Tag: banana

Breakfast/Brunch, Dairy-Free, Drinks, Gluten-Free, Low Sugar, Smoothie, Snack, Vegan, Vegetarian

Refresh with a Green Smoothie

Annie

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I’ve been sipping on smoothies since the COVID-19 pandemic started. Thanks to staying connected via social media with a family I babysit, I saw they’ve been sipping on green smoothies packed with lemon, celery, and greens. Inspired by theirs, I experimented with similar ingredients and landed on what I think is the perfect Green Smoothie. It’s tart, while still sweet and totally refreshing. You can’t even taste the spinach or celery thanks to the banana. You get all the benefits from citrus with the clementine and lemon. Ginger adds an extra layer with its zesty bite. I wouldn’t use this as a meal, unless you add something more substantial like milk, yogurt, or protein of some sort. However, it’s a good side or accompaniment and another way to add in fresh fruits and veggies. I’m not a supporter of “drinking your meals,” but I do love a good smoothie as a snack or to recharge after a workout.

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Breakfast/Brunch, Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free, Low Sugar, One Pot Dish, Vegan, Vegetarian

Buckwheat & Bananas for Breakfast

Annie

I’ve been meaning to try buckwheat and finally found some in the grocery store. Buckwheat isn’t actually a wheat, but a seed. It’s known for its gluten-free properties, higher protein content compared to other grains, and amino acids. As is, buckwheat has an interesting crunch and an almost nutty flavor. I decided to try it for an oatmeal substitute and created Banana Cinnamon Buckwheat Porridge. By “grinding” buckwheat and adding in my caramelized banana trick, you have this thick, hearty porridge. The banana naturally sweetens as cinnamon adds an extra layer of flavor.

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Breakfast/Brunch, Dairy-Free, Dessert, Drinks, Gluten-Free, Lightened Up, Low Sugar, Smoothie, Snack, Vegan, Vegetarian

Pumpkin Pie in a Glass

Annie

Although it’s fall, Halloween’s 70° weather had me craving this Pumpkin Pie Smoothie last week. Rich in antioxidants and vitamin A, pumpkin is not an obvious choice for smoothies. However, it’s thick and creamy nature allows it to easily acquire flavors like the spices of pumpkin pie. It’s just decadent enough to be breakfast, dessert, or a snack, but healthy thanks to bananas’ and dates’ natural sweetness. Healthy fats in the almond butter and plant-based protein round this smoothie out as a nutritious option.

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Breakfast/Brunch, Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free, Lightened Up, Low Sugar, Meal Prep, One Pot Dish, Snack, Vegetarian

Healthy Chocolate & Berry Muffins

Annie

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Healthy chocolate muffins!? Is this a thing? Absolutely. I feel like I’ve been killing this muffin meal prep game. I love having these as a snack or before a workout. Mixed Berry Chocolate Protein Muffins are no exception. You satisfy your chocolate craving as a yummy breakfast or snack. I used my strawberry rhubarb compote to act as the berries, but feel free to use mashed raspberries instead; plus, I don’t know about you, but there’s something I love about the way blueberries bake into muffins.

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Breakfast/Brunch, Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free, Low Sugar, Meal Prep, One Pot Dish, Snack, Vegetarian

Chocolate Chip Cookies + Fig Newtons = These Muffins

Annie

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These may not be my best looking muffins, but they’re like a chocolate chip cookie and fig newton wrapped into one. They’re dense, the figs are complimented by cardamom and the dark chocolate adds a bittersweet taste. I stumbled upon dried whole figs at a TJ Maxx/Homegoods when home in Maine, but I’m sure you can find them anywhere. As you know, I like making muffins with protein powder so they’re a bit heartier, nutrient-dense and keep me full longer. I reallyyyyy enjoyed these Chocolate Fig Protein Muffins, and they were both friend and boyfriend approved (which are both necessary measures of approval).

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Dairy-Free, Drinks, Gluten-Free, Low Sugar, Smoothie, Snack, Vegan, Vegetarian

Enjoy This Creamy, Chilled Take on “Golden Milk”

Annie

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I’ve been on a mission to find a hot, turmeric latte in Boston, but after this smoothie, I’ve been doing it all wrong. Minimalist Baker gave me this idea, but I decided to use golden beets (my new favorite root vegetable!) and frozen mango to add more of that golden color, extra nutrients and a bit of sweetness. Just like that cleansing ginger smoothie, I tossed in whole ginger root for a spicy bite. With all the spices you’d find in golden milk and a creamy coconut base, this Golden Milk Smoothie is going to be a chilled version of your turmeric staple.

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Breakfast/Brunch, Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free, Low Sugar, Meal Prep, One Pot Dish, Snack, Vegetarian

Going Coco Over These Berry Best Muffins

Annie

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Last summer, Tone It Up’s Bikini Series introduced me to protein muffins: great as a breakfast, snack, or dessert. I think my favorites are snickerdoodle, almond peach and now these Red Berry Coconut Protein Muffins. They’re dense, bite-size snacks and perfect with your morning cup of coffee. Plus, these muffins are naturally sweetened with banana and maple syrup. While just a hint of coconut, I enjoy the raspberries and strawberries baked into each bite.

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Breakfast/Brunch, Dairy-Free, Lightened Up, Low Sugar, Vegan, Vegetarian

Dish Me Up Some Single Serving French Toast

Annie

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You know what I’ve been missing in my life? French Toast. Especially Single Serving Baked French Toast that I can whip up and have ready in less than 30 minutes. You’d never know this version is fully vegan; the bread is perfectly “soaked” in almond milk, vanilla and almond butter. While you don’t miss the eggy-ness of this toast, its cinnamon still makes you think of your childhood dish. Sweetened with bananas and a little agave, you may be tempted to whip up more than just one serving…

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Dairy-Free, Drinks, Gluten-Free, Low Sugar, Smoothie, Vegan, Vegetarian

Going Green for This Cleansing Ginger Smoothie

Annie

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Need some feel good food post St. Patrick’s Day boozing? This’ll do the trick, but don’t let the green fool you; there’s nothing that tastes “green” about this. Between midterms and feeling under the weather, I meant to post this on March 17th in honor of St. Patty’s Day, but . . . life — next thing, you know the weekend as flown by! I love this smoothie so much from Tone It Up‘s 5 Day Detox that I’ve incorporated the tweaked version into my weekly repertoire. I’d never have thought that adding a whole piece of peeled ginger root would blend as well as it does AND add such spicy flavor. If I don’t have coconut water, I add almond milk to the mix, and it turns out just find and a little creamier. Trust me: this Cleansing Ginger Smoothie is one you want to sip again and again.

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Breakfast/Brunch, Gluten-Free, Low Sugar, Vegetarian

“Loaded” Sweet Potatoes for Breakfast

Annie

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What a fun way to switch up your breakfast options! I came home from a Soul Survivor class, aka a 60 min spin class, and was starving. I was tired of my usual eggs or oats for options, so I turned to sweet potatoes. Loaded with nutrients, I popped a sweet potato into the microwave, scooped out the insides and mixed them with some yogurt and protein powder (due to the post-spin nature). Drizzle it all with some nut butter, top with some bananas and sprinkle with whatever toppings — I liked nuts for a crunch and dried fruit’s texture. This Loaded Breakfast Sweet Potatoes is satisfying and a welcomed change to your breakfast routine.

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