Tag Archives: gluten free

Homemade Sugar Free Granola

Granola is always coined as a “health food,” and it certainly can be, but most of the time it is LOADED with added sugars and artificial flavorings. My homemade recipe is sugar free and still delicious – use it as a topping on yogurt, chia pudding, smoothie bowls or just eat it as a snack 🙂

Homemade Sugar-Free Granola Recipe

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INGREDIENTS:
• 1 cup raw unsalted almonds
• 1 cup raw unsalted cashews
• 1 cup raw unsalted walnuts
• 1 cup raw unsalted pumpkin seeds
• 1 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
• 3 cups regular gluten free rolled oats
• 1 Tbsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground dried ginger
• 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/4 cup melted coconut oil

INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Preheat the oven to 350F.
2. Place the almonds, cashews, walnuts, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, coconut and oats into a large baking dish. Add the cinnamon and ground ginger and mix to combine.
3. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil with applesauce and pour the mixture over the nuts. Mix well to coat.
4. Place the baking dish into a preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the liquid is evaporated and the nuts and oats are golden. Make sure to stir the granola every 10 minutes to ensure that it cooks evenly. Also, keep in mind that if you reduce the amount of ingredients, the granola will bake faster.
5. Take the baking dish out of the oven and let the granola cool completely.
6. Store in a glass container with a tight lid in a cool dark place.

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Healthy Holiday Baking

There is nothing better than the smell of Holiday Baking inside your home. I have found over the years easy ways to swap ingredients in order to make these sweet treats a little more healthy (and easy on your stomach) for you. I decided to round up some of my favorite healthy food bloggers and their amazing renditions of some holiday baking classics and share them with all of you!

I will start with my favorite (and year round go to cookie recipe). This cookie is very healthy and so easy to make. You can easily swap out the walnuts for another nut or even throw in some dried fruit, whatever your taste buds please..

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Fed & Fit Paleo Walnut & Dark Chocolate Chip Cookies

Now some holiday classics with a twist;

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Dark Chocolate Coffee Truffles

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Gluten Free Red Velvet Cake w/ Cream Cheese Frosting

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Paleo Gingerbread Loaf

almondcookies

No Bake Almond Cookies

I hope everyone enjoys these recipes – feel free to shoot me an email if you want ideas on how to swap ingredients or would like to find a healthier versions of one of your favorites: contact me here or comment below 🙂

Things I am Loving Lately Pt. 4

I am long overdue for another Things I am Loving Lately update so I have gathered up a few of my recent favorites from this summer as well as a few great items to transition into fall with! I hope you enjoy and decide to give a few a try..

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  • This is a local company out of New Hampshire that makes a variety of nut & herb seasonings for fish. My boyfriend and I came across them in a local grocery store and have now watched them grow into many of the local Whole Foods Markets. These seasonings are perfect over fish as well as chicken and other meats! They  are easy to use and really amp up the flavor of your dish!

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  • What are Tiger Nuts? They acutally are NOT nuts; they are a root vegetable. These little root vegetables are packed with nutrients. Tiger nuts are the highest whole food source of a unique type of fiber called resistant starch. Resistant starch is a healthy pre-biotic that feeds the good bacteria in your body to promote healthy digestion. These are great to just have as a snack or sprinkle on top of yogurt or oatmeal for some added flavor and nutrients!

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  • These English muffins are game changing! They are so flavorful and are gluten free which makes them much easier on the stomach for digestion. These english muffins are an excellent source of whole grains, fiber, and healthy fats. I LOVE topping mine with avocado, a drizzle of olive oil, and some chili flakes for a perfect breakfast.

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  • What better way to celebrate fall with a pumpkin seed snack and/or treat. These little pumpkin seeds are roasted with cocoa, coffee grounds and vanilla to create a delicious flavor combination. Super Seedz also makes other flavors; Curious Curry, Cinnamon & Sugar, Sea Salt, and Somewhat Spicy. These make for a perfect snack or even a great addition to your morning yogurt or oatmeal. Pumpkin seeds are an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats.
  • Trader Joe’s Cotillion Pinot Noir

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  • You should probably run to your local Trader Joes to get your hand on a bottle of this Pinot! It is limited edition and was created to taste just like the Meomi brand which retails at about $30, where this will only cost you about $8. This wine is light and smooth and is the perfect red wine to transition into fall with!

Bite Size Superfood Treats

I am very excited to share with you a new recipe that is the perfect fix to every sweet tooth craving. The process start to finish takes all of ten minutes; super easy! These little bites are PACKED with Superfoods and can be used for a snack, breakfast treat, or a post meal dessert! Below are just some of the benefits of all the Superfoods involved in these little treats:

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Chia Seeds = These little seeds are LOADED with antioxidants & minerals and a GREAT source of healthy fats: Omega 3’s and 5’s. Chia seeds are filled with fiber (one serving contains 11 grams!) and high quality protein. Chia seeds aid in weight loss because they keep you fuller longer. They are known to improve blood pressure and cholesterol levels and are gluten free!

Hemp Seeds = These seeds differ from chia seeds in many ways. Hemp seeds are know to be high in Magnesium, Iron & Zinc. They also have high levels of protein (about 10g per serving). Hemp seeds are best known for containing 20 amino acids; including ALL 9 of the essential amino acids our body needs to survive. Hemp seeds also contain the perfect ratio of omega 3 & 6 fatty acids. They are high in fiber and easily digested!

Goji Berries = These little red berries are known for their strength building properties and their ability to increase one’s longevity. Goji Berries contain 18 different amino acids (including the 8 essential), over 20 different minerals, high amounts of antioxidants, iron and B& E vitamins.

Cacao Nibs = This is the nut/seed of a fruit in the Amazon. It is RAW chocolate and is the #1 source of antioxidants, magnesium, iron, manganese and chromium on the planet! Cacao is known to improve cardiovascular health, improve bone strength, boosts mood and energy levels, and increases longevity. Yes, eating chocolate can help your chances of living longer (with other good healthy habits of course).

Raw (No Bake) Superfood Bites

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Ingredients:
1 cup of dates
1 tablespoon of almond butter
1/2 cup of gluten free rolled oats
1/4 cup of pumpkin seeds
1 tablespoon of chia seeds
½ cup of hemp seeds
ÂĽ cup cacao nibs
ÂĽ cup goji berries
1/4 cup chopped almonds
1 tablespoon of vanilla extract
1/2 cup water

Directions:

  1. Chop the dates into smaller pieces and make sure to remove all pits then add to your food processor and/or blender along with the water and vanilla extract and pulse until they create a paste form.
  2. Add all the remaining dry ingredients to a large bowl and mix together. Pour over the date puree and almond butter and mix thoroughly.
  3. Roll 1 inch size balls and refrigerate for 15 minutes.

Enjoy : )

recipe adapted from VeggiesDon’tBite