Banana Pistachio Smoothie

One of my husband's friends is famous for making pistachio smoothies. We have them at almost every friend gathering, which is almost weekly :) Well this last week was nothing different. As they were making it we were waiting for them to add in ice cream (how else would it get the silky smooth texture?). Well it never came. After all the times we've drank this we just realized there is NO ice cream in it. None at all. My husband and baby love these so I decided I had to share! Happy smoothie making!!!

Banana Pistachio Smoothie
4 SERVINGS 
PREP:2 minutes           COOK: 1 minutes            READY IN: 3 minutes

SIMPLE	HEALTHY	YUM

INGREDIENTS

---

• 1 cup almond milk
• 1 handful spinach (about 1/2 cup)
• 1/2 banana
• 2 tablespoons pistachio pudding mix 
• 8-10 ice cubes

DIRECTIONS

---

1. Put all ingredients into a blender. Blend until smooth.

NUTRITION FACTS

---

   1/2 cup   130 calories  3g fat  24g carbs   2g protein   16g sugar   

Enjoy!

Healthy Chocolate Chip Cookies

I am always trying to perfect different types of cookies in the kitchen. And to help myself not feel to guilty about cooking up goodies, I try to make them as healthy as I can. And great news, I made THE PERFECT HEALTHY COOKIE!!!

I've tried about everything, and I've failed an awful lot. Trying to use no oil or refined sugar really makes things tough! I've tried substituting applesauce for the oil, but it often times makes cookies way too moist. I've tried putting yogurt in cookies, but sometimes it leaves a bad after taste. I've even tried melting down coconut oil and putting it in my cookies, but depending on the flavor I'm going for, it doesn't work all the time. Anyways, I'm here to tell you, I'm made a darn good cookie. I approve, and more importantly, so do my kids (and my husband!). It seriously won all of us over!!! It doesn't have flour, oil or refined sugar (and only a teaspoon of honey!!! so most of the sweetness comes from the natural ingredients). ***Please note that I do live in high altitude so I would suggest starting out with a little less oats than I did, unless you want a more dense cookie.

Healthy Chocolate Chip Cookies
30 SERVINGS 
PREP: 15 minutes           COOK: 15-20 minutes            READY IN: 30-35 minutes

SIMPLE	HEALTHY	YUM

INGREDIENTS

---

• 4 cups of rolled oats
• 3 ripe bananas
• 2 eggs
• 3/4 cup vanilla almond milk, unsweetened
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 2 tablespoons peanut butter
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips

DIRECTIONS

---

1. Preheat oven to 350º.
2. Take the rolled oats and grind them up in your food processor (or use oat flour if you want, but the measurement will most likely be different).
3. In a mixer, combine the ripe bananas, eggs, and milk until combined.
4. Add the ground rolled oats, baking powder, cinnamon, vanilla, peanut butter, and honey. Combine until all mixed together. The dough will not be completely stiff, it's more the consistency of a muffin mix. 
5. Add the the chocolate chips and mix together.
6. Line cookies sheets with parchment paper, and place the cookies on the sheet (I used a cookies scooper to put on my cookie sheets).
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes, let cool and enjoy!

NUTRITION FACTS

---

    1 cookie    77 calories   2.3g fat   12.3g carbs    2.2g protein    3.2g sugar   

Enjoy!

Chocolate Zucchini Banana Bread

I told you in my post last week that when you make zucchini pasta, you need to save the centers that don't work for pasta so that you can turn them into some fabulously delicious zucchini bread. And here, my friends, I bring you the absolutely perfect recipe for using that leftover zucchini! (You could probably even use some of the leftover carrot if you're making pasta with them together!) Just throw those zucchini centers into the grater of your food processor (or grate them yourself, but be warned they'll be pretty moist since the seedy center has tons of water), and you'll come up with perfectly grated zucchini to add to this amazing bread.

This bread is not too sweet (with only 7 grams of sugar per serving, it only has 1/4 cup of honey plus the natural sweetness of the banana), but it is perfectly chocolatey, perfectly moist, and perfectly healthy (okay, maybe not as healthy as those veggie noodles you just made - but hey, if you just had veggie noodles you've earned a little indulgence!) This bread would be perfect as a healthy treat, or even as a yummy addition to breakfast.

Chocolate Zucchini Banana Bread
2 Loaves or 24 Muffins
PREP: 20 minutes           COOK: 45-50 minutes            READY IN: 75 minutes

SIMPLE	HEALTHY	YUM

INGREDIENTS

---

• 1 cup all purpose flour
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 
• 2 bananas, mashed
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional) 
• 2 cups grated zucchini
• 1/2 cup semi-sweet mini chocolate chips

DIRECTIONS

---

1. Preheat the oven to 350º. Spray two 8-inch loaf pans, or 24 muffin cups (or you can do 1 loaf pan and 12 muffin cups) with cooking spray.
2. Combine all the dry ingredients (flours, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt) in a large bowl. 
3. In a medium bowl, mix together the mashed banana, oil, eggs, honey, vanilla and almond extract. Fold in the grated zucchini, followed by the chocolate chips.
4. Pour the batter into the prepared baking tins, filling about halfway. Bake loaves for 45-50 minutes (muffins for 25-30 minutes). Loaves are done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, or if you lightly press a finger the indent doesn't remain. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from the pans. 

NUTRITION FACTS

---

    1/12th of loaf or 1 muffin    113 calories   4.3 g fat   17.9 g carbs    2.1 g protein    7.0 g sugar   

Enjoy!
Recipe adapted from Weelicious.

Fresh Banana Ice Cream

My kids and I have a new favorite afternoon treat! It's a great way to use those brown bananas and with Spring right around the corner, this will be nice on those warmer days. It's super easy and only takes about 2 minutes to make if you already have frozen bananas. You can be creative with the toppings you pair with the bananas too. Just about anything works.

Fresh Banana Ice Cream
2 SERVINGS 
PREP: 60 minutes           BLEND: 1 minutes            READY IN: 61 minutes

SIMPLE	HEALTHY	YUM

INGREDIENTS

---

• 1 very ripe banana
• Mix-in(s): We used 2 tablespoons of 60% cacao chips. Other ideas would be peanut butter, strawberries, honey, raspberries, blueberries, coconut. Really just about anything you would like.

DIRECTIONS

---

1. Cut the banana into 1/2 inch pieces. Separate and put on a plate. Cover with foil and put it in the freezer. I usually do this the night before so we don't have to wait for them to freeze. If you haven't done that, let them freeze for about an hour.
2. In a food processor or heavy-duty blender, pulse the bananas with the topping(s) for about a minute, or until the bananas start to come together. 
3. Enjoy!

NUTRITION FACTS

---

    1/2 cup serving    93 calories   3.2g fat   17.5g carbs    1.1g protein    10.2g sugar   

Enjoy!

Healthy Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies

I don't know if I've admitted this yet - but I'm addicted to sugar. My family knows it, my friends know it, my work knows it... okay, and I'm pretty sure all our readers know it too! I'm pretty much  known as the "sugar queen." And I realize this isn't the healthiest addiction - so I try my best to find sweet things that can pass for semi-healthy too.

Well, these banana chocolate chip cookies satisfy my sugar craving - but don't do me in on the sugar content. They are easy to make and super yummy - and only have 4.4 g of sugar per serving!! This is my kind of cookie people.

Healthy Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies
30 SERVINGS 
PREP: 15 minutes           COOK: 15 minutes            READY IN: 30 minutes

SIMPLE	HEALTHY	YUM

INGREDIENTS

---

• 2 1/3 cups quick oats (If using whole oats, put them in a food processor or blender for a few seconds to finely chop them up)
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 cup peanut butter
• 1/4 cup honey or pure maple syrup
• 2 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1/3 cup chocolate chips

DIRECTIONS

---

1. Preheat oven to 325ºF. 
2. In a large bowl, combine all ingredients and mix either with a spatula or hand mixer. Make sure all ingredients are thoroughly combined. It will be sticky.
3. On a greased cookie sheet, drop about 3 tablespoons worth of cookie dough for each cookie. The dough will not spread or rise, so flatten the cookies to your desired shape. 
4. Bake for 12 - 15 minutes, or until slightly brown. You don't want to overcook the cookies because they will dry out. 

NUTRITION FACTS

---

    1 cookie    99 calories   5.3 g fat   10.7 g carbs    3.2 g protein    4.4 g sugar   

Enjoy!
Recipe adapted from Sallys Baking Addiction

Strawberry Banana Breakfast Smoothie

I'm sick. The on again, off again runny/stuffy nose, pounding head, sore sore throat kind of sick. And let me tell you - it's getting pretty old. I keep reminding myself of Meg Ryan in You've Got Mail - tissues all over the house, still in pajamas mid-day, still in bed mid-day - and not wanting to accept flowers from anybody! (okay... maybe not that extreme, but still.)

So to state the obvious - my post is definitely an easy, quick, go-to remedy for any sore throat. This breakfast smoothie can be altered in many different ways - add a little spinach to make it a green smoothie, add any kind of fruit, juice, protein powder - do what you want to make this "your" go-to breakfast smoothie. I know I'm going to be making it long after I'm feeling 100% again!

Strawberry Banana Breakfast Smoothie
2 SERVINGS 
PREP: 5 minutes           COOK: 0 minutes            READY IN: 5 minutes

SIMPLE	HEALTHY	YUM

INGREDIENTS

---

• 8 whole strawberries (frozen or thawed)
• 1 medium banana (frozen or thawed)
• 1/2 cup low-fat vanilla yogurt
• 1 1/4 cup soy milk
• 1/2 cup rolled oats

DIRECTIONS

---

1. Mix ingredients in blender until smooth. Add more or less milk, depending on desired consistency.

NUTRITION FACTS

---

     1 cup serving    276 calories   4.8 g fat   50.2 g carbs    10.2 g protein    23.9 g sugar   

Enjoy!
Recipe adapted from AllRecipes

Holiday Pomegranate Salad

One of the best things about the holidays for me is all the wonderful fruit in season. (I can't even count the number of mandarin oranges I've already snarfed down!) This holiday salad is a great way to incorporate pomegranates, a winter fruit, into your holiday meals. We made it for Thanksgiving this year and it was a big hit! The pomegranates give the salad a tangy flavor - a nice variety your holiday cooking may be needing.

Also, if you've ever shelled a pomegranate before, you may feel a little hesitant about this salad. But, don't fear my friends. Pom Wonderful gives you a great step by step tutorial on how to shell a pomegranate - the easy way. Go here to learn all about it! 

Holiday Pomegranate Salad
10 SERVINGS 
PREP: 30 minutes           COOK: 0 minutes            READY IN: 30 minutes

SIMPLE	HEALTHY	YUM

INGREDIENTS

---

• 2-3 pomegranates
• 2-3 apples, peeled and diced
• 3/4 package (16 oz.) miniature marshmallows
• 3 bananas
• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla

DIRECTIONS

---

1. Shell pomegranates. Put in fridge to chill.
2. Whip cream, sugar, and vanilla together in a large bowl until mixture becomes thick. 
3. Add apples, marshmallows, and bananas to cream mixture. 
4. Mix in pomegranates.

NUTRITION FACTS

---

    3/4 cup serving    355 calories   9.2 g fat   68.3 g carbs    1.5 g protein    50.9 g sugar   

Enjoy!

Banana Avocado Mousse

You might be thinking to yourself, "Hmmm... that's interesting..." Don't judge this dish by the name of it, stay with me on this one. This is an amazing dessert that will have your partner, roommate, or whomever you're sharing it with wondering what's in it. It tastes like mousse (!!) and is a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth at end the day with a healthier treat rather than something like ice cream. I told you a little ways back how I'm counting calories and fighting my sugar urges. I am trying really, really hard to use natural and raw sugar ingredients such as honey, agave, maple syrup in lieu of processed sugar. So far I've been successful and it's amazing how many great products are out there. I really wish we had a Trader Joe's here in Colorado, but Sprout's (and even Walmart!) have some great finds that I've fallen in love with. Agave sweetener is a must in my cupboard these days. I couldn't live without it!

Banana Avocado Mousse
3 SERVINGS 
PREP: 10 minutes           COOK: 0 minutes            READY IN: 10 minutes

SIMPLE	HEALTHY	YUM

INGREDIENTS

---

• 1 banana
• 1 avocado
• 4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• pinch of sea salt
• 1/8 cup agave sweetener (honey or maple syrup would work too)
• 1/8 cup milk (I used almond milk)

DIRECTIONS

---

1. Peel the banana and pit the avocado and scoop out of the skin and place in a food processor. Add the other ingredients and pulse until it's smooth and the consistency of mousse. 
2. Enjoy, or put in the refrigerator to enjoy over the next couple days. 

NUTRITION FACTS

---

    1/2 cup serving    252 calories   16.6g fat   24.4g carbs    3.3g protein    15g sugar   

Enjoy!
Recipe adapted from my sister, Julie.

Banana Cream Pie Smoothie

Weekly occurrence: I go to the store. I buy a few bananas. I come home and eat one... the rest are brown before I know it. I can't just throw them away and I definitely can't make banana bread every week - so what do I do? Simple - make this delicious banana cream pie smoothie! This recipe caught my eye when I was looking for healthy alternatives to eating all that Thanksgiving pie. And let me tell you - this is a good one.

Banana Cream Pie Smoothie
3 SERVINGS 
PREP: 10 minutes           COOK: 0 minutes            READY IN: 10 minutes

SIMPLE	HEALTHY	YUM

INGREDIENTS

---

• 2 ripe bananas (Ripe bananas bring more flavor)
• 1 cup low-fat vanilla yogurt
• 1/2 cup vanilla soy milk (or low-fat milk)
• 1 sheet graham crackers
• 1 tablespoon nonfat dry milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4-5 ice cubes
• Graham cracker crumbs

DIRECTIONS

---

1. Mix all ingredients together (besides graham cracker crumbs) in a blender. 
2. Serve with crumbs on top

NUTRITION FACTS

---

    3/4 cup serving    171 calories   2.1 g fat   30.4 g carbs    7.4 g protein    19.4 g sugar   

Enjoy!
Recipe adapted from My Recipes

Banana Apple Cinnamon Baked French Toast

* We are guest posting over at High Heels and Grills today - Go check out our mouthwatering pumpkin recipe! *

About once or twice a week, we like to do something other than the traditional oatmeal or cereal routine for breakfast at our house. Most times we go for the old favorite: pancakes. But I've been ready to try something new and different. This breakfast is a great way to switch things up and enjoy a healthier version of french toast. By using almond milk in the mixture, I put only about a teaspoon on those that wanted syrup... most of our family went without. We put a little whipped cream and sprinkled almonds on top and it was delicious! My children thought it was even a little sweet so I might try unsweetened almond milk next time we make this.

Banana Apple Cinnamon Baked French Toast
6 SERVINGS 
PREP: 15 minutes           COOK: 40 minutes            READY IN: 55 minutes

SIMPLE	HEALTHY	YUM

INGREDIENTS

---

• 1 apple
• 1 banana
• 5 eggs
• 1 cup almond milk (or any milk you have on hand)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 2 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon, divided
• 8 slices whole wheat bread

DIRECTIONS

---

1. Preheat oven to 375ºF.
2. Peel, core, and dice apple. Set aside.
3. Peel banana and slice. Set aside.
4. In a medium bowl, crack the eggs, whisk together. Add the milk and whisk together again. Add vanilla and 2 teaspoons cinnamon and whisk until all is combined. 
5. Slice the bread into 4 even strips. You can probably cube them if you'd like, I just go for easy and simple. (There is not exact science to this, it's just so it lays in your pan easier.)
6. Grease a large oven pan (I used a 2 quart casserole dish, but you could probably use a 13x9 or something similar- just pay attention to your cook time as it may not take as long). Lay down half the bread and pour half the milk/egg mixture over it. Stir it around so it absorbs a little bit. Lay down the remaining bread and pour the remaining milk/egg mixture over the bread. Stir again until the milk/egg mixture is absorbed. Sprinkle the apples and bananas over the bread and sprinkle cinnamon on top (approximately 1/2 teaspoon).
7. Bake in the oven for 40 minutes uncovered. 
8. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream and sprinkle with almonds. Enjoy!

NUTRITION FACTS

---

    1 serving    276 calories   14.5g fat   27.5g carbs    10.6g protein    9.5g sugar   

Recipe adapted from Healthy Tipping Point.

Breakfast Banana Yogurt Split

Are you sick of the daily cereal and milk for breakfast, but you're not sure what else to make? This breakfast banana split is quick, easy, versatile, and yummy. Your kids will love these. My "kid," aka my husband, inhales it.

Banana Yogurt Split
1 SERVING

PREP: 5 minutes           COOK: 0 minutes            READY IN: 5 minutes

SIMPLE	HEALTHY	YUM

INGREDIENTS

---

• 1 ripe banana
• 1/2 cup fat free yogurt (flavor of your choice)
• 1 tablespoon granola
• 1 tablespoon peanut butter (optional, depending on yogurt flavor)

DIRECTIONS

---

1. Slice banana in half, lengthwise. 
2. If using peanut butter spread it over banana halves.
3. Place yogurt on top of banana and sprinkle with granola.

NUTRITION FACTS

---

without peanut butter

   1 serving   214 calories 3.7g fat  35.8g carbs   9.2g protein   22.5g sugar

with peanut butter

   1 serving   308 calories 11.7g fat  38.9g carbs   13.2g protein   24g sugar   

Enjoy!

Low-Fat Banana Bread

I have a confession to make: I'm a bread lover. Every Saturday my dad makes fresh whole wheat bread and I could easily make my way through a whole loaf on my own. Don't worry, I share - but isn't bread so very addicting? That's why I've tried to find a healthy alternative to banana bread (one of the most addicting breads out there.) Substituting applesauce for butter really adds some flavor and cuts down on the calories... as long as you can be disciplined and not eat the entire loaf!

Low-Fat Banana Bread 

12 SERVINGS 

PREP: 15 minutes           COOK: 45 - 60 minutes            READY IN: 1 hour 15 minutes

SIMPLE	HEALTHY	YUM

INGREDIENTS

---

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce 
• 4 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup raisins (optional)
• 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

DIRECTIONS

---

1. Preheat oven to 375°.
2. In a large bowl mix flour, soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and sugar. 
3. Add eggs, applesauce, bananas, and vanilla. (If desired, add raisins and walnuts.)
4. Pour batter into lightly greased and floured 9x5 inch loaf pan.
5. Bake for 45-60 minutes or until inserted fork comes out clean.

NUTRITION FACTS

---

    1 slice    202 calories   1.1 g fat   44.6 g carbs    3.8 g protein    22.4 g sugar   

Enjoy!
Recipe from All Recipes

Quinoa Peanut Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bites

Say that three times fast! Quinoa Peanut Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bites, Quinoa Peanut Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bites, Quinoa Peanut Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bites! Ahahaha! Or, as I like to call them Quinoa PBOCC Bites. I made these because my children were pleading with me to make cookies. I think all this healthy cooking has gotten to them. They wanted something sweet. I obliged and wanted to see if they would like cookies with a healthy spin on them. Turns out, I created something that would pass for a cookie, and something I would also feel comfortable grabbing out of the freezer for those on-the-go moments. I would even eat a couple of these for breakfast if I were in a pinch. My one and five-year-old loved these. My two-year old wasn't quite so sure.

Quinoa Peanut Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bites
24 SERVINGS 
PREP: 15 minutes           COOK: 15 minutes            READY IN: 30 minutes

SIMPLE	HEALTHY	YUM

INGREDIENTS

---

• 1 cup quinoa, cooked & chilled
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1 ripe banana
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1/8 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 tablespoon cinnamon
• 3/4 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup cacao chocolate chips

DIRECTIONS

---

1. Preheat the oven to 350º. In a large bowl, mix together quinoa, peanut butter, and banana.
2. Add honey, sea salt, cinnamon, and rolled oats. Mix.
3. Stir in chocolate chips.
4. Roll dough into one inch balls and layout on cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. You can press these down if you'd like (the cookies will not change shape so place as many as you want on a sheet, close together).
5. Bake for 15 minutes.

NUTRITION FACTS

---

    1 serving    76 calories   3.3g fat   9.7g carbs    2.7g protein    2.6g sugar   

As a side note, I much preferred these after letting them sit all night. They are a little too crunchy straight out of the oven, but they softened overnight. Then I place them in the refrigerator. If you leave them out, they tend to soften more and more each day, which can make them not so delicious.

Enjoy!
Linking up here.
Recipe adapted from Miss Cellaneous.