Chocolate Banana Smoothie

Being pregnant means that I have cravings! And today I wanted a chocolate treat...but still want to keep it healthy. I've read in the past that adding an avocado to your smoothies makes them super smooth and creamy. I have to admit, I was a bit nervous adding an avocado, but REALLY pleased with the outcome. For this smoothie, I blended the milk, spinach, and avocado first to get all the greens really incorporated. Then added the chocolate and frozen bananas. I just ordered this hazelnut spread from Nutiva and (after stirring it!) I am a huge fan! If you don't have this, using organic cocoa is fine. I may try next time to add some frozen cherries, too!

Here's what you'll need:

• 3/4 cup cows milk or coconut milk
• A handful (or 2) or organic spinach
• About 1/4-1/2 avocado (I just used what I had left from another use)
• 3 tsp Nutiva Hazelnut Spread 
• 1 frozen banana
• Blender

Directions:

Blend the milk, spinach, and avocado in the blender until well incorporated and smooth. 

Add 3 tsp (more or less depending on how chocolatey you like it) of the Nutiva Hazelnut Spread and 1 frozen banana. 

Blend until smooth and enjoy!

If you try this recipe, comment below! Hope you all have a blessed day!!

*Use organic ingredients when possible

Healthy Blueberry Pancakes

For breakfast this morning I decided to make my family healthy blueberry pancakes! It is such an easy recipe and full of flavor. You can replace the blueberries with any fruit you like (some variations listed below), and we topped the pancakes with a drizzle of 100% pure maple syrup.

Here's what you'll need:

• 4 egg whites (though for thicker pancakes, use 3...mine were a little runny with 4)
• 1/2 cup oatmeal
• 1/4 cup cottage cheese
• 1 tsp coconut sugar (or other sugar)
• 1/2 cup blueberries (drained is using frozen)

Directions:

Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Grease a frying pan (I used avocado oil) and pour batter into frying pan and cook on medium until golden brown on each side, flipping only once. Then top with fresh fruit and a drizzle of 100% pure maple syrup. Enjoy!

Other variations (cook all the same as above, unless using nuts. If using nuts, add to the batter after it has been blended):

Banana Pancakes:

• 4 egg whites
• 1/2 cup oatmeal
• 1/4 cup cottage cheese
• 1 tsp coconut sugar (or other sugar)
• 1/2 banana
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• Optional: 2 TB chopped walnuts or pecans

Chocolate Banana Pancakes:

• 4 egg whites
• 1/2 cup oatmeal
• 1/4 cup cottage cheese
• 1 tsp coconut sugar (or other sugar)
• 1/2 banana
• 2 TB cocoa powder
• Optional: 2 TB chopped walnuts or pecans

Strawberry Pancakes:

• 4 egg whites
• 1/2 cup oatmeal
• 1/4 cup cottage cheese
• 1 tsp coconut sugar (or other sugar)
• 1/2 cup strawberries

If you try this recipe, leave some feedback! I'd love to hear from you!