Creating Your Own Masterpiece

Do you have some kind of craft or hobby you enjoy doing that you just downright find therapeutic for you? 

For me that is when I get to go get my paint on. I don't usually paint at home. But I do love to however love to head over to my friend Tina's business ArtfullyYours Painting in Mashpee, MA to get my paint on. I met Tina a few years back when she just opened her business and just enjoyed my time at the class. It's a totally relaxed atmosphere in there and it just totally relaxes me. 

I've always enjoyed drawing and being crafty, but don't always get to do it on a regular basis. So for me getting out of the house for a few hours to go paint, have a drink or two, listen to some tunes while creating my own masterpiece is something I look forward to when i do get the chance to do it. Funny thing is when I'm painting I can be very critical of what i am doing but yet I'm still totally chilled and just going with it. A few weeks agao I had seen a picture of one of the upcoming classes and I just loved it. What a super cute holiday picture that would make to add to my collection, I thought to myself. So here is my latest whimsical creation called Frosted Winter Wonderland! 

I find it so cool to watch everyone else paint as we all start off with the same blank canvas and what transpires in just a few short hours.  It's pretty cool. So I just wanted to share with you some of my other creations. I highly recommend if you have one of these paint bars in your area to go try it out. I think you will be amazed at what you can actually do. You would be amazed at the people that said i don't do painting or I could never paint that. Then when they are done they are surprised at how good it actually did  come out.  It's a fun time out meeting new people and just kicking back. 

Here is the very 1st one that I ever painted. It was supposed to have 3 fish in the picture but I decided to only do one. And that's the great thing about this. Do you have to follow it exactly the way the artist has it. Absolutely NOT!! You can make it your own creation. Which goes for the way we live our lives. Be your own person. Be the BEST version of YOU that you can be!!! 

So get out of your comfort zone and try something new that you normally wouldn't do and just do it. So in case I ever get famous when I do my paintings now I always have a heart somewhere in the painting and I use the dots to add to it for a little whimsey. Just something that i like to incorporate and it's fun to think of how I will add them into my painting. 

SO GO GET CREATIVE!! So what hobby do you enjoy doing that relaxes your and just let's you kick back and have fun. Would love to hear about it. 

This one below is one of my favorites. 

Can you find the heart in these paintings I posted???

 So if you are ever in the Cape Cod area be sure to look up Artfully Yours Paint Fun. Great time to have a family day and get everyone involved. And come home with a wonderful masterpiece!!

Life is about getting out of your comfort zone and trying new things. So have fun and live life to the fullest. Enjoy the journey and everything it has to offer.!! 

Create your own Masterpiece that we call life!! 

~ UNLEASH your INNER SPARKLE ~

Are you READY to UNLEASH YOUR INNER SPARKLE?? Are you tired of not being where you want to be in your health and fitness goals? Do you need support and accountability? Do you want to create a more simplified lifestyle? 

If you answered YES to any of these questions then this is the next group you want to sign up for. Let's start off 2016 with a fresh new attitude and a renewed mindset. 

It's that time of the year where everyone will be starting to think of or make what new years resolutions they will be partaking on for 2016. How long do you usually last when it comes to making your new resolutions stick? If you're like most they usually don't go long. I can attest to that from previous years when I have made them. Last few years I have been staying on track and really making that commitment to sticking to my health and wellness goals as much as possible. Yes I slide off the track here and there but for the most part I am able to get back on and keep moving forward. REMEMBER... this is not just a 21 day program, this is a lifestyle change. This program is a jump start to creating new healthy habits, that you can continue to use on a day to day basis while on your health and wellness journey. You will be given the tools, tips, support and motivation to creating a wonderful new and improved you.

I'm so excited to be starting a new round on Monday January 4th. Let's kick off the year right and UNLEASH OUR INNER SPARKLE!!!! Remember you don't have to do it alone!!

The deadline to order your tools for the challenge to reserve a spot in the group is 12/23. I wanted to open the group early so that everyone has plenty of time to get their packages in and be ready for the new year start.

Click here to watch a quick video about 21 day program

Here's what it all entails:

~You get 6- 30 min workouts + FREE bonus workout that you do from your home (variety of cardio/weights/yoga/pilates and all have a modifier) No guess work, everything is all scheduled for you. Just follow the program guide.

~30 meals which is 1 shake per day that is super food loaded , I personally drink it once a day, usually for Breakfast or my late afternoon snack/pick me up. 

~The portion controlled containers and nutrition plan that tells you what to eat and how much . So simple to follow. Plus FREE 3 Day Quick Fix secret weapon for losing weight fast before a photo shoot or special event. 

~Access to me as your FREE coach to support you thru your journey and a great group of others who are all doing the same. We will have daily inspiration, tips and tricks to help us reach our goals. 

~A FREE 30-Day Trial Membership in the Team Beachbody Club, so you can start streaming your workouts, and more than $3,000 in other proven Beachbody workouts, plus find all the support you need to succeed in your challenge. After your 30-Day Trial Membership is up, you will be billed quarterly for Club Membership, which you may cancel at any time. 

So it's like having a personal trainer, nutritionist, personal coach, and support group.

All for just $160 which is an amazing deal.
On SALE right now for $140 
Not sure how long sales price will last. Sale was suppose to end in November. But still on sale.
With a complete 30 day money back guarantee
In general , just 1 of these services would cost that.

It can feel overwhelming making a change like this at first. I know first hand with my own journey and working with my challengers.

That's where Fix 101 Class comes in! Five days before we start on 12/28. We will completely break down the program, so there are no questions left unanswered! We will talk about easy recipes, meal planning and prep, and how to make it all fit into your busy lifestyle and kick off the new year right!

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to message me. I'll be happy to help anyway I can. 

  

********************************************************************
Ready to get started?

Go to www.teambeachbody.com/yogagirl

Click shop/shop all products/challenge packs and choose the 21 day fix and Shakeology challenge pack for $160

SPECIAL ALERT: Right now the 21 Day Fix Challenge pack is on SALE for $140. Not sure how long that special pricing will last. So now is the time to order before it's gone. So if your interested then don't hesitate, you won't be sorry that you did. :) Also here is the direct link to order:

http://bit.ly/PB21DayFixChallengePack

Also once you place your order, message me that your order has been placed with me and you will be entered into a drawing for a copy of the new FIXATE cookbook. ** Make sure when signing up on the site to order, you see my name as your coach (Jane Boutin). Any questions, please don't hesitate to email me @ purebalanceforlife@gmail.com or post below. 

**The challenge is open only to folks not working with a coach and who are not coaches.




People are like stained - glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within.
Elisabeth Kubler-Ros

Remember you don't have to go this alone! Let's help support and motivate each other! Also don't forget to sign up for my FREE Monthly Newsletter. 

Pumpkin Pie with a Twist ~ RumChata style

As promised here is the recipe for RumChata Pumpkin pie. 

If you a fan of RumChata like I am this is a great way to switch up your pumpkin pie recipe with a twist. 

Recipe is super easy. Just the way I like them. 

Ingredients

6 oz RumChata

1/2 cup brown sugar 

1 (15 oz) can of pumpkin

1 cup sweetened condensed milk

2 large eggs

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp ground ginger

1/2 tsp ground nutmeg

1/2 tsp salt

1, 9 inch unbaked pie crust

Directions

Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Whisk pumpkin, brown sugar, eggs, sweetened condensed milk, RumChata, spices and salt in a medium bowl until smooth. Pour into crust and bake for 15 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees and continue baking for 35 to 40 minutes or until knife, inserted 1 inch from crust, comes out clean. Let cool. Garnish as desired.

I hope you enjoy the recipe, I know I did. The Pie didn't last long in my house. So learn to spice it up and try something different every now and then! Keep life fresh and exciting. 

Have a great holiday season! Please share your fun and festive recipes that you enjoy this time of the year!!! Don't forget to click the link at the top right of the page to sign up for my FREE Monthly newsletter for more fun tips, recipes, inspiration and how to live a healthy and happy lifestyle. 

One pie...Two people.... GONE in ONE DAY!!

Just so you all know I am human and have my weak moments at times. Here is a weak moment....

Ok not going to lie, I put myself into a sugar coma then other day!!! Bought a pumpkin pie with the man and the two of us ate the whole darn thing! YES I said it! Ugh! Who can relate to that? The pie was soooo good. We just couldn't get enough of it. Add whip cream and that's all I needed to attack it.

Two people One pie... GONE in  a day!!!! 

Now this butt needs to get into gear this week big time!!!! So this week my mini challenge is to get all my workouts in for Mon-Fri. Went to the grocery store and got everything I needed for the week in food to keep it as clean as possible. 

What do you do when you have an off day or weekend??  Best course of action is to just say it happened and move forward. You can't go back and change it,  so you can only move forward and make it better from here on out. 

I can attest that I have in the past been sucked into the vortex we call life and spiraled out of control with my nutrition and fitness. I've definitely have days even weeks where I just couldn't pick myself back up and get back on track. I would say to myself. Oh, I'll just start back on Monday. Yeah that's  just really not the best idea for me. So I would take the next day, refocus and get back on track. Thankfully I also have a wonderful support and accountability group that I'm involved in that has helped me bounce back quicker then later. I'm a firm believer that if you hang with people that are on the same wave length with you when it comes to your health and fitness you have a much greater rate on succeeding and hitting your goals. 

If you are struggling with staying on track and just can't seem to get to where you want to get to, then know this, you don't have to do it alone. Find one or two people that might be struggling as well and get together and stay connected. Help keep each other accountable and lift each other up with support and motivation.

If you have no idea where to start or you need to stay accountable then I would love to help you. Let's chat. To connect up with me on Facebook, Click Here and "LIKE " my Pure Balance for Like page. Thanks in advance! And don't be shy you can friend request me as well at Facebook Jane

if you happen to not be a facebook person then you can connect up with me and sign up for a free account with me @ http://bit.ly/purebalanceyg and I will be your FREE coach and we can stay in touch and help support and motivate each other! 

Stay tuned for my Rumchata pumpkin pie recipe coming soon!! Going to give it a shot and see how it comes out. I will be making it for Thanksgiving. Yes I am all about living life and when it comes to my nutrition, why deprive myself of certain things. Life is all about moderation. I've learned to do just that. Yes there might be a day that is really over the moderation part(Like the pie thing, but that is in the past. lol) but heck it's just how life happens sometimes. As long as you don't continue to overdue it everyday like that. 

Have a fabulous day and remember to DREAM BIG!!!

FINISH THE YEAR STRONG! 21 days to a healthier you!

FIT & FESTIVE HOLIDAY CHALLENGE starts Monday 11/30

Who's ready to end 2015 stronger than when it started? 

Just wanted to give a quick shout out that you still have time to get in on joining in my next 21 day accountability and challenge group. I don't know about you but I have no plans on gaining any extra holiday weight. I actually have a goal to be lighter and stronger by year end. So far so good!! So with that being said Next group starts Monday Nov 30th. which is perfect right after all the Thanksgiving festivities. Group will be 21 days and get us right to the week of Christmas.  How exciting would it be to hit Christmas day  being 5-10lbs lighter and feeling stronger or your clothes fitting better or looser??? I'm so ready to see what i can do in that time frame. I've had great success before when I've done my 21 day rounds so going to make this one the best and end the year off right and ahead of the game come the new year!!! 

Join us for a 3 week challenge leading up to Christmas as we burn calories, eat clean and reach our goals! 

-30 Minute Workouts

-Daily Motivation

-Holiday Party Survival Tips

-Simple Nutrition Plans

-Meal Prep Training and more!

I will be giving you the tools, daily accountability and inspiration you need to go into the new year feeling healthy and fit! Can you give me 21 Days? Who wouldn't want to lose 5-10 pounds during the busiest season of the year without it burning you out and causing you stress? 

Let's get fired up and do this together!

Here's a little bonus...Bring your friends! (PRIZE ALERT) Refer 3 friends, family or co-workers to joins us and sign up for me to be their free Coach. You will get a $5 Target gift card! If they join the Team Beachbody Challenge with a challenge pack you will receive a $10 gift card! Let's have some fun, keep each other accountable and end 2015 fit and healthy! Please message me also with the names of your referrals so I can make sure you get credit when they sign up with me. Here is the link for them to join  Click here  Don't forget to make sure you are signed up with me for Free as well and I am your coach. 

Or if your ready to dive on in and get your Challenge pack then Click here now:

A little extra motivation to have a Year End Resolution! You start the year with a New Year's Resolution, and we know how well that usually ends up. So this year, let's get millions of people to instead - finish strong! It's time for a Year End Resolution! And everyone who takes their before and after and submits it by Jan 15th (more details on that later) plus your story, will get a special t-shirt, up to $5,000 cash for the 5 most inspirational male and female, and we are even awarding 1,000 people with a free Beachbody Performance supplement sampler!). So take your before and let's get to work inside Beachbody On Demand! 

GIVE YOURSELF THE GIFT OF HEALTH THIS HOLIDAY SEASON!!

If you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact me. Fill out following form and I will get back to you ASAP!! Want more info click here:

It's not a Quick Fix ~ It's a Lifestyle Change!

So today marks the day after my 21 Day Fix Extreme journey. So for the last 21 days I decided to forgo alcohol and sweet treats.  There were some days that man I really wanted to dive in and give in to those sweet tooth cravings. Especially having kids and them waving it in my face. But I stuck to it knowing that it was only 21 day. So I was determined to make it happen.  I am by far no where near perfect and I have times where my fitness and nutrition go right out the window. It happens and I’m human. Luckily have been blessed with the tools and have a great support and accountability group to help me get back on track when I do fall off. We are there for each out through the good and the bad times. 

I will say over the last year a good 10-15 lbs have creeped back on me. Yes I have clothes in my closet that are way to snug or don’t fit right now. And I refuse to go out and buy new clothes when I have a closet full. This past summer I decided to get really back on track and start focusing on getting back to where I was. Don’t get me wrong not complaining about my size because where I was 10yrs ago was not a healthy place. So even with the extra weight I still feel great. Just want to have the clothes I have now to fit even better. So over the summer the program I was doing I was able to drop 10lbs and 12inches. Totally happy with that. Today I can report that from doing this latest round of 21 Day Fix Extreme I am down another 3.5lbs and 2.5in. So not exactly what I was looking for, but happy nonetheless that things are changing and going in a great direction. 

One thing I keep telling myself that this journey is my lifestyle. That life happens and things always don’t go as planned and it’s OK. As long as you get back on the horse and continue to stay the course. Remember you might not always see immediate changes or feel like nothing is happening but it is. Small consistent steps lead to amazing results.

If you would like to join in with me on my next 21 day challenge journey, let me know. Comment below or message me. It’s not too late to get started. Also there is a great special happening til Oct 31^st. Let me tell you all about it. So who’s going to join me?      Click here to join me! 

This isn't a quick fix, but a lifestyle change. This program will help give you the tools you need to have a healthy relationship with food, and will improve your physical and mental health! Plus make new friends in a judge free, fun, supportive, accountability and motivation group!! 

When in Doubt, Make Banana Pumpkin Pancakes!!

So I'm heading on vacation in a few days and I look on the kitchen counter and see a few bananas that are starting to get very ripe. Then i look in my fridge and I have canned pumpkin left that I didn't use up. So I'm one that hates to waste anything. I will use up as much of it as possible. So on tonight's agenda i decided to keep in the spirit of the fall season and make it all about the pumpkin. It was a super easy recipe with very few ingredients. Simple just how I like them. 

Something about this time of year that I just love. I love the changes of color in the leaves. I love that fresh crisp air that is just a tad bit cool where you just need a light sweater. Pulling out the fall decorations and letting the festivities of the holiday season gear up. Just feels me with warmth. 

Grab your children and have them make these pancakes with you. Anytime you can spend with your children take advantage of it. Life is to short and they grow up way to fast. 

RECIPE

1 cup oat flour

2 ripe bananas mashed

1/4 cup canned pumpkin

2 eggs

1tsp vanilla extract

1 tbsp cinnamon

1/2 tbsp pumpkin pie spice

1tsp nutmeg

1/4 unsweetened almond milk(optional)

In a large bowl mash up bananas, then add pumpkin, eggs, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice and nutmeg. Mix well until everything is well blended. Then add oat flour to mixture and mix well. If the batter seems too thick then you can the almond milk. Heat up griddle and I like to spray the pan with cooking spray. Use 1/4cup batter for each pancake. Cook well on one side then flip to cook other side. Make sure you cook long enough for the inside to be fully cooked.  Put on plate and serve. If not eating all of them you can wrap them in plastic wrap and freeze them in packages of 2. Then when I want them, I will pull a package out defrost and toss them in a toaster. I like that it gives them a bit of a crunch. 

This recipe makes approx, 12 pancakes. Serving size is 2 pancakes. Have fun and enjoy!

Nutrition FactsServings 6.0Amount Per Servingcalories 147% Daily Value *Total Fat 3 g5 %Saturated Fat 0 g2 %Monounsaturated Fat 1 gPolyunsaturated Fat 0 gTrans Fat 0 gCholesterol 62 mg21 %Sodium 30 mg1 %Potassium 179 mg5 %Total Carbohydrate 24 g8 %Dietary Fiber 4 g17 %Sugars 5 gProtein 6 g12 %Vitamin A27 %Vitamin C7 %Calcium5 %Iron5 %* The Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet, so your values may change depending on your calorie needs. The values here may not be 100% accurate because the recipes have not been professionally evaluated nor have they been evaluated by the U.S. FDA.

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Are you Taking Accountability in your Life??

Do you take accountability in your life?? In your relationships? In your faith? I listened to a podcast the other day about this subject and it really made me think about how much accountability I really am responsible for in my life. I can tell you this some of the areas in my life that I struggle with are due to not being fully accountable. When you finally make the choice to stop and take accountability, man does your life change. I know it did for me. I'm still working on it in certain areas of my life but so far it's made me a better person. Really makes me stop and think when I say or do things in life from here on out..

You can make excuses all day long about how you didn't get this or that, why this happened why this didn't happen, but none of it matters til you become accountable to them and take responsibility. We can blame others all we won't be it really won't solve the bigger issue. And it all begins and starts with you. Nothing in life is really easy. You have to work hard to get what you want and when you take action and say to yourself, you know what this is my life and I am the only person that can change it to the way I want it. You have the power as to how you chose to live your life. I personally did this in my coaching business. Made excuses as to why I wasn't where I was. That attitude got me no where. When I made the switch to taking accountability that's when things started changing in my business. I sat back and made a plan of action of what I needed to do. Not what others said I needed to do. Did I listen to the advice and opinions  that they had, absolutely. But it all boiled down to what I needed to do for me and me alone. And that was take accountability for my own life. So for me it was time to have a good ole chat with myself. How did that go you ask?

Let's take my faith in God. My faith in God has grown immensely since being accountable. How so, for starters once I got back into my daily regimen with giving praise to my Lord, giving him thanks for everything that has come into my life. I have a stronger connection then ever before. And it's all because I took accountability for my actions. I made the decision that keeping faith in my life daily is a non-negotiable. First thing I do when I wake up in the morning  is listen to Charles Stanley via podcasts. It really sets the tone  for my day. I have also been listening to other inspirational podcasts before I head off to sleep. It's really made a difference in how I view my days these last few months.  I'm so thankful and blessed to have made these decisions in my life to get back into focus with God. 

So if you are not where you want to be in your life, step back and take a closer look as to why. I'm also a firm believer that where we are in life is where we are suppose to be. That we have lessons and life experiences that we need to learn before moving to the next phase. With that you also have to take responsibility and work on you while at those crossroads. This is where taking accountability comes into action. If you don't like where you're at then change it. Look deep inside to find out what is stopping you from moving forward when you feel like you keep hitting the same wall. I know for me when I finally did this I opened up a whole new world of wonders for myself. It's taken awhile for all this to happen and I'm still a work in process but I'm heading in a great direction and starting to make things happen because I finally stepped up and took accountability for my life. Best decision I ever made was renewing my faith with God. That's been the key to my success. It has opened doors for me, that I have only dreamed of.  If you would like to hear some of the podcasts that have made a shift in my thoughts here is the link. http://www.intouch.org/.  I love listening to Charles Stanley pretty much everyday. He has a way of delivering messages that just hit home for me. So I just wanted to share this with others. If there is someone that needs to see this then I hope it reaches them. 

Life is definitely going to be crazy at times. I don't claim to sit here saying it isn't. I have had my own share of craziness and I still do from time to time. But I can say that I get through it by the grace of God now. I now have the tools to be able to not flip out or worry myself so much I make myself sick. I now look at life and any issues that might arise with a clearer more calmer outlook. I'm just trying to live a simple, drama-free, clutter free life, the way God would want me to. So if you are looking to make some changes remember start with you 1st. Work on your own personal development. There is so much information out there in books, on audio and video. Also while your being accountable to yourself, you can also connect up with an accountability partner. Whether it be your spouse or friend. If there is someone you trust and you both have a good connection and relationship then help each other out. I have a few accountability partners. It's great to know we are both on the same wave length and we keep it real with each other. We both know we can share things and neither one of us judges the other. It starts with you. You just have to decide what you want to make as a priority in your life. 

I wish everyone a blessed day and wonderful adventures on your life journey!! Take the 1st step! 

Kale Soup Crockpot Style

So who loves using their crockpot during this time of the year. I know I do. I love throwing everything into one pot and going on with my day and coming home to some yummy goodness and the house smelling awesome, like I have been cooking all day long...haha that's a good one. I especially love my crockpot because this busy mom is limited on time. So here is one of my favorites for when I'm using the crockpot. So let me make this disclaimer now I am not the greatest cook but I can hold my own if i have to. So this recipe is what I use in my Kale Soup recipe. You are more then welcome to switch it up and add more veggies or switch out the chourico for chicken or whatever floats your boat. So have fun and get creative. Did I tell you how much i love just throwing everything into one pot, turning it on  and then go about my other business. 

So with that being said who's up for a 6 Day Crockpot Challenge Group?? It starts Monday October 5th. The focus is clean eating but YUMMY food! Getting healthy is all about adding healthy habits into your day. We will also be posting daily inspirational quotes for us to open our day with. Plus tips and tricks to help make our lives easier and little less hectic.

So whose in? I know I'm ready to kick it up a notch this fall season and get a jump on the holiday season that will be quickly approaching. If you would like to join just click on the link to the right that says Free 6 Day Crockpot Challenge. That's pretty much it and I can get you added to the group.(It's a private facebook group)

Today in life I'm all about keeping my life as simple and easy as can be. Why make more work if i don't have to for certain things. So I just love to share what works for me and maybe it will help someone else down the road. So here is my version of Kale Soup Crockpot Style.

Kale Soup Crockpot Style Recipe

~ 1 package of turkey chourico

~ 3-cups of raw kale 

~ 1 small onion cut in small slices

~ 1 cup of frozen or canned corn

~ 1 cup of dried macaroni ( I use whole grain macaroni)

~ 2 tbsp of spice mix. I make this in a container to have ready for other uses as well.

~ 1 -32 oz box of low sodium chicken broth

~ 3 cups of water

Set crockpot on high. Add box of chicken broth and water. For the water I add about 3 cups you kind of have to eyeball it and see how high it fills up in the crockpot. Usually fills it a little over half. Which is good. Next cut up the chourico into slices and slice the slices in half. Add to crockpot. Next break off Kale into smaller pieces and add to crockpot. Add corn and onions. Then add spice mix. Stir everything well and cover. If you are going to be cooking it all day then put crockpot on low. Otherwise leave it on high for a few hours til chourico is cooked. Once everything is cooked i then add the macaroni in to cook. If you put the macaroni in to early it tends to fall apart. You can also use about 4-5 small red bliss potatoes instead of macaroni. I just prefer macaroni. If using potatos you will put them in at the beginning with all the other ingredients. You can also add more vegatables to you liking. I like to keep it simple. That's pretty much it. 

Now for the spice mix here is the recipe for that: 

Spice Mix

8 tablespoons paprika
3 tablespoons cayenne
5 tablespoons black pepper, freshly ground
6 tablespoons garlic powder
3 tablespoons onion powder
6 tablespoons salt
2 1⁄2 tablespoons dried oregano
2 1⁄2 tablespoons dried thyme

Combine all the ingredients in a mixing bowl.
Blend well.

Can be stored in an airtight container in your spice cabinet for up to 3 months.

So by keeping things simple it gives you more time to spend with your family or friends. So remember to enjoy the quality time you get to spend with them. It's all about enjoying life with the ones you love!! 

Keeping it SIMPLE ~ Banana Oat Pancakes

If you are anything like me, then you have kids and are always consistently on the go with them and their activities. Now that school is back in session, I'm back to a schedule and can plan much better. Over the last few years i have learned that i just want to live a life a simple as possible. I honestly have gotten rid of things that just don't serve my my purpose. Less is more is really the perfect saying for how I chose to live my life now. Now don't get me wrong I have my splurges but they are not what defines me as a person and who I am today. They are simply more just treats here and there for myself. So with the theme of KEEPING IT SIMPLE, I am not the best cook out there. I do like to cook when I have time and it's definitely got to be something that interests me. I recently ran across a recipe that was super simple and yummy which is right up my alley. The one thing I like about this recipe is that I am able to make a batch and freeze them. Which for me convenient for when I'm on the go. All you need to do is pop them in the toaster and that's it. They still taste the same as the day I made them.

While keeping it simple I also want to keep it healthy. Over the last few years I have substituted quite a few things to a healthier version of it. I did the process slowly and now it's just a matter of habit. So for me these pancakes were a no brainer. I like to prep as many meals as I can for the week, like on Sunday. That way I have everything ready for the week to go and it keeps me on track.

BANANA OAT PANCAKES

Serves 8(2pancakes each) Prep Time 15min Cooking Time 16min
Container equivalents per serving: 1 yellow   ½ purple

• 1 cup          Unsweetened almond milk
• 2                Large eggs
• 1                Large ripe banana
• 1tsp           pure vanilla extract
• 1tsp           baking powder, gluten free
• 1/2tsp       ground cinnamon
• 1 dash       sea salt or Himalayan salt
• 2 cups       old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1/2tsp      extra-virgin organic coconut oil
• 3 cups       fresh mixed berries

1- Place almond milk, eggs, banana, extract, baking powder, cinnamon, salt and oats in blender, cover. Blend until smooth.

2- Heat oil in nonstick skillet over medium heat.

3- Pour 1/4cup batter onto skillet, cook 2-3mins or until bubbles form around the edges of the pancake. Flip with spatula, cook for another 2-3mins.

4- Continue with remaining batter

5- Serve with fresh berries

TIPS:
Left over pancakes can be heated in toaster.
Nutritional Information (per serving): Calories 137

Total fat: 3g   Saturated Fat: 1g   Cholesterol: 47mg   Sodium: 139g   Carbohydrates: 22g  Fiber: 4g  Sugars: 5g  Protein: 5g

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