It's little secret that eating more nutritious veggies is an essential element of healthier eating. Fortunately, finding ways to boost the veggie content of your favorite dishes may be easier than you think.

Put a creative twist on your meals from breakfast through dinner with these tasty tips:

• Experiment with new flavors to enhance the dishes you enjoy regularly. If a ham and cheese omelet is your standard breakfast fare, try adding fresh tomato, peppers and mushrooms for a whole new taste. If you tend to keep things simple, get creative when it comes to topping your morning toast, such as this version that features avocados and radishes. Then at dinner time, give basic pasta a bump by adding broccoli or spinach to your sauce.
   
• Look for veggie-rich versions of your favorite condiments, dips and sauces. For example, Sabra's Veggie Fusions Guacamole has tons of added vegetables with 30 percent less fat than classic guacamole. Available in Garden Vegetable and Mango Lime, you can also opt for the Southwest flavor and get your fiesta fix with a hearty combination of guacamole, sweet corn and rich black beans - the perfect complement to a spicy steak taco.
   
• Find new flavor combinations by swapping out calorie-laden carbs. Ditch the bread and instead use leaves of lettuce to wrap your sandwich. Traditional cold cuts, chicken salad and even burgers taste great nestled in fresh, crisp leafy greens.

Get inspired with more ideas to up your veggie intake at sabra.com.

Avocado Toast with Radish and Cotija Cheese

Recipe courtesy of The Lemon Bowl

Yield: 4

• 1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 lime, juice only
• salt, to taste
• 4 slices crusty, whole-grain bread, toasted
• 1 cup Sabra Veggie Fusions Southwestern Guacamole
• 2 ounces Cotija cheese, crumbled
• 4 large radishes, thinly sliced
• cilantro sprigs (optional)

1. In small bowl, toss together onion slices with lime juice and salt, to taste; let sit 5 minutes, or as long as overnight.
2. Top each piece of toasted whole-grain bread with 1/4 cup guacamole.
3. Place equal parts pickled red onions, crumbled Cotija cheese and radish slices on top of each piece of toast. Garnish with cilantro, if desired, and serve.

Spicy Steak Tacos with Southwestern Guacamole

Recipe courtesy of Emily Bites

Yield: 8

• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 pound raw lean, trimmed flank steak, cut into thin strips
• 1 tablespoon canola oil
• 8 tortillas (6 inches each)
• 1 cup chopped lettuce leaves
• 8 tablespoons Sabra Veggie Fusions Southwestern Guacamole
• 4 tablespoons clover sprouts
• 4 grape tomatoes, sliced
• 1 radish, thinly sliced

1. In small dish, combine chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, paprika, cumin, salt and pepper, and stir together until well mixed.
2. Place uncooked steak strips into re-sealable plastic bag and add spice mixture. Seal bag and shake/turn until steak is coated with seasoning.
3. Pour oil into large skillet and bring to medium heat. Add seasoned steak strips and stir to coat steak with oil. Cook, stirring and flipping occasionally, about 5 minutes, or until steak strips are cooked to taste. Remove from heat.
4. Warm tortillas slightly in microwave then lay out to fill. Divide lettuce and steak between tortillas and top each with 1 tablespoon of guacamole. Sprinkle each taco with sprouts and slices of tomato and radish.

Source: Sabra

(Family Features) Eating a high-protein breakfast can help provide energy and focus to keep your day on track. While many experts now recommend 25-30 grams of protein at each meal, the average breakfast plate only contains 13 grams. One way to help close the gap is to add an 8-ounce glass of milk to your meal. Whether organic, flavored or white, each variety provides nine essential nutrients, including 8 grams of high-quality protein per 8 ounces to help start the day on the right foot.

Get ahead of the game and prep breakfast the night before so you have something delicious and satisfying to look forward to each morning. Now is the perfect time to update your routine with these powerhouse breakfast ideas. These recipes are all made and paired with milk, helping you get protein and nutrients you need to fuel your day.

Once you try these delicious recipes, you’ll never go back to your old, lackluster options again. For additional breakfast inspiration, visit milklife.com.

1. Amaranth Porridge with Pears, Crunchy Pecans and Yogurt
   

   Brighten your morning with the fragrant scent of pears and pecans, the perfect combination of flavors in this amazing recipe. Pair with an 8-ounce glass of milk and you’ll have energy and inspiration to tackle the rest of your day.

2. Chai Quinoa Protein Breakfast Bowl
   

   Treat yourself to this protein-packed breakfast bowl with a sweet spin. This recipe will make even the most ordinary morning feel special.  

3. Protein Power Huevos Rancheros
   

   Switch up your usual morning eggs with this Southwest-inspired savory breakfast recipe. It’s simple to add some spice to scrambled eggs, and this is the perfect recipe to bring on that zing.

4. Blueberry Quinoa Pancakes
   

   These will make you feel anything but blue. Add flare to traditional pancakes by cooking them with quinoa and topping with blueberries. This recipe packs a protein punch to get your day moving in the right direction.

5. Blackberry-Hazelnut Power Bowl
   

   Warm fall flavors like hazelnut and nutmeg complement the blackberries and bananas in this delicious power bowl. It’s perfect for weekend mornings when you want to slow down and savor the day.  

Source: MilkPEP

(Family Features) The ultimate kid-friendly snack comes as a package deal – simple, delicious, nutritious and fun. One option that readily meets those demands are apples, pears and oranges perfectly sized for small hands, mouths and appetites.

While Lil Snappers’ smaller sizes allow fresh fruits to easily fit into bento boxes and brown bags for a wholesome lunchbox companion that leaves little waste, a dash of creativity also transforms these fruits into a favorite snacktime star – from crunchy critters to sweet treats.

Available in three-pound pouches and found in the fresh produce aisle, Lil Snappers come seasonally in a wide array of fruit varieties, including organics, grown by a sixth-generation family farming operation, Stemilt Growers. Options range from popular apples such as Gala, Pink Lady and Granny Smith, to delicious Bartlett pears, Bosc pears and more.

Try out these recipes for pint-sized snackers, and find quick and easy recipe ideas at lilsnappers.com.

Crab Critter

• 1          Lil Snappers apple
• 1          mini marshmallow

1. Cut apple in half lengthwise and remove stem. Remove core from one apple half.
2. Slice apple half without core into 8 wedges to serve as critter’s legs.
3. Set aside second apple half, which will serve as critter’s body.
4. Take two legs and make simple zig-zag cuts into flesh to create “claw-like” shape.
5. On a plate, arrange critter’s legs, fanning them out, then place claws in front of legs and reserved apple half on top for the head.
6. Cut mini marshmallow in half. Gooey side of each will easily stick to critter’s head to serve as eyes.

Little Mouse

• 1          Lil Snappers pear
• 1          slice orange rind
• 1          marshmallow
• 1          grape
• 2          toothpicks

1. Cut pear in half lengthwise. On plate, lay pear cut-side down. Using peeler, slice 3 inches of rind from orange. Trim sides to result in long, thin rectangle. Coil length of rind around finger and hold to set shape.
2. Cut one slice from end of marshmallow then cut that round in half to create two half-moon shapes. Gooey edge of each half-moon will stick to top of pear half to serve as critter’s ears.
3. Break toothpick in half and place picks in location for critter’s eyes, leaving about 1/4 inch sticking out from fruit.
4. Slice ends off of one grape and place domes over toothpicks to serve as eyes.
5. Using toothpick, make hole in back end of critter to place tail. Stick end of coiled orange rind into hole using toothpick to wedge rind into fruit. Reshape coil, as needed.

Note: Remember to remove toothpicks before nibbling.

Source: Stemilt Growers

(Family Features) While many food trends come and go, some desired food traits seemingly never go out of style. For example, dishes that provide nutritional benefits will pretty much always be popular, along with types of foods that can be customized to match personalized preferences and tastes.

Toast is a versatile option for nearly anyone seeking a bite for breakfast, especially those eaters looking for both nutrition and flavor. Because you can add a variety of toppings to your toast, it can be a simple way to add a healthy element to your morning routine.

These recipes, for example, include Sabra Hummus as a base spread, which adds protein and fiber perfect for breakfast, brunch or a mid-morning snack. Hummus Toast with Sun-dried Tomatoes and Parmesan brings with it the extra nutritional value of veggies, while Hummus Toast with Soft-Boiled Egg and Spinach packs ample protein for an ideal way to start the day.

Plus, because these quick-to-make recipes involve short amounts of time spent on preparation, you’re able to enjoy a nutritious treat even on the busiest of days.

Find more ways to take trendy toast to the next level at Sabra.com.

Hummus Toast with Sun-dried Tomatoes and Parmesan

Servings: 1

• 1          slice whole-grain bread
• 1/4       cup fresh arugula
• 2-3       sun-dried tomatoes
• 2          tablespoons Sabra Classic Hummus
• olive oil
• 2          tablespoons pine nuts
• fresh Parmesan curls
• salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste

1. Toast bread; set aside. Wash and pat dry arugula; set aside.
2. Remove sun-dried tomatoes from jar and lightly pat with paper towel to remove excess oil.
3. Spread toast with hummus.
4. Lightly toss arugula with drizzle of olive oil; layer on top of hummus. Top with sun-dried tomatoes. Sprinkle with pine nuts and add Parmesan curls. Add salt and pepper, to taste.

Hummus Toast with Soft-Boiled Egg and Spinach

Servings: 1

• 1          slice artisan country white bread
• 1/4       cup fresh spinach, wilted
• water
• 1          soft-boiled egg
• ice
• 1          garlic clove, chopped
• 1          teaspoon olive oil
• 2          tablespoons Sabra Classic Hummus
• red pepper flakes, for garnish
• salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste

1. Toast bread; set aside. Wash spinach; set aside.
2. Fill small saucepan with enough water to barely cover egg; bring to boil, cover and reduce heat. Cook egg 6 minutes, remove from heat and plunge into ice bath to stop cooking. Peel egg; set aside.
3. In medium skillet, saute chopped garlic in olive oil approximately 3 minutes; add spinach and stir 2 minutes, or until spinach begins to wilt. Remove from heat.
4. Spread toast with hummus. Add wilted garlic-spinach. Cut egg in half and place on top of spinach. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes, salt and pepper.

Source: Sabra

Discover recipes chock-full of heart-healthy pecans

(Family Features) Sometimes making small changes can have a positive impact on your health – including heart health – like drinking more water, taking the stairs instead of the escalator and adding nutritious ingredients to your snacks and meals.

Incorporating nutritious ingredients is an easy way to step up your mealtime – for example, American Pecans can super-fy nearly any recipe by adding flavor and nutrition.

It’s always a good time to include heart-healthy ingredients on your shopping list. Certified by the American Heart Association’s Heart-Check*, American Pecans and their unique mix of unsaturated fats, plant sterols, fiber and flavonoids add up to help promote a healthy heart. In fact, according to the Food and Drug Administration, research suggests but does not prove that eating 1 1/2 ounces of most nuts, such as pecans, each day as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol may help reduce your risk of heart disease. One serving of pecans (28 grams) contains 18 grams unsaturated fat and only 2 grams saturated fat.

Boosting the heart-smart punch of your favorite recipes can be easy with pecans. Whether topping a salad, sprinkling into bread batter or using them as the foundation of a portable snack, there are few things America’s native nut can’t do.

Start the day right with a bowl of Banana Pecan Cherry Oatmeal – a comforting and hearty combination that can keep you full for hours. For a wholesome, on-the-go option perfect for school snacks, desk drawers or an afternoon pick-me-up, try Cherry Pecan Energy Bites. Dried cherries, dates and crunchy pecans combine for an all-natural burst of heart-smart nutrition to help you power through the day.

Discover more ways to create heart-healthy meals with pecans at AmericanPecan.com.

Banana Pecan Cherry Oatmeal

• 1          cup old-fashioned oats
• 2          cups water
• 1/2       cup pecan milk
• 1          banana, sliced
• 1/4       cup pecan halves
• 1/4       cup dried tart cherries
• 1/4       cup honey

1. In large, microwave-safe bowl, combine oats and water. Microwave on high 3-4 minutes, or until oats are cooked through. Watch carefully to avoid boiling over.
2. Remove from microwave, stir and divide between two bowls. Pour 1/4 cup pecan milk over each bowl.
3. Divide sliced banana, pecan halves and dried tart cherries between each bowl and drizzle with 2 tablespoons honey. Serve immediately.

Cherry Pecan Energy Bites

Makes: 10-12 energy bites

• 1          cup toasted pecan halves or pieces
• 1          cup dried cherries
• 4          medjool dates, pitted
• 1/4       cup old-fashioned oats
• 1          tablespoon cacao powder, plus additional, for coating (optional)
• 1          teaspoon vanilla extract

1. In bowl of food processor, combine toasted pecans, dried cherries, dates, oats, cacao powder and vanilla extract.
2. Pulse until ingredients begin to bind and form loose, dough-like ball.
3. Roll into 1-inch balls. Roll balls in additional cacao powder, if desired, and transfer to airtight container. Refrigerate until ready to serve, up to seven days.

Note: To make gluten-free, substitute 1/4 cup of certified gluten-free old-fashioned oats.

*Heart-Check certification does not apply to recipes.

Source: American Pecan Council

(Family Features) Families across America want to make sure that they’re starting the day strong, and getting enough high-quality protein in the morning is a simple way to do so. A breakfast with protein is a great way to energize the morning, and adding it to your family’s routine doesn’t have to be complicated.

Simply add an 8-ounce glass of milk with 8 grams of natural protein plus other essential nutrients to your favorite breakfast foods for an easy, delicious way to help meet your morning protein goals.

Kids already love milk and it’s a naturally nutrient-rich, wholesome food that moms can feel good about pairing with breakfast. Plus, experts recommend 25-30 grams of protein for adults at every meal – so getting a high-protein breakfast, including milk, gives moms the energy they need to cross everything off their to-do lists. Parenting expert, pediatrician and mom of three, Dr. Tanya Altmann, recommends serving milk at breakfast for a source of high-quality protein in the morning.

“The morning is a great time to bring the family together and start the day off with a tasty breakfast. As a mom of three, I need breakfast options that are quick and easy but also nutritious,” Dr. Altmann said. “Serving my children whole-grain cereal and milk, healthy oatmeal with fruit or a smoothie made with milk guarantees that my family will get high-quality protein and other essential nutrients to start their day off strong.”

Bring a smile to your child’s face with this charming twist on a breakfast standard. Simply make instant oats with familiar flavors – cinnamon, vanilla and brown sugar – and top the bowl with a friendly bunny face. For more recipes and ideas, visit MilkLife.com.

Bunny-Faced Microwave Oatmeal

Recipe courtesy of Tiffany Edwards of Creme de la Crumb

• 1/3       cup instant oats
• 3/4       cup fat free milk
• 1/4       teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4       teaspoon vanilla                                                           
• 1          teaspoon brown sugar
• 2/3       small banana
• 2          fresh blueberries
• 1/2       small strawberry
• chocolate syrup (optional)

1. In microwave-safe bowl, stir together oats, milk, cinnamon, vanilla and brown sugar. Microwave on high 30 seconds-1 minute and stir.
2. Cut banana in half crosswise. Cut 1 1/8-inch thick coin slices from flat end of each banana half. Place slices in upper-third of oatmeal bowl, side-by-side, to make eyes. Top with 1 blueberry on each banana slice.
3. Place remaining banana halves at the top of the bowl, hanging off edge, to create ears.
4. Place strawberry in the middle of the bowl to make the nose then drizzle chocolate, if desired, to make mouth and whiskers.
5. Serve with 8-ounce glass of milk.

Nutritional information per serving: 320 calories; 2 g fat; 0 g saturated fat; 10 mg cholesterol; 18 g protein; 59 g carbohydrates; 5 g fiber; 190 mg sodium; 550 mg calcium (60% of daily value). Nutrition figures based on using fat free milk, and include an 8-ounce glass of milk.

Source: MilkPEP

(Family Features) The New Year is a great time to reflect on your life and think about what you can do to become happier and healthier. There are many resolutions you can make, but one that can benefit you, your family, your community and the planet is eating more organic food. It can also be easier than you think.

To be USDA-Certified Organic, food must be grown without toxic synthetic pesticides and herbicides, genetically engineered ingredients (also called GMOs), antibiotics or artificial growth hormones.

“Simply put, organic is better for you and the environment. When you’re eating organic foods, you’re keeping harmful chemicals and GMOs out of your body and some studies have shown that organic farming produces more nutrient-dense crops,” said Arjan Stephens, executive vice president, sales and marketing at Nature’s Path. “Organic farming supports a healthier planet by not adding chemicals to the air, water and soil, as well as keeping them away from you and future generations.”

Going organic is simple; you can start small and feel good knowing that every time you choose organic it benefits you and the environment. Here are three ways to go organic this year:

• Look Inside Your Pantry: Fresh fruits and vegetables may be the first thing that come to mind when you think about organic, but don’t forget about your pantry. Staples such as flour, sugar, vegetable oil, peanut butter and more can be swapped out for organic options and make it easier to have organic food as part of every meal.

• Start with What You Eat Everyday: A good place to start is with the foods you consume every day. If you and your family start each morning with a bowl of cereal, try eating organic cereal like Nature's Path, which has an extensive line of cereals (as well as waffles, granola, oatmeal and granola bars) that are all USDA-Certified Organic, or try this tasty, organic recipe for an Oatmeal Latte.

• Think Outside the Cart: You may think that organic food costs more, but you can find less expensive options by shopping at your local farmer’s market, comparing prices online, buying in bulk (which is better for the environment) and even growing some of your own food.

Going organic can be easy, delicious and good for you and the planet. For more tips on going organic, visit blog.naturespath.com/.

Oatmeal Latte

• 2/3       cup water
• 1/3       cup vanilla soy milk
• 1/2       cup Nature’s Path Original Hot Oatmeal
• pinch of salt
• 2          tablespoons brown sugar
• 1-2       shots espresso, for topping
• 1/2       cup warm vanilla soy milk, for topping
• Nature’s Path Flax Plus Vanilla Almond Granola, for topping
• pinch of cinnamon, for topping

1. In small saucepan, bring water and soy milk to simmer over medium-high heat.
2. Add oats and salt. Turn heat to medium and cook until oatmeal reaches desired consistency. Stir in brown sugar and transfer to bowl or mug.
3. Using steamer, milk frother or whisk, froth warm milk until foamy.
4. Top oatmeal with espresso and frothed milk. Stir gently. Top with granola and cinnamon.

Source: Nature’s Path

(Family Features) Few things go together quite like cold weather and comfort foods. However, those hearty dishes that are typically craved on blustery days are usually not classified as “healthy.”

With the right approach, though, you can put a better-for-you twist on some of your favorite dishes that can keep you cozy and satiated during the winter season. For example, you can put a grown-up twist on grilled cheese and tomato soup with this recipe for Creamy Tomato and Roasted Pepper Soup with Cheddar Cracker Melts.

Pairing flavorful seasonal dishes like soups and stews with a wholesome snack cracker like gluten-free, non-GMO Crunchmaster Tuscan Peasant Crackers can help satisfy those comfort food cravings while also contributing to a healthy lifestyle. With 20 grams of whole grains per serving, these crunchy, robust baked crackers are also cholesterol-free, allowing you to take a back-to-basics approach to your diet using simple ingredients and no artificial flavors or colors.

For other seasonal recipes, coupons, tips and nutritional information, visit crunchmaster.com.

Creamy Tomato and Roasted Pepper Soup with Cheddar Cracker Melts

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Servings: 6

Creamy Tomato and Roasted Pepper Soup:

• 2          tablespoons olive oil
• 1          onion, chopped
• 1          carrot, chopped
• 3          cloves garlic, chopped
• 1          teaspoon salt, divided
• 1/2       teaspoon pepper
• 1/2       teaspoon paprika
• 1          pinch chili flakes
• 4          cups organic no-salt-added vegetable broth
• 1          can (28 ounces) no-salt-added diced tomatoes
• 1          cup chopped prepared roasted red peppers
• 2          bay leaves
• 1/3       cup 35 percent heavy cream
• 2          tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives, divided
• 1          teaspoon cider vinegar

Cheddar Cracker Melts:

• 24        Crunchmaster Tuscan Peasant Fire Roasted Tomato Basil Crackers
• 3/4       cup shredded cheddar cheese

1. In Dutch oven or large saucepan over medium heat, heat oil. Cook onion, carrot, garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt, pepper, paprika and chili flakes about 5 minutes, or until vegetables are slightly softened.
2. Stir in broth, tomatoes, roasted red peppers and bay leaves; bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer 15-20 minutes, or until vegetables are tender. Discard bay leaves. Let cool slightly. Transfer to blender; puree in batches until smooth. Stir in cream, remaining salt, 1 tablespoon chives and vinegar.
3. To make Cheddar Cracker Melts: Heat broiler to high and position rack in center of oven. Arrange crackers on parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Sprinkle with cheese. Broil 1-2 minutes, or until cheese is melted. 
4. Divide soup among six bowls. Sprinkle with remaining chives and serve with Cheddar Cracker Melts.

Tip: Use mild, medium or aged cheddar cheese. Smoked mozzarella can be substituted, if desired.

Nutrition information per serving: 250 calories; 15 g fat; 7 g saturated fat; 30 mg cholesterol; 730 mg sodium; 22 g carbohydrates; 2 g fiber; 11 g sugar; 6 g protein.

Source: Crunchmaster

(Family Features) Whether it’s a simple date night at home or a weeknight meal for the entire family, finding inter-culinary balance between everyone at the table can sometimes be difficult.

However, when at least one party is willing to make dietary changes to benefit a loved one, serving up quality meals can become less of a hassle. Though men are often stereotyped as carnivorous cavemen, the majority are willing to change their eating habits – trading in those porterhouses for veggie burgers – to make their partners happy, according to a survey from Yves Veggie Cuisine. While 63 percent of men and 62 percent of women would eat less meat if their partner asked, 59 percent of men said they would also eat less of their favorite foods, at the request of their significant other.

In the same survey, dietary changes in the name of love were found at every level of the food pyramid, not just meat. Among the changes men have already made are eating less meat (22 percent), eating less dairy (18 percent) and eating less gluten (15 percent). However, it was found that women tend to hold their ground more when it comes to giving up certain foods with only 14 percent eating less dairy, 10 percent eating less meat and 6 percent eating less gluten for the sake of their relationship.

Making dietary compromises can be as simple as using high-quality ingredients like Yves Veggie Cuisine Appetizer Bites to complement, complete or even reinvent family-favorite meals like tacos. The gluten-free, non-GMO bites are low in fat and contain no artificial preservatives, colors or flavors, making it easy to put a plant-positive twist on nearly any meal with one of the two varieties – Kale and Quinoa or Falafel.

Find more balanced, veggie-forward recipes that can inspire shared moments together at yvesveggie.com.

Kale and Quinoa Bite Tacos

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 12 minutes
Servings: 8-10

• 1          package (8.2 ounces) Yves Veggie Cuisine Kale and Quinoa Bites
• 1          package hard taco shells (8-10 shells)
• 1          cup salsa
• 1          cup guacamole
• 1          red onion, sliced
• 1          bunch cilantro
• lime wedges

1. Heat oven to 350° F.
2. On nonstick baking pan, arrange kale and quinoa bites.
3. Bake 10 minutes, or until outside is slightly crispy. In taco shells, layer guacamole, salsa and kale and quinoa bites.
4. Top with sliced red onion and cilantro. For additional zest, serve with lime wedge.

Source:  Yves Veggie Cuisine

(Family Features) For those who are always on the go leading up to the holidays, the season can feel more like madness than merrymaking. From planning get-togethers to building out a perfect menu for the events, there can be difficulties for hosts and guests alike to ensure proper nutrition is still top of mind.

Instead of sacrificing taste or eating less, aim for simple changes that give you the energy to power through the busy season. For example, instead of opting for a carb-loaded breakfast in the morning, try a low-carb Milk Chocolate Protein Muffin, which takes just a few minutes of prep and microwave time. The quick cook time leaves you with ample opportunities to run errands or divvy up precious seconds toward other activities, while the protein can fuel you for the day ahead.

Almost nothing beats warm soup on a chilly day, and this Butternut Squash and Pear Soup provides feel-good flavor without weighing you down. Finally, when snacks are on the mind – as it tends to happen when constantly on the go – Coconut Muesli Clusters are simple to make and won’t undo the nutritious efforts you’ve made throughout the day.

This full menu of tasty recipes is part of the Atkins low-carb lifestyle, a long-term, healthy eating approach focused on high-fiber carbohydrates, optimal protein and healthy fats. The plan also aims to reduce levels of refined carbohydrates, added sugars and the “hidden sugar effect,” – when carbohydrates convert to sugar when digested. You don’t see the sugar, but your body does.

An On-the-Go Energy Boost

As a hectic holiday season unfolds, it can be difficult to maintain energy while making dishes for get-togethers and keeping up with the festivities.

To stay fueled and energized throughout the season, try incorporating Atkins Plus Protein and Fiber Shakes. Sweet and creamy, they make for ideal snacks, containing 30 grams of high-quality dairy protein and 7 grams of fiber. To help ensure steady blood sugar levels, the shakes also have a low glycemic impact and are made with 20 vitamins and minerals.

Available in Creamy Milk Chocolate and Creamy Vanilla flavors, the ready-to-drink shakes provide hunger satisfaction for those who are on the go and seeking to maximize production with a busy schedule.

Find more ways to live healthier during the holidays and learn more about the benefits of a balanced, low-carb lifestyle at Atkins.com.

Milk Chocolate Protein Muffin

Recipe courtesy of Atkins
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 1 minute
Servings: 1

• 2          tablespoons full-fat cream cheese
• 1          egg
• 3          tablespoons Atkins Milk Chocolate Protein Powder
• 1/4       teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2       teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1          dash salt

1. In microwave-safe mug, heat cream cheese 10-15 seconds to soften. Add egg and blend briskly using fork. Add protein powder, baking powder, cinnamon and salt; blend until smooth.
2. Microwave on high 1 minute; muffin will puff up then deflate slightly once done. Remove from mug and enjoy warm.

Coconut Muesli Clusters

Recipe courtesy of “Atkins: Eat Right, Not Less”
Active time: 10 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Servings: 8

• Olive oil spray
• 1          cup plain protein powder
• 1/2       cup unsalted sunflower or pumpkin seeds
• 1          cup whole raw pecans
• 1          cup unsweetened whole flake shredded coconut
• 1/2       cup chia seeds or ground flaxseeds
• 1          tablespoon stevia
• 2          teaspoons cinnamon
• 1/2       teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1          tablespoon coconut oil
• 1          tablespoon peanut butter
• 1          teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2          large eggs
• 1/4       cup water

1. Heat oven to 350° F. Line large baking sheet with parchment paper, coat with olive oil spray and set aside.
2. In large bowl, mix together protein powder, sunflower or pumpkin seeds, pecans, coconut, chia seeds or flaxseeds, stevia, cinnamon and turmeric.
3. In large skillet, combine coconut oil, peanut butter and vanilla extract; melt completely then stir in nut mixture. Turn heat off and add eggs and water, tossing well. Transfer to prepared baking sheet and spread mixture in layer about 1/2-inch thick.
4. Bake 10-15 minutes until mixture starts to brown and clumps together to make clusters. Cool completely on baking sheet then store in airtight container, refrigerated, up to 1 week.

Butternut Squash and Pear Soup

Recipe courtesy of Atkins
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6

• 1          tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1          medium (2 1/2-inch diameter) onion, chopped
• 2          pounds butternut winter squash, cubed
• 1          medium pear, sliced, plus additional, for garnish (optional)
• 1          teaspoon curry powder
• 1/2       teaspoon salt
• 1/4       teaspoon ground white pepper
• 5          cups chicken broth
• 1          teaspoon fresh lemon juice
• 1/2       cup heavy cream
• nutmeg (optional)

1. In large pot over medium heat, melt butter. Add onions and saute until translucent, about 6 minutes. Add squash, pear, curry powder, salt and white pepper; saute 3 minutes. 
2. Increase heat to high and add chicken broth. Bring to boil then reduce heat to low; simmer 20-25 minutes, uncovered, until cubed squash is very tender. Allow to cool about 10-15 minutes.
3. In blender or food processor, puree soup in batches until smooth. Return pureed soup to pot and add lemon juice and heavy cream. Stir soup over low heat until hot. Garnish with additional sliced pears and sprinkle of nutmeg, if desired.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images (Butternut Squash and Pear Soup, Milk Chocolate Protein Muffin)

Source:  Atkins