Nothing Tastes as Good as Healthy Feels

theveggieblackboard:

EASY HEALTHY VEGAN BLACK QUINOA, BERRY AND CHIA SEED ENERGY BAR TOPPED WITH CRANBERRIES AND DARK CHOCOLATE RECIPE

• 1/2 cup of quinoa
• 2 tbsp of chia seeds
• 1 cup of frozen berries
• 12 dates
• 1/3 cup dried cranberries
• 2 bits of dark chocolate

This energy bar is rammed with goodness! Not only is it the quinoa a complete protein, meaning that it contains all of essential amino acids the body cannot synthesize from other sources, but it also has the highest iron content of any grain! Additionally it is rich in essential amino acids and vitamins A, B2 and E and is an excellent gluten free alternative to other grains. I get mine from the wonderful people at Real Foods. The dates and berries are full of vitamins and dietary fibre and keep the whole bar stuck together. And well, the chocolate is a little happiness booster, filled with antioxidants and caffeine to get you pumped up and ready to go :)

And the best point is they are so easy to make! Start off with rinsing the quinoa in cold water, then bring to the boil and let it simmer for approximately 15 minutes, drain and set aside to cool (if you have the time, let it cool in the fridge overnight). Next step is the base: throw the chia seeds, berries and dates into the food processor and blend till its a gooey sticky red mess. I like to add apple sauce and vanilla for extra flavor. In a bowl mix most of the dried cranberries with the black quinoa and red mess. Spread the mixture on a sheet of baking paper, it should have a fairly dense consistency. Bake at 190 C/fan 170C/gas 5 for thirty minutes, depending on the thickness of the energy bars. Once crispy, remove from oven and cut into portions. Now’s the time to melt the dark chocolate in a small saucepan and cover each bar liberally, then sprinkle chopped dried cranberries on top while the chocolate is still warm. Let the whole thing cool et voilà! Enjoy as a workout snack, a posh biscuit or a lunchbox snack.

myownspirit:

weight-loss-life-gain:

BAKED OATMEAL WITH STRAWBERRIES, BANANA AND CHOCOLATE

Ingredients

• 2 cups old fashioned rolled oats
• 1/3 cup light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 tablespoon grated orange zest
• 1 teaspoon Chinese five spice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup walnut pieces, chopped
• 1 cup sliced strawberries
• 1/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 2 cups milk
• 1 large egg
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 ripe banana, peeled, 1/2-inch slices

Method

1. Preheat oven to 375°F and generously spray the inside of a 10-1/2 by 7 inch baking dish with cooking spray and place on a baking sheet.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the oats, sugar, baking powder, orange zest, Chinese five spice, salt, half the walnuts, half the strawberries and half the chocolate. (Save the other half of strawberries, walnuts and chocolate for the top of the oatmeal). In another large bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, butter and vanilla extract.
3. Add the oat mixture to prepared baking dish. Arrange the remaining strawberries, walnuts and chocolate on top. Add the banana slices to the top then pour the milk mixture over everything. Gently shimmy/shake the baking dish to help the milk mixture go throughout the oats.
4. Bake 35 to 40 minutes or until the top is nicely golden brown and the milk mixture has set. For an extra tasty top, sprinkle a tablespoon or so of extra brown sugar on top then place back in the oven under the broiler and broil for 20-30 seconds. Serve warm with an extra sprinkle of sugar or drizzle of maple syrup. (source)