Surprising Stars

Do you ever look at a Guiding Stars recipes and wonder how something that sounds decadent could earn three stars? Or how a salad might only earn one? Guiding Stars looks a nutrient density, specifically, how much nutrition is in a 100-calorie portion, to help you recognize, for example, when you’ve got a good balance of whole grains and veggies with the sauce that dresses them.

Cashew Cheese Sauce

Cashew Cheese Sauce

Three Guiding Stars iconThree Guiding Stars indicate the best nutritional value. Cheese can be high in saturated fat and salt while low in other important nutrient. Cashews, however, have a better balance for your dipping desires.

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Chocolate Covered Cherry Smoothie

Chocolate Covered Cherry Smoothie

Three Guiding Stars iconThree Guiding Stars indicate the best nutritional value. Added sugar is the stinger to watch for in smoothie. Choose plain yogurts and unsweetened milks to pair with fruit and cocoa for flavor without nutritional compromise.

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Chocolate Avocado Frosting

Chocolate Avocado Frosting

Three Guiding Stars iconThree Guiding Stars indicate the best nutritional value. Avocados are a more nutritious fat base for frostings than butter or shortening, and sweetened with pureed dates, you can be sure your scrumptious frosting won't come to the nutritional table empty-handed.

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Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup

Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup

Three Guiding Stars iconThree Guiding Stars indicate the best nutritional value. Legumes, beans, and lentils are foods we could all be eating more of, and if you're a meat-lover, cooking them slowly with a little bit of highly flavorful meat like ham brings out their yummy side without bringing their benefits down.

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Quinoa and Chicken Enchilada Skillet

Quinoa & Chicken Enchilada Skillet

Two Guiding Stars iconTwo Guiding Stars indicate better nutritional value. This looks AND tastes like a dish you'd gladly order at a restaurant, and with the balance of lean protein, whole grains, veggies, and heart-healthy fat, it's a well-balanced meal to cook at home.

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