BBBW (Big Banana Belgian Waffle)
This protein waffle will keep you full without the guilt. It's big and fluffy and sweetened with banana. It does not even require any maple syrup. I think it's best topped with more banana, a glob of peanut butter and some greek yogurt ... but you can experiment for yourself. You can add fun mix ins like chocolate chips or frozen blueberries. These are also GF/DF/paleo friendly :)
Pumpkin Oats 3 Ways
I love pumpkin and I love oats. So the combination can't be beat. Which is why I have 3 different ways to prepare this delicious combination. Pick your favorite below!
Secret Cauliflower Oatmeal
Cauliflower gets a bad rep because it's a white vegetable - and people always say white vegetables have less nutritional value - however, this is totally not true. The insoles in cauliflower are anti-inflammatory, the sulfur can help prevent/fight cancer, and a serving has almost all your daily Vitamin C needs which boosts immunity! So why not add them to your oats and bulk up your breakfast without bulking on the calories or the lbs. Trust me - you barely taste them (which is why I call this SECRET cauliflower oatmeal) plus you get tons of vitamins and minerals in first thing in the morning!
ZOATS
Zucchini oats might sound strange but you don't taste the zucchini at all and it bulks up your oats without adding tons of sugar or calories. You stay full longer plus get your morning nutrients in. I have a few variations of zoats, but they all have the same general principle. They're good cold or heated. Be adventurous and try them out.
Zucchini Banana Almond Butter Power Muffins
These muffins are made from the most wholesome ingredients and make the perfect breakfast or snack since they are definitely filling (in a good way). Moms, these are a perfect way to trick kids into eating vegetables (since you don't taste the zucchini)! Not to mention that they're paleo-friendly, gluten and dairy free and contain no refined sugar. They're loaded with fiber, vitamins and protein AND if you top them with goji berries like I did, you can add an extra bit of protein and superfood power!
Sweet Baked Banana Chia Oats
If you have a ripe banana you must make this nourishing and scrumptious breakfast. Since I work out in the mornings (usually) I like to prep it all ahead of time, workout, then pop it in the oven while I shower. It seems like a long wait for a breakfast to cook but it is SO worth it! No added sweetener except the banana so it's good for your blood sugar, PLUS the bananas are high in potassium, the chia seeds give you those super important omega-3s, oats provide fiber and keep you full. Comes out tasting like banana cake! My favorite topping is nut butter (duh) but it's great plan as well!
Guilt-Free Chocolate Mug Cake
Mug cakes are amazing because when you're craving a cake, you have a single-serve cake in a matter of minutes! Then, you can eat the entire thing, and still feel great after (not bloated or guilty) and fill your body with nourishing foods! This chocolate mug cake is perfect to satisfy your chocolate craving at breakfast, for dessert, or as a snack! It's grain, dairy and gluten free and packed with protein!
Pumpkin Banana Pancakes
This recipe doesn't need much description, it's enticing enough. Pumpkin + banana + pancakes = heaven. Make it!
Pretty Pitaya Bowls
For those who don't know, pitaya is dragon fruit. I use "Pitaya Plus" packets (they come frozen) since pitaya is a super fruit indigenous to South America ... so unfortunately I can't find them locally in Michigan. These packets are organic, non-GMO and only contain one ingredient and are easy to pop in the blender to still get the same great health and taste benefits. Pitaya is low in sugar AND a great source of:
Magnesium
Iron
Vitamin C
Antioxidants
Vitamin B2
So blend away! Below are some suggestions of different combinations I've done with my bowls - some may sound strange, but be adventurous and give them a try! Get creative and let me know if you mix up any amazing creations!
Green Smoothie Guidelines
People often assume drinking something green makes it healthy - WRONG! However, I am putting together some of my favorite green smoothie combinations that are actually pretty healthy AND taste good for you to experiment with below. They can be eaten as a breakfast, snack, smoothie bowl - you just need to alter the quantities and proportion of liquid to solid.
Spinach Waffles
Spinach waffles are a delicious breakfast, lunch or even brinner (when you eat breakfast for dinner - for all you novices out there) ANDthe perfect way to disguise the taste of spinach for picky eaters! Build strong muscles and bones with these protein, fiber, and nutrient packed, low carb, gluten-free waffles! Heat up that waffle iron, what are you waiting for!?
Bloothies
I do a bunch of variations of the blue smoothie (AKA "bloothie") mix it up and make it your own, see my suggestions below!
Why eat (drink) blueberries? You may have heard that blueberries are full of antioxidants, but what does this really do for us? The antioxidant flavonoids in blueberries protect against UV damage, boost skin elasticity, and can slow memory impairments from aging.
The Bloothie
Spinach Swiss Egg Cups
Meal prep at its finest. These little egg cups will keep you on track all week long - they are the perfect make once, eat many times breakfast, snack or even lunch! They are packed with protein and vitamins from the spinach and are super lean.
