Carla’s Recs

Food swaps, supplements, and more!

FOOD SWAPS

 

Starbucks!!!

  • Grande Cold Brew (I like mine in a venti cup w/ extra ice)

  • Splash of almond milk

  • 2 pumps sugar free vanilla and/or 2-3 packets of stevia

  • AT HOME:

    • get black cold brew

    • add your own milk

    • add stevia

    • coconut whipped cream :)

What type of Milk should I drink?

You typically drink almond milk which is a fantastic dairy alternative! However, I recommend looking for an unsweetened version of your milk. You can often find “unsweetened vanilla” flavors - Califia farms has an unsweetened almond “toasted coconut” blend that is great. Just look for 0g added sugar on the back of the label!

What type of Yogurt should I eat?

Look for a yogurt that is “plain” and/or has no added sugar! Whether it is non-fat or regular is up to you. Note that regular plain yogurt has more fat and typically less protein. Non-fat yogurt is very high in protein, which would make it a great snack!! Some non-fat yogurt with some nuts (or no sugar added nut butter) + fruit would be an excellent snack option.

What type of nut butter should I eat?

Look for one that has no ADDED sugar (some natural sugars are OK). Look for minimal ingredients… the fewer, the better! This Trader Joes Almond Butter is a great affordable option. Whole Foods also has a similar one. I’ve never personally tried this brand but it looks like an awesome blend of nuts and seeds!

Alternative for: CHIPS!

I’m obsessed with Sana Coconut Flour Chips!!! Click here to explore their store locator… OR buy in bulk on their website!

What type of oil should I use for cooking?

When cooking, I always recommend using cooking sprays for a light and even coating! When you are cooking anything over 375 degrees, I recommend using avocado oil spray (it has a high smoke point). For anything below 375 (ex: sauté) you can use olive oil or coconut oil spray!

What should I look for when buying Pasta Sauce?

Sauces can oftentimes contain additives like sugars and be high in calories due to higher portions of oil. I recommend checking the nutrition label to ensure that the ingredient list is on the smaller side and contains all or mostly all recognizable ingredients (ex: tomatoes, extra virgin olive oil, onions, garlic, salt, etc). I typically like to look for a sauce that has the following: no sugar added + less than 60 calories / serving. Some options are listed below! :)

When in the mood for a a lil ICE CREAM!!!!!!

I’ve tried SO many of the ~healthier~ ice cream options out there. These are my favs when it comes to ingredients and taste!

  • Dream Pops!!!! So clean, SO yum! If you can find the chocolate dipped ones, I highly recommend. They aren’t the easiest to find, but I’ve linked their store locator for you!

  • SoDelicious NO SUGAR ADDED coconut milk ice cream! They have a few different flavors - look for no sugar added + coconut milk on the label! Whole Foods carries usually!

  • OutShine no sugar added popsicles :) A refreshing summer treat! They aren’t the best from an ingredient standpoint - lots of fillers / additives BUT they are fine every once in a while for a lower sugar option!

BREAD alternative

  • I LOVE this gluten free bread! I throw mine in the air fryer for a few minutes, but you can try toasting it or broiling in the oven. I like to top with avocado, sea salt, and micro greens :)

PASTA!!! Some healthy alternatives to mix it up!


SNACKS

  • SIETE Chips! My favorites are the lime or sea salt grain free tortilla chips, and the churro strips!

  • Sana Coconut Flour Chips kinda hard to find but worth it to buy in bulk!

  • Keto Crackers from Costco (can also usually find on amazon)

  • Blueberry Vanilla Granola from Costco (can also usually find on amazon)

  • Trader Joes Dried Snacks: Look near the chip aisle for the dried veggie snacks such as: dried broccoli, dried okra, dried mushrooms, plantain crutons

  • No Cow Protein Bars: my favorite flavors: birthday cake, chocolate chip cookie dough, cookies n cream, dipped peanut butter (or any dipped flavor except the donut one is gross lol)

  • Siren Snacks protein bites!

  • Fav veggies to slice and dip in guac or hummus: jicama, cucumber, carrot, pepper



SUPPLEMENTS

For protein powder: plant protein

I typically recommend protein powders that have minimal, clean ingredients. I’ve found that many people have trouble digesting protein powders that have a long list of ingredients and/or fillers and artificial sweeteners. Here is my current favorite! Another more affordable and accessible brand that many people like is Sunwarrior.

I recommend magnesium for: sleep support

Magnesium is a mineral that is crucial for all sorts of bodily functions. Magnesium plays a role in healthy muscle and nerve function, regulating blood pressure, and supporting the immune system, to name a few. Magnesium supplements come in many different forms, and these different forms can help with different things! For example - magnesium citrate is great for constipation, while magnesium taurate may help people with cardiovascular issues. For calmness and sleep support, I recommend magnesium threonate.

I drink 1/2 packet of Recess Mood Powder mixed with water before bed. These packets include magnesium threonate plus other calming ingredients such as Passion flower and L-theanine. I love them!

I recommend Ultima for hydration

Hydration is EXTREMELY important - especially when living an active lifestyle. I love Ultima for replenishing crucial electrolytes! Plus it makes plain water taste better :) You can get a tub or packets! 0 calories and 0 sugar - sweetened with stevia!



RECIPES

HAL'S HEALTHY LEMONADE / LEMON WATER

  • 1/3-1/2 bottle of Suja Lemon Love (can usually find in produce section by fresh juices)

  • Fill up cup with water to taste

  • Add a pinch of salt

  • Add a few drops of liquid stevia

  • Optional: squeeze some extra fresh lemon

  • SIMPLIFIED VERSION:

    • water (64oz bottle)

    • 1/2 fresh lemon (squeezed)

    • 5+ drops of liquid STEVIA (add more or less to taste)

    • pinch of salt

SMOOTHIES

Let’s make your smoothies yummy and packed with nutrients!

Your smoothie base should include:

  • 1 scoop protein powder

  • unsweetened almond milk

  • 2 handfuls of greens (spinach, super greens, or spring mix)

  • 1/4 to 1/3 of an avocado (depending on size)

  • 1 cupped handful of fruit

  • Stevia if desired

  • Bonus add ins: 1TBS hemp, 2TBS unsweetened cocoa powder, 1TBS shredded coconut, 1TBS nut butter (w/ no added sugar)

  • Ice

Here are two of my smoothie recipes

NOTE: I now recommend liquid stevia, monk fruit, or allulose for easier digestion. Also, I recommend adding greens to this if you can sacrifice the pretty color :)


OVERNIGHT OATMEAL

Base Ingredients:

  • 1/3 to 1/2 cup oats

  • 1/3 cup yogurt Sometimes I like adding a few spoonfuls of yogurt (it is optional). I personally use UNSWEETENED plain or UNSWEETENED vanilla coconut yogurt because I’m dairy free, but you can use any unsweetened yogurt!

  • ½ scoop protein powder

  • ⅓ to  ½ cup unsweetened milk of choice

Additions/ Flavor Combos:

  • Apple Cinnamon - ⅓-1/2 diced apple, cinnamon, stevia (or other sweetener), vanilla extract

  • Berry Vanilla - Small handful of berries, stevia (or other sweetener), ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, 1-2TBS nuts (optional)

  • Lemon Berry - Small handful of berries, splash of lemon juice, stevia (or other sweetener), ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, 2 tablespoons of sliced almonds (optional)

  • Chocolate PB - 1-2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 tablespoon PB2 powder or nut butter, stevia (or other sweetener), 1 tablespoon crushed/sliced nut of choice or coconut (optional)

  • Coconut - 2 tablespoons unsweetened coconut flakes, stevia (or other sweetener), pinch of salt, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (or coconut extract if you can find!)

Directions:

It’s easy! Just mix your base ingredients and 1 flavor combo’s ingredients in a mug or mason jar. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Take it out of the fridge in the morning and enjoy!


RECIPES OF THE WEEK

if you don’t have / can’t find g hughes teriyaki, you can opt for soy sauce!