Almond Butter Banana Smoothie

Try making this almond butter banana smoothie for your next breakfast or snack option! Bananas serve as an excellent source of potassium and provide plenty of fiber to promote proper digestive health. Not only is almond butter a delicious and healthy nut butter of choice, but it is full of omega-3 fatty acids which help to reduce inflammation throughout the body. Dates are rich in a variety of antioxidants that can help combat several chronic illnesses including heart disease and diabetes. Sprinkle extra cinnamon on top of this smoothie to regulate those blood sugar levels and enjoy!

Ingredients:

• 1 frozen banana

• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk

• 2 tbsp almond butter

• 2 dates, pitted

• ½ tsp cinnamon

Instructions:

1) Begin by adding the banana and almond milk to a blender. Blend until the banana is blended well.

2) Add in the almond butter, dates, and cinnamon and blend until smooth. Sprinkle extra cinnamon on top if desired and enjoy!

Sweet Potato Avocado Toast

This sweet potato avocado toast serves as a delicious breakfast, snack, or lunch option! Sweet potatoes are free of cholesterol and rich in beta-carotene. Because they are full of fiber and antioxidants, sweet potatoes promote gut health and reduce inflammation. Coconut oil has many benefits including strengthening the immune system, improving bone health, and promoting weight loss. Avocados are full of healthy monounsaturated fats and are great for heart health. Top with sliced tomato, hard-boiled egg, and/or chia seeds and enjoy!

Ingredients:

• 1 large sweet potato, sliced into ¼” slices

• 1 tsp coconut oil, melted

• 1 avocado, mashed

• Optional toppings: sliced tomato, hard-boiled egg, chia seeds

Instructions:

1) Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.

2) Coat both sides of sweet potato slices with coconut oil. Place on a baking rack and bake in the oven for 10 minutes, flipping the slices halfway through. Remove from the oven and let rest.

3) Once the sweet potato slices have cooled off, spread on top the mashed avocado. Top with sliced tomato, hard-boiled egg, and/or chia seeds and enjoy!

Maple Glazed Pecans

Try making these maple glazed pecans for your next snack option! Pecans are an excellent source of fiber and help to control cholesterol levels. Ginger provides plenty of antioxidants and has strong anti-inflammatory properties. Lowering fevers, alleviating headaches, and fighting off infections are just a few of the many benefits this spice has to offer! Maple syrup is an excellent alternative for refined sugar and is a good source of zinc and manganese. Eat when you are on the go and enjoy!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups pecans

• ¼ tsp sea salt

• ½ tsp ground ginger

• 3 tbsp maple syrup

Instructions:

1) Line a baking pan with parchment paper and set aside.

2) In a small saucepan, heat the maple syrup over low-medium heat.

3) Once maple syrup is warm, toss in the pecans, sea salt, and ginger. Mix ingredients well to evenly coat the pecans. Continue to heat until the liquid is gone.

4) Transport the pecans onto the lined baking pan and refrigerate to cool. Enjoy!

Paleo Almond Butter Bars

Ingredients:

Almond Butter Crust:

• 1 cup almond butter

• ½ cup coconut flour

• ¼ cup plus 2 tbsp maple syrup

Chocolate Topping:

• 1 cup paleo-friendly chocolate chips

• ½ cup almond butter

Instructions:

1) Line an 8-inch baking dish with parchment paper and set aside.

2) In a large bowl, combine the almond butter, coconut flour, and maple syrup. Mix ingredients well until a thick mixture is formed. Transport the almond butter mixture into the baking dish and spread evenly.

3) Place the chocolate chips and almond butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the mixture is combined and fully melted.

4) Pour the chocolate mixture over the almond butter layer. Place the dish in the freezer and freeze for up to 1 hour. Enjoy!