snack

Frozen Peanut Butter Banana Snack Bars

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These are the perfect snack or dessert for my fellow peanut butter lovers out there! They taste like such a decadent treat, but they are made from just a few simple and healthy ingredients! The peanut butter banana combo is tough to beat in my opinion. You can add in some chocolate chips if you want to make them feel a bit more special.

Ingredients:

For the crust:

  • 1 cup almond flour

  • ¼ cup ground flax

  • ¼ cup maple syrup

  • 3 tbsp coconut oil, melted

  • 1 tbsp cinnamon

  • ⅛ tsp salt

For the filling:

  • 1 cup smooth peanut butter

  • 1 ½ bananas

  • ¾  cup water 

  • 3 tbsp coconut oil

  • 3 tbsp maple syrup

  • 1 tsp cinnamon

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • ⅛ tsp salt

Directions:

  • Line an 8x8 baking dish with parchment paper

  • Add all ingredients for the crust into a mixing bowl and combine with a spatula.

  • Using the spatula or your hands, press the crust mixture into your baking dish creating an even layer.

  • In a blender, combine all ingredients for the filling. Blend until smooth and pour on top of crust.

  • Freeze for 3-4 hours or until set. Then cut into squares and enjoy! Store remaining bars in the freezer in an airtight container.

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Almond Butter Banana Oat Bars

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These almond butter banana oat bars are super quick to whip up, only use a handful of ingredients, and are perfect for a grab-and-go breakfast, as they are loaded with fiber, protein, and healthy fats. I also love them for a little sweet treat after dinner. These bars are made with simple ingredients you can trust, rather than granola bars that are marketed as “healthy” in stores, but have a long list of refined and processed ingredients.

Ingredients:

  • 3 ripe bananas

  • 1 1/2 cup old fashioned oats

  • 3/4 cup creamy natural almond butter

  • 3 tbsp ground flaxseed

  • 3 tbsp maple syrup

  • 2 tbsp coconut oil, melted

  • 1 tsp cinnamon

  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

Ready to go into the oven!

Ready to go into the oven!

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Coat a 8 inch square pan with small amount of coconut oil or use parchment paper

  • In large bowl, mash bananas with a fork. Then mix in coconut oil, almond butter, ground flaxseed, and maple syrup.

  • Stir in cinnamon, salt, and oats.

  • Pour batter into pan and spread evenly.

  • Bake for 25- 30 minutes and allow to cool. Slice into 8 bars.

Crispy Turmeric Chickpeas

Tumeric has gotten a lot of press and hype over the past year or so, and there’s reason for it! While it is typically used in Indian cuisine, it can be incorporated into your everyday cooking in order to reap the many benefits it has to offer. Here is my recipe for crispy turmeric chickpeas. They are quick to cook up, and are perfect for snacking or for topping soups and salads with!

Ingredients:

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  • 1 15-ounce can of chickpeas

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • ½ tsp turmeric

  • ½ tsp curry powder

  • ½ tsp salt

  • ½ tsp black pepper

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

  2. Drain chickpeas, wash and dry thoroughly. Remove any skin that comes off.

  3. In a bowl, mix together the olive oil and spices.

  4. Add chickpeas to the mixture and toss to combine.

  5. Place coated chickpeas on a baking tray and bake for about 25- 30 minutes

  6. Remove from oven, sprinkle with some sea salt, and set aside to cool so they become crispy.

NOTE: This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled! You can store them in an airtight container for up to two days.

Health Benefits of Turmeric:

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  • The active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin, which is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent. Most western diets are comprised of heavily processed foods which can lead to chronic inflammation. Turmeric helps combat this!

  • The anti-inflammatory curcumin can also help with relieving symptoms from joint pain and

  • It supports healthy cholesterol levels

  • It has anticancer effects, killing existing cancer cells and reducing the growth of new ones

  • It may slow and prevent blood clots

For more information about the health benefits of turmeric, check out these sites: