almond milk

Healthier Hot Chocolate!

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Hot Chocolate is a staple in the winter months! I love having a steaming cup of hot chocolate by the fire on a winter day - nothing says cozier more than that in my opinion! The packaged hot chocolate mixes are full of sugar and unnecessary ingredients, which is why I made a healthier version so I can enjoy my treat and still feel great. Use whatever kind of milk that you prefer when making this recipe, and feel free to add a drop of peppermint or vanilla extract to make it extra special :)

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups unsweetened vanilla almond milk (I use MALK or Three Trees)

  • 2 tbsp maple syrup

  • 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder

Approved my these kiddos too (my nephews)!

Approved my these kiddos too (my nephews)!

Directions:

  • Add all ingredients to a pot over and stir to combine over low heat.

  • Serve plain or with marshmallows, a candy cane, or whatever you like!

Sweet Quinoa Breakfast Bowl

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This is another great way to use leftover quinoa. This wholesome, high fiber and protein breakfast will truly keep you full and satisfied all morning long!

Ingredients:

(serves 1)

  • I cup cooked quinoa

  • ½ cup unsweetened almond milk

  • ½ banana, sliced

  • ¼ tsp cinnamon

  • 2 tbsp toasted pecan pieces

  • 2 tbsp toasted shredded coconut

  • Small handful of blueberries

Directions

  • Add cooked quinoa, almond milk, cinnamon, and banana slices to a small saucepan and cook over medium-low heat for about 5-10 minutes or until quinoa is warmed through and has absorbed the almond milk. Add more almond milk if needed.

  • Place into a breakfast bowl, top with pecans, shredded coconut, and blueberries and serve

Alternatively (and if you have the time), take uncooked quinoa and cook it according to package cooking directions, with almond milk as the liquid.

Feel free to get creative with this recipe! Top with sliced apple, add in maple syrup or honey, chia or hemp seeds, pomegranate seeds and figs… you name it!

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Pumpkin Smoothie

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You can have this smoothie for breakfast, but if you’re like me, you’d rather have it for dessert! It tastes like a pumpkin milkshake, but you can fully enjoy it knowing there is no dairy or refined sugars. The banana adds a natural sweetness and the spices make this smoothie/milkshake taste festive and seasonal. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

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  • 1 banana

  • 1 cup frozen cauliflower

  • ½ cup pumpkin puree

  • ½ cup and 2 tbsp unsweetened almond milk

  • ½ tsp pumpkin pie spice

  • ⅛ tsp cinnamon

  • 1 tbsp almond butter


Directions:

  • Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth

Tip! Make this into a smoothie bowl by topping with toasted pecans, coconut, and banana slices with a sprinkling of cinnamon.

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Beet and Berry Smoothie

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When I was at my older sister’s house a few months ago, she made her kids (ages 5 and 3) pink smoothies as a snack. I thought it was such a smart idea to entice her kids with colorful smoothies in order have them get some nutrient-dense fruits into their bodies! If you put a banana or a date into a smoothie, the natural sweetness will cover up any “veggie flavor.” I don’t remember exactly how my sister made her smoothie, but it inspired me to create my own version. I use beets to give this smoothie a rich pink color, plus they are anti-inflammatory and support detoxification in our livers. For the beets, no need to cook them. I just peel one, chop it up, and throw it into my blender.

Ingredients

(serves 1)

  • 1 medium sized beet, peeled and roughly chopped (or 1 cup frozen beets)

  • 1 cup frozen organic strawberries

  • ½ cup unsweetened almond milk

  • ½ banana

  • 2 tsp ground flax seeds

Instructions

  • Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth

  • Top with sliced bananas and cinnamon (optional)


You can always improvise! You can add a scoop of almond butter or some protein powder to make it more filling! You can even add a few dashes of cinnamon to create a more warming flavor. To make this smoothie sweeter and more appealing to your children, try adding a full banana instead of just half. Enjoy!


Carrot Cake Overnight Oats

This high fiber breakfast is a great option for when you’re on the go! I recommend making two servings at a time so you can have breakfast ready to go for two mornings. These oats taste decadent, but are guilt-free! The combination of high-fiber, complex carbs (oats and carrots) and healthy fats (chia seeds) will keep you feeling full and will keep things moving through your digestive tract.

Shown here with shredded coconut and a pinch of cinnamon

Shown here with shredded coconut and a pinch of cinnamon

Ingredients: (makes 2 servings)

  • 1 cup rolled oats

  • 1/4 cup carrots, finely grated

  • 1 tablespoon chia seeds

  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 2 teaspoons maple syrup

  • 1 cup unsweetened almond milk

Directions:

  • Mix all ingredients together.

  • Let sit overnight in the fridge and enjoy the next day!

  • Try topping with raisins, walnuts, and shredded coconut!

Healthy Banana "Ice Cream"

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This recipe literally takes two minutes to whip up. It’s a guilt-free and decadent dessert. For best results, enjoy immediately! I personally like to top mine with a drizzle of honey and a pinch of sea salt. Whenever I have bananas that are starting to lose their vibrancy, I peel them and throw them in the freezer. Then I can add them to smoothies or quickly whip up this delicious dessert when I’m craving something sweet after dinner.

 

Ingredients:

  • 2 slightly overripe bananas (frozen)

  • ½ cup of unsweetened almond milk

  • ½ tsp cinnamon

  • ½ tsp vanilla

Directions:

  • Blend until smooth

  • Top with your favorite toppings (honey, sea salt, maple syrup, chocolate chips, coconut flakes…)

  • Enjoy!

 
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Health Benefits of Bananas:

  • They have high amounts of potassium, which is beneficial for circulatory health, lowering blood pressure, and preventing muscle cramps. Potassium also helps improve cardiovascular and kidney functioning.

  • They can be an energy booster because their carbohydrate content becomes quick-releasing sugars that your body instantly uses.

  • They can help enhance your mood! Bananas contain tryptophan, an amino acid, which produces serotonin, one of our main “happy hormones.”

  • Greener, unripened bananas are an excellent source of prebiotics. We hear a lot about probiotics (healthy gut bacteria), but we also need prebiotics, also known as resistant starch, to feed the good bacteria!