Try our lighter carrot cake recipe.@clevelandclinic #homebaking

Try our lighter carrot cake, which the entire family will love. It has just the right texture, like a slightly sweetened, light corn bread. It’s great on its own or with a dollop of frozen whipped topping or nonfat ice cream.

Ingredients

No-stick baking spray with flour
1 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
½ cup whole wheat flour
½ cup granulated sugar substitute
¼ cup packed light brown sugar
¼ cup nonfat dry milk
1 ¼ teaspoons baking soda
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ teaspoon ground allspice
¼ cup canola oil
1 large egg
¾ cup egg substitute
1 ½ cups finely grated carrots
2 tablespoons finely chopped walnuts
2 tablespoons golden raisins ƒ
One 6-ounce can unsweetened crushed pineapple, drained ƒ
2 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar, optional

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Coat a 10-inch pan with baking spray.
  2. Sift the white and whole wheat flours into a large bowl. Add the sugar substitute, brown sugar, dry milk, baking soda, baking powder and spices. Stir to mix well. Using the medium setting of an electric mixer, beat in the oil, egg and egg substitute until the batter is smooth. Fold in the carrots, walnuts, raisins and pineapple.
  3. Spread the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean. Cool in the pan. Remove the outer ring of the pan and sift confectioners’ sugar over the top, if desired. Serve at room temperature.

Nutrition information

ƒMakes 12 servings.

Serving: 1 slice

Calories: 120 (33% calories from fat) ƒ
Fat: 4.5g ƒ
Saturated Fat: 0g ƒ
Protein: 3g ƒ
Carbohydrates: 17g ƒ
Dietary Fiber: 1g ƒ
Cholesterol: 15mg ƒ
Sodium: 180mg ƒ
Potassium: 125mg

Dietitian’s Note: Never has carrot cake tasted so good, and been so guiltless! When compared to traditional carrot cake with icing, you save 180 calories, 12 grams of fat, and 4 grams of saturated fat. 

Berry Smoothie Bowl 🤪 @ClevelandClinic. creamy, crunchy

Recipe: Berry Smoothie Bowl

A creamy smoothie with crunchy toppings — in a bowl!

Ingredients

Smoothie base

  • 1 1/2 cups plain yogurt
  • 1 banana, frozen
  • 1/2 cup orange juice
  • 1 cup berries of your choice
  • 1 tablespoon flaxseeds
  • 1 scoop vanilla plant-based protein powder, optional

Toppings

  • 1 tablespoon slivered almonds
  • 1 teaspoon chia seeds
  • 1 tablespoon pomegranate seeds

Directions

  1. Blend all base ingredients together until smooth, adjusting for sweetness and thickness.
  2. Serve immediately in a large bowl with toppings.

Ingredient health benefits

  • Yogurt: With probiotics and prebiotics to go around, yogurt is a great way to show your stomach some love. Yogurt is also a complete protein, which means it has all nine essential amino acids that your body needs to function properly (but can’t make on its own). And, most famously, it has calcium to keep your bones happy and healthy.
  • Bananas: Most everyone knows that bananas are a great source of potassium, but there’s so much more to this zany-looking fruit than popular knowledge conveys. Bananas also have magnesium and vitamin B6, which help regulate blood pressure and metabolism. And they have fiber to keep your gut working properly.
  • Flaxseed: This little seed really is worth the hype. Flaxseed is a source of omega-3 fatty acids (omega-3s, for short), which are vital for your body to function as it should. Flaxseed also has fiber and antioxidants that fight damaging free radicals and chronic inflammation.
  • Almonds: This nut may seem ordinary, but its benefits certainly aren’t. Almonds are rich in calcium and unsaturated fats that raise your “good” (HDL) cholesterol. Your brain will also thank you for the flavonoids and vitamin E.
  • Chia seeds: Another tiny seed with plenty of perks, chia seeds improve your digestion and promote the growth of good bacteria that keep your gut healthy. Their quirky ability to expand in fluid can help you stay fuller for longer when they’re in your stomach juices, which can be helpful if you’re trying to lose weight.
  • Pomegranate seeds: These little gems are as good for you as they taste. The squishy packets around the seeds contain juice that’s high in antioxidants, which might support the health of your heart. Pomegranate juice may also have cancer-fighting abilities, but research is ongoing. Still, incorporating pomegranates into a hearty, nutritious diet wouldn’t hurt!

Nutrition information (per serving)

Makes 4 servings
Serving = 3/4 cup

Calories: 160
Carbohydrate: 27 g
Sugars: 17 g
Fiber: 4 g
Saturated fat: 0.5 g
Cholesterol: 5 mg
Protein: 9 g
Sodium: 70 mg

It’s fun and healthy to make pizza on the grill. It’s also quick and easy — and sure to be a family favorite. @ClevelandClinic

Recipe: Grilled Chicken Pesto Pizza

It’s fun and healthy to make pizza on the grill. It’s also quick and easy — and sure to be a family favorite. Experiment with different vegetables and fruits on your grill this season for healthy, tasty meals.

Ingredients

  • 1 package prepared whole-wheat pizza crust (found in refrigerated section)
  • 1/2 cup prepared pesto sauce
  • 4 ounces soft, low-fat goat cheese, cut in small cubes
  • 1 large ripe tomato, sliced thin
  • 1/3 cup fresh or canned roasted red pepper, drained well and cut in thin strips
  • 6 ounces precooked chicken breast, cut into small chunks

Directions

  1. Spray or brush grill grate with oil. Preheat grill to medium-high.
  2. Brush or spray a cutting board or large pan with olive oil. Spread out pizza dough with oiled fingers into the desired crust shape.
  3. Prepare vegetables, chicken and cheese in small cups or bowls. Set aside.
  4. When you’re ready to grill, put pizza dough on grill and cover.
  5. Cook for approximately 2 to 3 minutes, or until the top begins to bubble and the bottom is lightly browned.
  6. Flip over and brush with pesto sauce.
  7. Working quickly, add the tomatoes, roasted red peppers and chicken. Dot with cheese.
  8. Cover and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes or until the cheese is melted. Take off the heat and enjoy!

Nutrition information (per serving)

Makes 6 servings
Serving size = one slice

Calories: 428
Protein: 24 g
Total fat: 12 g
Saturated fat: 5 g
Sodium: 540 mg
Calcium: 95 mg
Fiber: 6 g
Sugar: 3 g
Potassium: 410 mg
Magnesium: 80 mg

It’s fun and healthy to make pizza on the grill. It’s also quick and easy — and sure to be a family favorite. @ClevelandClinic

Recipe: Grilled Chicken Pesto Pizza

It’s fun and healthy to make pizza on the grill. It’s also quick and easy — and sure to be a family favorite. Experiment with different vegetables and fruits on your grill this season for healthy, tasty meals.

Ingredients

  • 1 package prepared whole-wheat pizza crust (found in refrigerated section)
  • 1/2 cup prepared pesto sauce
  • 4 ounces soft, low-fat goat cheese, cut in small cubes
  • 1 large ripe tomato, sliced thin
  • 1/3 cup fresh or canned roasted red pepper, drained well and cut in thin strips
  • 6 ounces precooked chicken breast, cut into small chunks

Directions

  1. Spray or brush grill grate with oil. Preheat grill to medium-high.
  2. Brush or spray a cutting board or large pan with olive oil. Spread out pizza dough with oiled fingers into the desired crust shape.
  3. Prepare vegetables, chicken and cheese in small cups or bowls. Set aside.
  4. When you’re ready to grill, put pizza dough on grill and cover.
  5. Cook for approximately 2 to 3 minutes, or until the top begins to bubble and the bottom is lightly browned.
  6. Flip over and brush with pesto sauce.
  7. Working quickly, add the tomatoes, roasted red peppers and chicken. Dot with cheese.
  8. Cover and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes or until the cheese is melted. Take off the heat and enjoy!

Nutrition information (per serving)

Makes 6 servings
Serving size = one slice

Calories: 428
Protein: 24 g
Total fat: 12 g
Saturated fat: 5 g
Sodium: 540 mg
Calcium: 95 mg
Fiber: 6 g
Sugar: 3 g
Potassium: 410 mg
Magnesium: 80 mg

As more people are drinking less, here are some of the benefits: better sleep, less anxiety/depression, memory is better, fewer tummy problems…@ClevelandClinic

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Cleveland Clinic

@ClevelandClinic

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As more people are drinking less, there’s been an uptick in more drink companies creating nonalcoholic options. But it can still be tough to figure out which of these options are healthy. Keep an eye on ingredients like sugar, artificial sweeteners and caffeine. If you’re choosing nonalcoholic alternatives, consider options that are low in added sugars and free from unnecessary additives. Consulting a healthcare provider can help ensure your choices support your overall well-being.

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