Click here to pin this Dragon Fruit Smoothie recipe!

Earlier this month, I mentioned that I was working on rebuilding some positive habits to get my health, fitness and general well being back on track. One of those habits I mentioned was getting back into the gym regularly, specifically early morning workouts. One thing I love about working out early in the morning (other than the obvious feeling of getting it out of the way) is the peaceful drive I have to and from the gym. It’s still dark, there are barely any cars on the road and it just feels quiet. I like to spend the ride to the gym listening to podcasts, specifically self improvement/motivational podcasts. This is my time to listen to something that will promote growth and knowledge whether it be relating to my business, health or spirituality. I go in phases with what I’m listening to. I was on a big Chalene Johnson kick last year, and lately I’ve been going through old episodes of the Happier podcast by Gretchen Rubin after a friend of mine mentioned it to me recently. I’ve listened to it before but not regularly so I’m really enjoying catching up on different episodes each day.

One episode that struck me was episode #90 where Gretchen and Liz discussed a very relatable topic – the Essential Seven, aka the 7 areas in which every desirable habit falls. The sisters went through the list and discussed what they each could do personally to make their lives happier, healthier, more productive or more creative and I just thought this was such a do-able exercise for anyone who is in the frame of mind where they want to improve aspects of their lives. I figured I would share with you my Essential Seven and ask that you share yours as well! (Just copy and paste the list into the comment section and add to it). I would love to hear from you!

1. Eat and drink more healthfully

2. Exercise regularly

3. Save, spend, and earn wisely

4. Rest, relax, and enjoy

5. Stop procrastinating, make consistent progress

6. Simplify, clear, and organize

7. Engage more deeply—with other people, with God, with yourself, with the world

One thing that I am personally trying to do that happens to fall under #1 is to drink more smoothies. I really loved smoothies for years but somehow got out of the habit of making them. A friend of mine (who is a marketing rep for food brand, no relationship with blogging) recently introduced me to these dragon fruit smoothie packs from one of his clients. He shared some samples with me and I have been obsessed with making this smoothie a few times a week, specifically after a workout or in between meals. Not only is the color absolutely gorgeous (I think that is why I fell in love), but it is so refreshing.

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Click here to pin this Strawberry Almond Oatmeal Bites recipe!

I can’t believe this is my first post of 2017! I decided I needed a bit of a breather in January, some time to regroup after a month of helping my littlest guy recover from a tonsillectomy and my biggest guy (my husband) recover from a shoulder/rotator cuff surgery. I’ll admit, it was nice to take a break from worrying about picking up my camera and just focus on cooking for my family. My head is always spinning with new recipe ideas, as well as trying to figure out what to make for dinner that I honestly enjoyed just making recipes from cookbooks, friends and my blog without thinking too much of it.

One of the things I’m trying to get better at is making healthier snacks available for my kids to take in the car on their way to basketball or volleyball practices. We are full on entrenched in sports right now and spend many afternoons and evenings trekking back and forth between gyms. It seems like my kids are ALWAYS hungry and I’ve been trying to be more mindful about what they are snacking on and making sure they are eating more than just pretzels or crackers (it’s hard!). One thing I know for sure, anytime I make snacks like these oatmeal bites, quinoa bites or egg muffins, they are the go-to snack and don’t last very long. Seeing my kids choose those first is motivation enough to get myself into the habit of making quality portable snacks more often.

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These Breakfast Fruit Skewers were inspired by my friends at Produce for Kids.

It’s that time of year again – I’m happy to partner up with Produce for Kids to promote their healthy-eating focused campaign with Publix Super Markets. Last year’s campaign was able to provide 2.2 million meals to local families in need – that is pretty incredible work! Here’s how it works, the Publix and Produce for Kids campaign runs June 2 – June 29 and is supported by 13 fresh fruit and vegetable suppliers. With each Publix store purchase of any of these fruits and veggies from the supporting brands (see image for a list below), funds are donated to local Feeding America food banks. To stay up to date with campaign happenings be sure to join the Produce For Kids Campaign Page on Facebook (you’ll also have the opportunity to win $100 gift card to Publix!).

My heart is always behind any program or organization that promotes healthy eating and provides aid in feeding hungry families…this is why I love everything about Produce for Kids! Please support them any way you can – look for signage at your local Publix, find recipes on their website and and tag any healthy creations and ideas with #produceforkids.

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This recipe for Strawberry Almond Baked Steel Cut Oatmeal was created in partnership with Bob’s Red Mill.

I’ve been wanting to make baked oatmeal for as long as I can remember. I could tell by the recipes I’ve found online that I would love it, mostly because of it’s texture. I’ve mentioned before, I’m more of a savory breakfast girl (eggs!) but I do enjoy a bowl of oatmeal or overnight oats every now and then. It’s so good for you and lucky for me, my kids love it too.

Baked oatmeal is exactly what it is – prepared oatmeal, baked instead of cooked on the stove top. I love using steel cut oats when I can, but I had a feeling that they could be tricky in a recipe for baked oatmeal because of their heartier texture and cook time. After doing a little research, I decided to follow Lisa’s method of baking steel cut oatmeal, and it turned out wonderfully.

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These Tropical Overnight Oats were created in partnership with Bob’s Red Mill.

For the most part, I’m a savory egg and toast kind of breakfast girl. When the weather warms up though, I go through phases of cold and sweet fruit-filled breakfast cravings, specifically overnight oats like these Tropical Overnight Oats I’ve been enjoying this week. I don’t remember exactly when I started making overnight oats, but I’ve been hooked for some time now. I love saving the last of peanut butter jars for an extra special breakfast concoction that I can’t wait to dig into after I get home from the gym in the morning. Seriously so so good.

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There’s a new butter in town folks, and it’s made with one of my most favorite things in the world – coconut. Coconut butter may not be all that new to some of you, but it’s new to me. I’ve seen it popping up around here and there and I finally broke down and bought some today. At first, I didn’t see much of a difference flavor wise or texture wise as coconut oil, and I felt confused. But as I dug my spoon in a little deeper into the jar I saw a slight change of color and I knew then that I had found gold. Holy cow, this stuff is good (if you love coconut that is).

What is coconut butter? Well, it’s basically just the flesh of the coconut ground up and processed until creamy – similar to nut butter. You get all the nutrition of eating pure raw coconut into a small amount that can be used as a spread or as a supplement to meals such as smoothies, granola bars or even oatmeal. Coconut is full of good stuff – lots of fiber, vitamins & minerals, along with a little protein and good for you fat.

When I got home with my jar of gold I immediately knew I wanted to add it to a smoothie. I love simple banana smoothies, especially right after a morning workout. This smoothie isn’t your typical thick smoothie – it’s light and refreshing and makes a perfect snack for those in between meal times. Enjoy!

So tell me, am I the last person on Earth to try coconut butter? If you’ve had it, tell me how you like it!

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