The Dash diet is one of the most popular and effective ways to lower blood pressure, prevent heart disease, and improve overall health. It stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, and it focuses on eating foods that are rich in potassium, calcium, magnesium, fiber, and protein, while limiting sodium, saturated fat, and added sugar. The Dash diet is not only good for your heart, but also for your waistline, as it can help you lose weight and keep it off.
But how can you follow the Dash diet without getting bored or feeling deprived? The answer is simple: by enjoying delicious and easy recipes that fit the DASH diet guidelines. In this article, we will show you 30 easy DASH diet recipes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, that you can make at home with simple ingredients and minimal effort. These recipes are not only healthy, but also tasty and satisfying, so you can enjoy the DASH diet without feeling like you are missing out on anything.
Discover How This Simple “Meal Plan” Changes My Life Watch the video below to see if this effortless “Way Of Eating” will work for you…
How I Discovered the Dash Diet and Changed My Life
I have been following the Dash diet for over a year now, and I can honestly say that it has changed my life for the better. Before I started the DASH diet, I was overweight, had high blood pressure, and felt tired and sluggish all the time. I was also at risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, and stroke, which run in my family.
I knew I had to do something about my health, but I didn’t know where to start. I tried many different diets, but none of them worked for me. They were either too restrictive, too complicated, or too expensive. I always ended up feeling hungry, frustrated, and deprived, and I would eventually give up and go back to my old habits.
Then, one day, I came across an article about the Dash diet on the internet. It caught my attention because it claimed to lower blood pressure and prevent heart disease, without requiring any special foods or supplements. It also said that the DASH diet was easy to follow, flexible, and affordable. It sounded too good to be true, but I decided to give it a try.
I was amazed by the results. Within a few weeks, I noticed that my blood pressure had dropped significantly, and I felt more energetic and alert. I also started to lose weight, without feeling hungry or deprived. I enjoyed eating a variety of foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, low-fat dairy, nuts, seeds, and legumes. I also learned to cook new and delicious recipes, that were not only good for my health, but also for my taste buds.
The Dash diet has become a lifestyle for me, and I don’t plan to stop anytime soon. It has helped me improve my health, my appearance, and my mood. It has also inspired me to share my experience and my recipes with others, who may benefit from the DASH diet as well. That’s why I decided to write this article, and show you 30 easy DASH diet recipes that you can try at home.
How to Follow the Dash Diet and Make It Work for You
The Dash diet is not a one-size-fits-all approach. It can be adapted to your personal preferences, needs, and goals. The DASH diet does not tell you what to eat or what not to eat. It gives you general guidelines on how much and what kind of foods to eat, based on your calorie level and sodium intake.
The Dash diet recommends eating 2,000 calories per day, with no more than 2,300 milligrams of sodium. However, you can adjust these numbers according to your age, gender, activity level, and health condition. For example, if you are trying to lose weight, you may need to eat fewer calories. If you have very high blood pressure, you may need to limit your sodium intake to 1,500 milligrams or less.
The Dash diet also suggests eating certain amounts of different food groups, such as grains, vegetables, fruits, dairy, meat, nuts, seeds, and oils. These food groups provide different nutrients that are essential for your health, such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, fiber, and protein. The DASH diet also encourages you to eat more foods that are rich in these nutrients, and less foods that are high in sodium, saturated fat, and added sugar.
Here is a table that shows the recommended servings of each food group, based on a 2,000-calorie DASH diet plan:
Tabela
Food Group | Servings per Day | Examples of One Serving |
---|---|---|
Grains | 6 to 8 | 1 slice of bread, 1/2 cup of cooked rice, pasta, or cereal, 1 ounce of dry cereal |
Vegetables | 4 to 5 | 1 cup of raw leafy vegetables, 1/2 cup of cooked or chopped raw vegetables, 6 ounces of vegetable juice |
Fruits | 4 to 5 | 1 medium fruit, 1/4 cup of dried fruit, 1/2 cup of fresh, frozen, or canned fruit, 6 ounces of fruit juice |
Dairy | 2 to 3 | 1 cup of milk or yogurt, 1 1/2 ounces of cheese |
Meat | 6 or less | 1 ounce of cooked lean meat, poultry, or fish, 1 egg, 1/4 cup of cooked beans or tofu, 2 tablespoons of peanut butter |
Nuts | 4 to 5 per week | 1/3 cup of nuts, 2 tablespoons of seeds, 2 tablespoons of nut butter |
Oils | 2 to 3 | 1 teaspoon of soft margarine, 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil, 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of salad dressing |
Sweets | 5 or less per week | 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1 tablespoon of jelly or jam, 1/2 cup of sorbet, 1 cup of lemonade |
You can use this table as a guide to plan your meals and snacks, and to keep track of your servings. You can also mix and match foods from different groups, as long as you stay within your calorie and sodium limits. For example, you can have a sandwich with whole-wheat bread, turkey, cheese, lettuce, tomato, and mustard, and count it as 2 servings of grains, 1 serving of meat, 1 serving of dairy, and 1 serving of vegetables. You can also have a fruit salad with yogurt, and count it as 2 servings of fruits and 1 serving of dairy.
The Dash diet does not require you to follow a specific menu or recipe. You can choose the foods that you like, and that are available and affordable in your area. You can also modify your favorite recipes, by using less salt, fat, and sugar, and adding more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. The DASH diet is flexible and adaptable, and you can make it work for you.
30 Easy Dash Diet Recipes for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
To help you get started with the Dash diet, we have selected 30 easy and delicious recipes that you can make at home, for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. These recipes are based on the DASH diet guidelines, and they include the servings of each food group, the calories, and the sodium per serving. You can use these recipes as examples, or as inspiration to create your own DASH diet recipes.
Breakfast Recipes
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, as it provides you with the energy and nutrients that you need to start your day. A good Dash diet breakfast should include at least one serving of grains, one serving of fruits, and one serving of dairy. You can also add some protein, such as eggs, nuts, or seeds, to keep you full and satisfied until lunch. Here are some easy and tasty DASH diet breakfast recipes that you can try:
1. Overnight Oatmeal with Berries and Nuts
This is a simple and convenient breakfast that you can prepare the night before, and enjoy in the morning. All you need is some rolled oats, milk, yogurt, honey, vanilla, cinnamon, berries, and nuts. You can use any kind of berries and nuts that you like, or that are in season. You can also use almond milk or soy milk instead of cow’s milk, if you prefer. This recipe makes one serving, but you can easily multiply it to make more.
- Servings: 1
- Calories: 360
- Sodium: 100 mg
- Grains: 1
- Fruits: 1
- Dairy: 1
- Nuts: 1
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup of rolled oats
- 1/4 cup of low-fat milk
- 1/4 cup of low-fat plain yogurt
- 1 teaspoon of honey
- 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup of fresh or frozen berries
- 2 tablespoons of chopped nuts
Directions:
- In a small bowl or jar, combine the oats, milk, yogurt, honey,
- vanilla, and cinnamon. Stir well to combine.
- Top with the berries and nuts, and cover with a lid or plastic wrap.
- Refrigerate overnight, or for at least 4 hours.
- In the morning, enjoy your oatmeal cold or warm it up in the microwave for a few seconds.
- You can also add more milk, yogurt, honey, or fruits, if you like.
2. Banana Pancakes with Peanut Butter and Maple Syrup
These pancakes are fluffy, moist, and naturally sweetened with ripe bananas. They also have some protein from the eggs and peanut butter, which will keep you satisfied for longer. You can use whole-wheat flour or oat flour instead of all-purpose flour, if you want to make them more wholesome. You can also use almond butter or cashew butter instead of peanut butter, if you prefer. This recipe makes four pancakes, which is enough for two servings.
- Servings: 2
- Calories: 380
- Sodium: 240 mg
- Grains: 1
- Fruits: 1
- Dairy: 0.5
- Meat: 0.5
- Nuts: 0.5
Ingredients:
- 1 large ripe banana, mashed
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1 tablespoon of oil
- 2 tablespoons of peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons of maple syrup
Directions:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the banana, eggs, flour, baking powder, and salt, until well combined.
- Heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Drop about 1/4 cup of batter per pancake onto the skillet, and cook for about 3 minutes, or until bubbles form on the surface. Flip and cook for another 2 minutes, or until golden and cooked through. Repeat with the remaining batter, adding more oil if needed.
- Serve the pancakes with peanut butter and maple syrup, and enjoy.
3. Scrambled Eggs with Spinach and Cheese
This is a quick and easy breakfast that you can make in less than 10 minutes. It is packed with protein from the eggs and cheese, and with vitamins and minerals from the spinach. You can use any kind of cheese that you like, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or feta. You can also add some ham, bacon, or sausage, if you want to make it more hearty. This recipe makes one serving, but you can easily multiply it to make more.
- Servings: 1
- Calories: 260
- Sodium: 340 mg
- Grains: 0
- Vegetables: 0.5
- Dairy: 1
- Meat: 1
- Nuts: 0
Ingredients:
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 teaspoon of oil
- 1 cup of fresh or frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
- 1/4 cup of shredded cheese of your choice
Directions:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs, salt, and pepper, until well combined.
- Heat the oil in a small nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the spinach and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until wilted.
- Reduce the heat to low, and pour the egg mixture over the spinach. Cook for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the eggs are set.
- Sprinkle the cheese over the eggs, and cover the skillet with a lid. Cook for another 2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
- Serve hot, and enjoy.
4. Greek Yogurt Parfait with Granola and Fruit
This is a refreshing and satisfying breakfast that you can make in minutes. It is rich in protein from the yogurt and granola, and in antioxidants from the fruit. You can use any kind of fruit that you like, such as strawberries, blueberries, bananas, or kiwis. You can also use homemade or store-bought granola, as long as it is low in sugar and fat. This recipe makes one serving, but you can easily multiply it to make more.
- Servings: 1
- Calories: 300
- Sodium: 80 mg
- Grains: 1
- Fruits: 1
- Dairy: 1
- Nuts: 0.5
Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup of low-fat plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup of low-sugar granola
- 1/2 cup of fresh or frozen fruit of your choice
Directions:
- In a small bowl or glass, layer the yogurt, granola, and fruit, alternating as you like.
- Enjoy your parfait, or refrigerate it until ready to eat.
5. Whole-Wheat Toast with Avocado and Egg
This is a hearty and savory breakfast that will keep you full and energized for hours. It is high in fiber from the whole-wheat bread and avocado, and in protein from the egg. You can also add some cheese, salsa, or hot sauce, if you want to spice it up. You can also use a hard-boiled egg instead of a fried egg, if you prefer. This recipe makes one serving, but you can easily multiply it to make more.
- Servings: 1
- Calories: 320
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Grains: 1
- Vegetables: 0.5
- Dairy: 0
- Meat: 1
- Nuts: 0
Ingredients:
- 1 slice of whole-wheat bread, toasted
- 1/4 of a ripe avocado, mashed
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 teaspoon of oil
- 1 egg
- Optional: cheese, salsa, or hot sauce
Directions:
- In a small bowl, mash the avocado with a fork, and season with salt and pepper.
- Spread the avocado mixture over the toast, and set aside.
- Heat the oil in a small nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Crack the egg into the skillet, and cook for about 3 minutes, or until the white is set and the yolk is cooked to your liking. You can flip the egg halfway, if you want it well done.
- Carefully slide the egg over the toast, and top with cheese, salsa, or hot sauce, if desired.
- Enjoy your toast, and be careful not to burn your mouth.
6. Smoothie Bowl with Granola and Fruit
This is a refreshing and filling breakfast that you can make in a blender. It is rich in protein from the yogurt and granola, and in antioxidants from the fruit. You can use any kind of fruit that you like, such as mango, pineapple, peach, or apple. You can also use homemade or store-bought granola, as long as it is low in sugar and fat. This recipe makes one serving, but you can easily multiply it to make more.
- Servings: 1
- Calories: 350
- Sodium: 100 mg
- Grains: 1
- Fruits: 2
- Dairy: 1
- Nuts: 0.5
Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup of low-fat plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup of fresh or frozen fruit of your choice
- 1/4 cup of low-fat milk
- 1/4 cup of low-sugar granola
- 1/4 cup of fresh or frozen fruit of your choice, for topping
Directions:
- In a blender, combine the yogurt, fruit, and milk, and blend until smooth and creamy.
- Pour the smoothie into a bowl, and top with the granola and more fruit, as desired.
- Enjoy your smoothie bowl, or refrigerate it until ready to eat.
7. Breakfast Burrito with Beans and Cheese
This is a hearty and savory breakfast that you can make in a microwave. It is high in fiber from the beans and whole-wheat tortilla, and in protein from the cheese and egg. You can also add some salsa, avocado, or cilantro, if you want to add some flavor and freshness. You can also use black beans or pinto beans instead of refried beans, if you prefer. This recipe makes one serving, but you can easily multiply it to make more.
- Servings: 1
- Calories: 370
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Grains: 1
- Vegetables: 0.5
- Dairy: 1
- Meat: 1
- Nuts: 0
Ingredients:
- 1 whole-wheat tortilla
- 1/4 cup of refried beans
- 1/4 cup of shredded cheese of your choice
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- Optional: salsa, avocado, or cilantro
Directions:
- In a small microwave-safe bowl, stir together the beans and cheese, and microwave for about 30 seconds, or until hot and melted.
- In another small microwave-safe bowl, microwave the egg for about 45 seconds, or until cooked and fluffy, stirring halfway.
- Place the tortilla on a plate, and spread the bean and cheese mixture over half of it.
- Top with the egg, and fold the tortilla over to make a burrito.
- Serve with salsa, avocado, or cilantro, if desired.
- Enjoy your breakfast burrito, and be careful not to burn your mouth.
8. Apple Cinnamon Muffins with Oatmeal and Walnuts
These muffins are moist, tender, and full of apple and cinnamon flavor. They also have some crunch from the oatmeal and walnuts, and some fiber and protein from the whole-wheat flour and eggs. You can make these muffins ahead of time, and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze them for up to 3 months. You can also reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds, if you want them warm. This recipe makes 12 muffins, which is enough for 6 servings.
- Servings: 6
- Calories: 220
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Grains: 1
- Fruits: 0.5
- Dairy: 0
- Meat: 0.5
- Nuts: 0.5
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups of whole-wheat flour
- 1/2 cup of brown sugar
- 1/4 cup of oatmeal
- 2 teaspoons of baking powder
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1 cup of low-fat milk
- 1/4 cup of oil
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 cup of chopped apple
- 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F, and line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners, or spray with cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, oatmeal, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt, until well combined.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the milk, oil, eggs, and vanilla, until well blended.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, and stir gently, until just moistened. Do not overmix.
- Fold in the apple and walnuts, and divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling them about 3/4 full.
- Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the muffins cool slightly in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely, or enjoy them warm.
9. French Toast with Strawberries and Cream Cheese
This is a decadent and delicious breakfast that you can make for a special occasion. It is rich in protein from the bread and cream cheese, and in antioxidants from the strawberries. You can use whole-wheat bread or challah bread instead of white bread, if you want to make it more wholesome. You can also use low-fat cream cheese instead of regular cream cheese, if you want to make it lighter. This recipe makes two servings, but you can easily multiply it to make more.
- Servings: 2
- Calories: 400
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Grains: 2
- Fruits: 1
- Dairy: 1
- Meat: 0.5
- Nuts: 0
Ingredients:
- 4 slices of white bread
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup of low-fat milk
- 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons of butter
- 1/4 cup of cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar
- 1 cup of sliced strawberries
Directions:
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon, until well combined.
- In a large nonstick skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture, and cook for about 2 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through. Repeat with the remaining bread, adding more butter if needed.
- In a small bowl, stir together the cream cheese and powdered sugar, until smooth and creamy.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture over two slices of bread, and top with the strawberries. Cover with the remaining slices of bread, and cut into halves or quarters, as desired.
- Serve hot, and enjoy.
10. Omelet with Mushrooms and Cheese
This is a classic and satisfying breakfast that you can make in a skillet. It is high in protein from the eggs and cheese, and in fiber from the mushrooms. You can use any kind of cheese that you like, such as Swiss, cheddar, or parmesan. You can also add some spinach, tomatoes, or onions, if you want to add some color and flavor. This recipe makes one serving, but you can easily multiply it to make more.
- Servings: 1
- Calories: 280
- Sodium: 360 mg
- Grains: 0
- Vegetables: 0.5
- Dairy: 1
- Meat: 1
- Nuts: 0
Ingredients:
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 teaspoon of oil
- 1/2 cup of sliced mushrooms
- 1/4 cup of shredded cheese of your choice
Directions:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs, salt, and pepper, until well combined.
- Heat the oil in a small nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and tender.
- Reduce the heat to low, and pour the egg mixture over the mushrooms. Cook for about 3 minutes, or until the eggs are almost set, lifting the edges with a spatula to let the uncooked eggs flow underneath.
- Sprinkle the cheese over half of the omelet, and fold the other half over to cover it. Cook for another 2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
- Slide the omelet onto a plate, and enjoy.
11. Breakfast Quinoa with Almonds and Dried Fruits
This is a warm and cozy breakfast that you can make in a pot. It is high in protein from the quinoa and almonds, and in fiber from the dried fruits. You can use any kind of dried fruits that you like, such as cranberries, cherries, apricots, or dates. You can also use honey or maple syrup instead of brown sugar, if you prefer. This recipe makes four servings, but you can easily multiply it to make more.
- Servings: 4
- Calories: 300
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Grains: 1
- Fruits: 0.5
- Dairy: 0.5
- Nuts: 0.5
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of quinoa, rinsed and drained
- 2 cups of low-fat milk
- 2 tablespoons of brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 cup of sliced almonds
- 1/4 cup of dried fruits of your choice, chopped
Directions:
- In a medium saucepan, bring the quinoa, milk, sugar, cinnamon, and salt to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat and simmer, covered, for about 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Fluff the quinoa with a fork, and stir in the almonds and dried fruits.
- Serve hot, or refrigerate and reheat later.
12. Breakfast Pizza with Egg and Cheese
This is a fun and tasty breakfast that you can make in an oven. It is high in protein from the egg and cheese, and in fiber from the whole-wheat crust. You can use any kind of cheese that you like, such as mozzarella, cheddar, or feta. You can also add some ham, bacon, or sausage, if you want to make it more hearty. This recipe makes one pizza, which is enough for two servings.
- Servings: 2
- Calories: 350
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Grains: 2
- Vegetables: 0.5
- Dairy: 1
- Meat: 1
- Nuts: 0
Ingredients:
- 1 whole-wheat pizza crust, about 10 inches in diameter
- 1/4 cup of pizza sauce
- 1/2 cup of shredded cheese of your choice
- 2 eggs
- Optional: ham, bacon, or sausage, cooked and crumbled
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F, and place the pizza crust on a baking sheet.
- Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the crust, leaving a 1-inch border around the edge.
- Sprinkle the cheese over the sauce, and make two wells in the cheese with a spoon.
- Carefully crack an egg into each well, and season with salt and pepper, if desired.
- Top with ham, bacon, or sausage, if using, and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the cheese is melted.
- Cut into slices, and enjoy.
13. Breakfast Sandwich with Egg, Cheese, and Tomato
This is a classic and satisfying breakfast that you can make in a toaster oven. It is high in protein from the egg and cheese, and in lycopene from the tomato. You can use whole-wheat bread or English muffin instead of white bread, if you want to make it more wholesome. You can also add some spinach, basil, or oregano, if you want to add some flavor and freshness. This recipe makes one serving, but you can easily multiply it to make more.
- Servings: 1
- Calories: 300
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Grains: 2
- Vegetables: 0.5
- Dairy: 1
- Meat: 1
- Nuts: 0
Ingredients:
- 2 slices of white bread
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 teaspoon of oil
- 1 slice of cheese of your choice
- 1 slice of tomato
Directions:
- Preheat the toaster oven to 375°F, and toast the bread lightly, for about 2 minutes, or until golden and crisp.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the egg, salt, and pepper, until well combined.
- Heat the oil in a small nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Pour the egg mixture into the skillet, and cook for about 3 minutes, or until the egg is set, lifting the edges with a spatula to let the uncooked egg flow underneath.
- Carefully slide the egg onto a plate, and cut into a shape that fits the bread, using a cookie cutter or a knife.
- Place the cheese on one slice of bread, and top with the egg and the tomato. Cover with the other slice of bread, and press lightly to seal.
- Place the sandwich on a baking sheet, and bake for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the sandwich is hot.
- Enjoy your breakfast sandwich, and be careful not to burn your mouth.
14. Breakfast Salad with Spinach, Egg, and Bacon
This is a fresh and savory breakfast that you can make in a skillet and a bowl. It is high in protein from the egg and bacon, and in iron and vitamin C from the spinach. You can use turkey bacon or vegetarian bacon instead of regular bacon, if you want to make it leaner or meatless. You can also add some cheese, avocado, or nuts, if you want to make it more creamy or crunchy. This recipe makes one serving, but you can easily multiply it to make more.
- Servings: 1
- Calories: 300
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Grains: 0
- Vegetables: 1.5
- Dairy: 0
- Meat: 1.5
- Nuts: 0
Ingredients:
- 2 slices of bacon, cut into pieces
- 1 egg
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 2 cups of baby spinach
- 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar
- Optional: cheese, avocado, or nuts
Directions:
- In a small nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, cook the bacon for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until crisp and browned. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate, and drain the excess fat from the skillet.
- In a small bowl, lightly beat the egg with a fork, and season with salt and pepper.
- In the same skillet over medium-low heat, pour the egg mixture, and cook for about 3 minutes, or until the egg is set, lifting the edges with a spatula to let the uncooked egg flow underneath. Carefully slide the egg onto a plate, and cut into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large bowl, toss the spinach with the vinegar, and season with salt and pepper, if desired.
- Arrange the spinach on a large plate, and top with the egg and bacon pieces. Sprinkle with cheese, avocado, or nuts, if using, and enjoy.
15. Breakfast Smoothie with Banana, Peanut Butter, and Cocoa
This is a creamy and delicious breakfast that you can make in a blender. It is high in protein from the peanut butter and milk, and in potassium and fiber from the banana. You can also add some cocoa powder for a chocolate flavor, and some honey or maple syrup for sweetness. You can also use almond milk or soy milk instead of cow’s milk, if you prefer. This recipe makes one serving, but you can easily multiply it to make more.
- Servings: 1
- Calories: 350
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Grains: 0
- Fruits: 1
- Dairy: 1
- Nuts: 1
Ingredients:
- 1 large ripe banana, peeled and sliced
- 2 tablespoons of peanut butter
- 1 cup of low-fat milk
- 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder
- Optional: honey or maple syrup, to taste
Directions:
- In a blender, combine the banana, peanut butter, milk, and cocoa powder, and blend until smooth and frothy.
- Add honey or maple syrup, if desired, and blend again, until well mixed.
- Pour the smoothie into a glass, and enjoy.