Healthy Breakfast Inspired Snack Recipes
Happy Friday Foodies! The beautiful Grace Soldatos is back, checkout the yumminess below:
We have been told countless times that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and is the basis of a healthy diet. It not only refuels our body and gets our metabolism going, but also improves our concentration and helps us to maintain a healthy weight (bonus!) However, I know I am not the only who lives a fast paced life, and many times breakfast can be overlooked and quite frequently forgotten.
With that in mind I thought I would share some of my favorite simple and healthy breakfast inspired recipes that can be enjoyed as a snack at any time of day (or even for breakfast if you desire!). The recipes are packed with good-for-you ingredients that will fuel your body, keep you energized, and satisfy your hunger when you need it most! They are easy to prepare in advance, to take with you on the go, and hopefully will make you think twice before running to the deli for that 4pm snack attack. Enjoy!
Grace’s Green Smoothie (Serves 1)
My favorite hydrating smoothie that gives me the energy and nutrition I need in just one glass.
1 grapefruit peeled and chopped
2 lemons peeled and chopped
2 limes peeled and chopped
2 cucumbers, peeled and chopped
1 bunch of kale (around 2 cups)
1 Tbsp. protein powder of choice
1/2 cup pineapple
Dash of coconut water
In a highspeed blender start by blending the citrus fruits, cucumber and pineapple. Add the protein powder, blend again until smooth. Follow up by adding the kale, a bit at a time, adding the coconut water throughout. If you want a thinner consistency add a little more water/coconut water as desired.
Fresh Fruit with Sweet Applesauce Tahini (4 servings)
The textures and tart/sweet flavour combinations satisfy my cravings. (Adapted from Whole Living Magazine) 
1/4 cup raw tahini (sesame seed paste)
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 Tbsp. raw agave nectar
2 Tbsp. water
4 cups sliced fresh fruit: Red grapefruit, mango (or pineapple), plums and cherries.
2 Tbsp. unsweetened coconut flakes (toasted if desired)
2 Tbsp. sliced raw almonds
Combine tahini, applesauce, agave and water until smooth (whisked or in a blender.) Arrange fruit as desired in bowls and drizzle tahini mixture on top and finish by sprinkling with coconut and/or almonds.
Grace’s Granola Goodness
The perfect amount of crunch and sweetness to enjoy on its own, on top of greek yogurt, or my personal favorite with almond milk. 
4 cups rolled oats (I prefer Bobs Red Mills gluten-free oats)
1/2 cup raw almonds, chopped
1/4 cup sliced raw almonds
1/4 cup brazil nuts chopped
1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
1/4 cup sunflower seeds
1 cup flaked unsweetened coconut
1/4 tsp ground sea salt
1/3 cup raw agave nectar (or raw honey/raw maple syrup)
4 tbsp extra virgin coconut oil
After baking add:
2 tablespoons cacao nibs
1/4 cup dried goji berries
1/4 cup dried apricots roughly chopped
1/4 cup dried cranberries
Preheat oven to 350°F and in a large saucepan over low-medium heat whisk oil and agave. Separately in a large bowl combine oats, nuts, seeds, coconut and sea salt. Pour oil and agave mixture over dry ingredients and coat well. Place on a cookie sheet and bake for 25-30 mins until oats are golden brown. Make sure to remove from oven and with a fork move the mixture around the tray so all mixture is baked evenly. After baking in a large bowl mix in the cacao nibs and dried fruits.
HAPPY HEALTHY LOVE! -Grace Soldatos