Energizing Smoothie Bowl

energizing smoothie bowl:: Energizing Smoothie Bowl ::

Hey friends! Let’s talk breakfast… I get stuck in a rut, all too often. How about you? I typically start my day with a protein shake. {Don’t get me wrong… I actually LOVE my morning shake, but sometimes I want a little change!} Since I have a moderate allergy to eggs, that eliminates the morning scramble.

Yesterday morning, Mr. Amazing and I switched it up by making this simple, yet delicious, Smoothie Bowl! It’s honestly the easiest and most versatile breakfast {or mid-day snack}! Just whip up your favorite smoothie… making it extra thick and creamy, and add a variety of your favorite healthy toppings!  [Read more…]

Peanut Butter Banana Ice Cream Sandwiches

 peanut butter banana ice cream sandwiches

:: Peanut Butter Banana Ice Cream Sandwiches ::

Oh, how I’ve longed for an evening to sit down and write a post for Simply! The last few weeks have been consumed with our move… so I have been looking forward to a little creative down time!

Peanut Butter Banana Ice Cream Sandwiches

Today, I decided the kids could use a special treat! They’ve been such troopers living amongst boxes the past week… and doing without their favorite belongings, which are currently sitting in our over-stuffed garage. I wanted to make them something completely delicious, but didn’t have an abundance of resources to work with {if only you could see the state of my kitchen}!

Peanut Butter Banana Ice Cream Sandwiches-18

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Gluten-Free Banana Chocolate Chip Loaf

Gluten-Free Banana Chocolate Chip Loaf

 :: Banana Chocolate Chip Loaf ::

{gluten-free}

Let’s talk about this Banana Chocolate Chip Loaf… Nicole and I have already posted several of our favorite banana muffin and bread recipes; however, this one is PERFECT for those of you on a wheat- or gluten-free diet!

As some of you may already know, I have been experimenting with a wheat-free lifestyle since the beginning of January. I have really noticed a difference in my body and my overall headaches, which is a great breakthrough for me. I have spent the last three months eating primarily wheat-free and then… our trip to Maui happened. I purposely let my eating plan go out the window; embracing the warm sunshine, salty sea air, and banana macadamia nut pancakes topped with fresh whipped cream {Haha}! It was wonderful… but upon coming home, I knew my body needed a little detox from my vacation eating! I chose to start the Whole30 the day after we came home from our trip. Smart? Umm… perhaps not! My poor body was forced to deal with the time difference, high altitude {we live a mile above sea level}, and elimination of carbs AND my beloved morning coffee! Sugar, dairy, grains, lentils/beans, and anything processed was removed abruptly! {Yikes!}

Gluten-Free Banana Chocolate Chip Loaf

Well… as of today, I am 1/3 of the way through my 3o days. I had horrendous headaches day 2 and 3, but have been feeling fairly good and energetic since. I really haven’t had any cravings for sugar or coffee since then, but I will say… it has taken quite a bit of self-control when we are out. Yesterday we went to a minor league baseball game with the kids. I was surrounded by all of that deliciously junky baseball field food! I stuck with a Larabar and water! {Victory!} [Read more…]

Strawberry Orange Banana Popsicles

Strawberry Orange Banana Pospsicles. Easy homemade popsicles.

:: Strawberry Orange Banana Popsicles ::

It’s spring break for us this week, which means the snacking will begin at approximately 9 a.m.  Hence I have to work ahead and think of some healthier snack choices that are fun and exciting during our week off.  This Strawberry Orange Banana Popsicle recipe has to be the easiest recipe that I know.  My kids love these in the summer time, but we are on a stay cation at home, meaning that momma has to be a little more creative and these Strawberry Orange Banana Popsicles are just that.  Sweet yet healthy, they are sure to be a hit on warm day.

Strawberry Orange Banana Popsicles. Easy homemade popsicles.  [Read more…]

Banana Almond Smoothie with Chia Seeds

 

Banana Almond Smoothie with Chia Seeds {via Simply Happenstance} #smoothie #chia #almondbutter #banana.jpg.jpg.jpg:: Banana Almond Smoothie with Chia Seeds ::

{dairy-free + gluten-free}

Chia Seeds…. are you adding them into your smoothies, oatmeal, cereal, and baking recipes? If not… you may want to! These tiny little seeds are packed full of nutrition! I have to admit, I didn’t begin using them until recently, but now that I have… I have been sprinkling them into everything, and can’t imagine a smoothie without them! They don’t have a taste, but they do gel up, a bit like tapioca. They thicken smoothies and puddings nicely, if you allow them to soak for a while. 1 serving of Chia Seeds {1 tablespoon}, contains 6 grams of Fiber, 2.9 grams of Omega 3, and 3 grams of protein! Amazing, right?! Here are some more fantastic facts about Chia Seeds… making them incredibly enticing! 

  • Chia Seeds are gluten-free
  • They contain 20% of your Omega 3’s, making them heart healthy and a great brain food
  • They are quite high in Fiber, aiding in digestion
  • Chia Seeds are made up of 20% Protein
  • They are very high in Antioxidants
  • Chia Seeds help to balance your blood sugar levels {making them especially great for Diabetics}
  • They can be used as an egg replacement in baking recipes [Read more…]

Gluten-Free Zucchini Muffins {grain-free, dairy-free, and paleo}

Gluten-Free Zucchini Muffins {via Simply Happenstance} #glutenfree #muffins #healthy #snacks #breakfast

 :: Gluten-Free Zucchini Muffins ::

These perfectly healthy Zucchini Muffins make for a great breakfast, afternoon snack, or side dish in your packed lunch! They are grain-free {gluten-free}, dairy-free, and paleo!  They are easy to whip up, using only a food processor or powerful blender, such as a Vitamix. {I even made my own almond flour by throwing a handful of raw almonds into my food processor, before getting started with the rest of the recipe!} These healthy muffins are packed full of fresh shredded zucchini, providing you with a good source of vitamin C and phytonutrients. The eggs and almond flour give you a good dose of protein, while the coconut flour provides you with much needed fiber. These marvelous muffins are ever-so-slightly sweetened with use of a single banana and honey. I know that you will love them! The batch that I whipped up was gone within minutes! Even my child who won’t eat anything green, gobbled these up, and came back for more! Enjoy, my friends! [Read more…]