snack 'n go

I've been a dedicated granola bar consumer since I was in high school. They've always been a quick, convenient and portable snack that bordered the "healthy" category. I also loved that I could get away with eating these for breakfast, even though there were chocolate chips sprinkled throughout. 

But when I say "healthy" they're not even close. Most store-bought granola bars are loaded with sugar and other preservatives, so these bars contain honey, unsweetened cocoa powder and natural peanut butter to pack in the flavor. Now before I get attacked for adding mini chocolate chips... yes I know they contain sugar but if you're really being careful just don't add them. It's as easy as that!

I keep the bars in individual snack bags and store them in the fridge. I love that I can grab one, run out the door and know that I'm getting a snack with some protein and nutrients, but really it just tastes like a chocolatey treat. 

quick snack series:

I have a confession to make: about two years ago I was on a mission to lose 60 pounds. Once I lost 50 pounds though, I decided to start a baking and beauty blog. So, needless to say, the last 10 pounds have stayed quite happily as I've baked, fried, roasted and froze my way to not losing any weight. And then in October I broke my toe, so exercising was a non-option and then the holidays came annnnnd.... now I have 15 pounds to lose!

My toe is completely healed and I'm reenergized and committed to eating healthier and working out regularly. But please, don't worry. Even though I'll feature some healthier food options (which I've done before, I might add) the heart and soul of this blog will forever come from butter, sugar and vanilla. Oh, and some beauty tips thrown in.

These healthy snacks have saved me from eating one too many of Ruby's 'Nilla Wafers (and I don't even really like them...what's that all about?!). I have also eaten these snacks for breakfast, because they're full of nutrients that give me the energy to keep me going.

 Cinnamon Ricotta with honey, almonds and fresh fruit:

The addition of drizzled honey brings out the natural sweetness of the Ricotta, making the berries and almonds a perfect compliment. And since cinnamon is a natural appetite suppressor, this dish leaves you feeling full and satisfied.

Cinnamon Ricotta with honey, almonds and fresh fruit

1 Cup skim Ricotta cheese

1 tsp. ground cinnamon

2 Tbs. almonds

½ Cup berries

2 Tbs. honey

-Place ricotta in a bowl, and top with cinnamon, almonds and berries. Drizzle with honey and enjoy!

Open-faced p.b. and fresh "j":

This is a fresh, lighter version of the typical pb & j. There is so much sugar in jelly, and you don't really need the extra bread. Getting your whole-grains, protein and a serving of fruit will stave off any hunger pains for hours. Since this recipe is basic, it doesn't really require a recipe.

Here's what I do: toast 1 whole-wheat piece of bread then spread about 2 Tbs. of peanut butter (I prefer the chunky kind). Top the peanut butter with your favorite fruit- I love sliced strawberries or raspberries.

Ground Chia Seed Vanilla Pudding: 

I know there are so many varieties of Chia puddings and while this is my favorite version yet, I'm still not obsessed with it. There's a silky, slippery texture that can only be masked with lots of crunchy things, like walnuts and roasted coconut chips. That's also the reason I ground my chia seeds; leaving them whole in the pudding is like eating roe on top of sushi... all that popping in my mouth just kinda freaks me out. It's worth a try though: Chia seeds are so good for you and it'll keep you going and going.

warm mornings

I've said it before, I like to start the day off eating right, even if I'm ending it with a molten lava cake. This is my way of creating balance. This is my way of justifying a cookie. This is my way of getting some much needed nutrients. This is my way of a warm, healthy breakfast on a cold morning. It's pretty tasty having it my way.

Normally I'm not crazy about baked apple pies/desserts/oatmeal, but I thought if I shredded the apple it would just meld into the oatmeal. The additional crunch of the almonds also took away from the baked apple texture that I dislike, making this delicious and more like a treat. It doesn't feel healthy it just tastes amazing, especially with the cinnamon yogurt sauce.

I love baking this on the weekend and then reheating any leftovers throughout the week. I can't tell you how gratifying it is to have a warm, filling breakfast on a winter day... and then repeat it all over again the next day! Who needs cereal?

and you can eat it too!

I think if you're going to DIY beauty products it should be done with as little hassle to the DIYer so that if you feel the need to whip up a lip or body scrub, you have everything on hand to do it at your whim.

I know I've already showcased some fabulous lip scrubs but this homemade lip scrub is made with just three simple ingredients. Sugar has wonderful anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory benefits, as well as honey. And the coconut oil leaves the skin lickably soft so if any scrub slips into your mouth it'll just sweeten the deal.

This is purposely a small amount because your lips are a small surface area, so I thought smaller batches would be more useful.

Deliciously Smooth Lip Scrub 
3/4 Tbs. Turbinado Raw Cane Sugar (or brown sugar would work fine here)
1/4 tsp. Honey
1/4 tsp. Coconut Oil- liquified (or olive oil if you didn't have coconut oil)

Directions:
Mix all the ingredients in a small bowl. Apply the scrub to clean, dry lips and massage it around your lips, using your finger. Wipe, or rinse, off any excess scrub. Use 2-3x a week. Store the lip scrub in a small, airtight container. 

Healthy Pantry Staples

Did you know I can eat healthy sometimes? Since it's January, and everyone's trying to work off the Holiday sweets (sorry if I had something to do with that), I've decided to offer up some low-cal, low-sugar, low-fat, Paleo, Raw, Gluten Free, Organic, heart healthy, preservative free, clean eating (put whatever label you want on the) recipes.

Here are some ingredients that have made me feel like I'm doing something good for my body and what I'll be using for future recipes (p.s. you should be able to get all these at your regular grocery store instead of needing to go to a specialty food store):

Flaxseed (ground)- filled with Omega-3, fiber and lignan's that are great for your heart and help with energy. I add this to muffins, smoothies, granola bars... I probably don't add it to enough stuff but that's a decent start.

Chia Seeds- are packed with protein, blood sugar stabilizers, calcium, fiber and Omega-3... and it's tasteless! It can be put in smoothies, baked goods and can even be used as an egg substitute (more on that later).

Honey- sugar substitute (I put this in my morning tea and drizzle it over a whole-grain bagel spread with all-natural peanut butter).

Agave Nectar- another great sugar substitute and can be interchanged with honey. It's very sweet so if you're using this as a sugar substitute, use a smaller amount. As a side note- it does have a different flavor. The darker colored Agave's have more flavor so if you're a newbie to Agave, try getting a lighter one.

Old-fashioned Oats- they're less processed than ground so more nutrients are preserved. Contains fiber, a lower glycemic index, and makes you feel full longer.

*Now don't get nervous- I'm still crazy about butter and sugar and flour and chocolate.... I'll still include those decadent, delicious recipes, but just for this month I'm making an effort to see what I can do with some healthier substitutions. I guess it's all about moderation, right? Tomorrow I'll kick the month off with a candy-inspired granola bar- see you then!