Two Ingredient Pancakes

Happy National Pancake Day!!!

I am loving these awesome food holidays! Yesterday I celebrated National Frozen Yogurt Day with my friend Brett at Yogurtland for a free yogi and toppings. The line went well around the corner of the store, but it moved petty fast. I went with plain/tart and topped it with kiwi, yogurt covered raisins, and yogurt chips, mmmm!

Instead of going to IHOP for their oh so tempting free and very caloric pancakes, I have some ultra skinny and healthy two ingredient pancakes for you! Celebrate this tasty holiday with a batch of gluten free, flour-less, and protein packed pancakes! They’re so sweet, you may not even want syrup!

Two Ingredient Pancakes
Two Ingredient Pancakes
Two Ingredient Pancakes
Two Ingredient PancakesTwo Ingredient Pancakes
Serves 1

2 eggs
1 very ripe banana

my favorite additions:
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
1/8 tsp cinnamon

Mash the ripened banana with hands or a fork until smooth and set aside. Beat two eggs and then add to the mashed banana. Add vanilla and cinnamon into the batter if desired. Generously spray a pan with nonstick or olive oil cooking spray and turn the stove to medium heat. Using a 1 Tbsp measuring spoon, scoop a spoonful of batter and pour into the pan. Flip the pancakes once the edges become cooked. Allow the pancakes to cook through. Respray the pan with nonstick spray between each set of pancakes. Enjoy!
Note: Start with a lower heat since the pancakes can burn easily. Each pancake takes a couple of minutes to cook.
Another Note: Nonstick cooking pans help making the pancakes easier to make.

The Rabbit Food Pyramid Breakdown
Produce: banana
Whole Grain: 0
Protein: eggs
Plant Based Fat: 0 (try topping with 1 Tbsp of nut butter!)

Don’t forget my other healthy pancake recipes:
Honey Wheat Chobani Pancakes
Protein Pancakes
Sophisticated PB&J Pancakes
Buckwheat Pancakes with Ginger Pear Glaze

Cashew Cookie Larabars

Any LÄRABAR lovers out there? I am totally addicted to them! There are so many great things about these bars that I don’t even no where to begin! Maybe with their mission.

“At LÄRABAR, we believe that the foundation of a sound mind, body and spirit is derived from what you eat. And what you eat is most delicious and satisfying when it’s in a whole, natural state.”

Amen, Lara!

  • Gluten free
  • Dairy free
  • Soy Free
  • Made from 100% whole food
  • Delicious blend of unsweetened fruits, nuts and spices.
  • Each flavor contains no more than 9 ingredients.
  • Ingredients that you can actually pronounce.
  • No added sweeteners or sugar.
  • Uncooked and unprocessed.
  • Loaded with nature’s own vitamins and minerals.
  • Sustaining with no added fillers, preservatives, supplements, or flavorings.
  • A great source of natural fiber, protein, good carbohydrates and healthy fats.
  • The essential enzymes, which are necessary for the digestion and utilization of nutrients, remain completely intact in their most natural, powerful state.

Pure and simple, just as nature intended.

I have about 10 favorite flavors but the first one I ever tried was love at first bite. Cashew Cookie, oh how I love thee. It’s made of only dates and cashews, and let me tell you, it tastes like a cookie! A pricey cookie though… at about $2.50 per bar, your grocery bill can add up pretty quickly. Since Larabars are made from simple whole ingredients, I though to myself… pshhh I can make these! So I did.

Top: LÄRABAR brand.
Bottom: RFFMBT bar!

Cashew Cookie Larabars
Cashew Cookie LarabarsCashew Cookie Larabars
Makes 6 bars

1 cup pitted Medjool dates
1/2 cup raw unsalted cashews
1 Tbsp water – if needed

In a food processor, pulse the cashews until they are broken into tiny pieces (do not pulse for too long, as it will turn into powder). Pit the dates and add them to the food processor. Blend the dates and cashews together occasionally scraping down the sides of the food processor. If the mixture is not sticking together, add one tablespoon of water and continue blending. The mixture should stick together and be pliable. Remove the mixture and form into a ball. Place the ball on a large piece of saran wrap. Cover the top of the ball with another layer of saran wrap and flatten with a rolling pin or your hands. Cut into 6 pieces and wrap individually in saran wrap. Refrigerate for 30 minutes and enjoy!
Note: Store the bars in the refrigerator or freezer for maximum life.

Measure…

Cashew Cookie Larabars Pulse…
Cashew Cookie Larabars Blend…
Cashew Cookie Larabars Roll…
Cashew Cookie Larabars Flatten…
Cashew Cookie LarabarsCut…
Cashew Cookie LarabarsWrap…

Cashew Cookie Larabars…Enjoy!

Coconana Bars

Motivation Monday: “When something bad happens, you have three choices. You can either let it define you, let it destroy you, or let it strengthen you.”

Indulgent ooey gooey chewy coconut banana bars with a secret ingredient!
TOFU!!!!

Coconana Bars
Coconana Bars

If you aren’t a fan of tofu (or think it’s scary!) this is a great starter recipe for you. You cannot even taste it, yet it contributes to the gooey texture of the bars with a dabble of protein. Tofu is so incredibly versatile that it goes way beyond the traditional stir-fry. I have used tofu in pudding and smoothie recipes, and yesterday I decided to take it to the next level. Enter baking experiment.

Coconana Bars

It took me about 3 tries to get this recipe to the right texture. I had never baked with tofu or Splenda Brown Sugar before, so it was a day of trial and error.The first round turned out like a rubber ball. No joke, it probably bounced. After the first catastrophe I aimed for more tofu and less flour, which resulted in a sloppy mess that slightly resembled dog food. Before I knew it I had baked through two episodes of Real Housewives of Atlanta, Sex & The City the movie, and Shahs of Sunset. Alas Coconana Bars were born!

Here they are in all their glory.Coconana Bars
Coconana Bars

100% dairy free, 100% oil free, 100% vegan, 100% DELIGHTFUL

Now let’s talk Splenda. I know, I know, some of you may be thinking… Splenda? Is she kidding? Is that healthy? Well here it is folks: I felt adventurous and wanted to make a guilt free dessert without all of the fat and sugar that usually comes along with it! Everyone has their own opinion on artificial sweeteners, but once in a while I don’t mind living on the edge and using Splenda. It’s also a great alternative for others who are trying to watch their sugar intake for medical or weight loss reasons. Of course stevia is still my main squeeze when it comes to daily use! I hope that someone comes out with a Stevia Brown Sugar Blend, that would be fannnntastic.

Coconana Bars
Makes 6 bars

1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1 banana – mashed
1/4 cup sweetened shredded coconut
1/4 cup silken tofu – blended
4 Tbsp Splenda Brown Sugar Blend (or 1/2 cup brown sugar)
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp rum extract
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking powder

Optional Toppings
1/2 Tbsp powdered sugar
1/8 tsp cinnamon

Preheat oven to 350 F degrees. Blend the tofu in a blender until smooth. Transfer mashed tofu into a mixing bowl. Mash the banana and combine with tofu. Next, add the brown sugar, vanilla extract, rum extract, and coconut to the tofu banana mixture. Stir until well mixed. In a separate bowl, mix the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, and salt ).Pour the tofu banana mixture into the dry ingredients and gently fold the ingredients together until well combined (be gentle, and do not over stir the batter or the bars will come out tough). Spray a 9 x 5in loaf pan with nonstick spray. Pour batter into the pan and bake for 13-14 minutes.
Note: The center should be a little gooey and soft. If overcooked, they can have a tough rubbery texture. There is no harm in undercooking the bars since there are no eggs!

If you’re feeling fancy, mix powdered sugar and cinnamon together and sprinkle over the bars right after they come out of the oven. Cut and serve for a healthy dessert.

If you are interested in baking with Splenda Brown Sugar Blend, here are their conversions to make baking a cinch:

BROWN SUGAR:
USE THIS MUCH SPLENDA®BROWN SUGAR:
1/4 cup
1/8 cup (2 tablespoons or 6 teaspoons)
1/3 cup
2 Tbsp + 2 tsp (or 8 teaspoons)
1/2 cup
1/4 cup (or 4 Tbsp or 12 tsp)
2/3 cup
1/3 cup (or 5 Tbsp + 1 tsp, or 16 tsp)
3/4 cup
6 Tbsp (or 18 tsp)
1 cup
1/2 cup 

Question: What do you think about artificial sweeteners? Do you use them on occasion? Do you steer clear?

I’m off to have an ultrasound of my thyroid. Wahhhh! Think happy thoughts, think happy thoughts! xo

Brown Bag Popcorn

Thank you EVERYONE for your incredible support from my last post!
I’m so in love with all of my readers!

I have been reading healthy living blogs for a few years. I love them. They are great for inspiration, motivation, and tips to meet your goals, but sometimes they can be the exact opposite. Not only that, but I’ve also been reading blogs on unclutterer to keep myself updated on the newest kitchen appliances, which was quite interesting. Seeing a handful of bloggers post about their perfect meals & workouts day after day started to make me think that I was a failure because I couldn’t stick with a perfect diet and workout 7 days a week. I’ve realized that people only show what they want others to see. The world of social media is very filtered, and sometimes what you see is just a facade. Often times, people hide their true feelings and struggles. I had wanted to start a blog since the beginning of my weight loss journey, and I realized that I wanted to be something different. Why should I censor my hurdles and bumps in the road if so many others go through it as well? I realized that my struggles weren’t something that I needed to hide or be embarrassed about. It’s just a part of life, and there are so many others who could relate and know they are not alone. Just knowing that I have helped one person makes me happy.

Over the past couple of days I have seen such a beautiful thing occur on my blog. I’ve seen readers from all around the world support other readers through comments. A rare thing to see on the internet, right? (For example, any time I go on YouTube, videos are often filled with hurtful comments.) I love this little RFFMBT support community that is evolving! I’ve learned that there is so much more support than criticism to people who are honest and real, so I just wanted to say thank you so much for your respect, support, encouragement, and kind words.

You is Kind, You is SmartYou is Important” -The Help
“You are beautiful. You are enough.”

Since it’s a new year, I’m going to start with a new approach. I’m going to take everything one day at a time. I want to start out slow with some healthy snacks and recipes. They may not always follow the Rabbit Food Pyramid, but they will be healthy and clean! I want to focus on healthy swaps that can help you meet your goal!

Fried potato chips: Homemade Sweet Potato Chips, or Kale Chips
Starchy mashed potatoes: Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes
Carb loaded pizza: Cauliflower Crust Pizza
Sugar loaded yogurt: Nonfat Greek Yogurt
Prepackaged pudding: Chia Pudding

And of course my other favorite healthy snack: air popped popcorn!

Brown Bag Popcorn

Most microwavable popcorn that you see in stores (even the “low fat” kind) is filled with oils, butter, and tons of salt. By air popping your own popcorn, you can enjoy it as a light guiltless snack without the extra sodium and fat! Take that movie theater popcorn! All you need is a brown paper lunch bag, popcorn kernels, a measuring cup, and a minute and thirty seconds!

Brown Bag Popcorn


Brown Bag Popcorn
Makes about 4 cups popped (one serving= 2 cups)

1/4 cup popcorn kernels – yup, thats it!

Measure and pour the kernels into a brown paper bag. Close the bag by folding the open edges three times. DO NOT staple or tape the bag closed. Microwave on highest power for 1 minute and 30 seconds. Sprinkle with your favorite salt-free seasoning.
Note: Some microwaves cook faster than others, so if you start to hear 3 second pauses in between pops, it is probably done.

Brown Bag Popcorn


Join me in making small healthy changes to reach your goal. Let’s do this together!

Back From Hibernation!

Guess who’s back, back again.
Catherine’s back, tell a friend.

Catherine

I have always told myself that I would be completely honest on my blog, so here it goes… Shortly after my surgeries I got completely overwhelmed with a series of events in my personal life, gained 20 pounds, and as a result I ended up completely relapsing into my eating disorder. But you know what, I’m human, I’m not perfect, and that’s life. We always get through it! During this time dark I felt that it was necessary to remove myself from social media and take some time for myself to get better. It took months of therapy, and it wasn’t easy, but I feel that I am in a much better place now. I’ve always stayed true to my word about practicing what I peach, so there is absolutely no way I could’ve been blogging and giving advice during that time, I wouldn’t have been right. I’m so happy to be more relaxed, healthy, and back blogging! I really appreciate your kind words and positive thoughts throughout my hibernation! You guys are the reason that I have been able to turn my blog into a professional career, and you have no idea how grateful I am for each and every one of you who reads RFFMBT. I’m sorry I didn’t give an update on what was going on sooner, but I didn’t have the strength at that time. The most important things… I’m healthy & RFFMBT is back!

You guys totally made me blush on Saturday when I announced that I was coming out of hibernation! Thank you so much for your hilarious comments, tweets, and hundreds of likes! I was worried I would’ve lost all of my readers after being gone for so long!

hibernation

Now for the good stuff
Here are some updates from while I was away:

I was finally able to get my thyroid levels regulated with Synthroid.
The tootsies are all healed.
I’m going to a specialist to do further testing for PCOS… rrr
I caught the bouquet at my friend’s wedding in Texas.
My dog turned 11.
I found the best sushi restaurant in CA.
I reunited with old friends.
I ate my weight in Christmas cookies.
I went lawn bowling.
I watched “Fat, Sick, & Nearly Dead.” Again.
I made two amazing new friends Jacquie and Robyn.
I moved.
I was initiated as a member of Kappa Alpha Theta, Beta Xi (UCLA).
I started to like cats.
I realized I’m allergic to everything.
I missed my little bunnies a ton.
I wished upon a shooting star.
I did a lot of cleaning and organizing.
I got unmotivated… and then motivated again!
I watched every episode of Downton Abbey seasons 1 & 2 (no spoilers please!).
I worked on some graphic design jobs.
I laughed a lot, I cried a lot.
I wrote down tons of new recipes to share with you guys.
I was recognized by a reader in public!
I will be making more shirts in the near future.
I found out that you can actually call Hogwarts (781) 452-4077.

And the best news yet: I was asked to speak on a panel at the Produce for Better Health – Consumer Connection Conference in San Francisco! AHHH! SO EXCITED!!!

Don’t even think I forgot what day it is!
MOTIVATION MONDAY!

“Eat clean
Train Mean
Get Lean
In 2013”

I know how addicting the couch potato lifestyle is (trust me, it happened recently), but a healthy lifestyle can be just as addicting! It’s a new year and it’s time to get healthy together!

Get pumped for new healthy recipes, motivation, support, long rants, giveaways, and fun DIY projects!
Health & Happiness xo
Catherine

Now it’s time for some rabbit food. Raw green beans and sugar snap peas.
Two of my favorites & the reason my nickname is green bean!
Fresh, crunchy, sweet, and oh so healthy!

Green Beans and Sugar Snap Peas

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