When it comes to ice cream flavors, I tend to switch favorites often. One flavor that has remained a constant go-to for years is Ben and Jerry’s Cherry Garcia. The chocolate, cherry, and almond combination always hits the spot and unlike some other brands, they always come through with consistently big chunks of cherries and chocolate.

While it’s fun to have ice cream or a milkshake in the morning, smoothies definitely feel much better in my body. I made this Cherry Garcia smoothie to provide the same big flavor and creamy texture with more sustainable nutrients to power my day…

If you’re fortunate enough to have your own veggie garden, have access to a community garden, or have been to a summer farmer’s market, you know summer time is prime zucchini season. Growing up, my dad would plant summer squash in our garden and we would have buckets and buckets of zucchini. By summer’s end, we were sick of grilled squash and practically had a conveyor belt of zucchini bread shipping out to neighbors and friends.

I really took those summers for granted — all the missed opportunities to experiment with zucchini recipes! — and I still find myself nostalgic every time I see or make zucchini bread. Now, it seems zucchini has become best known as…

For me, the ideal summer 30 minute meal has fresh greens, seasonal produce, and a grilled protein. This salad checks all those boxes: Delicious sweet and tangy barbecue chicken breast paired with sweet, juicy peaches, creamy burrata cheese, crunchy greens, and drizzled with a light oil and vinegar dressing. It perfectly combines my need for a light yet nutrient dense dinner when it’s too hot to spend more than a half hour in the kitchen.

In this recipe, rich and tangy teriyaki pairs with the tart taste of pineapple, sweet onions, and the bright, juicy crunch of red bell peppers. It’s one of my favorite weeknight meals because it reheats easily for lunch the next day. This sauce can also be used for marinating kebabs or with tempeh or tofu for my vegan friends!

Teriyaki is a Japanese tradition of cooking sliced meats with a sauce made of soy sauce, mirin (rice wine), sugar, and sake (also rice wine). The word itself derives from teri, referring to the sheen the sauce gives, and yaki, which refers to the cooking method of either grilling or broiling. Traditionally…

If you’re looking for a way to spice up your plant-based meals, look no further. Lentil Sloppy Joes have become a fast favorite in my home and are an easy staple dinner during the warmer months!

Lentils make a great swap for ground meat in recipes because they’re a great source of protein, iron, folate, and complex carbohydrates. Complex carbohydrates, also found in whole grains, are great for supporting healthy cholesterol and blood sugar levels and improving digestion.

For a quick protein and fiber packed snack or on-the-go breakfast, look no further! These remind me a lot of Belvita bars. They’re soft, slightly sweet, and have a chewy texture thanks to the oats. In place of using a cooking oil in the recipe, plain greek yogurt provides more protein and reduces the fat content.

Confession: I let bananas get brown on purpose just so I can have an excuse to make banana bread. I’ve made quite a few variations over the years but this recipe topped with an extra banana hits the spot like no other. It’s officially Alec’s favorite version and one of my favorite breakfasts filled with both protein from the almond flour and healthy fats from the almond flour, ground flax, and walnuts. Despite being a naturally gluten free bread, it comes out moist and holds together well. Sweetened naturally with maple syrup and banana, its sure to be a hit in your home as well!

Lentils are my favorite plant-based protein. Not only are they incredibly versatile, they are also inexpensive, easy to store, and nutrient dense… One pound of lentils could cost as little as a $1 at most grocery stores and provides up to 14 servings! Because they are sold dry, they can also be stored for extended periods of time without going bad making them an excellent pantry staple.