Dawna Stone

You Can Have A Better Life

Weight Loss Tips

Gluten-Free Cherry Vanilla Oat Bread

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If you’re like me and love the combination of cherry and vanilla, you’ll be head-over-heels for this Cherry Vanilla Oat Bread. It’s not too sweet which makes it the perfect breakfast choice, but it’s just sweet enough that it also makes a great mid-afternoon snack or after-dinner treat.

With two little kids at home, I’m always well stocked on bananas, as they’re a quick grab-and-go snack. But this also means I often find myself with bananas that are too ripe for the kids’ taste. I found a great way to use up my over-ripe bananas and at the same time make my bread recipe extra moist without adding any dairy.

On Plate 1200x1200  Wet Ingredients 1200x1200  Pre-Baked 1200x1200 Overhead in Tray2Two Slices 1200x1200 v2

Cherry Vanilla Oat Bread
Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free
Servings
12
Servings
12
Cherry Vanilla Oat Bread
Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free
Servings
12
Servings
12
Ingredients
Servings:
Instructions
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line the bottom and short ends of an 8” x 4” loaf pan with parchment paper or lightly coat with olive oil.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the oat flour, baking powder, baking soda and sea salt.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs. Add the mashed bananas, honey, almond milk, coconut oil and vanilla extract.
  4. Add the dry ingredients to the egg mixture and stir gently to combine. Fold in all but 10 to 12 cherries.
  5. Pour the batter into the pan and scatter the remaining cherries over the top of the loaf.
  6. Bake for approximately 45 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in the center of the loaf comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
  7. Set the pan on a rack for 10 minutes to cool. Remove the loaf from the pan and cool completely on the rack before slicing.
Recipe Notes

(Make sure to mash the bananas before you combine them with the other wet ingredients. I’ve made the mistake of just tossing in the bananas before and although it works, it can get a little messy.)

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Quinoa Salad with Black Beans and Avocado

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Wheat-free, gluten-free, high in protein and low in calories (in other words, incredibly healthy), quinoa is often called a ‘SUPER food'. Combined with just the right ingredients, you have yourself a SUPER (“Healthy You” approved) recipe. Another benefit? This delicious meal is made in almost no time. Enjoy and please tell me what you think by commenting below!

Quinoa Salad with Black Beans and Avocado
Servings
4
Servings
4
Quinoa Salad with Black Beans and Avocado
Servings
4
Servings
4
Ingredients
Servings:
Instructions
  1. In a saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the quinoa and water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 15 minutes, or until the water is absorbed. Set aside, covered, to steam for 5 minutes. Fluff the quinoa with a fork and transfer to a bowl. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until chilled.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the oil, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
  3. Add the corn, avocado, tomatoes, and black beans to the quinoa and stir to combine. Add the lime dressing and stir gently. Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving.
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Setting Realistic Goals Can Help New Year’s Resolutions Stick

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2014 Ahead

Not surprisingly, New Year’s resolutions are top of mind this time of year. Many of us are setting goals around self-improvement, financial success and relationship. But merely setting the goal may not be enough. Before you embark on your journey to achieve your goal or goals, you need to clarify goal specifics. Following these 10 simple tips can help any New Year’s resolution stick!

 

#1: Clearly Define Your Goal
Your weight loss goal needs to be well-defined and given an assigned time frame. For example, having a generic weight loss aim isn’t as effective as articulating the goal to lose 45 pounds by March 1. The probability of achieving success increases when you hone in on a well-defined goal with a target end date. Making goals clear and specific helps you to achieve them.

#2: Make it Realistic
Make sure you set realistic intentions. Your goal should be challenging but also achievable. There’s nothing worse than setting yourself up for failure. If your goal is to lose weight, it should be one that gets you to a healthy weight for your body, disregarding futile hopes of resembling a supermodel or Hollywood superhero.

#3: Write it Down
Write down your goals and refer back to them often. Mount your goals somewhere you’ll see them on a regular basis like your bathroom mirror. “Out of sight, out of mind” really is true. Keep your goals top of mind!

#4: Make It Your Own
It might go without saying, but make sure that “your” goal is not someone else’s. Too many people get sidetracked by what others want for (or of) them. You have to really want the goal. If your husband wants you to lose weight but you feel perfectly content as you are, the likelihood of achieving the goal is much lower than if you want the change for yourself.

#5: Break it Down
Break down your big goal into several small goals. Each milestone or short-term goal will get you closer to your final mark, yet the process will feel less daunting. For example, if you have a goal to lose 30 pounds, attempt to lose the first 10 pounds by a certain date, the next 10 pounds by a later date and so on.

#6: Review It
Review your goals on a regular basis and monitor your progress. Praise yourself when you’re on track. If you happen to fall off, figure out what steps need to be taken to get moving in the right direction once again.

#7: Share It
Share your goals with others. Just telling someone else about your ambitions makes them seem more real and makes you feel more accountable. It may also help you garner support for your goals, which will make the challenging days feel easier.

#8: Adjust It
Be prepared to reevaluate your goals, and make minor adjustments as needed along the way. Also, try not to get caught up comparing yourself to others.

#9: Know Why It’s Important
Write down why it’s important for you to reach your goal. No matter the reasons for your goal, exploring the root of your desire and seeing the answers in black and white will help keep you motivated.

#10: Reward Yourself
Reward yourself for a job well done. If you have achieved your goal or are on the right track, celebrate yourself. Just make sure your reward is in line with your long-term goals. For example, if your goal is to lose weight, food may not be the best “prize”. Instead, reward yourself with a new pair of shoes or a smaller size pair of jeans, get your nails done, or buy yourself a new lipstick. It doesn’t matter how big or small the reward, just acknowledge your hard work and the achievement.

Whether you have a weight loss goal or other challenging goal you hope to achieve, following a few simple steps can help you achieve your goal with ease. What are your goals for 2014?

 

Holiday Survival Guide: 10 Tips for Avoiding Holiday Weight Gain

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Holiday CupcakesThe holidays are often a time of stepping away from our normal routine. From office parties to family gatherings, the holidays can wreak havoc on your weight loss goals. Add in the stress of holiday shopping, relatives in town and school being out, and you have a recipe for overindulging. Don't get too discouraged! The Holiday Survival Guide can help you avoid holiday weight gain and still enjoy the festivities.

We all know the holidays should be a festive time to enjoy family and friends, not a time to feel guilty or be consumed with thoughts of gaining weight. Following all 10, or even just a few, of our holiday survival tips can make your holidays guilt-free.

Don't let holiday weight gain sneak up on you this year – let this new found knowledge help you enjoy the holidays leaner and happier!

Here are 3 of the Holiday Survival Tips 10 tips to get you started. Fill out the form below to receive all 10 tips!

1. Control Your Portions. If you're looking to maintain your weight over the holidays, you need to pay close attention to not just what you eat but how much you eat. When given the choice of a small or large plate, I always choose the small one as studies show people eat less when they use a smaller plate. And don't feel compelled to clean your dish – leaving a few bites at each meal can add up to a lot of saved calories.

2. Keep Healthy Snacks on Hand. The holidays are often a time when a barrage of candy and other sweet treats show up in the office and at friends' houses. I always try and keep healthy snacks on hand. Not letting yourself get too hungry can make it easier to say “No, thank you” when offered a holiday treat.

3. Offer to bring a dish. Whether you're going to a party or a holiday dinner, offer to bring a healthy side dish, appetizer or dessert. Contributing a healthy dish like shrimp cocktail, vegetables and dip or fruit salad will provide you with a least one healthy option to keep you on track. When I attend a part, I almost always bring a vegetable platter with hummus. The host is usually thrilled that I made the effort to bring something and I'm thrilled I have a healthy alternative among mostly unhealthy and high calorie choices.

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Perfect Penne and Pesto

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Simple, yet classic – what more could you need? Made with brown rice pasta, this flavorful penne and pesto is a perfectly healthy meal.

Perfect Penne and Pesto
Servings
4
Servings
4
Perfect Penne and Pesto
Servings
4
Servings
4
Ingredients
Servings:
Instructions
  1. Cook pasta according to package directions.
  2. In a food processor, pulse pine nuts until finely ground.
  3. Add basil, garlic, salt and pepper, and pulse until finely chopped.
  4. Slowly pour in olive oil as your pulse.
  5. Transfer pesto to a bowl and toss with penne.
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Mushroom Risotto

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This mushroom risotto calls for a little time and care, but is well worth the TLC!

Mushroom Risotto
Servings Prep Time
4 45minutes
Servings Prep Time
4 45minutes
Mushroom Risotto
Servings Prep Time
4 45minutes
Servings Prep Time
4 45minutes
Ingredients
Servings:
Instructions
  1. In saucepan, warm broth on low heat.
  2. Heat olive oil in medium-large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms, shallots and garlic, and cook until shallots are translucent (approximately 2-3 minutes). Add rice and salt to the mushroom mixture, and stir to coat.
  3. Stir 1/2 cup hot broth into rice mixture, and cook on medium-low heat, stirring constantly.
  4. When broth is almost completely absorbed, add another 1/2 cup hot broth, and continue to stir.
  5. Repeat until all broth has been absorbed in 1/2 cup increments.
  6. Expect 30 to 45 minutes of total cooking time.
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