Protein balls are a delicious and healthy snack! I love to whip up a batch and keep them in the freezer so I can grab one or two here and there throughout the day.  This recipe is based on our favorite homemade Perfect Bar recipe, but I cut back on the oats, added chia seeds and rolled into balls! 

Chia seeds are loaded with fiber, protein and omega-3 fatty acids.  They're very nutritious without adding a ton of extra calories, so I like to add them to anything I can!

You can get creative with these - add coconut, chocolate chips, mini m&ms, raisins, etc.  Make it fun so your entire family can enjoy them!  We have a peanut allergy in our house, and the other two don't care for peanut butter, so I get to make them the way I like :)

Here's what you need:

1 cup gluten free rolled oats
1/4 cup chia seeds
1 cup vanilla protein powder (we prefer vegan to keep these dairy free)
1 cup natural peanut butter (I like crunchy!)
3/4 cup honey

Grind the oats and chia seeds in the blender.  I like to leave a tiny bit of whole oats, but up to you as to how long you blend.

Pour into mixing bowl, add protein powder and stir until combined.  Add honey and peanut butter.  Stir until well combined.  Give it a taste....SO GOOD!

I have a #70 cookie scoop, which is just shy of a tablespoon, and that gives me 44 protein balls.  Use whatever scoop or spoon you have!  Roll them out and put them on a piece of waxed paper.  Transfer to a zipper freezer bag and store in the freezer.  They won't last that long, but I imagine they'll be okay in there for a week or two.  ENJOY!  XO

Is it weird that salad is my favorite food?  Always has been, apparently, from what my mom tells me.  (Guess I didn't pass that gene on to my own three, ha!)

I prefer the big salads from a restaurant because, let's face it, it always tastes better when someone else does all of the work.  But this one, you all....  WOW.  Amazing flavors, and not a lot of effort!

The Px4 Salad was born on our summer trip to Florida this year.  We had delicious meals all week, and in an effort to clear out the leftovers on the last night, we made a big salad bar with all of the grilled meats, roasted veggies, fruits and whatever else was left in the kitchen.

I piled my plate with greens, then added some pork tenderloin, then peaches, then pistachios, and finally poppyseed dressing!  And voila...the Px4 arrived and will forever live on repeat in my meal plan.  

You can do any portion size of the ingredients that you like, especially if you are a macro tracker.  But, here's how I made this one:

Mixed greens
4oz grilled pork tenderloin (I seasoned this one with a little bit of brown sugar, cloves and salt, but use your favorite marinade and/or seasoning!)
1 peach, chopped
1/2 cup pistachios
4 Tbls Skinny Girl poppyseed dressing (use your favorite!)

Give this one a try and ENJOY!  XO

Two things I know for certain:  #1 cherries are the best fruit ever, and #2 smoothie bowls are life.  Now, you may disagree with me on one or both of those, but even so, give this one a try because it just might change your mind!

This beauty cools you off on a hot summer day, and whether you eat it for lunch, dinner or a snack, it's a healthy, whole food option that will leave you feeling totally satisfied.

Cherries give you a good dose of antioxidants and are anti-inflammatory, so they can keep you looking young while protecting you from illnesses like cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer's, and obesity.  Cherries also contain melatonin, which promotes a restful night of sleep!

Here is how I make my bowl (feel free to change up measurements if you are tracking macros and need to adjust):

1 cup unsweetened almond milk
1 frozen banana
1 cup frozen cherries (save about 6 or 8 to chop for the top!)
1 tablespoon flax seeds
1 serving collagen peptides or vanilla protein powder

Blend together, pour into a bowl and top with chopped cherries and your favorite granola!  ENJOY!  XO

Have a sweet tooth?  So do I!!  These peanut butter dates hit the sweet spot for me, and I know they will for you as well.  I made them on vacation and, you guys, I seriously passed up ice cream for dates!

Dates are pretty healthy too, so you can feel good about eating them.  They are a great source of carbs, high in fiber and contain disease-fighting antioxidants.

I bought these dates at Trader Joe's but you can get them at any grocery store.  Be sure your peanut butter is natural so you don't add any unnecessary sugar to these already sweet treats.  I topped with some dark chocolate chips for extra pizazz, but that's totally optional.

To make them, slice open each date and remove the pit.  Stuff with peanut butter (creamy or crunchy, up to you).  Add chocolate chips if desired.  Pop in the fridge for a bit.  When ready to eat, sprinkle with a little bit of pink Himalayan salt.  ENJOY!  XO