Sesame Energy Bites

Try making these Sesame Energy Bites for your next healthy snack option! Sesame seeds are an excellent source of plant protein and help to improve digestion. Gluten-free oats provide plenty of fiber and help to lower cholesterol levels. Tahini helps prevent inflammation as well as promote brain health. Flaxseed is loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and fiber. Pack these energy bites for an on-the-go snack and enjoy!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup gluten-free oats

• ⅛ cup ground flaxseed meal

• ½ cup tahini

• ¼ cup almond butter

• ¼ cup maple syrup

• ½ tsp cinnamon

• 4 tbsp sesame seeds

Instructions:

1) Pulse the oats and flaxseed meal in a food processor or high-speed blender until a grainy texture forms.

2) Add in the remaining ingredients (except the sesame seeds) and pulse until a sticky, doughy texture is formed.

3) Transfer the dough to a medium-sized bowl, cover, and let sit in the fridge for 30 minutes.

4) After the 30 minutes are up, use a cookie scooper or your hands to form bite-sized balls with the dough. This recipe should yield around eight energy bites.

5) Spread the sesame seeds on a plate and roll the energy bites in them to be fully coated. Enjoy!

Beet Hummus

Try making this simple but delicious Beet Hummus for your next snack option! Beets are a highly nutritious vegetable packed with copper and fiber. They help fight inflammation, improve digestion, and keep blood pressure levels in check. Cashews are loaded with protein and fiber, and they also help boost heart health. Tahini serves as an excellent source of antioxidants and protects against liver and kidney damage. Store in the refrigerator for up to four days and enjoy!

Ingredients:

• ½ cup raw, unsalted cashews (soaked for at least 2 hours and drained)

• 1 ½ cup beets, cooked and diced

• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil

• ⅓ cup lemon juice

• 2 tbsp tahini

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• 1 ½ tsp sea salt

• 1 tsp black pepper

Instructions:

1) Pulse all ingredients in a food processor or high-speed blender, while making sure to take breaks to scrape down the sides when necessary. Continue to pulse until a hummus-like consistency is formed.

2) Add in additional salt, pepper, and/or oil if preferred. Serve with gluten-free crackers or your favorite veggies and enjoy!

Paleo Spinach Artichoke Dip

Try making this Paleo Spinach Artichoke Dip for your next healthy dip option!  Spinach is packed with many nutrients including fiber, magnesium, iron, and Vitamins A and C. It also helps improve eyesight, digestion, and blood pressure. Artichokes are loaded with antioxidants and have been shown to benefit liver health. Nutritional yeast serves as an excellent source of plant-based protein and will add that cheesy and savory flavor to this recipe. Cashews help in balancing blood sugar levels and also reduce the risk of heart disease. Serve this dip with a side of gluten-free crackers or your favorite veggies and enjoy!

Ingredients:

Sauce:

• 1 ½ cups unsalted raw cashews, soaked for at least 2 hours

• 3 tbsp lemon juice

• ⅔ cup unsweetened almond milk

• ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil

• ¼ cup nutritional yeast

• 1 ½ tsp onion powder

• 1 ½ tsp garlic powder

• 1 ¼ tsp sea salt

• ¼ tsp black pepper

Spinach Artichoke Mixture:

• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

• 1 yellow onion, diced

• 5 garlic cloves, minced

• 2 cups spinach, chopped

• 14 oz can artichoke hearts, drained and diced

• Sea salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1) First, make the sauce by adding all ingredients to a high-speed blender. Blend until smooth and set aside.

2) Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease an 8 x 8 casserole dish with coconut oil and set aside.

3) Add the extra virgin olive oil to a large skillet and heat over medium heat. Add in the onion and cook until soft. Toss in the garlic and cook for an additional minute. Slowly add in the spinach until all of it wilts, and then add in the artichoke hearts. Stir all ingredients for about 5 minutes, and then add the sea salt and black pepper to taste.

4) Once the spinach artichoke mixture is finished cooking, add the sauce to the mixture. Mix well and transfer to the casserole dish. Bake in the oven for about 12-15 minutes or until baked through.

5) Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days and enjoy!

Cashew Cream Cheese

Try making this Cashew Cream Cheese for your next healthy spread option! Cashews are rich in a variety of nutrients including fiber, protein, copper, magnesium, and manganese. They are also full of powerful antioxidants, which help in reducing inflammation. Lemon juice provides a wide range of health benefits including improving digestion, regulating blood sugar levels, and promoting healthy skin. Sea salt is packed with a variety of electrolytes including magnesium, calcium, and potassium. Layer on a toasted gluten-free bagel or serve with your favorite veggies and enjoy!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups raw cashews, soaked for at least 4 hours and drained

• 2 tbsp lemon juice

• 1 tsp sea salt

Instructions:

1) Blend cashews, lemon juice, and sea salt in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. Add in water to thin if needed.

2) Taste test and add additional lemon juice or sea salt if preferred.

3) Transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days and enjoy!