Healthy Banana Pancakes

There's nothing better than a plate of warm pancakes to start off your morning. However, most times pancakes are full of sugar and starch- therefore leaving you feeling sluggish and often tired. This delicious pancake recipe is healthy and only consists of 2 ingredients - eggs and bananas! The consistency is that of a crepe, however the pancake flavor is still there, leaving you full and satisfied, and healthy as well.

I made this to feed my boyfriend I, and we each had about 3 large pancakes, so if you're cooking for one or more than two then feel free to change the recipe a bit.

Ingredients:

- 3 ripe bananas

- 4 eggs

- 2 egg whites

- Dash of cinnamon

Directions:

- In a blender, blend the bananas and eggs together and top off with cinnamon for taste

- In a large pan at medium heat, coat with coconut oil or cooking spray and drop the batter into the pan

- Let sit for a few minutes and then flip to the other side for a few more minutes

- Once done, set on a plate and start the next pancake!

I topped mine with a drizzle of honey and a side of berries and yogurt!

Enjoy!

Avocado Pesto

Don't you just love pesto? I don't know what it is- the fresh basil taste, the nutty flavor from the pine nuts, or the creaminess texture... Whatever it is, I'm not complaining! What I do wish it was was a litttttle healthier for you (it's packed with calories and fat).

This avocado pesto recipe is a great alternative that will satisfy any pesto craving without sacrificing the flavor. Plus, it's so fresh and is full of essential healthy fat!

Ingredients: (serves 2)
- 1 avocado
- 1 lemon
- Fresh basil (as much or as little as you want. I personally love basil so I kept adding in more)
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1/8 cup of pine nuts

*You will also need a food processor

Directions:
- Put all ingredients in the food processor and blend until it reaches the consistency you desire

I mixed mine in with spaghetti squash and grilled vegetables and it was delicious!

Enjoy :)

Chocolate Protein Crepes with Fresh Fruit Yogurt Filling

I have never had a crepe, but when I stumbled upon this recipe I knew it was time I tried one! With just a few simple ingredients, this protein packed breakfast is easy to whip up!

Ingredients for the Crepe:
- 1/4 cup almond milk
- 1 scoop chocolate protein powder
- 1 medium egg
- 1/2 tsp chia seeds
- 2 tbsp oat flower
- 1/4 tsp baking powder

Directions (makes about 2 crepes):
-Mix ingredients together until you have a smooth batter
- Melt a little bit of coconut oil in a large pan, and be sure to get the sides!
- Pour in a smooth layer of the batter (about half)
- Each side takes a few minutes to heat each side

Ingredients for the Fruit Yogurt Filling:
- Plain non-fat Greek yogurt
- Mixture of fresh berries

Directions:
- Mash the mixture of berries together in a small bowl
- Add in the amount of yogurt that you feel will be needed to fill your crepes
- Mix, and voila! Fresh fruit yogurt without all the extra sugar

I filled my crepe with a little bit of almond butter, the fruit yogurt, bananas, and my home made granola and topped it off with fresh berries on the side!

Enjoy!

Chocolate Chia Pudding

Chia seeds are very in right now- as they should be. Because they are full of fiber and protein, they leave you feeling full and content, as well as healthy! Their unique structure allows them to absorb, which is what gives you the feeling of fullness.

This recipe, they react with the almond milk making the perfect healthy and delicious pudding. With just a few simple ingredients, you will satisfy your sweet tooth while also staying clean and healthy. This recipe is also vegan friendly!

Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup Almond Milk
- 1/4 cup Chia Seeds
- 1/4 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- Pinch of cinnamon
- Honey to taste
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

Directions:
- In a small mason jar (or any storage container) pour the almond milk and cocoa powder and mix well
- Add the vanilla extract, cinnamon, and honey and stir well
- Lastly, add the chia seeds and stir
- Place a lid on the container and put in the fridge
- Stir one last time after 10 minutes and let sit for a few hours
- I topped mine off with some fresh berries!

Enjoy!

Zesty Tzatziki

If you love Mediterranean food like I do, then you know that tzatziki is a staple dipping sauce when eating a gyro, falafel, or chicken kebobs. However, the calories and fat adds up- making it not so appealing. However, this recipe solves that problem, allowing for spoonfuls and spoonfuls to be enjoyed! The secret ingredient that makes it healthier? None other than non-fat Greek yogurt! The taste and flavor is still there, guilt free.

Ingredients:
- 1/3 Cup Non-Fat Plain Greek Yogurt
- Zest of Cucumber
- Half of a Lemon
- 1 Teaspoon of Dill

Directions:
- In a small bowl, add the yogurt
- Zest cucumber in the yogurt bowl, as much or as little- depends on your taste. I used about 1/4 of the cucumber
- Juice half of the lemon in the bowl
- Sprinkle the dill in and mix
- That's it!

Here is a link to a healthy falafel recipe that pairs perfectly with the tzatziki, made by yours truly!

http://annarebeccastable.blogspot.com/2013/09/fresh-and-tasty-falafel.html

Enjoy!

Fresh and Tasty Falafel

Mediterranean food is one of the healthiest out there. There's been articles highlighting the diet and the health benefits it offers.

Perfecting how to make falafel has always been on my 'to do' recipe lists, and I finally found the opportunity and recipe to try it! It was simple and quick, and when tweaked just right, it was as healthy as can be.

Ingredients:
- 1 can Garbanzo Beans
- Fresh Dill
- Fresh Cilantro
- About 2 Teaspoons Curry Powder
- About 2 Teaspoons Paprika
- Pinch of sesame seeds
- 1/4 Cup Oats
- 1/8 Cup Red Onion

Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees
- Drain the can of beans and chop (or use a food processor) until they are formable and place in a medium mixing bowl
- Chop fresh dill and cilantro and add into the bowl (use as much or little as you see fit)
- Add the curry, paprika, sesame seeds, and oats to the bowl
- Lastly, chop the red onion and add to the bowl
- Mix all ingredients together
- Next, form balls (about the size of an ice cream scoop) When I made this, my mixture made 5 evenly sized falafel
- Spray a cooking sheet with cooking spray, and place the falafels on it
- Drizzle a little olive oil, then place in the oven for about 15 minutes.
- Check after the 15 minutes to make sure they are done, if not, put back in the oven for another 5 as well as turn over the falafels, and another 5 after that if they are still not done

Enjoy!

Lean and Green Overnight Oats

Growing up, we hear "eat your vegetables," "eat your greens," or in my case- my dad told me "eat greens so you don't smell when you get older." Don't ask me what that means or how he came up with that because to this day I still don't know. However, these suggestions aren't misleading- greens are one of the best things you can put into your body. They are packed with nutrients and contain little to no calories OR fat. 

This recipe incorporates healthy complex carbs (oats) that actually burn belly fat! Chia seeds, a great little seed packed with omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, fiber, protein, a banana filled with necessary potassium and sugars, and milk- extra protein! The secret ingredient that makes this overnight oat recipe different from the rest is no other than kale (or spinach if you aren't a kale person). There is a long list of why you should incorporate kale into your diet, and this is an easy and delicious way to start!

You have to make this the night before, so plan ahead!

Ingredients:

- Handful or more of kale (or spinach)

- 3/4 cup of skim milk

- 1.5 tbsp chia seeds

- 1 ripe banana

- 1/3 cup of oats

- Honey

Directions:

- In a blender, bled the greens, milk, chia seeds, and banana until smooth

- Pour the smoothie into a bowl, and mix in the oats

- Place in the fridge for the night

- Drizzle honey on top the next morning to add a little sweetness!

Enjoy!