With all of the food requirements of the challenge – fruits, veggies, protein and fiber – I know sometimes it can feel tricky to fit in all those servings and still stick to your calorie intake goal. Don’t worry though, I promise it’s not as hard as it sounds! The trick is, to remember that there are lots of yummy and healthy foods/simple recipes that do double and even triple duty! Just because it counts in one area, doesn’t mean it can’t count in another too! The first example that came to my mind is a favorite lunch in our house…
Apple & Peanut Butter Sandwiches!
This is a super simple one to make, all you need is an apple and some 100% natural peanut butter (creamy or crunchy is fine). Just slice the apple from side to side into 1/2 inch circles. You should be able to get 4 circles out of one apple. Then just cut out the core either with an apple corer, a circle cookie cutter or by hand. Spread 1 one piece with 1 tablespoon peanut butter and top with another piece. If you are making them ahead of time, just rub the exposed apple flesh with a little lemon juice. YUM!
Nutrition Facts {Serving Size: 2 Sandwiches/1 Apple & 2 Tbsp Peanut Butter} 275 calories, 8.5 grams of protein, and 6.5 grams of fiber. So, for under 300 calories you get a fruit serving, a protein serving and almost a full fiber serving! 🙂
Other Double Duty Foods/Meals:
1/2 Avocado – Veggie & Fiber (7 grams)
Any Fruit/Veggie – Also Counts Toward Fiber
Ants on a Log (Celery, Peanut Butter & Raisins) – Veggie, Fruit, Protein, & Fiber
Homemade Granola & Greek Yogurt – Protein & Fiber
Oatmeal w/Raspberries & Almonds – Fruit, Protein & Fiber
Spinach Smoothie – Fruit, Veggie, Protein, & Fiber
What other double duty foods/easy recipes have you found?
Sarah Ellsworth says
How about edamame? I would consider that a vegetable, a protein, and a fiber!
Tiff says
Great one Sarah!