{Mason Jar Parfaits}

 

In an effort to be better prepared with her food, my mom was inspired to make these mason jar parfaits as a quick, on-the-go snack. Upon seeing them in her fridge last week I was instantly smitten and couldn't pass up sharing the cute idea with you!

As it is a passion of mine to make and prepare good meals and snacks so they are readily available, I love how quick and easy these would be to pack in your lunch or to grab for a snack. Simply make sure the lid is snug and they will keep in the fridge for up to a week.

But as I thought more about them, I fell completely in love with the idea of serving them at a brunch themed party or shower! You could simply serve a topping like homemade granola or nuts on the side (so they don't get soggy) for people to add themselves. Of course, it wouldn't hurt to add some sweet ribbon or twine around the jars for a pop of color!

Thanks Mom, for this sweet and simple idea!

To make:

Fill each mason jar with about 1-2 teaspoons of honey. Next, fill with about 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt. Top with fresh, seasonal berries.

An Ice Cold Treat!

I recently found this delicious (and healthy!) version of a frappuccino that is guaranteed to satisfy your craving for a cold treat this summer! I tried it out yesterday afternoon and was pleasantly surprised at how long it stayed with me (gotta love that addition of protein powder!). And served up in my Starbucks re-useable cup, I actually fooled my senses into thinking it really was a sweet splurge!

A Healthier Frappuccino
Recipe from Oxygen magazine
serves 1

8 oz. Almond milk (I used unsweetened vanilla)
1 scoop vanilla protein powder
1 packet instant decaf coffee (like Starbucks Via)
Stevia, to taste
ice

Place all ingredients in a blender and mix until smooth. Enjoy!

If Elvis Had a Cookie...

This little combo would have been his signature! I found this recipe last week and just knew I had to try it! I mean, who can resist a good peanut butter, banana, chocolate combo? Not me-especially when it's a clean version! They were everything I hoped they would be and perfectly crisp right out of the oven (making it far too difficult to stop after just one!).

Banana & Peanut Butter Flaxseed Cookies
recipe from Clean Eating Magazine

2 cups whole-wheat pastry flour
2 tbsp ground flaxseed
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp sea salt
1 medium banana, mashed
3/4 cup pure maple syrup
1 cup unsalted natural peanut butter
2 tsp pure vanilla
1/4 cup mini dark chocolate chips, optional

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, combine flour, flaxseed, baking soda and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, mash banana with a fork. Stir in maple syrup, peanut butter and vanilla until well combined.
Add flour mixture to banana mixture, stirring just to combine; do not over-mix. Fold in chocolate chips, if desired. Drop dough by rounded tablespoons onto baking sheet. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until lightly browned. Transfer sheet to a wire rack to cool slightly, about 2 minutes. Remove cookies from sheet and let cool directly on rack.

Snack Savvy

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 Snack Nirvana!

These chips coupled with this amazing hummus is quite possibly my new favorite snack! So much in fact, that despite having two containers of hummus and a huge bag of these chips (ahem, we just went to Costco), I hesitated telling my husband what a fab combo they made, in fears that he might agree and eat them all! Horrible, right? I'm hoarding hummus! Bus alas, I did share and he does agree it's a pretty delish duo. Don't you think that warrants trying them for yourself? 

No seriously, what are you waiting for...? 

Happy snacking!

Oh My!

 

Let me just confess that summer + pregnancy = Popsicle obsession! Though this summer, I've gone through them far too quickly to deal with making them myself, as I have in previous years. But these two intriguing combinations have me reconsidering my diy efforts! Excuse me, but Avocado and Blackberry & Greek yogurt? Are you joking me?? Pardon the drool...these are definitely on my list to make before Summer comes to a close!

And just in case you, too want a healthy dose of Popsicle nirvana, here are the recipes.

image/CupofJo

Sustenance

As I mentioned in this post, one of my to-dos last weekend was planning out and prepping the snacks we will bring on our road trip. And I've got to say, I'm pretty excited with the spread I decided on! Silly I know, but in a quest to avoid stopping for nasty fast food, I wanted us to have plenty of healthy/tasty options while we're on the road. And I think I've succeeded!

Here's the rundown of what will be in our cooler:

Orzo salad w/ shredded chicken: I will be making my own version of a Mediterranean inspired pasta salad for lunch.

Lemon protein bars: After making these last week, I knew they would be a great road companion! Perfect little "dessert" without the sugar overload!

Fruit/veggies: We'll have plenty of options, like: berries, grapes, apple slices, carrots, bell peppers and celery to snack on.

Individual peanut butter: I usually wouldn't spend the moolah on these sort of convenience foods, but the chocolate and maple flavors were a steal at 2/$1! They will be great to spread on celery sticks and apple slices. Plus, I grabbed a few extra to keep in my purse for those pesky hunger pangs that sometimes strike unexpectedly.

Hand picked trail mix: A blend of raw cashews and almonds, pumpkin seeds, banana chips, dried cranberries and shaved unsweetened coconut. This is really for my husband, who can't get enough of the stuff!

Jerky: A must for long trips!

Larabar minis: I was planning on just packing two Larabars, but then I found a box of minis in some of my favorite flavors! How could I resist?

Water: And lots of it!!!

That should be enough to get us through the roughly 10 hour drive (maybe 11 with all the pee breaks!). And of course, we'll be at our first destination by Saturday evening, so dinner will be in Portland!

When Life Gives You Lemons...

Make lemons bars! Or rather, Clean Eating approved lemon protein bars that taste more sinful than healthy! This past weekend, Ben-a-Fit had a booth at a local 5k.  And to encourage potential clients to come chat with us, I brought a few batches of these healthful little treats. With an indulgently moist and cake-like texture, you might never know they were good for you! If you like lemon bars, then you are in for a real treat!

Jamie Eason's Lemon Protein Bars
recipe from Bodybuilding.com
 
Ingredients
1 cup oat flour
2 scoops vanilla when protein powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
*2 qt mix Crystal Light (preferably without aspartame)
4 egg whites
1/2 cup Splenda, Truvia, or Ideal
8 oz no-sugar added applesauce
4 oz water

Method
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Mix oat flour, vanilla whey protein, salt, baking soda and crystal light, in large bowl.
3. Mix egg whites, Splenda, applesauce and water in a bowl.
4. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and mix together.
5. Spray 8x8 glass baking dish with non-stick butter spray.
6. Pour ingredients into dish and bake 23 minutes.

*A note on the Crystal Light mix, you may want to play with the amount you add, as the amount listed could be a bit "tangy" for your liking.

image/via