5 No Cook Healthy Snacks

5 no cook healthy snacks easy to make and take on the go!

1. 2 hard-boiled eggs. 4 oz. deli turkey, 1 oz. cheese, 1 cup celery sticks with 1 Tbsp. peanut butter
Portion Fix containers: 1 green, 2 red, 1 blue, 3 tsp.

2. ¾ cup plain 1% Greek yogurt mixed with 1 tsp. honey and ½ tsp. cinnamon, ½ cup strawberries, ½ cup nectarine or orange wedges, ½ cup green grapes, 12 raw almonds
Portion Fix containers: 1 red, 1½ purple, 1 blue

3. ¼ cup goat cheese, 4 oz. sliced roast beef, ½ cup spinach rolled up in 1 6-inch whole wheat tortilla and sliced into pinwheels, ½ cup cherry tomatoes, 1 kiwi (or plum, or small tangerine)
Portion Fix containers: 1 blue, 1 red, 1 green, 1 yellow, 1 purple

4. ½ cup baked corn tortilla chips (or these homemade tortilla chips made from 2 corn tortillas), ¼ cup guacamole, ¼ cup pico de gallo, ¾ cup bell pepper sticks, ½ cup pineapple cubes
Portion Fix containers: 1 yellow, 1 blue, 1 green, ½ purple

5. 1 cup raspberries (or blueberries), 4 chocolate or plain Graham crackers (1 sheet), 1 Tbsp. cacao nibs mixed with 2 Tbsp. unsweetened coconut flakes Portion Fix containers: 1 purple, 1 yellow, 1 blue, 3 tsp.

Easy 21 Day Fix Lunches

Have the 21 Day Fix but need some inspiration for meals? I have 4 easy and delicious lunch/dinner ideas below!

Mediterranean Lunchbox

What’s in the Portion Fix containers:

• 1 green: mixed greens
• 1 green: a mixture of cherry tomatoes, chopped onion, and sliced cucumber
• 1 purple: grapes
• 1 yellow: whole wheat pita bread
• 1 orange: kalamata olives
• 1 blue: feta
• Free food: balsamic vinegar

Put them together, and you have this tantalizing lunch with fiber-rich pita and healthy fats to keep you feeling full. You can also stuff the salad ingredients inside the pita bread for a meal you can eat with your hands.

Southwestern Chicken and Quinoa Power Lunch

What’s in the Portion Fix containers:

• 1 green: mixture of chopped green and red bell peppers and white onion
• ½ green: sliced cucumbers
• 1 purple: mango
• 1 red: boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 1 yellow: quinoa
• ½ yellow: corn kernels
• 1 blue: shredded cheddar cheese
• Free food: cilantro, lime wedge (not pictured)

Combine the peppers and onion, chicken, corn, quinoa, and cheese for a bold and colorful salad — no lettuce or dressing needed. Tuck a wedge of lime in your lunchbox to squeeze over the mango and cucumber slices and give them a light dusting of chili powder (trust us on this one), you can even mix them together!

Roasted Turkey Breast and Vegetables

What’s in the Portion Fix containers:

• 1 green: steamed green beans
• ½ green: sautéed mushrooms
• 1 red: roasted turkey breast
• 1 yellow: baked sweet potato
• 2 tsp.: olive oil
• Free food: parsley

Buy cooked turkey breast in the deli or prepared foods section of your grocery store, or use this recipe for brined turkey breast. We served ours on a few leaves of spinach for extra color (if you use a full cup of spinach you can count an extra green container for the day!). Sautée some chopped mushrooms in a teaspoon of oil, bake a sweet potato or make sweet potato bites, and steam green beans (you can dress them up with a drizzle of olive oil, lemon zest, and chopped parsley).

Simple Spaghetti Squash Pasta — and Dessert!

What’s in the Portion Fix containers:

• 1 green: spaghetti squash
• ½ green: roasted broccoli
• ½ purple: marinara sauce
• ½ purple: apple
• 1 red: ground turkey
• 1 yellow: chocolate-covered almonds
• 1 blue: parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp: olive oil

Roasted spaghetti squash stands in for pasta topped with jarred, all-natural marinara sauce and cooked ground turkey. We roasted broccoli with a teaspoon of olive oil for about 15 minutes and finished it with shavings of parmesan cheese (you could sprinkle some of the cheese over the pasta, too).
Start End the meal with apple slices and chocolate covered almonds – a dessert we can get behind!

Turkey Meatloaf Recipe

Total Time: 1 hour 10 min.
Prep Time: 10 min.
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Yield: 10 servings

Ingredients:
2 lbs. raw 93% lean ground turkey breast
3 large eggs, slightly beaten
1 medium onion, chopped
2 medium celery stalks, chopped
1 medium green bell pepper, chopped
1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
1 (14.5-oz.) can diced tomatoes
½ tsp. sea salt
½ tsp. ground black pepper
1 cup all-natural marinara sauce, no sugar added

Preparation:
1. Preheat oven to 350° F.
2. Combine turkey, eggs, onion, celery, bell pepper, oats, tomatoes, salt, and pepper in a large bowl; mix well with clean hands or a rubber spatula.
3. Place turkey mixture in two 9 x 5-inch loaf pans (or a large cast iron skillet). Bake for 45 minutes; spread marinara sauce evenly on top of both loaves. Bake an additional 10 to 15 minutes or until cooked through.

Gingerbread Granola

This seasonal recipe for gingerbread granola is perfect if you want a little treat. It’s especially good on top of yogurt. Just 58 calories.

Total Time: 1 hr. 10 min.
Prep Time: 15 min.
Cooking Time: 55 min.
Yield: 30 servings, 2 Tbsp. each

Ingredients:
2½ cups old-fashioned rolled oats
½ cup slivered almonds
1½ tsp. ground cinnamon
1¼ tsp. ground ginger
¼ tsp. ground cloves
¼ tsp. sea salt (or Himalayan salt)
¼ cup molasses
3 Tbsp. virgin coconut oil
½ cup unsweetened applesauce

Preparation:
1. Preheat oven to 300° F.
2. Line baking pan with parchment paper. Set aside.
3. Combine oats, almonds, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt in a large mixing bowl; mix well. Set aside.
4. Combine molasses, oil, and applesauce in a small saucepan; cook, over low heat, stirring continuously, for 4 to 5 minutes, or until oil has melted.
5. Pour molasses mixture over oat mixture; mix until oats are evenly coated.
6. Place on prepared baking pan; spread evenly in a thin layer.
7. Bake for 50 minutes, stirring every 20 minutes, or until granola is light golden brown and crisp.
8. Cool granola completely (it will get more crisp as it cools).
9. Store in an airtight container.

8 High Protein Breakfasts

Resist that tempting box of donuts at the office and stop making poor meal choices at lunch by starting your morning with a nutritious, high-protein breakfast. Your body needs protein to build and repair muscle, so if you’re exercising, it’s important to get enough of it! These high-protein breakfast recipes are easy to make and will keep you feeling satisfied for hours. Not sure how much protein you should be eating? Find out here.

Spinach Omelet with Gouda
How Much Protein? 21 grams
Try something a little different with this spinach and corn omelet sprinkled with flavorful smoked gouda cheese. Get the recipe.

Greek Islander Shakeology
How Much Protein? 28 grams
This smoothie’s vibrant color comes from antioxidants in pomegranate juice and blackberries. Get the recipe.

Egg White Scramble with Chicken
How Much Protein? 52 grams
This satisfying scramble is a great choice to start the day with plenty of protein. Get the recipe.

Turkey Sausage Muffin
How Much Protein? 21 grams
This turkey sausage patty on an whole-grain English muffin is a great, grab-and-go breakfast. Get the recipe.

Power Yogurt Breakfast
How Much Protein? 29 grams
Power up for your workout, or your day, with this Greek yogurt recipe with fresh fruit, wheat germ, and toasted coconut. Get the Recipe.

Herbed Poached Egg Whites on Wheat
How Much Protein? 16 grams
Add some tarragon to your egg whites for a more savory breakfast. Don’t be intimidated by poaching eggs, it’s easier than you think! This light breakfast contains only 157 calories. Get the recipe.

Overloaded Oatmeal
How Much Protein? 25 grams
This oatmeal recipe is topped with your choice of nuts, dried fruit, and a dash of cinnamon. A scoop of whey protein powder makes it an even more satisfying breakfast. Get the recipe.

Scrambled Egg Whites with Steamed Sweet Potato
How Much Protein? 22 grams
By adding sweet potatoes as a side to your scrambled eggs in this P90X3-inspired recipe, you add even more nutrients to your breakfast plate. Get the recipe.

Glazed Cinnamon Yams

By making a few substitutions to this classic fall side dish, we’ve made it healthier without sacrificing the flavor.

Total Time: 1 hr. 10 min.
Prep Time: 10 min.
Cooking Time: 60 min.
Yield: 12 servings, 2/3 cup each

Ingredients:
2½ lbs. medium yams, peeled, cut into 2-inch pieces (about 8 cups)
1 tsp. sea salt, divided use
2 tsp. grated orange peel
2 Tbsp. 100% orange juice
1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
3 Tbsp. butter, melted
2 Tbsp. raw honey (or maple syrup)
½ tsp. ground black pepper
½ tsp. ground cinnamon
¼ tsp. ground nutmeg

Preparation:
1. Preheat oven to 350° F.
2. Arrange yams in 13x9x2-inch glass baking dish. Season evenly with ¼ tsp. salt. Set aside.
3. Combine orange peel, orange juice, lemon juice, butter, and honey in a small bowl; whisk to blend.
4. Pour orange juice mixture over yams; toss to coat.
5. Sprinkle evenly with remaining ¾ tsp. salt, pepper, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
6. Bake yams, stirring occasionally, for 50 to 60 minutes, or until fork tender.

3 Day Refresh

Ok, so I over did it this weekend with my eating. And I'm paying for it too bc I FEEL LIKE CRAP! My skin is breaking out, my face is puffy, my belly is bloated, I feel sluggish and exhausted. Goes to prove you feel how you eat. I ate crappy and now I feel that way. Time to eat good and clean! 
Only way to kick start back on track is to begin a 3 Day Refresh!! So today I begin day 1. Stay tuned for my results! Here's the kit & it comes with a delicious meal plan, no starving on this plan!!!

I DID IT! Finished yesterday and while my scale is broken, I do think pictures speak volumes!! I have no idea what I lost but I can FEEL & SEE  the difference! And I got to eat, I didn't starve. I just ate clean & enjoyed my daily Shakeology :)

If you would like to get back on track and have a good boost to help you get started to being healthy and fit, email me: NicoleJonesFitness@yahoo.com 

Don't wait for Jan. 1st!! Get started NOW!!

5 Shakeology Myths

#1 MISCONCEPTION: Shakeology is a protein shake.

Meaning just a shake that provides extra protein. I can’t blame the general public for thinking this since “protein shake” has become nearly an interchangeable term for ANY shake. But, all shakes are not created equal—especially ones that contain superfoods. Shakeology is a very nutrient-dense shake that can be used for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. You’d have to eat a whole lot of fruits and vegetables to equal the nutrition in a single glass of Shakeology—and you probably couldn’t do it for less than 170 calories. Shakeology makes it very easy to cut your calories without substantially cutting down your daily volume of nutrients needed. Truth be told, the majority of people are WAY MORE nutrient deficient, than they are protein deficient. So why just stop at a protein shake?

 #2 MISCONCEPTION: Shakeology is about comparing carbs, proteins, and fats to other shakes.

This is not at all what you should be comparing when you look at other shakes versus Shakeology. Sure, other shakes have 0 grams of sugar. But how do you think those shakes achieve that? Hint, it’s not natural. Yes, that’s right, they are probably using ARTIFICIAL sweeteners to get to 0 grams of sugar. Even fruit has sugar in it. A shake with 0 grams of sugar is using ARTIFICIAL sweeteners. Shakeology has NO artificial sweeteners, NO artificial colors, NO soy, NO artificial stimulants, and NO artificial flavors. One of its main sweeteners is Stevia, which is plant-based.

#3 MISCONCEPTION: Shakeology is just a bunch of extracts, with no whole-food ingredients.

That’s not true. Whenever it’s possible and sustainable for the formula, the superfoods in Shakeology are preserved in their whole-food state to retain maximum nutrient value. It’s a very difficult process to use whole, plant-based ingredients so that the formula retains as much nutritional value as possible, but Shakeology has a whole team of scientists whose mission is to maximize the nutrition in every ingredient in Shakeology. Imagine trying to juice all those superfoods! Shakeology is way less expensive and a huge time-saver.

#4 MISCONCEPTION: Shakeology is expensive.

To anyone who feels this product is expensive I know that I have not done my diligence in breaking down its REAL VALUE. Most people will agree that they would spend an average of $3 to $7 on a HEALTHY nutritious meal. I know most store-bought salads cost even more than that, and don’t contain nearly the dense concentration of nutrients. But on average, I think we can all agree healthy meals run between $3 and $7. Shakeology, at $4.33 per shake, comes in on the LOW END of average. (You can make Shakeology into a breakfast or lunch that you’d be buying anyway.) Not only are you spending less than you normally would, you’re also getting vital nutrients your body needs, that you just can’t get from your run-of-the-mill salad, plus the normal range of vitamins and minerals. So you can replace your VITAMINS, too. Sure, you may need a specific vitamin, based on your conditions, geography, or age—but in general, Shakeology will provide you with a solid base of your whole-food nutrients.

When was the last time you went to your grocery store and bought THIRTY meals all at once? Typically, I’m guessing, you buy a few days’ worth each time. When you buy a bulk bag of Shakeology, you are buying 30 of your shakes up-front. That means you’ll spend less money at the grocery store. Because of the grocery savings, I actually deduct my monthly Shakeology from my grocery budget. For the price, I cannot duplicate its vast quality of ingredients and nutrients.

#5 MISCONCEPTION: Shakeology is only for weight loss.

Most shakes are marketed this way. But here’s the thing. Anything will induce weight loss if it’s low enough in calories. Just because you are drinking a shake, does not mean the fat will melt off. Actually, if you are not getting enough nutrients and calories you will actually inhibit your weight-loss efforts. Shakeology is about HEALTH. When you put the RIGHT nutrients in your body that it needs to develop, heal, recover, repair, and thrive, you may ultimately have MORE energy, LESS cravings, and FEEL better therefore you eat less and become more active. With Shakeology, weight loss becomes a BY-PRODUCT of dense nutrition.

To make my point, when was the last time you dieted and cut calories only to feel tired, grouchy, and had a ton of cravings? That is because you may have been nutrient deficient. What if you’re at your goal weight, or need to GAIN weight? Because Shakeology is about DENSE NUTRITION you can use it as your base and add clean calories to make it 300 calories or more. Not everyone needs to lose weight, but everyone needs to be healthier. Shakeology isn’t MAGIC. It’s just clean dense nutrition made SUPER easy for everyone at a very affordable price. It’s my family’s “fast food” on the counter. Yes, my family goes through 4–5 bags a MONTH because even though we all have different weight and caloric needs, we all share the same NUTRITIONAL needs. Shakeology isn’t a weight-loss shake—it’s a nutrition shake.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

6 Health Benefits of Nuts

After decades of demonization for their high fat content—which in most cases is heart-healthy mono- and polyunsaturated anyway—nuts have finally claimed their rightful place among other foods long regarded as healthy.

In fact, nuts are so loaded with nutrients, they could be considered nature’s dietary supplement pill. Of course, roasted in heavy oil and salts, they become a lot less healthy but, properly consumed raw, or in some cases roasted (namely, chestnuts), nuts deliver a vast array of benefits unique to each.

Following are six overarching advantages to consuming nuts, within which are more specific nutrient benefits.

1. They Can Promote Heart Health and Circulation

Arginine
An amino acid produced by the body, arginine is implicated in healing, muscle growth, and sperm health because of its stimulation of protein production. But it’s perhaps known best for preventing arterial buildup by expanding blood vessels. Worth noting: Peanuts are not technically nuts, they’re legumes. Also, don’t eat them raw…or honey roasted. Opt for dry roasted, which are almost as healthy (but safer) as raw ones.
- Best source: Peanuts (1 g/1 oz serving – 166 calories, approx. 28 peanuts)
- Runners-up: Almonds (0.75 g), walnuts (0.7 g), hazelnuts/filberts (0.65 g – 178 calories, approx. 21 hazelnuts)

Omega 3
Omega 3s are polyunsaturated essential fatty acids, and walnuts contain the alpha-linolenic (ALA) form—over 150% of the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA), in fact. Benefits include decreased LDL (bad cholesterol) levels, increased HDL (good cholesterol) levels, and a possible reduced risk of heart attack.
- Best source: Walnuts (2.7 g/1 oz serving – 185 calories, approx. 14 walnut halves)
- Runners-up: Pecans (20% RDA), pistachios (5% RDA), macadamia nuts (4% RDA)

Iron
This mineral source is fundamental to the production of red blood cells, the delivery units of oxygen throughout the body. While recommended intakes for men (8 mg) and women (18 mg) vary, a handful of cashews delivers about 25% and 11% of the RDA, respectively.
- Best source: Cashews (2 mg/1 oz serving – 157 calories, approx. 17 cashews)
- Runners-up: Hazelnuts (1.4 mg), peanuts (1.4 mg), pistachios (1.3 mg)

2. They Can Help Preserve Brain and Mental Function

Folate
This B vitamin plays a key role in lowering homocysteine—an amino acid associated with conditions like heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and dementia. Low folate levels have also been linked to depression, anemia, and even hair loss.
- Best source: Peanuts (72 mcg or 18% RDA/1 oz serving)
- Runners-up: Hazelnuts (34 mcg/9% RDA), walnuts (29 mcg/7% RDA), pistachios (15 mcg/4% RDA)

Magnesium
Magnesium plays a role in more than 300 chemical reactions in the body, including proper digestion, heart and circulatory function, and bone growth and maintenance. It’s also been suggested as a viable aid in memory retention.
- Best source: Brazil nuts (113 mg or 28% RDA for men/1 oz serving – 186 calories, approx. 6 kernels)
- Runners-up: Cashews (88 mg), almonds (81 mg), peanuts (50 mg)

3. They Promote Vision and Eye Health

Vitamin A (Beta-carotene)
The nonanimal form of Vitamin A that gives plants their color is implicated in slowing macular degeneration, limiting sun sensitivity, and lowering the risk of heart disease. Pistachios are particularly rife with it, delivering 14% per serving.
- Best source: Pistachios (125 mcg or 14% RDA for men/1 oz serving – 159 calories, approx. 49 pistachios)
- Runners-up: Pecans (17 mcg), walnuts (6 mcg), hazelnuts (6 mcg)

Lutein and Zeaxanthin
These two antioxidants play an important role in reducing the risk of chronic eye diseases, including macular degeneration and cataracts by filtering harmful high-energy blue wavelengths of light.
- Best source: Pistachios (362 mcg/1 oz serving)
- Runners-up: That’s it. Pistachios are the only nut containing lutein and zeaxanthin in significant quantities.

4. They Help Regulate Weight and Metabolism

Protein
Nuts are a fantastic source of this vital energy for vegetarians—and anyone else. According to the Harvard School of Public Health, eating nuts instead of red meat once a day can lower the risk of type 2 diabetes 16 to 35%.
- Best source: Peanuts (7.8 g/1 oz serving)
- Runners-up: Almonds (6.3 g), pistachios (6 g), cashews (5.4 g)

Fiber
The fiber and sustained energy content of most nuts make them filling without being fattening, and chestnuts are by far the lowest in fat and calories than all other nuts.
- Best source: Chestnuts (1.5 g fiber, 39 calories/1 oz serving – 70 calories, approx. 3 chestnuts)
- Runners-up: Almonds (3.75 g fiber/174 calories), pistachios (3 g fiber/169 calories), peanuts (2.5 g fiber/170 calories)

Vitamin E
There are eight forms of this antioxidant, but the one found in nuts is of the alpha-tocopherol variety. Fairly strong evidence suggests it aids in preventing type 1 and 2 diabetes and treating fatty liver disease.
- Best source: Almonds (7.8 mg or 52% RDA/1 oz serving – 163 calories, approx. 23 almonds)
- Runners-up: Hazelnuts (4.5 mg/30% RDA), peanuts (2.5 mg/17% RDA), Brazil nuts (1.8 mg/12% RDA)

5. They Help Strength Bones and Teeth

Calcium
While also vital to blood and cellular function, 99% of all calcium in the body is found in bones and teeth, where it prevents osteoporosis and decay. Almonds are the nuts highest in this mineral, and number two isn’t really close.
- Best source: Almonds (81 mg or 8% RDA/1 oz serving)
- Runners-up: Brazil nuts (48 mg/5% RDA), hazelnuts (34 mg/3% RDA), pistachios (32 mg/3% RDA)

Phosphorus
The only mineral more prevalent in the body than phosphorus is calcium. Combined, the two work to grow, maintain, and repair bones and teeth, along with all other tissues and cells.
- Best source: Brazil nuts (218 mg or 31% RDA/1 oz serving)
- Runners-up: Cashews (178 mg/25% RDA), pistachios (147 mg/21% RDA), almonds (144 mg/21% RDA)

6. They Aid in Boosting Immunity

Zinc
The overall amount of this mineral found in the body is nominal, but it’s vital to immunity, affecting T cell and other immune cell functions and helping to stave off pathogens.
- Best source: Cashews (1.7 mg or 16% RDA for men/1 oz serving)
- Runners-up: Pecans (1.4 mg/13% RDA), Brazil nuts (1.2 mg/11% RDA), peanuts (1 mg/9% RDA)

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)
Important for keeping hormones balanced and healthy, deficiency among the B6 compounds is associated with compromised immune response. One serving of pistachios contains 40% of the RDA for an average adult.
- Best source: Pistachios (0.51 mg/1 oz serving)
- Runners-up: Hazelnuts (13% RDA), walnuts (12% RDA), cashews (10% RDA)

How to keep greens from wilting!

Don't you hate when you buy your salad mixes, greens, or herbs and it seems in just a short few days they turn all soggy and yuck?! Eww, ain't nobody got time for that! So here's a tip to keep your greens crispier longer!

Divide your big container of greens into two to four smaller plastic bags. Close the top of each bag lightly with your fist, blow into the bag, and fill it with air (carbon dioxide). Then seal the bag by twisting the top a few times before closing it firmly with a twist tie. Place it in the fridge, and your greens are good to go.

These puffy bags might take up a little bit more room in your fridge, but the loss of space is worth it; your greens will stay bright, crisp, and flavorful, so you can enjoy healthy salads, smoothies, and sandwiches all week long. This tip works for all leafy greens, including herbs; just be sure produce is completely dry before placing them in the plastic bag. Don't worry about wasting plastic bags since these can be washed, air-dried, and reused for next time.

 

For an added tip, toss in a paper towel before you seal it up. That will absorb extra moisture!

 

4 healthy crock pot recipes for breakfast!

Honey-Blueberry 8-Grain cereal

Ingredients

• 4 cups skim milk blended with 3 cups water

• 2 cups 8-grain hot cereal blend (such as Bob’s Red Mill)

• 2 cups blueberries

• 1 teaspoon ground ginger

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 cup walnuts

• 1/2 cup honey

• 8 thin slices unsalted butter (about 2 tbsp total)

Directions

1. Coat slow-cooker bowl with nonstick cooking spray. Combine milk and water with cereal in prepared slow cooker bowl. Stir in 1/2 cup of the blueberries, the ginger and 3/4 tsp of the salt. Cover and slow cook on LOW for 9 hours

2. In the morning, toast walnuts in a skillet over medium heat, 5 minutes. Stir remaining 1 1/2 cups blueberries, remaining 1/4 tsp salt and the honey into cereal mixture.

3. Spoon half of the cereal into bowls; top each serving with a thin slice of butter and some of the walnuts. Serve warm; save remainder for another day.

Slow-Cooker Oatmeal-Banana Maple Parfaits

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup half-and-half

• 1 1/2 cups steel-cut oats

• 3/4 teaspoon salt

• 7 tablespoons maple syrup, plus more for drizzling

• 1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese

• 2 ripe bananas

• 1/8 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

Directions

1. Pour 3 cups water into slow-cooker insert. Place a slow-cooker liner into slow cooker (on top of water). Combine half-and-half, 5 1/2 cups water, the oats and salt into slow cooker liner.
2. Cover and slow cook on LOW for 8 hours. Uncover and stir in 6 tbsp of the maple syrup. Blend ricotta and remaining 1 tbsp maple syrup.
3. Begin layering: Spoon 1/2 cup oatmeal into 6 cups or bowls. Top each with a heaping tbsp ricotta mixture. Peel and slice bananas. Spread about 4 banana slices onto each serving. Repeat layering with oatmeal, ricotta and banana slices. Drizzle each serving with a little maple syrup and sprinkle with pumpkin pie spice.

Apple-Cinnamon Wheat Berries

Ingredients

• 4 cups unsweetened vanilla almond milk

• 1 1/2 cups wheat berries

• 1 cup apple juice or water

• 3 Idared, Braeburn or Gala apples, peeled, cored and cut into 1-inch pieces

• 1/3 cup old-fashioned oats

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar

• 1/4 cup sliced almonds

• 6 tablespoons sweetened dried cranberries

Directions

1. Coat a 4- to 5-1/2-quart slow-cooker insert with nonstick cooking spray. Combine almond milk, wheat berries, juice, apples, oats, cinnamon and salt in prepared slow cooker.
2. Cover and slow cook on LOW for 9 hours. Uncover and stir in brown sugar. Spoon into bowls and top with sliced almonds and cranberries. Serve warm.

Potato and Turkey Bacon Quiche

Ingredients

• 1 6 ounce package turkey bacon (such as Butterball Thin & Crispy), diced

• 1 15 ounce package Alexia Oven Reds olive oil, Parmesan and garlic frozen potato wedges, cut into bite-size pieces

• 1 sweet red pepper, cored and diced

• 1/2 Vidalia onion, chopped

• 6 ounces 50% reduced-fat cheddar cheese, shredded

• 6 large eggs

• 1 1/2 cups skim milk

• 2 tablespoons minced chives, plus more for garnish

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 cup Bisquick HeartSmart

Directions

1. Coat programmable slow-cooker insert with nonstick cooking spray. Cook turkey bacon in a nonstick skillet over medium heat until just crisp, 9 minutes.
2. In a large bowl, toss together potato wedges, turkey bacon, red pepper, onion and 1 cup of the cheese. In a medium bowl, whisk eggs, milk, chives, salt and pepper. Whisk in Bisquick.
3. Pour potato mixture into slow cooker. Add egg mixture and top with remaining cheese. Cover and slow cook on LOW for 5 1/2 to 6 hours (machine will switch to WARM after cooking). Cut into wedges and serve.

*recipes from www.FamilyCircle.com*