Maria’s Kitchen Series VI

As a Registered Dietitian, balance is always top of mind when building a meal or snack and this Ygeia snack board checks all the boxes. This combo of fiber, protein and heart healthy fats helps stabilize blood sugar, support digestion, boost energy, and keeps you satisfied and focused between meals. Smart snacking at its finest and a perfect app idea for the next time you host or a post school snack for your kids! 

Whipped Avocado & Herb Protein Dip

Ingredients:
1. ½ cup of 0% fat Greek yogurt
2. ½ cup of low fat cottage cheese
3. ½ an avocado
4. 2 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil
5. Handful cilantro
6. Handful parsley
7. 2 green onion
8. Juice ½ lemon
9. Salt & Pepper, to taste

Directions:
1. Add everything into a blender & blend (feel free to add water to thin out the dip just a bit – based on desired consistency)
2. Refrigerate until ready to eat
3. Enjoy with veggies, flax crackers and parmesan for a balanced snack

Now for the health benefits:

• Greek Yogurt: packed with probiotics which support gut health, immune health & protein for muscle support
• Cottage Cheese: high in protein and rich in calcium which supports bone health and nerve function
• Avocado: rich in vitamin E and monounsaturated fats which promote health and helps keep your skin glowing
• Cilantro: can help act as a detoxifying agent in the body
• Parsley: rich in vitamin K, C, A which can boost your immune system and protect your body against oxidative stress (cell damage)
• Olive oil: rich in monounsaturated fats which can help improve cholesterol levels and contains anti-inflammatory properties
• Flax Crackers: provides a source of fiber-rich carbohydrate, healthy fats for steady energy, helps digestion, brain function, and blood sugar balance. (Pro Tip: Pairing a carb with protein or healthy fat helps keep you fuller longer & focused between meals)
• Non-Starchy Veggies: are hydrating, fiber-rich veggies packed with antioxidants, vitamin C, and beta-carotene to support immunity, digestion, and skin health

If you try this recipe, snap a picture and tag @ygeianutrition – I’d love to see how it turns out in your kitchen!

#ygeianutrition #ygeiaishappiness

In Good Health,

Maria Stavropoulos, MS RD CDN

Registered Dietitian and Founder of Ygeia Nutrition