Vanilla Chai (Optionally Green) Breakfast Smoothie

March 10th, 2014 | Posted by Alison Spath in Breakfast - (11 Comments)

Perhaps you’re a regular smoothie drinker, or perhaps you’re on a smoothie hiatus for the winter.  Either way, I was recently amazed at the way the right combo of spices can turn an otherwise ordinary banana and milk smoothie into a Chai masterpiece.

If you like chai and you like smoothies, this is your drink.

Vanilla Chia Breakfast Smoothie

Actually, this was my drink.  You are going to have to make your own.

I recently happened upon this chai latte coconut almond smoothie through my Internet (err, Pinterest) travels.  My version is definitely “inspired by” that recipe, but the beauty of this chai smoothie concept is that you can take cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, nutmeg, cloves and black pepper to chai-ify (new word!) any smoothie you might already make.  Read more...

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Muesli (with Pumpkin Seeds!)

February 25th, 2014 | Posted by Alison Spath in Breakfast - (5 Comments)

I’ve been on a muesli kick for the last two weeks or so.

Museli Mix

And just in time, because pumpkin seeds are on the list of healthy, affordable foods – and pumpkin seeds go great in muesli!

Pumpkin Seeds or Pepitas

If you aren’t in the know, muesli is a cereal combo (usually) made with oats, nuts, seeds and dried or fresh fruit.  Bananas have been my fresh fruit of choice lately, but frozen, thawed strawberries have been known to make an appearance in my bowl too.

Top with Banana  Read more...

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Healthy Oatmeal Pumpkin Snack Cookies

December 19th, 2013 | Posted by Alison Spath in Healthy Snack Attack - (Comments Off on Healthy Oatmeal Pumpkin Snack Cookies)

I’m calling these cookies “healthy” because a.) they aren’t loaded with sugar and b.) they contain squash.

(Well, pumpkin – but pumpkin is a squash last time I checked.  Consider this your homeschooling lesson of the day.)

They are sweetened only with banana and a little maple syrup, which makes them low enough in sugar that I feel I can throw the word “snack” into the title as well, while also keeping my conscience clear.

Healthy Oatmeal Pumpkin Maple Cookies

I whipped these together yesterday morning using this banana oatmeal cookie recipe as my starting point, subbing pumpkin for flour and using maple syrup instead of white sugar.  Read more...

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A Healthy Shamrock Shake

March 16th, 2013 | Posted by Alison Spath in Morning Craziness - (2 Comments)

A few days ago my dad (who is also a runner) asked if I was going to run the “Johnny’s Runnin’ of the Green” on Saturday, the annual St. Patrick’s Day race here in Rochester.

I said no, I was too busy with half marathon training – and besides, I’d rather be Eatin’ of the Green.

(I didn’t really say that last part.)

Fast forward to this morning, in the car and less than 2 minutes away from my yoga class, I discovered the road I was about to turn onto was closed – blockaded by cop cars with flashing lights and caution tape. It was then that I noticed all the runners dressed in green costumes, green shirts, hats and sparkly shamrock antennae.  Read more...

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Smoothie Math Fail

March 5th, 2013 | Posted by Alison Spath in Breakfast - (5 Comments)

Have you ever made something really, really good – but then just plain forgot to ever make it again?

Maybe it’s because it’s too painful to remember. Our brain knows that we will feel so sad we don’t have that delicious food item in front of us at this very moment, it protects us from the pain and won’t allow us to relive it. Not even a little memory jog so you can make it again. It’s like PTSD, except from food. I’ve got Post Traumatic Smoothie Disorder.  Read more...

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The Greener March Challenge

March 1st, 2013 | Posted by Alison Spath in Vegetable Lovin' - (10 Comments)

It’s March 1. It’s time to start thinking spring.  It’s time starting thinking green.

In my post about choices leading to habits, I mentioned the role that green smoothies played in my journey to better, more enjoyable running.   Devann left a comment on that post about rounding up some friends to do a 30 day green smoothie challenge and she invited me to join them.

I like it.  Let’s do it.  Read more...

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