Healthy Smores Snack Bars

When you just want so enjoy something super special without the guilt... TRY THIS!

Ingredients:

2 whole wheat graham crackers (1 cracker sheet each) broken into large pieces
1 large ripe banana mashed (can omit if you don't like banana)
½ cup all-natural almond butter
2 Tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder
4 scoops Chocolate Shakeology divided use
¾ cup part-skim ricotta cheese
1 scoop Vanilla Shakeology
2 to 3 drops marshmallow flavor (optional)
3 Tbsp. extra-virgin organic coconut oil melted

Instructions:

1. Place graham crackers in food processor (or blender); process continuously until crackers are crushed into fine crumbs. Set aside.
2. Line an 8 x 8-inch pan with plastic wrap (or aluminum foil). Evenly sprinkle ⅓ of graham cracker crumbs in bottom of pan. Set aside.
3. Combine banana, almond butter, cocoa powder, 2 scoops Chocolate Shakeology, and ⅓ of graham cracker crumbs in a medium bowl; mix well with clean hands or a rubber spatula.
4. Press chocolate mixture into prepared pan. Cover with plastic wrap and press down to flatten into pan. Refrigerate for 1 hour to set.
5. Place cheese, Vanilla Shakeology, and marshmallow flavor in food processor (or blender); process until smooth and well blended.
6. Evenly spread cheese mixture over chocolate mixture. Set aside.
7. Combine remaining 2 scoops Chocolate Shakeology and oil in a small bowl; mix until smooth.
8. Evenly spread Chocolate Shakeology mixture over cheese mixture.
9. Sprinkle top with remaining ⅓ of graham cracker crumbs. Lightly press graham cracker crumbs into top. Refrigerate for 1 hour, or until set.
10. Cut into twelve bars (approx. 2½ x 2-inches).

Recipe Notes

You can find marshmallow flavor on-line or in specialty cake decorating stores.
You can substitute pure vanilla extract for marshmallow flavor.

Containers: 1 bar = 1/2 red and 3 tsp 

Avocado Zucchini Alfredo with Shrimp

I know many of us really enjoy a big plate of pasta now and then...but if you're anything like me, it always leaves me feeling bloated and heavy afterwards. 

You might have heard of spaghetti squash, but what about zoodles? Using a spiralizer like this one, to prepare your veggies is a nice change, and one you should definitely try if you are looking for a healthier option to swap out the pasta and use something that's a low-carb, low-calorie alternative. Zucchini works really well, but you can also make carrot "ribbons" as well!

This recipe is a variation from the recipe found in the 2B Mindset nutrition course, and has been a favorite with most all of my customers! If you are looking for a fast, simple but delicious dinner with minimal preparation, this one is a must try!

This recipe makes 2 servings, total time: 22 minutes. Cooking time: 7 minutes.

INGREDIENTS: 

1/2 medium ripe avocado, mashed

1/4 c. reduced-fat (2%) plain Greek Yogurt

1/2 tsp. ground black pepper (divided use)

1/2 tsp. Garlic Powder (divided use)

1/2 tsp. Onion Powder (divided use)

1/2 tsp. Greek Seasoning

Nonstick cooking spray

24 raw medium shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails removed (approx. 12 oz.)

4 medium zucchini, spiralized (approx. 4 cups)

4 cloves garlic, crushed and minced

1/2 c. diced roma tomato

2 tsp. grated parmesan cheese

METHOD:

1. Combine avocado, yogurt, half the pepper, garlic powder and onion powder, and the Greek Seasoning in a medium bowl; combine well and set aside.

2. Heat a large nonstick skillet, lightly coated with cooking spray, over medium heat. 

3. Add shrimp, season with remaining seasonings and garlic. Cook, stirring frequently, for 1 minute. 

4. Add the zucchini; cook stirring frequently for 2-3 minutes or until shrimp is firm and opaque, and mixture is heated through. Add in the diced tomatoes during the last minute. Drain excess liquid from skillet. 

5. Stir in avocado mixture. 

6. Evenly divide between two serving plates. Evenly top with grated cheese; serve immediately.

*NOTE: overcooking the zucchini will cause it to be a bit mushy. Take care to stir continuously as it cooks to avoid overcooking. Enjoy! 

If you could benefit from having a free online Health and Wellness Coach for support, and for additional recipes and healthy eating inspiration, contact me HERE. For the 2B Mindset complete course with the complete book of recipes and eating plan, mindset videos, food journal/tracker to help you overcome any challenges with your relationship with food, click HERE.