AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: Some of this post contains affiliate links for the products I use and LOVE. If you take action on these links (like clicking, buying, etc.), I may receive compensation at no cost to you. As always, all opinions are my own, and I’ll only recommend what I truly like and recommend. For more information about affiliates and your privacy, view our Terms & Conditions page here.
It’s back-to-school season, so mornings are early and rushed! Unfortunately, this often leaves little time to feed our families a nutritious breakfast. But, as the saying goes, “breakfast is the most important meal of the day,” and its imperative that our kiddos get a healthy start before their long day at school and activities.
I know that with the early mornings’ limited time, plus a house full of picky eaters and different taste preferences, it feels much easier to resort to packaged donuts and pastries or swing through the fast food drive-through for a chicken biscuit for a quick breakfast. However, I’m here to assure you that making a fast, healthful breakfast for your family does not have to be hard, time consuming or expensive. As long as you’re willing to put in just a little prep work, you and your family can eat a variety of delicious and nutritious every day of the week! Plus, you’ll save money from avoiding coffee shops and fast food restaurants!
Check out my top family-friendly breakfast recipe ideas below!
Not only do Apple “Donuts” encourage your children to eat more fruit — it’s also a great recipe for little hands to get involved in making! Slice apples into 1/2-inch circles, and use a small circular cookie cutter or small melon baller to cut a hole in the center of each to make a “donut.” Top apples with better-for-you “frosting,” like peanut butter, cream cheese and greek yogurt. Add more fun with additional toppings, like sprinkles, sliced strawberries, granola and chocolate chips.
This one-bowl muffin batter recipe is easy to make. After adding the batter to muffin tins, simply drop in your favorite mix-ins, like blueberries, chocolate chips, cinnamon sugar, bananas or sprinkles, to create multiple flavors in one batch. This recipe is perfect for all the different taste preferences in your house or if your kiddos get bored of eating the same flavor every morning.
Super Pancakes
Don’t settle for boring regular pancakes when you can have “Super Pancakes” filled with superpower ingredients! This recipe is especially beneficial for kids who need help eating more protein, fruits and vegetables. I make these pancakes with Kodiak Protein-Packed Flapjack and Waffle Mix and mix in milk and egg instead of water for added protein! After the batter is made, I mix in mashed banana and grated zucchini (you can’t even taste the zucchini, I promise!). Make a large batch of these Super Pancakes on Sunday morning to quickly heat up for breakfast for 3-4 days!
Save time and money by skipping the coffee shop for your favorite egg bites and making them at home! The secret ingredient in these egg, bacon and cheese egg bites is cottage cheese and tabasco sauce! They’re so flavorful and easy to make ahead of time. Store in the fridge for 3 days or freezer for 2 months. You won’t miss your pricey store-bought egg bites!
This sandwich is low on prep time but full on flavor! Most breakfast sandwiches are time consuming to make, but not this Caprese Breakfast Sandwich with the help of Jones Dairy Farm Canadian Bacon, Egg Life Egg White Wraps and pre-sliced BelGioioso Fresh Mozzarella. Cut the egg wrap down into 4-6 pieces. Lightly toast the English muffin. Top one half with basil leaves, 2-3 slices of mozzarella, 2-3 slices of tomato. Finish with 2-3 egg slices and 2 slices of Canadian bacon.
Protein Yogurt Parfait
Recipe: Created by ME! My full recipe is available in a previous blog post here
When you’re challenged with food allergies and diet restrictions but still want a high-protein breakfast, this make-ahead dairy, egg and gluten free yogurt parfait is a delectable choice! It’s made with my favorite Super Granola and Vanilla Cinnamon Protein Powder from Kroma Wellness, along with creamy Coconut Yogurt and Berries. You could add more toppings, too, like honey, chia seeds, hemp seeds, nut butter, etc. Customize it to your preference! This is a great recipe to make ahead in a mason jar to bring on-the-go during busy mornings!
Which of these recipes do you want to try? Let me know in the comments below! For more family-friendly products, activities and recipe ideas, be sure to follow me on Instagram and TikTok!
AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: Some of this post contains affiliate links for the products I use and LOVE. If you take action on these links (like clicking, buying, etc.), I may receive compensation at no cost to you. As always, all opinions are my own, and I’ll only recommend what I truly like and recommend. For more information about affiliates and your privacy, view our Terms & Conditions page here.
Scroll to the end of this post for my gluten, egg and dairy free yogurt parfait recipe!
The creamiest dreamiest yogurt parfait for a nutritious breakfast!
First, some background on why I made this recipe…
So, this is a bit awkward and embarrassing for me to admit, but because I know my readership is made up of incredibly supportive ladies, I’m going to follow Natasha Bedingfield‘s advice and “release my inhibitions”…
By the way, I saw Natasha perform at a fundraising gala this past year, and she was phenomenal! “Unwritten” was the best I’ve ever heard it since it was released 20 years ago! Okay, I’ve digressed and aged myself, so let’s get back on track…
Back to what I was saying… Here it goes… I’m embarrassed to admit that I HAVE HORMONAL ACNE.
UGH! I hate seeing that in writing because it makes my hormonal acne so real. It’s not that I don’t believe that I have acne – clearly, I do, as my face doesn’t lie to me in the mirror! It’s just that I’ve had to come to the brutal realization that this is not a random breakout from sleeping with makeup on or “just a phase.” I’ve been dealing with hormonal acne on-and-off ever since having children 6 years ago. It will sometimes clear up for a couple months, so I’ll think I’ve moved past it. Then, low and behold… painful, ugly, annoying cystic acne reappears on my jawline again. I hate this acne, because it feels so odd to have as an adult. I was extremely lucky and did not have acne problems during puberty or my teenage years. The acne didn’t start until pregnancy.
In the past, I’ve managed my hormonal acne with topical prescription products. For this round of acne that started about 9 months ago, I waited a few months before getting back into my dermatologist’s office to start prescriptions again. I was hoping it would clear up on its own. However, I’ve now been on my topical prescriptions (Clindamycin, Winlevi and Tretinoin) for 3+ months and nothing is getting better. In fact, my skin is just getting really, really dry and flaking, which is probably not helpful either.
I’ve decided its time to try a different approach: a holistic treatment encompassing diet and mental health. I’ve gone down a very big internet and podcast rabbit hole exploring hormonal acne treatments, and a common theme I’ve seen is eliminating dairy and eggs (and sometimes gluten) in diet on top of stress management. So, here I go… ready to conquer this approach! Although, it won’t be easy…
You see, I’m a protein girly, so eliminating eggs and dairy throws a major wrench into my usual breakfast eats. I typically love to eat greek yogurt topped with nuts and berries or make a veggie and cheese-filled omelette. The idea of eating oatmeal, toast, pancakes or waffles does not sound satisfying to me, nor do those meals usually have a good amount of protein in them for starting my day and meeting my daily protein requirements. As I discovered in my research for hormonal acne solutions, protein is a key conductor in balancing our hormones, and I try to eat at least 20 to 30 grams of protein per meal.
Loving my protein parfait made with Kroma protein and granola
Then, I remembered Kroma Wellness, a brand dedicated to simplifying eating nutritious, anti-inflammatory, clean food that makes you feel your very best. I’m so grateful that I found Kroma 2 years ago when I did their 5-Day Reset (you can read about my life-changing experience with the Kroma Reset here). I took a look at two of my favorite Kroma products that I always keep in stock – Super Granola and Vanilla Cinnamon Protein Powder – and got the idea for a dairy-free, protein yogurt parfait!
I have avoided dairy-free yogurt in the past, because it’s usually filled with alien junk ingredients and sugar with minimal protein. But, blending the Vanilla Cinnamon Protein Powder with a quality pure coconut yogurt (like Cocojune Pure Coconut) amps up the protein content while still getting rich taste, healthy fats and tons of probiotics.
Kroma’s Vanilla Cinnamon Protein Powder adds a decadent dessert-like flavor to dairy-free yogurt, milk, smoothies and baked goods. The powder boasts 20g of protein per serving, has 9/9 Essential Amino Acids, and is loaded with superfoods and adaptogens.
Now let’s talk about what we’re topping our yogurt parfaits with: Super Granola! This is the best granola ever made with a wholesome medley of 10 superfoods that’s light yet satisfyingly crunchy and an irresistible vanilla cinnamon flavor. There is no gluten or refined sugar, which is so rare compared to most granola on grocery store shelves! It’s made with high-quality ingredients and functional superfoods, like crunchy clusters of gluten-free rolled oats, cashews, pumpkin seeds, hemp seeds, sesame seeds, dried blueberries, and mulberries. And, it’s boosted with adaptogenic maca to enhance mood and energy. This granola is the perfect topping to a yogurt parfait, but it’s also great to eat alone as a snack!
Watch me make this Protein Yogurt Parfait on Instagram here:
This DEG Free (Dairy, Egg and Gluten Free) Protein Parfait has now become a go-to breakfast of mine. It makes two small parfaits, so I’ll often make them in mason jars, so I can save the second one for tomorrow. I look forward to this creamy dreamy parfait every morning! Below is the recipe, and I can’t wait to hear what you think after you try it!
Add coconut yogurt, protein powder and almond milk to a bowl and mix. Add more almond milk, if needed, to reach your desired consistency.
Divide the protein yogurt mixture into two serving bowls. Top with berries, nut butter, granola and a drizzle of honey. Enjoy!
Dairy, Egg and Gluten Free Yogurt Protein Parfait
I hope you love this breakfast recipe as much as I do! Let me know if you try it in the comments, and be sure to connect with me on Instagram and TikTok!
AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: Some of this post contains affiliate links for the products I use and LOVE. If you take action on these links (like clicking, buying, etc.), I may receive compensation at no cost to you. As always, all opinions are my own, and I’ll only recommend what I truly like and recommend. For more information about affiliates and your privacy, view our Terms & Conditions page here.
Delicious and nutritious: ALOHA Protein Bars Raspberry White Chocolate flavor
As a busy, on-the-go mama, I’m always looking for convenient ways to add more protein into my diet. Protein helps boost my energy, keeps me fuller longer and supports my fitness goals. But, sometimes, it can be challenging to get enough quality protein into my diet in between carting the kids around to school and their activities and my full work and volunteer schedule. I’m always on the lookout for new, delicious protein options, so I was thrilled when ALOHA sent me their Raspberry White Chocolate Protein Bars, which the brand claims is the most popular flavor on social media, to do a taste-test! To really get to know these bars, I went out and purchased for myself the Peanut Butter Cup and Coconut Chocolate Almond flavors to taste. Below, I share my honest review of ALOHA Protein Bars and answer some common questions about these delightful bars. And, if you want to try ALOHA for yourself, make sure you read through to the end to get 20% your first order!
What are ALOHA Protein Bars?
ALOHA Protein Bars are convenient, individually wrapped, plant-based protein bars that come in indulgent flavors like Raspberry White Chocolate (limited edition), Peanut Butter Cup (best seller), Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Chocolate Fudge Brownie, Chocolate Mint, Lemon Cashew and other yummy flavor combos. ALOHA Protein Bars are packed with 14g of a nutrient dense protein blend and healthy fats so you can stay energized for hours. Currently, ALOHA sells its protein bars in packs of 12 of the same flavor or two variety pack options. According to the brand’s website, ALOHA’s sustainably sourced plant-based products are high in protein, amazingly low in sugar, USDA Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified and Certified Vegan. That’s a lot of goodness in one bar!
Are ALOHA Protein Bars good for you?
If your goal is to conveniently add more protein into your diet with clean ingredients, then, yes! ALOHA Protein Bars are good for you, because they’re high in protein and low in sugar while being made with sustainably sourced plant-based products that are USDA Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified and Certified Vegan.
It’s important to me to have as much natural foods as possible in my diet, so my favorite thing about these bars’ ingredients is that there’s no artificial or or overly refined sweeteners. I’m not into fake sweeteners at all, and I was pleased to see that ALOHA uses monk fruit or tapioca fiber to sweeten their bars. Their protein source is also natural – brown rice or pumpkin seed – which I like more than some competitors’ ingredients, like whey protein isolate, milk protein isolate and soy protein isolate. Consuming too much whey/milk protein isolate can irritate your stomach, and I’ve personally noticed that it makes me bloated. With soy, there’s lots of conflicting studies about whether too much disrupts your hormones, and since I’ve been trying to balance my hormones the last couple of years, I just avoid it to be safe. I also really like that the bars have a good amount of fiber – around 6g-10g per bar – which is great for overall health, especially when consuming lots of protein!
If you’re on low-cal diet and trying to lose weight, I probably wouldn’t eat this bar as a snack, because it has a lot of calories for one bar (220-250 calories per bar). Some may argue that because of its high protein and healthy fat content, the bar will keep you fuller longer, but I’ve never been one to get “full” from eating one bar, no matter what’s in it. ALOHA’s calories per bar are comparable to competitor protein bars, though, so if you’re going to choose to eat a protein bar, I’d choose this one because of its clean ingredients. ALOHA also offers “Protein Minis” which are smaller bars with less calories and protein if you’re calorie-conscious. Calories in the Protein Minis range from 100-110, but there’s less flavor options.
First, if you want to easily add protein to your diet, ALOHA Protein Bars have 14 grams of protein and come in a variety of delicious, dessert-like flavors! Win-win!
Next, as previously stated, this product only has USDA organic, Non-GMO Project Verified and Certified Vegan ingredients. You get the protein and flavor without all the crap that’s put into most “health bars.” They’re also free from gluten, soy and dairy, which is huge for me. If I’m going to eat a packaged product instead of whole foods, I want it to be as clean as possible.
Additionally, ALOHA is a bar you’ll feel good about eating, not only for your personal health, but also because of the company’s commitment to doing good. ALOHA’s brand really cares about its impact on the environment and is committed to the path of becoming climate neutral. It’s also dedicated to supporting its community while partnering with Kupu, Hawaii’s leading nonprofit working to foster the next generation of environmental and cultural stewards, and Conscious Alliance, a leading non-profit that helps families and children experiencing food insecurities. ALOHA is B Corp Certified, which is a prestigious designation that a business is meeting high standards of verified performance, accountability, and transparency on factors from employee benefits and charitable giving to supply chain practices and input materials. According to ALOHA’s website, fewer than 4% of all companies that apply to be B Corp Certified make the cut. And those that do, obtain the certification because they meet the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency and legal accountability as well as balance both profit and purpose.
What do ALOHA Protein Bars Taste Like?
I tried three ALOHA Protein Bars flavors: Raspberry White Chocolate, Peanut Butter Cup and Coconut Chocolate Almond. I was elated when ALOHA sent me the Raspberry White Chocolate flavor, because that’s typically my favorite flavor combo for desserts (hello, Cheesecake Factory’s Raspberry White Chocolate Truffle Cheesecake!). I chose the other flavors, because Reese’s and Almond Joys were my favorite candies to get in my Halloween trick-or-treating bag growing up. I love that ALOHA’s flavors are decadent, so your mind is tricked into thinking you’re getting a dessert when you’re really eating good-for-you protein! Here’s my thoughts on these three flavors:
Raspberry White Chocolate – This chewy bar has a very delicate raspberry taste with a creamy white chocolate coating. I like that there’s little bits of dried raspberry in the bar to add some interesting consistency. It’s a little dry, but wasn’t grainy. My 3-year-old daughter is always interested in what I’m eating, so she took a bite and thought it was dessert!
Peanut Butter Cup – This flavor doesn’t taste just like a Reese’s, but it is like eating an indulgent candy bar! The savory peanut butter covered in decadent chocolate is the perfect flavor combo. It’s harder to chew than a Reese’s but it’s not too sticky. It’s simple but delicious!
Coconut Chocolate Almond – If you’re a coconut lover like me, this bar is for you! I really love that this bar has bits of coconut shavings and almonds, but it’s not overpowering. I’m a big Almond Joy fan, so this bar is a good replacement for me.
I love that the Raspberry White Chocolate flavor is coated in creamy white chocolate and has small bits of raspberry in the middle
When and how do I eat ALOHA Protein Bars?
My favorite way to eat ALOHA Protein Bars is on-the-go, since they’re individually wrapped and I can easily take them with me everywhere. It’s a great way to eat protein when you can’t have a fresh protein source like meat, dairy or a plant-based protein source that’s a bit harder to travel with like quinoa. Speaking of travel, I love taking convenient health food like these bars with me on long airplane rides when I don’t want to eat airplane food but also don’t want to go through the hassle of packing a full meal with me. I could also see health-conscious people potentially eating these as a convenient dessert, because of the tempting treat-like flavor options. An ALOHA Raspberry White Chocolate Protein Bar is definitely a better choice than cheesecake!
ALOHA’s Raspberry White Chocolate is the most popular flavor on social media!
Where can I buy ALOHA Protein Bars?
I live in Southern California where I’ve seen ALOHA Protein Bars sold in Whole Foods, Erewhon, Sprouts Farmers Market, Ralphs, Gelson’s and Albertson’s. You also can purchase ALOHA Protein Bars on Amazon here and save money by subscribing to a recurring order. I personally prefer to purchase ALOHA Protein Bars direct from the brand’s website where you can build a variety pack of different flavors and get big discounts when purchasing 1-3 packs on auto-ship subscription. Currently, ALOHA’s website offers 1 item for 10% off, 2 items for 15% off and 3 items for 25% off if you select to auto-ship at checkout. So, for example, if you’re buying three 12-packs of the Peanut Butter Cup, that $98.97; But if you choose auto-ship subscription, you save 25% and the cost is $74.23. A great deal! The best part is that you can choose your subscription timing, so you can select whether you want to receive the bars everyone one, two, or three months. You also can get 20% your order with my code: MAGGIEJACKSON
ALOHA Protein Bars Pros
Here’s what I love about ALOHA Protein Bars:
Large variety of decadent flavors to choose from, including variety packs and limited edition flavors
High in protein
Low in sugar
Clean ingredients – Free from dairy, soy and gluten; plus, USDA Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified and Certified Vegan
Brand cares about social and environmental responsibility
Chewy taste for when you’re craving a treat
Conveniently packaged for on-the-go-snacking
ALOHA Protein Bars Cons
I love ALOHA Protein Bars, but they’re not perfect. Here’s what’s not so great about the bars:
Not low-carb
High in calories
Pricey – At the time of writing this, a 12-pack is $23.99 so that comes out to almost $2.75 per bar. A variety pack of 12 bars with three flavors is $36.99. Considering the bars’ high-quality ingredients, though, I think this pricing makes sense.
The consistency is a little on the drier side for what I expected for dessert-like flavors
A delicious snack or dessert: ALOHA Protein Bar Raspberry White Chocolate
The Bottom Line: Do I Recommend Aloha Protein Bars? Yes!
ALOHA Protein Bars are going to be my go-to protein bar from now on, because it is a bar I can feel good about eating. ALOHA Protein Bars align with my wellness values with no weird unidentified ingredients, and the bars help meet my health goals with 14g of plant-based protein. Plus, they came in so many yummy flavors! I will definitely be carrying these bars with me in my tote bag for the times I need a protein rich snack on-the-go!
I love ALOHA Protein Bars and highly recommend trying them for yourself! Use my code MAGGIEJACKSON to get 20% off your first order at Aloha.com. I’d love to know what you think of ALOHA Protein Bars and which flavors are your favorite.
Let me know if you have any questions about ALOHA Protein Bars in the comments below, and be sure to follow me on Instagram and TikTok for more healthy lifestyle recommendations.
At the beginning of this year, I took a poll asking my Instagram followers what kind of recipes they’d like me to share. I asked my followers if they want to see: 1) Healthy meals; 2) Kids meals; 3) Party food to serve a crowd; 4) Quick meals (30 minutes or less). The majority requested to see “healthy meals” with “quick meals” falling shortly behind. Ask and you shall receive!! Or, in this case, vote in my poll and you shall receive! So, here I am, sharing a dinner recipe that is both healthy AND quick: One-Pan Chicken Fajitas!!
Where did this One-Pan Chicken Fajita Skillet recipe come from?
My husband and I are both originally from Texas, so Tex-Mex cuisine is a favorite in our household. However, Tex-Mex isn’t necessarily known for being healthy with its flour tortillas, extra cheese, butter and extremely large portions. When my husband and I started dating over a decade ago, we were relatively new to California and missed authentic Tex-Mex food. When I moved to Los Angeles, I was surprised to find that the Mexican restaurants here didn’t all serve sizzling skillet fajitas with flour tortillas, cheese, pico de gallo, sour cream, a side of charro beans with bacon, and our favorite… queso dip! In fact, when I arrived here in 2009, I could not find a Mexican restaurant that even knew what queso dip was! Most all of the restaurants only served corn tortillas and they rarely had the melty combinations of cheese in their fajitas and tacos, like monterey jack, queso blanco and colby jack. Compared to Tex-Mex, I thought Cali-Mex was, well, bland! I had to recreate our beloved Tex-Mex flavors at home, but there was another problem… My husband and I like to eat healthy! Okay, so that’s necessarily a problem, but it can be challenging when you love traditional Tex-Mex food! So, I was determined to create a healthy-ish version of some of our favorite Tex-Mex dishes, like chicken fajitas, and that’s how this recipe came about! We honestly eat this one-pan chicken fajitas meal at least 3-4 times per month… Actually, we eat it even more than that, because I’ll switch out the protein for carne asada, ground beef or ground turkey! You can make it even healthier by omitting or limiting the cheese. And, I always opt for a healthier tortilla, like Siete Foods Almond Flour Tortillas or Ole Xtreme Wellness Tortillas.
All the authentic Tex-Mex flavored goodness wrapped in a tortilla!
What kitchen equipment do I need to make One-Pan Chicken Fajitas?
Just as the recipe name implies, all you really need is one pan! For this recipe, I use the 10.5″ Caraway Fry Pan. Last year, I upgraded my cookware to Caraway, and it’s one of the best home investments I’ve made in a long time! I was worried about spending so much on cookware, but let me tell you, Caraway is worth it! It has a non-toxic coating, so you can feel good about making dinner for your family with the cookware without worrying about harmful chemicals. Plus, it’s non-stick and so easy to clean! Another thing that majorly separates Caraway from other cookware brands is its storage capabilities. I love that the 4-piece cookware set comes with pan racks and a lid holder to free up space in my cabinets and keep my kitchen organized and aesthetically pleasing. Practicality aside, I also adore how chic this cookware looks on my stove! I purchased the “iconic black” color, and the gold hardware is beautiful! It looks perfect in my modern black and white kitchen.
Another tool I loved adding to my kitchen this last year is this 8-Blade Chopper – perfect for chopping, dicing, mincing and julienning vegetables! My kids often like to help make dinner, and I like having this tool so they can help cut vegetables without using a big, sharp knife. And, it helps save time when you need to chop lots of vegetables! You can also use it to cut or crate cheese, fruit and eggs!
Okay, this next tool is a MUST-HAVE if you love guacamole or avocado toast: Williams-Sonoma Avocado Pitter & Masher! It’s designed to help you cut, pit and mash your avocados perfectly. Before I had this tool, I’d use a fork to mash my avocados, which was such a pain! I use this tool multiple times per week and consider it one of my kitchen essentials!
What Ingredients Do I Need for One-Pan Chicken Fajitas?
You can’t make chicken fajitas without, well, CHICKEN! I prefer to use chicken thighs for this recipe, but I’ve used chicken breasts plenty of times. Chicken thighs are a bit more flavorful. They’re also more affordable! You’ll also need a fresh bell pepper (my favorite is orange, but a red, green or yellow bell pepper works, too!) and red onion.
To give the chicken in this is recipe it’s authentic Tex-Mex flavor, I use Siete Mild Taco Seasoning. I love how versatile this seasoning is! I’ve used it for dips, and I’ve used it to make beef and turkey tacos, too!
To make authentic Tex-Mex fajitas, you need to wrap your chicken and veggies in a flour tortilla, but I like to swap out the flour tortillas for healthier options. My favorite tortillas are Siete Almond Flour Tortillas or Siete Cassava Flour Tortillas. Use Cassava Flour if you want a tortilla that’s closer to the taste of an original flour tortilla. However, I prefer Almond Flour tortillas because it has a faintly sweeter taste and it has more protein (6 grams!) per tortilla. Another favorite tortilla brand that I use often is Ole Xtreme Wellness Tortillas. I love that their high in fiber!
Watch me make One-Pan Chicken Fajitas on Instagram:
Mexican blend shredded cheese (I like Tillamook Mexican cheese)
Directions:
Add 2 tbsp avocado oil in skillet over medium-high heat, then add bell pepper and onion strips. Season with light salt if desired. Cook until soft, about 5-8 minutes. Remove veggies from pan and save for later.
Add remaining avocado oil to skillet if necessary. Add chicken to pan and cook through, about 8-10 minutes.
Add packet of Siete Mild Taco seasoning to chicken and 1/3 cup water. Stir to combine well.
Add bell pepper and onion back to skilett with chicken and stir to combine.
Add chicken to warmed tortilla. Top with cheese, avocado dip, salsa, taco sauce and any other preferred toppings. Enjoy!
AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: Some of this post contains affiliate links for the products I use and LOVE. If you take action on these links (like clicking, buying, etc.), I may receive compensation at no cost to you. As always, all opinions are my own, and I’ll only recommend what I truly like and think you will, too. For more information about affiliates and your privacy, view our Terms & Conditions page here.
There’s nothing I love more than discovering a great new wellness brand, especially one that lives up to the hype!
For example, last year, I discovered Juna Detox Drops, which transforms my water into an antioxidant-rich powerhouse drink, and Seed Daily Synbiotic, a 2-in-1 capsule-in-capsule probiotic and prebiotic. The combination of these two products has been life changing for my skin and overall health. The first thing I do every morning is add two droppers full of the Juna Detox Drops (psst.. use code MAGGIEJACKSON for 15% off on juna-world.com!) into a glass of water and drink while taking the Seed Synbiotic capsules. I credit this morning ritual with clearing up my skin from some crazy hormonal acne that popped up after my second baby.
But that’s a story for another time…
This year’s best new health brand discovery is KROMA WELLNESS! And pst… use code MAGGIE15 for 15% off your first purchase of all Kroma Lifestyle Resets and Daily Essentials!!
Kroma Super Porridge topped with OMG Cookie Butter
Why Kroma Wellness?
I’m always on the lookout for ways to live better and healthier, so most of my Instagram feed is filled with brands, celebrities and influencers who do the same. I was leisurely scrolling through the ‘gram one afternoon when I noticed one of my fave influencers, who happened to be pregnant, answer a question from another user about why she was doing the Kroma Reset while expecting a baby. That seemed unusual for a pregnant woman to be doing a “reset” diet to me, so I was immediately intrigued. The influencer responded with something like, “I use the products from Kroma because they’re nourishing.”
Reset… Nourishing... Those are the two words that stuck out to me. And two words I never thought would go together when associated with the typical wellness cleanse… So, naturally, I had to know more!
I went on a deep dive exploring Kroma Wellness and discovered that this brand isn’t your stereotypical cleanse or celebrity diet that requires you to fast, only drink juices or eat bland food that completely eliminates an entire food group (or two!). As someone who once had many issues with dieting and exercise (like, MAJOR issues that wrecked havoc on my health and landed me in years of therapy), I’m very conscious of any sort of fad or social media trend claiming to detox, cleanse or jump-start weight loss. Anyone who’s been fooled into doing a program like that knows what I’m talking about. Those are quick fixes and not sustainable. I find that true wellness is a lifestyle, and Kroma is just that.
Kroma’s Reset introduces you to how great you can feel (and look!) when your diet is full of nutrient-dense superfoods without processed sugar, gluten and dairy. Kroma is designed to keep you satiated and energized with simple meal, drink and snack solutions that literally anyone can do at home or on-the-go. And, Kroma offers a variety of convenient products to continue your superfood health journey after the reset is over. The company was founded by mom and health guru Lisa Odenweller with renowned Functional Medical Expert Dr. Will Cole advising on nutrition, so you know it’s legit!
Learning all of this, I was SOLD and decided to purchase Kroma’s Signature 5-Day Reset to try the first week of January 2023. I first learned about Kroma in December 2022, while I was in the midst of holiday parties, indulgent eating, excess sugar intake and drinking too much alcohol. I was definitely not feeling my best and longing to not only get back to “normal” eating but reach an even higher level of health. Kroma’s website described the company as helping others to live their “healthiest, most vibrant life,” and that was exactly what my body and mind was craving!
Kroma 5-Day Reset | Photo credit: Allison Zaucha
First Impression
After ordering my Signature 5-Day Reset, it took about 3 days to arrive. I was giddy to find it on my doorstep and opened it immediately. The Reset comes in a beautiful white box, and your food and drinks for the next five days are color-coded and displayed in a circle with Kroma’s famous OMG Cookie Butter in the center. Each day contains 10 sachets of nutritious food, drinks and supplements. The reset includes the following for each day:
Break Your Fast – Beauty Matcha
Breakfast – Super Porridge
Hydration – Cranberry Hydration Elixir
Boost – A plant-based smoothie like Blueberry Acai Immunity, Banana Cacao or Vanilla Cinnamon
Lunch – A broth like 24K Chicken Bone Broth, 24K Beef Bone Broth or a Veggie Broth with Plant Protein
Fuel – Supergreens Elixir
Snack – A latte, like Spicy Passion Latte, Change Your Life Chai Latte or Ultimate Vitality Latte
Energy Snack – OMG Cookie Butter
Dinner – A broth like 24K Chicken Bone Broth, 24K Beef Bone Broth or a Veggie Broth with Plant Protein
The beautiful and nourishing foods in Kroma 5-Day Reset
The package also included a comprehensive brochure to help guide me on my reset. The brochure included information on three reset protocol options: Lifestyle, Lean and Active. Lifestyle is the most popular protocol and “for anyone looking to lose a few pounds, reset habits, rejuvenate, and feel better overall.” The Lean protocol is for someone looking to accelerate weight loss, and the Active protocol is for athletes or for those who need additional nourishment to optimize their active lifestyle. I decided to go with the Lifestyle protocol, because I wanted to feel great and lighter without feeling deprived or depleted. The brochure featured tips for success, my grocery shopping list, daily schedule and a plan for after the reset was over. I was ready to get started!
My 5-Day ResetExperience
Here is a breakdown of my experience with each sachet in my 5-Day Reset:
Break Your Fast: I was so excited to start feeling the benefits of this reset that I truly didn’t care that I’d have to eliminate my morning coffee and replace it with Matcha. This was huge for me, because I’ve been drinking morning coffee daily since I was a senior in high school (I don’t want to date myself but that’s almost 20 years!). On the first day, I blended Kroma’s Beauty Matcha with 8 ounces of Unsweetened Almond MALK — which is the ONLY brand of almond milk anyone should buy, because as far as I know, it’s the only one on the market that doesn’t have oils, gums and other filler ingredients in it. I drank the Matcha warm hoping to play a trick on my body and mind that it was the same thing as my usual coffee. It wasn’t as sweet as my normal morning coffee, but I was desperate for a pick-me-up so it went down fast. I immediately wished I had another Matcha or could drink a cup of coffee, but I was determined to stick to the program. The next morning, I tried the Beauty Matcha blended with Almond MALK over ice instead of warm, and I liked it way better! Not sure why or how, but it tasted sweeter over ice. For the first two days, I would start to get a headache mid-morning that would last through the afternoon, which is very rare for me. I seriously never get a headache, so I knew it must have been the caffeine withdrawals from skipping my morning coffee. Still, I didn’t cheat and kept going with the program. Go me!
Breakfast: I really liked the Super Porridge for daily breakfast, and I assume that’s because I normally love to eat oatmeal in the morning. This was like a supercharged oatmeal with nuts, seeds and other superfoods rich in antioxidants. Every morning, I ate the Super Porridge warm, mixed with Almond MALK and topped with a handful of raspberries. If you already like oatmeal like me, you’ll love this for breakfast!
Hydration: Immediately after breakfast, I drank the Cranberry Hydration Elixir. This was delicious! I could see myself drinking this every morning for a boost of electrolytes, which I’ve recently learned is so important to add into your diet, especially if you workout a lot like me. I guess I was scarred from all the junk in traditional sports drinks that we guzzled in the 90s. True to Kroma, this is made with only good stuff: Coconut Water, Cranberry, Citric Acid, Ginger Extract, Aquamin Mg®AG, Himalayan Pink Salt, Stevia Leaf Extract (Rebaudioside M), Ascorbic Acid, Cayenne Pepper*, Thiamine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin.
Boost: On the first day around 10 a.m., I had the Vanilla Cinnamon Plant Based Smoothie blended with Almond MALK, spinach and a handful of frozen blueberries. It was tasty and filling, almost like an entire meal. On the second day, I blended the smoothie with less berries and only water. On the third, fourth and fifth days, I simply blended the smoothies with water or half MALK and half water, because I was starting to feel full and like I was consuming so much constantly. I realized this reset definitely wasn’t a depleting diet!
Lunch: I LOVE Kroma’s Bone Broths! On the first day, I ate the 24K Chicken Bone Broth and added wilted spinach and zucchini slices that were sautéed in olive oil from dinner the night before. I also added a dash of Sriracha because I love anything and everything spicy! This was such a quick and easy lunch to make. I loved that the 24K Bone Broths glittered like they’re actually made of gold! The Veggie Broth was yummy, too, but Bone Broths were the winner! Again, I felt very satisfied and like I ate a complete meal.
Energy: Every day, I treated myself to post-lunch dessert with a spoonful of the OMG Cookie Butter, and that really did make me say O-M-G! What a delightful little treat that’s rich and nutty with hints of coconut. And, I love the goji berries for little surprises of extra sweetness in every bite!
Fuel: A couple hours after lunch, I drank the Supergreens Elixir, which tasted great and really made me feel like I was drinking some sort of magical superpower drink! The Supergreens Elixir is made with 75 vitamins, minerals, and whole food-sourced ingredients to make getting your daily dose of greens easy and incredibly enjoyable. You’ll never have to eat a salad again!
Snack: The reset includes an afternoon latte to curb afternoon cravings. My favorite was the Spicy Passion Latte. To be honest, I never felt like I needed one of the lattes to curb any afternoon cravings. The reset was so nourishing that I really didn’t have any cravings! In fact, adding the latte felt like too much, so I skipped drinking them the last two days of the reset, but I enjoyed them the following week.
Photo credit: Allison Zaucha
Dinner: The last meal of every day is a 24K Bone Broth or Veggie Broth again. I really liked that I could add veggies and lean protein to the broths, so it didn’t feel like I was eating the exact same thing all the time. However, I have to admit that I got a little tired of only eating broths for lunch and dinner towards the end of the five days. For dinner, I’d make my family our normal healthy dinner and simply pull a few pieces of protein and veggies from the meal and add them to my broth. So, I still feel like I partook in our family Mexican and Mediterranean nights while doing the reset!
Photo credit: Allison Zaucha
After Dinner Supplement: Every night, I drank the Calming + Restore Magnesium mixed into a glass of water. I’ve been hearing a lot lately about the benefits of taking magnesium before bed, so I was excited to implement this into my routine to calm my mind, relax my muscles and support my digestive system. I slept like a baby during the 5-Day Reset, so I have attribute the great snoozes to this supplement!
My Reset Benefits
At the conclusion of the 5-Day Reset, I truly felt rejuvenated — my mind felt clearer and my skin was glowing! However, I wasn’t miraculously slimmer and didn’t drop weight. (I did lose two pounds a couple days after the reset was over, which I thought was interesting.) To be honest, I was a bit bloated the last couple days of the reset, and… TMI… I got a little backed up, if ya know what I mean. I think my bowels were used to my morning coffee as its daily diuretic and trying to adjust to my new healthier lifestyle without it. I think that if I stuck to the Reset diet for a few more days, my body would adapt.
Here are the two best things that came from my Reset:
(1) Healthier heart rate – On the morning after the Reset was over (day 6), I was sitting on the floor playing with my kids, and my Apple Watch alerted me that my average heart rate per minute dropped by 9 heart beats over the last five days! WHAT! That’s phenomenal! A diet that removes processed sugar, gluten and dairy and supplements with nourishing superfoods can truly optimize my health to its very best. I’ve always heard that food can be medicine, but I never thought I could have results like this! And in only five days!
(2) My view of optimizing daily health was forever changed – I’ve always considered myself a healthy-ish eater, so I never thought much about the occasional indulgences, like alcohol, dessert and processed snacks. But, watching how my health significantly improved in only five days on the Reset was extraordinary! The Reset was an education for me on how superfoods can positively optimize my overall wellbeing and gave me the confidence in moving forward with this regimen as a daily lifestyle. I’ve often thought that eliminating certain foods or taking on a new diet was too hard, expensive or intimidating, but Kroma made it so easy to do and underscored the importance of making quality nutrition a priority in my life.
The notification I received that my average heart rate dropped while doing the 5-Day Reset
The first morning after completing the Reset, I poured myself a cup of coffee, because I thought I missed it so much. I took a sip, and WHOA…. it tasted so bitter! As I mentioned earlier, I’ve been drinking coffee forever, so I’ve never had trouble with the taste. I’m not sure what some sort of magical change the Reset had on my tastebuds, but I was shocked that I didn’t love drinking coffee as much as I did before completing the program. I’m a little ashamed to admit that coffee has found its way back into my morning routine… however, I only drink one cup in the morning now, and I’ve replaced my second cup with the Beauty Matcha.
My most favorite product has been the Supergreens Elixir, because I feel like it helps me reach optimal nutrition even if I fall off the wagon a bit. Like, even if I have a cheeseburger for dinner, I feel good because I got all my vitamins, minerals and greens from the Supergreens Elixir earlier in the day. It may look a little intimidating being green and all, but I promise it tastes great! It has a hint of vanilla sweetness to it, and I look forward to drinking it every morning.
I really do feel like I’ve had a lifestyle shift since my first 5-day Reset. I’ve cut out alcohol during the week, significantly eliminated added sugar and cut back on gluten. I’d say I’m really living a vibrant existence, and Kroma’s Reset helped me get here.
As I’m writing this, I’m looking at my next 5-Day Kroma Reset. This time, I ordered the Deluxe edition, which includes additional tools, like the Gold Kroma Frother, Kroma Tumbler, Hemp Travel Pouch and Tumeric Ginger Tea. I got the Signature 5-Day Reset the first time I did Kroma and used my own frother, but I coveted the pretty Kroma branded products I saw in the brochure. Now that Kroma is a part of my daily life, I figured it made sense to get them.
Deluxe version of the 5-Day Reset
So, Is Kroma’s Reset Worth It?
Kroma’s Signature 5-Day Reset (the first one I did) costs $395, and I’d say it’s completely worth it if you can afford it. For me, the 5-Day Reset wasn’t a quick weight-loss fix (although I did feel great after completing the program); it was a full-on lifestyle shift that I’ve carried with me now months after completing my first Reset. I now integrate many of the Daily Essentials into my everyday life. If you’re ready for REAL lifelong results, DO IT!
If you’re on a budget but would like a sample of what Kroma can do for you, I recommend choosing 2-3 Daily Essentials products that you’d like to start integrating into your daily routine. If you’re new to Kroma, I recommend trying the Beauty Matcha, Supergreens Elixir and Cranberry Hydration Elixir, because they’re super easy to add into your routine, don’t take a lot of time or skill to make, and they’re non-perishable!
Kroma Daily Essentials
The Bottom Line
The 5-Day Reset is for anyone looking to optimize their wellbeing. Kroma offers three different personalized tracks to align with your intention of doing the reset, whether you’re looking to lose a couple pounds or enhance your workouts. No matter which track you choose, you will not be deprived while doing this reset. I promise, I never felt hungry in the five days. But, what I did feel was nourished and energized!
Ultimately, Kroma positively changed the way I view food and nutrition. Not only did I feel the healthy change on the inside, my Apple Watch’s heart rate monitor proved to me what was happening on the inside — My heart rate dropped an average 9 beats per minute during the 5-Day Reset! To me, that is clear proof that this reset is worth the investment. Do it for yourself. Your body and mind will thank you.
Now that I’ve been using Kroma’s products for 7 months, I’d love to know any questions you may have about the 5-Day Reset or Daily Essentials products. Drop your questions in the comments below, or connect with me on Instagram at @maggiehjackson.
And, DON’T FORGET!! You get 15% off your first Kroma purchase with my promo code: MAGGIE15
AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: Some of this post contains affiliate links for the products I use and LOVE. If you take action on these links (like clicking, buying, etc.), I may receive compensation at no cost to you. As always, all opinions are my own, and I’ll only recommend what I truly like and recommend. For more information about affiliates and your privacy, view our Terms & Conditions page here.
I recently started doing reformer pilates again, and I’m feeling amazing! Not only is it a great workout, but I’m feeling like myself again. You see, I stopped doing reformer pilates when I got pregnant with my first baby – almost 5 years ago! – and haven’t gotten back into a regular pilates routine until now.
Belonging to pilates studios can be really tough for new parents, because they don’t offer childcare and they’re usually pretty expensive. It hasn’t made sense for me to hire a babysitter to go to a pricey pilates class and my husband’s work schedule leaves few opportunities to sneak away. But, a couple months ago, we started our youngest child in preschool 3 days a week, so I could get things done around the house and work on my freelance projects sans kiddos. At the exact same time, a new pilates studio, SolidCore, opened locally and offered me free trial classes. I’ll sheepishly admit that I abandoned all the things I was “supposed” to be doing (errands, cleaning, work) to test the studio. Oh em freakin geeeeee…. After only one class, I was hooked on this place! And it’s been TOTALLY worth putting everything else aside to go here!
If you’re into reformer pilates like me, you know that not all studios are the same. Some pilates studios’ classes can be so easy and boring. Like, why did I just pay $35 to just stretch?! No, I want to get results, not have some leisurely movement! That is NOT SolidCore! This studio puts a huge focus on building muscle, which is one of the best things you can do for your body. My husband, who is an orthopedic surgeon that treats athletes of all ages, tells me all the time that his healthiest and youngest looking patients prioritize weightlifting in their workouts. Knowing that, I really think women have been done a disservice with media, celebrities and men persuading them not to lift weights out of fear that they’ll get “bulky,” gain weight, or won’t be able to achieve the slim, toned look they desire. So not true! Okay, I’ll step off my weightlifting soapbox and return to why I love SolidCore…
SolidCore is the best pilates studio I’ve ever been to, so if you have a location close to you, try it out! I now go to SolidCore once or twice a week and pepper in running and lifting weights on the days I don’t go. I’ve been going for almost 3 months and have noticed a major positive difference in my body. My abs are poppin’ and my arms and booty are getting so toned. I’m so happy to have found this studio to be my new workout home! I’ll be able to go for a long time, too, because it never gets easier. I’m slowly increasing weight every class, so I’ll be able to get a great workout no matter how many times I go!
For me, going to pilates is more than a workout. It’s a whole vibe. It’s the time for ME to feel my very best, so I love putting on cute workout sets (like this one that I’m wearing in the picture above), brushing on a layer of mascara and throwing my hair into a cute ponytail. I usually go to pilates late-morning, so I drink a super healthy, nutrient-dense smoothie (like my easy avocado smoothie) for breakfast and then have a delicious healthy soup or salad right when I get home from the studio. On the days I go to pilates, I feel amazing. And, that’s how working out should be, you know? Otherwise, why would we do it?!
If you need help creating a boss-girl vibe around your workouts, I’ve compiled a list of my fave new workout sets for spring, below. Pick one (or two) of these sets to wear to your next workout, and tell me you don’t feel fabulous and ready to have the best workout of your life. When you look good, you feel good! So, no matter where you are on your workout journey, if you feel confident in what you’re wearing, you’re more likely to gain confidence in working out, too!
All these pieces are from Gilly Hicks, which is a sub-brand of Hollister. Yes, that’s what I said… Hollister! Do not hate, y’all! I haven’t shopped at Hollister since I was in high school (I’m now in my 30’s), so I was shocked to learn that Gilly Hicks was associated with the beachy teenaged brand, too. My mother and I were shopping at our local mall, and I mentioned to her that I’ve wanted a hot pink workout set for over a year but haven’t found one that fits well and made sense for my budget. As we were boppin’ along the mall halls, there I saw it — the cutest hot pink workout set (that came with other mix and match pieces!!) front-and-center in a Gilly Hicks store. I honestly had never heard of Gilly Hicks, but seeing all their athleisure in-store looked way cute with on-trend cuts and colors for EVERY body type. Plus, it was quality fabric and affordable! I’m so tired of paying over $100 for workout pants, ya know? These are half the cost! We had a blast trying on different fits and styles, and I walked away with several pieces. I cannot wait to go back to get more!
Below is a mix of pieces that I purchased and what’s on my wishlist for future shopping! All these pieces come in different color options and are perfect for mixing and matching! You can shop products linked under graphic or visit my LTK page here.
White Zip Hoodie – This comes in a crop style and is lightweight enough to wear throughout summer with LA’s cool mornings and evenings
Lime Green Tank – This color will look so good with a spring/summer tan!
Hot Pink Tank – Loving this! It has sewed-in cups, so you don’t have to worry about embarrassing headlights (IFKYK) or bother with replacing them after washing.
White Fanny Pack – Perfect for stashing your phone, cards and keys while working out. I love bringing fanny packs along on my walks, running errands and doing activities with the kids.
Blue Strappy Tank – Loving the straps on this top and this color is gorge!
Blue Flare Pants – So happy that flares are back! Perfect for feeling cute while lifting weights or running errands.
Let me know which of these spring workout sets’ spring colors is your favorite in the comments below! I’m between the pink and blue! And, be sure to follow me on Instagram and TikTok for more health and wellness and fashion inspo!
AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: Some of this post contains affiliate links for the products I use and LOVE. If you take action on these links (like clicking, buying, etc.), I may receive compensation at no cost to you. As always, all opinions are my own, and I’ll only recommend what I truly like and recommend. For more information about affiliates and your privacy, view our Terms & Conditions page here.
I recently had my wisdom teeth extracted, so smoothies have been my morning go-to to get optimal nutrition while avoiding chewing. I was getting bored of my usual fruit smoothies so started testing out different recipes, and I believe I have perfected the best avocado smoothie! Scroll down to get the recipe, and be sure to read to the bottom to get my comfy morning smoothie essentials!
Are avocados good in smoothies?
It might sound a bit odd to add an avocado to your smoothie, especially if you’re used to the typical smoothies with a banana base. But, let me assure you that the texture of avocado makes them perfect for creamy, rich smoothies – almost like a milkshake! The taste of avocado is super mild and we add fruit for sweetness, so you don’t end up with a smoothie that tastes like a raw avocado with this recipe. If you like your smoothies extra sweet, I recommend adding 1 tsp. of pure maple syrup to the recipe.
Are avocado smoothies good for you?
In addition to this avocado smoothie tasting great, it’s also jam-packed with health and beauty benefits! According to Medical News Today, avocados are a source of vitamins C, E, K, and B6, as well as riboflavin, niacin, folate, pantothenic acid, magnesium, and potassium. They also provide lutein, beta carotene, and omega-3 fatty acids, which is great for eye and brain health and improves bone and joint function. Avocados contain high levels of healthy, beneficial fats, which can help a person feel fuller between meals. I drink this smoothie in the morning, and it keeps me full until lunchtime! Omega-3’s are also known to regulate your skin’s oil production and boost hair growth, so this is truly a beauty-boosting smoothie!
What do I need to make an avocado smoothie?
My avocado smoothie recipe is made with only 4 ingredients! Or, 5 ingredients if you are adding protein powder, which I recommend! Some people like their smoothies on the sweeter side, so if that’s you, I also recommend adding 1 tsp. of pure maple syrup. Of course, you’ll need one ripe avocado – our star ingredient! You can tell its ripe by gently squeezing the avocado. If it’s soft, but not mushy, it’s ready to eat! You also need your preferred milk (I like Almond MALK), vanilla extract and frozen fruit. My favorite frozen fruit for this recipe is pineapple, mango or strawberries, because they give the smoothie that extra bit of sweetness that avocado is lacking. If you’re using protein powder, I recommend Tone It Up Plant-Based Protein + Greens Powder, because it has everything you want in one scoop:15 grams of protein, 14 leaves of kale, 4 leaves of spinach and a floret of broccoli with a creamy texture and delicious vanilla flavor. Plus, it’s plant-based protein, non-GMO, gluten free and kosher with nothing artificial! As mentioned before, avocados are quite bland, so if you want to kick up this smoothie’s flavor, add a dash of salt before blending.
You’ll also need a powerhouse blender, like my Ninja Professional Plus Blender, to make your smoothie, well, smooth. This blender has a powerful motor and extra sharp blades designed for superior crushing, so it’s perfect for creating your smoothies, frozen drinks or even ice cream! I personally love how easy it is to clean. And, it’s dishwasher safe!
After my smoothie is done, I like to pour it into a nice glass and drink with a fancy gold straw. It feels so much better than those yucky paper cups and straws you get at smoothie shops, ya know? Try it — I think you’ll love it served that way, too!
1 tsp. pure maple syrup (optional for added sweetness)
A dash of salt (optional)
Directions:
Peel the avocado, discard the pit and add into the blender. Add remaining ingredients into the blender and blend until smooth. Serve immediately.
Enjoy this easy, yummy avocado smoothie, beauties! Let me know what you think in the comments below, and be sure to follow me on Instagram and TikTok for more easy recipes!
Check out my comfy and beautiful morning essentials for the best smoothies:
These healthier red velvet cupcakes are everything you love about the original – sweet, chocolatey, moist cake with cream cheese frosting! We made these cupcakes for Valentine’s Day and topped with pink, red and heart-shaped sprinkles to make them festive! These cupcakes are so easy – only takes 30 minutes to make! – and they’re reduced sugar and protein packed! We reduced sugar with Truvia Sweet Complete Monk Fruit Sweetener but still used regular powdered sugar in the frosting. We upped the protein in these yummy cupcakes with King Arthur Keto Wheat Flour.
Ever since becoming a mom, what I eat and feed my family means so much more to me. I want overall good health and energy to care for my family, and I want my kids interested in eating more than just junk food. But, I never want to keep my family from enjoying celebrations and “party food” like cupcakes, so, recently, I’ve started looking into healthier swaps for refined sugar and flour.
A swap for sugar I’ve discovered is Truvia Sweet Complete Monk Fruit Sweetener, which is an easy 1:1 swap. Monk Fruit Extract is a calorie-free sweetener that comes from monk fruit, which is native to the mountains of China and Northern Thailand. This sweetener is zero calories and replaces sugar anywhere you’d normally use it – coffee, teas, baking, etc.
For an alternative to flour, I’ve enjoyed exploring King Arthur brand’s Keto Wheat Flour and Gluten-Free Flour, because they’re also an easy 1:1 swap in recipes. The Keto Wheat Flour is an awesome way to boost my kids protein intake with 17g of protein per serving. My family isn’t gluten-free, but I uncovered the health benefits of removing gluten from my diet when I did the Kroma Wellness 5-day reset (I’ll write a blog post about that later), so King Arthur Gluten-Free is also a great option.
Below is my recipe that I updated from the original Vegan Red Velvet Cupcakes recipe found on Peanut Butter and Jilly. My recipe is not vegan, but it’s delicious!
Mix together the almond milk, melted butter, monk fruit sweetener, cocoa powder, vanilla, baking powder, baking soda, and food coloring until well combined.
Add the flour to the bowl and mix until a thick batter forms. Spoon the batter into 12-14 lined cupcake molds and bake in the oven to 25 minutes.
While the cupcakes are baking, use an electric hand mixer to mix together the powdered sugar, cream cheese, and butter. If you desire a thicker frosting, add ¼ or more powdered sugar to the mixture until desired consistency is reached. Allow cupcakes to cool, then spread the frosting onto the cupcakes. Enjoy!
Let me know if you try these and what you think! Be sure to follow me on Instagram and TikTok for more easy recipes, healthy lifestyle and ideas for your family!
XO Maggie
AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: Some of this post contains affiliate links for the products I use and LOVE. If you take action on these links (like clicking, buying, etc.), I may receive compensation at no cost to you. As always, all opinions are my own, and I’ll only recommend what I truly love. For more information about affiliates and your privacy, view our Terms & Conditions page here.
What’s scarier than ghosts on Halloween? Kids overdosing on sugar!
A hot topic every Halloween season is how to limit our kids’ candy intake. That’s why I love getting creative in the kitchen to make healthy food fun! For example: Cutie Pumpkins and Banana Ghosts! These fruity treats are so easy to make and fun to eat! They’re the best sweet and spooky after-school snack, or they’ll look fabulous on your table at your Halloween party!
Cutie Pumpkins: Peel clementines and cut celery into small sticks. Have kids add the celery sticks to clementines as stems to make pumpkins!
Banana Ghosts: Peel bananas and cut in half. Have your children add mini chocolate chips for the eyes and mouth to create ghosts!
If you’re looking for more healthy Halloween snack ideas you can make with your kids, check out my segment that aired on KTLA-TV last year, below, or read my blog post here.
Watch me share healthy Halloween snacks on KTLA in Los Angeles!
Use these tools to create a fun fruit platter for your Halloween party:
For more easy recipes and fun ideas for the family, be sure to follow me on Instagram and TikTok!
XO Maggie
AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: Some of this post contains affiliate links for the products I use and LOVE. If you take action on these links (like clicking, buying, etc.), I may receive compensation at no cost to you. As always, all opinions are my own, and I’ll only recommend what I truly love. For more information about affiliates and your privacy, view our Terms & Conditions page here.
I shared these easy Spider Crackers on KTLA-TV last year, along with some other healthy Halloween treats for kids, and they were such a hit that I had to post them on my blog again this year!
Easy, festive and healthy Spider Crackers!
I love these Spider Crackers because:
(1) They’re easy! You only need 4 ingredients, and most of them you probably already have in your pantry!
(2) They’re customizable. Can’t take nut butter to school? Make these with sunflower seed butter or cream cheese instead! Don’t like raisins? Try currants or mini chocolate chips! Want a healthier cracker? Opt for whole wheat instead of regular Ritz crackers. Any round cracker of your choice will do!
(3) Halloween is often the kickoff to a holiday season filled with non-stop sugar, so it’s nice to create a savory festive treat for a healthy change! As a parent, I really try to limit our kids’ sugar intake where we can this time of year!
(4) They’re festive and versatile! Make these with your kids for an after-school snack, drop them in lunchboxes, or serve them at the class Halloween party!
(5) Your kids will love making these with you!
If you’re looking for more healthy Halloween snack ideas you can make with your kids, check out my segment that aired on KTLA-TV last year, below, or read my blog post here.
Watch me share these Spider Crackers along with other healthy Halloween snack ideas on KTLA-TV in Los Angeles!
Spread nut butter, seed butter, or cream cheese on two crackers thick enough to hold pretzels
Break 4 pretzels in half
Place the 8 half pretzel sticks around one cracker to resemble spider legs
Top the cracker with the second cracker to secure the legs and make a sandwich
Dip 2 dried fruit pieces in the nut butter or cream cheese and stick them to the top of the spider cracker sandwich to resemble eyes
Enjoy! Store in an airtight container for up to a week
I used regular peanut butter and raisins for this Spider Cracker, but you could also try cream cheese and mini chocolate chips!
Let me know if you try these Spider Crackers and what ingredients combination you choose to use! For more easy recipes and fun ideas for the family, be sure to follow me on Instagram and TikTok!
XO Maggie
AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: Some of this post contains affiliate links for the products I use and LOVE. If you take action on these links (like clicking, buying, etc.), I may receive compensation at no cost to you. As always, all opinions are my own, and I’ll only recommend what I truly love. For more information about affiliates and your privacy, view our Terms & Conditions page here.
Maggie Jackson 