Keeping it Clean

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This summer is like most summers, very humid and going by way too fast!
I love spending time outside going for walks, drinks, dinner, runs - you name it, I do it outside - weather permitting. 

Before and After - 10 Day Cleanse

While I don't think I have been slacking on my workouts, I am slightly more lenient on my diet.  It comes with the laid back attitude of summer. "What's one more drink?", "It's hot, I need that frozen yogurt!" It's easy to convince myself to enjoy the moment and not worry about the scale.

For the most part, that is how summer should be. It's how life should be, within reason of course.  As someone who has always struggled with her weight, I work on maintaining a balance for the sake of my sanity and waist line.

Breakfast with a Smile - Gluten Free Granola

I love the crunch!

5 days a week I eat breakfast at my desk.  I generally make it ahead of time
and bring it in bulk. I switch it up week to week but I could probably eat yogurt. fruit and granola every day, every week, indefinetly.

Greek yogurt is a great breakfast pick for me.  I like 2% Fage the best. The fat keeps me full and satiated without being as heavy as the Whole.  I can't stand the taste of the 0% and don't feel satisfied afterwards. There is no point in eating it if I'm going to be hungry again in an hour.

I like to top my yogurt with fresh berries, some agave and granola. I love the crunch!
Homemade granola is my go-to when I want something crunchy and slightly sweet.

Store bought granola is usually high in sugar and fat. Which is why my taste buds love it and my waist line hates it!

I decided to experiment and make my own granola so I knew what was going into it. 
Plus it's so easy and cheap to make in bulk that I feel guilty not making it.

Gluten Free Homemade Granola

• 1C GF Oats
• 1/2C Coconut Oil, melted
• 1/4C sweetener of choice. I like creamed honey.
• 1 Tbs cinnamon
• 1 Tbs nutmeg
• 1/4C unsweetened shredded coconut
• 1/4C chia seeds
• 2Tbs pumpkin seeds
• 2 – 3Tbs slivered almonds
• 2 Tbs crushed walnuts
• *Chopped dried apricots – I chopped up about 6

Toss the oats w/cinnamon and nutmeg so they’re coated

Add the sweetener and oil together, mix fully then pour over oats

Add nuts/seeds/fruit and mix well

Place in oven on low heat, about 200 degrees

Occasionally toss mixture so it evenly browns.

I take it out after 45 mins or so but it depends on how light or dark you like your granola.

It’s easy to burn so keep an eye on it!

*Any dried fruit works or none at all. The world is  your granola, do it your way!

Breakfast Cookies!

Cookies for Breakfast!

This was a pantry clean out experiment that worked out nicely.  They taste better than they look, I promise.

I needed to condense the contents of my overflowing pantry and decided using up some assorted nuts, oats and chia seeds was a good start.  I always have nuts on hand. Cashew, Almonds, Walnuts - I have them all.

They provide protein and healthy fat that keeps me full & happy. Who doesn't want to be happy at breakfast. Right?

• 2 mashed bananas 
• 2c gluten free oats (I Like Bob's Red Mill)
• 1/4c coconut flour
• 2 Tbs almond milk 
• 4 dates (soaked over night)
• 1/2 c walnuts
• roughly 2Tbs liquid egg whites
• chia seeds, shredded coconut flakes, dried cranberries (as many or few as you like)

Bake at 350 degrees for about 8 a 10 min or until the edges brown.

I made a little dent while they were warm for some leftover jelly that needed a home.  I was inspired  by a recipe I saw but I would only recommend that if you're eating them right away, otherwise they got a little soggy. Enjoy!