I’m always looking for creative ways to prepare one of my favorite veggies — carrots. This chapter gave me a reason to experiment with ginger, and I’m thrilled with the finished product. I hope your joints, and taste buds, agree!

Enjoy warm gingerbread muffins as a late afternoon snack, or serve for Sunday-morning breakfast with low-fat cottage cheese or scrambled eggs. Muffins can be stored in an airtight container at room temp for up to 2 days, or frozen for up to 1 month.

If you’re getting bored with standard turkey burgers, try this souped-up version bursting with flavor from traditional Greek ingredients like roasted red peppers, feta cheese, garlic, and oregano.

The power of this colorful parfait lies in its energizing combo of protein-rich yogurt and fiber-rich berries. A delicious way to start off your day—just grab a spoon and dive right in!

When it comes to oysters, people either love them or hate them. My own household is divided. If you’re a lover, you’re in luck. Pacific oysters provide omega-3 fats, which have been shown to reduce inflammation in people who suffer with swollen joints.

This recipe, developed by Julia Roccaforte for a JOYful Cook-Off competition, is a gluten- and dairy-free spin on traditional lasagna. An avocado cream sauce (it’s AMAZING!) and flavorful spices really kick this dish up to vegan superstardom.

Here’s an easy vegetarian supper to add to your meatless meal rotation. The lentils and sweet potato in this cozy soup deliver a double dose of soluble fiber, which helps lower cholesterol, smooth out blood sugars, and stabilize mood.

This zesty, low-cal ranch burger was created by Joy Fit Club member Clint Lehman. The melty pockets of feta cheese really put it over the top!

Every Bauer family party requires a hearty and saucy comfort food dish. This recipe is one that my crew always looks forward to when we gather to celebrate a birthday, anniversary, or other significant milestone. I like to put it out in a big skillet on the table and let everyone help themselves. It’s organized chaos while everyone digs into the Italian classic (sometimes to make a heaping hero sandwich, as shown). As they fill their stomachs and the yummy skillet quickly empties, my heart fills with joy. You can use whatever lean poultry sausages you like, and with so many outstanding options available, you’re sure to find a winner. You can also speed up the process by opting for already cooked sausages, so they just have to be warmed. After the sausages are initially cooked and cut into slices, I like to quickly sear the small, bite-size pieces on the hot pan to sop up the mouthwatering flavors and intensify the overall taste. Then you’re ready to build the rest. The dish (without the bun) is low-carb and packed with protein and fiber, which makes it especially good for people looking to manage their blood sugar or cut carbs.

These crispy, crunchy chips are a great way to get your family to eat a powerhouse veggie. A word of warning—they’re incredibly addictive…but in this case, that’s a good thing. They’re rich in fiber, calcium, and potassium, all key nutrients that help protect your ticker. Plus, they’re low in calories. Crunch away! Joyful tip: You can buy a large bag of pre-torn kale pieces for ease and convenience, or get fresh bundles of stalks, trim the outer leaves, and tear them on your own.