Almond Joy Squares

Every Sunday I like to make treats :) Today I made one of the best treats ever. I absolutely LOVE coconut! So, I made a healthy version of an Almond Joy bar. It has a fudgy chocolate crust with a coconut almond topping, its delicious.

Crust:

• 1/2 C coconut oil (unrefined, organic, extra virgin)
• 1/2 C almond butter (I like Trader Joe's raw unsalted)
• 6 T cocoa powder
• 1/4 C honey
• 1/4 t vanilla extract

Over low heat, melt coconut oil and stir in almond butter and cocoa powder in a small sauce pan. Once mixed, remove from heat, add honey and vanilla. Pour mixture into an 8x8 pan. Place in the freezer while you prepare the topping.

Topping:

• 2 C unsweetened flaked coconut
• 7 T coconut oil
• 1/4 t almond extract
• 1/2 C almonds (whole, raw)

Melt coconut in a bowl in the microwave for 10 seconds. Stir in other ingredients. Pour over crust, freeze for 30 minutes, or until frozen.

Cut them into squares and eat, or store them in a plastic bag in the freezer (coconut oil softens at room temperature). Enjoy!

I'm turning into a runner!

Yesterday I ran 3 miles on the treadmill at the gym. That is a huge accomplishment for me. I have run a few 5ks and 10ks (the Mud Run in San Diego is the best!), but other than that I don't love running. I've made it a goal to start running more often and for long distances. It took me 27:10 to finish with a two minute walking warm up and only 1 2-minute walking break after 2 miles. Overall I enjoyed the run, and I felt great all day!

Boot Camp!

Yesterday at 24 Hour Fitness, I went to Boot Camp. It was an hour long intense workout with cardio, plyometrics, squats, lunges, and 15 minutes of core - mostly planks! And it was outside in 80 degree weather. It was tough! The personal trainers were there to cheer us on and motivate us to push our hardest. I loved it. This morning I was definitely feeling how hard I worked.

Almond Milk

I haven't bought cow's milk for about a year. I'm not a huge milk drinker, and I've read too many articles about it and watched a documentary that has made me never want it again.
I use almond milk instead, its the best! I don't usually drink it plain, I just use it in recipes.
I like the boxes of Almond Breeze unsweetened original, but I really like homemade. Its easy to do and kind of fun!

Put the almonds and water in the blender.

Blend on high for about 2 minutes.

Pour into strainer lined with a layer of cheesecloth.

Let it drain.

Squeeze the milk out.

All you have left is the almond pulp.

Ta-da! You have homemade almond milk :)

Almond Milk:

• 1 cup raw almonds, soaked overnight, then rinsed
• 4 cups water

I've been searching for a recipe to use the leftover almond pulp, but I haven't been very successful. I've found a couple, but they require several (from 8-20) hours in the oven.

Yummy Banana Muffins

I made the yummiest banana muffins in the world! They are packed with nutrients and are perfect on-the-go snacks. They are so light and fluffy. It's even a great gift to put the ingredients in a jar like I did for my friend, Melissa's birthday.

Yummy Banana Muffins:

• 2 ripe bananas
• 1/2 cup of almond milk
• 1/3 cup coconut oil (melted)
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 Tbs cinnamon
• 1/4 cup ground flax seeds
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 3/4 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 tsp baking powder 
• 1 tsp baking soda

Preheat oven to 350* and grease pan

Mash bananas in mixing bowl

Melt coconut oil for about 20 seconds in microwave, or until melted, add to bananas

Add almond milk, vanilla, and honey, mix well

Add dry ingredients and mix together

Bake in loaf pan for about 30 minutes, or until baked

Bake in muffin tins for about 15 minutes, or until baked

Enjoy!

Green Smoothies...

So, lately we've been hearing all about "green smoothies". Some people are obsessed, others think its a scam, or just plain nasty. I personally love them. Mostly for the nutrients and health benefits, but I actually do think they taste pretty good. I like to make one a couple mornings a week for breakfast.

Here is what I made this morning:

• handful of spinach
• 1/2 avocado
• 1 celery stalk
• 1/2 cup nonfat Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup frozen bluberries
• 1 small banana
• 1 Tablespoon ground flax seeds
• 1 Tablespoon chia seeds
• about 5-6 ounces coconut water (I use half of an 11.1 oz box)

This one is a bit on the extreme side. It was my first time using celery, its a different taste than my normal green smoothies without it so I had to get used to it, but it was still good :)

If you want a more normal tasting fruit smoothie, one I like to make is:

• handful of spinach
• 1/2 cup nonfat Greek yogurt
• 6 frozen strawberries
• 1 banana
• 1/2 cup almond milk
• ice if needed

Enjoy!