Snacks, Breakfast Candace Dorsey Snacks, Breakfast Candace Dorsey

Apple Pie Protein Yogurt Bowl

Apples are my favorite fall produce and pairs well with most anything, really! So far, I have apple pie granola, cinnamon apple streusel muffins, adrenal cream cider, apple butter, apple cider churro donuts and gut nourishing stewed apples on the site. Needless to say, I’m mildly obsessed with all things apples! 

You can enjoy this apple pie protein yogurt bowl for breakfast, an afternoon snack, post workout snack/meal and even for dessert! The beauty about this recipe is that it’s macro balanced which means it will not spike your blood sugar. 

 

Apple pie protein yogurt bowls are such an easy and nutritious start to your day, afternoon snack, post workout snack/meal and even as a dessert! 

apple pie yogurt

Apples are my favorite fall produce and pairs well with most anything, really! So far, I have apple pie granola, cinnamon apple streusel muffins, adrenal cream cider, apple butter, apple cider churro donuts and gut nourishing stewed apples on the site. Needless to say, I’m mildly obsessed with all things apples! 

You can enjoy this apple pie protein yogurt bowl for breakfast, an afternoon snack, post workout snack/meal and even for dessert! The beauty about this recipe is that it’s macro balanced which means it will not spike your blood sugar. 

Lately, I have been enjoying these apple pie protein yogurt bowls post workout. Mainly, because it is so important to have a macronutrient balanced post snack or meal to replenish glycogen stores, support muscle recovery, support muscle growth and optimize performance for the next gym session! 

apple pie yogurt

After a workout, it is best to consume carbohydrates, protein and fluids! 

Carbohydrates - Are able to replenish stored glycogen and initiate the recovery process. 

  • Apples, oats, and granola 

Protein - Vital component in recovery as it helps to repair and rebuild muscles.

  • Plain greek yogurt (particularly the highest in protein) and protein powder

Fluids - Help to replenish the body with fluids lost through perspiration during exercise. 

  • Water, electrolytes, and fresh fruits (apples!)

Apple pie protein yogurt bowls are a winning combo! 

Other great post-workout snacks include eggs and sourdough or ezekiel bread toast, yogurt and granola, cottage cheese and fruit, protein shake, hummus and veggie sticks, tuna and crackers, and a meat stick and fresh fruit. 

apple pie yogurt
 

If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a photo to #fromtherootsblog on Instagram. We love seeing what you come up with!


Apple pie protein yogurt bowls are such an easy and nutritious start to your day, afternoon snack, post workout snack/meal and even as a dessert! 

Servings: 1 | Prep Time: 5 MIN | Cook Time: 0

Ingredients 

Optional add-ins

  • 1 scoop creatine

  • 1 scoop inositol 

Directions

  1. Either in a single serving yogurt cup or small bowl, add protein powder and optional add-in powders to yogurt and mix well. 

  2. Top yogurt bowls with a dash or 3 of ground cinnamon, crumble or slice up a Bobo’s (or granola) on yogurt along with diced apples and serve! 

Notes

  • My favorite protein powder is Equip Foods! Use code ROOTS for 15% off your first order at this link

 
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Dinner Candace Dorsey Dinner Candace Dorsey

Creamy Tuscan Chicken

If you are looking for a super simple weeknight recipe that is healthy, affordable, requires less than 10 ingredients to make, one skillet - all while appeasing every member in the household - then look no further! 

Creamy Tuscan Chicken recipe ticks all those boxes and so much more! 

Members from the Nourished Roots Meal Plan Membership could not believe how easy the recipe came together during our monthly meal prep virtual cooking class calls. 

 

Creamy Tuscan Chicken - An easy and healthy weeknight staple dinner, you can’t believe it’s not from Olive Garden. 

tuscan chicken

If you are looking for a super simple weeknight recipe that is healthy, affordable, requires less than 10 ingredients to make, one skillet - all while appeasing every member in the household - then look no further! 

Creamy Tuscan Chicken recipe ticks all those boxes and so much more! 

Members from the Nourished Roots Meal Plan Membership could not believe how easy the recipe came together during our monthly meal prep virtual cooking class calls. 

Comments like: “should have doubled the recipe because my family is requesting leftovers” and “our family is not dairy free but we could have sworn there was dairy in this recipe - how is it so creamy!?”

tuscan chicken
 

If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a photo to #fromtherootsblog on Instagram. We love seeing what you come up with!


Creamy Tuscan Chicken - An easy and healthy weeknight staple dinner, you can’t believe it’s not from Olive Garden. 

Servings: 6 | Prep Time: 15 MIN | Cook Time: 30 MIN

Ingredients

  • 4 large chicken breasts

  • 1 Tbsp avocado oil

  • 1 Tbsp ghee (or butter, or avo oil)

  • 1/2 medium onion

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 13.5 oz can coconut cream (or full-fat, unsweetened)

  • 2 packed cups fresh spinach

  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes

  • 1 14 oz can quartered artichoke hearts

  • fresh basil, garnish

Serve with roasted potatoes, cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or spaghetti squash

Directions

  1. Liberally season both sides of each chicken breast with salt.

  2. Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once oil is hot and shimmering, place chicken breasts in a skillet. Cook 5 to 6 minutes per side, depending on thickness of chicken breast. Once chicken is browned and firm on both sides, transfer to a plate and set aside.

  3. Clean any browned or burnt residue from the skillet, then return to heat. Lower heat to medium and add ghee (or butter or avocado oil). When the ghee is melted, add minced onion (the other half from the omelet recipe!) and garlic. Cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant – approximately 30 to 60 seconds.

  4. Pour in coconut cream and stir well. Add spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and artichoke hearts. Stir well, then allow sauce to simmer until well combined and slightly thickened, approximately 5 minutes.

  5. Return chicken to skillet and turn 2 to 3 times, to coat in sauce. Serve warm with roasted potatoes, cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or spaghetti squash.

 
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Snacks Candace Dorsey Snacks Candace Dorsey

Cherry Almond Protein Yogurt Cup

Yogurt and cottage cheese cups have become a popular high protein snack trend, and with good reason!

You can:  

  1. Mix in new ingredients without having to dirty another bowl. 

  2. Increase the amount of protein by adding a scoop of collagen or favorite protein powder. 

  3. Crack into a hardened dark chocolate shell with a spoon. Who doesn’t love that!? 

Yogurt and cottage cheese is often marketed as a healthy food; however, added sugar and flavorings can alter their health-promoting properties so choosing the best yogurt or cottage cheese cup is very important. 

 

Yogurt and cottage cheese cups have become a popular high protein snack trend, and with good reason!

You can:  

  1. Mix in new ingredients without having to dirty another bowl. 

  2. Increase the amount of protein by adding a scoop of collagen or favorite protein powder. 

  3. Crack into a hardened dark chocolate shell with a spoon. Who doesn’t love that!? 

Yogurt and cottage cheese is often marketed as a healthy food; however, added sugar and flavorings can alter their health-promoting properties so choosing the best yogurt or cottage cheese cup is very important. 

A great first step in choosing the best yogurt or cottage cheese is simply reading the label. You want to look for a plain style that has few ingredients. They should include milk, the bacterial cultures used to turn milk into yogurt or cottage cheese, and not much else. If you consume plant-based yogurt, the same holds true.

Protein amount is also very important as it relates to this post. Greek yogurt has more protein and fewer carbs, while plant based yogurt tends to have less fat and no lactose. Organic may be richer in certain nutrients, but it’s lower in others. 

Cherry almond protein yogurt cup video will show you how you can make your own protein packed yogurt cup using a plant based yogurt but will show protein amounts for both greek style and cottage cheese cups for reference.

 

If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a photo to #fromtherootsblog on Instagram. We love seeing what you come up with!


Ingredients

  • 1 plain flavored yogurt cup (non-dairy, greek, or cottage cheese)

  • 1 scoop vanilla protein powder*

  • 1 tsp almond extract

  • 1-2 Tbsp dark chocolate chips, melted

  • 1 Tbsp cherry preserve or fresh cherries, mashed

  • 7 raw almonds, chopped

  • Pinch of sea salt flakes

Directions

  1. Mix protein powder, almond extract and cherries into your preferred yogurt cup. 

  2. Top with melted dark chocolate, almonds and a pinch or two of sea salt flakes. 

  3. Freeze for 10 minutes to harden the chocolate, crack into it with a spoon and enjoy!

Notes: *Equip Foods is my go-to for protein powder! Use code: ROOTS for 15% off your first order today!

 
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Snacks, Sides Candace Dorsey Snacks, Sides Candace Dorsey

Raw Carrot Salad for Hormone Health (Easy Viral Recipe)

Raw carrot salad is one TikTok phenomenon that I can get behind! But it didn’t start there. The original raw carrot salad was developed by Dr. Ray Peat to help support hormonal balance. According to Dr. Peats research, raw carrots contain a unique fiber that binds to endotoxins and excess estrogen to safely eliminate them from the body. 

He found that when his female patients consumed a raw carrot salad once or twice per day, they experienced: less painful menstrual symptoms (heavy periods, cramping, acne, headaches, diarrhea, etc)

 

Raw carrot salad has recently gone viral on social media, but the concept has been around for decades. This simple recipe, originally popularized by biologist Dr. Ray Peat, is often used as a daily habit to support digestion and hormone health. Raw carrots contain fiber, antioxidants, and plant compounds that may help support gut health and normal estrogen metabolism when included as part of a balanced diet.

What Is Raw Carrot Salad?

Raw carrot salad is one TikTok phenomenon that I can get behind! But it didn’t start there. The original raw carrot salad was developed by Dr. Ray Peat to help support hormonal balance. According to Dr. Peats research, raw carrots contain a unique fiber that binds to endotoxins and excess estrogen to safely eliminate them from the body. 

He found that when his female patients consumed a raw carrot salad once or twice per day, they experienced: less painful menstrual symptoms (heavy periods, cramping, acne, headaches, diarrhea, etc)

raw carrot salad gut health recipe

Why People Use Raw CarROTS for Hormone Health

Estrogen dominance is a common hormonal imbalance in women that experience menstrual symptoms above so by effectively binding to excess estrogen in our intestines, our body can safely eliminate via our bowels which helps to reduce uncomfortable menstrual cycle symptoms. 

  • Digestive symptoms improved Just like estrogen, the fiber in raw carrots is also highly effective at binding and safely eliminating lipopolysaccharides (LPS) which is an inflammatory bacterial toxin that most often is accompanied by an infection or intestinal permeability (leaky gut). Raw carrots, being fibrous, naturally promotes bowel regularity which positively affects digestion and elimination as well! 

  • Optimal liver and thyroid function Since the raw carrot salad assists in eliminating excess estrogens and endotoxins, this also reduces the heavy load the liver carries. About 70% of hormonal conversion takes place in the liver so detoxification is imperative. This means that when you are supporting the liver, you are also supporting the thyroid!

raw carrot salad gut health recipe
raw carrot salad gut health recipe

How Raw Carrot Salad May Support Gut Health

Digestive health plays a major role in overall wellness, and simple food habits can make a meaningful difference over time. Raw carrots are a source of insoluble fiber, which helps support regular bowel movements and healthy digestion. Insoluble fiber adds bulk to stool and can help move waste through the digestive tract more efficiently. Fiber intake has also been associated with supporting a healthy gut microbiome and overall digestive function.

Raw carrots also contain plant compounds and antioxidants, including beta-carotene, which contribute to overall health and may support the body’s natural detoxification processes. Including fiber-rich foods like carrots as part of a balanced diet can help promote digestive regularity and support the gut environment.

For many people, adding simple, nutrient-dense foods like this raw carrot salad can be one small step toward improving digestive health. However, persistent digestive symptoms may indicate deeper imbalances that require a more personalized approach.

If you’re struggling with ongoing digestive concerns and want to explore the root causes of your gut health symptoms, you can learn more about my functional nutrition services here.

Raw Carrot Salad Ingredients

Raw carrot - As we noted above, this fibrous vegetable helps to bind to endotoxins and excess estrogen and safely eliminates them from the body. 

  • Sources: 1-2 large raw carrots, shredded lengthwise

Acetic acid - helps to increase the germicidal effect of carrot fibers. 

  • Sources: Raw apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, white or red vinegar 

Oil - rich in saturated fat helps to further reduce bacterial overgrowth in the digestive tract. 

  • Sources: coconut, olive or avocado oil

Salt - contains trace minerals that are important for thyroid function. Also, it flavors the dish!

  • Sources: sea salt

The best way to consume this salad is consistently and ideally on its own as it works best on an empty stomach to help with gastrointestinal absorption. Great as a snack option or to turn into a bigger salad with hormone-health promoting ingredients such as high quality protein, fats and fiber. 

Sources

  • Robertson J. et al. The effect of raw carrot on serum lipids and colon function. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 1979.

  • Peat, R. Articles and interviews on intestinal endotoxin and hormone metabolism.

  • London J. Can Raw Carrot Salads Really Balance Your Hormones? Health.com, 2025.

  • U.S. National Library of Medicine – Dietary fiber and bile acid excretion research.

raw carrot salad gut health recipe
 

If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a photo to #fromtherootsblog on Instagram. We love seeing what you come up with!


An easy raw carrot salad recipe made with fresh carrots and simple ingredients, commonly used to support digestion, gut health, and hormone balance.

Ingredients 

  • 1-2 medium organic raw carrots, outer layer peeled

  • Splash of apple cider vinegar

  • 1 Tbsp oil source (MCT, avocado, coconut, EVOO)

  • Generous pinch of sea salt

Directions 

  1. Use a peeler to shred the carrot lengthwise into long ribbons or strips. 

  2. Add carrot ribbons into a bowl and toss in all remaining ingredients

  3. Feel free to add in your favorite hormone-health promoting ingredients if you would want to elevate the salad! 


SHOP OUR FAVORITE INGREDIENTS FOR THIS RECIPE!

 
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Breakfast Candace Dorsey Breakfast Candace Dorsey

Banana Nut Muffins

Muffins are a staple at my house! Not only are they great as a carb source for breakfast, but they are great as a grab and go snack! What I just now realized is that I have more muffin recipes on the blog than anything else! 

Another realization is that I have not one but two banana style recipes. The infamous paleo banana nut bread naturally sweetened with just bananas and 5-ingredient banana bread muffins that is also in the Nourished Cookbook

I may be mildly obsessed…

 

Banana Nut Muffins - Light, fluffy, gluten-free and dare I say moist and delicious! 

Muffins are a staple at my house! Not only are they great as a carb source for breakfast, but they are great as a grab and go snack! What I just now realized is that I have more muffin recipes on the blog than anything else! 

Another realization is that I have not one but two banana style recipes. The infamous paleo banana nut bread naturally sweetened with just bananas and 5-ingredient banana bread muffins that is also in the Nourished Cookbook

I may be mildly obsessed…

But this recipe variation in particular is my pantry/fridge clean out - banana nut recipe. Why? Because the ingredients are so practical! 

I typically have all of these ingredients in my fridge or pantry and do not realize it until some bananas are looking a little brown and I need to think fast on my feet! 

Don’t have overripe bananas but need them fast to make this recipe!?

The fastest way to ripen bananas for baking is to just bake them! Simply preheat your oven to 400 degrees F, place your bananas on a baking sheet, and bake them for five minutes, until they’re browned. That’s it! 

 

If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a photo to #fromtherootsblog on Instagram. We love seeing what you come up with!


Banana Nut Muffins - Light, fluffy, gluten-free and dare I say moist and delicious! 

Servings: 12 muffins | Prep Time: 5 min | Cook Time: 20 min

Ingredients 

  • 1 ½ cups 1:1 gluten-free flour

  • 3 medium overripe bananas, mashed

  • 1 tsp baking powder

  • 1 tsp baking soda

  • ½ tsp salt

  • 1 tsp cinnamon

  • 1 tsp pumpkin spice seasoning

  • 1 egg, room temperature

  • ½ cup coconut oil or grass-fed butter, melted

  • ¼ cup maple syrup

  • 2 Tbsp coconut milk or milk of choice

  • ¼ - ½ cup coconut sugar (depending on your sweet level) 

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • ½ cup walnuts, chopped

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F and line a muffin tin with muffin cups or spray tin with oil spray. 

  2. Mash the bananas with a fork or meat masher in a mixing bowl. Add all the wet ingredients (egg, oil, syrup, milk, vanilla) and coconut sugar to the mixing bowl and whisk together until combined. 

  3. In a separate bowl, add the dry ingredients (flour, baking soda and powder, salt, spices) and whisk together until combined. Add your dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and whisk together until batter is thick yet pourable. Add the chopped walnuts and fold in until combined. 

  4. Evenly divide the batter between 12 muffin cups. Sprinkle a little extra chopped nuts on top. 

  5. Bake the muffins for 20-22 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean and they’re lightly golden on top. Enjoy! 

Notes

  • Don’t have overripe bananas? That’s okay! Simply, preheat your oven to 400 degrees F, place your bananas on a baking sheet, and bake them for 5 minutes, until they’re browned. That’s it!

 
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