Oatmeal to Go

Well, hello again my quarantined friends! : )  It’s been a while since I have been on the blog and thought this is the perfect time to get back and connect with you all. 

 Anyone getting a little stir crazy at home?  Or are you enjoying some much needed quaran-cleaning. : ) I know I have been slowly getting to every corner of my house!  

A lot has changed in a year.  I became a mom to Miss Aria Rose.  She is our little ray of sunshine and truly brings so much joy into our life.  

When parents say time flys when you have kids wow, they were not kidding. It seems just like yesterday that Aria was brand new and now there are so many things she can do!  It’s like life is stuck in fast forward mode and I wish I could press the pause button and freeze time.

Time is definitely a commodity and its more important then ever to keep up with healthy eating! 

So, I thought I would share with you this super easy, nutritious, and delicious Oatmeal to GO recipe.   Simply cook up one big batch, enjoy the first bowl hot off the stove, and then freeze the rest to enjoy for days to come. 

When you’re in a rush, or just want a simple and healthy breakfast like I do… pop one in the microwave and voila breakfast is served. 

RECIPE

5 cups water

1/2 tsp salt

2 cups regular rolled oats

1/3 cup packed brown sugar

1 tbsp butter

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1/2 cup dried fruit

1 cup fresh berries

1/2 cup chopped nuts ( whichever you prefer)  

DIRECTIONS. 

1. In a medium saucepan bring water and salt to boil. Stir in oats. Cook for 5 minutes stirring occasionally.

2. Remove from heat.  Mixture will be runny but thickens as it cools.  Stir in brown sugar, butter and cinnamon. 

3. Transfer to bowl. Cover and chill until cool.  Once cool add dried fruit.

4. Grab a muffin tray.  Scoop about 1/2 cup to 1 cup into muffin cup.  ( I load mine up… I like a huge bowl of oatmeal in the morning)

5. Sprinkle with nuts and berries.

6. Cover and freeze for 6 hours. Then let stand at room temperature for 5 minutes and pop them out. 

7. Transfer from frozen muffin cups to freezer bags or airtight container. 

Makes 12 small  or  8 large oatmeal cups. 

Easy Breezy Granola

Start your day off right with a healthy nutritious meal. 

One of the reasons why I love this recipe so much is that it's quick and easy to make and has minimal cleanup!  A fast breakfast doesn't have to be going to a drive-thru or something greasy.   Quick can still be healthy.  Leave the sugar-filled boxed granola at the grocery store and treat yourself to this recipe that's packed with healthy superfoods!  Loaded with omega 3, antioxidants, fiber, iron and calcium.  

You can enjoy the granola by itself or use it as a topping on Acai bowls or on greek yogurt! ( my fav) 

EASY BREEZY GRANOLA

- 1 cup of rolled oats
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
- 1 tbsp hemp hearts
- 1/2 cup of your favorite nuts
- 1/2 cup of dried fruit ( raisins, dried blueberries, dried cherries) 
- 1tbsp coconut oil
- 3 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp cinnamon 

Directions:
- Set oven to  300F
- Mix dry ingredients in a bowl, then add coconut oil and maple syrup. Stir all together.  
- Grease cookie sheet with a little coconut oil
- Spread granola
- Bake for 10mins.  Enjoy!

NOT YOUR BASIC OATMEAL

If you enjoy starting your day with a bowl full of goodness this recipe is for you!  Add some spice to your morning bowl of oats with this quick, delicious, and nutritious Carmel Chai Oatmeal.  

Caramel Chai Oatmeal

1/2 banana (mashed)
1 tsp coconut oil
1-2 Medjool dates (chopped into fine pieces)
1 tsp maca powder
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ginger
1/4 tsp nutmeg

1.  Add first three ingredients into a pan.  Stir until blended together add all the spices to the mixture.  Remove from heat.  

2. Make one serving of oatmeal.  When the oatmeal is cooked to your liking add in the banana and spice mixture.  Stir into oatmeal and transfer to a bowl.  Garnish with your favorite toppings. ( Bananas, blueberries, favorite nuts, chopped dates, raisins)  

3. Enjoy!

CARROT, QUINOA & OATMEAL BREAKFAST COOKIES

Cookies for breakfast! Before you think I completely gave up on myself, hear me out! 

These cookies are not your typical cookie.  They are packed full of healthy ingredients such as carrots and quinoa.  

In the past, I have always stayed clear of anything that said gluten free, dairy free, or vegan because they also forget to mention on the package that they are tasteless and hard as a rock.  But, I am always looking to up my nutrition game and thought I would give these cookies a shot! I am so glad I did! 

When I have an early morning flight, or a sunrise surf or ski session these are a great option for a grab and go breakfast! 

Carrot Quinoa Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies 

Serves: 12 large cookies 

* I highly recommend doubling the recipe.  (They don't last long in my house) 

Ingredients:

1 cup oat flour ( made from 1 1/4 cups whole rolled oats)

1 cup whole rolled oats 

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp salt

2 tbsp ground flax seed

1/2 cup cooked quinoa

1 cup finely shredded carrots 

1/2 cup of almond butter or peanut butter ( I used almond)

1/4 cup coconut oil

1/2 cup maple syrup

1/2 nuts or seeds ( I used almonds + pecans)

1/2 cup dried cranberries, raisins, coconut, or dates  ( pick your fav. or do a combo ) 

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 F.  Grease baking sheet with a little of coconut oil. 

2. Use a food processor or a blender to process 1 1/4 cup of oats to oat flour.  In a large bowl, stir together the first seven ingredients.( Oat flour, 1 cup of oats, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon and sea salt and flax seed).  

3. Fold in the quinoa and then shredded carrots stirring until the carrots are completely coated with flour. 

4. In a medium bowl, combine the almond butter, coconut oil, and maple syrup and stir well to incorporate.  

5. Add the wet ingredients to the bowl of dry ingredients and fold in just until combined.  Stir in nuts and dried fruit. 

6. Spoon out batter and make cookies. 

7. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool on the pan 5 minutes. 

GOLDEN TURMERIC MILK

As an athlete, I try my best to eat with a purpose.  I am always exploring new food, spices, and potions that will help energize, heal, and strengthen my body.  

When I learned all of the powerful health benefits of turmeric I knew, I had to add this healthy spice into my diet.  You may be wondering what Turmeric is?  Turmeric is a root commonly found in curry powders and yellow mustard. It is also known to turn pretty much anything yellow! So be careful. 

Turmeric helps with inflammation and joint pain along with an extensive list of other health benefits. 

Here is one of my favorite ways that I enjoy turmeric.  This lightly spiced drink is delicious and will have your body thanking you after drinking it.  Be prepared, your hands will turn yellow! : )

Golden Turmeric Elixer

* 1 cup unsweetened coconut milk or almond milk

* 1 cup water ( if you would like it creamy then use almond or coconut milk instead of water)  

* 1 cinnamon stick

* 1 1/2 inch piece of ginger unpeeled a thinly sliced

* 1 1 inch piece of turmeric or 1/2 tsp of dried turmeric

* 1 tablespoon of honey ( my favorite is Wedderspoon Wild Dandelion)

* 1 tablespoon coconut oil 

* 1/4 tsp whole black pepper

Add all ingredients into a small saucepan. Bring to a light boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about 10mins. Strain and enjoy! 

PUMPKIN SPICE PROTEIN SHAKE

As you know, my off season has begun, which means I have been putting some serious hours in the gym.  Ok well, maybe just for the past week since I have been back from my vacation.   But I have started! 

The off season (winter)  is a good time to build muscle and work out all your imbalances that you may have developed over the summer.  With all the extra hours I have been spending in the gym my body feels it.  So it's important I am fueling my body with the right foods to help my body recover faster.   

I have been getting creative and trying different protein shakes.  If you're a fan of pumpkin spice, be sure to try this recipe!  It's delicious and perfect post-gym snack. 

Pumpkin Spice Protein Shake  : makes 1 serving 

1 single serving packet of Vanilla Raw Protein 

             OR    1 scoop of Vanilla Raw Protein 

1 tsp Pumpkin Spice 

1 frozen banana

1 cup unsweetened almond milk

BALANCED IN THE KITCHEN

The word “dieting” is a touchy subject for so many people, especially women.  I am so sick and tired of people feeling like they have to be fit and be a certain size.  Society has programmed us to think everyone needs to look a certain way.  News Flash “Being fit is not a size, it's a feeling."  So love what your momma gave you and embrace those curves. 

I have never been a huge fan of dieting.  I feel like we should never get so far off track that we drastically change what we’re doing in the kitchen.  Soup diets, fat-free diets, sugar-free diets are not my thing. Hence the “balanced” B!  I eat pizza, ice cream, drink alcohol and have my fair share of red meat. But I also eat loads of healthy and nutritious foods every day!  Life is all about balance!

Being an athlete I have always looked at food as F U E L.  Never good or bad.  Food is there to nourish my body and helps build muscle and recover from skiing and working out.  Sweating your ass off and starving is ridiculous and NOT healthy.

I see it all the time— people go hard core ( usually as a New Years Resolution) with what they eat.  They cut out everything from wheat, dairy, sugar, and meats. To me, this is not sustainable if you are working out and trying to build fitness and muscle tone.  So join me #thebalancedb and strive for a balanced diet. 

Many people think eating healthy is tasteless and no fun.  I'm here to tell you it does not have to be boring, and it can taste delicious. By choosing the right ingredients and developing a few staple recipes into your weekly routine, you can save time and enjoy wonderful and flavorful meals.  I try to stay away from packaged food.  Most of the time they are loaded with sugar and crazy long words that I have no clue how to pronounce or what they are.    

Here is a Jerk Chicken Marinade Recipe that I love.  It is fresh, healthy and yes, full of flavor! 

Ingredients : 

• 1/4 cup fresh lime

• 1 red onion, chopped

• 1 habanero pepper

• 3 scallions, white and green parts, chopped

• 3 cloves (large) garlic, chopped

• 1 tbsp fresh thyme

• 1 tbsp brown sugar

• 2 tsp all spice

• 1/4 tsp nutmeg

• 1/2 tsp cinnamon

• 1 tsp salt

• 2 tsp freshly ground black pepper

• 1 1/2 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 8 small or 4 large)

Directions:

1. Place all ingredients except chicken in a blender or food processor and puree.  Pour half the marinade into a zip lock bag with chicken, reserving the rest in a lidded container in the refrigerator.  Refrigerate chicken for at least 2 hours. 

2. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.  Remove chicken from marinade, scraping (and discarding) the excess.  Grill chicken until lightly charred outsidee and cooked through.  You can serve the reserved marinade as a sauce on the side. 

3. E N J O Y !

REFRESH WITH A SPRITZER

Summer is in full swing, which means long hot days outside on the lake and behind the boat! : )

Staying hydrated is super important for optimal performance and overall good health.  While drinking eight glasses a day is great, it can also get incredibly boring.

I am lucky that I never really liked pop / soda growing up, so I never had to stop a crazy diet coke addiction! lol.  Sometimes drinking glasses and glasses of water can get old.  I discovered this drink a few months ago when I was sick and tired of just drinking water.  I generally keep my liquid calories to my morning juice, latte, and wine and this recipe caught my eye.  Homemade ginger ale!   I LOVE ginger,  so learning how to make homemade ginger ale was a no-brainer, I had to try it.   Turns out it's not only delicious, it's healthy too!  

This is where you can find me over the weekend.  : )

Ginger - Spritzer 

Serves 1 

1/2 honeydew melon (thickly sliced and remove peel)

1/2 -1-inch piece of fresh ginger (depending on how spicy you want it)

1 pear, halved 

Small handful of ice (optional)

1/2 cup sparkling mineral water, chilled

Spritz Time

Feed melon,  ginger, and then pear through juicer.  

Fill glass halfway with ice, pour in the juice.

Add the sparkling mineral water and enjoy!

DRINK UP!

Smoothies are loaded with nutrients and are the perfect drink to sip on during the hot summer months.  Rehydrate and nourish your body with this delicious smoothie! 

I recently swapped my typical smoothie routine for this spicy drink.  I would go easy on the jalapenos!  I doubled the jalapeno serving...ekkkk  Not sure why I did this! Ha. Next time, I will stick to the recipe.  : )  The  Greek yogurt makes the smoothie a little bit tart, which I loved. But, if you are looking for something sweet, I would substitute vanilla for plain yogurt.  

Enjoy!

WATERMELON AND STRAWBERRY MINT SMOOTHIE

The days are getting longer, and the weather is heating up which means summer is just around the corner!  YEAH! Bikinis, beaches, and long days out on the water.  : )

With all the fun in the sun, I have to make sure I am staying hydrated.  Here is one of my favorite smoothies that gives me the extra boost my body needs.  

4 Cups of Seedless Watermelon

3 Cups Strawberries

2-8  Mint leaves (depends how minty you would like it )

Add all ingredients to blender.  Blend until smooth.  Enjoy.

RISE AND SHINE!

I am so excited to share with you this hot beverage that is bursting with flavor.  I discovered this drink in a laid back surf town in Costa Rica.  For those of you looking for adventure,  you should check out Santa Teresa. Located 150 km from San Jose on the Nicoya Peninsula, its stunning views and friendly locals will have you adjusted to the Pura Vida lifestyle. 

This drink caught me by surprise.  I had heard about hot water and lemon for a really long time and never did it! I mean, I love coffee and what could possibly be better or replace my morning cup of goodness. Well, I am still a Coffee junkie.  Yikes. did I just say that!  But I do drink this every morning before my coffee.   Not only does it taste great you get the health benefits of lemon and ginger root.  Ginger root is a natural anti-inflammatory with high levels of anti-oxidants and lemons are an excellence source of vitamin C.  This power packed drink helps my body recover from skiing and working out. 

Directions with Juicer:                                                        

1.  Boil water

2.   Juice 1 lemon and 1 inch of ginger

3.  Pour hot water and juice mixture in cup.  

4.  Enjoy

Stovetop Directions:

1. 3 cups of boiling water

2. Add 1 lemon (sliced)

3. Add 1-2 inches of ginger (sliced)

4. Let steep for 15-20mins 

5. Enjoy