Simple and Light Recipes From Nutritionist Cara Clark’s ‘The Feel-Good Way’ Cookbook

Often when we try to eat healthier, we find ourselves wishing we were enjoying something else.

“When I work with clients… I want them to feel so good that they don’t question the changes they’re making or look forward to a date when they can go back to “normal,” says author and nutritionist Cara Clark, who counts Carrie Underwood among her clients.

These recipes from her new cookbook The Feel-Good Way will help you feel the same!

Cucumber Salad

(Serves 6)

2 English cucumbers, diced
1 pint cherry tomatoes, quartered
1 red onion, diced
1 tbsp. nutritional yeast
1 tbsp. sunflower seeds
2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp. apple cider vinegar
1 ⁄2 tsp. sea salt
1 ⁄2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
2 tbsp. fresh dill

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the diced cucumbers, quartered tomatoes, diced onion, nutritional yeast and sunflower seeds.
2. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, salt, pepper and fresh dill. Whisk to combine.
3. Add the dressing to the salad and toss to coat evenly. Serve immediately to prevent the cucumber from getting too mushy.

More delicious ideas: For a creamy texture that also adds a dose of energizing healthy fats, toss in 1⁄2 a diced avocado.

PER SERVING: 93 cal, 2g protein, 9g carbs, 1g fiber, 4g sugar, 5g fat

Green Goddess Smoothie

(Serves 1)

1 cup frozen mango chunks
Large handful of greens (such as spring mix, spinach, collard greens, or any mix you’d like)
1 ⁄4 small avocado
Juice of 1 lemon
1 tsp. ground turmeric
1 tbsp. sunflower seeds
1 tbsp. hemp seeds
1 ⁄2 to 1 cup unsweetened coconut or nut milk, like almond or cashew
1 tsp. maca powder (optional)
1 scoop minimally processed protein powder or collagen peptides (optional)
Ice (optional)

Directions:

1. In a blender, combine the frozen mango, fresh greens, avocado, lemon juice, ground turmeric, sunflower seeds, hemp seeds, coconut or nut milk, maca powder (if using), protein powder or collagen peptides (if using) and ice (if using). Blend to your desired consistency.
2. To serve, pour into a glass, top with more seeds, if desired, and drink immediately.

PER SERVING: 367 cal, 12g protein, 37g carbs, 9g fiber, 24g sugar, 21g fat

Cheesecake Bites

(Serves 12)

1 cup pitted dates 1 cup almond meal
1 tbsp. flaxseed meal
1 ⁄2 tbsp. grated orange zest
5 tbsp. coconut oil, 1 tbsp. melted
1 (8 oz.) container nondairy cream cheese (such as Kite Hill)
1 cup canned full fat coconut milk
2 tbsp. pure maple syrup
2 tbsp. orange juice
Grated zest and juice of 1 lemon
1 scoop collagen peptides (optional)
1 ⁄4 cup pomegranate seeds