So, I decided the other day, that I would LOVE to have some granola to put into my Greek Yogurt and on top of my Frozen Yogurt...but of course I didn't have any.

So rather than running to the grocery store and buying their version of "Healthy" Granola (which is truly packed with un-needed sugars and preservatives), I decided to try and make my own.

I scoured the internet for versions of the stuff without a ton of added sugars and that would be super simple to make...I ended up finding some good looking recipes, but having limited ingredients I just decided to make up my own...and let me tell ya...it's so yummy!!

This would be a fantastic recipe to make with your kids as well, because not only is there not much to it, but it's also very healthy and tasty! They'll love to make it and then eat it up as a snack (or breakfast!)!

 

Here is my VERY minimal, SUPER simple recipe :)

Ingredients:

• 2 cups Old Fashion Oats (not the quick cooking kind)
• 1/4 Cup 100% Pure Maple Syrup (not the kind with all the additives)
• 1/2 tsp Cinnamon
• 1 TBSP unpacked Brown Sugar (though I wish I had added 2)
• 1/4 Cup Wheat Germ (Optional)
• 1 oz Chopped Butter Toffee Almonds (Optional, but they add a great flavor and texture...these are Blue Diamond Brand)
• Ground Flax Seed (Optional, but it adds some great nutritional value to the granola)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 325º. Put oats, wheat germ, flax, almonds, and cinnamon in bowl and mix around. Next add maple syrup and brown sugar and stir around until mixture is evenly coated.
2. Spray baking sheet with oil and spread mixture out on pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes, stirring it up after about 12 minutes.
3. Take out and enjoy! Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Serving: 1/2 cup - Makes about 6 servings.

I thought I'd love mine for my yogurt the best, but actually, my favorite way so far has been with milk (it tastes like delicious, healthy cereal!)...I also love to just grab a handful as a snack in between meals.

Hopefully, some more recipes for Granola will come soon!

Roasted Veggie Lasagna

I forgot to take the normal step by step pictures, but I wanted to post this one anyways because it came out totally tasty and very low calorie!  Double bonus :)

Veggie Lasagna 

 

 

Ingredients

• 3 servings whole wheat lasagna
• 1 jar of sauce
• 2 servings chick peas
• 1 1/2 cups ricotta
• 1 cup pieces or slices mushrooms
• 1 cup spinach
• 3 medium zucchini
• 2 large peppers
• 2 cups shredded mozz cheese

Directions

1. roast veggies ahead of time by layering them on a cookie sheet, lightly misting with olive oil and adding some garlic and pepper, cook noodles, layer everything together, bake at 350 for 1 hour covered.

Meat free Hummus Wrap

Okay so I made this one afternoon and fell totally in love. I've made it about 10 times since, adjusting things around, trying different stuff in them and no matter what, it's always good!

First of all, I found these awesome low calorie wraps. They are called "Flat Out" and they are 90 calories. I love that they are soft, but be warned, wet wraps like stuff loaded with salsa causes them to fall right apart. But for the hummus wrap, these are perfect.

So onto the super easy part...
Just spread some Hummus (I've used plain and roasted red pepper) onto the wrap. I use 2 tablespoons. Then I add one tablespoon of ranch. I just love ranch and can't seem to cut it out of my diet.

I slice the cucumbers into long slices and layer them onto of a bed of spinach. Then I added some sprouts and some egg whites on this one.  Sprinkle a little garlic salt and enjoy!!

Alternate foods I've used have been onions, peppers, sunflower seeds and fresh green beans, but the options are unlimited!