Peanut butter and jelly are a classic pairing that have been a staple in school lunches for decades. There are many other food combinations that we rarely deviate from but when we do, that’s when you have a flavor explosion. Eating a clean diet plan can get boring if you are afraid to experiment. Plain chicken with steamed veggies and a baked sweet potato only sounds appetizing when you’ve been drinking beer and eating potato chips all week. Here are my 4 favorite unlikely clean eating combinations that you probably haven’t tried yet!
Breakfast
Getting bored with oatmeal again for breakfast? Try having Quinoa with Blueberries, Almonds and Unsweetened Almond Milk for an updated twist on an old classic. I’ve been making quinoa for a few years now, but it wasn’t until this week that I finally decided to have it with fruit and milk rather than veggies and cheese! I was pleasantly surprised at how well they went to together. Unlike oatmeal, Quinoa is a complete protein so there is no need to add that protein powder if you are looking to lose a few pounds
Snacks
Love cheese and crackers but trying to eat clean? Try spreading a Laughing Cow Wedge Light Blue Cheese on a slice of toasted Ezekial bread with 1 TBSP fruit preserve like fig or strawberry fruit spread. The sweet and salty combination satisfies a light sweet tooth and salt craving. I love using the Laughing Cow Light wedges because for just 35 calories, I get to feel like I’m cheating. The sweet creamy texture with sweet fruit reminds me of cheesecake! Feel free to use real fruit instead of a spread. For under 150 calories, this snack packs in a healthy dose of protein and carbs to help keep hunger at bay.
Love watermelon? I had never seen this combination until a few years ago but top chefs around the country are showing off their skills combining light and sweet watermelon with feta and balsamic vinegar. Before I spotted this combination, the most adventurous pairing I made with watermelon was tequila! Try mixing 1 cup of diced watermelon with 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese and 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar for a snack under 200 calories.
Side Dish
Can’t figure out how to cook leafy greens like kale or collard greens? Add some raisins into the mix! Yes, raisins with leafy greens surprisingly cut the bitter taste of sauteed kale and collard greens. Saute together 1 tsp of olive oil, chopped garlic and 2 cups of raw kale. Once it’s wilted, add in 2 tbsp of raisins and cook for 1-2 more minutes.
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What is your favorite unlikely pairing?
Disclaimer: I am a Laughing Cow Community Leader because I love their products, like a lot. Read more about my relationship here.
Awesome article and suggestions. Do you know any more recipes with Kale ??
Kale is really hard to be honest for me. I like to add pine nuts to it too. Kale Chips! I have the recipe on my recipe page!
I had a raw kale salad last night with a little olive oil, balsamic, raisins, walnuts and feta cheese — mmm!
I’m leaving in 10 minutes, not finishing in 10 minutes lol, I don’t respond to comments on runs hah
I’ve been wanting to make a watermelon feta salad -- the in this post looks mighty tasty.
I love to eat quinoa for breakfast. Have you tried it with Greek yogurt? Now that’s one hefty dose of protein 🙂
NO! But I will when I get back from my run in 10 minutes! Great suggestion, just in time 🙂
Watermelon and Feta is one of my favorite combos ever! It’s funny because when I first starting eating it so many people would scoff at it and now I see it popping up everywhere!
I really like cream cheese and peanut butter. And as strange as it sounds, I eat beans with yogurt all the time. Not sure why, but I love it!
That slice of bread with the cheese and the fruit spread is calling my name!! Would you suggest it for breakfast, a pre work out or a post work out snack? Can’t wait to try it!
honestly, either! Better for pre though I think.
I just had this for breakfast with a cup of black coffee and I’m in heaven!!! It’s SO delicious. Only problem is now I want 3 more slices 😉 but I know one slice will hold me over until snack time so I’ll be a good girl!
Do I have to cook the quinoa ?
Sorry for the stupid question, but i never heard of it before.
Yes, but it only takes 15 minutes.
Just had quinoa, almond milk, and some almonds and it was delicious! I was skeptical at first but this might become something I have on a regular basis now!
Thanks!
Daniela
I’m officially addicted. So god. I add stevia of course too.