Greetings everyone! Welcome to Newsletter 16. It has been a great week with To Your Better Health after publishing “Healthy and Festive Holiday Recipes.” The Ebook version was announced and now I’m announcing that the printed version is available! The printed version has more bonus material, including New Year’s brunch and dinner recipes. There are also blank templates in the back where you can write your own recipes and get recipe ideas off of friends and family whenever you spend your holidays with them.
I definitely plan on creating more books in the near future, so keep your eyes peeled! You might come across a super recipe that you’ve never heard of or tried before and you just might want the recipe! Continuing on, is a recap of the most recent blogs, recipes, and recommended products!
Blog Recap
Recipe Recap
I hope you try out these recipes mentioned here in Newsletter 16. I spent some quality time in picking them out and cooking and I hope you appreciate them as much as I do. I regularly post recipes on my social media accounts. I sometimes repost other great recipes that I see. You can find my social media links in the right-hand column. Please connect with my community!
Hearty Lentil Vegetable Soup
Serves: 4–6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
Ingredients:
1 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 carrots, peeled and diced
2 celery stalks, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup dried lentils (green or brown), rinsed
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 cups water (or more as needed for consistency)
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (optional for a tomato-based version)
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp dried thyme (or Italian seasoning)
Salt and pepper to taste
1–2 cups chopped spinach or kale (optional)
Juice of 1/2 lemon (to brighten the flavor)
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
Sauté the vegetables:
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
Add garlic and spices:
Stir in the minced garlic, cumin, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
Add lentils and liquids:
Pour in the lentils, chicken broth, and water (and tomatoes if using). Stir to combine.
Simmer:
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 25–30 minutes, or until lentils are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Add greens (optional):
Stir in chopped spinach or kale and cook for another 3–5 minutes, until wilted.
Finish and serve:
Stir in lemon juice, taste, and adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
Optional Add-ins or Variations:
Add shredded chicken for extra protein.
Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top for a savory touch.
Add diced potatoes or sweet potatoes for a heartier soup.
Use red lentils for a creamier texture (they cook faster, around 20 minutes).
Health Benefits:
Lentils provide plant-based protein, iron, and soluble fiber that supports heart health.
Chicken broth adds flavor and electrolytes, supporting hydration and digestion.
Vegetables like carrots, celery, and spinach contribute essential vitamins.
Banana Joy Smoothie
Super easy! Just blend
8 oz frozen bananas
3/4 cup almond milk
1/4 cup of shredded coconut
1 scoop GNC PP powder
2 tbsp cocoa powder
extra ice on preference.
no additional sweetener needed!
Healthy Broccoli Alfredo
Why it’s healthy: Greek yogurt replaces heavy cream, giving extra protein and probiotics.
Ingredients:
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp olive oil
1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
Instructions:
Heat olive oil in a skillet, add garlic, and sauté 1 minute.
In a bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, Parmesan, and broth.
Add mixture to the skillet, stirring gently until warmed (do not boil).
Spaghetti Squash Instructions:
Half the spaghetti squash long ways.
Scoop out seeds and already shredded squash.
Bake in the oven for 35-40 minutes at 400 F.
Buffalo Cauliflower
You can find this recipe along with several other great cauliflower recipes here:
https://tybetterhealth.com/2025/10/26/health-benefits-of-cauliflower-and-6-recipes/
Recommended Products:
Healthy and Festive Holiday Recipes, by To Your Better Health Available in Paperback or Ebook!
Nutrichef Bakeware Set (6 Pieces) Great for the season!
Angry Supplements Apple Cider Vinegar Beet Root
Kamenstein 20 Jar Spice Rack Great present! They also have other jar numbers available and the seasonings have free refills for up to 5 years!
Notable Quote
“In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer.”
~ Albert Camus
I am an affiliate marketer and use affiliate links. Any support you give is greatly appreciated! I hope you have enjoyed Newsletter 16 and find the information useful and/or fun. Please like, subscribe, share, and follow! Cheers to your better health!
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