooth flavor and several health benefits. In present day, golden milk has made its way onto trendy coffee shop menus. It is usually listed as turmeric latte, which infuses coffee into the classic beverage. That said, there are many places that serve the traditional recipe of turmeric, animal- or plant-based milk, and other spices and sweeteners.

And now that soothing drink has been transformed into energy balls. Isn’t that incredible?! These are especially great to enjoy if you love to snack. One thing we can say is that these are much healthier to snack on than a bag of chips or box of crackers. They are nutritionally balanced, offering both macro and micronutrients. You get the carbohydrates from the fruit and protein and healthy fats from the nuts and nut butter. The micronutrients come from the turmeric, desiccated coconut, and dates. The combination of macros and micros can help you remain full between meals and keep you from experiencing a sugar rush and crash.

If you are not the biggest turmeric fan, this is a great entry point. It can be a little bitter and very strong, which is why you may not be a turmeric latte lover. The dates and dried mangos provide sufficient sweetness to balance turmeric’s naturally bitter flavor. Plus, the cashews and cashew butter add a pleasant nuttiness that not only enhances the flavor of the energy balls, but also gives them a chewy and creamy texture.

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Don’t want to snack on freshly cut fruit or chopped vegetables while cleansing? Time to make some energy balls! You can fully customize energy balls with different nuts, nut butters, seeds, seed butters, dried fruit, and more. This recipe, however, is nut-free and only requires three ingredients: dates, hemp hearts, and desiccated coconut. To make the quick distinction, desiccated coconut is not the same as a package of sweetened coconut flakes you see in the baking aisle of a grocery store. Desiccated coconut is unsweetened, grated coconut meat that has been dehydrated. Because it has no added sugars, the flavor is slightly nuttier.

Although any date variety will work for this recipe, we recommend Medjool dates because they are usually sweeter and more flavorful. Not a fan of dates? You can replace them with another dried fruit, such as dried figs or raisins. Just play around with the measurements in order to yield the best consistency possible. Energy balls are not an exact science, so your measurements do not need to be exact. We often eyeball each batch and they turn out just fine! If you are a stickler for the rules, though, we have the measured recipe for you to follow.

Due to the thick nature of the energy ball batter, which you form into balls with your hands, you must use a food processor. A food processor will easily blend the ingredients together until they form a clumpy, dough-like consistency. Once you achieve that, it’s time to get rolling! Just make sure that you wet your hands with water first to avoid the mixture sticking to your hands. It will yield about 10-12 energy balls, which you can store in an airtight container in the fridge for two weeks, or in the freezer for up to two months.

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You don’t have to go out and buy an ice cream machine or churner in order to enjoy homemade ice cream. As long as you have a blender or food processor and a freezer-safe container, you can enjoy a guilt-free dessert such as this recipe. Sure, peanut butter and chocolate ice cream is highly popular, but not everyone is a fan. Some people are also allergic to peanuts, so having an almond butter ice cream is the next best (and safest) option, provided there are no additional nut allergies.

A nut butter ice cream is such a simple concept, but packs a lot of flavor. Nut butters are naturally creamy and thick, so they help make the raw vegan ice cream a little creamier, acting similarly to frozen bananas. The dates in this recipe also help thicken the ice cream, but make sure that you soak them for one to two hours prior to blending them with the rest of the ingredients. The soaking process helps soften them, making the job a little easier on your blender. If you plan to use a food processor or have a VitaMix, you don’t have to soak your dates for longer than 15-30 minutes.

The almond butter primarily flavors this ice cream, and the flavor may change depending on the almond butter you use. Your choices are limited for almond butter since you have to use raw almond butter while cleansing. That said, different brands typically taste different. No matter which raw almond butter you use, one thing is for certain: this raw ice cream is absolutely delicious and creamy. We hope you love it as much as we do. How could you not? It’s a great source of healthy fats, protein, omega-3s, magnesium, and other vitamins and minerals.

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Five ingredients…that is all you need to make your next favorite smoothie. It’s beautiful when a recipe such as this comes together and tastes better and better with every sip. Adding nut butter to your smoothie can be a real game changer, especially if you are cleansing. Not only does it add healthy fat and protein, but it also adds a nutty flavor that gives your palate a break from fruits and vegetables. It’s that new guest at the party that is a hit with everyone!

The banana is a classic smoothie ingredient, but we feel that it gets used without much thought. It’s as though people add bananas to smoothies just because. It’s an easy ingredient to incorporate into a smoothie, with the added benefit of making a smoothie creamier and naturally sweet. Bananas happen to be great sources of vitamin B6, vitamin C, fiber, manganese, potassium, and magnesium. The vitamin B6 is easily absorbed by the body, and one banana can provide nearly 25% of your recommended daily intake. Vitamin B6 help the body metabolize carbohydrates, fats, and amino acids, and helps maintain a healthy nervous system.

That means that the banana can help your body metabolize the fats and protein from almond butter and use them for energy efficiently. Additionally, the dietary fiber in both banana and almond butter can help keep you full for longer. That’s why we encourage you to make this smoothie for breakfast. You may just avoid unnecessary snacking before you eat lunch! 

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Homemade nut butter is just the way to go, folks. You only need two ingredients and a food processor to make a smooth and creamy nut butter that is free of preservatives and other unnecessary ingredients. Unlike store bought brands, this macadamia nut butter is free of palm oil, lectins, peanuts, and added sugars. That means that this nut butter is raw vegan, Whole30-approved, Paleo, grain-free, gluten-free, keto, and sugar-free. The subtle hint of sea salt perfectly complements the robust macadamia nuts.

Is homemade macadamia nut butter better than store bought varieties? While both are great options, making your own allows you to control the ingredients and blend until you reach your desired consistency. Perhaps you enjoy a nut butter that is just between chunky and smooth. Maybe you like nut butter to be velvety smooth, and you can have control over that when you make your own. Plus, homemade macadamia nut butter is nearly identical in price as the store bought version. Depending on which stores you have access to, you may or may not always see macadamia nut butter available. If you find raw macadamia nuts, though, you can transform them into a luxurious butter.

You will need a food processor for this recipe because a blender just won’t cut it. To achieve a smooth nut butter, you will probably have to blend for three to five minutes, stopping to scrape down the sides periodically. Just keep blending, scraping down the sides, and blending again until you achieve a smooth consistency. Once you are satisfied, spoon the butter into a container, seal the lid, and refrigerate. Use when ready.

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Every cell in the human body contains protein, and one could argue that proteins are the building blocks of life. You need protein in your diet to help the body repair cells and produce new ones. Protein is also necessary for growth and development in children, teenagers, and pregnant women. 

By adding protein-rich foods to your diet, you can support immune function and create necessary hormones and neurotransmitters. Protein can also improve body composition, support blood sugar regulation, and aid weight loss. Be mindful of your protein sources, though, as some foods and drinks can both meet and exceed daily protein needs. Some foods and drinks may also not contain as much protein as you think. We’ve detailed some common culprits in this article. 

Chia Seeds

Don’t get us wrong, we love some chia seeds because they contain a lot of fiber, magnesium, selenium, calcium, and zinc. Although they are rich in these nutrients and other healthy fats, they are not particularly high in protein. One ounce of chia seeds contains 4.68 grams (g) of protein. Because you typically consume chia seeds in smaller portions (such as one or two tablespoons at a time), they should not be labeled a high-protein food. That said, they do contain a diverse mix of nutrients that are beneficial for overall health.

Granola Bars

These bars may be convenient for snacking, but they are not the best protein sources. In fact, many granola bars contain lots of processed ingredients and excess sugar. Sometimes, the healthier varieties provide complex carbs and fiber, but only contain a few grams of protein. Choose high-protein bars that offer at least 12 g of protein per serving. That amount of protein can help keep you satiated between meals and promote blood sugar regulation. 

Nut Milks

Although nut milks are great non-dairy alternatives to regular cow’s milk, they are not particularly high in protein. Cow’s milk typically provides 9.5 g of protein per cup, on average. Most people choose not to consume it nowadays for health preferences, dietary concerns, or environmental reasons. Nut milks provide other nutrients that are beneficial, but only a couple provide a sufficient amount of protein, specifically coconut milk, pea milk, and soy milk. Some people can compensate for the low protein content of nut milks by adding a scoop of collagen peptides to the beverage, as they tend to provide 12 g of protein per scoop.

Regular Yogurt

Yogurt makes for a great breakfast and snack option. Some types of yogurt are healthier than others, though, and the same rule applies for protein content. Plain Greek yogurt is the best yogurt option regarding nutrition. It is a great source of protein, providing nearly twice the amount of protein compared to regular fruity yogurts. Not to mention, Greek yogurt doesn’t contain the sugars and processed ingredients that flavored yogurts do. A six-ounce container of Greek yogurt offers 17.3 g of protein! It also contains 50% fewer carbs than regular yogurt. 

Peanut Butter

Peanut butter is commonly thought to be an excellent source of protein. While it offers vitamin E, folate, healthy fats, and other beneficial nutrients, it only offers a small amount of protein. Peanut butter provides eight g of protein per two tablespoons, which is not enough to be categorized as a high-protein food. That same serving contains 200 calories, so you would need to consume several hundred calories to get a lot of protein from peanut butter. 

Broth

Trying to get more protein in your life via soups, stews, and other recipes means that you have to select the right broth. One cup of regular chicken broth contains 3.26 g of protein, making it a low-protein food. Bone broth, however, is more concentrated and contains more protein. Be mindful that packaged broths, even bone broths, tend to contain a lot of sodium. Bone broth also helps to increase your collagen intake. 

Hummus

Hummus is a wonderful dip and chickpeas are naturally rich in protein. One cup of cooked chickpeas offers 14.5 g of protein! Because you consume hummus in small amounts, it is not as high in protein as people think. A quarter cup of hummus provides 4.77 g of protein, which is not enough to be classified as a high-protein dip. If you want to consume more protein, consider eating hummus with high-protein foods, or eat more chickpeas.

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Before we get started on great late-night snacks that support weight loss, let’s take note of a 2015 study that revealed snacking at night leads to overeating. As you know, overeating contributes to weight gain. However, if you plan to go to bed and hear your stomach growling, it is very tempting to reach for something quick and tasty. The problem is that most people reach for the wrong snacks to hold them over. 

Sometimes, it’s very possible that you did not eat enough during the day and need a snack to tide you over until morning. There are many hunger-curbing snacks that are healthy to enjoy before bed. The key is to choose low-calorie foods that keep you full without exceeding your caloric limit. Choose from the following healthy late-night snacks when hunger strikes. 

Oatmeal

There’s nothing wrong with a little A.M in the P.M. A bowl of warm oatmeal is quite the filling late-night snack because it is rich in fiber, offering four grams per half cup of uncooked oats. One serving of plain oatmeal has about 160 calories, according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). It is low in fat and sugar, provided you don’t use those packets of processed oatmeals. Cook your oats in water and season them with cinnamon and a little maple syrup to keep the calories down. 

Fruit With Nut Butter

Some people argue against eating fruit at night because it can ferment in the gut overnight. As long as you know your digestive system, you can plan to eat the right fruits, which are typically low in calories and high in fiber. If you want a sweet treat, opt for fruit instead of ice cream or cake because the natural sugar will satisfy your sweet tooth. Consider eating whole fruits, such as grapes, apples, pears, cherries, berries, or grapes, all of which provide about 80 calories per cup. If you need something a little more substantial than fruit, try dipping your fruit in either low-fat yogurt, natural peanut butter, or almond butter. Be careful with how much nut butter you eat, though, because it can have about 90-100 calories per tablespoon. 

Popcorn

Do not grab a packet of movie theater popcorn and eat the entire thing while watching Netflix. If you want to get your crunch on, sub those unhealthy chips and crackers with air-popped popcorn. One serving of popped popcorn without butter offers just 31 calories. You don’t have to eat it plain; rather, you can season your popcorn with some garlic powder, black pepper, chili powder, or other seasonings to liven up the flavor. You can choose to put nutritional yeast on the popcorn for a cheesy flavor, but keep in mind that a two tablespoon serving contains 50 calories. 

Veggies And Hummus

Vegetables are some of the lowest calorie foods you can enjoy, and they typically contain a lot of water and fiber. One cup of raw carrot sticks, celery, bell peppers, snap peas, cucumber, broccoli, or zucchini offers between 25 to 50 calories. In addition to helping you feel full, vegetables provide lots of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, all of which benefit overall health. To provide extra sustenance, dip your vegetables in one to two tablespoons of hummus. Eating too much hummus will increase your caloric intake a lot, so be careful with your portions. 

Protein-Rich Foods

Don’t go grab a tomahawk steak and eat it like a caveman; rather, focus on high-fiber, protein-rich foods that move slowly through the digestive tract. A great high-protein and healthy fat option is mixed nuts. Just be mindful of your portions because an ounce provides 170 calories. You can also consume low-fat yogurt with some berries. Eggs can also be a great source of proteins, with one large hard-boiled egg providing 75 calories.

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Kiwis are great because they offer more vitamin C than oranges. They exhibit a slightly tart flavor with a sweet undertone, which comes through in this green anti-inflammatory smoothie. Some people don’t like their signature tartness, but blending them into smoothies with other ingredients may help sway that decision.

For this smoothie, the citrusy sweetness from the orange complements the signature kiwi flavor. The banana and raw agave nectar add a pleasant sweetness to balance the tart flavors. Even though this smoothie looks like blended grass clippings, the taste is far from that. In fact, you can always add a touch more agave if you prefer a sweeter smoothie. Just don’t go overboard with the agave because you don’t want this smoothie to be a sugar bomb, even if the agave is a natural sweetener.

Spinach is a great green to add to your smoothies because it doesn’t have a strong flavor. Add other fruit or nut butters, for example, to a spinach smoothie will completely hide the mild leafy green. Spinach is a low-calorie leafy green that contains vitamins A, C, and E, in addition to magnesium, zinc, and antioxidant compounds. Researchers note that leafy greens like spinach can help reduce inflammation in the body and improve immune function. It also helps maintain mucus membranes, which are essential for eyesight!

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