Creating a healthy and purpose-driven life.
Hi, my name is Maxi! And I used to go to Starbucks everyday.. Yup, back in high school I went to Starbucks nearly everyday, which when I think about it now I can only shake my head at the money I must’ve spent. I’m not saying there’s something wrong with getting your Starbucks fix in, but the fact that I didn’t feel good after drinking any kind of frappucino (most likely due to the dairy, and maybe sugar) is what makes the amount of it I had so crazy to me!
Chocolate, chocolate, chocolate! Who doesn’t love chocolate?! (Actually I do know some people, though I don’t understand it.) So after Valentine’s Day is over, I’m still craving some chocolate. Seeing all of those chocolate covered strawberries, chocolate candies and more had me in a chocolate craving craze!
Hello, lovers!
I recently transitioned to a FODMAP diet, which is very different from what I had been doing before. I’m still gluten-free, but not grain-free and dairy-free anymore. I have to admit in the beginning I was afraid of how my stomach would react to the new foods, especially the dairy, but so far it’s handling it surprisingly well! But we’ll see how it goes as we continue this health journey. 🙂
Valentine’s Day is coming up, and one part of that holiday is the tradition of shared treats with your loved ones, whether friends, family or romantic interest. Honestly, these are sooooo good! I rarely eat cookies, so these are a great substitute! Even better though…you can make these with your girlfriends, partner, or little siblings. I even made these with my brother before!
Smoothie bowls are the latest craze. It’s a nice change from just drinking your morning smoothie, to spooning it from a bowl with your choice of toppings. Naturally, I had to try it out right away….and was HOOKED!
I love love love smoothie bowls, and of course acai bowls as well, which you can find at many smoothie bars and other health food cafes or restaurants. Since I just came back from Florida and was greeted by snow (and rain!), I decided to bring some of that sunshine and tropical goodness back with me in form of a smoothie bowl.
I’ve been seeing this Ancient Grain and Super Seed Blend from Trader Joe’s all over Facebook lately, and it had me curious. Since I already was in the mood for protein balls (and practicing for our upcoming road trip), I decided to head over to find it. Instead I found a different one with coconut chips and dried cranberries!
I remember when I was a child, my mom would often buy a few bottles of strawberry or mango kefir, and it would be gone within a few days. There was something about that creamy yogurt drink that was almost addicting! I’m a huge fan of fruit to begin with, so that immensely helped. Imagine my distress though, when I found out I couldn’t have it because of my dairy-intolerance! I had to miss out on so many of my favourite foods, but today I figured out a smoothie that tastes pretty close to it, consistency-wise, and depending on what kind of yogurt you use can taste extremely similar. (The more tart your dairy-free yogurt, the more similar it is to kefir). Since I have a gigantic sweet tooth though, I tend to deviate to less tart yogurts. Without further ado…here’s the recipe!
I know you’re thinking how could this be? But I swear this tastes like Snickerdoodle in a cup. I don’t know how it’s possible, but it’s clearly a sign that life is all good. Whenever I have a craving for something sweet, which is pretty much always, I tend to deviate to making this smoothie. It’s perfect. Sweet, cinnamon-y, creamy, yet surprisingly healthy for you! It’s also customisable to a certain extent, with the option of what nut butter or seed butter you want to use, or if you want to add a subtle almond flavour as well.
As I’ve mentioned in previous posts, I’m a girl of simplicity. Don’t give me diamonds, but give me books or a hug. I have no need for a cordon bleu (though I would certainly appreciate the luxury of it), I’m very much satisfied with a bowl of oatmeal. For a while I went grain-free, but I’m really trying to heal my gut and part of that is looking at the fodmap diet. According to the fodmap diet, oats would be okay. I’m still doing dairy-free and gluten-free, and plan on keeping those intolerances at a minimum, but I might try whey protein powder for a while to see how it goes! Part of me is scared about how my body will react, but the other part of me is excited. I’ve lived for a while now with so many dietary restrictions, that it was making things like eating out more difficult than necessary. Don’t even get me started on traveling!
With the holiday season over, I’m still craving sweets but at the same time want to slim down again. (Let’s not even talk about the 5 lbs. I’ve gained over Christmas time!) Protein balls aka energy bites are a wonderful way to fulfill the sweet cravings, as well as fill up relatively quickly in a healthy manner.