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Posted on April 7, 2020 by healthbyhayl

This recipe is beyond versatile! Substitute any frozen or fresh fruit in place of bananas and add in your favorite oatmeal goodies like dried fruits, nuts and seeds to spruce it up and make it your own!

 

Yield: 1 serving

 

Ingredients:

1 banana, mashed

1/2 cup rolled oats

1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)

1-2 Tbsp peanut butter (substitute any nut or seed butter)

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1/4 tsp salt

 

Directions:

  1. In a small jar or bowl mix together all of the ingredients until well combined. The oats should be just covered in milk.
  2. Cover the jar or container and refrigerate for up to 48 hours before eating (if you want to make these for a snack they can sit for 1-2 hours before eating!).
  3. Serve cold. Add extra sliced banana, more peanut butter and a sprinkle of cinnamon before serving!

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Posted on April 7, 2020 by healthbyhayl

Let’s talk about Pantry Staples– items that have a long shelf life, are packed with nutrients and can be used in a variety of ways. During this crazy time it’s important to grocery shop only when absolutely needed, so pantry staples are a must!

 

Some ideas to have on hand:

  1. Apples- Any variety is great to have on hand for a quick and nutritious snack. Apples have a much longer shelf life than most fruits (up to 3 weeks!). Spread on some nut butter or sprinkle with cinnamon for a fiber-packed snack!
  2. Sweet Potatoes & Potatoes- Not only are potatoes high in fiber, but they are also packed with vitamin C, vitamin B6 and potassium. Some ideas: toss them into soup or chili, bake them up as a hearty side dish or bake into chips/fries (hint hint- there’s a Sweet Potato fry recipe in the Side Dishes category!).
  3. Oats- This shelf-stable whole grain is a MUST during quarantine. Oats are packed with fiber, potassium, iron and vitamin B6. I love making my own granola for breakfasts, oatmeal bakes and tossing a handful into smoothies!
  4. Frozen Fruits and Veggies- Contrary to popular belief, frozen fruits and veggies are just as nutritious as fresh, plus they’re a lot more affordable. Try tossing frozen fruit into an easy smoothie or mix into a yogurt bowl for breakfast. Use your frozen veggies for an easy stir fry or stir into a pot of soup!
  5. Canned Tuna or Salmon- The perfect base for an easy lunch or dinner, canned fish contains a high amount of iron, calcium and protein. Add some simple flavors to create an easy tuna or salmon salad and serve it over mixed greens, on a sandwich or wrap or in lettuce cups!
  6. Pasta- Another fiber packed grain that almost everyone has stashed. Serve pasta warm with sauce and veggies, add to soup or try a cold pasta salad with fresh veggies for some crunch!
  7. Rice (or quinoa)- These simple whole grains are easy to find pre-cooked or even frozen now, aka even less work on your part! I love adding brown rice to veggie stir fries, adding to soup or using quinoa for the base of a cold salad.
  8. Dried or canned beans- You don’t have to be vegan or vegetarian to enjoy these fiber packed goodies. There are a variety of beans and legumes to try out including balck, pinto, lima, white, navy, cannelini, kidney and chick peas! Try making a vegetarian chili if you can’t get your hands on ground beef or turkey.
  9. Peanut or Nut Butter- Aside from the obvious healthy fats and protein, peanut and other nut butters contain a high amount of potassium and magnesium. While PB&J are easy and delicious, try making some energy bites, homemade granola bars or peanut butter cups!

 

Recipes to try on healthbyhayl using these items:

  1. 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies
  2. Apple Crisp
  3. Spiced Apple Baked Oatmeal
  4. Baked Sweet Potato Fries
  5. Trail Mix Bars
  6. Shaved Brussels Sprout & Sweet Potato Salad
  7. Peanut Butter Energy Bites
  8. Apple Nachos
  9. Hearty Chicken & Vegetable Soup
  10. Turkey Chili – make it vegetarian/ vegan by subbing 3 cans of black, pinto or kidney beans for ground turkey.
  11. White Bean Dip
  12. Easy Garlic Hummus
  13. Dark Chocolate Cranberry Granola Bars
  14. Peanut Butter Banana Overnight Oats

 

 

 

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Posted on April 7, 2020 by healthbyhayl

If you’re team sweet potato fries > regular fries,  then this is the recipe for you! Sweet potato fries are easy, delicious and incredibly nutritious as they are packed with fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C and manganese.

 

Yield: 2-3 servings

 

Ingredients:

1-2 pounds sweet potatoes, scrubbed and cut into fries

1/4 cup olive oil

1 tsp salt

1 tsp seasoning of choice (for sweet: cinnamon, for savory: garlic powder)

Ketchup for dipping!

 

Directions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
  2. Place the fries in a single layer on baking pans (you will probably need 2-3).
  3. Drizzle the fries with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and seasoning. Toss to evenly coat. Be sure the fries are in an even layer before baking (if they are in a pile or too close they will steam and not get crispy).
  4. Bake the fries for 15-20 minutes, flipping the fries halfway through. Fries should be dark brown and crispy.
  5. Serve immediately!

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Posted on April 7, 2020 by healthbyhayl

Hummus has slowly become a major part of my snacking game, but I never have tahini on hand to make it at home. Have no fear, a tahini-less hummus recipe is here!

 

Yield: 1-1/2 cups hummus

Ingredients:

1 (15.5 oz) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed

1/4 cup olive oil

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp pepper

1/2 tsp cumin (optional)

1 clove garlic (or 1 Tbsp pre-chopped garlic, or 1 tsp garlic powder)

1 lemon, juiced

 

Directions:

  1. In a food processor or blender, combine all ingredients.
  2. Blend for 2-3 minutes, scraping down the sides occasionally.
  3. Continue to blend until hummus is smooth. Season to taste!

 

 

 

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Posted on April 5, 2020 by healthbyhayl

The BEST traditional chocolate chip cookie! Gooey on the inside and the perfect crispy edges.

 

Yield: 12-15 cookies
Ingredients:

1 stick butter, softened (not melted)

1/2 cup white sugar

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 egg

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 tsp salt

1 1/2 cup flour

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp baking powder

1 cup chocolate chips or chunks

 

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
  2. Place softened butter and sugars into a stand mixer (or use a hand mixer). Cream for 1-2 minutes or until light and fluffy.
  3. Add the egg and vanilla, mix until combined.
  4. In a small bowl, mix the salt, flour, baking soda and baking powder until combined. Slowly add dry ingredients into wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
  5. Add in the chocolate chips and stir until fully incorporated.
  6. Scoop 2 Tbsp sized balls of dough onto a prepared baking pan (2 inches apart). Bake for 10-12 minutes or until JUST cooked/ browned on the edges (this creates the gooey center!).
  7. Allow cookies to cook 5-7 minutes to set up before serving or storing.

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Posted on March 21, 2020 by healthbyhayl

fullsizeoutput_4d16These cookies are quite literally as easy as 1, 2, 3! I’ve included some substitutions if needed!

Yield: 10-12 cookies

Ingredients:

1 cup peanut butter (sub almond butter, cashew butter, sunflower seed butter for allergen friendly)

3/4 cup sugar

1 egg

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Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. In a small bowl, mix all ingredients until smooth.
  2. Scoop dough into 1 Tbsp. sized balls and place on a greased cookie sheet. Be sure your dough balls are evenly spaced out as dough will spread.
  3. Press a fork lightly onto each dough ball to create a crossed pattern. Bake for 13-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned. Cool slightly before using a spatula to remove cookies.

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Posted on March 21, 2020 by healthbyhayl

The perfect dessert for any time of year: simple, delicious and nutritious!

 

Yield: 4-6 servings

 

Ingredients:

For the apples-

4-5 apples, cored and sliced (Use whatever kind of apples you have on hand, I like Gala, Pink Lady or Honey Crisp. I usually keep the skins on for extra fiber!)

2 Tbsp maple syrup

1 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp salt

For the topping-

5 Tbsp butter, melted (you could also use coconut or olive oil)

1/4 cup maple syrup

1/4 cup flour

1 cup oats

1/2 cup chopped walnuts (Substitute almonds or pecans!)

1 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp salt

 

Directions:

  1. Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees. Grease an 8×8 square baking dish or similar sized casserole dish.
  2. Place apple slices in a large bowl. Drizzle with maple syrup and sprinkle with cinnamon and salt. Toss to combine and then pour into prepared pan.
  3. In a small bowl combine the topping ingredients until a crumble forms. Evenly crumble the topping over the apples.
  4. Bake for 35-45 minutes or until the topping is brown and the apples are tender.
  5. Serve warm with whipped cream or ice cream!

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Posted on December 16, 2019 by healthbyhayl

Yield: 18-20 servings

 

Ingredients:

12 oz dark chocolate, melted

8 oz white chocolate, melted

1 ½ cups crushed candy canes (or peppermints)

 

Directions:

  1. Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper. Pour dark chocolate onto the pan and spread into an even larger with a spatula.
  2. Drizzle the white chocolate over the dark chocolate. Using a toothpick, swirl the chocolates together slightly.
  3. Evenly sprinkle on the crushed canes onto the chocolate mixture. Freeze for 20-30 minutes or until set.
  4. Gently break the bar into large pieces and serve! Keep in the fridge or freezer until serving.

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Posted on December 14, 2019 by healthbyhayl

Homemade Vanilla Extract

The easiest and most simple homemade gift for anyone! Feel free to double this recipe to have more on hand!

 

Ingredients:
5-6 vanilla bean pods (I bought mine on Amazon!)

8 oz 80-90 proof vodka (You could also do Brandy, Whiskey or Rum)

 

Directions:

Place vanilla bean pods into a glass jar, pour over vodka until beans are fully covered. Tightly screw on the lid and place in a cool dry place for 8-12 weeks. Be sure to shake the jars every few days. The extract should be dark in color and have a rich vanilla smell!

 

 

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Posted on December 6, 2019 by healthbyhayl

My favorite make-ahead breakfast, packed with fiber and protein and incredibly versatile! Truth is, I’m not a hot oatmeal or even muesli lover, so this is the perfect nourishing breakfast with all of the added health benefits. Feel free to mix and match flavors- add different fruit, dried fruit, nuts, seeds and other nut butters to make this recipe your own.

Yield: 10-12 oatmeal bars

Ingredients:

2 apples, cored and diced (whatever kind you have on hand)

1/4 tsp salt

2 cups milk (dairy or non-dairy)

2 eggs

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/4 cup maple syrup

1/4 cup creamy peanut butter (substitute

3 cups oats

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 cup walnuts (substitute pecans, almonds, pistachios!)

 

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Directions:

  1. In a small pan, saute apples for 10-15 minutes on low heat until soft. Sprinkle with salt and set aside to cool.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, vanilla, maple syrup and peanut butter until smooth. Add in the rest of the ingredients and stir until fully combined.
  3. Pour the mixture into a prepared 9×13 pan and bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until set and firm.
  4. Allow to cool before cutting into squares. Keep in the refrigerator in an air tight container for up to 1 week.
  5. Serve with extra peanut butter, fresh berries and a drizzle of maple syrup!

 

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