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Lighter Favorites

If you’re craving your favorite comfort foods but looking to lighten things up, this collection includes healthier takes on the classics.

You’ll find a variety of high-protein versions of classic snacks, wholesome side dishes, lightened-up desserts, and more.

Want something to satisfy your cravings while providing a healthy boost of protein? Try one of my protein-packed cottage cheese-based creations, such as vanilla (or chocolate!) cottage cheese mousse or cottage cheese mushroom dip.

If mashed potatoes are your go-to side dish, you’ll find a few revamped versions that will hit the spot without the heaviness. Indulge in carrot and swede mash, creamy mashed potatoes and cauliflower, or a simple yet satisfying side of mashed carrots –all of which capture the creaminess of the traditional mashed potatoes you know and love.

Love ice cream? You don’t want to miss my vegan chocolate ice cream or the refreshing raspberry-flavored version –both naturally sweetened and free of refined sugars. And for a dessert that allows you to have your cake and eat it, too, try my healthy apple cake or eggless chocolate cupcakes.

Whether you’re planning for the holidays, a casual dinner party with friends, or weekday family dinners, these recipes are the perfect way to lighten up the menu while still indulging in the flavors you love!

Almond flour chocolate cookies on a cooling rack.

Almond Flour Chocolate Cookies [Grain & Dairy Free]

Healthy cinnamon hot chocolate in a glass mug. Cinnamon sticks in the background.

Cinnamon Hot Chocolate (Healthy Recipe)

Healthy apple crisp in a glass baking dish standing on a tea towel.

Apple Crisp without Flour (Gluten-Free)

Yogurt parfait in glasses on marble background.

How to Make Yogurt Parfaits: 3 Easy Recipes

Healthy cabbage salad on a plate with a silver fork on the right side.

Healthy Cabbage Salad Recipe (with a Simple Dressing)

Easy Mushroom Wrap Recipe (with Goat Cheese)

A loaf of the oat bran banana bread with three slices cut off.

Oat Bran Banana Bread

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Welcome!

Hey! Nice to meet you! My name is Maria, and this is my food blog. Here, I share my favorite healthy recipes, all prepared and photographed (with love) in my small kitchen. Thank you for stopping by!

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Disclaimer

The information provided on this blog is not to be used as therapy of any kind. Consult your healthcare provider if you intend to change your diet and always ensure that each of the ingredients is allowed in your diet. The information on this blog is for entertainment purposes only.

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The owner of this website, Maria Ushakova, is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking MariaUshakova.com to Amazon properties including, but not limited to, amazon.com, endless.com, myhabit.com, smallparts.com, or amazonwireless.com.

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  • Home
  • Browse Recipes
    • by Course
      • Appetizers
      • Baking
      • Breakfast
      • Desserts
      • Drinks
      • Lunch
      • Main Courses
      • Salads
      • Side Dishes
      • Snacks
      • Soups
    • by Ingredient
    • by Category
      • All Recipes
      • Cooking Guides
      • Instant Pot
      • Lighter Favorites
      • Meal Prep
      • Recipe Roundups
      • Summer BBQ
      • Top 25
      • World Cuisine
    • by Holiday
      • Thanksgiving
      • Valentine’s Day
      • Christmas
      • Easter
      • New Year
    • by Diet
      • Dairy-Free
      • Gluten-Free
      • Raw
      • Vegan
      • Vegetarian
    • by Season
      • Winter
      • Spring
      • Summer
      • Fall
  • Ingredient Index
  • Articles
    • Ingredient Guides
    • Low Gl Cooking
    • Pets
  • Blog
  • About
  • Contact
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