Quick & Healthy Fall Lunches- BLOGTOBER OCTOBER 17, 2014

1. VEGGIE WRAP

Take your favorite tortilla wrap and spread some hummus on it. Then layer your favorite veggies on it. My favorite hummus is the Trader Joe's Garlic Hummus. As for veggies I like romaine lettuce, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, kalamata olives, and shredded carrots. Before rolling it up top it off w/a bit of balsamic vinaigrette. 

Example from www.myrecipes.com 

2. SALAD IN A JAR

Take a mason jar and layer your veggies. Start with your favorite lettuce (I like romaine it is heartier and sturdier) then continue layers with veggies like beans, tomatoes, cucumbers, olives even chicken or qunioa. Store your favorite dressing in a small separate container to prevent the veggies from wilting. 

Example from www.theyummylife.com

3. EGG SALAD SANDWICH

You can make this the night before.

Chop your boiled eggs and mix with vegannaise (healthier alternative to mayo and actually pretty good), salt, black pepper, paprika, and a touch of garlic powder.

You can also add a celery stalk for extra veggies and crunch.

Spread on your favorite bread (try Ezekiel Bread- sprouted grain bread and super good for you) add some spinach and VIOLA!!!

Example from www.seriouseats.com

Quick & Healthy Fall Inspired SNACKS- BLOGTOBER OCTOBER 10, 2014

1.) Frozen Mangos 

This is definitely more of a summer snack however it is also great for the early fall season. Inspired by frozen grapes the snack we all grew up and loved frozen mangos though take it up to a whole new level! You can either cut up your own fresh mangos when they are in season (they keep in the freezer for about 3 months) or you can just buy them all ready cut up and frozen. The only thing is not all brands of frozen mangos taste the same. My favorites are either the Great Value brand at Wal- Mart or the Trader Joe's brand. 

Wal-Mart's Great Value Mango Chunks

Trader Joe's Mango Chunks

2.) Homemade Apple Sauce
I know what you must be thinking is she crazy who makes their own applesauce these days? Hey don't hate till you try it. Store bought applesauce contains massive amounts of sugars and unnecessary ingredients. Homemade allows you to control what you put in and be a little more creative. You can make a big batch and just store it in the fridge for up to 2 weeks although you will probably finish eating it right after you make it! The other great thing about this recipe is that there isn't exact amounts of each ingredients you can just add as much as you like. 

Here's how to make some...

Cut up as much apples as you like, any type is fine you can also do a mixture of apples.

Get a large pot and put your apples in it.

Add enough water or apple juice to cover the apples

Add some cinnamon, sugar (or stevia), nutmeg and whatever other spice you like.

Cook until apples are soft and use an immersion blender to blend to your consistency. It you don't have an immersion blender you can use a regular blender just be sure to cool the sauce down first and blend it in batches so the sauce doesn't explode in the blender.

After blended put into containers and store in the fridge for at least an hr then ENJOY!!!

Optional: Add other fruits like strawberries to pump it up even more

3.) Yogurt Balls

These are so fun and delicious and another homemade recipe. Take some blueberries and dip them in some greek yogurt. Then place them on a cookie sheet and freeze for about 3 hours. They are so delicious and easy to eat.