Living Life To The Fullest
What You Need:
4 cups of oats
1 teaspoon of cinnamon
1 tablespoon of vanilla extract
A pinch of salt
1/3 cup of real maple syrup
1/4 cup of unsalted butter melted
Steps:
1. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Add all the ingredients in a medium mixing bowl and mix well with hands.
2. Scatter uncooked granola on sheet and bake at 300 for 45 mins, mixing one or two times in between. Allow to cool for 15 to 20 minutes.
Sprinkle on ice cream, top with yogurt, or eat as is! Enjoy!
Servings: 20 to 24 muffins
Pan suggestion: original muffin pan size or mini muffin pan size with muffin liners
What You Need:
1 1/2 cup of oatmeal
1 cup of whole milk
1/2 -3/4 cup of brown sugar (light or brown)
1/2 cup of unsalted butter melted (1 stick)
1 cup of flour
1 teaspoon of baking powder
1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1 teaspoon of cinnamon
2 eggs beaten
1/4 cup of flaxseed
1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips
Steps:
1. In a medium bowl add the oatmeal and milk. Mix together and allow to sit and absorb for 30 mins.
2. In a separate mixing bowl add your flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and flaxseed. (The dry ingredients)
3. Once the milk and oatmeal have sat for a bit, add the beaten eggs, melted butter, and brown sugar. Mix well. (The wet ingredients)
4. Add your dry ingredients with your wet ingredients, combining your two bowls. Once everything is mixed together, add your mini chocolate chips.
5. Pour evenly into mini muffin pans or regular size muffin pans. Bake at 350 for 8 – 15 mins.
Note: the mini muffins cook a lot quicker. I set the time for 8 mins. While the regular size muffins cook in about 15.
Here is a list of healthier snack options for whatever the need be. Whether it’s for you or your children you’ll be sure to find some good snack choices!
1. Sliced Apples With Peanut Butter Or Almond Butter
Apples are rich in fiber which means they are filling! Also a great snack for a child who may have a little constipation. When it comes to peanut butter stick with natural (check the ingrediants) some peanut butters have added sugars which is what you want to avoid. The apple has enough good sugar in it. If you’re not much of a peanut butter person almond butter is another great option that taste great on apple slices.
2. Multigrain Toast With Nutella, sliced strawberries and chia seeds
This is one of our favorites in our home. This makes for a great snack or hearty breakfast. The chia seeds is an added dose of fiber for your little to keep them full longer.
4. Sliced cucumbers; lightly salted
A little salt brings out the flavor. You can also take the cucumbers and serve it with a dip. Or on some avocado toast like the picture above! My kiddos love ranch. Some like to peel the skin I prefer to give them a good scrub and just slice them with the skin on. Most of the nutrients are found in, you guessed it, the skin.
5. Raisins
Some kids like them, some kids don’t. Try it out and see how they react! I forgot all about raisins until my kids came home with them from school. Obviously they weren’t too interested since they came home with them.
6. Pistachios
Yum. A snack I often forget about, but what a great snack! And if you ask me, highly addicting! Refrain from eating strait out of the bag and just put a handful in a bowl or small jar.
7. Beef Jerky
A great school snack for lunch time. Full of protein and something that keep you full until your next meal. There are so many different kinds and types. Beef jerky can be expensive, but if you ask me you get what you pay for when it comes to jerky. If you can afford to pay a little extra for the good stuff it’s worth it.
8. Dates or Prunes
Believe it or not one of my daughters LOVES prunes and dates. I tell her though she can’t too much though, otherwise she’ll have diarrhea. Am I lying?
9. Crackers (look for wheat or multigrain)
There are so many crackers to choose from. Specifically look for multigrain or wheat. Eat them plain or load them up with meat and cheese, peanut butter, hummus, tuna, whatever your little heart desires!
10. String cheese
String cheese is a child favorite. It’s delicious and it’s just fun! Who doesn’t enjoy pulling it apart and dangling it in your mouth like it’s spaghetti. I’m not the only one, right?
11. Almonds
This is great snack for on the go or lunches. Protein and fiber in a little nut. Eat them plain or flavor it up! Have you tried the wasabi and soy sauce ones!? So good!
12. Popcorn (lightly salted or buttered)
People forget about popcorn. As long as it is not saturated in butter and salt then it’s not that bad of a snack. We enjoy the smart food popcorn or just the lightly salted pop secret.
13. Trail mix
This was one of my favorite snacks back in the day. I actually don’t buy this too often because my kids right now will just pick out the m&m’s and leave the rest. Those little stinkers.
14. Yogurt/yogurt parfaits
Eat it plain, make a smoothie, make a parfait, mix it with fruit, granola, we love yogurt!
15. Applesauce
Perfect snack for school lunches. Opt for sugar free if you can. Add a little cinnamon, that’s our favorite.
15. Carrot sticks
Love me some carrot sticks! My kids enjoy dipping them in ranch! I’m always telling them it’s good for your eyes! Which they are! Carrots sticks are a great school lunch snack.
16. Celery sticks
I’m not going to lie, I’ve never really enjoyed celery sticks. But my husband likes them and so does one of my daughters. I know eating them with peanut butter is popular among the cool kids.
17. Chopped up fruit like strawberries, canalope, watermelon
Spice it up a little and add some tajin! If you’ve never tried tajin seasoning you need to try it. Or put a little whip cream on the fruit. Another thing to try is a yogurt dip. Of course eating them plain is good too.
18. Blueberries
“They help you poop.” I’m constantly saying this to convince them to eat their blueberries. My girls usually eat them as it but they are also yummy mixed with chopped strawberries. What a fun idea too to put them in an ice cream cone!
19. Sweet potato chips
When you’re craving something salty and crunch these make a great snack to curve that craving. And I believe this is something your child can get away with taking to school for sure! Store bought or try making them yourself!
20. Veggies straws
Another salt and crunchy snack to satisfy the craving. Light and airy. My kids love these. Preferably the ranch flavor. Usually found in the chip aisle at the grocery store.
21. Pretzels
Such a yummy salty snack. I like to put Nutella on the side for my girls or peanut butter. We also love DOTS highly addicting pretzels or the cheddar flavored ones. So good.
22. Granola
I like to make homemade granola. And my kids typically eat granola like they do cereal. They love when I make granola. I like that I get to control the content. Incredibly filling and great for constipation.
23. Chex Mix
Try making a Chex mix yourself! Get the kids involved! Homemade muddie buddies are so good!
24. Wasabi peas (if you can handle them)
These are so good! Might be more of a snack for you than your kids though. They have kick!
25. Ritz crackers with peanut butter
Another fan favorite. Perfect for on the go and I can count on it to fill my kids stomach. Make them yourself or let your child do it. Make it into a fun activity.
26. Grapes
Red or green. Which do you prefer? I know some parents like to put the grapes in the freezer. They say it taste like candy. You be the judge!
27. Avocados slices with everything bagel seasoning or soy sauce
So simple. So delicious. You don’t even need bread. Soy sauce also taste great. My two year old loves avocado slices with a little bit of soy sauce. Try it out !
28. Dried fruit such as mangos
Yum! Can’t get enough of dried mango! Perfect for snack time, lunches, or even car rides!
29. Smoothies
My go-to when I want to get some veggies in my kids. I also tend to sneak spinach in their somewhere and they don’t even notice. Or what I also love to throw in is avocado. It’s creates such a creamy texture. It’s delicious.
30. Banana chips
Buy them or make them yourself! I’ve never made them, but they can’t be that hard right? Right????
31. Peanut butter on a spoon
Sometimes you just gotta keep it simple. My kids love peanut butter on a spoon and I did as well when I was a kid.
32. Frozen banana pops
Break a banana in half, insert popsicle sticks, and freeze! If you really want to get creative you can dip in peanut butter or chocolate.
33. Oatmeal
I never considered oatmeal a snack but I guess it could be! My girls love strawberry and banana flavored oatmeal.
34. Hard boiled eggs
Have you ever had a hard boiled egg with everything bagel seasoning! This snack is full of protein and fun for the kids. What I mean by fun is kids enjoy picking the hard shell off. Snack time meet sensory activity. Win win lol!
3 Steps To A Perfect Hard Boiled Egg
35. Lunch meat
Lunch meat once was one of my favorite snacks. I use to love bologna. Although being older I don’t eat it now I do enjoy turkey or ham and my kids do too. I’ll cut it in strips and let them eat it as is. They seem to enjoy it.
36. Pickles
What’s funny about pickles is I couldn’t stand them before but once I became pregnant I grew a love for them. I love pickles now. Strange right? Pickles don’t have to be just a snack you get at Disneyland!
37. Energy balls
Energy balls consist of oats, peanut butter, honey, flax seed, coconut, chocolate chips, all rolled up into a ball! NO BAKE Coconut Almond Oatmeal Bites
38. Hummus dip with crackers or veggies
There are so many different types of hummus dips you’ll be sure to find one your kiddo likes. Serve it them with some grainy crackers and fresh veggies.
39. Peanut butter and banana quesadillas
You know, I’ve never tried this. But I keep hearing good things. I need to make this!
40. Half of a Peanut butter and jelly sandwich
Make your child a full sandwich. Cut in half. Pack one for school and the other half can be eaten after school. No food wasted.
41. Olives
My husband loves to snack on olives. I personally can’t eat them plain. On pizza, sure! A pasta? Yum!
42.Frozen fruit pops (check the sugar content)
So many different types of fruit pops. I think this would be a great after school treat. Save it for Friday’s!
43. Edamane
Typically we only eat these when we go out for sushi. But this is a great healthy snack to eat after school or whenever!
44. Baby Bell peppers with dip
45. Multi grain bread toasted with some unsalted butter (a little sugar and cinnamon – optional) and some sliced bananas
46. Cottage cheese
Honestly, I don’t eat cottage cheese. It’s the smell or texture….I just can’t. However my husband enjoys this and I know many others do as well which is why it’s on the list. I think many people eat it with fruit preserves.
47. Tuna Melts
This was my ultimate favorite childhood snack. Tuna, cheddar cheese, and tomato! So good!
48. Fig bars
Filling, delicious, full of fiber, a great snack that doesn’t make much of a mess either. Score!
49. Kiwi
When I was in grade school there was a girl who alway brought kiwi to school. I thought it was so pretty, the vibrant green. But my mom never got kiwi I have no idea why. Kiwi is so delicious! My girl love them! Eat them with a spoon, squeeze the fruit out, or slice it up.
50. Pretzel nuggets filled with peanut butter
I forgot about these! The little pretzel nuggets are a fan favorite! These are great for the lunch boxes or a snack after school.
If you have another healthy snack in mind please comment and let us know!
This recipe can be used to make a banana bread loaf or banana bread muffins! If you choose to make banana bread instead of the muffins I would suggest sprinkling a little brown sugar right on top before baking! It provides a sweet crusty top!
Enjoy!
What you will need:
2 to 3 very ripe bananas
1 8oz package of cream cheese
1/2 cup of unsalted melted butter
3/4 to 1 cup of sugar
A pinch of salt
1 teaspoon of baking soda
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups of flour
1 beaten egg
Brown sugar for sprinkling on top before baking (optional)
Steps:
1. In a medium bowl mix together with an electric mixer the bananas, cream cheese, and melted butter.
2. Next add the sugar, salt, and baking soda.
3, Then add vanilla extract and the beaten egg.
4. Last, add your flour and mix well.
5. What you want to do now is butter your muffins tins and pour batter into the tins. Distributing equally. (If making banana bread loaf sprinkle a little brown sugar and pat into bread *optional*)
6. Place in oven at 350 for 12-15 mins. Oven time may vary. Be sure to check on them. They are done when the tops are little golden.
*if baking a banana bread loaf bake at 350 for 45 to 50 minutes or until a toothpick or butterknife comes out clean*
Serve warm with butter! So good!
Warning: these 5 ingredient peanut butter cookies are highly addicting! And honestly, I don’t really feel guilty eating them!
Let us know what you think!
Servings 16-18 cookies (tip: use a tablespoon measuring spoon to scoop to make the perfect size)
What you need:
1 cup of natural peanut butter
1 cup of sugar
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
1 large egg beaten
Salt for sprinkling (coarse sea salt would be ideal but table salt is okay too!)
Steps:
1. Preheat oven to 350
2. Mix all ingredients in a medium size bowl.
3. Scoop tablespoon size balls, roll into ball, and place on cookie sheets lined with parchment paper.
4. Use a fork to flatten the cookie, making a crosshatch pattern.
5. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes and sprinkle with salt.
Sooooo yummy!
This bread is easy to make and super tasty. A yummy quick breakfast treat, but hey, if you want to have this for lunch or dinner I won’t judge!
Is best served warmed up with unsalted butter! Enjoy!
(This is called ‘Breakfast Zucchini Bread’ because it’s best to make in the evening and allow to sit overnight.)
Makes one small 8 x 4 loaf
Bake at 350 for 50 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.
What You Need:
1 large zucchini or 2 small ones finely shredded
1 beaten egg
1 1/2 cups of flour
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon plus a sprinkle of nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup of sugar
1/4 cup of vegetable oil
Steps:
1. In one small bowl whisk together the flour, salt, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and baking soda.
2. In a separate medium/large size bowl mix the beaten egg, sugar, vegetable oil, and shredded zucchini with an electric mixer.
3. Begin adding the dry ingredients (the flour and spices) to the wet ingredients (the egg and oil) slowly till batter is consistent.
4. Generously butter up the loaf pan and pour batter into pan. Bake at 350 for 50 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.
5. When bread is complete, allow to cool completely. Cover and let it sit overnight.
And then, enjoy for breakfast!
Step 1: Fill a small to medium size pot of water, then, place desired amount of eggs into water. Turn stove top to medium high (to about a 7 or 8 on stove)
Step 2: When water comes to a rolling boil, turn heat down to medium (About a 5 or 4). You want to keep the rolling boil going but you don’t want it to be an aggressive boil. Set timer for 18 minutes.
Step 3: Once the timer goes off remove pot from stove immediately and place eggs into an ice bath (a bowl of water with ice). Let sit for about 5 to 10 minutes.
After removing from ice bath, cut in half, and your eggs should look like this.
PERFECT AND DELICIOUS.
That’s it!! Place in fridge to enjoy later or eat right away.
Oven: 400 Makes: 12 muffins Bake: 15-18 mins oven time varies
Insert toothpick and when it comes out clean then it’s complete
What You Need For Muffins:
1 3/4 cups of flour
1 1/4 cup of sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 beaten egg
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup of milk
1/4 cup of vegetable oil
3/4 cup fresh blueberries
What You Need For Oatmeal Streusel Topping:
3 tablespoons of brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon
A dash of nutmeg (optional)
2 tablespoons of butter
3-5 tablespoons of rolled oats (if you don’t want to use oats you can use flour)
Steps For Muffins:
1. Combine flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder in large mixing bowl. In another small mixing bowl combine beaten egg, milk, and oil.
2. Make a well in the middle of the flour mixture and then add egg mixture. Mix until completely combined. Then add fresh blueberries to mixture.
3. Spoon batter into muffin tins, then sprinkle streusel topping on muffins. Bake at 400 for 15 to 18 mins.
Serve with softened butter. Absolutely delish.
Steps For Oatmeal Streusel Topping:
Combine the oatmeal, brown sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg in a small bowl. Add butter until the mixture becomes crumbly. Sprinkle onto muffins before baking.
When I read that I should be cleaning the inside of my fridge every 3 to 4 months my response was oops…..
It had definitely been awhile since our fridge had a good cleaning. And honestly the only reason it got cleaned recently was because my husband asked me to do it.
Being the good wife that I am (haha) I went ahead and did it for him.
It was disgusting.
When I actually pulled out the drawers I was embarrassed and thankful no one was here to witness the grossness of our fridge. Is grossness a word? Anyways it was gross.
But here is our fridge now. Clean, sanitized, and organized. Isn’t it lovely!
Nothing expired, nothing sticky on any surfaces, and everything is pretty much visible to prevent anything going to waste.
Hopefully this blog inspires or motivates you to clean out your fridge too.
Happy cleaning! Read below friends!
The fridge gets put off from cleaning because it doesn’t feel like much of a priority. That’s okay to admit that. Other things feel way more important then cleaning your fridge. However this is also the home to your food that you put into your body.
Make the time. It really won’t take you too long to clean, unless it’s been awhile. And if you’re scared or dreading to really deep clean your fridge then that’s a sign that you really need to clean it. Skip the Netflix or social media for a little bit to get this done.
2. Make Everything As Visible As You Can
If you can rearrange your fridge to where just about everything is visible less things will go to waste in your fridge. Everything in your fridge will be taken advantage of and no more throwing things away because it was forgotten.
3. If You’re Going To Clean it, Then Clean It
Not only do you need to make the time but you need to take out those drawers and take it on full throttle. Clorox wipes work great! Some of those drawers though may require a good scrub in the sink with some soap and water.
Either way, clean it and be proud of your work.
4. If You Have Kids Place Your Healthy Snacks At Arms Reach
Doing this simple thing will encourage your kids to go for the healthier options when they are hungry vs. wanting the junk food.
5. Don’t Overstock It
There’s no need to overstock. Unless maybe you have a party or a get together coming up. If you continuously overstock your fridge it may lead to you throwing more food out then it actually getting eaten. And if you’re throwing away food then you’re really throwing away money.
As you can see everything is pretty visible. It’s not overstocked and I have my healthy snacks for the kids at the bottom.
On the inside of the door I have my little coffee area with iced coffee and creamers/syrup. The next holder is condiments and the next is jarred stuff like pickles, olives, jellies, salsa, etc. And the last holder (that’s not pictured) held a box of chicken broth and carrots for our horse.
In this little drawer I keep the deli meat, cheese, butter, hotdogs, etc in here. I keep the cheese hidden because if my girls can see it that’s all they want…..ALL.DAY. lol
When my daughters are hungry and open the fridge this is all they can reach. They love sweets and chips but this is the only food I have accessible to them.
Because……. iced coffee. I just need to buy caramel and whipped cream and it will be the perfect area for my iced coffee needs.
So there you have it! We do have another fridge in our sun room and in that we only keep drinks. Water, soda, my boxed wine lol.
I hope you feel inspired or motivated to clean your fridge now!!!
Happy cleaning folks!
Talk about creamy, light, and refreshing! Especially when you add fresh fruit!
I love this flavor because it’s not overly sweet but it’s satisfying enough when you want to indulge in something sweet.
Especially if you’re trying to limit your intake on the super sugary stuff.
The coconut milk is what provides that creamy texture while the almond extract supplies the flavor.
Hope you enjoy it!
Servings: 4-6
What you need:
(Side note: a can of coconut milk is only 1 and 1/3 cup so if don’t feel like opening a new can of coconut milk just add regular milk. As long as it equals 2 cups)
Steps:
Enjoy!
The Wild Gems 