By Aimee Capellan
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner! For some it’s a day where you spend quality time with your beloved partner, reminding each other why you once fell for each other. For others, however, it is: “I-am-lonely-on-Valentine’s-day-so-eating-this-entire-box-of-chocolates-does-not-count.” Whether you spend Cupid’s day with your high school sweetheart or all by yourself, I have delicious recipes for breakfast and lunch that will satisfy that sweet-tooth and keep you from devouring that whole box of Ferrero Rocher truffles.
Breakfast:
Fruit Filled Protein Crepes with Dark Chocolate Drizzle
Ingredients:
1 – 1 ½ scoop(s) of protein powder
½ Cup of liquid egg whites (4-5 egg whites)
1 – 1 ½ cups of milk
1 Tbsp. of Honey (optional)
1 Square of your favorite dark chocolate
Your favorite fruit (bananas or berries go great with the recipe)
* I used a vanilla flavored one. Use any preferred flavor.
**enough to make the batter less thick
*** I used a single square of Lindt 90% Cocoa (really dark chocolate)
Preparation:
Add protein powder, egg whites, and honey into a container. Mix ingredients and then add enough milk to thin out the batter. Oil your pan (I suggest using Pam, olive oil, or coconut oil) to prevent sticking, and add your mixture. Crepes are usually very thin, so be sure to not add too much batter, or you’ll end up with pancakes. Flipping these crepes are quite challenging since their thinness makes them very fragile, but they are worth it.
To prepare the chocolate drizzle, all you have to do is place your square of chocolate into a microwave safe container (I just used a cup) and microwave it for 1 to 1 ½ minutes. Make this your last step since the chocolate will harden quickly.
Finally, fill your crepes with the fruit, fold them and drizzle the chocolate. To make the crepes even yummier you can add yogurt ,or cottage cheese and cinnamon inside the crepe.
Health Benefits:
1) Protein Powder can be very beneficial if the brand does not have an excess of artificial additives. Protein helps build muscle, satisfies hunger for longer, and provides energy
2) Although the egg’s yolk contains most of the protein in the egg, the egg whites have their share. They also contain essential minerals such as potassium, magnesium, and calcium.
3) Honey is nature’s sugar; it contains antioxidants.
4) Chocolate. Yup, I’m about to say it…Chocolate has health benefits! When consumed in moderation, dark chocolate contains antioxidants, vitamins and minerals such as potassium, copper, and iron. The best chocolate is the darkest chocolate; it is less processed and has fewer artificial additives.
Lunch
Sweet N’ Savory Chicken Salad
Ingredients:
Spinach
Purple Cabbage (Optional; but the purple one looks prettier)
Romaine lettuce
Blueberries
Strawberries
Nuts*
Chopped Chicken breast**
Half of a whole wheat pita bread***
1-2 Tbsp. of Balsamic Vinaigrette
* Walnuts, cashews, and/or almonds go great with the recipe
** You can choose any protein. Turkey and boiled eggs could work.
*** You can choose any healthy carb. Good choices are: half a whole wheat bagel and 1 cup of plain pretzels or all natural popcorn.
Preparation;
Wash all of your fruits and vegetables, and chop them to preference. Mix all ingredients together. Toast your pita bread to get the best taste.
Health Benefits:
1) Spinach, cabbage, romaine lettuce. They are all great leafy greens that are rich in vitamins and minerals.
2) Blueberries and Strawberries do not only add sweetness to your meal, but also fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
3) Nuts provide essential fats and protein
4) Chicken breast is a good source of lean protein low in fat
5) Whole wheat pita bread is a complex carb. It digests slowly giving you energy throughout the day, keeping you satisfied longer