Some Healthy Recipes That Work for Me

Ok, some of you have asked that I include recipes for some of the food that I write about so this post will include two of my new favorite standbys for breakfast, lunch and snacks.  I don't really use recipes, so this will require some effort on my part. Please bear with me as I share.

The breakfast recipe has evolved over time and as I research the effects of certain foods on our bodies, I have replaced a few ingredients. I hope you enjoy and are inspired to eat well!

I start with steel cut oats - cook according to the recipe on the container
Add canned or home made cooked pumpkin
Add slivered candied ginger (can be fresh or ground ginger). I just happened to have some candied ginger on hand.
Add ground flax seed
Add cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla
Add raw pepitas (pumpkin seeds)

Cook all ingredients until the oats are cooked through.
Serve with fresh berries and chia seeds on top.

You can also add any dried fruit of your choice and this can be served cold or hot. I do not add milk or other dairy products, but yogurt or creme fraiche would certainly hit the spot.
The balance between carbohydrates and protein is excellent for your first meal and is satifying enough to sustain you until lunch time.

For lunch or snacks, I've been working with a homemade, all natural smoothie recipe that has also evolved quite a bit.  The favorite of the moment is as follows:

2 large apples, peeled and cored. Fujis are nice. (The apple peel is good for you, so I munch on it while I am preparing the rest of the ingredients)
2 red pears (cored with skin on - pear skin is thin and is not too tough for smoothies)
9 kiwis (peeled and cored if the cores are too tough)
1 and a half English cucumbers (peeled)
1 large bunch of cilantro - leaves and most of the stem included
At least 4 cups of fresh raw kale
At least 4 cup of fresh raw spinach
For brightness, add one lemon, peeled and seeded. The pulp provides additional fiber.

All of these ingredients are thrown into the blender and blended for at least 3 minutes on the 'liquify' setting so that all ingredients are smooth, fine and drinkable. Great for on the go, especially after strenuous workouts.

Extra benefit - both of these are gluten free!

Please feel free to comment on anything I post. Your input is always welcome. If you have anything you would like me to write about, let me know and I will try to accommodate.

Be healthy and eat what makes you happy!