Tag: Healthy

Whole 30 Recap & Recipes

Whole 30 Recap & Recipes

If you follow us on Instagram, you may have seen that we did our first Whole 30 during the month of August. And we survived! With no major cheats! Which is cause for celebration in itself. If you haven’t heard of the Whole 30 program, 

Chobani Simply 100

Chobani Simply 100

As baking bloggers, we struggle with finding a balance between eating dessert and being healthy. We try to incorporate some exercise into our visits together, like hot yoga to detox after a New Year’s in Boise or a hike in Portland to counteract countless scoops 

Make Ahead Smoothie Packs

Make Ahead Smoothie Packs

Happy New Year! Along with the rest of the world, making healthy choices in the kitchen is on my 2016 Goals list. I don’t like calling them New Year’s resolutions. I’m not sure why, but goals seems like a more tangible word, something you can accomplish and cross off a list. No one is talking about their New Year’s Resolutions come September (let’s be real, come February) but “goals” remind you to work on them all year long.

Make Ahead Frozen Smoothie Packs - a grab and go healthy breakfast option | longdistancebaking.com

I would like to think I eat fairly healthy for lunch and dinner most of the time, but breakfast is where I fall short. I’m usually always running late (also on the Goals list!) and don’t have anything prepared beforehand. My hope with these pre-made smoothie packs is that I can grab one, dump them in a blender and go.

I wanted a variety of flavors because I’m notorious for getting bored with the same thing and then not eating it. The three flavors I started out with are:

Make Ahead Frozen Smoothie Packs - a grab and go healthy breakfast option | longdistancebaking.comStrawberry Banana: a classic flavor combo no one can resist

Make Ahead Frozen Smoothie Packs - a grab and go healthy breakfast option | longdistancebaking.comVery Berry: I’m a firm believer the more kinds of berries you throw together the better the outcome

Make Ahead Frozen Smoothie Packs - a grab and go healthy breakfast option | longdistancebaking.comTropical: this ended up being the “greenest” looking smoothie of the bunch, but it’s my favorite!

Each pack started out with one banana as a base, the fruits (fresh or frozen work), and then a handful of spinach. The spinach could easily be omitted or substituted with kale or other leafy greens. I like greek yogurt in my smoothies to make them creamier (and more filling!) so I’ve been adding a scoop of that into the blender as well. Protein powder, chia seeds, oatmeal…really anything can be added the day of. Top it off with some water or juice and you’ve got yourself a delicious, quick and healthy breakfast.

I probably only spent about an hour assembling these smoothie packs and it was worth every minute! I’ve already found myself reaching for these pre-made bags instead of muffins or other carb loaded portable options. I’m just wishing I’d done this sooner!

Make Ahead Frozen Smoothie Packs - a grab and go healthy breakfast option | longdistancebaking.com

If you’re looking for more motivation, Liz from The Lemon Bowl and Dara from Cookin’ Canuck are hosting a Healthy New Year Challenge, full of delicious recipes, fitness motivation and challenges along the way. It’s always more fun if you’re making these healthy changes with friends, so be sure to check it out.

Cheers to 2016!

~Stephanie

Strawberry Banana Smoothie Pack

  • 2 bananas, sliced
  • 1 c strawberries, halved
  • handful spinach

Very Berry Smoothie Pack

  • 1 banana, sliced
  • 1 c strawberries, halved
  • 1 c blueberries
  • handful spinach

Tropical Smoothie Pack

  • 1 banana, sliced
  • 1 c pineapple
  • 1 c mango
  • handful spinach
  1. Label freezer safe ziplock bag.
  2. Add all ingredients into bag and seal, trying to remove as much air as possible.
  3. Freeze for up to 3 months.
  4. When ready to make smoothie, pour contents into blender along with 1/2-3/4c water or juice in order to reach desired consistency. Blend until smooth.
Haystack Energy Bites

Haystack Energy Bites

Two posts in a row that involve peanut butter… yep, I’m on a PB kick. But then again, when am I not? My cousin is getting married in less than two weeks. We just celebrated her bachelorette party in Vegas at the end of May 

Farro Salad

Farro Salad

Guys, I’m on a health kick. Yes, I know I say that often on here but when you have a blog that is dedicated to baked goods and desserts, health kicks are needed to keep yourself in check. At least they are for me. For 

Egg Muffins- on the go!

Egg Muffins- on the go!

eggmuffin_2Guys, my sister made food last night. And no, it wasn’t boxed mac & cheese.

Let me back up. My sister has made some dinners in the past. She’s made homemade ravioli once and mushroom risotto and a veggie quinoa. Yet, she always asks me to make her an egg because she claims she can’t make one. I don’t consider myself a mean sister, but I don’t always make her one when she asks. Tough love, sis, tough love.
eggmuffin

But I came home last night and she had made these mini egg muffins for a quick on the go breakfast. And they are delicious!!

In an effort to eat better, I took two for lunch at work and wished I grabbed more. They are filling and protein packed but so tasty that you could eat them all.
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Kara, you finally made eggs. I’m so proud!

-Kelly 

Recipe from Taste of Home

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 pound pork sausage (or sausage of choice)
  • 12 eggs
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 1/2 cup chopped green pepper
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp pepper
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheese

Directions:

  1. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees and spray muffin pan.
  2. In medium saucepan, cook sausage over medium heat. Set aside.
  3. In large bowl, combine eggs, onion, green pepper and seasonings.
  4. Stir in sausage and cheese.
  5. Spoon mixture into muffin tins.
  6. Bake 20-25 minutes. Enjoy!
Nutella Protein Smoothie

Nutella Protein Smoothie

I don’t know if it’s because I’ve been binge watching The Americans all week or because the weather is slightly chilly but I’ve been on a sugar kick lately. And it’s time to cut back. Obviously judging from the title though, I’m taking baby steps