banana

Breakfast, Guest Bloggers, Recipes, Vegan, Vegetarian

Guest Blogger: Lauryn {The Skinny Confidential}

Today I am so so so excited to introduce you to my final guest blogger: Lauryn Evarts from The Skinny Confidential! She’s a super gorg San Diego girl, model, Proformer Pilates instructor, and future nutritionist with a passion for healthy eats.  Her blog: The Skinny Confidential is all about fitness, diet modifications/substitutions, fashion, creating, photography, blogging, beauty, & clean living. She’s always trying to help others make healthy decisions when it comes to food & exercise, what’s not to love?

RFFMBT Guest Blogger The Skinny ConfidentialHi guys! I’m Lauryn from The Skinny Confidential : ).
Today I’m talking BREAKY!Start Your Day Off Healthy: Coconut Blueberry Oatmeal

Get rid of the “I’m running late excuses” and make time for your health, diet, and figure. Fueling your bod with oatmeal in the AM allows you to feel full for hours. Instead of opting for boring, predictable oats, add a few blueberries, banana slices, almond milk, some unsweetened coconut shavings, a dash of cinnamon, and a sprinkle of nutmeg. My favie oatmeal benefits? It’s low on the cals, rids cravings, and contains tons of protein, antioxidants, & fiber.

Be careful when selecting a oatmeal brand at the market. Don’t let the low-sugar kind fool you: it’s filled with Aspartame and crap. Look for words like “steel cut” and/or “whole grain.” As far as milk goes, I prefer almond, flaxseed, or rice milk. Besides being easier on the stomach than typical hormone-filled milk, they’re all dairy-free!

And plus, who doesn’t anything with coconut?!

Recipe: Coconut Blueberry Oatmeal 
 ** Serves two
2 cups of Quaker oatmeal
1 handful of blueberries
1 sliced banana
1 cup almond milk
2 sprinkles of unsweetened coconut shavings
1 dash cinnamon
1 dash nutmeg

Slice banana & clean blueberries. Cook oats on the stove for about five minutes. Drain oats and add blueberries and bananas. Sprinkle coconut shavings, cinnamon and nutmeg over fruit. I like to let it sit for 2 minutes so fruit dissolves into the oats. Add 1/2 cup of dairy-free milk. Enjoy with fresh orange juice!

The Skinny Confidential's Blueberry Coconut Oatmeal 1
The Skinny Confidential's Blueberry Coconut Oatmeal 2
The Skinny Confidential's Blueberry Coconut Oatmeal 3
The Skinny Confidential's Blueberry Coconut Oatmeal 4
The Skinny Confidential's Blueberry Coconut Oatmeal 5Follow Lauryn on:

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Breakfast, Recipes, Snacks, Vegan, Vegetarian

Banana Roll-Ups

Hi bunnies!

Some of you may have noticed my blog went down a few times last week. I had some technical difficulties, but thanks to Go Daddy, it’s all good now! The response to my last post about bridesmaid dress sizing was overwhelming! It’s absolutely crazy to see how many of us have been through the same situation with clothing sizes or that darn number on the scale. I loved reading all of your comments, and I’m sure that other readers appreciated them as well! You guys are truly empowering! I was also so excited to hear from some of you that had never commented on my blog before. It really showed me how powerful that post was and how much you appreciated it. Sometimes it’s hard to talk about weight and sizes because it’s often uncomfortable and embarrassing, but your support and responses make me happy to share my ups and downs! Just one comment from someone who says “thank you” or “I can relate” makes it all worth it! Knowing that I can help others with my blog is an indescribable feeling. I love you all very much!

Motivation Monday: “Take it day by day. Results don’t come overnight. Change doesn’t happen immediately. Keep working towards your goals.”

Over the weekend I found another “before” photo. Sometimes I really dislike seeing these photos, but when I see them next to my “after” I can’t help but be extremely proud of myself and how far I have come. I hope that these photos can help to motivate and inspire you to continue on your journey and never give up!
Before & After Weight Loss I have a super simple healthy snack for you guys. I love having Banana Roll-Ups for breakfast with some Greek yogurt, as a pre workout snack to fuel me through my barre classes or runs, or as a post workout snack. They’re easy to make and totally hit the spot!

Banana Roll-Ups
Banana Roll-Ups
Serves 1

2 soft taco size whole corn tortillas
1 banana
1 Tbs almond butter, peanut butter, or natural nut butter of your choice.
sprinkle of cinnamon to taste

Cover the tortillas with a damp piece of paper towel and heat in the microwave for 15 seconds. Spread the tortillas with nut butter. Cut banana in half and place on the tortillas. Sprinkle with cinnamon, and roll the tortillas tightly around the banana. Slice into half inch pieces like sushi, and enjoy!

Banana Roll-Ups
The Rabbit Food Pyramid Breakdown
Produce: banana
Whole Grain: whole corn tortillas
Protein: complete the meal with a side of Greek Yogurt or a cup of milk!
Plant Based Fat: nut butter

Why I like whole corn tortillas vs. whole wheat tortillas: First things first, in the rabbit food world, corn is a whole grain! There are less calories and carbohydrates for two soft taco sized corn tortillas than in 1 whole wheat tortilla. This way you can have more!

Stay tuned for an delish giveaway this week! xo

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Breakfast, Recipes, Snacks, Vegan, Vegetarian

Quinoa Granola

Ok granola lovers, today is your day! HEALTHY GRANOLA!
Can I get a woohoo?!

Most store bought granolas are loaded with unnecessary amounts of refined sugar and contain nearly no protein. I’m a granola lover, but it’s hard for me to find a good healthy granola, so today, I made my own! Not going to lie, I burned the first batch because I forgot about the altitude here in Denver! It was totally worth it though, this granola is so delish! It has the perfect amount of crunch and sweetness with the addition of protein from quinoa. Oh ya, it’s also vegan and gluten free! I might add some raisins next time!

Quinoa Granola

Let’s talk about why this granola is so excellent!

Quinoa (keen-wah)
Quinoa is a complete protein containing all nine essential amino acids.
Twice the fiber over most other grains.
High in iron.
Gluten free.

Flaxseed
Fich in monounsaturated fatty acids like oleic acid.
Excellent source of omega-3 essential fatty acids.
Contains B-complex vitamins such as riboflavin, niacin,thiamin, pantothenic acid, vitamin B-6, and folates.

Coconut
Great source of manganese.
Improves digestion with dietary fiber.
Contains plant-based healthy saturated fat, monosaturated fat, and Omega-6 fatty acids that promote weight loss and increase HDL or “good” cholesterol levels in the body.

Agave
Natural sweetener.
Lower glycemic value than regular refined sugars.

Quinoa GranolaQuinoa Granola
Makes 2 servings

1/4 cup uncooked quinoa
1 Tbsp whole flaxseed or chia seeds
1 Tbsp shredded unsweetened coconut
1 Tbsp agave
1/4 tsp cinnamon

Preheat oven to 375 F. Combine all the ingredients in a mixing bowl and mix well. Spray baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray. Spread the mixture thinly on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes. Once the granola has started to turn a golden brown, remove from oven and let cool (this will let the granola set so you will have different sized pieces). After the granola has cooled for about 5 minutes remove from baking sheet with spatula.

You can portion this granola into halves and eat it as a little mid afternoon pick me up snack, or make it into a filling, protein packed breakfast by combining it with the following:

6oz of plain nonfat Greek yogurt
1/2 banana
1 serving of quinoa granolaQuinoa Granola
Quinoa Granola
Quinoa GranolaThe Rabbit Food Pyramid Breakdown
Produce: banana
Whole Grain: quinoa
Protein: greek yogurt
Plant Based Fat: flaxseed and shredded coconut

| 37 Comments
Breakfast, Recipes

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

| 56 Comments
Breakfast, Desserts, Recipes, Snacks, Treats, Vegetarian

Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bake

Imagine having a fluffy oatmeal raisin cookie for breakfast. Sounds delicious right? Well I have the recipe of all recipes for you! Satisfy your cookie cravings with a healthy Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bake that makes for a super quick and easy breakfast on the go, or even dessert for that matter! No actual baking required!

Healthy
Easy
Quick
Satisfying
Tasty
Short prep time
Minimal dishes
No baking required
I’m in heaven. 



Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bake
Serves 1 

1/4 cup liquid egg whites
1/4 cup rolled oats
1/2 banana mashed
2 Tbsp raisins
1 Tbsp chia seeds
1/2 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp baking powder

Mash the banana and combine with all ingredients until well mixed. Lightly spray a small microwave safe bowl with nonstick cooking spray. Pour the oatmeal raisin cookie mixture into the bowl and microwave (uncovered) for 1 minute and 30 seconds. Remove the bowl from the microwave (caution, bowl will be hot). Flip the bowl upside down on a plate to release the oatmeal raisin cookie bake, enjoy hot.

The Rabbit Food Pyramid Breakdown
Produce: banana & raisins
Whole Grain: rolled oats
Protein: egg whites
Plant Based Fat: chia seeds

| 27 Comments

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