My goodness, I’m so excited for 2016. Seems typical to say, but for me it’s so true. I’ve got big plans for the blog and myself. There’s nothing better than spending time on reflecting over the past year — the good, the bad and the things I should be doing more (or less) of.
Big things happened over the past year: I traveled more than I ever thought I would, Tony and I decided to move in together, I made the most recipes in any consecutive year, I hired an assistant, photographer and graphic designer.
Today I wanted to spend some time looking at my most popular recipes that were published in 2015. I dive into the most view recipes every year and it’s always interesting to see which ones you loved the most.
1.) Coconut Flour Banana Bread: My most popular recipe of the year! This easy-to-make and healthy paleo banana bread is made with coconut flour and there’s no butter or refined sugar added. I literally make this every week for a quick snack. Promise you’ll love it.
2.) Paleo Chocolate Chip Cookies: Only one bowl is required for these AMAZING grain-free, paleo, gluten-free, and dairy-free chocolate chip cookies.And the best part is that they only take 20 minutes to make.
3.) Chia Chocolate Chip Breakfast Cookies: These delicious gluten-free, flourless breakfast cookies are packed with nutritious ingredients like chia seeds, walnuts, almonds, and dried cherries.One of the easiest breakfasts.
4.) Easy Chopped Greek Chickpea Salad: Salads do not get much easier than this vegetarian greek version. It’s made with olives, feta, tomatoes, onion, garlic and the most amazing light lemon dressing. For more protein, add in some quinoa or grilled chicken.
5.) Healthy Carrot Cake Muffins: Carrot cake is one of my favorite cakes EVER.The good news is we can have it for breakfast with these nutritious muffins packed with whole grains and healthy fats. Even better: they’re freezer-friendly.
6.) Healthy Blueberry Zucchini Muffins: These healthy blueberry muffins are extra moist thanks to the zucchini and applesauce. They’re low-fat and dairy-free, making them the most perfect breakfast or snack.Perfect when spread with almond butter.
7.) Chia Quinoa Banana Granola Bars: If you’re looking for the perfect on-the-go breakfast, look no further. These granola bars are packed with banana, dried fruit, quinoa, oats, and chia seeds! Feel free to mix and match whatever dried fruits or nuts you’d prefer.
8.) Paleo Coconut Flour Pancakes: These grain-free, paleo-friendly coconut flour pancakes are AMAZING. The blueberry syrup is totally optional, but I think you’ll love it. These would also be incredible with chocolate chips, fruit, or more nut butter.
9.) :Strawberry, bananas and almond butter all in your breakfast. These overnight oats are guaranteed to keep you full until lunch.
10.) Healthy Southwest Pasta Salad: I love this gluten-free, healthy southwest pasta salad. The sweet and spicy chipotle-lime greek yogurt dressing is absolutely incredible. Try this dish for an amazing packed lunch that will help keep you full and focused all day long.
11.) Vegetarian Black Bean Meatloaf with Avocado Verde Sauce: This meatless black bean ‘meatloaf’ is packed with spices, cilantro, corn, and topped with the creamiest 3-ingredient salsa verde avocado sauce! Even better? It’s vegan, gluten-free, and SO incredibly filling. Make it tonight!
12.) Lightened Up Basil Avocado Pesto: I fell in love with pesto this year and fell even more in love with this lightened-up basil avocado pesto. The secret to a healthier pesto is using an avocado to get the creamy texture – no oil required. Spread this on everything!
13.) : This roasted veggie tortilla pie is healthy comfort food at its finest. Everyone loves this easy vegetarian meal, which tastes even better with a side of greek yogurt and tortilla chips. You can also add shredded chicken for extra protein!
14.) Grain Free Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread: Obsessed with this grain-free and gluten-free chocolate chip peanut butter zucchini bread that’s an excellent source of protein and fiber! There are two versions: one made with coconut flour, and one with protein powder. Both of them are insanely good.
15.) Flourless Black Bean Brownie Bites: Completely in love with these fudgy flourless black bean brownies bites. They taste like a regular, decadent brownie. Tony loves them so that’s proof you will too.
A few things I discovered this year:
-You LOVED paleo/grain free recipes! It was great to see that the coconut flour banana bread just so happens to be a favorite. Honestly, it’s mine too! I make it once a week for Tony and I to snack on.
-Most of you seemto really enjoy my vegetarian main meals. Especially if they’re creative and easy to make. And you especially love southwest and Latin flavors.
-Quick bread and muffins always win you over. Anytime I post muffins, I always see them being made on Instagram and Facebook. (Thank you for tagging me!) I’m doing my best to post gluten free options with these recipes if they work well.
-You love nutritious grab-and-go options. Whether you are a college student, a young professional, or a mom, you enjoy having something quick to snack on. Thank goodness I’m able to create content for readers exactly like me.
Man, I love you guys.
WhatI’m focusing on in 2016:
-Phasing out any refined sugars.
-Nutrition over calories, fat or carbs.
-Bold flavors, but still accessible ingredients.
-More vegetarian high-protein meals!
-I will continue my monthly Indulgeseries that welcomes some of my favorite baking recipes for special occasions, or of you’re in the mood for a really great dessert.
-Trending ingredients (because you’re all adventurous).
