Toastless Oatmeal French Toast

Raise your hand if you love French toast!
*both hands raise towards the ceiling*

This was one of my favorite special weekend breakfasts as a kid. Unfortunately a piece of white bread French toast will not hold me over for very long, or I’ll just want more and more until I’m overly stuffed. You guys know that I love making healthy versions of my fav comfort foods, so I wanted to try and make a healthy French toast out of oatmeal. No bread required! It’s definietly toastless French toast!

The oatmeal is cooked with water and a little bit of salt and then refrigerated in a pan overnight to form a “bread” that is then coated in a sweet cinnamon, vanilla, egg mixture, cooked over the stove, and baked! The oat squares become golden brown and crisp on the outside, while still being soft and chewy on the inside.

It’s actually simpler than it sounds, and the prep is pretty easy. I make both the oatmeal “bread” and egg mixture the night before I want to serve this breakfast and then assemble it in the morning.

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Oatmeal (Toastless) French Toast
Serves 2

Oatmeal “toast”
1 cup oatmeal
2 cups water
1/4 tsp salt

Egg Mixture
1 egg
1/4 cup almond or soy milk
1 Tbsp pure maple syrup or honey (or stevia for a sugar free option)
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp vanilla

Night before: Make the oatmeal “bread”: In a saucepan, bring the water, salt, and oats to a boil. Cook uncovered until the water has completely absorbed into the oats. Coat an 8 x 8 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Transfer the oatmeal to the baking dish and press firmly with a spoon until oats are distributed evenly and packed down. Place the oatmeal dish in the fridge uncovered (do not cover or it won’t solidify) overnight. Whisk together the egg mixture and place covered in the refrigerator.

In the morning: Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Cut the chilled oatmeal “bread” into 9 squares. Give the egg mixture one last stir, and then pour it over the bread pan, completely coating the dish. Spray a skillet with non-stick cooking spray and place over medium-low heat. Take a few oatmeal squares out of the egg mixture dish and place in the skillet, cooking on each side until golden brown, approximately 2 to 3 minutes per side.  Transfer oatmeal squares to a baking sheet and bake for 5-10 minutes. Serve hot with maple syrup or fresh berries and your choice of nut butter!

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The Rabbit Food Pyramid Breakdown

Produce: none – enjoy with 1 cup of fresh berries*
Whole Grain: rolled oats
Protein: egg
Plant Based Fat: none – top with 1 Tbsp nut butter of your choice*
* Follow these suggestions to make this a complete Rabbit Food Pyramid approved meal!

Motivational Wallpapers // 02

Since my first Motivational Wallpaper download was so successful last month, I am so excited to continue this fun little addition to RFFMBT!

This month’s wallpaper “Eat Good Feel Good” is meant to remind you how amazing you feel when you eat healthy and fill your body with nutrients from whole unprocessed foods. Through my blog, I want to show everyone how great rabbit food can taste, but mainly, I want to show that eating well makes you feel wonderful!

Have you ever had one of those days where you stress eat or consume tons of “junk” foods at a birthday party or girls night and then feel completely lethargic and/or sick to your stomach later on? If you haven’t you are one lucky little bunny, but I have to say that I’ve experienced this way too many times to count. After completing a juice cleanse, Skinny Bunny Cleanse, or by simply upping my water intake and eating whole unprocessed foods I feel incredible. I notice my energy is higher, my skin is more radiant, my thoughts are clearer, and I just feel… good. That is exactly what this month’s motivational wallpaper is about. Excess stress forces people to indulge in drugs and they have to undergo drug addiction help

Each time you look at your computer screen or phone, you will be reminded of how good you feel when you make healthy choices! I know it’s easier said than done, but think of food as fuel. Think of it as nutrients to help power your strong legs through a spin class. Think of it as vitamins and minerals to make your hair grow shiny and strong. Think of it as a way to make you feel good.

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// click to download // EAT GOOD FEEL GOOD (1856 X 1161) // DESKTOP

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// click to download // IPHONE WALLPAPER (1936 X 3000) // EAT GOOD FEEL GOOD

I hope you love this month’s free wallpaper download!
Health & Happiness
xo Catherine

Want more free downloads?
View the March 2014 Wallpaper

Stagecoach 2014

Last weekend I went to Stagecoach with 2 of my friends!
We headed out to the desert on Thursday night for a seriously fun girls weekend!

I don’t think I’ve mentioned this before, but I’m the WORST packer. I always leave it to the last minute and end up throwing my entire closet in a suitcase instead of pre selecting outfits. My friend Taryn always gives me a hard time because I always have the 60 pound suitcase. Speaking of 60 pound suitcase, sometimes as I’m lifting my gigantic suitcase into the car I take a second and think WOW, I lost 20 pounds more than this suitcase. I cannot believe I was carrying around that much extra weight at one point. It’s really eye opening when I have these “whoa” moments, and it makes me feel that much more proud.

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My go to protein snack of choice is Chobani Simply 100. Each container is only 100 calories, 12g of protein, and made with only natural ingredients. It’s sweetened with monk fruit, stevia and evaporated cane juice.
Star Spangled Bikini: Forever 21
Sunnies: From Santee Alley in the Fashion District in Downtown LA
Boots: Boot Barn

Stagecoach-2014-1-Slimming-SmothieYou know a RFFMBT blog post just wouldn’t be complete without a healthy recipe, so here is my slimming smoothie for those cutoff shorts at Stagecoach and bikinis by the pool! This smoothie is a complete “Rabbit Food” approved meal with the perfect balance of fruit (produce), whole grain, protein, and plant-based fat! Chobani Simply 100 Greek Yogurt contains probiotics that can work to reduce bad bacteria in the intestines and minimize belly bloating!

Stagecoach Slimming Smoothie
Serves 1

1 container of Chobani Simply 100 Vanilla
1 cup frozen raspberries
1/4 cup rolled oats
1 Tbsp almond butter
1/4 tsp cinnamon Splash of water

Blend until creamy and smooth!

The Rabbit Food Pyramid Breakdown:
Produce: raspberries
Whole Grain: rolled oats
Protein: Chobani Greek yogurt
Plant Based Fat: almond butter

Stagecoach-2014-Margaritas-in-Mason-Jars-with-StrawOf course the weekend was filled with tons of skinny margaritas! My friend Julia used her Silhouette Machine to make vinyl stickers with our names for our Mason Jars with Straws!

These super fresh, skinny margaritas made with fresh lime juice, orange juice and agave nectar.

Skinny Margaritas
Serves 1

2 ounces (1/4 cup) silver tequila
1½ ounces (3 tablespoons/about 1½ small limes) fresh lime juice
1 ounce (2 tablespoons/about ½ of a medium orange) fresh orange juice
1 teaspoon light agave nectar
1 lime wedge or round, for garnish

Fill a small cocktail shaker with ice. Pour in the tequila, freshly squeezed lime and orange juice and agave nectar. Put on the lid and shake for 30 seconds. Strain the liquid into your glass and garnish with a slice of lime.

Stagecoach-2014-3-Farm-Palm-SpringsOn Friday morning we went to Farm for brunch. I had French press coffee, and a fig, goat cheese, and arugula sandwich!

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Stagecoach-2014-5-Day-1After brunch we went back to the hues and relaxed before getting ready for our first day at Stagecoach.

Stagecoach-2014-7-Southern-Fried-VeganOf course I found “Southern Fried Vegan” within seconds of entering the venue. Love that they have vegan food and even gluten free options! How cool is that?

Stagecoach-2014-8-Toast-with-Almond-Butter-and-BananaDay two started with 1 Tbsp of Maranatha Almond Butter and half of a sliced banana on a piece of multigrain toast.

Pitaya Plus Im Raw HatWe hangout by the pool and sipped on skinny margs while getting our tan on before heading out for days two of the festival.
Hat: Pitaya Plus – Want to win a hat like mine?! Follow Pitaya Plus on Instagram, Facebook, and/or Twitter  because they hold weekly giveaways for hats! Hashtag your best Pitaya photo with #PitayaGiveaway, also #Green or #Pink depending on the color hat you want!
Sunnies: Forever 21
Bikini Top: Forever 21
Matching Bikini Bottoms: Forever 21

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Stagecoach-2014-10-Day-2-OutfitsDay two outfits! The temperature was expected to drop to the low 60’s, so we all went with jeans and sweaters. Never thought that would happen at Stagecoach, where it’s usually in the 100’s during this time of year!

Stagecoach-2014-11-Toasted-CornI am addicted too roasted corn, so I had a hay day (ha ha ha) with it! I made my poor friends walk the entire perimeter of the venue (which is huge) until we found corn haha. And it was SO worth it!

Stagecoach-2014-12-Day-3-OutfitsDay three outfits! I got my dress from Veronica M and paired it with some white lace shorts underneath. Advice to anyone going to an outdoor concert in the desert that may have high winds, please wear shorts haha! We saw WAY too much booty this weekend lol. The people watching was out of this world. Better than Disneyland!

Stagecoach-2014-12-Fruit-Smoothies-and-Young-CoconutsOn the last day I found a smoothie stand with rest fruit smoothies and young coconuts!

Stagecoach-2014-13-Young-Coconut-WaterCoconut water on a hot desert day? I die. So perf.

Stagecoach-2014-14-Roasted-CornAndddd you can bet I ate more corn in the last day!

Stagecoach-2014-15-Stagecoach-OutfitSuch a fun weekend, I can’t wait for next year!
And can’t wait to wear this Veronica M dress again, it’s my new obsession!

How did you spend your weekend?
xo Catherine

Baked Eggs in Avocado + The Happy Egg Co. Giveaway

What’s more fitting than an egg recipe for Easter weekend?!

Before I begin, I wanted to remind everyone that this is a vegetarian blog! I eat so many greens and make so many vegan meals that a lot of my new readers think that I’m strictly vegan, but I’m not. I am mainly vegetarian but love cooking vegan/plant-based meals and creating vegan desserts. I find it an excellent way to add more fresh produce to my diet! I do consume Greek yogurt (dairy), and cook with eggs from time to time : ) Of course, all types of diets are welcome to my blog! If you are paleo, gluten-free, a meat eater, etc, I am always open to giving advice on swaps to make my recipes work for you! There is no diet judgement here, just healthy eating love!

For a one-two punch of omega-3s in your breakfast, try baking eggs in an avocado. Beyond the heart-healthy fatty acids and high protein count, this low-sugar and fiber-filled breakfast will kick off your day on a healthy high note.

This recipe is super easy to do and requires little prep!
Healthy, tasty, easy. YES!

This is a basic recipe to bake eggs in an avocado, but it would be eggcellent with pepper and fresh chopped chives or herbs, a tablespoon of salsa, a little hot sauce, or even better… Sriracha!

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A super cute little package arrived at my doorstep just in time for Easter!

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The Happy Egg Co. sent me an adorable “Miss Freda” plushie, grocery shopping bag, spatula, and tonssss of information to share with you guys!

The special thing about The Happy Egg Co. is that the hens, affectionately called “The Girls,” are free to frolic and roam outdoors on at least four acres of lush green pasture every day. In an industry where 90-95 percent of eggs come from caged hens that spend their entire lives in a cage the size of printer paper, that’s a big deal. In fact, happy egg hens have access to more than 14 sq. ft. per bird.!

At The Happy Egg Co. farms, their hens even have access to other amenities such as a large barn for sleeping that also includes pecking toys, clean water, and feed! It’s definitely 5 star hen treatment!

The-Happy-Egg-Co-Eggs-Baked-in-Avocado-2 I’ve never referred to a carton of eggs as gorgeous until I opened these. My carton was filled with all different shades of rich brown eggs that lined up to the perfect ombré.

The-Happy-Egg-Co-Eggs-Baked-in-Avocado-3 For a fun Easter craft this weekend, try dyeing The Happy Egg Co. eggs! When dyed, the signature brown shells make gorgeous natural pigments. They produce jewel-like tones versus dyeing with the same coloring methods on white shelled eggs!

If you’re not dyeing Easter eggs this weekend, you definitely have to try this delicious omega and protein packed breakfast recipe! I’ve included step by step photos for anyone who has ever been curious how to bake an egg inside an avocado!

The-Happy-Egg-Co-Eggs-Baked-in-Avocado-4When selecting an avocado, imagine fitting a whole egg inside of each half. You will want to hollow out your avocado so that the egg fits inside without overflowing.

Tip: Crinkle a strip of foil and wrap it around the bottom of the avocado before adding the egg so that it doesn’t roll around in the pan. This will keep the avocado level and in place so that the egg doesn’t spill over.

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Baked Eggs in Avocado
Serves 2

1 large avocado
2 The Happy Egg Co. Eggs

Preheat oven to 475. Slice avocado in half and remove pit. Using a spoon, scoop out some of the avocado “meat” so that the size of your egg can fit inside of it without spilling over the top. Place a crumbled strip of foil around each avocado half so that they stay level and do not rock. Crack 1 egg and drop into half of the avocado. Repeat with second egg and avocado half. Place in oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until the egg turns white and firm. Enjoy hot.

Topping Ideas: black pepper and fresh chopped chives, herbs, salsa, hot sauce, or Sriracha.

The Rabbit Food Pyramid Breakdown
Produce: none
Whole Grain:  none – this would be delish with 1/2 cup brown rice
Protein: egg
Plant Based Fat: avocado

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Giveaway ends on Sunday, April 20th at 11:59pm PST.
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Soy & Flax Green Smoothie

Soooo once again, I’ve discovered a new favorite green smoothie. I’m pretty sure this has turned into a weekly thing. Each week, I start throwing in new ingredients to my green smoothies, and somehow I end up with a masterpiece!

I always try to keep my smoothie recipes under or around 6 ingredients. I find that the less ingredients you need, the less intimidating and more likely you will be to try new things! Have you ever looked at photos for a recipe, started drooling, and then saw the list of 15+ ingredients that you definitely don’t have in your kitchen? Ya… I’ve been there too! My goal is to make healthy eating as simple and fun as possible!

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I know a lot of you bunnies are allergic to bananas, because I often get asked for swaps in my recipes. This smoothie is banana free! Other notable differences in this green smoothie recipe versus my others? Protein rich soy milk!

This smoothie is also loaded with flaxseed which is an excellent source of:

  • Omega-3 essential fatty acids: “good” fats that have been shown to have heart-healthy effects. Each tablespoon of ground flaxseed contains about 1.8 grams of plant omega-3s.
  • Lignans: which have both plant estrogen and antioxidant qualities. Flaxseed contains 75 to 800 times more lignans than other plant foods.
  • Fiber: Flaxseed contains both the soluble and insoluble types.

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Soy & Flax Green Smoothie
Serves 1

1 cup unsweetened soy milk
1 large handful of spinach
1 cup frozen mango
1 cup frozen pineapple
1 Tbsp ground flaxseed

Blend blend blend!

Note: I love my smoothies extra thick, and I usually have to use the “plunger” on my Vitamix to get all of the ingredients to blend together, but if you don’t have a high powered blender, simply add more soy milk as you blend!

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