Healthy Recipes for a Balanced Life by Jill Harriman

This month, trainer Jill Harriman is thrilled to share some of her favorite healthy recipes that keep her family and her fueled and feeling their best over the summer! As a NASM Certified Personal Trainer and Nutrition Coach, she knows firsthand the importance of planning meals to maintain a healthy lifestyle. In fact, one of her favorite quotes is “If You Fail to Plan, You Plan to Fail”. So today, she has three delicious recipes that are not only nutritious but also easy to plan and prepare. Let's dive in!

Breakfast – Egg Muffins

Start your day with these protein-packed Egg Muffins! Perfect for busy mornings, these muffins can be prepared ahead of time and customized with your favorite veggies and proteins. They're a quick, nutritious breakfast option that ensures you stay energized throughout the day.

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.

  2. Spray or line muffin pan with olive oil or avocado oil (so they don’t stick)

  3. Put 1 egg per muffin cup, and fill each muffin cup with any veggies or protein you prefer.

  4. Bake for 12 minutes, let cool and enjoy!

Lunch / Dinner – Bell Pepper Nachos

Bell Pepper Nachos are a fantastic low-carb alternative to traditional nachos, loaded with lean protein and fresh veggies. Perfect for lunch or dinner, this dish is both delicious and satisfying, ensuring you stay on track with your nutrition goals.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup bell pepper, any color

  • 3 oz 95% lean ground turkey or shredded chicken

  • 1/2 cup (2 oz) moderate-fat cheese

  • 1 tsp taco seasoning

  • 1/4 cup diced tomato

  • 1/4 cup sliced green onions

  • 1 TBSP nonfat or low-fat Greek yogurt

  • 1.5 oz mashed avocado or 2 TBSP guacamole

  • Cilantro for garnish

  • Sliced jalapeno for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Cook the meat until done, then add taco seasoning and a little water. Cook for a few more minutes.

  2. Slice and quarter the bell pepper into chip-sized pieces.

  3. On a cookie sheet or individual dish, layer in order: peppers, meat, cheese, and onion.

  4. Bake at 350°F for 13 minutes. Top with tomato, Greek yogurt, and guacamole.

Dessert – Samoa Apples

A healthy twist on the classic Girl Scout Samoa cookies, these Samoa Apples are a delightful treat that's both nutritious and satisfying. Perfect for dessert or a sweet snack, these apple slices are quick to prepare and packed with flavor.

Ingredients:

  • 1 apple (Honeycrisp apples are my favorite!)

  • 1/3 cup unsweetened shredded coconut

  • 3 TBSP almond or cashew butter

  • 1/2 TBSP maple syrup

  • 2 TBSP chocolate chips + 1/2 tsp coconut oil

Instructions:

  1. Cut apples into 1/4-inch thick slices and core. I typically use three slices.

  2. Mix together the coconut, almond butter, and maple syrup until fully combined.

  3. Place the mixture on top of each apple slice and place them on parchment paper.

  4. Melt chocolate chips with coconut oil, drizzle over each apple, and place in the freezer until firm (about 5-10 minutes). Enjoy!

By planning your meals ahead of time, you can ensure that you and your family are always eating healthy and delicious food. Remember, if you fail to plan, you plan to fail. So, let's set ourselves up for success with these nutritious recipes!

About Jill Harriman

As a NASM Certified Personal Trainer, NASM Certified Nutrition Coach and Certified SPINNING Instructor, my fitness journey started in the early 2000s with running. I quickly became obsessed with how great it made me feel and immersed myself in the world of fitness classes, especially SPINNING! I lost a substantial amount of weight and transformed my eating habits by learning as much as I could about nutrition. As my kids got older, I dove into weight training and became a personal trainer to share my knowledge with others. I'm currently pursuing a certification in Holistic Nutrition through Ulan Nutritional Systems and can't wait to share what I learn!

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