Tag Archives: recipe/s

5 Healthy Options to Overcome Munchies

Ever get the munchies? You’re craving something crunchy, salty, creamy or whatever. What you really want is to bolster your energy. You don’t want something that will create a crash and burn effect because ain’t nobody got time for that! We’ve got a wonderful life to live! Here’s 5 healthy options to overcome munchies that will fill you up and not bring you down.

It’s unbelievable how our environment makes it so easy to reach for foods and drinks that create a quick energy boost, but in the long-term cause damage on our bodies. However, there’s no need to be concerned when you’re armed with quick choices and easy recipes to get you through the day with strength. These go-to options will stave off the bad munchies and provide you with nutrients instead.

Be Smooth!

Using your blender, add eight ounces of unsweetened nut milk, one teaspoon of almond butter, a dash of cinnamon, cacao powder, vanilla extract, a scoop of protein powder and half of a banana. And Voila! You’ve got yourself a delicious concoction to keep you humming along.

Go Nuts!

Enjoy a handful of raw unsalted nuts. I love a pistachio, cashew and almond mix! And may I suggest soaking almonds in water overnight? This way you can sprout and release plenty of their nutrient-dense goodness. Once you’ve soaked them, pour out the water, rinse and dry. Later in the day you’ll enjoy the perfect snack combination of fat, fiber, and protein. I promise you’ve never had almonds until you’ve tasted sprouted ones!

GoNuts

Impress Mom!

I believe it was a staple of most everyone’s childhood to hear their Mom say, “Eat your veggies.” Well this option includes just that, but with a twist.

I like this option because it provides something wholesome, yet tasty. Serve up two cups of raw carrots, celery or bell pepper with some delicious hummus. What I love about hummus is the variety of ways we can choose to enjoy it from plain, to spicy and everything in between.

Be Eggscellent!

Utilize the incredible, edible egg. Boil several at once so you can have a supply to easily reach for in a hurry. Enjoy slices of hard-boiled egg, avocado and tomato atop a toasted piece of Ezekiel bread or another healthy bread of your choice. Add some sea salt and ground pepper to pop the flavors, and munch away to your delight.

5-Healthy-Options-To-Overcome-Munchies
5-Healthy-Options-To-Overcome-Munchies

You can also overcome munchies by simply eating a boiled egg or two. With six grams of protein in each egg, it provides the body with plenty of fuel.

Go For Dreamy, Creamy & Crunchy

Enjoy half a cup of organic Greek yogurt or opt for coconut yogurt. Add in a chopped up Granny Smith Apple, cinnamon and some walnuts or pecans. You can also add a few drops of vanilla extract. This option is excellent if you are an ice cream fan or apple pie fan. Just sayin’.

Try one or all five of these options. Boost your energy  or overcome an afternoon slump with good grub! Or simply give yourself a healthy alternative to not-so-healthy options.

Chime In!

Inquiring minds want to know, do you have a healthy option you love to overcome munchies? If so, what is it? OR What option/s are you going to try? Chime in! I love hearing from you!  🙂

 

 

Holiday Recipes: Gluten free Gingerbread & Cranberry Sauce

Are you a holiday foodie? When was the last time you enjoyed some yummy gingerbread? Or perhaps cranberry sauce with a twist? Each of these recipes is a stand out in its own right as well as the perfect duo for dazzling your family and friends this holiday season. I’ve worked and reworked these recipes so they will be healthier and tastier versions of some holiday favorites. I hope you like them too!

As a kid growing up cranberry sauce was the holiday delicacy that came straight out of a can. Yes, I said that. That was until I came across the real deal. Fresh cranberries! I was completely smitten with the color and texture but the tartness was a bit over the the top even for my tongue. Then I started playing around with citrus and ginger and now it’s resulted into a jewel-like sauce to fancy up any turkey dinner.

Orange Ginger Cranberry Sauce

List of Ingredients

1 large orange

1 1/2 tablespoons of fresh grated ginger

1 bag of fresh cranberries (12 ounces)

3/4 cup of coconut sugar & later 2 teaspoons of coconut sugar

Directions

  1. Zezt approximately 2 teaspoons of orange peel into a medium saucepan. Add 1 cup water, cranberries, ginger and coconut sugar.
  2. Bring cranberry mix to a boil and stir until coconut sugar is dissolved and cranberries pop. Lower to medium heat and stir occasionally over five to eight minutes. Cool, then refrigerate until you are ready to serve.Saucey

You can make this cranberry crowd-pleaser 2-3 days ahead of time. Eat it alone as a side dish or use it the next day as a jelly on top of the warm gingerbread.

And speaking of gingerbread, here’s a healthier choice for you to enjoy with tea or coffee, plain or dolled up! I’m a gingerbread fan, but often it’s so riddled with sugar, shortening and well, gluten (not that gluten is a bad thing for you).

Gluten Free Gingerbread

Preheat oven to 350F/ 177C and bake for approximately 35-40 minutes.

List of Ingredients

2 cups gluten free flour (I like Pamela’s brand)

2 eggs

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon of sea salt

1/2 cup coconut oil (melted)

1/2 cup coconut sugar

3 Tablespoons freshly grated ginger (finely grated)

1 Tablespoon cinnamon

1/2 cup molasses

2 Ginger tea bags steeped in 1/2 cup of water

Directions

In a large mixing bowl, combine all the goodies together. Bake in a greased and floured 9×5 pan. Cool the pan for 15 minutes, then remove and enjoy. Happy dance optional and greatly encouraged.

Insider Notes to the Reader:

1) No one will know will ever guess that you’re serving gluten-free goodness.

2) This gingerbread is made with fresh grated ginger placing you right up there with the Iron Chef.

3) Your entire home will fill with this wildly intoxicating smell that may have you calling up the Yankee Candle company begging for a new candle scent that smells exactly like it.

4) Don’t let it’s outer looks deceive you. Within the first bite you’ll find yourself in ecstasy. This recipe has endured multiple trials and tweaks with the desire to produce  a healthier choice without sacrificing taste. While it’s not intended to be your only source of nutrition, I think we get the importance of relishing the holidays with some decadence.Tea Time

I love the gingerbread with cinnamon apple tea. It’s simple yet extraordinarily yummy. And should you be ever so decadent and adventurous, here’s another possibility pictured below. It’s quite the combination.Jelly

Chime In!

In the comments below, let’s us know– have you tried either of these recipes? So, what’d ya think? Or are you planning on giving it a whirl?