Gameday Ready Grub…Oh, and with a Side of Guilt-Free!

Football season is underway, so when your team takes the field, you’ll need a spread of crave-able munchies for all those hungry fans shouting at your TV screen.

But don’t just settle for store-bought potato chips or delivery pizza. Score a touchdown in the “yum” department with scratch-made inspiration, courtesy of Chobani Greek Yogurt.

Your next weekend tailgate will be the envy of your block, thanks to these bite-size pretzels and tart, creamy dip. The recipe packs a crowd pleasing flavor punch from its secret ingredient — Greek yogurt.

With naturally crafted smoothness, wholesome protein benefits and full-bodied taste, Chobani clinches the win for this irresistible game changer. And did I mention it’s healthy? Yup…so, you won’t even need to resist!

Snack away, football fanatics. Snack away.

Ingredients (for the pretzels):

2 cups Whole Wheat Flour*

3/4 cup Water (filtered, if possible)

2 tbsp. Chobani Plain Greek Yogurt

1 1/4 tsp. Active Dry Yeast

1 tsp. Liquid Stevia

1/2 tsp. Sea Salt

*Make this recipe gluten-free by substituting any of these alternatives.

Ingredients (for the dip):

1 cup Chobani Plain Greek Yogurt

3 tbsp. Avocado (mashed)

1/2 tsp. Smoked Paprika

1/4 tsp. RawSpiceBar Kaffir Lime Blend

1/4 tsp. Chipotle Paste (or, to taste)

1/4 tsp. Sea Salt

Preparation:

1. Preheat your oven to 450 degrees and coat a baking sheet with non-stick Cooking Spray.
2. Pour the Water and Yeast into a mixing bowl, then allow the yeast to soak for approximately 3-5 minutes.
3. Add the Greek Yogurt, Salt and Stevia to the water mixture, then stir to combine.
4. Stir in the Flour (or gluten-free substitute) until the ingredients form a Dough consistency.
5. Turn the dough onto a floured surface to prevent sticking and knead it into a ball.
6. Cut the dough into 4 equal sections and roll each section into a long, skinny rope.
7. Form the ropes into a Pretzel shape, then transfer them onto the baking sheet — 1/2″ apart from each other.
8. Cook the pretzels for 10 minutes, then place them under the broiler for 1 minute, or until golden-brown.
9. Remove the pretzels from the oven and brush a thin layer of Olive Oil over them, if desired.
10. Combine all the Dip ingredients in a blender or food processor, then puree until smooth.
11. Transfer the dip into a serving bowl — and commence dunking those pretzels to your heart’s content!

Note: This recipe yields 4 pretzels, so for large gatherings, adjust the ingredient amounts accordingly.

Alcohol not included. Sorry, guys!

Enjoyed these tasty twisties as much as I did? Share ’em on social media, using the hashtag #MadeWithChobani, or check out their recipe page for more must-try ideas!

Creative Breakfast Ideas to Make Nutri Maqui Part of Your Morning Routine {Guest Post}

Fueling your body with the health benefits of Nutri Maqui superfruit juice is an enjoyable experience for several reasons.

The essential nutrients this supplement provides – such as immune-supporting antioxidants and longevity-promoting flavonoids – will help you feel vibrant and energized throughout the entire day. So, start each morning with Nutri Maqui then simply reap the wellness rewards, no matter how demanding your schedule might be.

The rich, silky and slightly tart flavor of this naturally-formulated juice blend pairs perfectly with other nourishing noshes as well. The following recipes – packed with protein, vitamins and minerals from various fruits, leafy greens and whole grains – will turn that been-done-before breakfast into a powerhouse meal.

Just take a look at these tantalizing examples…

Nutri Maqui Energy Bowl (total prep time: 3 minutes)

Ingredients:

½ Apple (cored & sliced)

½ c. Berries (any variety, sliced)

¼ c. Cashews (raw & unsalted)

2 tbsp. Oats (whole grain)

1 tbsp. Nutri Maqui Juice

1 tbsp. Almond Butter (organic)

Preparation:

1. In a serving bowl, mix together the fruit, cashews and oats.

2. Drizzle the Nutri Maqui juice over the other ingredients and mix again.

3. Top the energy bowl with a dollop of almond butter.

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Nutri Maqui Green Smoothie (total prep time: 5 minutes)

Ingredients:

1 c. Almond or Cashew Milk (unsweetened)

½ cup Kale (chopped)

½ Avocado (diced)

1 tbsp. Almond Butter (organic)

1 tbsp. Nutri Maqui Juice

½ tbsp. Matcha Powder (organic)

2 tsp. Oats (whole grain)

½ tsp. Stevia (organic)

Preparation:

1. Place all the ingredients together in a blender.

2. Puree until the smoothie texture is smooth and creamy.

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Nutri Maqui Greek Yogurt (total prep time: 1 minute)

Ingredients:

1 c. Greek Yogurt (plain)*

1 tbsp. Nutri Maqui juice

2 tsp. Blue Agave Nectar (organic)

1 tsp. Cinnamon (or, to taste)

* Note: Make this recipe vegan by substituting Greek Yogurt with a non-dairy alternative like Coconut Yogurt.

Preparation:

1. In a serving bowl, mix together the yogurt, agave and Nutri Maqui juice.

2. Top the yogurt with a desired sprinkling of cinnamon.

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Nutri Maqui Pancakes (total prep time: 10 minutes)

Ingredients:

1 c. Whole Wheat Flour (organic)*

½ c. Water (add more if necessary)

½ Banana or Avocado (as a binding agent)

½ c. Strawberries (for topping, sliced)

1 tbsp. Nutri Maqui Juice

1 tbsp. Almond Butter (organic)

2 tsp. Cacao Powder (raw & organic)

½ tsp. Stevia (organic)

* Note: Make this recipe gluten-free by substituting Whole Wheat Flour with a GF alternative like Flaxseed Meal.

Preparation:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, “binder” fruit, cacao, stevia and Nutri Maqui juice.

2. Add water until the texture becomes smooth, like batter, and mix again.

3. Heat a skillet on a medium stove setting and coat the bottom with cooking spray.

4. Ladle ¼ of the batter into the skillet and cook until it starts bubbling.

5. Flip the pancake on its other side and cook for about the same     amount of time.

6. Repeat steps 4–5 with the remaining batter until you have 4 pancakes.

7. Top the pancakes with almond butter and sliced strawberries.

Every morning can set the tone for embracing a wholesome, balanced lifestyle if your body gets its daily dose of Nutri Maqui antioxidant benefits.

Have these ideas inspired you to create your own breakfast concoctions? Comment with more Nutri Maqui recipes below!

Huge thanks to Nutri Lifescience, LLC, for supplying the research, content and graphics for this post.

10 Ingenious Ingredient Hacks that Equal Smoothie Perfection

Yeaaaah. I’m that girl, who’s best friends with her blender and thinks smoothie-making should be considered the ultimate in culinary expertise.

And, therefore, I don’t just limit myself to the standard, predictable “fruity fare.” Not that I don’t love a classic strawberry-banana combo, but experimenting with unusual flavor profiles is what keeps luring me back to the kitchen.

That’s why no liquid concoction in my repertoire would be complete without the following add-ins. Once blended all together, you might not even notice their subtle, sublime presence; nevertheless, these “superfood” ingredients boost your diet with natural, (mostly) plant-based nutrition without compromising the velvety texture and refreshing taste that you expect from a perfectly-pureed smoothie.

1. Hemp Hearts

image courtesy of babble.com

 These crisp and nutty seeds are loaded with protein, iron, Vitamin E, whole grains, and Omega-3 & Omega-6 fatty acids for cardiovascular, cholesterol, metabolic, reproductive, and anti-inflammatory health.

2. Rolled Oats

image courtesy of keeperofthehome.org

This hearty and filling cereal is loaded with fiber, protein, magnesium, zinc, Vitamin E, whole grains, and antioxidants (polyphenols, carotenoids & flavonoids) for cardiovascular, cholesterol, immune, and digestive health.

3. Almond Butter

image courtesy of amyshealthybaking.com

 This thick and creamy spread is loaded with protein, calcium, copper, fiber, Vitamin E, magnesium, and Omega-3 fatty acids for cardiovascular, cholesterol musculoskeletal, neurological, nervous, and digestive health.   

4. Leafy Greens

image courtesy of busterbucks.hubpages.com

These fresh and nutrient-dense veggies are loaded with potassium, calcium, iron, Vitamins A, C & K, folate, magnesium, and antioxidants for cardiovascular, circulatory, immune, and respiratory health (serving suggestions: spinach, kale, chard, collards & watercress).

5. Chia Seeds

image courtesy of mindbodygreen.com

These crunchy and micro-sized seedlings are loaded with protein, manganese, magnesium, calcium, zinc, Vitamin B, potassium, and Omega-3 fatty acids for cardiovascular, immune, anti-aging, energy endurance, and metabolic health.

6. Green Tea

image courtesy of webhealthjournal.com

This light and invigorating beverage is loaded with antioxidants (catechins & flavonoids) and natural caffeine for  cardiovascular, immune, dental metabolic, energy endurance, neurological, and circulatory health (serving suggestion: matcha, or finely powdered green tea).

7. Coconut Water

image courtesy of coconutwaterlife.com

This tangy and hydrating beverage is loaded with fiber, electrolytes, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, bio-active enzymes, Vitamin B, and natural sugar (glucose) for digestive, circulatory, anti-aging, and gastrointestinal health.

8. Raw Cacao

image courtesy of iquitsugar.com

This tart and chocolatey powder is rich in antioxidants (polyphenols & flavonoids), fiber, digestive enzymes, Vitamins A, B, C & E, chromium, magnesium, zinc, iron, sulphur, manganese, and Omega-fatty acids for cardiovascular, cholesterol, immune, circulatory, and neurological health.

9. Greek Yogurt

image courtesy of leanitup.com

This rich and satisfying dairy product is loaded with protein, calcium, iodine, potassium, Vitamin B, and probiotics for musculoskeletal, energy endurance, gastrointestinal, metabolic, and neurological health (serving suggestion: unsweetened variety).

10. Avocados

image courtesy of iwashyoudry.com

 These indulgent and buttery fruits are loaded with Omega-3 fatty acids, protein, fiber, potassium, zinc, copper, iron, phosphorus, folate, and Vitamins A, B, C, E & K for cardiovascular, cholesterol, anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, and circulatory health.

So, yeah. That’s my arsenal of secret smoothie superbness. Got any of your own faves worth adding to the list? Share in the comments below!

Tame that Mane Without Breaking the Bank

Who says ya gotta drop an entire week’s paycheck at some swanky salon in order to get TRESemme commercial-worthy hair?

No way!

I found some inexpensive and 100% organic home remedies that will turn lackluster locks into the silken strands you’ve always wanted. Ready to be the envy of all your friends without depleting your checking account? Give these all-natural “hair masks” a shot next time you’re in the mood for some personal pampering (and/or find yourself overdue for a shower!).

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•  To control frizz:

Dilute 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar with 2 cups water. Massage this mixture into your hair after shampooing. Allow to set for 2-3 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.

   

(image courtesy of thefreckledfarmsoapcompany.com)

• To boost volume:

Mash together 1 avocado and 1 banana. Massage this mixture into wet but unwashed hair. Allow to set for 30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Shampoo your hair immediately afterward.

   

(image courtesy of demi-godess.blogspot.com)

• To mend split ends:

Steep 2 tbsp. rosemary in 2 cups hot water for 20 minutes. Add 1 beat egg yolk once the water has cooled. Massage this mixture into your hair after shampooing, then rinse thoroughly right away.   

   

(image courtesy of hairpediaclub.com)

• To prevent grease:

Combine 2 tbsp. lemon juice with 3 tsp. honey, then dissolve in 1 cup water. Massage this mixture into wet but unwashed hair. Allow to set for 3-4 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Shampoo your hair immediately afterward.

   

(image courtesy of hopinghealth.com)

• To liven limpness:

Leave 1 cup beer in room temperature for 2 hours until it has flattened. Stir in 1 tbsp. Argan oil, then massage this mixture into your hair after shampooing. Allow to set for 15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.

   

(image courtesy of the-memorandum.blogspot.com)

• To heal dry scalp:

Remove the seeds and mash 1 papaya, then blend with 1/2 cup plain yogurt. Massage this mixture into your hair after shampooing. Allow to set for 30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.

   

(image courtesy of girlishh.com)

• To moisturize fried strands:

Combine 3-4 tbsp. Aloe Vera gel with 1 1/2 tbsp. coconut oil. Massage this mixture into wet but unwashed hair. Allow to set for 20 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Shampoo your hair immediately afterward.

   

(image courtesy of andmylifegoeson.blogspot.com)

• To enhance shine:

Whisk together 3-4 tbsp egg whites, then add in 1/2 cup almond milk. Massage into wet but unwashed hair, then cover with a shower cap and set overnight. Rinse thoroughly and shampoo immediately afterward.

   

(image courtesy of happykinksforever.wordpress.com)

5 Foods That Can Cheaply & Organically Replace Expensive Chemical Peels

So…yeah.

It’s FOOD for your FACE.

‘Nuff said.

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1. For a soft and even-toned complexion, snack on a handful of walnuts 3 times per week. The essential minerals (e.g. potassium, magnesium, calcium), Vitamin B, and omega-3 fatty acids found in these crunchy munchies soothe inflamed facial tissue and fight stress break-outs. A daily topical regiment of warm walnut oil (1 tbsp.) is also ideal for moisturizing dry, flaky (AND sensitive) skin.

(image courtesy of hudabeauty.com)

2. For a wrinkle-free and glowing complexion, try plain Greek yogurt (mix with fruit and stevia to sweeten) for breakfast. The lactic acid, probiotics, calcium, and Vitamin D found in this protein-powerhouse reduce aging and discoloration, while exfoliating beneath the surface. A weekly topical regimen of Greek yogurt (2-3 tbsp.) and olive oil (1 tbsp.) is also ideal for a deep cleansing facial mask.

   

(image courtesy of fitsugar.com)

3. For a clear and hydrated complexion, indulge in 2 squares of dark chocolate (78% cacao) 2 times per week. The antioxidants, vitamins (e.g. A, B, C, D, E), essential minerals (e.g. calcium, iron), and flavanols found in this guilty pleasure improve collagen circulation, repair dryness, and prevent UV-damage. A weekly topical regimen of powdered dark cocoa (1.5 tbsp), olive oil (1 tbsp), and brown sugar (1 tbsp.) is also ideal for a facial scrub that strips away dead skin cells.

   

(image courtesy of skinsense101.com)

4. For a fresh and revitalized complexion, toss generous amounts of kale into a lunch or dinner salad. The copper, iron, Vitamin A, and Vitamin C in this leafy green super-food boost the production of melanin, fight acne-causing free radicals, and calm redness or irritation. A daily drinkable regimen of kale (1 c. chopped), beets and/or carrots (1 c. chopped – these veggies are loaded with a natural skin-care army, as well), and iced green tea (1 c. – among one of the healthiest beverages on earth, green tea basically wrote the book on antioxidants) blended into a smoothie is also ideal if you’re looking to detoxify.

   

(image courtesy of beyondbeautifulskin.com)

5. For a long term blemish-free complexion, incorporate various types of berries (e.g. strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, etc.) into at least 1 meal per day. I’m talking breakfast with almond milk poured on top, lunch in a grilled chicken and arugula salad, or dinner served with your favorite whole grain. The ellagic acid, anthocyanin, and Vitamin C found in these juicy little gems increase skin elasticity and even have the foresight to prevent future break-outs that you never saw coming. A weekly topical regimen of mashed-up berries (1/4 c.) and organic honey (1 tbsp.) is also ideal for an anti-aging mask.

   

(image courtesy of embracinghealthblog.com)