A great option for all chocolate lovers any time of day for a snack, greek yogurt topping, or even as a dessert. The chia seeds add protein to each bite and better yet, it is simple and quick to make, ready for all levels of experience.
Found on page 35 of the Limited/Deluxe Editions of Take Back Your Kitchen
This salad is light and zesty. Perfect warmed up or fresh from the fridge.
Found on page 54 of the Limited/Deluxe Editions of Take Back Your Kitchen
Nothing says Fall weather like squash and apples. And this soup has it all. Full of flavor, spice and creamy as can be, this soup is satisfying from first to last bite.
Found on page 69 of the Limited/Deluxe Editions of Take Back Your Kitchen.
Filling and satisfying is the perfect description for this soup. Approved by families with young kids and even picky eaters, this soup will not only satisfy your taste buds but give your body a dose of nutrition.
Found on page 70 of the Limited/Deluxe Editions of Take Back Your Kitchen.
This hearty soup has a kick that will tantalize your tastebuds. Paired with avocados and plantain chips will make your meal complete.
Found on page 73 of the Limited/Deluxe Editions of Take Back Your Kitchen.
A quick and easy meal for any day of the week. Change up the veggies with your own favorites as the spices do the trick.
Found on page 75 of the Limited/Deluxe Editions of Take Back Your Kitchen.
Fajitas are one of my favorite meals when I eat out. Why not have this healthier variation at home and enjoy these throughout the week. Once you taste their flavor, you won’t want fajitas from any restaurant!
Found on page 76 of the Limited/Deluxe Editions of Take Back Your Kitchen.
My family used to have weekly tacos but as I try to moderate my carbs, this is the perfect solution. Using lettuce wraps let you focus on the filling or even stuff a few bell peppers for a full meal.
Found on pages 78-79 of the Limited/Deluxe Editions of Take Back Your Kitchen.
These stuffed squash recipe is the is the perfect way to start the fall season. It will warm you from the inside out.
Found on page 80 of the Limited/Deluxe Editions of Take Back Your Kitchen.
The secret to this recipe is choosing the right BBQ sauce. True Foods and other paleo based sauces are lower in sugar and free of additives.
Found on page 82 of the Limited/Deluxe Editions of Take Back Your Kitchen.
Another favorite growing up was spaghetti. I loved my pasta and bread but even when you eat those ingredients in moderation, they tend to have hidden sugars. Using spaghetti squash instead of noodles allows you to fill up on the meat sauce and your portion increases. Bonus: you get a serving of veggies.
Found on page 84 of the Limited/Deluxe Editions of Take Back Your Kitchen.
Not only do I like to eat clean, but I am careful about the amount and source of carbs I consume daily. These cauliflower rice dishes are so full of flavor. So save your complex carbs for another meal and pile up a serving or 2 of these dishes.
Found on pages 86-87 of the Limited/Deluxe Editions of Take Back Your Kitchen.
Take a trip to the Caribbean with these light and flavorful tacos.
Found on page 89 of the Limited/Deluxe Editions of Take Back Your Kitchen.
That Salmon though!
My favorite quote from my friend Melissa who had tasted this recipe for the first time.
Found on page 93-95 of the Limited/Deluxe Editions of Take Back Your Kitchen.
Need something new to add to your own recipe index? This recipe will do the trick! It’s full of that perfect blend of sweet and savory spices.
Found on page 96 of the Limited/Deluxe Editions of Take Back Your Kitchen.
This decadent meal will feel like a cheat but with wholesome ingredients you don’t need to feel guilty.
Found on pages 98-99 of the Limited/Deluxe Editions of Take Back Your Kitchen.
The flavors of this dish will change your flavor pallet forever. Dig in and take a trip to another world.
Found on
Flavor is not missing from this recipe but over-whelming amounts of sodium are. Replacing soy sauce with coconut aminos is the perfect trick to keep all the flavor of regular stir fry.
Found on page 102 of the Limited/Deluxe Editions of Take Back Your Kitchen.
Flavor is not missing from this recipe but over-whelming amounts of sodium are. Replacing soy sauce with coconut aminos is the perfect trick to keep all the flavor of regular stir fry.
Found on page 103 of the Limited/Deluxe Editions of Take Back Your Kitchen.
Breakfast for dinner? Brunch? Dessert? Any way you have them, these pancakes will not only fill you up, but they won’t cause inflammation and aren’t hidden with sugar.
Found on page 107 of the Limited/Deluxe Editions of Take Back Your Kitchen.
Using plant-based flours as the base of these muffins means on the best quality ingredients. And who doesn’t love lemon blueberry! Light and fresh these muffins won’t disappoint.
Found on page 108 of the Limited/Deluxe Editions of Take Back Your Kitchen.
Using plant-based flours as the base of these muffins means on the best quality ingredients. Don’t worry, you don’t taste the zucchini, only the chocolate. They are kid approved too!
Found on page 109 of the Limited/Deluxe Editions of Take Back Your Kitchen.
One of my favorite flavor combos, these caramels are made from honey. So while it should still be enjoyed in moderation, you can feel better about each bite.
Found on pages 110-111 of the Limited/Deluxe Editions of Take Back Your Kitchen.
The perfect recipe for a special occasion like Valentines Day, Fourth of July or a Wednesday night.
Found on page 112 of the Limited/Deluxe Editions of Take Back Your Kitchen.
My grandma Ruth was known for her chocolate chip cookie recipe. Friends were always asking me for it. It was the hardest recipe for me to give up when I went grain free. I finally recreated her recipe, making them double chocolate this time, because WHY NOT? Their cake-like consistency will satisfy any craving.
Found on page 105 of the Limited/Deluxe Editions of Take Back Your Kitchen.
Not only is this sauce used for one of my power bowls, but it makes the perfect Monday night dinner. Why Monday? Because Monday’s can be bland but this quick and flavorful dish will bring it back to life.
Found on page 101 of the Limited/Deluxe Editions of Take Back Your Kitchen.
Found on page 67 of the Limited/Deluxe Editions of Take Back Your Kitchen.
In need of a cheesy fix, but want to avoid the dairy? Try these cauliflower bites. They are the perfect snack or side dish for a satisfying meal.
Found on page 63 of the Limited/Deluxe Editions of Take Back Your Kitchen.
In the mood for a snack? These hummus recipes are perfect for this mid-day snack. Paired with fresh veggies or grain free crackers, this protein packed snack will keep you going until dinner.
Found on pages 60-61 of the Limited/Deluxe Editions of Take Back Your Kitchen.
These power bowls are perfect to prevent that mid afternoon crash. They are not only full of power proteins, but packed with flavor. Dig in to either the Smoky Chicken or Thai Chili Salmon.
Found on pages 55-56 of the Limited/Deluxe Editions of Take Back Your Kitchen
I love these salads because they are versatile. You can change out any ingredient for another within that flavor profile. Prep once to have a few meals ready to go. They are filling, satisfying and full of flavor. All salads include prep (about 30-45 minutes) that you can leave alone while you work on other meals. Multi-tasking at it’s best!
Found on pages 51-53 of the Limited/Deluxe Editions of Take Back Your Kitchen
This has been a crowd favorite for the last year now! Easy to prep ahead and pop in the oven the morning of your brunch, event or just any ol’ day. Make it in advance and take it with you so you have full fuel throughout your day.
Found on page 47 of the Limited/Deluxe Editions of Take Back Your Kitchen
I love the flavors of this recipe! Its a little more decadent overall, but a perfect weekend morning brunch with leftovers to make the first half of your week smooth sailing.
Found on page 46 of the Limited/Deluxe Editions of Take Back Your Kitchen
Need something heartier to get you through the morning? This recipe is easy to make in advance so you can grab and go when you’re busy.
Found on pages 43-45 of the Limited/Deluxe Editions of Take Back Your Kitchen
These biscuits are to die for and make the perfect brunch addition, or can be used to accompany one of my filling soups or salads.
Found on pages 41-42 of the Limited/Deluxe Editions of Take Back Your Kitchen
Need a quick on the go breakfast idea? How about a mid day craving fix? These “cookies” are full of the right kind of fuel to get you to that next meal without all those unnecessary additives.
Found on pages 38-39 of the Limited/Deluxe Editions of Take Back Your Kitchen
These are the perfect substitute for bread. While sweet potatoes are still a carb, they are lower on the glycemic index and paired with your favorite topping, so delicious!
Found on page 36 of the Limited/Deluxe Editions of Take Back Your Kitchen
Any of these smoothies is the perfect option for someone who tends to skip meals. While a smoothie is not a full meal in itself, each is filled with superfoods and nutrients to wake your body from the inside out.
Found on pages 31-33 of the Limited/Deluxe Editions of Take Back Your Kitchen
When I say bacon, you say…YES! Eating clean doesn’t mean you have to cut out all rich foods, but it does mean you focus on the quality of your food. So when choosing meats like bacon that are high in fat, choose a brand that doesn’t have added preservatives (nitrates), sugars or other variations of corn syrup like Dextrose. I love Hemplers brand and the price is right!
This balsamic and bacon Brussels sprouts recipe is easy to whip up and sure to be a crowd pleaser. In fact, it is perfect for your Thanksgiving day feast! Ready in 20 minutes it can be cooked in the final push. Brussels sprouts used to be a vegetable with a bad rap, but that is no longer the case. These little green veggies are full of nutrients, antioxidants, Vitamin K and fiber.
Serve yourself a helping of this delicious side!
When I created this recipe, I literally had some leftover bacon and my balsamic reduction all ready to go in the fridge. I would recommend making a larger batch of this reduction and using it as a healthier option for your salad dressing! It will save you time and pull the meal together! So cheers to something deliciously easy and may your Thanksgiving be filled with blessing too numerous to count!
With gratitude,
Jenni
Balsamic Reduction
Yields 1 cup
2 cup Balsamic Vinegar
Make a Balsamic Reduction by simmering 2 cups of balsamic vinegar on medium heat for 30 minutes. Set aside to cool. It will reduce to half the amount.
Balsamic Bacon Brussels
Cook the bacon on medium heat for about 2-3 minutes on each side. The bacon should not be fully cooked at this point.
Wash, trim and cut the Brussel Sprouts in half.
Remove the bacon from the pan and place on a few paper towels to drain. Soak up most of the grease, leaving on a little to cook the sprouts in. (These two steps are not only to reduce the oil, but mainly to keep the bacon crispy in the end without making the sprouts mushy.)
Place the sprouts, and a dash of salt and pepper to the pan and cook for about 3 minutes.
Dice the bacon.
Add the balsamic reduction and continue to cook for another 3-4 minutes.
Turn the heat up to high for 2 minutes to blacken the sprouts.
Reduce heat and add the bacon and cook for another 2 minutes.
Not a brussel sprouts fan? Try this recipe with fresh cut green beans. Either way, you won’t regret it.
This fish taco recipe and more was featured on SA Live Monday, July 30, 2018. To watch these links and to learn more about clean eating, click here! I start the show and my 2nd segment starts around 13 minutes. Let me know what you think and feel free to leave your questions below.
It doesn’t have to be Tuesday in my home for there to be tacos. In fact, I have intentionally created a chapter for my upcoming cookbook, Take Back Your Kitchen, just for tacos! And why not!? It’s a house-hold favorite and these fish tacos are sure to be crowd pleaser.
One of the biggest challenges when eating clean is flavor. The common myth is that if it is healthy, it is void of flavor. But I would beg to differ and I’ll prove it with these tacos.
Fresh ingredients in their purest form are bursting with flavor. It’s knowing the right flavor profiles and combinations to make that perfect mouth-watering bite. And that’s exactly what I’ve worked hard to create with this recipe.
Fish tacos quickly became a favorite of mine when I lived in the Seattle area and was surrounded with plenty of options. While they were usually considered a cheat meal for me, at least I knew the fish I was eating was fresh and wild caught. What I realized when I moved further away from that Northern Pacific coastline, was how challenging it was to get quality seafood. But I didn’t want to compromise the quality and here’s why. Wild caught fish are simply that, wild. They are not farm raised and pumped full of food that is genetically modified…aka, chemicals. But does it really make a difference? YES! Over time, everything we put in to our bodies makes a difference. Farm raised fish, the most popular and less expensive route, is fed with genetically modified food like corn, soy and high fructose corn syrup. If your food eats it…you’re eating it; plain and simple. All those additives and GMOs can cause inflammation in your body. Think about this; arthritis, heart disease and digestive problems are all linked to inflammation. Its just not worth it.
So how do you avoid the budget breaker when purchasing wild caught fish? Purchase your fish in bulk and frozen. The marinade and seasoning from this recipe will add flavor and prevent it from being dry.
Think before you buy and consume. Every small step you take to a healthier and cleaner diet, is well worth the effort.
Start with marinading the cod. Pour the lime juice, zest, wedges, oil and salt and pepper in a large plastic zip bag. Add the cod and marinade in the fridge for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Create the dry rub by mixing all the spices together well. Feel free to double the recipe if you want to have it ready to go for later use. It stores well it a glass jar or spice container.
Next prepare the mango slaw. Pour the pre-packaged broccoli slaw mix (because why make it harder on yourself) and add the oil and lime juice to soften. Thinly slice your seeded jalapenos and red onion and add to the mix. Now here comes the STAR ingredient. The mango! Choose a mango that is between firm and overly ripe. It should smell mildly sweet. Using a sharp knife, slice the mango lengthwise right next to the pit. Repeat on the opposite side. Now score your mango by cutting 1/4 inch diagonal
lines in both directions. This will create small 1/4 inch squares. Use a spoon to scoop out the mango right over the slaw to allow the juices to add to the flavor. Add a dash of salt and pepper and toss it all together. This slaw can be made the morning of to save you time later.
Creating the avocado cream sauce is simple. Mash your ripe avocados with a fork and mix in the rest of the ingredients. Continue to combine until they are well mixed and smooth.
Finally, I like to warm my tortillas on a griddle before grilling the fish. I keep them warm in a tortilla holder to allow them to get perfectly pliable.
Now its time for the main event! Take the fish out of the marinade and sprinkle the dry rub on both sides. I tend to be heavy handed as I like that burst of flavor and heat in each bite. Grill on medium-high heat for about 1-2 minutes per side if you’re using thinly sliced pieces as I did. Adjust your cooking time accordingly.
Assemble your tacos fish first, then the slaw, avocado cream and toppings.