Cinnamon Roasted Cranberries & Sweet Potatoes

I made this super easy side for one of many Friendsgivings this year. 

(Yes, you might say I'm hashtag blessed and surrounded by so many amazing people.)

Makes: 12 servings

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 25 minutes

What you need: 

- 2 cups cranberries

- 5 sweet potatoes

- 2 tsp cinnamon

- 2 tbsp avocado oil

To make: 

1. Preheat the oven to 400* F 

2. Spray a large pan with non-stick cooking spray

3. Peel and dice sweet potatoes

4. Put diced potatoes, oil, cinnamon, and 

cranberries in a bowl and stir around

5. Place ingredients evenly on pan and bake at 400* F 

for 25 minutes (or until potatoes are soft)

6. Serve warm

7. Shout to the rooftops something you're thankful for

Easy Gluten Free Bars

Makes: 9 bars

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 25 minutes

What you need: 

- 1 cup almond flour

- 1/3 tbsp unsweetened applesauce

- 1/4 tsp salt

- 1/2 tsp baking powder

- 1/2 cup nut butter (I prefer almond)

- 1/3 cup honey

optional ingredients: 

- 1/2 cup chocolate chips

- 1/2 cup pecans, walnuts, sliced almonds

- 1/2 cup shredded coconut

- 1/3 cup raisins

- 1/3 cup chopped dates

- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds

To make: 

1. Preheat the oven to 350* F 

2. Spray a 8x8 square pan with non-stick cooking spray

3. In a bowl, mix nut butter, honey, applesauce, and salt 

4. Add almond flour, baking powder, 

and whichever optional ingredients you prefer. 

(Save a small handful of the optional ingredients to layer on top)

5. Pour the mixture in the square baking pan

6. Sprinkle with remaining topping

7. Press ingredients deep into pan

8. Bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes (until edges are brown)

9. Allow to cool and cut into bars (bars will harden slowly)

Enjoy and take on the go!

Copycat Larabars

If you've done Whole30, if you're paleo, or if you're just a health nut like myself, you're probably head over heels for Larabars. Why not make them at home for yourself?? 

I decided to share my recipe for the Apple Pie flavor because:

1. It's one of the easiest to replicate

2. It's one of my favorites

3. I LOVE PIE (but I'm also gluten free)

Time: 50 minutes

Makes: 6 bars

What you'll need: 

- 1 cup raw pecans or walnuts

- 1 cup dried apples

- 1 cup warm water

-1/4 soft whole dates (remove pits)

- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

- 1/8 tsp fine sea salt

How to make: 

1. Combine apples and dates into a small bowl with 1 cup of warm water. 

2. After 5-10 minutes, ensure fruit is soft. 

3. Drain fruit and pat dry.

4. Chop pecans (or walnuts) into a food processor until fine.

5. Add fruit to food processor and pulse until combined.

6. In a loaf pan (around 9x5), press a piece of plastic wrap. 

7. Spread a tiny bit of coconut oil on plastic wrap. 

8. Transfer mixed/processed ingredients in pan. 

9. Press down on the ingredients with a piece of parchment paper evenly. 

10. Refrigerate for 30 minutes. 

11. Enjoy.

(For those who are meal prep pros, cut into bars, wrap in plastic wrap tightly, and place in freezer for up to 3 months.)

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

I used to be a picky eater. I began to fall in love with clean eating 

after I found recipes that I enjoyed. SO many people I speak with have decided 

upfront that they don't like

 kale, brussel sprouts, eggs, you name it! 

All I can say from experience is never say never!

Here's my simple roasted brussels sprouts recipe:

Makes: 6 servings

Prep time: 15 minutes; Cook time: 45 minutes

What you need: 

3 tbs of olive oil OR coconut oil

6 cups or 1.5 lbs. or brussels sprouts

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp ground pepper

How to make it: 

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees

2. Wash brussels sprouts

3. While that is heating, chop brussel sprouts in halves

4. Place chopped sprouts, along with oil, salt, and pepper in a 

resealable bag, seal tightly, shake to coat

5. Place sprouts on baking sheet 

6. Roast in oven for 30-45 minutes

7. Be sure to shake pan every 10 minutes or so for even browning

8. You'll know they're done when brussel sprouts are a dark brown

The benefits of brussels sprouts include excellent levels of vitamin C and vitamin K. 

There are moderate levels of B vitamins. 

Enjoy your greens! 

Healthy Costco Finds

We've had a Costco membership for years. Yep, there's just two of us, but we've found it so helpful, especially when it comes to healthy eats! We're going to start with Whole30 approved items-- and while many of you might not be detoxing with Whole30, you should find these items super healthy to add to your cart. The prices marked are as of February 2017 (and obviously are not guaranteed).

spinach: sauté it (and we all know you need a lot for a little), use in a salad, the options are endless.

$3.69 for 1 lb.

This sausage is delicious!

$13.69 for 3 packs

Frozen mango is my favvvvvv. 

$10 for a 4 lb. bag

Salmon is our go-to protein for dinners at home

$26.99 for 7 portions at 6-8 oz each

Cage free eggs

$3.59 for 2 dozen

Haven't tried La Croix yet? What are you waiting for? 

$7.89 for 24 -12 oz cans

Coconut oil

$18.99 for 84 oz

Make sure your nut butter are free of sugar and oils

$7.99 for 27 oz. (that's bonkers cheap)

Romaine lettuce (I love using these for 'wraps')

$3.99 

Canned pumpkin

$6.99 for 3 -29 oz cans

Organic chicken breasts (3 pack - 6 breasts total)

$25.82/$5.99 per lb. 

Sliced almonds

$7.99 for 32 oz

The produce section is amazing -- Avocados

$6.99 for 6

Brocoli

$4.49 for 3 lbs

Organic ground beef (3 pack)

$19.99/$4.99 per lb.

Mushrooms

$4.49 for 24 oz.

Brussel sprouts

$4.49 for 2 lbs. 

Other healthy eats: 

Bare apple chips

$9.99 for 14 oz.

Coconut water

$9.99 for 12 - 11.1 oz

Organic brown rice

$12.39 for 10 lbs

Almond flour

$11.99 for 10 lbs. (this alone is worth the membership)

Avocado mayo (paleo, soy free, non-gmo, and refined sugar free)

$8.49 for 24 oz

To-go almond milk

$7.89 for 6 - 32 oz.

Perfect Bar (these our my husband's favorite)

Flavor choices: peanut butter, almond butter, cranberry crunch)

$19.99 for 12 (make for a great meal replacement)

If you're going to do "fun" nut butter, still keep it clean

$8.99 for 26 oz

Pumpkin flax granola

$5.39 for 35 oz

Organic Sunrise Energy Bars (wheat and dairy free)

$9.99 for 32 oz.

Apple Cider Vinegar 

$5.99 for 2 - 32 oz bottles

Organic Edamame Spaghetti (gf)

$9.99 for 2 lb.

This is my favorite salsa because the ingredients are clean

$6.29 for 32 oz.

Organic apple sauce

$9.99 for 24 - 3.17 oz

Organic Evoo

$14.99 for 2 ltr.

Organic hummus

$5.99 for 32 oz

We also always buy our fruit, sweet potatoes, organic coffee, pitted dates, milk, and household items at Costco. Let me know what you find! 

Healthy Pineapple Dole Whip

If you're anything like me, you LOVE Disney and a trip to the Magic Kingdom wouldn't be the same without either Mickey's Premium or a Pineapple Dole Whip. What if I told you that you can enjoy that Dole Whip at home without all that bad stuff? 

Check it: 

 Blend until creamy!

When I'm at the parks, Mickey's Premium bars and Dole Whips can be super tempting, right?? But, they're not only pricey, but we adults need all of the energy and fuel we can get for long days in the warm parks, right? What if I told you that you can fulfill that sweet tooth without all of the calories and this treat wouldn't only sustain you but also give you an extra dose of superfood vitamins!? 

I never hit the park without my shaker cup and a packet of Shakeology. 

When my friends want their Dole Whip, I've got my chocolate superfoods. 

Let me know if you want to give it a try; there's a money back guarantee so what's the harm?

Aloha!