Instructions:

Link:
https://www.simplyquinoa.com/cucumber-tomato-avocado-quinoa-salad/

This recipe is very healthy because of all the fresh vegetables. Also, Quinoa has many healthy benefits such as vitamins, iron, phosphorous and much more. Lastly this is healthy because avocado is the only fruit that provides a substantial amount of healthy monounsaturated fatty acids.

Kelsey
Block H

- 6 Roma tomatoes
- 3 cloves of garlic
- 10 fresh basil leaves
- 3 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 ounces of fresh mozzarella
- 1 whole wheat baguette
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil

Instructions:
1. Wash the Roma tomatoes and cut them in half. Dice them into small pieces and place them in a bowl. 
2. Mince the three cloves of garlic. Add half to the bowl with the tomatoes and save the rest for the bread.
3. Preheat the oven to 350°.
4. Chop and stir in the basil, balsamic vinegar, and oil. Mix it all up and add the diced mozzarella. Place the bowl into the refrigerator.
5. Slice the baguette into slices. Brush each piece with olive oil and sprinkle with a little garlic. Place on a cookie sheet and bake until the tops are slightly brown.
6. Remove from the oven and place each piece of bread on a platter. Take the bruschetta out of the fridge, give it a good stir, and serve with the bread.

https://www.popsugar.com/fitness/Healthy-Recipe-Easy-Bruschetta-1833104
(Slightly different because it’s a family recipe.)

Bruschetta is very healthy because the tomatoes are rich in vitamins A and C but low in calories. The bread contains iron, which we need to consume every day. Garlic also contains antioxidants that can help our immune systems. Finally, the basil in the bruschetta contains potassium, vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin K (which we also need every day). Source: http://www.care2.com/greenliving/why-you-should-snack-on-bruschetta-7-healthy-reasons.html

Emily 
Block F

Link : https://www.eatingbirdfood.com/basic-chia-seed-pudding/

Benefits: 
Chai seeds have Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids are essential fatty acids, meaning that you need to get from food sources because your body cannot produce them itself. Omega 3’s reduce inflammation and may help lower risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and arthritis. They also have Plant-based protein. We all know protein is an essential macronutrient needed for many functions in the body, including muscle building. Chia seeds also have  Anti-oxidants which help rid our body of free radicals, which have been linked to cancer and heart disease. Chia seeds contain alot of fiber which helps with weight loss by keeping you feeling full, prevents constipation and enhances regularity. Lastly, chia seeds have magnesium and potassium which are two minerals needed for good health.

Source: https://www.eatingbirdfood.com/why-eat-chia-seeds/

Miray 
Block F

Directions

http://damndelicious.net/2012/11/07/lightened-up-greek-yogurt-chicken-salad-sandwich/

This is very healthy because it contains a lot of fruits that help reduce the risk of disease and provide you with lots of vitamins and minerals.  This recipe also contains greek yogurt which is a great source of calcium, potassium, protein, zinc, and vitamins B6 and B12 and also is lower in lactose compared to regular yogurts.  Another ingredient that provides you with the necessary vitamins and can help your health in the long term is the red onions in the sandwich.

Caitlin
Block F

Source: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/orzo-salad-recipe-1944175
Why is this healthy?
This recipe for orzo salad is healthy because of its use of vegetables that help with intake of vitamins and the homemade vinaigrette.  The garbanzo beans contain protein and copper.  The tomatoes contain fiber, vitamins A, C, and K, potassium, and manganese.  The other vegetables also include other necessary vitamins, helping with nutrition, growth, strength, blood pressure, heart rate, and more.  Along with this, the vinaigrette is made rather than store bought, making it more reliable and healthier.  All in all, a very healthy recipe.

Shelby
Block G

Instructions:

Source:http://www.eatingwell.com/recipe/250517/greek-pasta-salad/

This recipe is very healthy because of the use of vegetables. This recipe is also beneficial because it has vitamin A, vitamin c, calcium and iron with only 480 calories. This is recipe is also healthy because there are also chickpeas that provide added protein.

Alexa 
Block G

Instructions:
1.Make pico de gallo: Combine tomatoes, onion, cilantro, salt, cayenne, 3 tablespoons of the lime juice, and 2 tablespoons of the oil in a bowl.

2. In a separate bowl, stir together beans, cumin, and remaining 1 tablespoon each lime juice and oil.

3. Divide half of pico de gallo (about 1/4 cup) among 4 large glasses or pint jars. Top each evenly with romaine, chicken, corn, guacamole, tortilla chips, black bean mixture, and remaining pico de gallo. Top each with 1 tablespoon sour cream and 1 tablespoon pepitas. Sprinkle with Tajin, if desired.

Source : http://www.health.com/recipes/layered-mexican-chicken-salad

This recipe is very healthy due to the use of all fresh ingredients and the mix of vegetables and sturdy protein. The recipe is low in saturated fat which finds its way into a lot of our food.  Finally, this recipe is healthy because it uses so many different ingredients in a small portion size - you can put in in a cup and make it a lunch for on the go.

Picture:

Alyssa
Block G

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

1 onion, chopped

1 (15 ounce) can black beans, undrained

1 (14.5 ounce) can stewed tomatoes

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1 1/2 cups uncooked instant brown rice

Directions:

In large saucepan, heat oil over medium-high. Add onion, cook and stir until tender. Add beans, tomatoes, oregano and garlic powder. Bring to a boil; stir in rice. Cover; reduce heat and simmer 5 minutes. Remove from heat; let stand 5 minutes before serving.

source: 
http://allrecipes.com/recipe/13999/quick-black-beans-and-rice/?internalSource=amp&referringContentType=amp%20recipe&clickId=amp_direction

Black beans and rice served together is a very nutritious meal. A 1-cup serving of cooked, long-grain brown rice contains 5 grams of protein, 45 carbohydrate grams, 2 grams of fat and 216 calories. The same serving size of cooked black beans without salt has approximately 15 grams of protein, which is 30 percent of the daily value set by the FDA based on a 2,000 calories per day diet, 41 grams of carbohydrate, less than 1 gram of fat. Fresh vegetables, such as onions, carrots and bell peppers, added to beans and rice, contribute additional healthful benefits. 

http://www.livestrong.com/article/348569-nutritional-value-of-brown-rice-black-beans/
Ava
Block H

1 onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 pound ground turkey breast

1 pound butternut squash - peeled, seeded and cut into 1-inch dice

1/2 cup chicken broth

1 (4.5 ounce) can chopped green chilies

2 (14.5 ounce) cans petite diced tomatoes

1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans with liquid

1 (15.5 ounce) can white hominy, drained

1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce

1 tablespoon chili powder

1 tablespoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon garlic salt

Directions

http://allrecipes.com/recipe/131107/butternut-squash-and-turkey-chili/

This recipe is healthy because it contains a variety of vegetables, including tomatoes, butternut squash, and chili peppers. The turkey provides a lot of lean protein, without a lot of fat. The beans also provide protein. There is no sugar and very minimal fat.

Julia Caci
Block F

Instructions
1-Pre-heat oven to 325F. Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan and set aside.

2-In a medium bowl, whisk the flour, cinnamon, baking soda and salt. Set aside.

3-In a large bowl, beat eggs, oil, honey, milk and vanilla for 2 minutes. Stir in the bananas, flour mixture and chocolate chips (or any other add ins of choice.

4-Pour batter into greased pan, sprinkle with some more cinnamon, raw sugar, or banana slices (optional) Bake for 50-55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes, slice and enjoy!
http://gimmedelicious.com/2017/01/11/healthy-moist-banana-bread/

This recipe identifies as healthy because of the substitutions for sugar and butter. Both butter and sugar are not so healthy so coconut oil and honey (healthy/natural substitutions) were used instead. Banana bread is a delicious and healthy alternative to a brownie or cake. The recipe also suggests an option dark chocolate chip addition which is healthier than regular chocolate chips.

Nicole 
Block F

Directions:

This recipe is healthy and easy to make in the summer because it is a sweet treat that refreshes all. This all natural treat is healthy because of the fruit and dairy that is not fattening and clean for the body. Due to the fruit it reduces the risk of heart disease, as well as being packed with anti-oxidants, vitamins, and minerals.

Kaylene
Block H

-1 tablespoon olive oil

-1 teaspoon seasoned salt
Instructions:

Kale chips are healthy because kale is known for being a super food. It is packed with beneficial vitamins. It is also not seasoned with chemicals or other preservatives like chips sold in stores.
Why it is healthy?
http://allrecipes.com/recipe/176957/baked-kale-chips/?internalSource=hub%20recipe&referringId=12155&referringContentType=recipe%20hub&clickId=cardslot%2012
Tara Levine
Block G

Damndelicious.net
Tommy Block F
This is healthy because it provides a balance of protein and dairy. All of the meat and cheese is natural from local delis. The tomatos in the sauce provides a vegetable to the meal. It is a healthy meal that provides an equal balance of protein, dairy and carbohydrates. It is easy to make and provides the right levels of nutritants to be healthy.

Directions

Put the pineapple, kale, frozen grapes, lemon juice, ginger and flaxseed into a blender. Blend on high until very smooth, turning off the blender and pushing down on the ingredients with a spatula or wooden spoon as needed to help the blending process. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of water if needed to adjust consistency. Pour into a glass and garnish with a pineapple wedge.

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/green-smoothie-3362937 
Ashley Verma
Block F

This is healthy because it is packed with fiber, Vitamin C, and lutein.

1/2 (12 ounce) package frozen shelled edamame (green soybeans)

4 hard-cooked eggs, chopped

3 ribs celery, chopped, or to taste

1 large bell pepper, chopped, or to taste

1 (5.3 ounce) container plain Greek yogurt

1 bunch radishes, sliced, or to taste

4 green onions, chopped, or to taste

3 tablespoons mayonnaise

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (such as Grey Poupon®)

2 kosher dill pickles, chopped

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 clove garlic, minced

1 sprig fresh dill, chopped

salt and ground black pepper to taste
 Directions
Place cauliflower and 1/2 cup water in a microwave-safe bowl. Cook in the microwave until tender, 2 to 3 minutes; drain. Place edamame in a microwave-safe bowl; cook in the microwave until tender, 1 to 2 minutes.
     Combine cauliflower, edamame, eggs, celery, bell pepper, yogurt, radishes, green onions, mayonnaise, mustard, pickles, olive oil, garlic, dill, salt, and black pepper together in a bowl; toss to distribute.

This is healthy because it has a variety of vegetables, such as peppers, cauliflower, and onions. It is also a healthy alternative to a potato or pasta salad.
http://allrecipes.com/recipe/246158/healthy-cauliflower-and-edamame-salad/?internalSource=staff%20pick&referringId=84&referringContentType=recipe%20hub&clickId=cardslot%203

Spencer Block F 

http://www.runningwithspoons.com/2014/01/07/soft-and-chewy-protein-granola-bars/

This recipe is healthy because it is packed with protein. It has almond milk, such is good for your bones and has many nutrients. It also contains honey, which helps the body regulate sugar blood sugar levels.

Danielle Block F

Ingredients 

10 stalks of celery 

1 cup of peanut butter

½ cup of raisins

 

Directions

Cut the stalks in half 

Spread with peanut butter

Sprinkle on raisins 

 

This is a healthy recipe because celery is very healthy because you burn more calories eating it then it gives you.  Peanut butter is also packed with protein and potassium and raisins have many nutrients and are healthy carbohydrates.  

Maya Tharby 
Block H

1. Process beans, garlic, lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon each of the lemon zest and salt in a food processor until smooth and thick, about 1 minute. Remove from food processor and set aside. Wipe food processor bowl clean.

2. Place pistachios, parsley, mint, red pepper, and remaining 1 teaspoon lemon zest in food processor and pulse until coarsely chopped, 6 to 7 times. Transfer to a bowl. Stir in oil and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt.

3. Spread bean mixture on 1 side of each bread half. Slightly overlap 4 halves on each of 6 plates. Top each plate with 2 tablespoons pistachio mixture and sprinkle evenly with cheese.

This dish is healthy because it has several nutritional ingredients. Also ingredients that are typically salted are unsalted in this recipe.

Jack Lazarus Block: F

Ingredients:
Strawberries
Chobani Yogurt
Oatmeal

Instructions: 

Why?
This is a healthy snack because strawberries are very healthy, since they are natural and contain no added sweeteners or sugars. Chobani yogurt is very healthy because it also does not have any artificial flavors or preservatives. Oatmeal is also healthy because it its a great source of fiber, provides important minerals, and helps you feel full longer.

 

Read more: http://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/perfect_guacamole/#ixzz4kUDKPeHe

Instructions:
Taco shells

Creamy shrimp filling

https://www.dietdoctor.com/recipes/creamy-keto-shrimp-tacos
Claudia Rzeszutko Block H 

This recipe is healthy because it has low carbs which is important in weight loss. Also it has veggies and shrimp and everything is fresh and natural. It provides protein and tastes good while also having few calories and carbs.

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

3 tablespoons lime juice

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon chili powder

1 teaspoon salt

http://allrecipes.com/recipe/20482/baked-tortilla-chips/?internalSource=hn_carousel%2005_Baked%20Tortilla%20Chips&referringId=12155&referringContentType=recipe%20hub&referringPosition=carousel%2005

Troy block G

Made with natural ingredient. Uses vegetables. Not very calorie heavy.

 

-1 cup whole wheat flour

-1 cup all-purpose flour

-1 (8 ounces) can crushed pineapple with juice

-2 cups shredded carrots

-1/2 cup chopped walnuts

-1/2 cup raisins

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9X13 inch pan with non-fat cooking spray.
2. In large mixing bowl, beat egg whites. Slowly beat in sugar, then applesauce, skim milk, and vanilla. Stir in cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, baking soda, and flour. Stir in, one ingredient at a time, pineapple (with juice), carrots, walnuts, and raisins. Pour into the prepared pan.
3. Bake for 35 - 40 minutes in the preheated oven. It is done when a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

Source: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/7254/carrot-cake-ii/?internalSource=staff%20pick&referringId=16375&referringContentType=recipe%20hub&clickId=cardslot%204

By: Emma W. Block H

This recipe is a low-fat version of a traditional carrot cake recipe with the help of applesauce. Not only using pineapple, walnuts, and raisins, skim milk and reduced quantities make it healthier. With the help of natural sugar in other ingredients, the actual sugar content can be reduced, which makes it healthier and more flavorful.