Popeye knew what he was doing when he was eating all that spinach! It nourishes our eyes, builds our bones, and helps with our digestive system. Spinach is full of vitamins and minerals. Did you know that research studies suggest that spinach in juice form is one of the healthiest ways to consume the green goodness? It's true! Of course, I wouldn't want to drink straight spinach juice. That sounds gross. But I love this secret spinach smoothie -- it's full of spinach but you can't even taste it. Instead, it tastes like a chocolate, peanut butter, banana smoothie! Perfect to give those Continue Reading
Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie
I love smoothie bars. Once when we were in Knoxville visiting family, I went to The Juice Bar literally every day to get a smoothie for lunch. They were amazing! The great thing about smoothies is you can make them at home -- and you don't have to know how to cook! Smoothies are easy to make, healthy for you, and so delicious! This chocolate peanut butter banana smoothie is no different. Here's what you'll need: Cocoa powder Peanut butter (or almond butter) Bananas, sliced and frozen Honey Milk (or almond milk) Start by slicing the bananas and putting them in the Continue Reading
Italian Beef
Sometimes I feel like all we eat is chicken around here. Probably because I don't like hamburger, as I've told you before. But I do like beef. Just not in hamburger form. So I started making Italian beef, and it is delicious! It is juicy and flavorful and has a zip to it! Here's what you'll need: Roast (round or rump) Italian dressing mix Banana pepper rings Onion Garlic First, put the roast in your crock pot. Sprinkle the Italian dressing mix on top. Pour the whole jar of pepper rings on top -- peppers and liquid. Mince the garlic and put it inside the crock Continue Reading
Post-Workout Food Options
Like I've mentioned before during my veggie posts, I've been working out a lot lately. Riding the bike machine at the gym on post and then walking/jogging on a treadmill at an incline. I'm not a fitness master. I'm not in great shape. But I'm stronger than I was yesterday. As long as I'm keeping up with my workout each day, I'm always stronger than the day before. I'm improving. Slowly. But I am. When I get home after my workout, I either shower or eat depending on how hungry I am. I usually get home from the gym close to noon, so it's lunch time. The worst thing to do would be to open Continue Reading
Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
This bread is way better than your normal banana bread. Even my husband loved it and it has chocolate in it! I made it the other day and it was ready and still warm when Travis got home from work. Supper wasn't quite ready yet, so it was the perfect appetizer for him since he walks in the door starving every day. Making my husband happy when he walks in that door brings us both sunshine! Here's what you'll need: Yellow cake mix Eggs Overripe bananas Chocolate chips Mash up the bananas. I think four bananas would be best, but I only had two so I just went with it! (It Continue Reading
Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bites
I got home from working out and had a salad for lunch. It was good, but within an hour I was hungry for something else. Something sweet. I was tempted to pull out a bag of Reese's cups or grab a spoon and a pint of chocolate peanut butter ice cream from the freezer. But instead, I went with something a smidge healthier. I still got the chocolate and peanut butter taste, but I threw in a banana! Fruit = healthy, right? Well, it turns out bananas are a great post-workout food! They have fast-acting carbs that help restore your body's energy levels and rebuild damaged muscles. Plus, it has Continue Reading
Fruit Pops
School has begun! I've seen all kinds of "first day" photos on Facebook. Today, my brother and cousin start classes at college. Yes, summer is almost over. I believe summer lasts through August, and fall doesn't begin until September does. So in these last couple weeks of summer, how better to celebrate than with these easy and tasty fruit pops? Here's what you'll need: Strawberries (a little over 1 cup) Banana (half of one, if that) Honey (not much) Yogurt (1/2 cup) Blender Popsicle maker-things (What are those called?) Start by blending the 1 cup of strawberries Continue Reading