Blueberry Superfood Smoothie

Woke up bright and early, ready to take on the day...feelin' like I need a powerful smoothie to take on all the day has for me! This did the trick, thought I would share with you for those times you need an extra dose of nutritious deliciousness! This smoothie is packed full of antioxidants, fiber and heart healthy fats. Not only is the smoothie itself SO good, but I created a little crunchy topping for it using just raw cacao and coconut oil which may just be my new favorite thing!

 

In a blender, pour 8 oz. almond or hemp milk along with 1 Tbsp chia seeds. Let sit for a few minutes

To that, add 1/2 frozen banana, 1/2 cup frozen blueberries, stevia drops, cinnamon and vanilla extract to taste. For optional extra nutrition, add 1 Tbsp maca powder and 1 cup frozen kale.

Blend well and pour into a frosted mug. Top with 1 Tbsp raw cacao nibs drizzled with 1 Tbsp melted coconut oil.

Let the coconut oil harden up and it becomes a delish, crunchy topping to your fabulous, crazy healthy smoothie!



 

Spring Peach & Blueberry Muffins

I LOVE to bake! Yet with my crazy busy schedule I don't get the chance to as much as I'd like. My dog decided on this lovely Saturday morning that 4am seemed like a good time to wake up, which means I'm up to. So with some extra free time, I felt inspired to put together a recipe for a Bake Sale I will be helping out in this Sunday!

This summer I am traveling to Guadalajara to work in a soup kitchen and to lead local kids in fitness classes! Couldn't be more excited! The Bake Sale is helping to raise money for the trip (to find out how you can help..get in touch!!)

There is no reason why baked goods cant be great, wholesome fuel for our bodies...so this is a yummy recipe that is loaded with nutritious ingredients and is gluten free for better digestion. Give it a try! Enjoy with a warm cup of tea as an afternoon snack or a bowl of fruit for a refreshing breakfast!

 

1 cup gluten free all purpose flour
1 1/2 cups rolled oats (I used gluten free oats)
1/2 cup sugar

1 tsp cinnamon
 1 tablespoon baking powder
1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
1 egg
2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

 1/2 cup blueberries
 1/2 cup chopped peaches
Topping
1/4 cup oatmeal
2 Tbsp brown sugar

 

1.Preheat oven to 400F. Line muffin tins with paper cups.

2. Combine dry ingredients in a large bowl.

I used sugar, you could try a substitute like agave or honey, not sure how it will turn out but give it a go if you'd like! I don't eat sugar often, so I'm ok with a little every now and then

 3. In a separate bowl mix together milk, egg, oil, and vanilla.

4. Mix wet ingredients into the dry ones, don't over mix! Just until combined

5. Fold in blueberries and peaches.

6. Divide the mixture in 12 muffin tins.

7. In a small bowl combine 1/4 cup oatmeal with 2 tablespoons of sugar and sprinkle on each muffin.

again, a little sugar which you could substitute
 8. Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes.

 

9. Let cool on a baking sheet or you could eat them warm right out of the oven! Hope you like!

Light & Fresh Greek Wrap

It's starting to warm up! On days like this..when I just want to sit on the patio and enjoy the sunshine...there is nothing that sounds better then a clean, light and fresh wrap for lunch! Next time your feeling like a delicious and healthy wrap...give this a try! Yum!

 

 

Get yourself a sprouted or whole grain tortilla and spread your favorite hummus on top. Slice up cucumbers and bell peppers, chop up artichoke hearts (I used canned artichoke hearts..drain and pat dry) then place on top of the tortilla. Put a good amount of greens over the veggies, drizzle some olive oil or balsamic vinaigrette and top it all off with some light feta cheese! Quick, easy, and SO good! Enjoy with a little side salad or fresh fruit or you could even add a little grilled chicken for protein! Good to go!

Nothing Like a Warm Cookie on a Cold Winter Day!

I don't know about you, but the thought of a warm oatmeal cookie with chocolate chunks melting in your mouth with each bite...sounds like the perfect treat for one of these super cold winter nights we've had lately! However, it is January and I know most of us have resolved to make healthier choices and to take better care of our bodies, SO...here is my recipe that wont disappoint on taste but also provides heart healthy and slimming fiber, antioxidants, cholesterol lowering healthy fats and some protein! This is a cookie you can indulge in as well as share with your family and feel good about it! 

(Go ahead and hug me now)

You can add just about anything to a basic oatmeal cookie, again...make smart choices! You dont want a healthy basic oatmeal cookie and then go and add butterfinger..M&Ms..etc. Instead think walnuts, raisins, chopped apples...For my cookies today, I am using unsweetened shaved coconut and 85% dark chocolate. When you use chocolate, remember higher the percentage the better! Less sugar and higher antioxidant content.

Dry:
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 1/2 cups of Rolled Oats
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 Tbsp Cinnamon
Wet:
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup canola oil  (heart healthy)
1 egg plus one egg white (beat with 1 Tbsp Water)
1 tsp Vanilla
Add:
1/2 cup unsweetened coconut
1/3 cup chopped dark chocolate

In a large bowl, mix all the dry ingredients together.

 

 

In a medium bowl, mix all the wet ingredients together. Tip: When measuring out the honey, measure the oil first then use the same cup for the honey. Your honey won't stick to the cup. Or spray the measuring cup with cooking oil spray if you're not using oil.

 

Mix the wet ingredients with the dry. Add the coconut and chocolate and mix. If the mixture seems too wet, add a bit of flour.

 

 

Preheat the oven to 335 degrees
 

Spray baking sheet with non stick cooking spray and drop cookies onto sheet. Lightly press down with a fork for even cooking.

Bake for about 15 - 18 minutes or until golden on the bottom of the cookie. Yum!

 

Green Drink!

Energizing, cleansing, refreshing....Yes, it's green but it is delish and so good for you! Great way to fight off those cold germs going around:

 

 

1 cup purified water

1 cup frozen kale

1/2-1 cup frozen pineapple

juice of 1/2 lemon

 

Blend in a high speed blender (I use my nutribullet!) and blend until smooth and frothy!

 

 

Apple Season!

 

This weekend I took a trip up to Oak Glen, CA to go apple picking! I love this time of year...even though it's still warm, there is just something in the air that feels like fall.

 

After searching for the most perfectly shaped, delicious looking apples we could find...I went to my trusty cook books to find some fall inspired apple recipes. I narrowed it down, and wanted to share one with you- Homemade Applesauce!

Unlike many applesauce recipes..this has no added sugar so you can feel good about spooning it over waffles, vanilla frozen yogurt, pork, chicken..or just eating it as is!

 

 

 

-10 apples peeled, cored, and chopped-

 we picked Rome Beauties, you can use any good baking apple

-1 large strip of lemon peel

-1/2 Tbsp pumpkin pie spice

-1 cinnamon stick

1/4 cup water

(optional...I always add because I love it a little sweeter) -Squirt of honey or maple syrup

 

Add all ingredients in a large Crock Pot and let cook on low setting for about 6 hours.

 

You can leave it like this if you like applesauce a little chunky, or you can mash for a thinner consistency. Yum!

Pumpkin Pie in a Blender!

Fall is in the air ...well, not really if you live in the Coachella Valley! But you can start your day feeling like it's a festive Autumn morning with this Pumpkin Pie Smoothie! This might just be my go-to breakfast for the rest of the season! It's protein packed, has healthy carbs for energy and antioxidants from the pumpkin and spices.

 

Pumpkin Pie Smoothie

 

-8 ounces unsweetened soy, almond or coconut milk

-1/2 banana

-1 Tbsp almond butter

-2 Tbsp pumpkin puree (*not pumpkin pie filling)

-1 serving vanilla protein powder

-1-2 tsp pumpkin pie spice

-1/4 cup rolled oats

-a little honey (optional)

-cup of ice

Blend until smooth- Enjoy your pumpkin pie from a blender!

 

 

Craving Chocolate

This post is for the ladies! As a long and draining week came to an end I found myself in a state of emotional distress and in need of some chocolate...anyone know what I'm saying?! However...Inspired Fitness is in the middle of an 8 week Fitness/Lifestyle Challenge...and I knew I should be a good example and make a smart choice. What to do?? Problem solved, I made myself a delicious and healthy peanut butter banana chocolate shake! Got my chocolate fix without feeling horrible afterward. Give it a try next time you a healthy treat!

 

8 ounces unsweetened almond, soy, or nonfat milk

1 serving vanilla or chocolate protein powder (choc. will give you a richer taste!)

1/2 banana

1 Tbsp natural peanut butter

1-2 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder (depending on flavor of pro powder used)

1 tsp vanilla extract

dash of cinnamon (optional)

cup of ice

 

Blend until smooth and enjoy your chocolaty goodness without the guilt!

Go bananas!

Need a nutritious snack that's easy and will fill you up?! Go for a banana! They provide energy and can help boost metabolism. Try putting half a banana in your morning or afternoon smoothies, or top a piece of toast with natural peanut butter and banana slices to get your day started well! Here are some other tasty ways to use bananas:

 

Banana Ice Cream- Peel, slice and freeze 1 small banana. Place frozen banana in a blender with 3 Tbsp nonfat milk or unsweetened almond, coconut or soy milk, and a dash of cinnamon. Top with 1 Tbsp chopped walnuts

 

Coffee and Banana Smoothie- Place in a blender 1 banana, 1 cup non fat milk or unsweetened milk substitute, 1/2 cup cold black coffee, 1 Tbsp honey and 1/2 cup ice-blend until smooth

 

Banana Muffins-

1 cup flour
1 Tbsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/8 tsp salt
1 cup mashed bananas

1/4 sugar

1 large egg
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup applesauce

In medium bowl combine flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt together.
In separate bowl, combine banana, sugar, egg and vanilla extract. Blend until well mixed. Add applesauce. Slowly combine dry mixture to banana mixture. Blend well.
Scoop batter into prepared muffin cups. Bake 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of a muffin comes out clean. Let cool before serving.

 

 

 

Honey Almond Oatmeal Energy Cookies!!

Yum! I was feeling like something sweet and slightly crunchy, yet healthy and wholesome...so I gathered together my favorite recipes and combined some of the best ingredients to see how these cookies would turn out. Delish...and the ingredients are actually what would make up a healthy granola bar, so you can feel good about snacking on these cookies!

1/3 cup organic coconut oil, soft or even melted

1/4 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup honey

1/3 cup almond butter

3 Tbsp soy or almond milk

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 cup whole wheat flour

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp cinnamon

pinch of salt

2 cups old fashioned rolled oats

-Preheat oven to 350 degrees

-In a large bowl mix together coconut oil, brown sugar and honey with electric mixer. Add milk and vanilla and mix on low speed, then mix in almond butter

-In seperate bowl, stir flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt. Add to wet ingredients and stir together until well combined.

-Mix in oats

-I like big cookies, so I get a big ball of dough and roll into a ball, place on cookie sheet and lightly press down on top to flatten the cookie. Continue with the rest of the dough.

-Bake about 13 minutes, until golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool for a minute, then move cookies to cooling rack.
Cookies may get a little crunchy as they cool, if you want them a little chewier take them out of the oven a little earlier.

Have with some greek yogurt and berries for a great energizing snack or a healthy dessert after dinner! Enjoy

Jenna's Energy Boosting Protein Shake!

I have this smoothie almost every day! It is so cold and refreshing..perfect on a hot summer day, and packed in protein and nutrition! Try it for breakfast or as a pre-workout energizer! Here is the recipe:

-8 oz unsweetened almond milk

-1/2 a banana

-1 Tbsp almond butter

-1 scoop of your favorite vanilla protein powder(low in sugar!)

-1/2 cup unsweetened frozen mixed berries

-1 tsp vanilla extract

-dash of cinnamon, optional

-ice cubes

Put it all into your blender and mix well until smooth. Pour into a tall glass and top with a little natural low fat granola for some crunch and healthy carbs to keep your body fueled! Pop in a straw and enjoy. SO good, it's my fav!!

Do you like Pina Coladas?!

One of my Favorite Things!

Last week I let you know all about my favorite place for great skin care! This week I wanted to share with you my favorite summertime smoothie! It's my healthy version of a pina colada! Nothing better on a hot summer day, so refreshing and jam packed with protein and nutrients! Sip on this delicious smoothie out by the pool or enjoy it after a cardiokick workout! Here's how it goes....

Place these ingredients in a blender:

8 ounces of coconut water

1/3 banana

1 tsp coconut virgin coconut oil

1 cup frozen pineapple

spoonful of honey or agave syrup

1 scoop vanilla protein powder

For a colder, thicker smoothie drop in a few ice cubes

Enjoy!

Oatmeal Peanut Butter Cookie Protein Bars...what..YUM!

Had just one too many protein shakes? Or maybe you bought a big container of protein shake mix but have no idea what to do with it! Here is a new way to get your protein fast with healthy and natural ingredients...and is delicious! Make a batch of these bars and have one after a workout, or for breakfast with some fruit and coffee, or anytime you need a little something to hold you over! Oh...and the best part is that you don't even have to turn the oven on! Just pop them into the freezer for a few and done.

2 Cups rolled Oats

1/2 Cup Natural Peanut Butter

1 Tbsp Coconut Oil

1 Tbsp Agave Nectar or honey

1/2 Cup unsweetened applesauce

Dash of vanilla extract

4 scoops of vanilla protein powder

Mix all ingredients together until they are well blended. (I washed my hands and then just mixed together with my hands...much easier then trying to mix with a spoon!) Line 8x8 baking dish with parchment paper and put mixture into the dish. Press down firmly until even and place in the freezer for about 30 min. Remove, cut into 6 bars, and enjoy!

Chocolate for Breakfast!

Be healthy & fit…and still get your chocolate fix!

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Muffins

1 ½ cups whole wheat flour

1 cup rolled oats

1 Tbsp baking powder

½ tsp baking soda

½ tsp salt

½ tsp ground cinnamon

½ cup non fat milk or soy milk

1/3 cup honey

¼ cup olive oil

1 egg

½ cup semi sweet or dark chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Place paper liners in muffin tin.

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, oats, baking powder, baking soda and salt.

In another bowl, whisk together milk, honey, oil and egg. Add the liquid ingredients to the dry and stir just until moistened. Fold in the chocolate chips.

Spoon mixture into the muffin tin. Place the tin in the oven and lower the temperature to 400 degrees. Bake for 15-18 min, or until a toothpick is inserted and comes out clean. Place muffins on a cooling rack and cool for 5 min. Serve warm, enjoy!