Roasted Butternut Squash

I'm going to be real.  I was never a big fan of vegetables.

I ate corn on the cob here, carrots there, but I never loved them.

As I've gotten older, I have definitely grown to love many more veggies.  Brussel sprouts are my jam, broccoli, zucchini, asparagus all routinely grace my plate.

Another one I really now love is butternut squash.  Not only is the pureed type a great substitute in macaroni and cheese, but it's delicious simply roasted with some spices.

Truth?  I bought it already cubed.  But you could certainly but a full squash and chop it if you are so inclined!

This quick and easy side dish has a smoky, slightly spicy flavor that contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the butternut squash.

Roasted Butternut Squash
Serves 2 - 0 Smartpoints per serving

3 cups cubed butternut squash
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon cumin

Preheat oven to 450.  Mist a cookie sheet with cooking spray.  In a bowl, toss squash and spices, then spread in a single layer on sheet.  Lightly mist cooking spray on top.  Bake for 15-20 minutes (cooking time may vary depending on the size of your squash cubes!)

Recipe Updates - Smartpoints!

So I've started the process of going through my recipes and updating them for Smartpoints.  Here are a couple I've updated so far!

Lemon Roasted Vegetables - 4 servings, 1 Smartpoint per serving
Sweet Potato Hash with Poached Egg - 1 serving, 14 Smartpoints per serving
Brussel Sprout, Sausage, and Yellow Squash Pasta - 1 serving, 9 Smartpoints per serving

Fantastic Friday Four

Just a few things making me smile this week!

This new pillow that I picked up Target is my new favorite :)

Discovered this new app, Watercheck, and it's my new jam.  Sends me reminders to drink water and I can track my water all day!

Still setting up my new office and going through stuff from my classroom, and found this from my second grade class of 2008.  <3

Drizzle Me Skinny, who has a fantastic blog, posted this #200milestosummer challenge on Instagram.  Exactly the motivation I need!


Hope you have found something to make you smile this week!

Peanut Butter Protein Overnight Oats

I'm a big fan of overnight oats.  I mean it's served in a mason jar.  What's not to love?

It's a great make ahead and it's super filling, particularly this recipe. 

There are many different variations of overnight oats out there, but I love adding Greek yogurt to mine.  It ups the protein and I love the creamy, thick texture it adds.  I use 2%, because I'm trying to steer away from fat free stuff and more toward reduced or full fat more natural products, but it would be just as delicious with fat free if that is your choice!

I also added a scoop of Quest Peanut Butter protein powder.  I'm a BIG fan of the Quest powders, I find they taste really really good, not at all "protein-y".  And they are soy free, which is a big score. 

Peanut Butter Protein Overnight Oats
1 serving - 6 Smartpoints

1/3 cup oats
1/3 cup 2% plain Greek yogurt
2/3 cup unsweetened vanilla almond cashew milk
1 banana
1 scoop Quest Peanut Butter protein powder

Mash banana in a separate bowl.  Combine all ingredients in mason jar until combined.  Chill overnight.

I topped mine with 1 Smartpoint worth of pumpkin flax granola for crunch! 

Crockpot Buffalo Turkey Soup

I mean, I guess it's a soup?  It's kind of a cross between a soup and a chili.

But it's super easy and super delicious.  Also, it's a makes a healthy portion for just 6 Smartpoints!  Chalk that up to the tons of veggies in it!

For those of you worried about the "buffalo" in the title, let me assure you, it' s NOT super spicy.  It's a flavor in the background and it does have some heat, but you aren't going to be diving for the ranch or the bleu cheese!

Crockpot Buffalo Turkey Soup
5 Servings - 6 Smartpoints per serving

1 lb. 93% lean ground turkey
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 cans black beans, rinsed and drained
1 large can (28 oz) + 1 small can (8 oz) tomato sauce
3 cups low sodium, fat free chicken broth
1 tbsp. smoked paprika
1/2 cup hot sauce
3 cups chopped zucchini
2 cups chopped broccoli
2-3 cups chopped kale

Spray a frying pan and cook turkey. Spray crockpot insert and add turkey to crockpot.  Add in garlic, black beans, tomato sauce, chicken broth, paprika and hot sauce and cook on low for 2 hours.

Add zucchini and broccoli and cook on low for 2 more hours.

Finally, add kale, and cook for one more hour.  Salt and pepper to taste.

Portion into 5 containers (about 2 1/2 cups per serving) or enjoy immediately!

Nut Free Trail Mix

So I really like the concept of trail mix - all that variety!  Packed with protein!  A great energy boost.

The thing is,  I don't like nuts.  Weirdly, I LOVE any kind of nut butter, I love the flavor of nuts, but I can't do the texture.

I know.  Strange.

Try finding a trail mix in the stores that has no nuts.  It's pretty impossible.

So I invented my own!

The recipe for this involves a lot of weighing so you definitely need a scale.  I found this to be a great snack (paired with some fresh fruit or vegetable) before a run or just in that mid afternoon lull.

Nut Free Trail Mix
Serves 4 - 4 Smartpoints per Serving

51 grams pumpkin seeds
40 grams dried mixed fruit, chopped
17 grams semisweet chocolate chips

Combine ingredients, then portion into small containers!  (Each portion weighed about 33 grams for me!)