Nutty Snack Bar

Recently I led nearly 20 people through a detox resulting in healthy glowing skin, weight loss, reduction of inflammation, improved digestion and happier attitudes among a plethora of additional benefits. During this detox we gave up all processed foods; it was important to cook most, if not all, of our own food.

Healthy, homemade snacks became important as we noshed on clean foods like carrots, hummus and avocado. Towards the end of the detox I yearned for something that is a little bit like a treat and I wanted a snack I could take with me on the go. That's when I tossed this recipe together and it really hit the spot.

These bars come together in a snap. Use whatever ingredients are in your pantry and cut them to whatever size works best for you. I like to make little bite-sized pieces for when I'm at home, but I cut some into a bar size to take on the go with me. Always remember moderation is key with all foods, these tasty little snacks can become addictive so it's best to portion them out

Great for a work or school snack, perfect for a plane trip or during a long sports day, these Fat and Happy Snack Bars will keep you going without gluten, dairy or refined white sugar.

Final moving days, napkin hoarding has begin and simple Overnight Refrigerator Superfood Oatmeal recipes

Think back to college days when money was nonexistent and healthy food was something only found in textbooks.
We raided every cafeteria and fast food joint in town for napkins, plastic silverware and assorted condiment packages, know which ones had the best of each. Funny how we always had plenty of plastic red cups though.

We are now a day away from our actual move, everything is in boxes including all silverware and my cloth napkins. I'm tempted to relive those college days of hoarding silverware packs and napkins from restaurants; my strive to be green is tested but wins out as I rip the tape off the box marked kitchen #15 to retrieve a couple of forks and knives. And aside from Chinese mustard there isn't a food in a condiment package I eat.

But that leaves me to question what can I make that doesn't involve me unpacking a lot of pans and utensils? I want to have something that is pre-made that I can just grab and go. Something fresh and healthy but hearty to keep us strong for the move but isn't nasty take-out food.

Overnight refrigerator oatmeal isn't an original Fat and Happy creation, but I really do like the variations and flavors I've come up with. It lasts in the fridge for a few days and doesn't require perishable food. Just some oatmeal, a few nuts and some fixings like frozen berries and chia seeds. Drop it all in a jar, screw on the lid and let it do its thing. Grab one out of the fridge for an easy ready made meal or snack.

Both the Blue and Goji Berry Vanilla Oatmeal and Cranberry Pumpkin Oatmeal turned out stunning for me. You could make hundreds of versions by varying the ingredients of fruit, nuts, seeds, milk or coconut flakes; they all offer endless possibilities. This is an easy recipe to add super foods like goji berries, chia seeds, maca powder, cocao and more. Use frozen fruit because it offers extra juice as it defrosts.

These are great recipes whether you are moving or not. Imaging throwing one in your bag for after a work out or as breakfast on the go; you can eat them chilled or warm them slightly. They are pretty cheap on the pocketbook and if you're a clean eater you may not even need a napkin. You will, however, need a spoon; but you know where to get that.

Healthy and Delicious Chocolate Fig Smoothie

I greet every day with a smoothie and my birthday day was no different. Though I did yearn for something that felt a little indulgent I didn't want to start my day down a path of destruction by 7am.

My special day smoothie would involve fresh figs, I knew that much for sure since a few figs found their way to me via a local CSA. Chocolate just seemed to be an interesting compliment to the figs.  Thanks to the raw cacao stocked in my pantry I got a great antioxidant boost without turning my healthy breakfast treat into a diner-like fattening shake. The almond milk and hemp seeds pack in a big boost of protein too.

This smoothie is so rich and delicious, you would never guess it's packed with so much nutrition and protein. Start any day with Fat and  Happy love in your glass, you just may have to admit you like healthy foods.

Coconut Chia Seed Pudding with Nuts and Berries

If you haven't heard, chia seeds aren't just for pets anymore.

Rich in Omega-3's, fiber, protein, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, copper, iron, niacin, and zinc, and the seeds help to regulate blood sugar....basically it's the superfood of super foods. Chia seeds are similar to tapioca ball, just smaller. They don't really have a flavor, except for maybe leaning on the nutty side, so I like to think of them as a vessel to carry other flavors while delivery a super healthy and filling punch.

So the question then is what to do with these power-packed seeds? How about a real simple, healthy treat that can be breakfast or a snack?

For this recipe I made my own coconut milk. You can use store bought, but you might be shocked at how easy it is to make (5 minutes), not to mention it's cheaper and free of the extra sugar and preservative that can be found in a store brand versions.

Pets aside, put some chia seeds into your diet for a Fat and Happy nutritional boost.