25 Active Date Ideas

While going on dates can certainly be fun, a typical night out with a romantic partner often ends up being focused on eating and drinking. While a date at a night bar or restaurant is definitely deserved, why not think outside the box when it comes to spending an afternoon or evening with a partner?

Here are 25 — yes, 25 — active date ideas you can do any time of the year. Within this list, there has to be at least of a handful of activities you both will thoroughly enjoy.

Low-Key Date Ideas

Walk the dogs. If either of you has a pup, take a long walk with your dog together! If neither of you are pet owners, consider volunteering at a shelter and playing with the pups who need a home.

Mini golf. Walk around those 18 mini holes versus sitting on a bar stool. Mini golf is fun and keeps you on your toes, both figurately and literally.

Restorative yoga. A nice restore yoga class lengthens your limbs, relaxes your mind, and helps your body repair and rejuvenate. At the end of a class, you usually feel so good — a great feeling to also share with a partner.

Bowling. Lace up your bowling shoes and hit the alley. Walking up and down the bowling lane has to count for something. Just try to avoid the fried food that’s often sold at the bowling alley.

Explore the farmers market. Keep your body moving while moving around the maze at a farmers market. Bonus points for buying some fresh produce and making a healthy meal together when you get home.

Sledding. If the snow is in full-force, you don’t need to stay stuck inside. Grab a sled and head to the nearest hill for some sledding with your boo. Walking up the hill is a sneaky hill workout, too!

Tubing. Whether summer or winter, make a day out of it and go tubing. Whether you’re in the snow or on the water, staying seated in a tube is actually a sneaky core exercise, since you need to use your abs to ensure you don’t fall off.

Ice skating. A romantic evening out could mean heading to the ice rink. Hand in hand, skate around the rink while catching up on each other’s lives.

Rolling skating. For something a little easier than ice, roller skating is a fun and old-school way to get the heart pumping while enjoying some laughs together. If you’re extra cautious, wear some knee and elbow pads to protect your limbs.

Beach volleyball. Instead of basking in the sun on a beach chair all day, get up and go over to the volleyball nets. You’ll be guaranteed to build up a sweat on the sandy court — and can choose to be on your partner’s team, or add some friendly competition to your relationship and go 1 v 1.

Charity walk. To get your steps in and do something good for the world, go on a charity walk together. You can easily look up and see which ones are happening in a city or town near you.  

Laser tag. For some unconventional and creative fun, embrace your inner-kid and go play laser tag! You might be surprised by how much running and lunging you’ll end up doing.

 

High-Intense Dates

Snorkeling. For the adventurous spirits, make a date that’s slightly closer to the ocean floor. Take a snorkeling class together and swim and explore the sea to your heart’s content.

Tough Mudder. A date idea definitely outside of the box is signing up for an adventure race, like a Tough Mudder. These are obstacle-course style races that combine running with climbing, balancing, crawling, and jumping. Athletic couples would love something like this!

Paddleboarding. Head to a local lake in the summer and give your arms, legs, and core a sneaky workout while you’re enjoying the views with your date. Paddleboarding forces you to focus on your balance, too!

Kayak. If you’d prefer to stay seated, kayaking is another great summertime workout and date idea. You’ll be working your arm muscles while enjoying the serene scenes and the sun.

Rock climbing. Skip Tuesday takeout and head to the rock climbing gym instead. Rock climbing is especially fun with a partner since your loved one can be the belayer while you climb up the wall. Just remember to take turns!

Downhill skiing. If you live near the mountains, make a day out of hitting the slopes after a good snowstorm. Downhill skiing is a great workout for your quads and hamstrings.

Biking. Hopping on a bike with a beau is super fun and great for your body. Go on a cruise around town, or use it as your mode of transportation as you head to a restaurant or bar.

Running. Increase your endorphins together by going on a run! Running with a partner also helps motivate you to get out the door if you find it’s hard to lace up your shoes and get going.

Hiking. For a long day on your feet, pick a route and hit the trail with your loved one. You can choose from a leisurely two-mile hike, or do something longer with more elevation gain. Either option is more active than going to the movies.

Cross country ski. Cross-country skiing is a great aerobic exercise and a perfect excuse to get outside during the winter months. You can rent skis at a nearby store if you’re a beginner and aren’t ready to invest in a setup quite yet.

Spin class. To get hot and sweaty with your date, go to a spin class together. Spinning is super fun, intense, and a great way to get moving with your loved one.

Salsa dance club. If you want to learn something new, get your body moving, and share intimate time with your partner, check out a salsa dance class! They’re often offered at bars, so you can reward yourself with a drink afterward.

Run a 5K! Lastly, to add a little competition and a lot of fun to your day, run a race together! A 5K is a perfect distance for a date — not too short, not too long.

 

Get moving and grooving on your next date night! No matter what the weather is like, there is something you can do with your loved one that is fun, active, and will get your body moving in more ways than one.

 

 

 

12 Smart Food Swaps For A Healthy Heart

February is American Heart Month, and one of the best ways to maintain good heart health is to watch what you eat. Instead of depriving ourselves of delicious foods, we came up with some healthy swaps so you can still eat foods that will delight your taste buds, while also knowing you’re doing your body a favor.

 

1.Top your oatmeal with fresh fruit instead of sugar.

While a hearty bowl of oatmeal is a great start, we can add so much sugar to oats that it cancels out the health benefits. Instead of adding brown sugar or maple syrup, mix in fresh fruit to sweeten the oats up naturally while getting in some extra vitamins and minerals. For example, blueberries are an amazing topping since they are packed with vitamin C and manganese, along with antioxidants and anti-inflammatories that can keep your heart happy and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Pro-tip: For any fruits you love that are hard to find fresh, peek in the freezer aisle and grab the frozen version.

2. Choose eggs over cereal.

Another way to kick off your morning on the right foot is to choose an eggwhite sandwich (or keep the yolk!) over a bowl of cereal. Contrary to popular belief, an egg or two a day won’t lead to a dangerous spike in cholesterol. Instead, they are packed with protein, rich in vitamin D, B6, B12, and full of minerals like zinc, iron, and copper. This makes for a way better breakfast than cereal, which contains a lot of processed sugar and simple carbs.

3. Chow down on a homemade veggie burger versus a beef burger.

While meat in moderation is fine, our beef with beef is it’s high in unhealthy saturated fats, which has been connected to increasing “bad” LDL cholesterol. On the flip side, baking a homemade veggie burger means you’re in control of what you consume. Black bean and legume burgers are filled with protein and fiber without the extra fat. Chickpeas, sweet potatoes, and carrots are also great veggies to add to your burger. And not to worry; if you’re short on time, you can buy a premade veggie burger. Just make sure to read the label and watch out for added preservatives and sugar!

4. Add avocado versus mayo to sandwiches.

If you’re in need of a healthy condiment to spread on your sandwich, mashed avocado is a tasty substitute for mayonnaise. Avocado is rich in healthy monounsaturated fats that help lower inflammation and could also protect your heart. You’ll also get nutrients and fiber from avocados that you won’t get from mayo, which is filled with fats and oils.

5. Drink water with a splash of juice instead of fruit juice

If you want to stay hydrated but bored by your basic glass of water, add a splash of fruit juice to your glass versus drinking an entire cup of juice. You’d be surprised at how much flavor just a slash adds, giving you a tasty drink without all those extra calories from sugar.

6. Snack on walnuts (or any nut!) instead of chips.

If you’re craving a salty snack to hold you over until dinner, grab a handful of walnuts over chips. While chips contain sneaky amounts of saturated fats, walnuts are chock full of vitamin E and help boost your intake of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids — which are great for the heart, brain, and skin. Whenever possible, choose raw and unsalted nuts over the roasted and salted versions.

7. Eat grilled salmon instead of steak.

Like hamburgers, steak can also be filled with saturated fats which can elevate our levels of LDL cholesterol. For a heart-healthy superstar at the dinner table, a fatty fish like salmon contains a hefty amount of omega-3 fatty acids (the same polyunsaturated fats that are found in walnuts) which have been shown to benefit the heart and brain. Salmon is also an excellent source of selenium, an antioxidant.

8. Say so-long to white side dishes and enjoy green ones.

If you need some side dishes for a meal, skip the white starch — things like rice, potatoes, noodles, and bread. These foods could contribute to high blood sugar and could put you at risk for heart disease. Instead, fill your plates with greens like kale, broccoli, spinach, or brussel sprouts. You can steam them or saute them, roast ‘em or keep them raw.  However you enjoy them, adding green vegetables to your plate can lower high cholesterol and reduce internal inflammation, two risk factors for heart disease.

9. Use spinach instead of iceberg lettuce in salads

Speaking of greens, add dark green leafy greens like spinach and kale to your salad over iceberg lettuce. While the latter is devoid of heart-healthy vitamins and minerals, spinach is rich in iron, vitamin K, vitamin A, and vitamin C, and also contains manganese, magnesium, iron, and vitamin B2. There is a reason Popeye is obsessed with spinach. You should be, too!

10. Use more spices and less salt when cooking dishes.

While there’s nothing wrong with a bit of salt, people often use that as their default spice when needing to add extra flavor to a dish. If you have an existing heart condition, it’s especially important to watch your sodium intake. So instead of salt, add spices like garlic powder, ginger, pepper, lemon juice, or cumin to your food.

11. Enjoy a glass of red wine instead of a soda.

You can thank us later for this one. If you want to sip on something with a meal, skip the sugary soda and enjoy a glass of red wine. Some studies show that moderate amounts of alcohol (that means one drink for women and two for men) can contribute to happy heart health, and may even improve good HDL cholesterol levels. Red wine also contains polyphenols, which can increase the good cholesterol in our bodies and decrease inflammation. Cheers!

12. Swap baked goods out for dark chocolate.

To satisfy the sweet tooth in all of us, grab a nice chunk of dark chocolate versus a batch of baked goods. Cookies and cakes are chock-full of sugar, hydrogenated oils, simple carbs, and sugar, whereas chocolate has a smaller ingredient list. Chocolate’s main ingredient, cocoa, contains flavanols that help lower blood pressure and improve blood vessel function. Even better, some small studies show that dark chocolate can improve health heart and lower the risk of heart disease! Just don’t go too overboard; enjoy a square or two from a bar, verses chowing down on the entire thing.

 

With these small swaps, you should see major improvements in your health. Focus on one healthy swap a day, and consider increasing the number of healthy choices you make as you go on. Before you know it, you’ll be eating better than ever before, while never sacrificing flavor.

 

 

21 Quick & Easy Breakfast Ideas For Busy Mornings

No matter if your day starts slow like a Sunday morning or is go-go-go, breakfast is still the most important meal of the day. The key to making sure you don’t skip it as you’re running out the door? One of these 21 Quick & Easy Breakfast Ideas.

If you are like us, then breakfast has always been a meal we have struggled with. We would rather squeeze in an extra 20 minutes of sleep than get up and make breakfast. And, to be honest, we have never really had much of an appetite in the morning. Unless you count our appetite for coffee and in that case we are definitely breakfast fans!

Over time we came to realize the importance of breakfast.  Not only does it help set the tone for our day, but it gives us the energy we need to work at our most optimal level and helps with weight management. Did you know that breakfast eaters have a tendency to weigh less? Yup! Those early morning eats prevent cravings later in the day. Who would have guessed!

That’s why we created easy breakfast foods like burritos, scramble bowls, and oatmeal. All of these are quick and easy breakfast options that can be ready in less than 5 minutes. But, for the days when you want something just a little bit ‘extra’ we have you covered there too!

Almost all 21 of these easy breakfast ideas can be made in less than 5 minutes. Some can be prepped the Sunday or night before, so the only time you’ll spend in the morning is opening the refrigerator door and grabbing your meal.

From meal prepped oatmeal to breakfast sandwiches and bagels, breakfast tacos, nachos and more. We have compiled a roundup of the most delicious easy breakfast ideas that you will want to keep on hand! Whether you decide to start the day sweet or savory, the one thing we can guarantee is that you will be out the door and off to a good start with one of these easy breakfast options in hand.

When you’re looking for a sweet start:

Strawberry Oatmeal Parfait

Easy Breakfast Strawberry Oatmeal Parfait

With a few simple ingredients, this Healthy Strawberry Oatmeal Parfait comes together in minutes making a fast and delicious way to start your day.

Meal Prep Oatmeal – 8 Ways

Easy Breakfast Ideas - Meal Prep Oatmeal

Oatmeal in a jar is the meal prep recipe that will change your morning routine. All it takes is 5 minutes of prep work the night before to ensure that you have an easy and energizing breakfast as you run out the door. A perfect grab-n-go idea!

Quick & Easy Oatmeal with Fruit

Easy Breakfast Ideas - Oatmeal and fruit

All you need is 3 minutes to cook this nutty bowl of oatmeal. Top it with fresh fruit and a drizzle of maple syrup for a satisfying breakfast in less than 5 minutes.

Pancake Puffs With Fruit & Syrup

Easy Breakfast Ideas Pancake Puffs With Fruit

You would never believe that you could be enjoying pancakes for breakfast in less than 5 minutes. Tack on an extra minute or two to plate nicely and add some fruit and syrup….you have what feels like a Sunday brunch in no time!

Pancake Puff Yogurt Bowls

Easy Breakfast Ideas - Pancake Puff Yogurt Bowls

Sometimes a simple yogurt bowl is all you need. While your pancake puffs cook, add yogurt, granola, nuts/seeds and fruit to a bowl. You will have a fast breakfast with a balance of carbs, protein and healthy fats in less than 5 minutes.

Sweet & Savory Pancake Puffs

Easy Breakfast Ideas - Pancake Puffs and Egg White Patties

It’s a double date with our pancake puffs and egg white patties. This sweet and savory duo requires less than 5 minutes in the microwave. We added some fresh fruit and avocado for healthy fats and good measure.

PB&J Waffles Sandwiches

Easy Breakfast Ideas - PBJ Waffle Sandwiches

PBJ is a staple for both breakfast and lunch. Toast 2 of our frozen waffles and layer with your favorite nut butter and jam. You will be transported back to your childhood in less than 5 minutes.

Apple Walnut Waffles

Easy Breakfast Ideas - Apple Walnut Topped Waffles

Feeling something a little more fancy with your waffles? Take 1 minute to top them with your favorite yogurt, sliced apples, walnuts, and a drizzle of maple syrup. If you slice your apple while the waffles toast, then you can be diving into this plate in less than 5 minutes.

Simple Topped Buttermilk Waffles

Easy Breakfast Ideas - Buttermilk Waffles With Toppings

When everyone in the house wants something different, just pull out all of the stops! All 3 of these topping combinations are ready in less than 5 minutes!

Option 1: Vanilla yogurt + raspberries + pomegranate seeds

Option 2: Nutella + sliced pears + pomegranate seeds

Option 3: Peanut butter + bananas + shredded coconut

 

When you’re looking for a savory start:

Turkey Sausage Breakfast Potato Boats

Easy Breakfast Foods - Turkey Sausage Potato Boats

This easy to prepare Breakfast Turkey Sausage Potato Boat recipe is made with only 3 ingredients. Made in just minutes, baked potatoes are filled with our hearty Turkey Sausage Egg White Bowl and finished off with feta cheese for a balanced start to your day. Great for meal prep too!

Bacon & Egg Breakfast Bowl Lettuce Wraps

Bacon Egg Breakfast Bowl Lettuce Wraps

Have you jumped on the lettuce wrap train yet? If not, this is an easy way to do it! Just cook up one of our Frozen Bacon Breakfast Bowls and wrap it inside crunchy layers of your favorite lettuce! It’s a perfect eat-on-the-go idea!

Turkey Sausage Breakfast Bowl Tacos

Turkey Sausage Breakfast Tacos

Turkey Sausage Scramble Bowl Breakfast Tacos are a quick and nutrient dense way to kick-start your morning! With only 3 ingredients, this gluten-free breakfast can be in your hands in less than 5 minutes!

Bacon Egg Scramble Bowl Breakfast Nachos

Bacon Egg Scramble Bowl Breakfast Nachos

That’s right. We said Bacon & Egg Scramble Bowl Breakfast Nachos!  Tortilla chips layered with bacon, eggs, avocado, cojita cheese, fresh salsa, jalapeno, and cilantro make these breakfast nachos an epic way to start your day — in less than 5 minutes, of course!

Turkey Sausage Scramble Bowl and Pesto Toast

Turkey Sausage Scramble Bowl Toast

Are you a fan of toast Tuesday? We thought so! In that case, this combo is sure to satisfy! While toasting your favorite bread, cook your frozen breakfast meal in the microwave. When the toast is done layer it with pesto and your cooked breakfast bowl. The flavors are out of this world!

High Protein Egg White Breakfast Sandwiches

High Protein Egg White Patty Breakfast Sandwich

Never miss breakfast again with these easy to make, high protein egg white patty breakfast sandwiches. Great for mornings when you need something fast!

Make Ahead Egg White Patty Freezer Sandwiches

Make Ahead Egg White Patty Freezer Sandwiches

Easy Make-Ahead Egg White Patty Freezer Breakfast Sandwiches that are healthier than any fast food version! Whole grain English muffins are filled with high protein, low calorie egg white patties, lean ham, cheddar cheese for a quick and satisfying breakfast on-the-go!

Low Carb Egg White Patty Breakfast Tacos

Low Carb Egg White Patty Breakfast Tacos

Low Carb Egg White Patty Breakfast Tacos are a delicious, gluten-free, high-protein start to your day! Simple to make egg white patties are filled with guacamole, bacon, salsa, cilantro and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.

Bacon, Egg White Patty & Avocado Breakfast Sandwich

Bacon, Egg White Patty and Avocado Breakfast Sandwich

The secret to this epic sandwich? Having prepared bacon on hand and a few egg white patties that can be made in less than 2 minutes. Layer it all between 2 slices of toast with avocado (and cheese, if desired) for a killer start to your day!

Egg White Patty & Guacamole Bagels

Egg White Patty & Guacamole Bagels

Egg White Patty & Guacamole Breakfast Bagels are the way mornings were meant to start! Fresh bagels layered with an easy homemade guacamole, 60-second egg white patties and finished off with fresh cilantro. It doesn’t get any easier!

Southwestern Veggie Breakfast Burrito & Fruit

Southwestern Veggie Breakfast Burrito & Fruit

Who doesn’t love a breakfast burrito?! Warm one up in the microwave in less than 3 minutes and enjoy right away with fruit, or go one extra step and crisp the outside in a skillet to give it that golden color. Either way, this balanced plate can be ready to go in less than 10 minutes.

And when all else fails, just grab a burrito as you’re running out the door!Turkey Sausage Breakfast Burrito

Some days you just need to grab it and go! Toss one in your freezer bag and heat it at work for a 3 minute, easy, fast and balanced breakfast!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

15 Easy Ways To Elevate Your Frozen Meals

Yes, we are big fans of popping a meal into the microwave when you need something fast. I mean, we wouldn’t be in business if we weren’t, right? But sometimes you want something just a little bit more, let’s say, ‘homemade.’ There is no need to make something completely from scratch when you can go the “semi-homemade” route instead. You know, by combining your favorite frozen meal with a few other ingredients and giving it a little bit of flare.

We put together these 15 recipes to elevate your frozen meal into something easy and fun! Oh, and let’s not forget delicious. Your friends and family won’t believe that these recipes started from frozen.

Egg White Patties

Egg White Patty Breakfast Sandwiches

Egg White Patty & Guacamole Breakfast Bagel

You wouldn’t believe that this high protein breakfast bagel could be made in less than 3 minutes! Plus, egg (whites) and avocado. Pretty much a breakfast requirement, right?

Egg White Patty & Bacon Breakfast Sandwiches

Egg White Patty & Bacon Breakfast Sandwiches

Life is always better when bacon is involved. This breakfast sandwich made with whole grain bread, spinach, cheese, egg white patties and bacon comes together in less than 10 minutes. That’s less time than it takes to order at your local coffee shop.

Egg White Patty B.L.T Salad

Egg White Patty BLT Salad

We told you life was better with bacon! Skip the bread and add in some fresh greens for a low carb meal made with your favorite BLT ingredients like egg white patties in 5 minutes flat!

Low Carb Egg White Patty Breakfast Tacos

Low Carb Egg White Patty Breakfast Tacos

Tacos for breakfast? We think so. The best part? No taco shells are needed. Our high-protein egg white patties do just the trip helping you scoop that bacon, avocado, and salsa straight to your mouth.

Breakfast Scramble Bowls

Breakfast Turkey Sausage Scramble Bowl Potato Boats

Sail away, sail away….with these turkey breakfast potato boats. Use your leftover potatoes and fill them with our high-protein breakfast scramble bowl for a smooth sailing morning.

Bacon & Egg Scramble Bowl Breakfast Pizza

Uncured Bacon & Egg Scramble Bowl Breakfast Pizza

Just when you thought pizza wasn’t meant for breakfast. In swoops, this recipe made with your favorite store-bought crust and our bacon Egg Scramble bowl.

Open Faced Southwestern Veggie Bowl Omelette

Open Faced Southwestern Veggie Bowl Omelette

Your Sunday brunch guests will definitely be impressed! Who knew that topping your simple egg omelet with our flavorful Southwestern Veggie Scramble bowl could result in such a simple, yet fancy meal!

Bacon & Egg Scramble Bowl Skillet Breakfast Nachos

Bacon & Egg Scramble Bowl Breakfast Nachos

This is nacho average breakfast! Grab your favorite tortilla chips and toss them in a skillet and finish them off with our Bacon Egg Scramble bowl, avocado, salsa, cheese, and cilantro!

Entree Meals

Chicken Black Bean Bowl Pizza

Chicken Black Bean Bowl Pizza

It may not be as fun as pizza for breakfast, but it still beats Friday night takeout any day! A simple pizza crust topped with our Chicken Black Bean Bowl not only has more protein and fiber than your local pizzeria pizza but is cheaper, too!

Steak Black Bean Bowl Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Steak & Black Bean Bowl Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are the perfect vessel for everything, don’t you think? Meal prep a few extra sweet potatoes on Sunday and then fill them with our Steak Black Bean bowl for a hearty, satisfying and fiber-rich meal that is ready in less than 5 minutes.

Buffalo Style Chicken Mac & Cheese Sliders

buffalo style chicken mac & cheese sliders

You know when your friends call you last minute to bring something to the weekend BBQ or football party? This is your solution. A few slider rolls, our Buffalo Chicken Style Mac & Cheese and bacon. Enough said.

Chicken Black Bean Bowl Sheet Pan Nachos

Chicken Black Bean Bowl Sheet Pan Nachos

Don’t we all have those nights when we just want to eat nachos and watch Netflix? Easy solution? Top your favorite tortillas with our Chicken Black Bean Bowl, cheese, guacamole and you are set for movie night!

Pancake Puffs

Pancake Puff Ice Cream Sundae Bowls

Pancake Puff Ice Cream Sundae Bowls

Is it breakfast or is it dessert? Either way, sweetening up your pancake puffs with a few toppings is sure to please any crowd! Or go all out and have a “build your own” pancake puff ice cream sundae bar! We bet everyone will love it.

Waffles

Dark Chocolate Waffle Dippers

Dark Chocolate Waffle Dippers

Studies show that if you start your day with chocolate you have a tendency to weigh less. That is reason enough for us to dip our waffles into some heart-healthy dark chocolate and enjoy!

Oatmeal

8 Fun Ways To Eat Oatmeal

They say “Variety is the spice of life”, right? And they also say, “Eat The Rainbow.” So, we figure why not knock out 2 birds with one stone and meal prep our organic oatmeal 8 different ways.

Cozy Self-Care Rituals to Try During the Holidays

It’s the most wonderful time of the year — yet it also might be one of the most stressful. The holidays are usually jam-packed with stuff — ranging from lots of food and family time to holiday parties, evening events, gift giving, and trips to visit loved ones.

When you jam a lot of good into a month or so, it begins to take a toll on your mental and physical health. Whether you love or loathe the holidays, you’re going to undoubtedly feel tired, stressed, and most likely in need for some solo chill time.

It’s important to take care of yourself so you can stay energized and joyful as we head towards the new year! Rather than simply describing a few typical self-care tips, here are some especially comfy ones you can do to feel extra cozy and cared-for this holiday season.

7 Cozy Self-Care Rituals for the Holidays

Meditate lying down. Meditating is a hard but super rewarding habit to form. Yet no matter how seasoned of a meditator you are, it’s sometimes uncomfortable! (I’ve been there: trying to keep my back upright, my shoulders relaxed, and instead I’m thinking about my aching spine and hips.) I recently discovered that meditating while lying down allows me to focus way more on my breathing than my body. It’s also way more comfortable! So give it a whirl; lie down on a soft floor (carpet works great) and focus on counting your inhales and exhales. For some guided support, use an app like Headspace or Calm. Keep it cozy by wearing warm socks, and if you have it, turn on a diffuser that’s filled with peppermint and lavender oil to really set the mood.

Enjoy a cup of tea before bed. Tea is scientifically proven to be calming and relaxing while packing a punch when it comes to nutritional benefits. In the cold months, get into the habit of sipping on some herbal teas, which can be great for fighting colds, boosting your immune system, and improving digestion. And if you’re anything like me, you’re probably eating a bit more than you normally do during the holidays — so anything to help your stomach digest food is an A+ in my book!

Take a warm bath with essential oils. Nobody can bother you when you’re in the bathroom. Put your tub to good use and start taking more bubble baths! The warm water will soothe your body and mind, and the quiet time will allow you to disconnect from others. Leave your phone behind and take a book with you to the bath instead. For some extra calming effects, add a drop or two of eucalyptus oil. You’ll feel like you’re at a spa.

Up the ante on your sleep. Sleep is always super important, but it might be even more critical during the holidays. Stay cognizant of how many Zzz’s you’re getting a night, and try not to lose sleep no matter how packed your schedule might be. Squeezing in some afternoon naps may help, too, so if you have the flexibility to doze off for a bit during the day, take advantage of that as a way to recharge.

Try yin yoga. Yoga is always a great tool for relaxing your mind. Yin is especially a helpful way to give yourself some self-love. Yin Yoga involves variations of seated and supine poses that are typically held for 3 to 5 minutes, with the goal of accessing deeper layers of the fascia tissues. It’s both intense and extremely rejuvenating; you’ll leave the class feeling like you have a new set of muscles!

Do things by candlelight. For some reason, the flickering of a candle adds a mood to the room that’s both calming and soothing. Decorate your home with candles throughout the house, and use them when you’re reading at night, while you’re taking said bubble bath, or when you’re having a romantic dinner with friends or loved ones. Dim the lights and break out the wicks — the atmosphere it creates will most certainly make your spirits soar.

Eat well with room for indulgence. Food is often the main attraction during the holidays. And while nobody can argue that holiday cookies aren’t delicious, the number of sweets and salts we eat can become stressful. Rather than worrying about an uptick in your cookie consumption, give yourself a healthy bout of room for indulging, while focusing on eating healthy whenever possible. You can eat that extra slice of pie, and then perhaps make yourself a healthful veggie omelet the next morning. Maybe skip the second glass of wine and instead make a cup of hot tea to enjoy before bed.

At the end of the day, the holidays are all about balance: balancing social stuff with solo-time, eating both salads and sweets, and checking in with yourself to see if you’re taking on too much. Hopefully, these self-care suggestions can help you feel a little bit more ease and allow you to enjoy all the fun and love that encompasses this time of the year.

Simple Tips for Reducing Mealtime Stress

While eating around the dinner table might be relaxing, getting the whole family there with a healthy and home-cooked meal on everyone’s plate might be quite the hassle. Especially with school and fall in full-time force, you need to bounce hectic schedules, shorter days, and most likely a picky eater or two.

We’re here to help. Mealtime, whether that’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner, doesn’t need to be full of stress. If you enjoy cooking, we want you to keep it that way! Here are some tips to bring back the fun in food and ensure that the whole family is appreciative and relaxed when it’s time to dig in.

Let’s Toast to This: How to Ease Meal Time Anxiety

Set a routine.

The easiest way to make something a habit is to form a routine. While your schedule may vary day-to-day, consider how you can set a schedule for when you start cooking and who is helping out.

For example:

  • Set a time to start cooking every evening. If you’re home from work by 5:00 pm and the family doesn’t have any evening activities on Mondays and Wednesdays, use those evenings to start cooking at 5:30 pm, so everyone is happy and fed by 7:00 pm. If there are other days when the family is getting home later, you can adjust your schedule accordingly. The main thing is to stick to whatever times you create for yourself.
  • Prep in the morning. If morning meal prep is your fancy, enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning and scan the internet for fun recipes you can make at night.
  • Get ahead of schedule. Sometimes, making lunches the night before is a lot easier than doing it the morning of. While this might be a harder habit to start, try to prepare lunches while everyone is (hopefully) in the kitchen helping you clean up from dinner. That way it’s one less thing to worry about the next morning.

Meal prep!

The easiest way to help stick to a routine is to prep your meals. This could look like a few different things:

  • Carve out an afternoon. A lot of people enjoy using Sunday’s as a meal prep day. You can take an afternoon to make a big batch of soup, roast a few pans of veggies, make some meatballs, and cook up quinoa or couscous. This will help to make the actual meal a lot easier during the week, and will especially assist when it comes to packing lunches for school.
  • Make a list. Instead of scanning the aisles at the grocery store, figure out what meals you want to make during the week and create a grocery list that hits on all the ingredients you’ll need. That way you’ll have just enough of everything and will be less likely to splurge on unnecessary foods and will save some money, too.
  • Freeze big batches of food. Lastly, a lot of folks enjoy making meals and freezing them. If you know you have a busy few weeks coming up, you can make things like lasagna, homemade veggie burgers, soups, and burritos, and then stick them in the freezer. These are always great to have on hand if you run into a busy evening and don’t have time to whip something up yourself.

Get a helping hand.

You should never have to go it alone. Involving your family is a way to take all the burden off of you while making cooking a fun, family activity. Here are some ways to get some extra hands in the kitchen:

  • Assign roles. A fun thing for a partner or kid to do is to assign them the “sous chef” role. This means they can do some of the chopping, prepping, blending, and mixing in the kitchen, while you focus on cooking the meal.
  • Assign days. Give different people in your family cookies responsibilities throughout the week. Make Friday night “date night,” where you and your partner take turns cooking meals for one another. If one of your kids wants to learn how to make pasta, give him or her the chance to on Wednesdays. Pancakes are always a hit, too, so assign that to someone for a lazy Sunday morning.

Consider a meal kit service.

If you love to cook but hate coming up with the meals, or simply don’t enjoy getting the ingredients, then a meal service might be a great thing to consider. They’re also fun because you get to learn how to cook things you might never have thought to make yourself. Some meal services include Blue Apron, Sun Basket, and Plated. If you want to skip the cooking and have fresh, organic meals right in your own grocery aisle, we can’t help but suggest Good Food Made Simple.

Streamline breakfast.

While breakfast is the most important meal of the day, it can also be the most hectic, especially if everyone is trying to get out the door. Don’t worry about trying to put together a gourmet meal before 7 am; instead, streamline the process. Here are some tips:

  • Make overnight oats! The night before, you can put together a batch of overnight oats that will be creamy and delicious in the morning. For one serving, grab a jar and add ½ cup of oats. Pour in one cup of milk (almond milk works great, too!), two tbsp of nuts, a tsp of cinnamon, and a quick squeeze of honey. You’ll have an instant yummy and nutritious breakfast in the morning. Or better yet, use our frozen organic oatmeal to create a fast oatmeal parfait like this!
  • Blend your breakfast. Smoothies are awesome because they’re quick to make and packed with lots of vitamins and minerals. Invest in a good blender, and add a mix of frozen fruit, almond milk, protein (whether protein powder or nut butter) and a handful of spinach. Make a big batch, blend and let everyone enjoy!

Treat yo’self to takeout.

Three meals a day, seven days a week…all that cooking adds up! It’s nearly impossible to make meals all week long, so you should allow yourself some wiggle room. Here are a few fun ideas:

  • Make Mondays a takeout night. While Sunday’s are notorious for some Chinese or pizza delivery, Monday’s are typically the most stressful night of the week. To ease some of that chaos, give yourself a break and order takeout at the beginning of the week.
  • Look for healthy options! It’s easy to succumb to fried food when ordering in, but explore some of the healthier, to-go choices in your town.
  • Rotate who chooses what meal each time. In order to give everyone a voice, each week (or however often you decide to eat-in) allow one person to choose where you’re ordering from. This lets you mix things up and is a fun way to give someone a yummy responsibility.

Making meals should be fun. Hopefully, some of these tips take the stress out of the kitchen and allow you to enjoy the process, savor the delicious and nutritious food, and ensure that the whole family is involved in mealtime prep and planning.

Buttermilk Waffle Monte Cristo

The best part of breakfast is eating it any time of the day! The combination of crispy buttermilk waffles, ham, cheese, and a sweet jam make this Buttermilk Waffle Monte Cristo recipe perfect for breakfast, lunch or even dinner. 

Buttermilk Waffle Monte Cristo

Since breakfast is always on our mind, we thought it was the perfect time to share one of our favorite remixes with you. Let us introduce you to this epic Buttermilk Waffle Monte Cristo.

If you’re not familiar with the Monte Cristo, it is traditionally made with a filling of ham, turkey, and cheese. Then it is dipped in batter and deep fried. Although we love the traditional version, they are are not our jam. (Pun intended)

Instead, we have remade the traditional recipe into something healthier with a breakfast twist thanks to our buttermilk waffles and some raspberry jam for sweetness. We removed the batter and deep frying and swapped it for baking to give the outside the same crunch as a traditional Monte Cristo.

We opted to use our Buttermilk Waffles in this recipe, but our Blueberry Waffles would be just as lovely! You could also you another flavor jam and swap the ham with turkey if that’s more appetizing.

Lastly, we listed the powdered sugar as optional, which it is. However, it is something we would highly recommend to make it feel a little bit more like the traditional version. It might make more sense to save that for serving this at Sunday brunch, but truth be told, we have prepared this and taken it to work – powdered sugar and all.

For our vegetarian friends out there, you can easily swap the ham for your favorite vegetarian meat alternative. Or, forgo it altogether and use extra cheese instead. And for a Thanksgiving twist, swap the ham for some leftover turkey and cranberry sauce! *chefs kiss*

Buttermilk Waffle Monte Cristo Ingredients:

4 buttermilk waffles 

1/2 cup shredded swiss cheese

1/4 pound thinly sliced ham

2 tbs dijon mustard

1/4 cup raspberry jam

powdered sugar, optional

Buttermilk Waffle Monte Cristo

The best part of breakfast is eating it any time of the day! The combination of crispy buttermilk waffles, ham, cheese, and a sweet jam make this Buttermilk Waffle Monte Cristo recipe perfect for breakfast, lunch or even dinner. 
Course Breakfast
Keyword Buttermilk Waffles
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 2 sandwiches

Ingredients

  • 4 Buttermilk Waffles
  • 1/2 cup shredded swiss cheese
  • 1/4 pound thinly sliced ham
  • 2 tbs dijon mustard
  • 1/4 cup raspberry jam or preserves

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
  • Heat waffles according to package directions.
  • Layer 2 waffles with: jam, ham, cheese.
  • Spread 1 tbs on each of the remaining 2 waffles.
  • Top each of the ham waffles with the mustard waffles.
  • Place the waffles in the oven and bake until the cheese is melted and waffles are crisp. About 10-12 minutes.
  • Finish off with powdered sugar, if desired.

How to Eat Mindfully During the Holidays

With the holiday season in full-swing — Thanksgiving spreads on the table, Christmas cookies in the oven, and Hanukkah latkes in the frying pan — it’s easy to equate this time of year with fun, family, and a lot of food. While indulging during the holidays is perfectly okay, and we shouldn’t stress about putting certain treats in our bodies, it’s easy to go overboard and lose complete control of how and what we eat.

There’s a way to enjoy the rich and delicious holiday feasts while still being mindful of what we’re putting it into our bodies, and balancing it with fresh, whole foods. By doing this, we won’t have to worry about making any new year’s resolutions around losing weight or getting our eating habits back on track; if we start now, we can exit the holidays and enter the new year feeling better than we do today!

First Up: What Is Mindful Eating?

Before we dive into the holiday health tips and tricks that will allow us to eat more mindfully and feel more in control during the holidays, let’s take a step back to clarify what mindful eating really is.

To do that, let’s take yet another step back and talk about mindless eating. Mindless eating is when you start eating food while distracted — you’re not enjoying the taste or noticing how much you’re consuming. Think: going through a whole bag of potato chips while scrolling your phone and not even realizing it. Mindless eating can lead to weight gain and obesity, along with feelings of anxiety and depression.

On the flip side, mindful eating is when you are paying attention to what you’re feeding your body. You’re enjoying it, too, and eating slowly and with awareness. The best example of mindful eating is to eat a bowl of oatmeal without a laptop or smartphone nearby. Simply notice how each bite tastes, feels, and smells. You’ll most likely eat a lot slower, feel more satisfied, and not feel the need to indulge in a chocolate croissant afterward.

How to Eat Mindfully During the Holidays

Here are some ways to practice mindful eating so you can feel in control, satisfied with your food, and be more confident in your body.

Eat when you’re hungry! This might sound obvious, but it can be a real tough one for us. Before you unravel a blueberry muffin “because it’s 8 am,” tune into your body and figure out if you’re actually hungry. If you’re not, wait until your hunger cues kick in. And once you do start to chow down, eat slow enough so you know when your body is satisfied and you don’t overeat.

Drink a glass of water before every meal. It’s easy for us to confuse hunger with thirst. Before every meal, drink a nice glass of water; not only will it help with digestion, it will also allow your body to absorb nutrients and prevent you from stuffing yourself with too much food. A morning glass of water with lemon in it is also a nice way to jumpstart your digestive track.

Control your portions. During the holidays, there is usually more food on the table than necessary. Before getting a big scoop of everything (we’re looking at you, Thanksgiving dinner) pay attention to portion size.

Reconsider seconds. Speaking of portion size, in addition to going in for too much food, we also love to help ourselves to seconds, or even thirds! Before you dive in for a second serving of mashed potatoes, sit back and take a few deep breaths. Notice if your body is actually still hungry and needs that second helping, and if it doesn’t, say no thanks and make yourself something soothing, like a cup of hot tea.

Keep the electronics away. It’s easy to start eating mindlessly when we’re distracted by our phones, computers, or tv screens. Whenever you eat a meal, whether alone or with a group, turn off any and all electronics and keep ‘em out of sight.

Slow. Down. The best way to eat enough and know when you’re truly satisfied is to eat slowly. This will give your body enough time to send signals to your brain that you have eaten enough, and don’t need three more heaping servings of pecan pie. While you eat slowly, pay attention to how the food really tastes — you’ll be surprised to notice how much more enjoyable that bite really is.

Keep a food diary. In order to truly understand what you’re eating all day long, consider keeping a food journal! This will allow you to track every single thing you eat  — yep, even those handful of M&Ms and roasted peanuts — throughout the day. You might be surprised at how much you eat, especially between meals, and it could help you clean up some habits and start to eat with more awareness and control.

Start and end each day with some fresh. Begin and end your day on a high note. For breakfast, go for a piece of fresh fruit and a spinach scramble bowl over a processed baked good, and end your evening with some herbal tea. If you still feel hungry before hitting the hay, slice up a banana or eat a handful of raw almonds.

Give yourself some wiggle room! This last holiday health tip is the most important one. Remember: It’s okay to not eat perfectly during the holidays. While being mindful is important, you also have to be flexible. Sure, you might not be starving when you go for a second Christmas cookie, and that’s okay. (Just don’t make that a daily habit!) While this shouldn’t be the norm, you have to carve in some small space to stuff yourself silly — my favorite is on Christmas Eve — or else you’ll deprive yourself and be more likely to binge on all the sweets later on. Be mindful when you eat, be kind to yourself when you slip up, and enjoy the holidays for everything they offer.

Breakfast. The Most Important Meal Of The Day?

Lately, there’s been a big debate around the breakfast table. Is this meal really the most important of the day? Will you actually consume less calories for lunch and dinner if you eat eggs and bacon first-thing? If you cut through all the noise, you’ll realize it’s not breakfast itself that is either “good” or “bad” for you. Instead, it’s how to “do” breakfast, which carries over to the choices you make throughout the rest of your day.

We’re going to break down the facts so you can understand how breakfast is a critical component to overall good health. Then we’ll share some great breakfast options so you can always start your day off on the right foot.

Breakfast — Why It Matters

The most important reason to eat breakfast is that it kick-starts your metabolism. Even if you’re not super hungry, something light (like a piece of fruit) will actually help keep you full later on in the day. Getting calories in you early also provides energy after you wake up, which you need at the beginning of a school or work day. It’s called break-fast for a reason; you’re breaking a fast from not eating all night long, and your blood sugar is typically low when you first wake up. You need to replenish your body with a healthful meal so it knows to start taking your food and turning it into fuel. If you don’t eat first thing, there’s a good chance you’ll simply overeat later in the day.

Jump-starting your metabolism with something for breakfast is a way to tell your body that you are already on your way to consuming your daily caloric goal. If you skip breakfast, your body will think it needs to conserve what you consume — versus burn it off — meaning you might be holding onto extra sugars and fats your body would normally metabolize. Science backs this up, too; there’s a chance you’ll eat fewer calories if you skip breakfast, but those people still typically have higher BMIs (body mass index), which is a measure of body fat based on your weight in relation to your height. Other studies show that people who eat breakfast are more likely to meet their recommended fruit and veggie intake (hello veggie omelet!), consume more fiber and calcium, and overall have better attention, memory, and energy throughout the day.

How to Make Good Breakfast Choices

When you wake up, don’t snooze your alarm and then rush out the door with a half-frozen waffle or store-bought muffin! Use your mornings to your advantage and take the time to eat a good meal. This doesn’t mean you need to slave away at the stove for two hours; instead, it’s all about planning ahead so you can make something quickly and easily. Believe us, your body will thank you.

The best way to approach breakfast is to eat a combination of foods that contain carbs, which will give you that good morning zap of energy, fiber, to help you feel full, protein, to keep you energized throughout the day, and healthy fats, which help you absorb nutrients and can even boost brain power!

Here are some easy breakfast options that are healthy, delicious, and easy to make, specifically categorized so everyone is satisfied.

Oatmeal

  • Steel cut oats are a great option for your morning meal. They pack a lot of fiber to help you keep full all morning. They take longer to cook than regular rolled oats, so we recommend using a crockpot the night before to cook them so you can wake up and have a creamy bowl right away!
  • Rolled oats are another great breakfast option. They can easily be cooked on a stove top in just a few minutes. Use water, almond or soy milk, or regular milk to get them nice and creamy. For toppings, skip loading on the sugar, and sweeten it naturally with berries and a sprinkle of cinnamon. A little squirt of honey or maple syrup never hurt anyone, either!

Eggs

  • Veggies omelets are super easy to make and are filled with protein and tons of other vitamins and minerals. Whisk two eggs in a small bowl and add it to a medium-hot pan. Fold in any veggie you like — spinach, mushrooms, tomatoes, and broccoli all make great omelets!
  • Did you know you could also make eggs in a muffin tin? Think of this as your quick solution to a frittata. Whisk together eggs with anything you’d fancy, like turkey bacon, feta, or diced up green onion. Then pour your batter into a muffin tin and bake in the oven at 350° for 20 minutes. These are awesome to take on the go!

Smoothies

  • The sky’s the limit when it comes to smoothie combos you can make in the morning. A secret tip is to add a spoonful of nut butter or a scoop of protein powder to help keep you feeling full. You can also go green and add spinach, kale, or even half an avocado to get some extra greens in you. Just make sure you have a powerful blender.

Toast/Bagel

  • Bread isn’t bad for you. I repeat: Bread isn’t bad for you. Instead, it’s all about the choices you make. Go for whole grain bread, and check the ingredient list to make sure there aren’t a ton of added preservatives. Toast up two slices and add almond butter and banana, or half of a smashed avocado.
  • There’s an easy way to lighten up a morning bagel. Skip the hefty amounts of cream cheese and try hummus instead! You can also add red onion, spinach, and cucumbers, and make a yummy veggie sandwich that is a lot healthier than any bagel sandwich you’d buy in a bakery.

Cereal

  • If you love a morning bowl of cereal, just make sure to skip the sugary stuff. Check your labels and go for four to six grams of sugar per serving. Look for whole grain options that don’t have a lot of added “stuff,” like granola, chocolate, or dehydrated fruit. This will add a lot of sneaky sugars that will make your blood sugar spike but sadly fall right back down.

Fruit

  • If you tend to have a little-to-no appetite in the mornings, then fruit is a great way to jump-start your day. Cut up watermelon, have a banana, or enjoy an apple, peach, or nectarine. Bonus points if you also eat a handful of raw almonds as a way to get some good protein in you.

Yogurt

  • Yogurt is usually packed with lots of protein, which is great to help keep you full. However, yogurt can also contain a lot of added sugar. Try to buy unsweetened yogurt (full fat is totally ok!) and sweeten it yourself with honey, berries, or a dash of cinnamon. You can even add it to your smoothie for an extra bout of protein.

Meat

  • Meat lovers, we promise not to leave you out. While a big hunk of ham in the morning isn’t the best choice, other alternatives like turkey bacon, lox, or breakfast chicken sausage is a great way to satisfy your savory tooth and pack your morning with protein.

At the end of the day, the beginning of your day will determine how your body feels. Don’t let a busy morning or a snoozed-alarm clock stop you from remembering to eat something healthful and delicious. We promise it will help keep energy levels up, appetites under control, and bodies feeling strong, lean, and supported by an A+ diet.

How To Meal Prep Oatmeal 8 Ways

Oatmeal in a jar is the meal prep recipe that will change your morning routine. All it takes is 5 minutes of prep work the night before to ensure that you have an easy and energizing breakfast as you run out the door. A perfect grab-n-go idea!

We are all about quick, easy, on-the-go meals that will leave you feeling energized and satisfied. Plus, we want them to have great flavor! Have you seen what’s going on with our breakfast burritos? Mouthwatering!

But, sometimes we want something sweet to start the day. Yes, we could opt for waffles or pancake puffs, but when we want something sweet and need it fast our trusty Organic Unsweetened Oatmeal always steps into play!

Some days we just want to savor the unsweetened nutty texture of the oatmeal, other days we want to dress it up one of these 8 ways! No matter how you do it, our oatmeal is great for a quick morning meal and even better for meal prep!

In a quaint town nestled among rolling hills, lived a connoisseur named Sarah, renowned for her culinary finesse and penchant for online gaming. One evening, Sarah embarked on a delightful escapade combining her culinary skills with digital excitement.

Gathering fresh ingredients from the local market—plump tomatoes, fragrant herbs, and succulent chicken—Sarah set to work in her cozy kitchen. With practiced hands and a creative touch, she crafted a mouthwatering chicken cacciatore, filling her home with savory aromas.

Simultaneously, Sarah ventured into the virtual realm of Fair Go online casino, drawn by the allure of games of chance and strategy. Engaging with poker and roulette, she savored the thrill of each spin and hand dealt.

As the evening unfolded, Sarah relished the fusion of culinary artistry and digital amusement. It was a moment of tranquil enjoyment, where culinary delights and gaming excitement intertwined, creating a tapestry of pleasure and relaxation.

In the comfort of her home, Sarah embraced the simple joys of culinary creativity and virtual adventure, finding happiness in the blend of flavors and fortunes that defined her evening.

 

https://www.instagram.com/p/B8oaxdJB3TV/

Don’t these flavors make your mouth water?

  • Orange Creamsicle Oatmeal
  • Blackberry Cobbler Oatmeal
  • Raspberries ‘N Cream Oatmeal
  • Honey Almond Granola Oatmeal
  • Banana Bread Oatmeal
  • Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal
  • Blueberry Pie Oatmeal
  • PB & J Oatmeal

So, are you ready to get started? We thoughts so.

How To Meal Prep Oatmeal 8 Ways

1.Decide how many jars you want to make. You can opt for 1 jar for the next day, 2-3 for a few breakfasts during the week, or go for all 8 like we did! Our family loves to all grab these on the way out the door.

2. Decide what flavor combinations you want to make. The possibilities are endless here, so let your creative mind run wild! Oh, and if you happen to make any of these flavors or one of your own, tag us on social media so we can share your creation!

3. Grab your oatmeal. You will need 1 box per jar.

4. Pick up the items needed for your add-in’s. Or, just wing it and use what’s in your house!

5. Layer 1/2 of your oatmeal, 1/2 of your add-ins, the second half of your oatmeal, and finish off with more add-ins.

6. Seal and put in the refrigerator. Your oats will last up to 5 days depending on what you use for add-ins.

 

How To Meal Prep Oatmeal 8 Ways

Oatmeal in a jar is the meal prep recipe that will your morning routine. All it takes is 5 minutes of prep work the night before to ensure that you have an easy and energizing breakfast as you run out the door. A perfect grab-n-go idea!
Course Breakfast
Keyword Organic Unsweetened Oatmeal
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 8 jars

Ingredients

Orange Creamsicle Oatmeal

  • 1 box organic unsweetened oatmeal cooked
  • 1/4 cup orange juice
  • 1/4 cup cottage cheese
  • 2 tsp sweetener of choice
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp chia seeds
  • 1 small orange peeled and cut into triangles

Blackberry Cobbler Oatmeal

  • 1 box organic unsweetened oatmeal cooked
  • 2 tbsp sweetener of choice
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup blackberries

Raspberries 'N Cream Oatmeal

  • 1 box organic unsweetened oatmeal cooked
  • 1/2 tbsp maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 tsp chia seeds
  • 1/2 cup raspberries
  • 1 tbsp coconut cream or cream of choice

Honey Almond Granola Oatmeal

  • 1 box organic unsweetened oatmeal cooked
  • 1/3 cup Greek yogurt or yogurt of choice
  • 1/4 cup almond milk
  • 1 tsp chia seeds
  • 2 tsp honey
  • 2 tbsp slivered almonds
  • 2 tbsp granola of choice

Banana Bread Oatmeal

  • 1 box organic unsweetened oatmeal cooked
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 medium banana 1/2 sliced, 1/2 mashed
  • 1-2 tsp brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp walnuts chopped
  • cinnamon optional

Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal

  • 1 box organic unsweetened oatmeal cooked
  • 1 tsp maple syrup
  • 1 tsp chia seeds
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 small apple diced
  • 1-2 tsp ground cinnamon

Blueberry Pie Oatmeal

  • 1 box organic unsweetened oatmeal cooked
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
  • pinch salt
  • 1/4 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp honey
  • 2 tbs Greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cup blueberries

PB & J Oatmeal

  • 1 box organic unsweetened oatmeal cooked
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 tsp chia seeds
  • 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1-2 tsp honey
  • pinch salt
  • 2 tbsp peanut butter or nut/seed butter alternative
  • 2 tbsp fruit only jam Or use fresh berries, mashed

Instructions

Orange Creamsicle Directions:

  • Mix together your oatmeal, orange juice, 1/2 of your cottage cheese, sweetener, vanilla extract, and chia seeds. 2. Put half into the jar. 3. Layer in 1/2 of your orange. 4. Add the rest of your oatmeal on top of the oranges. 5. Top with remaining cottage cheese and orange slices. 6. Cover and store in the fridge.

Blackberry Oatmeal Directions

  • Mix together all ingredients except your blackberries. 2. Layer half of your oatmeal into the jar. 3. Add in half or your blackberries. 4. Layer in your remaining oatmeal. 5. Finish off with the rest of your blackberries. 6. Cover and store in the fridge.

Raspberries 'N Cream Oatmeal Directions:

  • Mix together your oatmeal, milk, greek yogurt, vanilla, sweetener, and chia seeds. 2. Put half into the jar. 3. Layer in 1/2 of your raspberries. 4. Add the rest of your oatmeal on top of the raspberries. 5. Top with remaining raspberries. 6. Drizzle with cream. 7. Cover and store in the fridge.

Honey Almond Granola Oatmeal Directions:

  • Mix together oatmeal, milk, chia seeds, 1 tsp honey, and slivered almonds. 2. Put into a jar. 3. Mix together Greek yogurt and remaining 1 tsp. honey. 4. Place on top of oatmeal. 5. Finish off with 2 tbsp. of granola. 6. Cover and store in the fridge.

Banana Bread Oatmeal Directions:

  • Mix together oatmeal, milk, mashed banana, brown sugar. 2. Layer half of the oatmeal into the jar followed by 1/2 of the sliced banana and 1 tbsp walnuts. 3. Repeat the layers. 4. Finish off with a sprinkle of cinnamon, if desired. 5. Cover and store in the fridge.

Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal Directions:

  • Mix together oatmeal, milk, maple syrup, chia seeds, and 1 tsp. ground cinnamon. 2. Layer half of the oatmeal into the jar followed by 1/2 of the apple and a sprinkle of cinnamon. 3. Repeat the layers. 4. Cover and store in the fridge.

Blueberry Pie Oatmeal Directions:

  • Mix together your oatmeal, milk, honey, Greek yogurt, honey, salt, and cinnamon. 2. Put half into the jar. 3. Layer in 1/2 of your blueberries. 4. Add the rest of your oatmeal on top of the blueberries. 5. Top with remaining blueberries. 6. Cover and store in the fridge.

PB & J Oatmeal Directions:

  • Mix together oatmeal, milk, Greek yogurt, chia seeds, salt, and honey. 2. Layer half of the mixture into your jar. 3. Top with 1 tbsp each peanut butter and jelly. 4. Repeat your layers. 5. Cover and store in the fridge.

Notes

NOTES:
*Recipes are listed for 1 jar. Please double, trip or quadruple as needed.
* Any milk alternative or yogurt alternative can be used to make these dairy free or vegan.
* We used white chia seeds, but you can use black.