Buckwheat Banana Pancakes

Buckwheat Banana Pancakes:
Makes 4 large pancakes

1 cup Bob's Red Mill Buckwheat Pancake Mix
1 NeatEgg
1 tbsp organic extra virgin olive oil
1 cup cold Orgain Unsweetened Protein Almond Milk
1/2 cup cold water
1-2 organic bananas
1/2 tsp organic cinnamon
1/2 tsp organic nutmeg
1/2 tsp organic vanilla flavoring

Prepare the NeatEgg according to direction, mash the banana, and set both aside.

Next, combine the flour, olive oil, almond milk, water, NeatEgg, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla flavoring together, then fold in the banana.

If you don't have a non-stick griddle, heat a large fry pan and coat it however you choose so that the pancakes won't stick. I either use extra virgin olive oil, or about 1/3 tsp vegan butter per pancake.

To test that that pan is hot enough, take a pea sized amount of batter and put it on the pan, if it sizzles then you're ready to go! Add about 1/4 of the batter to the pan. It can be a little thick sometimes, so I quickly and gently spread it out some. Once the edges begin to crisp and there are bubbles forming throughout the top of the pancake, flip it over for about a minute.

Serve immediately and enjoy!

Healthy Life Tip: Spread a nut butter such as peanut butter over the pancake instead of syrup to increase the protein count and keep all of that extra sugar out of your breakfast!

A package of neategg was gifted to me by Neat Foods LLC.

The Healthy Life's Banana Bread

There's nothing quite like a slice warm banana bread on a weekend morning... I even like to toast mine and add a little vegan butter on top! But between the sugar, fat, cholesterol and other stuff, that one slice of banana bread can wreak havoc on your system and start your day of in a not-so-healthy kind of way. So, using an old family recipe (one of my favorites growing up), I set out to make a healthier version with the same great flavor...
and it was so much easier than I thought! In just two attempts, I bring you

The Healthy Life's Banana Bread!

The Healthy Life's Banana Bread:

makes 10 slices

2 cups organic whole grain oat flour 

2 tsp organic baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp organic baking soda

1/4 cup organic cane sugar

1/3 cup organic unsweetened applesauce

1 neategg

2 cups mashed ripe organic bananas (4-5 bananas)

1 tsp organic vegan butter (to grease pan with) 

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and grease bread pan.

In a mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, salt, baking soda and set aside. 

Mash the bananas, measure out 2 cups, then set aside.

In large mixing bowl, combine the sugar and applesauce together well. Prepare the neategg according to direction (combine 2 tbsp water and 1 tbsp of neategg mixture, and mix well), add to the sugar and applesauce and mix together completely. 

Add about 1/3 of the dry mixture to the large mixing bowl with applesauce mixture and combine. Then add about 1/3 of the bananas to the large mixing bowl and combine again. Repeat this process until all ingredients have been combined well into the large mixing bowl. 

Add mixture to the greased baking pan and bake for about 45-55 minutes, depending on your oven. 

Test the center of the bread with a toothpick and once it comes out clean, remove the bread from the oven, allow it to cool for several minutes, and enjoy!

A package of neategg was gifted to me by Neat Foods LLC.

A Look Back: Top 5 Recipes of the Year!

Mediterranean Pasta Salad 

A fresh, convenient, and healthy option for an easy dinner or a perfect dish to serve to a large group. Easy to prepare extra for a healthy lunch to pack as well. 

BBQ Tofu Sliders 

A fun, healthy option for lunch or to serve at a party. Make these into a meal by pairing them with some mixed greens and fresh veggies.

Southwest Veggie Burgers

These tasty burgers are low in sodium and high in fiber! They have great texture and remain intact when you eat them. They freeze very well for saving, so make extra for an easy meal the following week.

Protein Packed Pancakes 

Pancakes can be filled with sugar and carbs. Try these for a healthy and filling start to your day! Don't forget to add the fruit!

Healthy Tofu Parm

Whether you're looking for a healthier version or a vegetarian option to Chicken Parmesan, this is a great choice! The tofu is baked, crispy, and full of flavor. Serve over whole wheat pasta with a side salad and this makes a great option for an easy meal.

Strawberry Banana Smoothie!

Strawberry Banana Smoothie:

3 scoops Shaklee 180 Strawberry Smoothee Mix

1 cup frozen organic strawberries

1 medium organic banana 

4-6 ice cubes

Add all ingredients to blender, blend, and enjoy! Remember, it tastes great, but take your time, you are eating an entire meal!!

Nutrition Info:

415 calories, 4.9g fat, 0.1g sat fat, 0g trans fat, 0mg cholesterol, 361.2mg sodium, 67g carbs, 21.1g fiber, 35.4g sugar, 26.3g protein

Tropical Mango, Pineapple, and Banana Smoothie!

Tropical Mango, Pineapple, and Banana Smoothie:

1 1/2 cups water
2 1/2 scoops Shaklee 180 Vanilla Smoothie
1 cup organic pineapple chucks frozen
1/2 cup organic mango chunks frozen
1/3 medium organic banana

Add all ingredients to the blender, blend, and enjoy. Remember, it tastes great, but take your time, you are eating an entire meal!

Nutrition Info:

357 calories, 3.9g fat, 0g sat fat, 0g trans fat, 0mg cholesterol, 300mg sodium, 47.5g carbohydrates, 10.5g fiber, 39g sugar, 20.65g protein

Awesome Peanut Butter Banana Spinach Smoothie!

Finding an easy, complete, and healthy breakfast, lunch, or dinner can be quite the challenge. Here's one of my favorite go-to shakes when I need a complete meal packed with nutrition. 

Awesome Peanut Butter Banana Spinach Smoothie:

2 scoops Shaklee 180 Chocolate Smoothie
4 oz organic light chocolate soy milk
4 oz water
1 - 2 cups organic spinach via spinach cubes
1 tbsp organic crunchy peanut butter
1/2 medium organic banana
3-5 regular ice cubes

Add all ingredients to the blender, blend, and enjoy. Remember, it tastes great, but take your time, you are eating an entire meal!

Nutrition Info:

370 calories, 12.2g fat, 2.6g sat fat, 0g trans fat, 0mg cholesterol, 358.6mg sodium, 41.6g carbohydrates, 10.3g fiber, 24.4g sugar, 23.4g protein