They are high in energy, high in fiber (5.3 grams/serving), a good source of protein (4.3 grams/serving), delicious tasting.


These are obviously much healthier than the store-bought energy bars filled with added sugars, stabilizers, fillers, flavors, preservatives and more junk that your body definitely doesn’t need.


This recipe for VEGAN PB & J ENERGY BARS serves 8:

INGREDIENTS

• 1¾ cup pitted dates (soaked in warm water for 15 minutes, then drained)
• ½ cup unsweetened dried cranberries
• ¼ cup natural peanut butter (no added sugars or oils, just peanuts)
• ¼ cup whole raw almonds
• ½ cup instant plain oats (gluten free if you need!)

Here are the 5 steps to make a batch of these delicious energy bar snacks:

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Soak the dates in warm water for 15 minutes, and drain.




2. Place dates, dried cranberries, almonds, peanut butter, and oats in a food processor and blend until combined well.




3. Scoop mixture into a square baking pan, and firmly press down to make an even layer.




4. Place in the freezer for 30 minutes to set, then cut into 8 rectangle bars.




5. Store in the freezer or fridge.

Source: Christal Sczebel

The post Here’s a REAL NUTTY ENERGY BAR Recipe! appeared first on Top Morning Recommendations.

3/4 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons almond butter (see *Note)
1 tablespoon honey
1/4 cup halved grapes
3 strawberries, quartered
2 tablespoons chopped roasted almonds


*Note: If you’re not an almond butter fan, swap in peanut butter or sunflower seed butter. You can also use agave nectar in place of the honey.

The preparation instructions are simple:

1. Whisk together the yogurt, almond butter, and honey in a medium bowl until smooth.


2. Layer with the grapes, strawberries, and roasted almonds.

If you would like to see more healthy recipes for early morning energy, then please Like our Facebook Page!

Source: Lindsay Hunt

The post A Popular Easy-to-Make YOGURT TREAT for Any Time of Day appeared first on Top Morning Recommendations.

It’s no surprise to most that typical American breakfast foods from cereal and bagels to pancakes and bacon just aren’t that healthy. We’re all told that breakfast is the most important meal of the day and we know that we should make good, healthy choices.

Even when people opt for the more traditionally healthy or breakfast “diet” foods like oatmeal or fresh grapefruit, most can’t get through even half of the serving without spoonfuls of sugar (or equally sweet alternatives like maple syrup). Others opt for fresh fruit and veggie smoothies, which can be a great option when they aren’t loaded with unnecessary added sugars or fruit juices. But for some, that homemade chunky green smoothie simply doesn’t go down easy enough.

Dr. Stibich explains why eating a Healthy Breakfast Salad is the best option in the morning:
 
 

Salad for breakfast may sound strange — but stay with me. If every morning you ate a salad for breakfast, you’d begin your day with at least three servings of vegetables, which is a fantastic start to a healthy day.

Not only that, you’d be avoiding that heavy, sleepy mid-morning feeling from the typical carb overload or, on the contrary, the grumbling stomach and mood swings of a hungry monster who skipped breakfast.

One great thing that I’ve noticed since starting my day with a healthy breakfast salad is that when I start my day with fresh fruits and vegetables, I am very unlikely to “go backward” and eat junk later in the day. My breakfast salad somehow starts and keeps me on track. Not only that, but the water in fresh produce hydrates your body better than most other traditional breakfast options, which is important after a whole night without hydration.

Continue on to the next page to learn exactly how to make the Best Breakfast Salad …

Next Page »

The post How About Enjoying a HEALTHY SALAD for Breakfast! appeared first on Top Morning Recommendations.

Follow these easy steps to make a morning breakfast dish with more flavor and more nutrition:

1. Add 1/4 cup dried quinoa and 1/4 apple, chopped, to 1/2 cup boiling water.

2. Reduce heat to low. Cover and cook for 10 to 15 minutes.

3. Remove from heat.

4. Top with 2 tablespoons sliced almonds and 2 teaspoons honey.

This Quinoa Breakfast Dish provides the following nutrition:

288 calories
8 g protein
47 g carbohydrate
8 g fat (0.7 g saturated)
6 g fiber

If you would like to see more healthy recipes for early morning energy, then please Like our Facebook Page!

Source: Karen Ansel

The post Swap Out the Morning Oats appeared first on Top Morning Recommendations.

• Almond milk, fresh or dried cherries, chopped dark chocolate, maple syrup
• Almond milk, fresh or defrosted frozen raspberries, toasted almonds
• Coconut milk, pineapple chunks, chopped and toasted macadamia nuts, coconut flakes
• Almond milk, chopped pear, toasted pecans (or walnuts), honey
• Any milk, sliced banana, any toasted nuts
• Almond or cows milk, chopped peaches or nectarine, dash of cinnamon

Here are the ingredients you’ll need for the Breakfast Quinoa with toasted coconut, almonds and fresh mango to serve 2:

1 cup red or yellow quinoa (or a mix!)

2 cups water

pinch of salt

2 tablespoons applesauce

2 tablespoons shredded coconut (sweetened or unsweetened)

4 tablespoons slivered almonds

1/2 to 1 cup fresh mango chunks

milk to taste

brown sugar to taste

Follow the detailed preparation instructions on the next page …

Next Page »

The post Magical QUINOA BREAKFAST Reco’s with Almonds and More appeared first on Top Morning Recommendations.