Back on Track

It has been quite a while since the last time I blogged! But, I am now back from spring break and had an amazing time.  I started off my break on a cruise with my 6 best friends.  We went to the Bahamas and the boat's private island.  Even though it was only a 3 day cruise, we had so much fun!  After we got off of the ship, I drove up to Jupiter, where my grandparents live.  My entire family from my mom's side flew down and we all celebrated my grandmother's 80th birthday together.  I enjoyed relaxing and being with my friends and family.  Even though it was spring break, I continued to exercise and eat healthy (for the most part).  But now, it's time to get back on track and continue thinking up new recipes to add to my final recipe book. 

This week, I decided to ease into the cooking again by making a healthy snack that can be eaten at any time throughout the day! One of my favorite foods to eat on the go or mix with yogurt for breakfast is granola; however, the store-bought granola is often high in calories and fat.  So, I did my research and found the perfect recipe that is less than 1/4th of the calories.  For this recipe, I needed old-fashioned oats, puffed rice cereal, puffed wheat cereal, sugar-free pancake syrup, and bite-sized freeze-dried apples.  After baking the mixture in the oven for about 30 minutes, I let it cool, and finally I was able to eat it.  It was one of the best granola's I have ever had.  The only thing I would do differently next time is add a dash of cinnamon.  Other than that, it was delicious!  This recipe has a mere 165 calories and 1 gram of fat for 1 cup, whereas regular granola has over 518 calories and 27 grams of fat in 1 cup.

This week I am going to explore different grains and nuts.  Stay posted to find out about my weekly research and two more new and exciting recipes!

RANDOM FACT: Many people think that eating late at night is what packs on the pounds...it doesnt! In fact, it is consuming too many calories during the day that will hinder your weight loss.  So just make sure that the amount of calories you consume is less than the amount you burn.