Healthy Healthy Healthy!

Lately, I have been trying out quick, healthy snacks. I find it can get really hard to eat healthy when you're in a rush. It's easier to grab a bag of chips and run when you've got somewhere to be. I have been searching for some quick, healthy snacks and I've picked out a few good ones to share. 

First, I found a great recipe for granola. The granola will be used in some of the other recipes and it is quite simple to make. 

to make the granola you will need:

     3 cups oats (not instant)

     3 tablespoons light brown sugar

     1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

     1/4 teaspoon salt (preferably kosher)

     1/3 cup honey

     1/4 cup vegetable oil

     1 teaspoon vanilla extract

     1/2 cup small chopped dried fruit (optional)

     1/2 cup chopped roasted buts, raw or roasted (optional)

Cooking instructions:

     First, pre-heat the oven to 300 degrees F, make sure your cooking rack is in the middle 

     

     In a large bowl, mix together oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. MAke sure the mixture is fully combined, then set aside. 

     In a small bowl, combine the honey, oil, and vanilla. Mix together. 

     Pour mixture over the oat mixture and mix (I use my hands) until the oats are fully coated 

     In a rimmed baking sheet, spread the mixture in a thin, even layer. Bake for about 10-15 minutes then stir the granola around. Continue baking the granola for another 10-15 minutes, or until the granola is a golden brown. 

     Once the granola is a golden brown, take the baking sheet out of the oven and let cool. Be sure to stir the granola occasionally. 

     If you chose to add the fruit and nuts, mix them in to the cooled granola mixture. Store in an air tight container. 

The next recipe is a frozen yogurt granola and blueberry bar. This recipe takes a little longer to prepare, but once it is made it is very quick to grab and go. 

To make this recipe you will need: 

     2 cup Greek yogurt (I used vanilla)

     3/2 cup blueberries 

     1 cup granola 

Follow these steps:

     In a large bowl, stir all of the ingredients together (make sure they are well mixed). 

     Line a long, tall pan with aluminum foil. 

     Spread the yogurt mixture evenly inside the pan. 

     Freeze the yogurt mixture until it is solid. Remove mixture and cut into bars.

     Wrap each piece individually in foil, then return to freezer. 

     Enjoy(: 

The last recipe is a Kale, Apple, and Banana smoothie. I know most Kale smoothies are so gross, but this one actually does not taste bad! I for one love this recipe. Kale is supposed to be so healthy for you but it tastes to bad. This recipe tastes way better than a regular kale shake. 

For this recipe you will need:

     1/2 large apple (chopped)

     1/2 frozen banana (chopped) 

     5 large leaves of kale (remove the ribs and stems)

     1/2 cup orange juice 

     1/2 cup ice (optional) 

Steps: 

     Add all the ingredients into a blender. Blend until mixture i smooth. 

     You can add more ice or juice to get the perfect shake. 

Another healthier option for people on the go is Starbucks. Yes, I said Starbucks. Starbucks actually has some good, hearty food options for people on the go. I have recently tried the sausage and cheddar breakfast sandwich and it was so good! It was $3.45 and it was absolutely delicious! They also have many other options like oatmeal, bacon and Gouda breakfast sandwich, and much more. I highly suggest going to your nearby Starbucks and checking it out. 

Thanks for reading(: