There is so much heaviness out in the world right now, and I will touch on that soon, but I wanted to give you all a little break. And maybe some yummy ideas toward a healthier lifestyle in the meantime!
I am a Louisiana girl who does not eat meat, seafood, or spicy foods. I have developed a lot of random allergies during the past few years, too. There is also some blood sugar issue going on, so I sometimes have to eat NOW. So these “recipes” are very simple, quick, and vegetarian or vegan. But you do not have to be a vegan, vegetarian, or have weird allergies to enjoy some healthy treats!
So let’s dive in…
One of my favorite new things: yogurt with chia seeds! You know if you follow me on Snapchat that I love me some chia seeds. I grab dairy-free yogurt (soy, almond, or coconut milk base) from the local grocery store (I love Whole Foods, but Kroger is a little cheaper and usually has great produce and store brand health foods). I add organic [sometimes] frozen blueberries, chia seeds, and if I’m feeling crazy, a little granola! It is hard to eat all organic, but always try a little as best as you can. Mix it all up in a pretty cereal bowl, and you have a delicious AND healthy snack or small meal. You can do the same thing with whole wheat toast or oatmeal. 🙂
Have I mentioned how much I LOVE my Nutribullet??! I should seriously be a spokesperson for this tiny magic machine. I tell almost everyone I know they need one, and you do! It’s so easy to store, clean, and keeps more nutrients than most blenders. If I’m making more than one drink, I will use the bigger Ninja. But the bullet is great for one/two drink/s at a time or smaller batches. Oh, just google it, and buy one! Prices have gone way down since I got my first one (we now have two, both still work their magic).
Anyway, after you get your Nutribullet amazingness, it’s time to hit up the produce!
I tend to be an organic brat (embarrassed emoji face), so if there isn’t any organic fresh produce, I will buy frozen. Again, try organic when you can! Plan ahead when you buy fresh produce, and find ways to store your food to prevent waste and molding. If you tend to buy more than needed, lean toward frozen fruits more often. Try to stay away from canned fruits or any fruits that are soaked in fruit juice — it’s only unnecessary extra sugar. GET SOME FRESH OR FROZEN GREENS, TOO! Kale, spinach, or mixed greens are great choices. And after I collect lots of fruit and veggies, I hit up a little protein/fiber boost. I particularly LOVE chia seeds and all their benefits. Pumpkin seeds, almonds, cashews, and walnuts are all delicious choices.
If you would like an additional liquid in your juice, aside from water, I recommend unsweetened almond milk or unsweetened coconut milk. To be honest, there are enough natural nutrients and sweetness in the fruits that an extra juice or liquid might be overboard. Just saying.
Easy Juice Recipes:
Banana, 1 tsp (all natural) peanut butter, and kale. Use the full banana and a cup of fresh or frozen kale. Drop in a teaspoon, no more than a tablespoon, or peanut butter… and a teaspoon of chia seeds if you wish! Put all in a blender with water and ice and enjoy chilled.
Banana, pineapple, strawberries, spinach, and chia seeds. Pineapple is great for covering up the earthy tastes of some greens like spinach. And did you know strawberries are 92% water?! NINETY-TWO PERCENT WATER!! I will come back to this later.. Use about a cup of spinach, half a banana, a cup of pineapple/strawberries combined, a teaspoon of chia seeds, and ice and water. Blend and embrace all the fruitful flavors!
I could go on for a while about lots of different juice/drink recipes, but you get the idea! Always add greens and superfoods to a drink to boost the health up a notch!
Quick snacks:
Hummus is my jam. Hummus with carrots, celery, or wheat based crackers is a great snack. Always check the ingredients. There’s no need for too much extra nonsense going in your body. It’s best to portion this snack out too. If I’m really hungry, I will go for lots of carrots and 2-3 teaspoons of hummus. It’s better to overeat on raw carrots than dips, right?! 😉
Fresh apple slices with a teaspoon of peanut butter, cashew butter, or Nutella is a yummy snack or can be substituted for dessert. Yes, Nutella!
Frozen grapes are now the only way I eat grapes! When frozen, it takes them longer to eat so there is an ending point in sight. I mean, I could eat an entire bowl of grapes and still reach for more. By freezing them, I only eat a certain amount and am cooled down! **Great summer snack to help you cool down. You can freeze almost every fruit!
I’m on the road, a lot, so I can’t always take hummus and cold veggies with me in the car. I look for all natural fruit/nut bars. I like Larabar because they use VERY minimal ingredients and are OH SO GOOD! I also will bag up cereal, granola, or a washed apple and ALWAYS, ALWAYS have water. I usually have another drink too.
I must have this strange fear of being thirsty because I take at least one, usually two drinks with me everywhere I go. I love my Hydroflask John bought me! It keeps drinks cold (or warm) for longer than I can comprehend! This bottle makes it easier to stay hydrated. I love keeping my water ice cold in this summer heat! I’m guilty of drinking too many soft drinks, but I am trying to get better! Green tea really helps and can be enjoyed hot or cold. I love organic iced peach green tea!! There are so many healthy options/ waters to choose from these days. Check in the health/natural sections in Kroger, Brookshires, or local grocery store for better drink options on the go!
Coming back to the strawberries. And you thought I’d forget! Some fruits and vegetables have a phenomenal amount of water. Pineapple is 87%, cucumbers are 96%, and zucchini is 95% water. If you eat and drink enough nutrients during your meals and snacks, you will stay hydrated more easily. And be more satisfied and energized throughout the day!
I could go on all my life about food. I did so obsessively for almost a decade. It’s a good idea to educate yourself about the foods you eat, the benefits or harms they have, portion recommendations, and fun combinations. But everything in moderation… Respect food, and use it to nourish your body, not harm your temple. Don’t be hard on yourself, and do what you can, as you are able. Little changes can make big differences!
Let me know what you think of these simple meals and snacks. I would love to share more! I do what I do for you!
Right now is the time to make a healthy choice 🙂
More love, less hate,
Sarie
Yoga with Sarie 
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