Simple Health 4 You

Mexican Bean Salad

You can make a meal out of this recipe chocked full of healthy veggies. This has been a big hit anywhere we've taken it to share!

1 (15 oz) can each of black beans, kidney beans & cannellini beans (rinsed & drained)

1 cup each chopped green and red bell pepper

1 cup chopped red onion

1 10 oz. pkg frozen corn kernels

1/2 cup olive oil

1/2 cup red wine vinegar

2 Tbsp fresh lime juice

1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice

2 Tbsp. white sugar

1 Tbsp. Salt

1 clove crushed garlic

1/2 Tbsp each of ground cumin & black pepper

1/2 tsp. chili powder

1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

1. In a large bowl, combine beans, bell peppers, frozen corn, and red onion.

2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lime juice, lemon juice, sugar, salt, garlic, cilantro, cumin, and black pepper. Season to taste with chili powder.

3. Pour olive oil dressing over vegetables; mix well. Chill thoroughly, and serve cold.

HOMEMADE PROTEIN BARS!!

My girls LOVE these protein bars! They are so easy to make and much more cost effective than the ones you buy in the store (and healthier). They are very filling and great for breakfast, after a work-out, or as an afternoon snack. Enjoy!

4 egg whites

1/4 cup peanut butter (we use natural PB)

3 scoops vanilla Juice Plus Complete (or vanilla whey protein)

1/2 cup Truvia

1/4 cup honey

2 cups oats

1/4 to 1/2 cup flax seed (your preference)

fruit (optional - we use cranberries or strawberries)

Mix together well and put on parchment paper so it doesn't stick and use wax paper on top to keep your hands from getting sticky. Use a rolling pen or large glass to flatten. Remove wax paper and bake at 350 for 12-15 minutes or until crispy and brown. Let them cool and cut with a pizza cutter into sizes that suit you! Wrap individually or store in Ziploc bag or tupperware.