Fuel up with protein and healthy fats for breakfast!
A meal that’s heavy in sugar and starch is no way to start your day – especially if you’re following the ketogenic diet.
These recipes from functional medicine specialist Mark Hyman, MD, are a great way for anyone — keto or not — to bring real, whole, fresh foods (including non-starchy vegetables) to your plate first thing in the morning.
There’s no spice quite as cozy as cinnamon. Turns out, this kitchen staple can provide a boost not only to your meals, but also to your body.
There’s no spice quite as cozy as cinnamon. As the weather gets colder, it becomes an ever more appealing addition to baked goods and savory dishes alike — and it turns out that this kitchen staple can provide a boost not only to your meals, but also to your body.
The health benefits of cinnamon may surprise you. Studies show that it has anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce blood sugar and cholesterol. So, why not work this versatile spice into your meal rotation? Here are a few tasty ways to do so.
Dinner thyme
Spices and herbs are the stars of this Baked Cinnamon-Thyme Chicken, with cinnamon providing a sweet nuttiness and thyme bringing an added earthiness. The end result is a healthy, flavorful dish that packs plenty of flavor and health benefits.
Feeling saucy
Looking for an alternative to applesauce? Kiddos and adults alike will gobble up Cinnamon Cranberry Sauce, with its similar texture and bold, red berries. Loaded with vitamins C and E, it’s delightful as a standalone side or atop your turkey.
Autumn-nom-nom
Subtly sweet and buttery, Baked Cinnamon Acorn Squash is a fall treat packed with beta carotene. Eat it as a side dish or snack — either way, it melts in your mouth. It’s also got powerful antioxidants that help your body kick free radicals to the curb.
Loaf around
Gluten-free and surprisingly simple to make, Spiced Sweet Potato Quick Bread combines the cozy flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg and mace. But there’s one ingredient you won’t find in this recipe — sugar.
Soothing sipper
On cold nights, there’s nothing like a hot beverage. Green Tea Infused With Apples & Cinnamon is a brain-healthy choice that’s steeped in flavor. Tea is a great source of potent antioxidants, and cinnamon adds both flavor and antioxidants.
An apple a day
Cinnamon pairs perfectly with all varieties of apples for an autumnal combo that can’t be beaten. Whether you’re seeking a healthy dessert (or breakfast) like Warm Apple Cinnamon Cranberry Crisp, whipping up a quick batch of No-Bake Apple Cinnamon Bites to munch on or looking for a guilt-free snack like Chewy Cinnamon Apple Rings, the opportunities are endlessly delicious.
Go for the gold
Tame inflammation and ease your soul by sipping on Almond Gold Milk with Apricots and Cinnamon, a unique blend of flavors made for soothing inflammation. Try this creamy concoction once, and you’ll want to enjoy it again and again.
Just peachy
Cinnamon for dessert! Get kids involved in making Grilled Peaches with Cinnamon Honey Yogurt Dip, a simple dish made with fresh fruit and a cool dipping sauce. It’s a refreshing, healthy and delicious way to end any meal.
Brownie points
OK, OK, cinnamon isn’t necessarily the standout star of these Fudgy Black Bean Brownies, but the spice is a key component that gives a subtle kick of taste and sweetness to these flourless treats. The black beans add texture but don’t interfere with the chocolate, we promise!
Popper topper
Loaded with fiber and heart-healthy polyphenols, Savory Seasoned Popcorn is one of the healthiest snacks around — and it’s not drowned in butter. Cinnamon makes for a tasty topping that brings antioxidant power and adds hardly any calories.
This savory Greek appetizer is usually made with a lot of butter and a lot of feta cheese, which is delicious, but not really heart-healthy. Our just-as-delicious recipe offers a lighter, heart-healthier alternative!
Ingredients
Olive oil cooking spray
1 small onion, minced
One 10-ounce package frozen, chopped spinach
1/3 cup crumbled reduced-fat feta cheese
1/4 cup 1% cottage cheese
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 1/2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
Freshly ground pepper
1 tablespoon egg substitute
5 sheets frozen phyllo dough, thawed
Refrigerated butter-flavored cooking spray
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 F. Coat a baking sheet with olive oil cooking spray.
Coat a large nonstick skillet with olive oil cooking spray. Add the onion and spinach; saute over medium-high heat until the spinach is thawed and the onion begins to wilt, 8 to 10 minutes. Stir frequently to break up clumps of spinach. Add the feta and cottage cheese along with the nutmeg, dill, pepper and egg substitute; mix well. Remove from heat and cool for 5 minutes.
Cut the phyllo dough into four lengthwise strips, covering the dough you’re not using with a damp tea towel so it doesn’t dry out. Coat each strip with the butter-flavored spray. Place a tablespoon of spinach mix on top of a strip of dough and fold over to make a triangle; continue folding over as if folding a flag. Place on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat, using all the remaining phyllo and filling. Coat each triangle with the butter-flavored spray. Bake for about 20 minutes, until browned. Serve warm.
Nutrition information (per serving)
Makes 20 pieces (10 servings/2 pieces serving)
Calories: 50 Total fat: 1.5 g Protein: 3 g Carbohydrate: 7 g Dietary fiber: 0 g Cholesterol: 0 mg Sodium: 180 mg Potassium: 60 mg
This superfood omelet is full of nutrient-rich veggies. Brussels sprouts and kale provide folate and glucosinolates. Seaweeds are full of minerals and avocados are loaded with healthy monounsaturated and saturated fats. Ingredients 2 large kale leaves, stemmed and halved lengthwise 4 Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved 3 large pasture-raised eggs 5 large pasture-raised egg whites freshly ground black pepper and sea salt, to taste 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 6 crimini mushrooms, sliced 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill 2 (1/2-ounce) packages roasted seaweed snacks (see note*) 2 cups baby spinach 1 avocado, peeled, pitted and sliced, for garnish 1 teaspoon white truffle oil (optional, for garnish) Note: If you can’t find roasted seaweed snacks, you can substitute 1 ounce plain nori. Before using nori, brush it with a tiny bit of oil and toast it in a lightly oiled skillet over medium-heat for 10 to 15 seconds on each side. Cut into 3-inch squares before using in the omelet. Directions Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high-heat. When it boils, add a large pinch of sea salt. Drop in the kale leaves and Brussels sprouts and blanch just until they turn a brighter shade of green, 2 to 3 minutes. Drain well. Crack the 3 eggs into a medium mixing bowl, and then add the 5 egg whites. Whisk the eggs together and season with salt and black pepper, to taste. Heat the oil in a large nonstick pan over medium-heat. Add the eggs and immediately turn the heat down to low. Stir to scramble the eggs, tilting the pan to distribute them in an even layer. As soon as the eggs are no longer runny, arrange the Brussels sprouts on one side of the omelet and scatter the mushrooms over them. Add the kale and sprinkle the cilantro and dill on top. Cover the herbs all with the seaweed snacks and top with the spinach. Cover the pan and cook over the lowest possible heat for 5 minutes. Fold the omelet in half and then cut it into 4 sections. Garnish each portion with a few slices of avocado and a drizzle of truffle oil, if using. Serve immediately. Nutritional information Each slice of omelet contains: Calories 248 Fat 18g Saturated fat 3g Cholesterol 123mg Fiber 6g Protein 14g Carbohydrate 12g Sodium 120mg Facebook Twitter
What you see: Cute baby moments and joyful strolls. What you don’t: Sleepless nights and silent struggles. And there’s so much more! Comment below what you want to add to the list!
What you see: Cute baby moments and joyful strolls. What you don’t: Sleepless nights and silent struggles. And there’s so much more! Comment below what you want to add to the list!