Thursday, December 12, 2013

Healthy Burrito Bowl! (Take that Chipotle!)


Okay, I gotta admit Chipotle is my favorite "fast food" restaurant. I love all the flavors and I love getting to create my own burrito bowl with whatever flavors I want! Although Chipotle is a healthier option than many of its fellow fast food chains, you can whip a quick burrito bowl at home that's even better! I'll show you how a few healthy swaps can take the classic Burrito Bowl from a health disaster to a perfectly healthy dinner!

You will Need:
  • Brown Rice or Quinoa
  • Black Beans (or any you like)
  • Bell Pepper and Onions (Sauteed or Raw)
  • Ground chicken, turkey, or lean beef (omit meat for a vegetarian bowl!)
  • Avocado 
  • Cilantro
  • Plain Greek Yogurt (sour cream substitute)
  • Salsa
  • Fresh Lime to squeeze on top!
  • A little shredded organic cheese (I usually skip the cheese, but it's totally fine in moderation!)
Why is it healthier?
  • Using brown rice instead of white rice is great because the brown rice is a whole grain, which has a lot more fiber and a lower glycemic index, meaning it doesn't turn to sugar when you digest it as fast as white rice!
  • Quinoa, my personal favorite, is actually not a grain--it's a seed, so that makes it gluten free! It's higher in protein than many grains, and it's actually a complete protein!
  •  Beans are high in fiber and protein! Using freshly cooked or plain canned beans is the best way to go, because many restaurants' beans are re-fried beans. Usually they have a lot of extra salt. Some beans even have extra meat and lard or fat added to them, as well as an unhealthy dose of salt! If you are at Chipotle, their black beans are the best choice.
  • Avacado...one of my favorite foods, is full of healthy fats! Using fresh avocado or homemade guac is always better than the store guacamole (usually full of additives!) 
  • Lean protein! A lean protein like chicken or turkey is a lot lower in saturated fat than something like a full-fat beef that is usually used in taco meat. I  usually make a big plain batch of a protein to have for the week, but if you want to mimic the flavor and texture of ground beef, use ground turkey or chicken and add taco seasoning! You can make your own seasoning by mixing chili powder, cumin, garlic, salt, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, oregano, and chili flakes!
  • Cheese....many people overdo it with this one! And many people, on the other end, think you have to skip it completely. It's perfectly fine to add a little cheese, just don't go overboard! You can easily add a couple hundred extra calories without realizing it. Your burrito shouldn't look like it just snowed cheese. Keep it to a few tablespoons. If you use organic cheese, your gonna dramatically cut down on all the preservatives and antibiotics that come with processed cheese.
  • Plain Greek yogurt is a great substitute for sour cream! It has the same thick, creamy consistency, and I think it tastes just like it! It's fat free and higher in protein! 
  • Cilantro, while usually just an afterthought garnish, is actually packed with health benefits! It's high in antioxidants and vitamins and has even been found to help prevent memory loss! It also works as a natural detoxifier in the body, which can pull out toxins and help your metabolism!
I hope this was helpful and gave you some tips and ideas on how to make your own healthy burrito bowl! Invite some friends over or have a family Burrito Bowl Night! Lay out all the toppings in bowls and everyone can create their own! Tag me on Instagram @beautyandbananas if you make one!

XoXo, Stephanie

Monday, December 9, 2013

Raspberry Chocolate Smoothie


Raspberry Chocolate Smoothie 
  • 2/3 cup frozen raspberries
  • 1 Tbs. unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 cup almond milk (adjust to desired thickness)
  • 1 scoop Perfect Fit protein powder 
  • 1 tsp. of stevia to sweeten (optional)
  • Handful of ice
Blend blend blend! Tastes just like a chocolate covered raspberry dessert!

Recipe Nutrition Benefits:
  • Raspberries are high in antioxidants, potassium, and vitam B! Their also lower in sugar than many fruits!
  • Real cocoa is also a high antioxidant super food with mood boosting properties!
  • Almond milk is high in calcium and other vitamins like A and D!
  • The protein powder (which is optional) helps keep you fuller longer, boosts metabolism and build and repair lean muscles after a workout!
Xoxo, Stephanie

Sunday, December 8, 2013

Gingerbread Protein Pancakes


These Gingerbread Protein Pancakes literally taste just like freshly baked gingerbread man cookies...Perfect for the holidays! But their totally healthy! If you haven't tried Perfect Fit Protein, I definitely recommend it! It's the cleanest protein on the market and it makes the perfect pancakes, and trust me.. I've tried a lot of pancake recipes. This is the classic "Perfect Protein Pancake" recipe, just tweaked a little! And if your wondering why my pancakes have a couple spots on them, that's because I made my dad the blueberry version...and we only have one spatula. haha
I personally think these would be even more amazing if you made them shaped like gingerbread men. If that's possible. So... If your ready to get in the holiday mood, let's get started!

Gingerbread Protein Pancakes
(serves 1)
  • 1 scoop vanilla Perfect Fit Protein
  • 1/4 cup liquid egg whites (or 2 egg whites)
  • 1/2 mashed banana
  • 1/2 Tbs. ground flaxseed
  • 1/2 tsp. ground ginger
  • 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
  • dash of nutmeg
  • splash of almond milk, as needed
Mash the banana, then whisk in egg whites. Then add remaining ingredients and mix well. Add almond milk slowly, add more or less depending on how thick you'd like the batter. Cook on medium heat for a few minutes each side. This recipe makes one large pancake or a few mini ones. Top with some pure maple syrup for the best classic gingerbread flavor!

Nutriton Facts: (just pancakes, no syrup)
185 calories, 2 g fat, 17 g fat, 25 g protein, 7 g sugar, 2 g fiber

XoXo, Stephanie




Baked Banana Oatmeal from Tone it Up!


Hey guys! Today I wanted to share with you one of my new favorite breakfast recipes! It's Banana Baked Oatmeal! I got the recipe here, from Tone it Up! I love their recipes, and baked oatmeal is a nice change from normal oats every now and then! I like to put this in the oven first thing in the morning and then go wash my face, brush my teeth, and drink a glass of water and it's ready! It tasted like freshly baked banana bread! I like to top mine with a drizzle of honey and a few walnuts! You should definitely check out Tone it Up and try out this recipe!
XoXo, Stephanie

NEW VIDEO!♡Recent Favorites! Beauty and Randoms!♡

Hey guys! These are some products I've been loving lately!



Favorites:

1. Real Techniques Contour Brush
 http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod3220069

2. Maybelline Smokey Shadow Stick Liner
http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod5540007&_requestid=515739

3. Hourglass Nude Femme Lip Stylo
http://www.sephora.com/femme-nude-lip-stylo-P381207

4. Essence Blush
http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp;jsessionid=491CB538C451F95A085B7AE0E22F2026.l-A3-app2?productId=xlsImpprod2670073

5. Neutrogena Hand Cream
http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=28492

6. Jillian Micheals Podacast


http://www.jillianmichaels.com/fit/daily-dose-podcast-radio

7. The Whole Pantry App
 http://thewholepantryapp.com/


Let me know if you try em' out!
XoXo, Stephanie

Friday, December 6, 2013

Gingerbread Cookie Bites! (Raw, Vegan, Gluten Free!)


Ready for Christmas cookies? I know I am! I love Gingerbread cookies so I made these Raw cookie bites! They are just like Lara Bars, if you're familiar with those, one of my favorite snacks! Dates and nuts are one of the most famous raw vegan desert combos, they create the perfect chewy texture! This recipe is great because it's so simple and no bake! The base is always dates and nuts so you can always tweak for endless flavor options! Dates are often called "Natures Candy", so you know these are naturally sweet! These are a perfect healthy treat or even a great, to bring to a holiday party, or even a quick pre workout snack! 

Gingerbread Cookie Bites
Recipe adapted from Southern in Law
Makes 6-10 bites
  • 2/3 dates
  • 1/2 cup almonds
  • 1/4 cup pecans (or walnuts)
  • 1/4 cup oats (use gluten free if needed or substitute shredded coconut)
  • 1/2 tsp. ginger
  • 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
  • 2-3 Tbs. water, as needed
1. In a food processor, first chop up your dates. It may take a few minutes since their so chewy.
2. Add in your oats, almonds, pecans, and spices and process until the mix begins to form a "clump". It will be powdery at first, but just keep blending, just keep blending....
3. If your mix is too try, simply add in some water - just a couple of drops at a time. 
4. Remove the mixture from the processor and form into balls.
5. Roll in crushed almonds or shredded coconut for garnish and a little extra texture!
6. Place into a container to chill. 
Eat within a week, stored in the fridge or store in the freezer to keep for longer. 

XoXo, Stephanie