Doin' Some Cookin'... Lime and Coconut Green Smoothie

The weather here is Texas has done a 180. We went from Summer temps to a cold and windy day. The warmer temperature had me dreaming of a beach vacation laying out sipping mojitos in the sun and this dreary day was not going to stop my plans of making this Lime and Coconut Green Smoothie for breakfast to get a taste of the tropics.

A green smoothie is the perfect way to sneak veggies in your diet giving a boost of energy and nutritional goodness. The lime and banana are the perfect disguise for the spinach.

Lime and Coconut Green Smoothie

Adapted From: So... Let's Hang Out

Makes 1 Serving

Stars of the Show:

• 2 limes, juiced
• 1/2 cup coconut milk
• 1/2 cup coconut water
• 1 banana, fresh or frozen
• 2 cups spinach
• ice, to taste

And Action:

Pulse all ingredients in a blender until smooth. Enjoy!

Doin' Some Cookin'... Cinnamon Coconut Roasted Cashews

At the end of my night nothing is more satisfying for quieting my stomach than a handful of nuts if I'm still hungry. So they are a staple in our house and the pantry is loaded with all kinds. I don't discriminate, except maybe brazil nuts, they are my least favorite.

I whipped up a batch of these Cinnamon Coconut Roasted Cashews to put into Little Man's backpack for his morning snack and of course I needed to pack some in my lunch too.

These are fantastic hot out of the oven but good cooled down as well.

What a great combo... cinnamon and coconut... I mean my go-to order from Starbucks during Whole30 is an unsweet iced coffee with coconut milk and cinnamon powder. Yum!!

Cinnamon Coconut Roasted Cashews

Adapted From: Peanut Butter Fingers

Makes 4 Servings

Stars of the Show:

• 1 cup unsalted raw cashews
• 2 tsp coconut oil, melted
• 1 tsp cinnamon powder
• 1 tbsp unsweetened shredded coconut 

And Action:

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. 

Toss cashews, oil, and cinnamon in a small bowl coating the nuts well. Spread out on a single layer on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Roast for 12 minutes tossing halfway through. 

Remove from the oven and toss with the coconut. Store in an airtight container for up to one week. Enjoy!

Doin' Some Cookin'... Coconut Mango Smoothie with Banana and Lime

I know, I know... "don't drink your calories."

But... this smoothie is a meal. I forced myself to suck it all down and went hours before I was hungry again. I made my smoothie for breakfast but you can enjoy this anytime of the day.

This is one of my favorite smoothies I have made to date. Tropical flavors excite me!

Coconut Mango Smoothie with Banana and Lime

Adapted From: Kitchen Meets Girl

Makes 1 Smoothie

Stars of the Show:

• 1 cup mango, chopped
• 1 frozen banana
• 1/2 cup light coconut milk
• 1/4 cup water
• ice cubes, to your liking
• 1/2 lime, juiced
• 1/4 tsp unsweetened coconut flakes

And Action:

Combine all ingredients in the blender and pulse until smooth. Enjoy!

Doin' Some Cookin'... Coconut Overnight Oats

I gravitate to all things coconut. Tropical anything for that matter. I've had to ditch coconut fried shrimp though with trying to eat clean. Boo!

Cleaning eating means that I actually need to meal prep the night before and with trying to fit in workouts that means my bedtime has now been pushed anytime from 10pm to midnight. Because of that I struggle to get out of bed in the morning. My pre-coffee self scares me even. Eek! By the time I get lunches packed, Little Man off to school, and then make it to work I am hangry.

Having something that was prepped the night before that took maybe five minutes to put together and becomes a grab and go meal is perfect for my busy lifestyle. The prep also means that I'm setting myself up for one healthy choice after another... well... except for that first of the season Venti nonfat, no whip pumpkin spice latte with half the syrup from Starbucks that I had today.

... and we all know that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, or so they say. Why couldn't it be dessert? Hmmm.

Just so you know you can make a work week's worth of these overnight oats ahead of time and the best part is the millions of variations that can be found on the Internet for inspiration and to switch it up every day.

If you prefer something warm, especially with the colder days upon us, then zap it in the microwave before serving and topping with the fun stuff.

While this Coconut Overnight Oats recipe was delicious and a great variation to have in my playbook my favorite overnight oats recipe to date is this, Banana Bread Overnight Oats.

Coconut Overnight Oats

Adapted From: Katie Did What

Makes 1 Serving

Stars of the Show:

• 1/3 cup old fashioned oats
• 1/3 cup light coconut milk
• 1/3 cup nonfat Greek yogurt
• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
• ground cinnamon, to taste
• optional toppings: banana, nectarine, peaches, and coconut flakes

And Action:

Combine the oats, coconut milk, yogurt, vanilla extract, and cinnamon in a glass container. Mix well. Store in the fridge overnight. When ready to eat add toppings if desired. Enjoy!