Craving Dip?

My downfall is dip. I understand the allure of settling down with a delicious dip, especially when paired with crispy chips that provide that delightful crunch. However, I know how it feels to battle with the aftermath, feeling guilty about those choices that don’t serve our waistlines or well-being. Thankfully, I’ve discovered a way to still enjoy my dips while being mindful of my health goals through some thoughtful adjustments. I’ve learned to steer clear of store-bought potato chips, recognizing that they are often fried in seed oils that don’t align with my journey toward healthier and more mindful eating.

Instead, I turn to a nourishing alternative like Hero Tortillas, which are high in fiber and low in calories. I slice the tortillas, lightly spray them with olive or avocado oil, and pop them in the air fryer until they achieve that perfect golden crisp. The incredible part is that I’ve realized I derive just as much pleasure from using fresh vegetables as dippers. Colorful options like sweet peppers, crunchy jicama, spicy radishes, sweet carrots, and refreshing cucumbers fill me with joy. After a while, you might find that you don’t even miss the chips—those vibrant flavors and textures add a refreshing twist to the experience.

Additionally, making my own dip gives me total control over the ingredients, which is incredibly reassuring. I usually start with creamy Greek yogurt, which not only tastes amazing but is also packed with protein, making it a nourishing choice. To enhance the flavor, I incorporate fresh herbs like dill or chives along with spices such as garlic powder or paprika, crafting a dip that’s both healthy and bursting with flavor. So, if you ever crave some chips and dip, consider trying this approach instead. I truly believe that with a bit of patience, your taste buds will adapt, and you’ll fall in love with this healthier alternative.

Some of my favorites are:

High Protein Dip

  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons whipped cream cheese
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Pinch of salt
  • 3 tablespoons of scallions

Recipe from: Ilana Muhstein, RD

Creamy High Protein Herb Dip

  • 1-1/2 cups plain Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cup cottage cheese (blended till creamy)
  • 1 scoop unflavored or savory whey protein powder
  • 2 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chives, minced
  • 1 clove garlic, grated
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1–2 teaspoon olive oil for richness (optional)
  • Red pepper flakes for a little heat
  • Extra herbs for garnish

Recipe by: Little Healthy Life

Like any recipe, this is your opportunity to make it uniquely yours. Feel free to experiment with different spices or herbs—use whatever brings you joy and resonates with your taste.

Apple Pie Cottage Cheese Breakfast Bowl

Today I decided to try a new recipe for brunch, and it was an absolute explosion of flavors! So delicious! However, there are a couple of points to consider. First, I probably should have checked the calorie count beforehand, as it comes in at around 865 calories per serving. No worries, though—I’m glad I only enjoyed a third of it! That leads me to my next thought: the serving size was quite generous, so if I make it again, I’ll definitely consider halving the recipe. Also, it’s wonderfully sweet from the maple syrup and hot honey, so if you’re mindful of your sugar intake or managing diabetes, that’s something to keep in mind.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup Cottage Cheese
  • 1/8 cup Maple Syrup (or Honey)
  • Dash of Cinnamon
  • 1 medium Honeycrisp Apple
  • 1 tablespoon Hot Honey
  • 2 tablespoon Butter
  • 1/3 cup Pecans (or nut of choice)
  • Granola of choice

Directions:

  1. Prepared the apples: Melt butter and hot honey in a pan. Slice apples and add to pan. Cook on medium heat until apples soften, about 2 to 3 minutes. Careful to not leave them cooking for too long, you don’t want them to get too mushy.
  2. Combine maple syrup, cottage cheese and cinnamon in a bowl.
  3. Add apples and spoon over a little of that honey butter overtop. Sprinkle with granola and chopped pecans. Enjoy!

Recipe by: Bonabbetit