Healthy Recipes for New Parents on the Go

by Alyssa Bauman, Nourished.ca

New parents often put themselves on the back burner to take care of baby, even though we know how crucial it is to take care of ourselves too. These recipes should help in three ways: First, they are easy to make and store, so you can double the recipe to enjoy again later. Second, they are full of much-needed nutrition for energy, immunity, and health. Third, they are bite size and easy to eat or drink on the go, so you can take care of baby while you also take care of yourself.

ASIAN-INSPIRED TURKEY/ QUINOA MEATBALLS

These meatballs are loaded with protein and vegetables, and the bite size pieces make for easy healthy snacks on the go, as you can eat them with just one hand. Quinoa doubles your protein intake without eating too much meat. Double the recipe and freeze for easy dinners or snacks to take with you.

Asian-inspired Turkey Quinoa Meatballs

INGREDIENTS:

1 lb organic ground turkey, 1/4 cups cooked quinoa, 2 cloves garlic minced, 2 green onions minced, 1/2 medium carrot grated and chopped finely, 1 tsp grated ginger, 1 tsp dried parsley, 1 tsp dried cilantro, 1 dash Chinese five spice, Couple dashes of soy sauce, low sodium Juice of 1-2 limes, Salt and pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 350°F. Combine the turkey and quinoa in a large bowl. Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty. Food always tastes better with some added love. Now add green onion, carrots, herbs, ginger, lime juice and salt and pepper. Stir everything together with your hands until you can easily roll them into little balls. Roll out your turkey mixture into whatever size meatballs you like - I make mine almost bite size for easy protein snacks. Place your meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake them for 10 – 20 minutes, depending on the size, until they are no longer pink in the middle.

GLUTEN-FREE PROTEIN RICH BROWNIES

Thanks to the use of amazing heart-healthy oats, this one is all good and gluten free too. This warm and gooey chocolate brownie is loaded with protein and antioxidants. Use high-quality chocolate chips and this could be the yummiest and healthiest sweet treat you’ll make this year.

Black Bean Brownies

INGREDIENTS:

1 1/2 cups cooked black beans (1 15 oz can drained and rinsed), 2 tbsp raw cacao powder, 1/2 cups quick oats, 2 leaves kale (washed and dried), 1/3 cups maple syrup, 2 tbsp unrefined coconut oil, 2 tbsp butter, 2 tsp vanilla extract, 1/2 – 2/3 cups chocolate chips

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 350°F. Combine all ingredients except chips in a good food processor or strong blender. Blend until smooth. A smooth texture is a must for best taste. Stir in the chips, then pour into a greased 8X8 pan (I grease with coconut oil). Optional: sprinkle extra chocolate chips over the top. Bake the black bean brownies for 15-18 minutes, then let cool at least 10 minutes before trying to cut. Makes 9-12 brownies.

CHOCOLATE SUPERFOOD MILKSHAKE

This deceptively healthy smoothie is loaded with iron, magnesium, potassium, protein, omega 3s, fiber, and calcium. This makes a perfect afternoon pick-me-up or a nourishing breakfast treat - and you can drink it with one hand! The coconut oil will keep you satiated for hours.

Chocolate Superfood Milkshake

INGREDIENTS

1 banana, frozen, 3 tbsp cacao powder, 1 tsp maca (not recommended for kids), 3 dates cooked, 1 tbsp hemp seeds, 1 tbsp chia seeds, 1 1/2 cups almond milk organic & unsweetened, 1 tsp coconut oil, 1 dash cinnamon, 1/3 cup kale.

DIRECTIONS

Just blend, and devour!

Recipe from Nourished by Alyssa B www.nourished.ca

A to B is a nutrition methodology developed by certified holistic nutritionist, Alyssa Bauman. Fascinated by how food effects the body, and the body’s marvelous ability to heal and care for itself when fueled properly, Alyssa is dedicated to helping people learn healthy nutrition habits that set them up for a lifetime of wellness.

Alyssa of Nourished by Alyssa B.

"You have to make change to see change" - Alyssa B.

For more nutritious and amazing recipes from Alyssa, head to www.nourished.ca