Banana Nut Bread results. . .

After much anticipation waiting for the bananas to ripen, last night I completed the banana nut bread recipe. Just to recap for those just tuning in, I wanted to find a banana nut bread recipe that was healthy and didn't have any sugar or flour in the ingredients. Sure enough I found what I was looking for. I tested out the unknown and had a random group of people try it out, including myself. Eating with healthy ingredients does not take away from the flavor. Everyone was extremely excited about it and was asking for the recipe. I as a tester was astounded how much it tasted like any other banana nut bread recipe. The fact that it was healthy gave it bonus points in my book. So as I promised, if the recipe had a positive response I would share it with everyone.

Below is a link to the recipe. Please try it! Also, look for ways to make your own recipes and meal ideas more beneficial to your health. Don't be afraid to try new things.

http://bread.betterrecipes.com/sugar-oil-and-flour-free-banana-bread.html

Drink up!

The other day my friend and I were discussing my water drinking habits. We started laughing about how she spotted me out of a crowd of college students because of my pink water bottle.  We all know how important water is to a healthy lifestyle. We hear it all the time that eight glasses per day is the necessary amount. Sometimes though, eight glasses of water seems like a lot to fit in our busy schedules. Thats why I don't leave the house without my pink water bottle. I went to target and purchased a three dollar Rubbermaid water bottle so that I can keep water on me at all times. One that I can seal up tight and put in purse. I even decided to get a pink one just for fun. I am suggesting this idea because of the benefits that can occur with drinking more water. I have noticed a positive difference in my digestion, hydration, and even a healthy change in my eating. Imagine what it can help or improve for you.

A couple other ways to help kick start this new routine. . .

• Crystal light water packets are a great way to add a little flavor to your water!
• Build a schedule to complete each glass or bottle by a certain time. You don't want to reach the end of the day and have to try chugging down all eight glasses at once.
• Hit the gym, you will be craving water during and after every work out.

Don't forget that water is the most important part of your diet, so drink up! 

Smart holiday options

Thanksgiving is a week away! Some are dreading the extra weight gain during the holidays and others are thinking of ways to avoid it. I think everyone should avoid it. It's actually easier than you think. It is just a matter of saying yes to the right things and no to the wrong. When it comes to cooking the key is too leaving a few ingredients out and replacing them with more beneficial ones. For thanksgiving I was interested in cooking some delicious banana nut bread. So I went straight for the family recipe we have always used. I realized when writing down the grocery list that the ingredients were not exactly meeting my healthy guidelines. I try to avoid excessive amounts of sugar and flour. This happens to be two of the main ingredients in the bread. This called for a little research. I happened to find an amazing recipe through google. In the recipe almost everything was the same except we will replace the flour with oatmeal and the sugar with splenda. Try picking out a couple of your favorite recipes, find the problem ingredients, and search for other options. It may save you a few HUNDRED calories and have more health benefits for you and your family.

In the next few days I am going to make the banana nut bread recipe that I found. Then, have a few people including myself test it out. If it has a positive response, I will share the recipe with all of you. Good luck on your search for healthy holiday recipes!

Happy and healthy?

Are you happy? Are you healthy? Step back and ask yourself these two simple questions. The answers will help you evaluate what direction your life is going. I ask myself these questions on a regular basis. My personal goal in life is to be as happy as I can be while being as healthy as possible. Each day I learn more about bettering my body and mind. Which in time is helping me learn more about myself.  I want to share my findings and ideas with those who are interested in the same way of life.