Chocolate Zucchini Cake

Try making this paleo Chocolate Zucchini Cake for your next dessert option! Zucchini is packed with many nutrients including iron, zinc, calcium, and Vitamin A. Zucchini is also rich in antioxidants and aids in healthy digestion. Almond flour is naturally gluten-free and very high in protein. Cocoa powder is packed with flavonoids, which are compounds found naturally in plants that help reduce the risk of heart disease. Make this paleo chocolate cake for your next birthday celebration or as a healthy dessert option and enjoy!

Ingredients:

Cake:

• 2 cups almond flour

• ½ cup tapioca flour

• 1 tsp baking powder

• ½ cup cocoa powder

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp baking soda

• 1 cup shredded zucchini

• ½ cup applesauce

• 2 eggs, whisked

• 2 tbsp coconut oil, melted

• ⅓ cup coconut sugar

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

Chocolate Ganache:

• 1 cup dairy-free chocolate chips

• ½ cup coconut milk

Instructions:

1) Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 9 x 5 loaf pan with melted coconut oil and set aside.

2) Combine almond flour, tapioca flour, baking powder, cocoa powder, salt, and baking soda in a large bowl and mix well.

3) Then, add in the shredded zucchini, applesauce, whisked eggs, melted coconut oil, coconut sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix all ingredients together.

4) Transfer the mixture to the greased loaf pan and place in the oven for 40 minutes or until the top is deep golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool.

5) While the cake is cooling, prepare the chocolate ganache by first heating the coconut milk over the stove stop until boiling.

6) Place the chocolate chips in a medium sized bowl. Pour the warmed coconut milk over the chocolate chips and allow to sit for five minutes.

7) Stir the mixture until a smooth consistency is formed. Top off the cake with the chocolate ganache and enjoy!

Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

Try making this Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry for your next lunch or dinner option! Flank steak serves as an excellent source of protein, iron, zinc, and phosphorus. Broccoli is packed with antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and support healthy blood sugar levels. Ginger is a spice that has powerful anti-inflammatory effects and helps reduce oxidative stress. Garlic helps boost heart health by lowering LDL cholesterol and blood pressure levels. Serve this beef and broccoli stir fry over brown rice if desired and enjoy!

Ingredients:

Beef and Broccoli:

• 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced

• 2 tbsp coconut oil

• 3 cups broccoli, chopped into florets

Stir Fry Sauce:

• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated

• 6 tbsp gluten-free tamari sauce

• 2 tsp garlic, grated

• ½ cup hot water

• 1 ½ tbsp corn starch

• 3 tbsp coconut sugar

• 2 tbsp sesame oil

• ¼ tsp black pepper

Instructions:

1) Combine all stir fry sauce ingredients in a bowl and stir until sugar is dissolved. Set aside.

2) Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tbsp of the coconut oil. Toss in broccoli florets and sauté for five minutes. Cook until broccoli is crisp, remove from pan, and set aside.

3) Add the remaining 1 tbsp coconut oil to the skillet and heat over medium-high heat. Add beef in a single layer and sauté for 5 minutes each side or until meat is cooked through.

4) Add the stir fry sauce over the beef, reduce the heat to low-medium and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes.

5) Add in broccoli and stir well. Serve over cooked brown rice if desired and enjoy!

Creamy Avocado Smoothie

Try making this Creamy Avocado Smoothie for your next breakfast or snack option! Avocados are a good source of fiber, magnesium, potassium, and Vitamins E and C. They help to support digestion and are excellent for heart health. Bananas are rich in potassium, making them an excellent food for maintaining healthy electrolyte levels. One can never go wrong when including spinach in any recipe, since this superfood offers many health benefits including preventing cancer, aiding in weight loss, reducing hypertension, and improving skin complexion. Dates will add a touch of sweetness to this smoothie and provide you with a variety of antioxidants. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

• 1 avocado

• 1 banana, frozen

• 1 cup spinach

• 1 cup almond milk

• 2 dates, pitted

• Cinnamon, optional

Instructions:

1) Combine all ingredients in a high-speed blender.

2) Blend until smooth. Dash a little cinnamon on top if desired and enjoy!

Gluten and Dairy-Free Meatballs

These gluten and dairy-free meatballs serve as the perfect option for an appetizer, lunch, or dinner! Ground pork and beef both serve as excellent sources of protein. Due to its high amount of antioxidants, garlic helps to boost immunity and protect against oxidative damage. Parsley offers many health benefits including improving bone health, reducing blood pressure, and reducing the risk of cancer. Basil adds a kick of flavor to these meatballs and its high antioxidant content helps reduce inflammation. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground pork

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 cup gluten-free panko breadcrumbs

• 1 egg

• 1 tsp granulated garlic

• 1 tbsp dried parsley

• 2 tbsp dried basil

• 1 tsp sea salt

• ½ tsp pepper

Instructions:

1) Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

2) Add all ingredients to a large bowl. Use your hands to combine all ingredients.

3) Roll mixture into 2-inch meatballs and place on baking sheet. This recipe will yield about 36 meatballs.

4) Bake in the oven for 20 minutes. Allow meatballs to cool before serving or transfer to a pot with marinara sauce if desired and enjoy!