michelle, Author at Clean Plates

10 Healthier Pancake Recipes You’ll Love

By michelle / April 20, 2021 /

From oatmeal-packed pancakes to paleo flapjacks, these healthier pancake recipes let you indulge but also bring some nutritional value.

Asparagus May Be the Best Spring Veggie — Here’s Why

By michelle / April 14, 2021 /

Of course asparagus is delicious and versatile—its culinary range would be enough to…Asparagus is delicious and versatile. Its culinary range would be enough to make us love this harbinger of spring. But this elegant veg’s array of nutritional benefits makes it stand out among the all-star lineup of spring produce. Read on to find out more.

5 Tips for Making Low-Carb Pancakes That Taste Like the Real Deal

By michelle / April 11, 2021 /

I gave up grains a few years ago, and I’ve never felt better. Still, there’s not way I’m giving up pancakes, so I’ve had to learn to make it work. What I’ve discovered? There’s no reason you can’t have my paleo and eat my low carb pancakes too!

The Cheap & Healthy Trader Joe’s Finds Wellness Pros Love

By michelle / April 11, 2021 /

We asked wellness experts for their top cheap and healthy Trader Joe’s finds. From acai packets to black bean chips and organic tahini, here’s what you’ll always find in their shopping carts.

3 Ways to Get More Vitamin D (& Why You Should)

By michelle / March 24, 2021 /

The benefits of vitamin D for your bones and your mood are well documented, but did you know it’s also essential for your immune system? Here’s why — plus three ways to make sure you’re getting enough vitamin D.

5 Healthier Alternatives to Your Favorite Junk Foods

By michelle / March 24, 2021 /

Whether you’re hankering for chocolate pudding or movie theater-style popcorn, try one of these healthier snacks.

Feeling Bloated? Add These 5 Foods to Your Grocery List

By michelle / March 21, 2021 /

Ugh, bloating. No matter how well you take care of yourself, it happens. And when it does, it’s uncomfortable and a nuisance. Your best bet? Avoid foods that you know trigger bloating (we’re looking at you, beans and fizzy drinks), and stock up on these foods that fight bloat by giving your digestion a boost.

We Tested a Bunch of Different Meal Kits and Found the Best One

By michelle / March 19, 2021 /

These days there are dozens of meal kit companies on the market, which is great (options!), but also overwhelming. That’s why we tested several of the most popular meal kits, evaluating each based on several key factors: variety of recipes, quality of ingredients, ease of cooking and, of course, taste.

8 Delicious Ways to Turn a Head of Cabbage into Dinner

By michelle / March 14, 2021 /

In the last few years cabbage has gone from a humble vegetable reserved for sad-looking slaws, to the darling ingredient for home cooks around the country. The only thing surprising about this is how long it took for everyone to get on board!

Make-Ahead Breakfasts for a Healthier, More Delicious Morning

By michelle / March 9, 2021 /

These make-ahead breakfast recipes are great if you’re feeding a small army or a household of one. From sheet pan frittata to homemade granola bars, there’s something on this list for every kind of morning appetite.

Ask Clean Plates: What’s the Best Magnesium Supplement?

By michelle / March 7, 2021 /

There are a handful of different types of magnesium out there. And, as with most things, the best one depends. Here’s what to know.

Zoom Meetings All Morning? Make One of These Energizing Lunches

By michelle / March 3, 2021 /

Zoom-filled mornings called for lunches that are easy and energizing. They should feel fresh and light, but substantial enough to fuel the rest of your day — and they shouldnt take a whole lot of time to make. These healthy lunch recipes nail all of those requirements with great flavors to boot.

10 Healthier Mac and Cheese Recipes (That Still Taste Great)

By michelle / February 28, 2021 /

Is there anything better than creamy, dreamy mac and cheese? On your worst days it’s there to comfort you, and on your best days it feels like a celebration. No one — and I mean no one — doesn’t like mac and cheese. And it’s surprisingly easy to make your favorite dish just a little more healthful.

20 Recipes That Will Make You (Really!) Excited to Eat Chicken

By michelle / February 27, 2021 /

If chicken boredom has set in, we have you covered with our chicken recipes mega-list. Whatever you have in the fridge, be it leftover rotisserie chicken, ground chicken, chicken thighs, or boneless skinless chicken breasts, there’s something here for you.

This Chicken Lemon Rice Soup Is Comfort in a Bowl

By michelle / February 26, 2021 /

Make it for a loved one who’s under the weather, make it for yourself because it’s cold and you want to warm up.

10 Cheap & Healthy Trader Joe’s Finds We Love

By michelle / February 26, 2021 /

We love Trader Joe’s for all sorts of things, from healthy frozen dinners to good, cheap coffee. One of TJ’s biggest fans is our own founder and CEO, Jared Koch. So—what’s in Jared’s cart? Here’s a sneak peek at his list, all less than $5.

Our Favorite Instant Coffees for When You’re Busy

By michelle / February 18, 2021 /

In the last few years, instant coffee has gotten a welcome makeover. There are tons of tasty options out there, whether you want a fatty cup for your keto diet, you’re looking for a tasty delivery system for adaptogenic mushrooms, or you simply need a super-convenient way to get caffeinated in a hurry. These are our favorites.

Super-Fast Breakfast Ideas for Sweet and Savory Mornings

By michelle / February 17, 2021 /

Mornings are crazy—you don’t need us to tell you that. But we pinky swear you have time for breakfast. We gathered up some quick breakfast ideas to help you get in a nutrient-rich meal you’ll look forward to eating, whether you’re craving something sweet or savory.

Here’s What to Eat After a Really Stressful Day (It’s Not Pizza)

By michelle / February 11, 2021 /

Stress relief is just a healthy meal away. Here are some stress-relieving foods and easy, tasty meals to make that put them in the spotlight.

The Best Healthy Pancake Mixes You Can Buy at the Grocery Store

By michelle / February 8, 2021 /

Who doesn’t wake up on a Sunday morning craving pancakes? But making them from scratch is sometimes too much to ask on a weekend morning. And what if the desire for pancakes hits during the week? Enter these healthy pancake mixes.

Trying to Get Pregnant? These Foods May Help

By michelle / February 5, 2021 /

If you or someone you know has had difficulty with infertility, you know how devastating it can be. Reasons vary, with genetics, stress, thyroid disorders, obesity and other factors playing a role — as well as diet. If you’re thinking about conceiving, here are 6 foods that may improve fertility.

These Non-Dairy Yogurts Are Creamy & Delicious

By michelle / February 2, 2021 /

There was a time when following a dairy-free diet meant eliminating milk, cheese, ice cream and yogurt altogether. Luckily, those days are gone. Thanks to the latest crop of coconut, cashew and almond yogurts, you can still savor one of the creamiest and most beloved breakfast eats.

5 Things to Eat When You’re Craving a Candy Bar

By michelle / January 31, 2021 /

Whether you’re #teamSnickers or #teamMilky Way, candy-bar cravings happen. And, while enjoying your favorite candy bar every now and then isn’t the worst thing you can do, there are healthier choices you can make that are just as satisfying. Here are a few sweet things I find always help kick my own craving.

These Easy, Weeknight Meals Are Loaded with Complex Carbs

By michelle / January 28, 2021 /

These weeknight dinners feature the good kind of carbs — think beans, legumes, nuts and seeds, whole grain breads, cereals and pastas, fresh veggies and fruits — paired with clean proteins. You can pull them off without breaking a sweat and you’ll feel full, in a good way.