Melt in Your Mouth Banana Nut Muffins

I made up this recipe this evening, since I had a sweet tooth but didn't want anything too heavy. Bake this seemingly sinful (but oh-so not) dessert whenever you need a little comfort food. These melt in your mouth muffins are perfect for any time--and the ingredients are simple and light.

Recipe:

-1 cup corn flour* (or whole wheat flower) *I use corn because I'm sensitive to wheat

-3 ripe bananas (small to medium size)

-1 tsp. baking soda

-1/4 cup soy milk

-2 TB apple sauce (unsweetened)

-1/4 cup Ghiradelli 60% Cacao chocolate chips

-1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

-1/4 cup organic sugar

-1 small egg (or equivalent in egg whites/beaters)

Mix well and bake on 350 for 12-14 minutes.

A (More)Heathy S'more

Want to make your favorite childhood campfire treat just a tad more healthy? Try this recipe for a more guilt-free treat...and embrace your inner-child!

-1 low fat honey graham cracker

-8 Ghiradelli 60% Cacao chocolate chips

-1 TB light cool whip 

1. Place 1/2 the graham cracker in the microwave for about 20 seconds, or until the chocolate melts. Add the cool whip and top with the other half of the cracker, creating  a delicious "sandwich."

2. Enjoy : )

Estimated Calories: About 90 

Put Leftovers to Use: Hawaiian Quinoa

So today I had leftover pineapple chunks from my afternoon salad. Instead of just throwing them out or eating them plain, I decided to use them to snaz up my dinner--and created a lovely recipe while doing so!

-1/2 cup quinoa

-1 cup water

-1 zucchini 

-1/2 small can pineapple chunks (drain the juice)

-1-2 TB olive oil

-cajun seasoning

-drizzle of soy sauce or hawaiian seasoning to taste 

1. Boil quinoa then let simmer for about 10 minutes covered (or until water is drained)

2. In the meantime, stir fry the zucchini and pineapple with olive oil

3. Add in the quinoa and top with the cajun seasoning and soy sauce 

Enjoy : )

Rachel's Berry Blast Banana Smoothie

Lookin for a lift to get you going in the morning? Power up your a.m. routine with this protein smoothie recipe. It's dairy free, high in protein and fiber (which keeps you full longer), and is filled with natural antioxidants! One more plus? It's super easy to make.

Recipe:

-1 cup light soy milk (I like Organic Vanilla or Silk's Light Vanilla)

-1/2 cup frozen blueberries 

-1 medium banana 

-1 TB flax oil

-1/4 to 1/2 scoop chocolate soy protein powder

Blend together in a blender for about 30 seconds and enjoy!

approximate calorie amount: 370 

Interval Routine: #1 Calorie Blaster

Interval training is the new best thing to do at the gym! Intervals, which involve staying at a steady pace with periodic speed bursts or sprints, holds many benefits. Studies have shown that intervals, when compared with a steady workout, burn more calories and rev up your metabolism all day long!

But, don't be fooled. These calorie-blasting workouts can be tough.

If you're a beginner like me, try my favorite workout done on the treadmill. (If you hate running, you can do this on a bike or elliptical too!)

Minutes 1-5 Warm up, walking at a 3.5 pace

Minutes 5-6 Walk at a 4

Minutes 6-6:30 Sprint at 7+

Minutes 6:30-7:30 Walk at 4

Minutes 7:30-8:00 Sprint at 7+

Minutes 8:00-9:00 Walk at 4

Minutes 9:00-9:30 Sprint at 7+

((Repeat this workout until you reach 30 minutes; then cool down at a 3-3.5 for 5 minutes))

Remember: stretch after  : )

Grapefruits 'n' Flax Talk

According to Womenfitness.net, grapefruits can actually peak weight loss! Eating a grapefruit or drinking 8 oz of grapefruit juice has been shown to block the enzymes involved in the fat-storage process. They also speed up our fat-burning process, so that we burn more calories throughout the day. 

Enjoy a grapefruit with breakfast like I do to make the most of their amazing benefits! 

To make your grapefruit breakfast side (or snack) even more wonderful, sprinkle it with some flax seed(comes in oil and whole form), which has endless benefits. Nutritionists have found that flax seed works wonders, from protecting you from illnesses to keeping you full longer and  helping you manage your weight by maintaining a healthy digestive system. So flax is a go in my eyes! 

Healthy Corn Muffins (Gluten free, Wheat free Dairy free)

I modified the basic corn muffin recipe to make this much healthier version. Have fun with it, and experiment with different fruit, nuts, and spices to change it up!

Recipe:

-2 cups corn flour

-2 tsp. baking powder

-1/4 cup oil (or can substitute apple sauce)

-1 tsp. vanilla or almond extract

-1/4 cup organic natural cane sugar

-3/4 cup soy milk

-2 eggs (or equivalent in egg beaters or egg whites*)

*cuts down about 100 calories and cholesterol! 

-1/2 cup blueberries or fruit of choice (like chopped apple or banana)

-cinnamon to taste 

Mix together all the ingredients and place in a muffin pan. Bake at 350 for 10-12 minutes and enjoy. : )