Who doesn't need another quick, nutritious treat that you can whip up in no time, grab on the go .. and the kids love them!
Better yet, why not let the kids make them over the holidays! They really are super easy!
This week I taste tested these little delights on my clients ...
Apricot Vanilla Delights
What you need ...
1 cup almond meal
1/2 cup diced apricots
1/4 macadamia butter*
1/4 agave / maple syrup
1 splash vanilla
2 scoops vanilla protein powder
What you do ...
Process all ingredients in a food processor until they have come together.
* I used this as it's not as strong a taste as peanut butter and it gives a more caramelly (is this a word?) taste. You could try almond butter also.
Roll mixture into bite size balls and coat in desiccated coconut.
Store in fridge until you need them.
I wrap mine up all pretty and give them to my clients to say thank you for being you!
Try them and let me know what you think!
Vicki x
You've heard of them right? Chia Seeds ... You've probably even used them on your cereal. These teeny, weeny little seeds are quite the sensation and apparently your diet just isn't healthy enough unless you include these seeds in it!
So what is so fabulous about Chia Seeds ... and why should you include them in your daily healthy eating plan?
There are many benefits from eating Chia Seeds and I'm sure that more benefits will be discovered. Here's a couple of reasons you may benefit from including them in your diet ...
Source of Fibre .. 28g of chia seeds have 11g of dietary fibre. Who doesn't need more fibre?
Source of Omega 3s .. still not as much as having a piece of salmon but it's still a source if you don't like oily type fish.
Source of Calcium .. For those of you who have an aversion to dairy it goes towards your daily intake to help prevent osteoporosis.
Source of Protein .. You need to increase your protein intake? A good option especially if you are vegetarian.
Help to stabilise blood sugar .. May be beneficial to those with diabetes.
Great for hair, skin & nails .. Who doesn't need all the help they can get? OK, well maybe that's just me ...
These are just a few of the benefits of adding Chia Seeds to your diet.
In the interest of balance, here's a few little disappointing factors about Chia Seeds ...
* They can be expensive .. don't feel that you are missing out and need to rush straight down to Woollies and pick yourself up a packet of Chia Seeds.
* One tablespoon has about 70 calories. I know, I know, we don't count calories do we? This one sure packs a punch especially if you are partial to using some extra calories as a little treat after dinner .. what, that's just me again?
* The little suckers can get stuck in your teeth for hours!!
* For goodness sake, don't spill them anywhere .. you will be cleaning them up for years!
Where do I use Chia Seeds?
There are dozens of uses for Chia Seeds. All you need to do is consult with Mrs Google ( yes, I believe she is female and she knows everything, right? ) and she will bounce thousands of recipes back at you! Use them in cereal, smoothies, slices, muffins, cakes, desserts, breads ...
Personally, I have used them in smoothies for the kids, I use them in my muesli or sprinkled on top of my oats. I have a few recipes for protein / energy slices / balls that have chia seeds added.
Apparently you can also use them as an egg replacement in recipes! Let me know if you've tried this, I'd be interested to hear what that is like!
Don't want to try them, then don't worry, you can still have a healthy, balanced diet and get all the nutrients you need without adding Chia Seeds to your diet if you don't want to!
Vicki x
Finally the warmer weather seems to be going to hang around! Hands up if you are as excited as I am!
Possibly the one thing I am most excited about is the warm mornings ... enough of frozen fingers while I am trying to get my oats ready to warm my belly. On the downside ... it could be getting a little warm for cooked oats.
So, here steps in my other favourite breakfast recipe .. Homemade Muesli! Yes, I make it myself. Mostly because I can't find a muesli that I like enough to keep around.
I have my age old recipe here ... but I've changed around a few ingredients, mostly because it's what I have in the pantry at the moment!
Here's the latest version ...
Fit Mum's Homemade Muesli
3 cups rolled oats
2 tablespoons coconut flakes
2 tablespoons dried cranberries
2 tablespoons almonds, crushed a bit
2 tablespoons walnuts, crushed a bit
2 tablespoons chia seeds
2 tablespoons pepitas
Combine it all really well and store in an air tight container.
Serve it up how you love your muesli ... low fat milk, a spoonful of yoghurt, berries ... it's all up to you.
I've even given this one a go as an overnight oats option when short on time in the mornings. Provided you don't mind everything all mooshed together then eat it and run!
Why not try it over the weekend?
Vicki x
