Posts

,

Back to School Recipes

back to school recipes - chicken salad

August is coming to an end, which means school is starting soon!

Prepping lunch for students both young and old can be difficult in the busy fall season. Every student is different, and often their nutritional needs vary, too. The classic PBJ may work for some, but not all.

So if you’re struggling to find a lunch that interests a gluten free 8th grader, a 4th grade vegetarian or athletic college senior, you’re in luck! There’s something good for everyone.

[col size=’1/2′ pos=’first’]

1. Chicken Soup


For picky eaters, try a a classic chicken soup! You can make it ahead and store it in the freezer in batches to thaw the night before.
[/col]

[col size=’1/2′ pos=’last’]

2. Tomato & Mozzarella Pasta


For the vegetarian, a tomato & mozzarella pasta is both sophisticated and simple to make so all ages can enjoy.
[/col]

[col size=’1/2′ pos=’first’]

3. Vegetable Sushi Bento Box


For the vegan, a vegetable sushi bento box will wow the whole table! No one will even notice the lack of meat or dairy.
[/col]

[col size=’1/2′ pos=’last’]

4. Chicken Salad on Fresh Baguette


For the athlete, a hearty chicken salad on fresh baguette will offer plenty of carbs and protein for an active body!
[/col]

[col size=’1/2′ pos=’first’]

5. Homemade Sandwich Bread


For the gluten free student, it can be tough to be the only one without a classic sandwich. But with this homemade sandwich bread, PBJ is back on!
[/col]

[col size=’1/2′ pos=’last’]

6. Whoopie Pies


With a nut allergy, it can be difficult to watch everyone enjoy cookies that “may contain peanuts.” These whoopie pies go great with any lunch, but without any risk!
[/col]

[col size=’1/2′ pos=’first’]

7. Hummus


For the lactose-intolerant, there’s no need for cheese when you’ve got hummus! Pack it with veggies, pita and olives for a real mediterranean experience.
[/col]

[col size=’1/2′ pos=’last’]

8. Taco Soup


For the grad student, you never need to miss out on Taco Tuesday again. When one hand is writing your thesis, one can enjoy this Taco Soup!
[/col]

If you have a go-to lunch, feel free to share it in the comments!

VIM is now offering nutrition services with Trainer & Nutrition Coach, Christine Galvin!

Click below to find out how you can benefit from 1 on 1 Nutrition Coaching!

[button link=”https://vimfitness.com/nutrition/” text=”LEARN MORE” color=”green” size=”large” fullwidth=”true”]

 

/by

GREEN St. Patrick’s Day Recipes

green recipes mint chip cheesecake

Hosting a Saint Patrick’s day party but don’t know what to make?

Forget the green store-bought cookies, with all these options, you can’t go wrong with a homemade feast! These recipes are all vegan and/or gluten free, and of course they’re GREEN.

Each recipe comes from a food blog worth checking out, so don’t be afraid to explore a bit!

 

[col size=’1/3′ pos=’first’]

Matcha Green Tea & Pistachio Muffins


[/col]

[col size=’1/3′ pos=’second’]

Cashew Pesto Dip


[/col]

[col size=’1/3′ pos=’last’]

Frosty Coconut Mint Green Tea Mocktail


[/col]

[col size=’1/3′ pos=’first’]

Mini Mint Chocolate Brownies


[/col]

[col size=’1/3′ pos=’second’]

Green Cauliflower Wings with Spicy Orange Glaze


[/col]

[col size=’1/3′ pos=’last’]

McDonald’s Shamrock Shake


[/col]

[col size=’1/3′ pos=’first’]

Healthy St. Patrick’s Day Sugar Cookies


[/col]

[col size=’1/3′ pos=’second’]

Sweet and Spicy Pea Hummus with Mint


[/col]

[col size=’1/3′ pos=’last’]

Raw Mint Chip Cheesecake Bars


[/col]

[col size=’1/3′ pos=’first’]

Matcha Pistachio Ice Lollies


[/col]

What’s your favorite way to “eat green” on Saint Patrick’s day? Comment below!

Blog post written by Trainer, Sarah Oliver

VIM is now offering nutrition services with Trainer & Nutrition Coach, Christine Galvin!

Click below to find out how you can benefit from 1 on 1 Nutrition Coaching!

[button link=”https://vimfitness.com/nutrition/” text=”LEARN MORE” color=”green” size=”large” fullwidth=”true”]

 

/by

Gluten Free, Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies

Gluten free cookies

Ahhh New England winters.

I hope you were able to stay safe and warm inside during the storm! I took the day to relax, and try out a new gluten free and vegan chocolate chip cookie recipe!

If you’re looking for an easy (and healthy!) homemade treat, try this one out!

It’s a small batch, so you won’t be tempted to eat x-dozen cookies. They’re chewing, sweetened by dates, and surprisingly satisfying! Feel free to swap out the chocolate chips with your favorite nut or dried fruit. Enjoy!

gluten free cookiesGluten Free, Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies (makes 9)

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups gluten free flour of choice (I used Bob’s Red Mill)
  • 12 dates
  • ⅔ cup water
  • 1/4 cup almond butter (I used Barney Butter Vanilla Bean & Espresso!)
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Generous pinch of sea salt
  • 1/4 cup dairy free chocolate chips

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350F.
  • Blend dates and water in a high speed blender to make a date paste.
  • Combine all the ingredients except the chocolate chips in a large mixing bowl. Mix to form a thick batter. If it’s too dry, add a little water.
  • Fold in the chocolate chips.
  • Scoop out a heaping tablespoon of dough, roll into a ball, and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Press down to flatten.
  • Repeat with the remaining dough.
  • Bake for 12-16 minutes at 350F or until the bottom edges are just golden brown.
  • Remove from the oven, cool for at least 10 minutes. Enjoy!

You can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, although they are best fresh and will become softer with time.

/by