Banana-Chocolate Chip Pancakes

This recipe is my go-to for easy pancakes. I always have bananas in the fruit bowl and chocolate chips in the cupboard so I know I can whip these up in no time at all. They're easy, fast, delicious and sweet enough so you don't have to add any maple syrup on top.

100% Whole Wheat Bread

I love making bread at home. It's just so fun and it makes your house smell like the most amazing bakery. It's also really really easy if you have a stand mixer, I use my Kitchenaid and it's the best appliance I own. Another reason, of course is that you know what's going in the bread. Most "whole wheat" breads you buy at the store are not 100% whole wheat. This one is aaaalll whole wheat. That might actually scare you because you think it'll be dense but as long as you know the secret trick, your bread will come out fluffy and easy to slice.

Health Benefits of Farro

So....what exactly IS farro? It originated in the Middle East and was used everywhere during the Roman Empire, and has since played a vital part in Italian cuisine. It has a nutty, earthy flavor, and a supple texture that's chewy on the outside, with a firm center. It's also awesome for your health:

Health Benefits of Quinoa

You've heard of it, but do you know what it really is? And how good it is for you? This is what quinoa looks like before you cook it:

Back to Basics 8 - How To Cook Perfect Brown Rice

I know a lot of you are scared of cooking brown rice, I was. You need to cook it way longer than white rice and you don't know for how long, then it comes out either rock hard or super soggy. I've been there! But this method combines my mom's great way to impart flavor in rice and Nicole's way to cook fluffy brown rice.

The Perfect Quick Breakfast!

Whole wheat English muffin with almond butter and banana slices.

So, why is this the perfect breakfast? Let me break it down for you.

Buffalo Chicken Casserole

If you love buffalo sauce but are understandably afraid of eating it because of the calories, this is the meal for you!
This casserole is amaaaazing. You won't believe it's healthy. Seriously. Pasta, chicken, creamy buffalo sauce with blue cheese?! Doesn't sound diet to me..
But, it is.
This is adapted from EatingWell. I do pretty much everything the same, except I like to add 2 little blocks of Laughing Cow Light Blue Cheese. I also switch up the pasta shape every now and then.

Margherita Breakfast Sandwich

This recipe came about because I woke up one morning and was just not in the mood to make anything elaborate but I was craving just that. I wanted a nice little breakfast sandwich but I didn't want to leave the house, I just didn't want to do a whole lot of work. This is easy and quick, as all breakfasts should be.

Oat, Coconut & Pumpkin Seed Cookies

*Recipe adapted from Whole Foods website*

This cookie is filled with healthy goodies but still manages to taste REALLY good. If you can't find pumpkin seeds, you can substitute with almonds, dried fruit or even chia seeds.

Olive Oil Chocolate Chip Cookies

I like to keep my cookie jar constantly full, so when my boyfriend and I ate all of the cookies in it yesterday, I started scrambling trying to think of what to make next. I saw this recipe for coconut cookies, but I had to leave my butter out to come to room temperature and that would just not work for tonight, I needed a cookie NOOWWW. Sooooo I went to the cookie I always go to when I just want soft, chewie, chocolate-packed, simple goodness. I love that this isn't just an excuse to eat sugar, it actually has healthy stuff in it like whole wheat flour, olive oil, almond milk. You can even put in dark chocolate chips for antioxidants. Bonus: it's also dairy and egg free! Which means it's vegan, wohooo!!! Although if you're being strict you should make sure your chocolate chips are also vegan.

Anyway, let's get started!

Bacon Breakfast Burrito

I know how tough it is to wake up in the morning for work, school, kids, what have you. I also know how tough it is to have the desire to make breakfast or even eat in the morning! Having said all that, breakfast is still the most important meal of the day. It sets you up for success! If you have a healthy, substantial breakfast, you are more likely to eat well the rest of the day. It also kickstarts your metabolism, and if you start off with protein and veggies, you won't be starving all morning hunting for chocolate all over the place (I never ever do that. Nope.).

I had an amazing dinner at my aunt's last night, but I ate a bit more than I would've liked. So this morning I had to get back to my low-cal routine. This is a REALLY easy recipe for a breakfast burrito, and you can do everything in your microwave in less than 5 minutes! Another plus, it has more than half of your recommended protein intake, and it's under 300 calories.

It's another Hungry Girl recipe, ya'll!!

Easy Leftover Lunch

An easy recipe for my first post using leftover pork and brown rice from last night's dinner. I just added a simple salad of baby spinach, fresh mozzarella and tomatoes, seasoned with kosher salt, dried oregano and a little bit of olive oil. I'll be honest, I did not track the calories on this one because today's been a little hectic.