Gluten Free Banana Protein Muffins

I was so excited when I saw this recipe in my email. I have been craving muffins lately, but I can't freely indulge in them due to my low carb/gluten free diet. Not anymore! These little gems are perfect.

Ingredients:

3/4 cup ripe banana (about 1 large banana)
3/4 cup egg whites
1/2 cup plain low fat greek yogurt (I used plain Chobani yogurt)
3/4 cup oats (use gluten free if sensitive to gluten)
2 scoops vanilla protein powder (I used Designer Whey, or you could use any flavor you would like!)
12-14 packets stevia (or 1/2 cup sweetener of choice)
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp cinnamon

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray, or line with silicone or foil liners, (spray liners if using).

2. Place all of the ingredients in a blender, (or food processor), and blend until mixture is smooth.

3. Divide mixture evenly between 12 muffin tins. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until toothpick comes out clean.

(Note: be sure to use either silicone or foil liners with the paper insert removed because they will stick, as does any muffin made with oats rather than flour!)


Servings: 12 (full size) muffins

Calories: 58 calories each (9 grams carbohydrates, 7 grams of protein, 2 grams of fiber, 1 gram of sugar each)

(Recipe via dashingdish.com)

Meatless Monday: Mediterranean style!

Here at the Beris household, we have decided to participate in Meatless Monday! You're probably wondering "Why the heck would you do that?!" Well, going meatless once a week may reduce your risk of chronic preventable conditions like cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and obesity. It can also help reduce your carbon footprint and save precious resources like fresh water and fossil fuel. So it's good for you AND good for the planet... Score!

Now, my husband is a meat eater. He would eat meat with a side of meat if he could. And he was a little less than thrilled with the introduction of MM. BUT when you make meals that are super yummy and filling, you don't even miss the meat.

This week we decided to take a Greek spin on chili. We used canned beans/tomatoes this time because we were short on time, but you can always use fresh! Since I have to eat gluten free, we used a Mediterranean blend of quinoa and it was DELISH! Here's the recipe:

Ingredients:
2 cans garbanzo beans
2 cans diced tomatoes with roasted garlic and onion
1 tbsp cayenne pepper
8 cups spinach
1/2 feta cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:
Combine garbanzo beans, tomatoes, and spices. Bring to a boil, then reduce to medium low heat and allow mixture to simmer for 20 minutes. Add in spinach, cooking for one minute or until wilted. Sprinkle with feta and serve with quinoa, rice, or couscous. Serves 4 (1 1/4 serving)

Enjoy!

Happiness is more.

Happiness cannot be traveled to, owned, earned, worn or consumed. Happiness is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace, and gratitude.
Denis Waitley

Favorite things: Winter 2013

It's been a while since I've posted some
"favorite things" but I have a few to share, so feel free to indulge : ) Pictures/where to purchase these items are at bottom of post.

1. Perlier's Caribbean Vanilla Line

This stuff is like a taste of paradise, which is perfect this time of year when it's cold and dreary... a temporary escape! The scent is nice and light, too. I love the scent roller... I just throw it in my purse! Speaking of purses....

2. Dana Buchman Me-Me Tote

I have never been a "small purse" type of girl, so this tote is just right for me! Mine is actually brown with a black patent-faux-leather front pocket and silver-tone hardware. I love that it goes with almost everything and it's great for carrying all of my essentials!


3. Sally Girl Lip Gloss
These are so fun! They come in a variety of shades, and they're only $.99! Just the thing for trying out new/different shades. I bought a nude/pink colored one and it's my new fave : ) They are also hydrating, which is nice when the air is dry.


4. Old Navy Belted Cap Sleeve Dress
I wasn't quite sure about this dress at first... It's orange. I don't really do orange. But I quickly fell in love and so did everyone else! For $8, you can't beat that! I have never had so many compliments from strangers as I did when I was wearing this. Well worth the purchase and taking a risk on the color! I toned it down a bit with black sweater/tights but it's fun to wear a pop of color in the winter.

So that's that. Like what you see? Here's where you can find them : )

Perlier:
http://www.perlier.com/product.php?productid=616
Dana Buchman Tote: http://m.kohls.com/product/prd-1088874/dana-buchman-me-me-tote.jsp
Sally Girl Lip Gloss: http://www.sallybeauty.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-SA-Site/default/mProduct-Show?pid=SALGRL7
Old Navy Dress:
http://m.oldnavy.gap.com/product.html?dn=op330134022&dv=1&pid=330134022&referrer=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.savingsaidsimply.com%2F2012%2F11%2Fcrowdtap-old-navy-dress-sample-share.html%3Fm%3D1&cid=86263&vid=1