Nutrition rockstar Joy Bauer (seen regularly on NBC’s TODAY show) has a brand new book called From Junk Food to Joy Food, which is chock full of recipe makeovers that takes everyday favorites (each loaded with calories, salt, etc.) and swaps them out for brand new, healthier recipes — each of which guarantees the same amount of flavor and satisfaction (but without the food hangover).

From Junk Food to Joy Food (which also happens to feature gorgeous food photography) is based on Joy’s popular ongoing series on NBC’s TODAY show, which transforms fattening favorites — including Barbecue Ribs, Vegetable Lo Mein, Boston Cream Pie, Spaghetti and Meatballs, Chocolate Crunch Bars, Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream and even Devil Dogs — into lightened-up versions that even those trying to lose excess weight can enjoy any time. Says Joy, herself, “People who are tired of restrictive eating plans, juice fasts, and other programs that forbid favorite fare will love this new way of eating.”

Joy has always been someone who inspires me. And lucky for us Just Stoppers, she’s allowed me to feature one of the delicious recipes from her book here. This Apple Cobbler Oatmeal makes for the perfect weekday breakfast — or even a fun brunch idea for friends and family on the weekends. And we don’t have to “go off” of our diets or healthy eating plans to make and enjoy it. Joy also uses all natural ingredients in the recipe, which is a big plus.

JOY BAUER’S APPLE COBBLER OATMEAL
Junk Food version (before): 420 calories
Joy Food version (after): 246 calories

Ingredients:
2 teaspoons whipped butter
1 apple, finely chopped with the skin on
½ teaspoon cinnamon
1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
1 ¾ cups unsweetened vanilla almond milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:
Add the butter to a skillet and place over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the chopped apple and cinnamon. Stir to combine and sauté until they are just cooked but still crisp, 2 to 3 minutes.  Meanwhile, combine the oats and almond milk in a medium saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil then lower the heat to a simmer. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes or until the oatmeal reaches your desired consistency. Stir in the vanilla.  Split the oatmeal between 2 bowls and top each with half of the apple-cinnamon mixture. (Makes 2 servings.)

To check out Joy’s latest book, From Junk Food to Joy Food, you can click here.

Photo Source: Joy Bauer