orange mango creamsicles

Ponds, pools and popsicles is how we’ve been spending our days!

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I made mini-popsicles for my mini-me!  My only regret, I should have used sturdier popsicle sticks!  The popsicles kept falling off of the flimsy sticks I bought, which turned into a melt down (no pun intended!) for Noah…not fun!

Orange Mango Creamsicles

1 cup fresh squeezed orange juice

1 cup plain greek yogurt

1 cup frozen or fresh mango

-Blend all ingredients together, pour into mini paper cups and place in the freezer.

-When half-way frozen, place popsicle stick in the middle of each cup, return to freezer and freeze until solid.

orange mango creamsicles

~A vegan and dairy-free alternative would be to use a can of coconut milk in place of the greek yogurt~

Since these were made for Noah I left added sugar out.  They were mildly sweet and he loved them!  However, you could use vanilla greek yogurt if you wanted them to be more on the sweet side!

orange mango creamsicles

Stay cool and enjoy the weekend!

www.beginwithinnutrition.com

overnight oats with a tropical twist

Porridge with berries (1)

Oats are a great way to get in a dose of whole grains but not many of us have the time in the morning to cook them!  I have a solution for you…Overnight Oats!  All you have to do is put raw oats in a bowl, add milk of your choice,  place them in the refrigerator and Voila; breakfast is waiting for you when you wake up!

We all have heard that oats are a “superfood” in protecting against heart disease and diabetes but what makes them so “super?” Credit is mostly due to a type of fiber called “beta-glucan.”  This little compound when consumed, binds to cholesterol in the digestive tract and prevents it from entering the bloodstream.  Beta-glucan also slows down the metabolism of glucose in the body, keeping blood sugar levels stable for most of the day.

There are many types of oats to choose from such as steel cut oats, rolled or old-fashioned oats, and instant or “quick” oats.  Steel cut oats are the least processed and contain the most fiber.  “Quick” or “Instant” oats are the most processed as they are precooked and dried for a faster cooking time.  They contain the least fiber and a minimal amount of nutrients.  Not to mention, they have a mushy texture! It’s best to avoid prepackaged oats as they usually contain high levels of added sugar and sodium.

Overnight Oats

Place desired amount of oats in a bowl or mason jar.  Pour milk of your choice (I used almond milk) over oats until oats are completely covered.  Cover and place in refrigerator overnight.  Add toppings and enjoy!  I added mango, banana, unsweetened coconut and maple syrup for a tropical twist!

 overnight oats with a tropical twist

Toppings:

Toasted walnuts, dates and molasses

Fresh figs and honey

Strawberries, blueberries and agave syrup

Sliced apples, cinnamon and raisins

Almond butter

~Add milk if desired~

overnight oats with a tropical twist

coco-mango smoothie

After rummaging through the refrigerator this morning looking for a healthy breakfast this is what we came up with!

Ingredients:

1-2 cups coconut water

1 banana

1/2 cup almonds

1-2 cups baby spinach

1/4 cup unsweetened coconut flakes

1 cup frozen mango

~blend and enjoy~

Not only do mangos taste great but they are loaded with cancer fighting antioxidants and vitamins.  Mangos have an abundance of enzymes which help with digestive health and fiber which helps with lowering cholesterol.  They also are packed with vitamin A and vitamin C which will keep your immune system running strong!  The almonds and coconut provide protein and healthy fats to keep you energized throughout the day!  This smoothie is so good you’ll forget it’s healthy!

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And the kids will love it too!