Sweet and Savory Noms!

Hey Steemers!

This post will contain some of my favorite recipes. I'll write out what goes into making them, some variations, and why I choose to eat these things (micronutrients, health benefits, ect.)

**Number One ~ Savory **

Veggie Sautee and Sweet Potato Chips with Edamame
I love meals like this because there are a huge variety of flavahs to be experimented with. All sorts of seasonings, oils, and veggies can be used to switch it up and keep yo- self interested.
What I used:

1. Sweet Potato Chips

• half of a large sweet potato
• coconut oil (or coconut oil spray, depending on how much fat content you wish to add!)
• cinnamon
• salt
  --> ALL this recipe requires is slicing the potato into thin, chip- like rings. Lay them out on a baking sheet, preferably with them not touching each other (they'll get crispier and bake more evenly). Spray them with coconut oil spray/cover them in coconut oil, and sprinkle cinnamon and salt. Use your hands to toss them around and evenly coat everything. Bake at 375 F until they reach a texture that you like.
  --> Variations: use garlic/salt/pepper for garlic chips! or cumin/cayenne/pepper flakes for some heat!
  --> Why: The orange color of sweet potatoes is indicative of beta- carotene content, which is processed into Vitamin A in the body. They are a great source of Vitamin C, as well as fiber for that gut health! They are also SUCH a comfort food: warm, hearty, and willing to take on any flavor palate we choose.

1. Veggie Sautee

• ANY sort of veggies you wish --> a mix of colors provides a diverse micronutrient profile
• olive oil (or olive oil spray)
• salt/pepper/garlic in some form
  --> This recipe is supah easy as well! It's a one pan wonder. Just chop all veggies into pieces that are similar in size. Get the pan up to medium heat before you begin to sautee and drizzle/spray olive oil directly onto it. Add veggies in order of how long they take to cook (more substantial/fibrous things should be added first), add seasonings, and stir occasionally. Continue until they've reached a texture you're into!
  --> Variations: soy sauce or amino acids/ginger/lemon juice, curry paste/coconut milk/tumeric
  --> Why: Having plant- based meals provides ample fiber and necessary vitamins/minerals. Reducing meat intake has a massive effect on our carbon footprints; a vegetarian's is about 2/3 of the average American. (Source: shrinkthatfootprint.com)

Number Two ~ Sweet

Protein Smoothie Bowl/Swamp Juice/Soft Serve Concoction
I LOVE this recipe because it provides a huge amount of volume, satisfies my sweet tooth, and gives back a lot in terms of health benefits. It has a creamy, rich texture and there are so many ways to mix it up.

1. Ingredients

• a bunch of ice
• 1 cup milk of choice (regular, soy, almond are all good!)
  *note: each kind of milk has different calories, as well as macronutrient breakdown. choose according to taste and and goals!)
• 1/2 a frozen banana (or handful of another frozen fruit, adds to the creaminess)
• 1 scoop protein powder of choice
• spices and toppings to yo taste!

1. How to

• spinach at the bottom of the blender!
• stack ice atop!
• add the rest of the ingredients and blend, stirring the whole time to make sure all the ice is broken down
• pour into a massive bowl, top with all the goods, and enjoy!

1. Varieties

• MY FAVE: use some kind of chocolate/peanut butter protein, banana, and cinnamon
• use some kind of vanilla/cinnamon protein, pumpkin spice seasoning, and pecans
• use avocado and coconut shavings
• peanut butter protein and mixed berries

1. Toppings

• nuts (walnuts are my fave, and provide essential omega- 3 fatty acids that many of us lack in our diets)
• nut butters of all sorts (pro tip- microwave them a bit before adding, they'll turn into a creamy sauce)
• shredded coconut or coconut chips
• chia seeds
• pretzels
• sweet pita chips (Stacy's brand cinnamon are AMAZING)
• chocolate chips and/or sauce
• whipped cream
• fresh fruit
• any kind of cereal

Salute and Bon Appetite!