Thursday, June 27, 2013

Peanut Butter Breakfast Smoothie

PROTEIN BREAKFAST SMOOTHIE
(or, PB&J Smoothie)


This breakfast smoothie is one of my all time favorites.  To me, it tastes just like a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.  It is simple to make and take on the go on a busy morning or you can lounge in your PJ's and drink it like a queen ;)


Add the ingredients to your blender in this order:  
1/2 cup of coconut milk.  I like Silk vanilla flavor, but any kind you like will work. 
 You could also use soy milk or almond milk.  


Next, add 1/4 cup of plain yogurt.  I like the Fage brand, but whatever you have works great.  


Now add 1/4 cup peanut butter.  I happen to prefer peanut butter that has some added sweetness to it.  I have tried the all-natural ones, but I find them too dry and flavorless.  It is a matter of personal taste, but if you do use an unsweetened peanut butter, you may want to use a flavored yogurt.  

Add in about a teaspoon of agave nectar if you want your drink to be sweet.  But as I said before, if you are using sweetened yogurt and/or peanut butter, you won't need to add any more sweetener.

Approximately 6 to 8 ice cubes go in next to add moisture and thickness.

Next add about a cup of fresh strawberries.  Don't worry about taking the tops off, just toss them in and grind them up!  You can also use frozen strawberries, or any other fresh or frozen berry will work.  I have used blackberries, blueberries and raspberries.  Just use whatever you have.  Just a note, if you use frozen fruit, eliminate the ice cubes.  

My next picture didn't download correctly, so just imagine a picture of a banana here.  Add 1/2 of a banana, the more ripe the better.  (You can freeze bananas that are going to go bad and use them in smoothies -- just peel,  place in a plastic baggie and stick in the freezer.  Use them within 2-3 weeks.)


Now all your ingredients are in the blender.  Start out on the lowest speed and gradually increase to the highest speed.  Let blend for about 30 seconds.  


Pour into a glass and sip through a straw!  I'm pretty sure this smoothie is going to become one of your favorite breakfast foods!  It's one of mine because:  A) I don't enjoy breakfast that much, it's probably my least favorite meal.  On the days I really don't feel like eating, I make this and sip it while I'm getting ready in the morning  B) It's super high in protein so it gives you lots of energy, and C) It keeps you full until lunchtime.  I hardly ever feel like snacking before lunch if I have had one of these.

ENJOY!

Thursday, June 6, 2013

Healthy Homemade Sloppy Joes


Summer is a great time for making Sloppy Joes!  When it's hot out, you definitely don't want to spend any more time in the kitchen than is absolutely necessary.  I've been using this recipe for awhile, and it is a family favorite!  It is easy and fast to make, and it's much healthier than using a can of Sloppy Joe sauce.  If you have a very big family, you may want to double the recipe.  This recipe feeds 3 to 4 people.  Enjoy!  :)

HEALTHY HOMEMADE SLOPPY JOES

1 lb. ground turkey
1 cup organic ketchup
1/4 cup water
2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
2 tsp. yellow mustard
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 medium onion, minced
Sea salt and pepper to taste

In a large skillet, brown the turkey.  Season with a little salt and pepper.  When meat is almost done, add the minced onions and garlic.  Stir in ketchup, water, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard.  Bring to a low boil, reduce heat and simmer for 5 - 10 minutes.  Serve on whole wheat buns.