Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies- Healthified

I'm sure you have seen the 3 ingredient cookie recipe going around. Well, of course I had  to try it and then make it my own with all the things I love. And guess what? 

They are FANFREAKINGTASTIC!

Super moist, super healthy and super yummy. My kid loves them! My husband loves them! And I love them! Total hit!

My goal was to make something sweet and treat-like without adding ANY extra sugars. This was it! Look no further my friends. I did splurge on last batch and add Vegan Dark Chocolate chips. Which put them over the top!

Recipe makes about 1.5 dozen

Ingredients:

• 3 ripe bananas mashed
• 1 1/4 cup gf instant oats
• 1/4 cups shredded unsweetened coconut flakes
• 1/4 cup raisins
• 1 scoop or serving of vegan chocolate protein powder (I use Shakeology well, because it's the best!)
• 1/4 cup unsweetened coconut milk
• *Optional-2 oz mini vegan chocolate chips (I use Enjoy Life)
• *Optional-2 tbs natural peanut butter

Directions:

• Heat oven to 350 degrees.
• Mash bananas in large bowl. 
• Add oats, coconut, raisins, chocolate chips, protein powder and mix well. 
• Add coconut milk and any other options you desire like nuts, pb, or dried fruit. 
• *(The more ingredients you add, you may need to add more coconut milk.)
• Scoop 1 large TBS on silpat matt cookie sheet. 
• Bake at 350 for about 12-15 minutes. 

• Remove from oven, let cool for 5 minutes and DEVOUR!

Refrigerate left over cookies in an air tight container for the rest of the week. These are a great treat, snack or even a quick breakfast bite! 

ENJOY!

*Don't miss a recipe or post! Make sure you are on my email list. ADD EMAIL

Gluten Free BanAppBerry muffins

When you discover a recipe that is SUPER easy to make, totally healthy, with no sugar added, and that the whole family loves... YOU SHARE IT!

These muffins were inspired by Autumn Calabrese cookbook, "Fixate". I love this book btw, so many awesome recipes! You can check out and purchase the book here. 

I still can't get over that they are gluten free,sugar free and YUMMY! That my 6 yr old & husband like them so much one batch is gone in 2 days. But...… they are. And you need to try these!

Perfect for breakfast, snacking or desert. You choose!

Ingredients:

• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 2 mashed medium ripe bananas
• 1 Tbsp grass-fed butter, melted
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 1/2 cups almond flower
• 3/4 Tsp baking soda
• 1 dash pink salt
• 1 dash turmeric powder
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon 
• 3/4 cup chopped apple
• 3/4 cup blueberries

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• Prepare 9 muffin cups, coat with butter or spray.
• Combine eggs, banana, vanilla and melted butter in small bowl; mix well.
• Combine flour, baking soda, turmeric, cinnamon, salt in a medium bowl; mix well.
• Add egg mixture to meal mixture;mix until blended.
• Add apples and blueberry and mix until blended.
• Divide batter evenly between the 9 muffin cups.
• Back 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into center comes out clean.

• Let cool for about 5 minutes and ENJOY! 

You can store these in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Yummy warm or cold. I hope you enjoy them as much as we do! Let me know when you do!

*Don't miss a recipe or post! Make sure you are on my email list. ADD EMAIL

Coco Loco Peanut Butter Chia Pudding

I know... I've been away from the blog as of late. But just know I have been cooking up a storm! I have MANY new recipes to share! Here is one of my favorite new ones!

Coconut Chocolate Peanut Butter Chia!

Need something new and refreshing to get you going in the morning? Or how about a pick me up snack full of antioxidants, fiber, protein, and goodness? Or maybe, just maybe a healthy desert you can feel guiltless about eating? 

This will do the trick!

Decadent dark chocolate, creamy peanut butter, super-food Chia seeds and refreshing coconut milk! Do I have your attention yet? 

Heaven in a jar yes it is!

Ingredients:

• 1 tbs honey
• 3 tbs creamy organic peanut butter
• 1 cup unsweetened coconut milk
• 1 cup canned coconut milk
• 1/2 cup chia seeds
• 2 tbs mini dark chocolate chips 
• 2 tbs unsweetened coconut flakes

Directions:

1. Combine honey and peanut butter in large mixing bowl. Whisk well to combine. Pour both coconut milks into bowl and whisk to combine. Fold in chia seeds and chocolate chips.
2. Slowly pour mixture into 4 to 6 sealable jars. Sprinkle coconut flakes on top. Chill in the refrigerator overnight to set. (Chia seeds will absorb the milk, thicken, and expand creating a creamy pudding texture.)
3. Serve chilled and enjoy!

I am in love with this one!

*Don't miss a recipe or post! Make sure you are on my email list. ADD EMAIL

Deviled Eggs

Deviled Eggs! They are the perfect snack! 

For me, these babies are the perfect pre and post workout food. Hard-boiled eggs in general make a quick snack if you are in a hurry. Power cook half a dozen Sunday night and you are set for the week. Or, they are great protein in your salads for lunch instead of meats. 

Eggs are the "good fats" your body needs to keep your heart healthy.  So as long as you don't fill these with g grotty mayo you are golden! Thankfully I am not a fan of mayo so this recipe works for my taste buds and my belly. 

Ingredients:

• 2 hard boiled eggs peeled and slices in half
• 2 tsp Dijon mustard
• dash of Pink Himalayan salt
• dash of garlic powder (not garlic salt)
• dash of cracked pepper
• sprinkles of paprika

Directions:

Remove yolks from egg whites. Place in small bowl with dijon, salt, pepper and garlic powder. Mash until smooth. Place a scoop back into each egg white half. Sprinkle with Paprika per your liking.

These are quick and easy. I always have the ingredients on hand, and they add a little kick rather than having plain hard boiled eggs. Time to get my workout in!

ENJOY!

*Don't miss a recipe or post! Make sure you are on my email list. ADD EMAIL.

Hummus, Avocado & Tomato Toast

Sourdough Toast! What could make Sourdough Toast EVEN BETTER? Adding Humus, Avocado and Tomatoes to it. So delicious and such a great breakfast or snack. All the right healthy fats and carbs to get you going.

Hummus, Avocado & Tomato Toast

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 piece of sourdough bread toasted
• 1 tbs hummus
• Drizzle of lemon over hummus
• 1/4 of an avocado
• 3 cherry tomatoes

Avocado has Healthy fats, Protein, Vitamins and minerals, and Dietary fiber 

Hummus also has Healthy fats, Protein, and Vitamins and minerals

Sourdough Bread has has a lower glycemic index and the protein gluten has been broken down into amino acids so it's a little less harsh on your belly than wheat or white bread, meaning it's easier to digest. (Plus it tastes better. :) 

Tomatoes have Vitamins galore, Potassium, Fiber and Antioxidants.

It's a winning combo in my book. 

*Don't miss a recipe or post! Make sure you are on my email list. ADD EMAIL.

Roasted Garbanzo Beans

Healthy snacking at its finest! I was a little wary about this snack when my friend started talking about it. But after seeing how much she loved them, I had to give it a try on my own. I found a yummy starter recipe on Eatingwell.com and revised it to my liking.

L O V E    A T   1 S T   B I T E

These are crunchy pieces full of flavor. 

I happen to add a lot of salt to make them even more cravable. MMMMM

All of a sudden I am seeing these sold at grocery stores everywhere. So with all the hype why not make your own? Healthier, cleaner, cheaper and you can make them the flavor YOU prefer. All in 30 minutes. 

Makes: 4 servings, 1/4 cup each

INGREDIENTS

• 1 15-ounce can Organic Garbanzo Beans, rinsed
• 1 tbs Ghee, melted Or extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 1/4 tsp ground allspice
• 1/2 tsp Pink Himalayan salt

DIRECTIONS:

• Preheat to 450°F.
• Rinse garbanzo beans clean and blot dry. 

• In a small bowl, add Garbanzo beans, melted Ghee, cumin, allspice and salt. Toss gently coating beans. 
• Place beans on a rimmed baking sheet in the oven on an upper rack. Not top rack. 
  
• Stir gently every 10 minutes. This will insure all beans are browned and crunchy. 
• Bake about 25 to 30 minutes. 
• Cool baking sheet for 5 minutes and ENJOY!
• Cover and store at room temperature for up to 2 days.
  

*Don't miss a recipe or post! Make sure you are on my email list. ADD EMAIL

Persimmon Fruit

~Persimmons~

This is one of my families favorite snacks. We are a happy family when these are in season. Which is November through February. When looking to buy this mild and sweet fruit, make sure to buy the non-astringent persimmon, like Fuyu (Fuyugaki), Gosho/Giant Fuyu/O'Gosho, Imoto, Izu, Jiro, Maekawajiro, Okugosho, Suruga. These are my personal favorite and are eaten while crispy, like apples. OMG heaven!!!! My 5 yr old Begs for them! 

Persimmons not only taste amazing but they have amazing health benefits. You need to take advantage while you can this winter. Something different is a good delicious thing in life.

They are a true SUPER FOOD!

-They are high in calories (70+ calories) but very low in fats. 

-It's a very good source of dietary fiber. 100 g of fresh fruit contains 9.5% of recommended daily intake of fiber.

-They contain important anti-tumor, anti-infective, anti-inflammatory and anti-hemorrhagic (prevents bleeding from small blood vessels)

-They contain vitamin-A, beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein, zea-xanthin and cryptoxanthin. Together, these compounds functions as protective scavengers against oxygen-derived free radicals that play a role in aging and various disease processes.

-They are a good source of vitamin-C, another powerful antioxidant. Eating foods rich in vitamin C helps the body develop resistance against infectious agents and scavenge harmful, pro-inflammatory free radicals.

-They contain many B-complex vitamins such as folic acid, pyridoxine (vitamin B-6), thiamin...etc. These vitamins act as co-factors for numerous metabolic enzymatic functions in the body. 

-They also contain healthy amounts of minerals like potassium, manganese (15% of DRI), copper (12% of DRI), and phosphorus.

-PHEW! So get them while you can! Seek them out at your local farmers markets and grocery stores before the season ends. They are Beautiful inside and out!!

Besides eating them raw, there are MANY amazing recipes you can try using them. Here is a wonderful recipe to try from Food52.com

Persimmon and Goat Cheese Salad

Serves 4

• 6 cups mixed greens, any style
• 1 Fuyu persimmon, diced 
• 1 small apple, diced 
• 1/2 cup soft goat cheese, crumbled
• 3 tablespoons sliced almonds, toasted
• 4 tablespoons tangerine juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon dijon mustard
• 1 pinch salt 
• 2 dashes pepper

1. Place the greens in a salad bowl and top with the fruits and goat cheese. In a small bowl, whisk tangerine juice, mustard, salt and pepper. Whisk in olive oil in a small stream. Adjust to taste. combine with greens and toss. Sprinkle almonds over all. Serve.   
*Don't miss a recipe or post! Make sure you are on my email list. ADD EMAIL
2. 
   
3. 
   
4. 
   

Amazing Garlic Hummus

Honestly, why would you buy this when making it yourself takes about 5 minutes and tastes 100% better than ANY store bought brand? Really! 

Like I always say.... Make YOUR OWN!

Use this recipe as a guide and add or omit to YOUR taste. I LOVE THIS basic recipe! My 5 yr old LOVES this! YOU WILL LOVE THIS!

Ingredients:

• 1-15 oz can organic Garbanzo beans
• 1 clove of garlic
• 1/4 tsp Pink Himalayan salt 
• Dash of paprika
• 2 tbs or more lemon juice
• 1/4 cup tahini
• 1 1/2 tbs olive oil 
• 1/2 tsp sesame oil

Directions:

Place all ingredients into your food processor and blend until you have the consistency you desire. I like it around 4-5 minutes.

You can make this extra creamy by adding a tiny more tahini, lemon and or oil. I make it less garlicky by omitting garlic all together or using half the amount I gave in recipe above. It's ALL up to you! Roast a red bell pepper, add it! Roast the garlic instead of raw garlic! OMG SO GOOD roasted!! Add different spices like lemon pepper and some fresh chunky Feta Cheese with sun dried tomatoes on top. I'll have to post that recipe next! It's whatever you like. This is the simplest recipe. This is the base. Try this first then make it your own! 

Fresh is best! 

Once you have made the batch AND had your fresh share, place 2 TBS in individual containers and place in the fridge as servings to go! You are ready to go for snacks the entire week! All in 5 minutes!

Let me know how you like it!

*Don't miss a recipe or post! Make sure you are on my email list. ADD EMAIL

Chocolate, Peanut Butter and Coconut Shake

This shake just made my whole day better. Total comfort food! And it really is. 

You feel like you are splurging. 

 Today has been a ROLLER COASTER of a day. Some people just exude negativity and I put my foot down today. I didn't loose it thankfully, I listened, but I also told them flat out how they made me feel and how I saw their actions. I didn't cherry coat anything this time. I needed to come home and workout hard after that frustration. Feeling so frustrated and agitated made my mind just crave junk food! Why does that happen? Knowing that would make me feel even worse, I made this heavenly thing instead.

This tastes more like a treat and instantly made me happy. How is it that Peanut Butter and chocolate just makes you instantly happy? Whoever thinks Shakeology is a diet food, or not satisfying needs to email me. We need to chat. Hunger pains... GONE! Junk Craving.... GONE! Mood... BETTER!

Todays recipes is my Favorite. My, "If I could only make 1 shake ever again this is the flavor I would choose" type of favorite.

Get the picture? A must have!

• 1 Chocolate Shakeology packet
• 1 HEAPING Tbs of Peanut Butter
• 8 oz of Almond Milk or Coconut Milk
• 1 Tbs of unsweetened coconut flakes.

Pure Delicious Heavenly Food!

*Don't miss a recipe or post! Make sure you are on my email list. ADD EMAIL

Banana Bugs

I am SOO very lucky to have a child who will basically try ANY food you give to him. He has always had the best of appetites. I have never had to make a separate meal for him other than what I make for my husband and I. If we have a big ol Spinach salad for dinner, he does too. And he LOVES IT! In fact, he requests salads when we go out to restaurants. He has expensive taste buds that's for sure.  For example, he wont eat regular string cheese or cheddar, he only wants Aged Gouda and Manchego cheese. He wont eat hot dogs or grilled cheese, he would rather have roasted broccoli and green beans. He does love Hamburgers and Pizza, however  Who doesn't right? He's so my son! 

Basically, I don't have to make his food funny for him to eat it, I just like to. He enjoys it and I have even more fun creating it. The more fun in our lives the better! So today I made Banana bugs. Who doesn't like Bananas or Peanut Butter? Who doesn't like Coconut or Pretzels? Raisins I can see, so use mini chocolate chips and make them a treat. Be creative and have some fun. Food is awesome!

1 Banana

1 TBS Peanut Butter
1 Tsp unsweetened Coconut flakes
8 Pretzel sticks
4 Raisins

*Don't miss a recipe or post! Make sure you are on my email list. ADD EMAIL

Overnight Refrigerator Chia Oatmeal

This really can't get much better or easier! No cooking at all, just dump it in, shake and stick it the fridge overnight! 

I have been playing with this recipe for a while tweaking it to my liking. It's so easy and good. You can really get creative with this. Healthy breakfast to go.  Protein, Fiber and tons of vitamins and nutrients! WINNING!

• 1/4 cup uncooked old fashioned rolled oats
• 1/3 cup coconut milk 
• 1/4 cup low-fat Greek yogurt
• 1-1/2 teaspoons dried chia seeds
• 1 tablespoon Honey
• 1/4 to 1/3 cup chopped fruit or enough to fill jar

Optional

• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract if you are using regular milk or almond milk
• Instead of honey you can use stevia or  maple syrup. Honey is just my go to sweetener.
• You can use regular whole or skim milk and even almond milk. Coconut milk brings that extra flavor I love. 
• I don't always add the Greek yogurt. If I don't, I use 3/4 cup of full fat coconut milk instead. MMMMM
• All organic ingredients when possible please.

In a half pint (1 cup) jar, add oats, milk, yogurt, chia seeds, honey and fruit. Put lid on jar and shake until well combined. Refrigerate overnight or as long as 2-3 days. Eat chilled. YUMMY!!

Add whatever fruit you desire. Add coco powder for a chocolate version. Theyummlife.com has some great recipes if you don't feel creative. This is where I discovered this amazing breakfast recipe.

Recipe varies 250 calories pending on your options.

Vanilla Frapaccino Shakeology

This is BY FAR one of my favorite recipes. A little extra KICK in the morning or afternoon snack is always a good thing. No need to EVER buy a Frapaccino ever again. No need. Just try it and trust me. You'll see.

Ingredients:

• 1 packet of Vanilla Shakeology
• 8oz of Coffee chilled (Use good coffee for petes sake!) 
• 3/4 to 1 cup Ice
• Dash of honey IF needed. Try it without first. You really don't need it.

Enjoy the rest of your day! SO GOOD!

Strawberry, Berry Shakeology

If you want a refreshing satisfying treat like shake. This is may just do it for you!

• 1 Strawberry Shakeology
• 3/4 cup ice
• 8 0z Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk
• 1/4 of mixed organic frozen berries
• BLEND

Pure delight!!!

*Don't miss a recipe or post! Make sure you are on my email list. ADD EMAIL.