Raspberry Flax Protein Smoothie

New Year's Eve was not very exciting around here.
I was in bed with bronchitis and the flu. I didn't even get to see the ball drop since I fell
asleep at 9:00! Not fun.
Eight days later the cough and stuffy nose still linger on and I've been surviving on soup,
chai tea lattes and smoothies.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Cups

I've got a thing for cookie cups.

I mean look how cute they are!
How can anyone resist a cookie cup??

Raspberry Chia Smoothie

Hi friends!
I'm back with healthy treat this time!

Smoothies are one of my favorite healthy snacks.
I love how you can change them up depending upon what fruit you have on hand.
I had frozen raspberries that I needed to use, so tonight I whipped up
this Raspberry Chia smoothie.

Since I was home alone this evening, this smoothie was my dinner : )
It was filling enough to help me get through my 3-mile walk.
I did snack on some baby carrots and hummus afterwards.
Oh and some dark chocolate chips : )

Mixed Berry Hemp Seed Muffins

I first heard about the benefits of hemp seeds a few months ago and have been using them in my green smoothies.
Hemp seeds are super high in protein, full of a wide array of vitamins and they are full of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids.
They are pretty much a nutrition powerhouse!

Almond Pancakes {Gluten Free}

When it comes to breakfast food oatmeal is definitely my fave, but every now and then I get a craving for pancakes or waffles.  Last Sunday was one of those days. 

Since I'm trying to eat healthier, I made the pancakes with almond flour and omitted sugar. 
I topped them with banana slices, raspberry chia seed jam and a drizzle of pure maple syrup.
They were delicious and I had leftovers to last through the work week - yay!

Almond Pancakes

3 cups almond meal (almond flour)
1 T ground flax seed
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking soda
3 large eggs
3/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
2 T coconut oil
cooking spray

Combine almond meal, flax seed, salt and baking soda in a large mixing bowl.
In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, add almond milk and oil and continue to whisk thoroughly.
Add dry ingredients to the wet, mixing just until combined.

Lightly coat a large skillet or griddle with cooking spray and heat over medium heat.
Pour about 1/4 cup batter onto skillet for each pancake.  Cook for a few minutes until bubbles form on the surface and edges look dry.  Flip and cook other side.  Serve warm with fresh fruit, raspberry chia jam and pure maple syrup.

Makes 14 servings.

Raspberry Chia Seed Jam

I've been on the chia seed band wagon for awhile now, using them in smoothies, granola bars and muffins.  The tiny little seeds are full of protein, fiber and calcium and are so good for you!

I found this recipe a few weeks ago and thought that raspberry chia seed jam would be the perfect
topping for pancakes, waffles, english muffins and even oatmeal.  Most jams and jellies are packed full of sugar, but this healthy jam uses only four ingredients with no added sugar. 
Love it!

Raspberry chia seed jam comes together in less than 30 minutes and is delish.
This recipe fills one half-pint mason jar.



















Raspberry Chia Seed Jam

3 cups frozen raspberries
1/4 cup pure maple syrup
2 T chia seeds
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract

Add frozen raspberries and maple syrup into a medium pot and bring to a simmer. After 5 minutes or so, stir in the chia seeds. Continue to cook down the mixture for about 15 minutes, or until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Chill in the fridge for a couple hours to thicken it up even more.
Keep refrigerated.

recipe from Oh She Glows