Trail Mix

Most of you know how to make this, but I thought I would post it anyway. In our house, this is a staple that we try to always have on hand. Here is an example of one kind that I make.

1 cup raw almonds
1 cup raw pecans
1 cup raw cashews
1 cup organic raisins
1/2 cup organic craisins
1/2 cup dried organic blueberry or cherries (or both)
1/2 cup carob chips or dark chocolate chips (optional)

You can also add raw pistachios, raw walnuts, and any other kind of dried fruit. We buy most of our raw nuts at Trader Joe's, but you can also get them in bulk at most grocery stores or Target. Be sure to read the label carefully so they are not loaded with bad for you oils or salts! This snack is filling and healthy! I put them in snack size ziploc baggies so we can take them anywhere!

Guacamole

This is another dip that you could do with lots of variations. We love this with organic chips as a treat or on salads, in tacos, or just plain (my daughter eats it by the spoonful)!

2-3 ripe avocados
1/2-1 lime (to taste)
Cilantro (handful-diced)
Salsa (spoonful)
Sea Salt
Garlic (diced-1-2 cloves)

Optional:
Red Onions-diced
Peppers-diced
Chili Powder

I like mine somewhat plain so I do not add onions or peppers to mine. Also, if you have fresh, flavorful tomatoes, you could dice one of those instead of adding the spoonful of salsa. Mmm, this is a perfect "football food" that is full of healthy fats and flavor!

Hummus

This is a delicious dip great with crackers, veggies, or as an addition to a sandwich or wrap! You could also add ingredients to change it up!

1 can chickpeas
2 cloves garlic
3 tbsp olive oil
lemon juice (to taste)
Sea Salt

Optional:
Tahini
Cayenne
Peppers
Extra Garlic
Anything you want

Place all ingredients into a food processor and blend. Add others or toppings to taste! Dip and enjoy!

Breakfast Smoothie

I can't believe after all these months that I haven't yet put a smoothie recipe on this site...especially since we drink a smoothie most days for breakfast. In fact, most days these are the first words out of my daughter's mouth each morning..."Can we make a smoothie?" This is just one variation, you could add/change anything to your taste. Here's one of our favorites:

1 banana
1 cup frozen strawberries
1 cup frozen mixed berries
1 cup fresh spinach
1 tbsp raw cocoa powder
1-2 tbsp MILA (raw whole chia seeds)
Coconut or Almond Milk to taste
2 eggs/protein powder

Blend until smooth. This makes enough for 3 large glasses, and it fills me up for several hours! We have also tried different fruits, kale, nuts, flax seed, and more...you can really do anything with these smoothies. We buy our frozen berries at Sam's Club in bulk so we get a better deal...you could also buy large amounts of fresh fruit during the Summer (farmer's markets) and freeze it for later use!

The New Dirty Dozen

Many people say they cannot afford to eat organic, and I understand completely. Try to buy as much organic as you can, and also check out the "Dirty Dozen"-try hardest to buy these organic because they have the most chemicals and toxins! Plus, a lot of these you can find at any local grocery store or in Winter, buy frozen organic fruits!

http://green.yahoo.com/blog/daily_green_news/332/the-new-dirty-dozen-12-foods-to-eat-organic-and-avoid-pesticide-residue.html

Celery
Peaches
Strawberries
Apples
Blueberries
Nectarines
Peppers
Spinach
Kale
Cherries
Potatoes
Grapes

Asian Wraps

This is yet another modified recipe from the Maximized Living Cookbook. I changed things to my own taste. This is a refreshing, different recipe that is very simple and fun to eat!

1 pound ground turkey/chicken
1 tbsp sesame oil (I usually use coconut oil for mine)
1 cup shiitake mushrooms/portabello mushrooms (diced)
2-3 garlic cloves (diced)
1 tbls fresh ginger (minced)
1 tbsp rice vinegar (optional)
1/3 cup soy sauce/tamari
3 tbls almond butter/nut butter
Lettuce Leaves

1. Brown turkey/chicken in a skillet with the oil.
2. After meat is mostly browned, add mushrooms, garlic, and ginger and saute'.
3. Add vinegar, almond butter, and soy sauce and simmer for about 10 minutes while stirring continuously.
4. Spoon the meat mixture into large lettuce leaves and enjoy!

This is a fun meal for kids because they can build their own wraps!

Sweet Potato Fries

Mmmm, this is one of my favorite snacks or side dishes! They are simple to make but do require a bit of time! Make lots because everyone will want seconds!

2-3 sweet potatoes (peeled and sliced into thin strips-or diced)
2 tbsp. coconut oil
Lots of ground Sea Salt

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees and melt the coconut oil on a baking sheet.
2. Peel and cut the sweet potatoes into the shape of your choice.
3. Toss the sweet potatoes into the coconut oil and add lots of Sea Salt.
4. Bake at 400 degrees for about an hour, flipping and moving every 10-15 minutes.

If you bake these carefully, they will end up crispy and ready to eat! If you prefer softer potatoes, you can also do this on the grill or bake for a shorter time! Enjoy!