Slow-Cooked BBQ Pork Chops

This slow-cooked BBQ pork chop recipe is not only tasty but will have your home smelling delicious while cooking in your slow cooker all day. Pork is known to be full of protein as well as low in sodium and fat. It is high in thiamin, vitamin B12, selenium, and zinc! Tomatoes are high in an antioxidant called lycopene, which helps reduce your risk for cardiovascular disease and cancer. Maple syrup is an excellent alternative to refined sugar and a great source of manganese, which is important for bone health. Mustard and onion powder add just the right punch of flavor to this recipe and have powerful anti-microbial properties. If you are looking for a healthy comfort food recipe that cooks itself, you can’t go wrong with this BBQ pork chop recipe!

Ingredients:

• 12 oz pork chops

• 15 oz can tomato sauce

• 1/3 cup maple syrup

• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

• 3/4 cup water

• 2 tsp mustard (ground)

• 3/4 tsp onion powder

• 1 tsp of smoked paprika

• 1 tsp of sea salt

Instructions:

1) Place all ingredients (except pork chops) in a medium sized pot and mix well.

2) Cook pot over stove top flame on high heat and bring ingredients to a simmer.

3) Once simmered, lower heat to medium and let cook for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside 1 cup of the BBQ sauce for this recipe. Let the remaining sauce cool to room temperature and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

4) Cover bottom of slow cooker with some BBQ sauce and place pork chops on top. Cover pork chops with remainder of BBQ sauce.

5) Cook on high for 5-6 hours until pork is cooked through (internal temperature should be at least 170F). Enjoy!

Salmon Salad

This savory salmon salad is packed with protein, fiber, and nutrients needed to get you through the day! Any type of leafy green implemented into this recipe will be sure to provide you with Vitamin A, C, and K. Leafy greens are known to be rich in iron, lower blood pressure, and help with weight loss. Salmon is known to help improve heart health, strengthen bones, and is a great source of anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids. Adding in avocado will provide you with healthy fats, soluble fiber for digestion, and reduce your risk for cardiovascular disease. Cherry tomatoes are an excellent source of nutrients like Vitamin C and A! Combine all of these fresh ingredients with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, and spices and enjoy!

Ingredients:

Makes 2 large salads

• 1 can salmon (wild caught)

• ½ avocado, chopped

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar

• ½ tsp Dijon mustard

• 4 cups mixed greens

• 1 dash salt & pepper

• Toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)

 Instructions:

1) Drain salmon.

2) Place mixed greens in bowls.

3) For dressing, use separate cup and mix oil, vinegar, and mustard.

4) Top greens with salmon, avocado, and cherry tomatoes.

5) Drizzle with dressing and top with salt & pepper. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds. Enjoy!

Thai Basil Beef

This Thai basil beef stir fry is a savory and spicy dish to enjoy for lunch or dinner! Steak is known to be a great source of heme iron, the most absorbed form of iron by the human body. Red peppers are rich in fiber, antioxidants, and Vitamin C. Onions are known to help improve digestion, reduce inflammation, and lower blood sugar levels. Using arrowroot flour for this recipe is a great alternative to regular flour, as it is naturally gluten-free. Garlic enhances the flavor of this dish and provides antioxidant benefits. Sprinkle on some salt and pepper and enjoy!

Ingredients:

Serves 4

• 1 lb flank steak

• 2 red peppers, sliced

• 1 white onion, sliced

• 5 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tbsp arrowroot flour

• ⅓ cup green onions, chopped

• ⅓ cup cilantro, chopped

• 2 tbsp coconut oil

• ¼ cup coconut aminos

• 1 tbsp fish sauce

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp pepper

Instructions:

1) Over medium high heat, heat frying pan for 1-2 minutes with 1 tbsp of coconut oil.

2) Slice flank steak into strips and add to large bowl with coconut oil, arrowroot, pepper, and salt.

3) Place steak in pan and cook for around 3-4 minutes or until each side is brown. Remove steak from pan and set aside.

4) Place peppers and onion on pan and heat for 5-7 minutes. Add steak back in pan, cooking for 1-2 more minutes, and begin to incorporate the coconut aminos and fish sauce. Saute for 3-4 minutes, then turn off heat.

5) If wanting to incorporate rice to the dish, add a cup of cooked brown rice in a bowl and top with beef, peppers, and onions. Top with green onions and cilantro and enjoy!

Mexican Salad

Make this delicious and flavorful Mexican salad and enjoy as a side or main dish! The ingredients used in this salad provide a number of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Onion and sweet pepper are known to be rich in fiber, are low in calories, and have anti-inflammatory properties. Adding in ground turkey provides you with a good amount of protein and a low amount of sodium. Black beans are high in fiber and help in regulating blood sugar levels. Corn is considered a whole grain that is rich in Vitamin C and magnesium. The tomatoes included in the salsa allow for better digestion and help to lower cholesterol. Sprinkle on some cayenne pepper, cumin, salt, and pepper, and enjoy!

Ingredients:

Serves 2

•  1 tsp coconut oil

• 4 oz lean ground turkey

• 1/2 cup chopped sweet pepper

• 4 cups romaine lettuce, shredded

• 1/4 cup onion, chopped

• 1/2 tsp garlic, minced

• 1 cup black beans, canned

• 1 cup non-GMO corn, canned

• 1/2 cup salsa

• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper

• 1/2 tsp cumin

• 1 dash salt & pepper

Instructions:

1) Heat coconut oil in skillet.

2) Sauté sweet pepper, onion, garlic, and spices.

3) Add turkey and cook until brown.

4) Add black beans and corn and cook until warm.

5) Place lettuce on two plates and add turkey, bean, and pepper mixture.

6) Top with salsa. Enjoy!