Snacks, or slump bumps as we affectionately like to call them, are hugely important. Snacking appropriately prevents overindulging at meals, stops you from making poor food choices out of extreme hunger, and keeps your energy at peak. Selecting a snack that includes protein, fiber, and a little fat guarantees sustained energy and satiety. Here are 11 ways to cure your next 3pm slump, suggested serving sizes included, so you don't over do it.
Read morekale tabbouleh - a classic dish, with a very crunchy twist
Some purists may snark at the thought of this salad being considered tabbouleh. Yes, it is another glorified kale salad and a fantastically delicious way for you to get your greens. But au contraire, there are many similar elements to beloved tabbouleh peeking out all over this dish. Quinoa serves as your hearty grain, creamy lemony mint-laced dressing delivers that signature zesty pop, and crunchy cucumbers and vibrant tomatoes have a prominent presence - just like conventional tabbouleh, but with a twist. Technically tabbouleh, or not, this summer salad is one not to be missed.
Read morebircher muesli - make your mornings better
I get a lot of questions on instagram about my morning oat game. In a constant effort to provide my fellow vegheads with morning motivation, here is a great staple to keep on hand for your breakfast routine.
Bircher muesli is a fancier, more sophisticated term for overnight oats - a fantastic nutrient dense option that you make the evening before and grab on the go in the morning. Muesli is the ideal solution for you bleary-eyed, non-morning people. Previous overnight oat recipes have been featured on Crunchy Radish in the past. Here the importance of post-work out fuel is discussed, and here the nutrient-rich, virtuous superfood, chia seeds, are highlighted. For this rendition of a make-ahead-breakfast, ripe banana is mixed with zesty citrus, homemade nut milk, and extra-thick rolled oats, creating a creamy, dreamy protein, fiber, and calcium-filled morning treat...without the guilt or sugar high.
Read moreturmeric herb falafel + minty tahini
I first tasted falafel at a NYC institution during my college days, likely after a few too many happy hour specials. I remember being transfixed by the crunchy warm orbs bursting with flavor and feeling curious about the pungent and mysterious creamy white sauce that coated the balls - and no that wasn't the discounted liquid ferments talking. Years later, and few happy hours less, I learned the deep, dark, delicious secret of most falafel balls - their immersion into a deep fryer. For a virtuous spin on traditionally fried falafel, I baked the balls and loaded them with flavorful herbs and aromatic spices. That mystery white sauce? It got swapped too for a creamy mint-laced tahini. With a more discerning approach to happy hours and street "meat", these baked falafel are the perfect remedy for curing a gnawing hunger or a painful hangover.
Read moreA Little Naughty and Very Nice - Edamame and Herb Dumplings
We are huge dumpling fans here at Crunchy Radish and typically go to great lengths to seek out the most veghead friendly varieties. Rarely though, do we consider making our own dumplings...until now. Store bought wonton wrappers make the process extraordinarily simple and provide the perfect vehicle to play around with an assortment of fillings and cooking techniques. In honor of Spring, we made vibrant, flavorful herb and edamame filled dumplings and cooked them two ways -one slightly more virtuous than the other. A peanut sesame soy sauce serves as the ideal accompaniment for these bright, light, and delectable little parcels.
Read more10 ways to eat your greens this St. Patrick's Day
Some like to celebrate St. Patrick's Day by eating a green bagel or drinking green beer. Here are 10 ways to get your greens - hangover, guilt, and food coloring not included.
Read moreWho Knew Caesar Was a Vegan?
Caesar salad is notoriously known for its cheesy, garlicky, and creamy dressing that blankets leafy, watery greens. What it is not known for is its nutritional attributes. Traditional caesar salad dressing contains anchovies, raw egg yolk, and parm - tasty, but not necessarily virtuous. For a vegan and healthified version, I made a few swaps and modifications to add nutrient density to a classic dish without sacrificing palatability and mass appeal.
Read moremy favorite way to fuel after a workout
Adequately fueling your body post-workout is essential to replenish used glycogen (stored carbohydrates used for energy) and to restore strained muscles. Carbohydrates, which get absorbed by the muscles first, and protein, which prevents muscle breakdown, are the ideal post-workout nutrient combo. Opting for real, clean sources of protein and carbohydrates is also important to keep in mind as opposed to immediately jumping to processed protein powders or 20-ingredient energy bars.
Read moresay hello to my little friend
The are many reasons why sweet potatoes are rock star tubers. They are versatile, vibrant in color, and pack a serious nutritional punch. Their flexibility is highlighted in this dish, serving as an edible bowl for spicy and flavorful beans. These stuffed spuds could be a great dish at a causal dinner party with a few options of fillings and garnishes to suit your guests taste preferences. Whole roasted sweet potatoes are also a great item to have on hand. They can serve as a blank canvas and are amendable to a multitude of toppings and fillers - especially useful on "clean out the fridge" kind of days.
Read moremy favorite way to eat spaghetti
Nothing beats incredibly fresh homemade pasta from an amazing restaurant but, since we can't indulge in fresh pasta everyday of the week, my favorite way to eat spaghetti is from a squash! Yup, that yellow oval shaped squash, when sliced in half, roasted, and scraped, produces spaghetti-like strands of significant nutrient density. This yellow-hued veg is rich in vitamin C, potassium, and fiber, is gluten-free, and is the perfect alternative to pasta. Swap out your basic noodles for spaghetti squash in any of your favorite recipes.
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