Banana Oatmeal Loaf

I must admit that I'm a huge bread fan, I usually go for whole wheat breads, but I'll really taste any type of bread I find. I tend to use bananas only in my post workout frappes, but I had a couple of them left and didn't want them to go to waste, so I decided to try out this recipe from a new book I bought. It's a super moist bread that has a bit of a crunch from the crust and texture from the oatmeal. I used and recommend regular oats, because they have more of the nutrients than instant oats have, but if you find oats that have been processed even less those will be healthier, but it really depends on what you prefer. I can see this bread working perfectly for a light weekend brunch, or packing it as a nice snack during a hiking trip or a day at the beach. Hope you like this recipe!

Let me know

Xo

Flor

Banana Oatmeal Loaf Recipe

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

2/3 cup sugar

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

3/4 cup regular oats

1 cup mashed ripe banana (about 2 large)

1/3 cup low-fat buttermilk

1/4 cup vegetable oil

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 large eggs, lightly beaten

Cooking spray

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F

2. Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt into a large bowl, stirring well with a whisk. Stir in oats

3. Combine bananas, buttermilk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract and eggs. Add to flour mixture, stir until moist

4. Spoon batter into an 8 x 4 inch loaf pan coated with cooking spray and bake at 350 degrees F for 55 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean

*Source: Cooking Light Way to Cook 

Getting Fit for Summer

I've been an avid runner all my life, probably because I started playing soccer in second grade and didn't stop until a couple of years ago. Summer is right around the corner and this is the time where many start getting inspired to start exercising. Even though I love exercising, I have a lot of friends that aren't too fond of it and find it extremely difficult to start. A great way to get inspired is by buying new exercise clothing, shoes and accessories; whenever I buy a new running tank or pants I can't wait to use them. Being comfortable is key, especially with your shoes, it's important to find ones that fit really well and are appropriate for the type of exercise you'll be doing. Bright colors are a great option for running gear, if you'll be running at night it's extremely important to have reflectors in your gear, and now it's extremely easy to incorporate them without looking weird. You can find a number of options from the soles of your shoes to your cap, to special details in your pants. Exercise attire can be pretty pricey, but you can find great options at retail stores like Marshall's or at the brand outlets.

Hope you're inspired to start getting into a fitter you for this summer while looking stellar!

Xo
Flor

MPG Running Pants

Nike Flyknit Lunar- Running Shoes

New Balance Running Tank

Brooks NightLife Mesh Cap

Garmin Forerunner 10

Acaí Purple Bowl

I learned about purple bowls a couple of months ago and since then I've been crazy over them. I usually share dessert recipes that lack on the low cal and healthy vibe, so I thought this would be a nice twist to my usuals. The main ingredient in the purple bowl is acaí purée and it's basically the reason why it's so healthy, it's full of antioxidants. You can add any other fruits you like to the purée and in terms of liquid you can use soy milk, regular milk, apple juice, orange juice or whatever you want to try out. I used strawberries, blueberries, bananas, mangos and added Naked's Berry Blast juice, but remember you can add any fruits and liquid you want. You can use honey or agave to sweeten the purple bowl and add some granola at the end when you pour it into your bowl. 

Usually when I try these type of things at restaurants or shops, I tend to be uneasy about them because it's easy to think they're low calorie, low sugar and just healthy, but they've added tons of sugar to make them taste good. If you have time to make them at home do it, plus it's super easy and fun, but if you know a place and trust their product that's perfect also. I really hope you try this out, it's perfect for your sweet cravings and those hot summer days to come, and I promise you it tastes amazing!

Xo

Flor

Ingredients I used:

1 Banana

8 Strawberries

Handfull of blueberries

Half a mango

2 packs acaí purée 

Handfull of granola

Squirt of Agave

Small amount of Berry Blast

Instructions:

***Purple bowl has a thicker consistency than smoothies or frappes so you'll need to add a small amount of liquid and use the acaí purée packs still frozen to maintain this consistency.

Add the fruits, acaí purée packs, small amount of liquid and agave in a blender and blend away. Transfer the mixture to a bowl where you can add granola, more berries, coconut flakes or nuts on top.