Spoonful of Sugar Free

Registered Dietitian

blueberries

Banana Blueberry

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Have you made Breakfast Oat Cakes yet?

They are easy to make, portable, versatile, filling, tasty, and healthy.

This batch I made “muffin-style” by baking it in muffin tins with liners instead of on a cookie sheet. Works just fine.

I added 2 mashed bananas to the batter and a handful of fresh blueberries. 

Perfect for breakfasts on-the-go, brunches, or even an afternoon snack.

Thought-provoking, mind-prodding question of the day:

When you are in a rush in the morning, what do you usually grab to eat? Or do you eat breakfast?

I usually like to plan ahead if I know I am going to be busy the next morning by making some Oat Cakes, a smoothie, or some High Protein Cookies. However, if I don’t have time to do this, I will grab a piece of fruit (usually a banana) and some nuts.

Raw Banana Cream Pie

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Alright, enough teasing. Here is the recipe for that festive cake I told you about yesterday.

Raw Banana Cream Pie with Chocolate Crust

~This pie is only raw if you use raw cacao powder. If this doesn’t matter to you, then use cocoa powder (like I did). Vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, raw, and, of course, sugar-free! 

Crust Ingredients

  • 1 cup raw walnuts
  • 3 large dates
  • 2 Tablespoons cocoa powder (or cacao)
  • pinch of salt

In a food processor or strong blender, blend all ingredients until thoroughly mixed. The mixture should stick together. If it doesn’t add a splash of water. Press the mix into a pie dish, and freeze while making the pie filling.

Filling Ingredients

  • 4 frozen bananas

Blend the bananas in a food processor or strong blender until the bananas have a “custardy” texture like Magic Banana Ice Cream. Put the filling on top of the pie crust and freeze for at least 2 hours.

Thaw the pie for about 10 minutes before eating. The pie should be set but not rock-solid. Who likes rock-solid pie?

 

Decorate if you wish. I made this pie for the Fourth of July, so I topped mine with sliced bananas, strawberries, and blueberries in the shape of the American Flag.

The chewy crust compliments the creamy filling beautifully.

Everyone was raving about the pie at the party. No one could ever guess that it was healthy! They were shocked when I told them the ingredients.

 

 

Health Benefits:

  • Chocolate: Click HERE for a post I did about all the benefits of chocolate.
  • Walnuts: Rich in fiber, protein, vitamin B, Omega-3s, magnesium, and antioxidants. Walnuts have also been shown to aid in the lowering LDL cholesterol (the bad cholesterol) and the C-Reactive Protein (CRP). CRP was recently recognized as an independent marker and predictor of heart disease. Walnuts have often been thought of as a “brain food,” not only because of the wrinkled brain-like appearance of their shells, but because of their high concentration of omega-3 fats. Your brain is more than 60% structural fat. For your brain cells to function properly, this structural fat needs to be primarily the omega-3 fats found in walnuts.
  • Bananas: Rich in potassium, bananas help the body’s circulatory system deliver oxygen to the brain. This also helps maintain a regular heartbeat and a proper balance of water in the body. It also contains tryptophan to help relax you and lift your spirits!

Thought-provoking, mind-prodding question of the day: 

Fruit or chocolate desserts? What do you prefer? This pie is the best of both worlds, but if you had to choose-what would you choose?

I choose Chocolate!

Psst! In the mood for more Banana Cream Pie? Try my Chocolate Banana Cream Pie with Chocolate Peanut Butter Crust.

Patriotic Baked Oatmeal

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Happy Fourth of July!

And to my international readers-Happy Monday!

What better way to start the day than a gorgeous, festive, filling, nutritious breakfast?

Baked Banana Oatmeal

I made the baked oats as the Recipe says, but I omitted the applesauce, spices, and nuts this time.

Then I sliced some bananas, strawberries, and blueberries and topped it in the shape of American the flag.

It turned out wonderfully and everyone loved it. It is a snap to make, simply mix it up and stick it in the oven!

Perfect for a brunch, and the leftovers make excellent energy bars.

Thought-provoking, mind-prodding question of the day:

What are your plans for today?

Mine includes making a version on this (you will see it tomorrow), making a huge batch of this, and then having  party with friends and family!

Sugar-Free Independence Day Treats

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Looking for something to make for the Fourth of July? Here are some ideas to help you along:

Red, White, and Blue Fruit Salad

Raw Cheesecake

Homemade Barbeque Sauce (to top all of your burgers, pulled pork, brisket, or vegetarian BBQ?)

Berries and Coconut Cream

Pick-a-Fruit Crisp (or make an Individual version)

Healthified Chicken Salad-not exactly red, white, and blue, but Fourth of July=picnics, right?

Really, anything with strawberries and blueberries can be made into a Fourth of July meal! I have plans to mix around and adapt THIS recipe for the Fourth this year 😛

Thought-provoking, mind-prodding question of the day:

What are your plans for the Fourth of July? To my international readers-do you have any fun plans for the weekend?

We are having a party at my house! Food, swimming, games, ping pong, and, of course, Fireworks!