Slow Cooker Balsamic Chicken

Thanks to Kristen R. for sharing this recipe with us! 

Slow Booker Balsamic Chicken

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil

4 minced garlic cloves

1 pound baby carrots

8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon pepper

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon dried basil

1/2 cup balsamic vinegar

1 sliced onion

1 pound green beans

Parsley for garnish

Preparation

1. Pour olive oil and garlic in the bottom of a 6-qt slow cooker. Line the bottom with baby carrots, then place the chicken thighs over the carrots. 

2. Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, garlic powder, basil, and vinegar. Top with sliced onion.

3. Cover and cook on low heat for 8 hours or high for 4 hours. Add green beans during the last 30 minutes of cooking time. 

4. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately. Enjoy!

Why Drink Protein Shakes?

Most know the benefits of eating protein for a well balanced diet. However, there are added benefits to incorporating protein into a post-workout snack. BodyBuilding.com and Livestrong.com shared some interested tips and facts on these benefits. 

--> Because solid food takes more time to digest, break down, and send protein to the muscles, it can be best to take a protein share immediately following a workout, since protein shakes only take about 30 minutes to reach the muscles after ingestion.

--> Protein generates the biochemical substances needed for cardiovascular function and muscle contraction, growth, and healing.

--> Protein powder is an isolated nutrient source, so it provides a lot of nutrient for relatively few calories.

--> The International Society of Sports Nutrition published an article stating that having protein shortly after a workout is associated with fewer medical visits, decreased muscular soreness and better immune response to infections.

Try our Proti-15 protein powder packets. They are great mixed with smoothies, plain yogurt, juice and more. Try some today and find your favorite recipe!

50 Clean Eating Snacks

https://rebeldietitian.us/posters/

Summer Vegetables You'll Want to Eat!

Eating your vegetables is easy when they taste great! We pulled some of the top summer vegetable recipes for you to try at home:

1. Avocado Salad with Olives, Feta, and Tomatoes

http://diethood.com/olives-avocado-salad-tomatoes-feta-cheese/

2. Crisp Marinated Vegetable Salad

http://www.theseasonedmom.com/moms-marinated-vegetable-salad/

3. Carrot "Fries" and Chipotle Lime Dip

http://tidymom.net/2016/grilled-carrots-chipotle-lime-dip/

4. Pasta Salad Packed with Veggies

http://bakerbynature.com/20-minute-rainbow-veggie-pasta-salad/

5. Easy-Bake Foil Sausage and Summer Veggies 

http://www.chelseasmessyapron.com/easy-tin-foil-sausage-veggies-dinner/

6. Roasted Parmesan Broccoli 

http://tasteandsee.com/roasted-parmesan-broccoli/

Enjoy!

Peanut Butter. Greek Yogurt. Honey. Done.

http://www.cookingclassy.com/2014/08/peanut-butter-fruit-dip/

Three ingredient peanut butter fruit dip. Morning fuel, afternoon pick me-up, or after-school snack perfection!

• 2 (5.3 oz) containers Vanilla Greek Yogurt (or 1 slightly heaping cup)
• 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 Tbsp honey, or to taste

Add all ingredients into a bowl and whisk until smooth. Use with your favorite fruit. Store in airtight container and refrigerate. 

Zucchini Pizza Bites

I think I just died and went to heaven... this look AMAZING! Thanks to Damn Delicious for this ingenious idea! No need to prepare or mix crust or start from scratch. Here's what you'll need: 

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 zucchini, cut into 1/4-inch thick rounds
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/3 cup marinara sauce
• 1/2 cup finely grated mozzarella
• 1/4 cup pepperoni minis
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

Watch the video tutorial by clicking here or visit the website for instructions here. Nutrition Information can also be found at the bottom of the page.