After school snacks

My kids come home super hungry after school. I have found that a lot of the packed snacks out there are expensive and full of stuff that they do not need.  I love pinterest. Here are a couple of the after school snacks that will be on the menu this week.

This recipe is an oldie, but goodie! I had a big zucchini that needed using up and I was sooo in the mood for these yummy (and guiltless) zucchini pizza bites!! A perfect way to use up all the zucchini in your garden and satisfy your craving for pizza in a low-carb way.

I make these all the time, sometimes for lunch or as snack. Even my husband thinks they are pretty darn good! They also happen to be gluten-free, and perfect for meatless Mondays. Of course, you could add some leftover sausage, pepperoni, basil, or whatever you like on your pizza. If you haven't tried these yet, they are a must while zucchini is in season!

Note: My zucchini was very large, if your zucchini is smaller, you can cut them on an angle for large ovals. 

Zucchini Pizza Bites
Skinnytaste.com 
Servings: 1 • Serving Size: 4 pieces • Old Points: 2 pts • Points+: 3 pts
Calories: 124.8 • Fat: 5.7 g • Protein: 8.2 g • Carb: 10.4 g • Fiber: 3.0 g   

Ingredients: 

• 4 slices large zucchini 1/4" thick (or 1 medium zucchini cut on diagnal)
• olive oil spray (I used my Misto)
• salt and pepper
• 2 tbsp quick marinara sauce
• 1/4 cup shredded part skim mozzarella

Directions: 

Cut zucchini about 1/4 inch thick. Spray both side lightly with oil and season with salt and pepper. Broil or grill the zucchini for about 2 minute on each side. Top with sauce and cheese and broil for an additional minute or two. (Careful not to burn cheese)

Ingredients

• 1 large old banana
• 3/4 cup old fashioned oats
• 1/8 tsp cinnamon
• pinch of salt
• 1/8 cup semi sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. In a medium sized bowl mash banana. Mix in salt and cinnamon. Stir until combined. Stir in oats and chocolate chips and stir until combined.
2. Place the dough onto a greased cookie sheet by the spoonful. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.

Notes

Yield 6-8 cookies (perfect amount for a little treat)! Feel free to double the recipe.

Pizza Night!!

Cauliflower Pizza Crust
makes 1 large crust

Recipe courtesy of Doris Choi

Ingredients:

4 cups raw cauliflower rice
1 egg, beaten
1/3 cup soft goat cheese (chevre)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
pinch of salt

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 400F, then get to work on your crust.

Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

Ingredients

Meatballs:
• 1 lb ground chicken
• 1 tsp Real salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
Sauce:
• 3/4 cup chicken bone broth (I used low sodium chicken broth)
• 1/2-3/4 cup hot sauce (check ingredients-- I used Frank Sauce)
• 2 1/2 Tbsp dry ranch seasoning

Instructions

1. In a medium sauce pot, combine the chicken bone broth, hot sauce, and ranch seasoning (place on the stove for later use)
2. Mix together the ground chicken and spices until combined
3. Form into meatballs (approximately 20 small meatballs)
4. Heat 1-2 Tbsp of oil in a large skillet, over medium-high heat
5. Sear the meatballs for 6-8 minutes, turning the meatballs for an even sear.
6. While the meatballs are searing, bring the hot sauce mixture to a boil and allow to cook until it has reduced by half and thickened (about 6-8 minutes)
7. Add the sauce to the meatballs after they have been seared and cook for another 3-4 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked through.
   

What is your first thought....

I have found through working with my clients that nutrition is the hardest and scariest thing to change.  I can totally relate and understand. It's a big step out of our comfort zone. People generally don't know where to start, or what to think about it. Clean eating isn't easy or convenient, but what is??  There are so many diets and advice out there. How do you know what works for you??  Is fueling your body with the best nutrition you can find, worth it to you?? If you were a fancy sports car would you fill your car with the lowest grade of gas to keep it running in it's best condition?? These are all questions that you should ask yourself if you feel like you are not performing at your best. Chances are it's how you are fueling your bodies.  

 

What do theses words mean to you????

What's holding you back...

A couple years ago I remember sitting at a Les Mills quarterly training learning that they had paired up with Beach Body to create an at home workout for people to do in the convenience in their own home.  I took my first body pump class 9 years ago and immediately fell in love with it.  I joined LVAC because they offered it. Two years later I took the certification and joined the Les Mills tribe, the tribe that changed my fitness passion forever!! Body pump changed my body on the inside and on the outside. One big reason why I am in better shape now then when I was in high school.  I recently joined Beach Body in July to help people to get healthy. I love Les Mills and Beach Body for their dedication to help people getting moving and become healthier. I am a passionate person about being healthy and happy.   We need our health to be the best we can be in this life. I will be starting a new group challenge on Sept. 22. If I peaked your interest. Message me aryannie8@hotmail.com or leave a comment below.