Peach Vanilla Chia Seed Pudding

The past couple weeks I really have not been home very much. Between post-Thanksgiving travel, my boo traveling for work, and spending time at the hospital with my step-dad - I haven't wanted to go to the grocery store, buy a bunch produce and then have it all die before I can use it. 

So for meals, I have been trying very hard to utilize what I already have in the house (which is why you saw me eat coconut chips for lunch yesterday. Sad.). It is also helping me save money, because all my money typically goes towards food. 

Last night's dinner was Trader Joe's frozen turkey burgers (no buns) with balsamic caramelized onions along with some frozen broccoli steamed in the microwave with lemon and romano cheese. Pretty dang good. 

Yesterday I used the last of the eggs, which by now, you have realized is my go to brekky of choice. Instead of going to the store like a normal human, I chose the alternative, find a way to make what I had in the house work. And I'm so glad I did! 

Thus today's recipe inspiration emerged. I had a whole tub of frozen peaches from last summer. I had frozen them at their peak ripeness (bought too many, couldn't eat them all!!) so they have a perfect flavor! I have heaps of chia seeds (my preferred add on for my omega 3s!). I still had some almond milk. I still had protein powder. 

I made Peach Vanilla Chia Seed Pudding and it was perfect. I devoured it. My husband loved it. Even though it is cold outside, it was like a fresh taste of summer coming to warm me up! 

See the recipe below. You are over the hump babes! Happy Thursday! xx

---

overnight PEACH vanilla chia pudding (serves 1)

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup peaches
• 1/3 cup chia seeds 
• 1 ½ cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk 
• 1/3 cup vanilla plant based protein powder

Instructions

Combine ingredients as listed in container of your choice. Stir the protein to eliminate any powder bubbles.  Let sit overnight. Mix in the morning. Enjoy! 

NOTE: I know not everyone has access to perfect peaches right now, but you can find frozen peaches at the store- just make sure there aren't any syrups added!

Banana Pancakes

Did someone just hear Jack Johnson? Oh that was just in my head. But I seriously am pretending that it's the weekend. Rainy mornings, sleeping in, and banana pancakes. (Jk I didn't sleep in. Boo. And I ran in the rain. Double boo.) BUT this is my favorite weekend treat that I am thinking about integrating to the work week, just to make it more fun.

Seriously guys, these are so easy. First you take bananas, then you mash them. Then you add eggs. You grease a griddle or pan with a little bit of olive oil spray or just oil up a paper towel and wipe it down. Key: make sure the griddle is hot enough- you can test a little bit in the pan to see how quickly a little blob cooks. Then take 1/4 cup of "batter" and place on the griddle/pan (whichever you use). You can add cacao nibs or blueberries for an extra fun batch. The trickiest part is flipping them- 2 spatulas are necessary because they are very delicate. Make sure the one side is cooked thoroughly before attempting the flop. The good news is, even if they aren't pretty, they still taste ah-mazing. You have the option for a slight drizzle of 100% maple syrup- but in my opinion you really don't need it! And I am a sugar person, TBH. 

 Instagram story breakdown below:

mashed banana

mashed banana and with eggs

banana pancakes with blueberries

Eat up!

While these are relatively high in sugar content compared to most other items on the plan- it is all natural fruit based sugars, and paired with protein from the eggs, they prevent the blood sugar spike and drop that causes hunger and weight gain. These will keep you full until lunch! 

See below for the full recipe. Ready to give them a try? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below! 

---

Banana Pancakes

serves 2 (6 pancakes)

Ingredients

• 2 ripe bananas

• 2 eggs

• olive oil spray (alternative, put oil on a paper towel and spread on pan/griddle)

• ½ cup of blueberries or sprinkle of cacao nibs (optional)

• lil bit of 100% maple syrup

Instructions

Mash bananas in a big bowl (some small lumps are OK). Add eggs. Mix together completely.  

Heat pan or griddle over medium-high heat. Spray with olive oil spray. Test a small spoonful- if it solidifies quickly, it is ready. Fill a ¼ measuring cup with batter. Pour onto heated pan/griddle. Add blueberries and/or cacao nibs. Cook on each side until slightly brown. You may need two spatulas to flip, they are delicate. 

For an extra treat serve with a dab of 100% maple syrup.