Healthy Summer Drinks

 Tone it up.com is becoming one of my favorite websites and blogs... and girls, to look up to.  They just recently came up with a few low-calorie drinks that would be perfect alongside with any healthy lifestyle! I am going to try these and create my reviews....I'm sure they will be fabulous. :)

Healthy Summer Cocktails

Source:  www.tonitup.com 

'Happy Birthday!' Martini

THANK YOU, Novice Chef (novicechefblog.com)!  I know this isn't the healthiest thing out there, but it's worth it on your occasional cheat day.  My inner-fat-girl's heart melted... I can't wait to have these at my next birthday soiree!

Cake Batter Martini

Yield: 2 martinis (or 1 BIG one!)

ingredients:

3 ounces Three Olives Cake Vodka
3 ounces white/clear creme de cacao
2 ounces amaretto
2 ounces heavy whipping cream
1 ounce Godiva white chocolate liqueur
sprinkles (I used nonpareils)

directions:

Place sprinkles on a shallow plate that is a little larger than the mouth of your martini glass. Dampen a paper towel with whipping cream (or water) and wet the rims of the martini glasses. Dip glass into sprinkles to coat the edges.

Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice and shake for about 30 seconds. Strain into martini glasses and drink!

Make ahead: For a big party, mix up a big bath of these martinis and store in a large pitcher in the fridge. Shake a glass at a time over ice whenever ready to serve!

adapted from How Sweet Eats

Original Link:  http://www.thenovicechefblog.com/2012/05/cake-batter-martini/

Pumpkin Love

I have a serious love for pumpkin everything! I found this and had to share.  So I want to start adding random yummy recipes that are pumpkin filled :)

Pumpkin Oatmeal:

(via Broke Girls Guide.com)

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of sugar-free almond milk (or water, or another type of milk)



• 2 packets of instant oatmeal



• 1 cup of canned pumpkin (this is also great for smoothies and pancakes)



• 1 teaspoon of cinnamon



• 2 tablespoons of crushed walnuts (or pecans)



• 1 ripe banana, sliced

Directions:  

Bring the milk or water to a boil in a saucepan, and add the instant
oatmeal.  Stir for a few minutes until the oatmeal has thickened, then
reduce the heat to low.  Add the pumpkin and the cinnamon, and stir.
Turn off the stovetop.  Add the crushed walnuts and sliced banana.




Note: if you’re really healthy (and really patient), go for the 
slow-cook steel-cut oats instead of the instant stuff.  Also, don’t
 worry about following the recipe to a tee (we never do), so feel free to 
improvise.



Servings: technically two…but it’s so good that we ate twice this
 amount, so you might want to lie to yourself and say that this recipe 
makes just one serving.

Healthy Pumpkin Spice Latte: 

 (via Snack-Girl.com)

 

• 4 ounces coffee or espresso

• 1/2 cup skim or nonfat milk  (My preference is Regular Soy Milk)

• 2 teaspoons sugar  (I'm going to suggest 2 packets of Stevia)

• 1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (plus extra to dust on top)

Brew coffee and heat milk until hot in microwave. Foam milk frothier. Mix sugar and pumpkin pie spice in coffee and pour milk on top. Enjoy!

one serving = 78 calories, 0.3 g fat, 14.6 g carbohydrates, 4.6 g protein, 0 g fiber, 66 mg sodium, 2 PointsPlus

To see the full post:  http://www.snack-girl.com/snack/low-calorie-pumpkin-spice-latte/

Cake Batter Protein Shake

How amazing does this look/sound!??!? My newest find is Dashing Dish: Perfect combination of yummy and healthy.  I'm DYING to try this out! (I read on her comments that you can also substitute greek yogurt for the cottage cheese)

Put everything into a blender and blend until creamy consistency is reached! Top with sprinkles if desired, and Enjoy!

Ingredients

1/2 cup	Low fat cottage cheese 1
1	Scoop vanilla protein powder 2
3-5	Drops butter or almond extract
1 tbs	1 tbs vanilla sugar free instant pudding mix OR 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
3-5	Stevia packets (or sweetener of choice to taste)
1/2 cup-1cup	Water (Alter this according to desired consistency)
5-10	Ice Cubes (Depending on how thick you like it, use less for a thinner consistency)
Optional:	1/2 tsp xanthan gum 3
	Sprinkles for topping!

¹ Cottage cheese may sound strange, but TRUST me… this is what makes the ‘MILKSHAKE’ consistency! Also, if you are sensitive to dairy, you can use tofu to get the same consistency!

² I use Designer Whey Protein powder. It has 100 calories per scoop. I buy the vanilla flavor because it’s a good base to add whatever flavors you want to make. It is also all natural. You can buy it from Kroger, GNC, Trader Joe’s, Amazon, or Netrition.com.

³ You can get xanthan gum from most grocery stores in the gluten free section! Just a pinch of it makes your shake so thick and creamy!

O-M-G! Skinny Pina Colada.

I just came across a guilt free slice of heaven! I love me some pina coladas ... and finally one that isn't loaded with calories.


Fill a blender halfway with ice, add 4 tall shots (about 8 ounces) white rum, 1/2 cup light coconut milk, and 1/2 cup pineapple juice; blend until smooth. Pour into 4 glasses, and garnish each with a pineapple slice. Each drink has only 169 calories—that’s 221 fewer than a classic piña colada!

*From Bethenny Frankel's Skinny Tips, http://www.health.com/health/article/0,,20466659,00.html

Pretty in purple!

So one of my resolutions this year is to step outside of my comfort zone! This is in all situations...socially, actively and especially the way I dress. Soo I won't play it so safe anymore. Here are some pants I bought from work last year but I have a true appreciation for them now and can't wait to buy them in paradise red and sunset gold! These are the "slimmy" in purple mist...aren't they groovy!?

Black Bean and Mango Salsa

So...if anyone knows me, they'll know that I am the world's worst cook! I try so hard and it never gives. The last time I tried to cook was when I attempted to make beignets. Let's just say that I ended up hiding the fire detector under my comforter and they looked like dog biscuits. Well I attempted to cook again last night for a birthday at work and omgee it was a success! I've discovered that I can cook...as long as no fire is involved!