15 Fast and Healthy Recipes

To say that I am thankful is an understatement. Watching our first child grow from coo-ing newborn to a walking, babbling toddler has been sheer joy and I’ve never felt more blessed in my life.

As I recently shared, I am also celebrating a weight loss milestone and feel healthier than ever.  Friends and family have been gracious with their compliments and words of encouragement and for that, I am truly thankful.

People often ask me for weight loss tips and advice on staying focused over the holidays. For me, it is all about the 80/20 rule: eat clean and stay active 80% of the time so that you can splurge 20% of the time.

In honor of the busy holiday season, here are 15 Fast and Healthy Recipes to help you with the 80%.  By filling your plates with these foods 80% of the time, you can relax and enjoy when you accidentally find yourself neck deep in a third slice of pumpkin pie.

Your fork is waiting.

Breakfast
Sausage and Egg Breakfast Sandwich: Wrap in foil and it will stay warm until you reach the office or get home from school drop-off.
Apple Cinnamon Pumpkin Oatmeal: By grating the apple, this hearty bowl of oats is ready in 90 seconds.
Blueberry Banana Oatmeal Smoothie: One serving provides over 17 grams of protein and 13 grams of fiber to keep you full until lunch.

Lunch
Fattoush Middle Eastern Bread Salad: Crunchy, tangy and bursting with flavor thanks to fresh garlic and lemon. Top with chick peas and lunch is served.
Pasta Salad with Tuna and Beans: My toddler could eat this salad every day!
Couscous Salad with Za’atar Vinaigrette: Prepare this salad ahead and it will last for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Snack
Chocolate Peanut Butter Energy Balls: Five minutes is all you need to fill your fridge with these healthy treats.
Pumpkin Pie Yogurt: Perfect use for any leftover pure pumpkin on hand from baking.
Chocolate Raspberry Yogurt: Protein-packed, creamy and delicious.

Dinner
Ground Turkey Stir-Fry: Fast and easy recipe that works with any veggies you have on hand. (Perfect for leftover turkey, too!)
Chicken and Black Bean Tacos: Shredded rotisserie chicken or leftover turkey is the key to fast and easy Mexican.
Turkey Meatloaf Muffins with Bacon: By cooking meatloaf in a muffin pan the cooking time is shaved by over 30 minutes!

Dessert
Dark Chocolate Hot Cocoa: Cinnamon and cayenne give this healthy treat a little kick.
Slow Cooker Apple Sauce: By leaving the (nutritious!) skin on the apples and letter the slow cooker do the work, you’ll come home to a warm and satisfying dessert.
Chocolate Espresso Pumpkin Brownies: Canned pumpkin makes it healthy, boxed brownie mix makes it easy.

You’ll thank me in January, I promise.

Your fork is waiting.