How to carve out time each day to stay on track when life gets busy

How to carve out time each day to stay on track when life gets busy

Make health a priority
It’s so incredibly easy to get side tracked when you lead a busy life and the kids are headed back to school. The person you really are gets put on hold, and everything else comes first. But here’s the thing. Unless you start putting yourself first, you won’t have anything left to give to anybody.  You will be so worn out, you just won’t be able to give any more at all. Schedule it in your day planner if you need to, but make sure that that one hour is just as important as getting to that meeting you just can’t miss.  For me personally my work outs in the am is part of my "me time".

Buy a crock pot!!
If you’ve never used one, I’m here to tell you that these little contraptions can save your life. Who wants to spend an hour in the kitchen after a long work day cooking a healthy meal? Ten to twenty minutes of prep time in the morning, and you’ll have a full pot of dinner (and maybe even some leftovers for lunch the next day) when you get home. This is a no brainer!!  Here are a few of my favorites

Crock Pot Roast Beef
Crock Pot Cashew Chicken
Mexican Chicken


 

Use Sunday night to make the week run smoother 
Peel and slice carrots, cucumbers and other veggies.  Make lasagna but don’t cook it. Keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days so you can just pop it in the oven on a busy weekday night. Cook several different grains and store in the fridge so you have a healthy, whole grain side dish for any dinner you want to make. Marinate chicken breasts for up to 3 days in ziploc bags. Keep them in the fridge and bake them in the oven the day you need them, or toss them in the freezer after they have marinated for one day. I will go as far as to peel the corn on the cob and have it waiting in the pan of water so I can pull it out and cook it.
 

Get everyone into the kitchen ask for HELP (moms you can do this it does not mean your not a good mom)
Weekends are tough because you want to spend that time with family. Doing things with the kids or with friends puts everything else on the back burner. But food should be a family event! There is absolutely NO reason that you should be the only one in the kitchen if you have a husband or kids (or both) in the other room. Memories made in the kitchen last a lifetime, and you can’t give your kids a greater gift than teaching them how to feed themselves properly. Plus, picky eaters are far more likely to eat when they’ve been involved in the process. So drag them into the kitchen with you! You may have to oversee things a bit at first, but after a while, you’ll find that it was worth asking for help.
 
Cook during naps
If your kids are younger and still take naps, great! You have a free hour in the day (if you stay at home) to cook! Now I’ll be the first to admit that when my kids are napping, all I normally work, since I work from home.  Just remind yourself that getting some cooking done now, will save you at the end of the day when you are REALLY tired and just want to land on a soft pillow.
 

Cook large quantities
This is truly important for those of you who work outside of the home. Get used to cooking for the neighbor! Invest in single serving Tupperware or Ziploc containers and keep extra food on hand at all times. If you always have healthy leftovers, you’ll always have a healthy meal on hand.  Everyone has lunch the next day, and there might even be a little left over to put in the freezer to pull out when your caught off guard.
 
Freeze, freeze, freeze.
If you can afford it, invest in a deep freezer. It will be your saving grace. If you can’t afford it, clean out your freezer and get organized! The more you can pack that freezer with single serving meals, the happier and more stress free you will be during the week.
 
Keep backup lists on the fridge
You need two lists on the front of your fridge at all times. One will be a list of foods you have on hand in the fridge and freezer so you know what you can just grab when you need it, and one will be a list of quick and easy, healthy recipes that you can throw together at the last-minute if you need to. That second list may seem a bit useless, but when you are very busy and cooking is the last thing on your mind, it’s easy to forget what everyone likes to eat. It’s easy to fall into that, “I don’t know what to cook” rut. So keep both lists on hand and you’ll never be at a loss for what to make for dinner.

What is the hardest part about creating a healthy lifestyle?
Motivation
Time
Support
Knowledge
Fear

I run online support groups monthly for moms just like yourself that would like to invest time into yourself.  to learn more information fill out this form.  Hope to talk to you soon

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Exercising and being pregnant

Exercising and being pregnant

Wow I realized it’s been a long time since I did a weekly progress blog on my fitness journey.  After finding out I was pregnant like most do eating was not something I looked forward to but thank goodness we are past the first trimester last week I was sick a few days with allergies however the thought of meal planning and being pregnant is now going to work.  I have the best husband because for the last 8 weeks he knew that more than likely was not going to be dinner and the thought of going grocery shopping made my stomach turn.  So that meant he took over cooking so lots of dinners on the grill and when it was done if I felt like eating I did.

Exercise-

I found it interesting over the weekend someone asked me if I was still working out since I was pregnant.  Heck yeah!!  Now don’t get me wrong some mornings I can’t go from my bed to exercising so instead I would work at the computer for 20 minutes or so and then press play and that worked well on the mornings I needed to do so.  First trimester I did the NEW Chalene Johnson PiYo workout which involves no weight, low impact, and great flexibility.  Right now I jumped back into 3 weeks of the 21 day fix and from that I’m not 100% sure on what program I will do next.  For sure the workout CORE from PiYo I will continue to do once a week for the entire pregnancy only because as the baby grows a lot of the moves are not done on the floor and still work the core for 30 minutes which will be perfect for pregnancy #3, I tend to have big babies and 3^rd C-section.

How do I handle cravings if they are not clean foods?

Yes I’m a beachbody coach and yes I help others reach their fitness goals however I’m pregnant in the sense that if I have a craving and it last for more than a few hours I’m going to eat it.  Not too many cravings yet how ever for the first few weeks Subway sounded good so I ate it.  Every Sunday I have a donut at my in laws house and have not guilt in eating it.  Everything in moderation pregnant or not yes I love eating clean but I will venture if needed here and there.  Also I can tell in the last 10 days since entering the second trimester I wake up and need a little something in my stomach before working out so a big 8oz. glass of water and half a banana or half an apple does the trick after sleeping. 

Drinking shakeology?

Yes!!  To be honest I felt so crappy for a few days and did not eat much and skipped my shakeology at the end of four days my hands hurt so badly and the inflammation was back.  Also with the other 3 pregnancies I had a bad headache almost everyday for the first 20 weeks.  I have not had headaches at all during this pregnancy but for those four days I could feel the headache coming on.  So of course I had to figure out a way to still get the nutrition my body was lacking and for about a week I enjoyed shakeology balls and felt better right away.  I don't drink it as a meal most days and if I do I make sure to up what I put in it so I'm getting enough calories.  Since I'm drinking shakeology to take a prenatal vitamin would be an over kill.  So instead just taking extra folic acid everyday so the baby is getting everything he or she needs.  The concern with drinking shakeology and being pregnant is the amount of vitamin A is higher than a prenatal vitamin.  But weighing the options of how much better my body functions while drinking it every day this is a great fit before and continues to be a good fit.

How does this relate to you pregnant or not?

The bigger picture it’s not about the number on the scale.  It’s about creating a healthy lifestyle that can be done every day. I like to say following the 80/20 rule when it comes to eating clean, daily exercise, watching your words around little eyes.  If you’re always going “on a diet” or make comments in front of your kids about your body they will pick up on it. 

 

Set out one day a week whatever works with your lifestyle and meal plan, grocery shop, and prep for the next 7 days.  Find recipes that you can prepare ahead of time that you can either pop in the over or in the crockpot for the family that is healthy and quick.

What does it take?

What does it take?

What does it take to be successful?  I’ve been asked this a lot lately and thought way not sit down and share it with everyone. 

I'm looking for busy women who are ready to DO something different.

Entrepreneurialism is an eighteen letter word-ALL humans are entrepreneurs not because they should start companies but because the will to create is encoded in human DNA- Reid Hoffman, cofounder of LinkedIn

So I truly believe this but trust me starting your own business is not for everyone.  If you’re not willing to invest time to grow your business past 3 months it will not work and also if you’re not willing to sacrifice time say TV time or a little sleep it will never pay past “hobby money”.

What does it does not take to be successful as a beachbody coach

-no need to be at your goal weight

-no need to have a large network of friends

-no need to have any business experience

-no need to be a personal trainer or have a degree in nutrition- if so that’s just icing on the cake

-no need to “know all the answers”

What does it truly come down to then?

1.       Putting every customer first by running monthly challenge groups insuring from an online support group they are getting past just purchasing the program.

2.       Must be whiling to work on yourself from the inside and outside while helping others lives a better life.

3.       Must truly believe “why not you”

4.       Must be good at seeing where you want to be a year from now.

I remember starting out I thought to myself oh that coach is going to be more successful because she has a 6 pack. FALSE!! I also saw another coach hit the ground running and thought man that person is going to grow quick and be successful fast.  WRONG!!  In this business it matters to the ones that stay consistent .  I’m not any different then you are there is not a perfect cookie cutter mold that makes a great coach.  All types of personalities succeeded in this business I’m an introvert and this business is perfect for me.

 I am looking for people like me.. You might be stuck in life... physically, socially, financially.... I know I was.

So what’s your story?  Have you always wanted more freedom with your time and dreamed of being your own CEO?  But the cost of starting up a traditional business was too big?

Are you a natural leader that would enjoy having a say in how you spend your 24 hours?  Are you someone that does not wait for the green light you just go after things in life? 

That is who I’m looking to mentor starting September 1^st with a 21 day quick start in teaching you the basics of getting your business off the ground in the right way.  I’ve created a system that is easy to duplicate you don’t need to know all the answers you just have to be whiling to get started.  Over the next week I will be going over applications and talking with those that have interest in getting started and from that picking 10 new coaches to learn the ropes.  This is just the first part of 3 serious as you grow your business.

 

 Beachbody Coaching has provided so much opportunity for my little family.  With the freedom to use every dollar over the last year we were able to take a 15 year rental property mortgage and just about pay it off after only having it for 24 months total.  Talk about life changing and that is just what this business has been able to offer in the first 12 months.

You can be someone who wants to build a 6+ figure business OR you can be someone who wants to make an extra $500 a month to contribute to bills, debt, tithe, vacation, updated living room furniture.... WHATEVER!

 I am 100% confident that I can teach you how to build your OWN little #girlboss company... I can teach you how to build something that can change your lives direction in away that you only ever dreamed of.

 You will be held accountable & given the support you need to live a healthier, a happier, and a more fulfilling life!

 So... if you are ready to get this ball rolling & want to be considered for one of my TEN spots for this training... apply here by Monday the 25th.

 

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Back to school healthy granola bars

Back to school healthy granola bars

 Here is a healthy recipe that you can add to the “healthy school snacks” It’s perfect for on the go and super easy to make.  This recipe comes in handy no matter who you are or where you plan on eating them. Its perfect for the office, sending your kids back to school, road trips, moms on the go,before sports, study snacks and breakfast. It’s also vegan for those looking for healthy vegan recipes. It’s so natural and healthy that guilt won't haunt you after you’re done.

Ingredients:

• 1 Cup Unsweetened Organic Coconut
• 1 Large Banana (Extra Ripe)
• 1 Cup Whole Grain Oats 
• 1 Tbsp Organic Vanilla Extract 
• 1/2 Cup Ground Flax Seed 
• 1/4 Cup Unsweetened Almond Milk
• 2 Tbsp Mini Vegan Chocolate Chips 
• 2 tablespoons of coconut sugar (Your Choice Of Sweetener)

Directions:

Add banana, coconut, flax seed, vanilla,  oats and Truvia to electric mixer and mix on low speed. 

Add unsweetened almond milk 1 tbsp at a time slowly increasing the mixer’s speed. 

 

Preheat oven to 350

Grease a baking sheet with olive oil cooking spray.

Pour granola mixture onto baking sheet and spread out into a square shape with a spatula.

Try to spread and flatten the mixture evenly as possible without puncturing the shape.

Evenly distribute the mini chocolate chips on the granola and lightly press them down.

Bake 11-13 minutes or until the edges are lightly brown.

Before the granola starts to harden take a knife and cut the square into 8 even rectangles.
1 Bar : Calories 85, Fat : 4g, Carbs 14g, Fiber 5g, Sugar 2g, Protein 3.4g

Recipe shared-www.undressedskeleton.tumblr.com

A Crock Pot meal when short on time

A Crock Pot meal when short on time

 

 

I'm so excited to be putting together  quick clean eating dinner and lunch ideas  for my up coming challenge group starting on Monday August 18th.  Why? Because the number one thing I hear from moms is.....I don't have an hour to put into making a healthy meal for the family GREAT me either.  The idea of "mom" slaving over the stove all day and doing so with perfect hair and a cute outfit is just unrealistic it's 2014 and with a school year starting for moms with kids that age this is a must

THE CROCK POT!!

Crock Pot Roast

Prep time:  10 minutes

Total cook time:  8 hours depending on your crockpot set on low

Serves: 4

 

Ingredients

• 3 to 4 pound boneless chuck roast
• 32 ounces low-sodium beef broth or stock
• 1 6-ounce can tomato paste
• ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 teaspoons smoked (or regular) paprika
• 3 teaspoons allspice
• 2-3 large sprigs fresh rosemary
• 3 medium sized carrots, coarsely chopped
• 1 large onion, sliced thinly
• 1 to 2 pounds potatoes, diced (about 3 medium potatoes)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Spray your crock pot generously with Pam or line it with a crock pot liner.
2. Pour the beef stock, balsamic vinegar, honey and tomato paste into the crock pot. Stir it together and add in the paprika, allspice, salt and pepper to taste.
3. Toss in half of the vegetables and place your chuck roast on top of everything. Toss in the rest of the vegetables and stir everything all together as best you can, making sure that the beef is mostly submerged in the broth. Top with your rosemary.
4. Set the crock pot on low and cover. Let it cook for 6-8 hours on low. If you can, check on it every so often and give it a little stir (this isn't necessary if you are away from the house).
5. When ready, move the roast to a cutting board and slice to serve. Serve with the vegetables and juices from the meat and broth. A salad might go well here too, but we were all about meat and potatoes that night. Serves 4.

 Author: The Crepes of Wrath

If you would like more quick recipes that are budget friendly and would also like daily motivation to living a healthier life I have a spot for you in my up coming online fitness group. 
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Mango Avocado Chicken Salad

Mango Avocado Chicken Salad

Now that I'm pregnant with the 3rd baby I've been wanting avocado this salad is amazing!!  I made the dressing in a larger batch so I would have it all week.

Benefits of avocados?

Add avocado to your diet to promote cardiovascular health. Avocado comes packed with unsaturated fatty acids, and these fats have a beneficial effect on your blood cholesterol levels, which helps stave off heart disease. The fiber found in avocados also lowers your blood cholesterol, and its potassium content combats high blood pressure.

Also great for your hair, skin, and nails

Avocados serve as good sources of vitamin K and vitamin B-9, and these nutrients benefit your blood cells. Your body relies on vitamin B-9 to make red blood cells -- the concave cells that carry oxygen to tissues throughout your body and give your blood its color. Vitamin K affects the function of platelets, the small blood cells responsible for forming blood clots.

Ingredients

For the Avocado Dressing
• 1 ripe  avocado
• 1 lime, zested and juiced
• 1 green onion, chopped
• 1 garlic clove, peeled
• 1/4-1/2 cup cilantro
• 1/4 cup non-fat plain Greek yogurt
• 1 small jalapeno, seeded
• Water
For the Salad
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 chicken breast
• 1 Tablespoon blackened seasoning
• 1 ripe mango, peeled and cubed
• 1/2 cup grape tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup sliced red onion
• 4 cups Spring Salad Mix

Directions

1. For the dressing, add all the ingredients except the water to a blender.
2. With the blender going, slowly drizzle in the water until a thick, creamy, consistency is reached. Set Aside.
3. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Season both sides of the chicken breast with the blackened seasoning, making sure it is fully coated.
5. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until fully cooked through. Remove and let it rest for 3-4 minutes. Then slice it or cube it up.
6. TO make Two salads, Assemble, starting with the spring lettuce mix, the cubed mango, red onion, and grape tomatoes.
7. Place some chicken on top of each and drizzle on your desired amount of dressing!

recipe shared-fabtasticeats.com

Big News

Baby #3

I’m so excited to finally share this news with everyone, I tend to live my life now as an open book and let others know who I am.  In doing so I did keep this under wraps due to having a miscarriage the first time I was ever pregnant it was the hardest thing I ever went thru 4 years ago on my birthday as we were prepared to tell everyone as the first trimester was coming to an end but God had another plan.  It was not easy and for sure from that I’m able to truly say I know how hard this can be when others go thru the same pain.

But this blog is not about pain it’s about celebrating this little bundle of joy that is growing inside of me .  We both always pictured a house full of fun and kids so with that we thought about timing and thought 3 or 4?

Will we have another?
If we would not of gotten pregnant right away with the third we may of considered a fourth BUT 3 kids 3 and under lets just say momma is good!!  We will be busy but this makes the choice to stop at three.

C-section?
For sure!!  I know I'm odd in the sense that I loved having a C-section and both the other kids where delivered by C-section, thankful we have a great Dr.  Actually I felt better quicker the second time around and healed faster. 

Clint!!

Due date?
Since we are having a C-section it looks like Feb 20th will be baby time!!

What does Clint think?
I explained that we are having another baby, when he asked where it is? I explained it was growing in my belly....he let me know he has a baby growing in his belly.  You can emagine how the conversation went from there.

Food cravings?
Like with the other pregnancies I did not throw up at all but most days just felt blah.  My wonderful husband knows the first trimester I don't feel like grocery shopping most things don't look good.  He is on his own for cooking dinner for the kids and himself, once it's made if it looks good I will eat some.  Lots of dinners on the grill!!  So when I am hungry nothing to odd but I did want a Vito's hoagie a few weeks back, also Subway, I'm not much of a chip person, and for sure ate some here and there.  Best husband ever!!

Am I drinking shakeology?
Yes!!  To be honest I felt so crappy for a few days and did not eat much and skipped my shakeology at the end of four days my hands hurt so bad and the inflammation was back.  Also with the other 3 pregnancies I had a bad headache almost everyday for the first 20 weeks.  I have not had headaches at all during this pregnancy but for those four days I could feel the headache coming on.  So of course I had to figure out a way to still get the nutrition my body was lacking and for about a week I enjoyed shakeology balls and felt better right away.  I don't drink it as a meal most days and if I do I make sure to up what I put in it so I'm getting enough calories.  Since I'm drinking shakeology to take a prenatal vitamin would be an over kill.  So instead just taking extra folic acid everyday so the baby is getting everything he or she needs.  The concern with drinking shakeology and being pregnant is the amount of vitamin A is higher then a prenatal vitamin.  But weighing the options of how much better my body functions while drinking it everyday this is a great fit before and continues to be a good fit. 


Will we have enough room in our 2 bedroom home?
Heck yeh!!  I'm not typical in the sense that I don't over buy and only have what the baby needs, so the house will not be over taken by 10 new baby items.  We keep it simple so to add one more we have lots of room.  Currently Clint shares a room with Josie and the crib is still up in that room.  But when the baby comes home for the first 10 week or so just like we did with the others kids they will sleep downstairs since I will be breastfeeding.  So making more living space and putting my office in the basement has all been a work in progress to make like easier and also to make more living space.

Am I worried about gaining weight?
No not at all, both kids were 10 lbs!!  So yes while pregnant I will gain between 35 and 40 lbs.  I'm totally ok with keeping up with a good balance of working out and eating right.  If I want something extra I'm going to eat it.  Everything in balance! clean eating might look more like 70-30, 30% not being the best but still keeping nutrition in check for the most part.  Plus once I'm healed and ready to start I know what works great to get the pre momma look back.  I will finish up Piyo this week and think I will due the 21 day fix workouts again for three weeks.  Also I still enjoy mornings jogging if it works with my husbands schedule, these are all things I did before being pregnant no need to stop, modify as the baby grows,  I will keep you posted on what I do after that. 

Over all how is this pregnancy?
So far this has been the most laid back pregnancy with Clint I worked on my feet until 38 weeks with long hours while my husband and I started our first traditional business it was not an easy pregnancy to say the least.  While pregnant with Josie all the worries of having two instead of just one left for a lot of things in the air.  This pregnancy working from home as a beachbody coach and doing the paperwork for our traditional business has left me feeling the perfect balance.  Most afternoons I need a 15 minute power nap and I get to!!  I really am not worried about anything, so many things to be thankful for, and really looking forward to the second trimester.

Baby names?
I will have to leave this up to my husband he named Josie and Clint and did a great job.  He did make mention that he will need to watch a few old western movies for inspiration.  I will keep you posted!!


I can't wait to continue to share this journey with others, we are already thinking about how fun the holidays will be this year!!  I might feel as big as the Christmas tree BUT it will all be worth it!!
 

Almond butter vs. peanut butter

Almond butter vs. peanut butter

Have you ever wonder why some like almond butter vs. regular peanut butter?  I will share different points between the two and the cool thing is you get to decide what you pick. 

What's the facts?
Both butters are rich in protein, fiber and fatty acids and have the same amount of fat (16 grams) and calories (190) per 2 tablespoons. They also have about the same amount of carbohydrates.


 What about nutritional value?
 Almond butter has 26% more Vitamin E, 3% more Iron, and 7% more Calcium than peanut butter. It's higher in magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and antioxidants.

What about the fats?
This is where the almond really shines. Almond butter has 50% more monounsaturated fat than the peanut spread and about 25% less saturated fat. This is good news for anyone, and especially for those keeping an eye on cholesterol. Another important factor is that almond butter does not contain any trans fat. NONE.

One advantage peanut butter has
 There is a misunderstanding that all peanut butter contains trans fat or hydrogenated oils. This is not true, you can now choose from a range of "all natural peanut butter" that eliminates the trans fat (and any un-natural ingredients). These varieties are made from pure peanuts with no added oils, fats, or sugars. You'll recognize natural butter by the oil separation at the top of the jar.

Organic peanut butter?
 It's another option and it simply means that the peanuts were grown without the use of pesticides. Most grocery stores carry all three types of butters. Remember to refrigerate your natural and organic butters.

The best reason I switched for?

Almonds are considered alkaline while peanuts are categorized as acidic. 
According to some research there are benefits to consuming alkaline foods: speed up metabolism, increase energy, and prevent sickness. Almonds fall into this category. They are a powerful nut and the only nut categorized as very alkaline.
Health "nuts" (bahaha) say that it's important to consume at least 60% alkaline-producing foods in order to maintain a balanced diet. If one's Ph levels aren't in balance the body has a hard time absorbing vitamins, minerals, and other important food nutrients. In short, Ph affects everything. In contrast acidic foods can be damaging and a variety of physical problems and diseases can be caused from acidic intake (some go as far to say that an acidic ph can cause cancer--see below caveat). Peanuts rate very high in acidity.

So it truly is your choice, honestly our household was a Jiff brand house forever but last summer I made the switch and it took awhile for my husband to do the same but now we just buy almond butter and really like the flavor better it does not have that grease texture.  And from time to time I pull the fridge open for a spoon full of "peanut butter" to hit the spot.

Some facts used from-athleticmindedtraveler.com

Breakfast ideas that will boast your energy

1. Sliced Avocado + Crumbled Feta + Pomegranates + Olive Oil

 

Drizzle olive oil to finish.

2. Raspberries + Blackberries + Basil + Light Cream Cheese

 

3. Ribboned Cantaloupe + Chopped Walnuts + Agave + Goat Cheese

 

Use a sharp vegetable peeler to make cantaloupe ribbons.

4. Sliced Banana + Almond Butter + Chia Seeds

 

5. Thinly Sliced Celery + Raisins + Peanut Butter

 

Ants on a log, anyone?

6. Refried Beans + Salsa + Cilantro + Fried Egg

 

7. Goat Cheese + Sliced Strawberries + Shelled Edamame + Balsamic Vinegar + Sea Salt

 

Before adding them to the toast, in a bowl pour balsamic vinegar over sliced strawberries and macerate them. This way the bread won’t get soggy.

8. Sliced Pineapple + Cottage Cheese + Chopped Cashews

 

9. Sauteed Kale + One-Egg Omelet + Grated Cheddar Cheese

 

1. Heat oil in a frying pan until pretty hot and saute chopped kale (center ribs removed) for 2 minutes with a little salt. Set aside kale and wipe out pan.

2. In a bowl, beat one egg and season to taste. Add oil to frying pan. Pour beaten egg into pan and let it spread thinly. Lower the heat. Once the omelet is cooked, use a rubber spatula to gently fold the omelet into quarters.
3. Stack kale and egg on toast. Grate cheese on top. Place toast back into warm pan and cover for 30 seconds to melt cheese.

10. Sliced Dried Figs + Ricotta Cheese + Sesame Seeds

 

11. Sliced Mango + Sliced Fresh Mozzarella + Lime Juice & Zest

 

Use fresh mozzarella. Sprinkle with lime zest and sea salt to finish.

12. Mashed Avocado + Shelled Edamame + Sprouts + Lemon Juice

 

Let’s called it Green Monster toast, because it’s the deconstructed version of your favorite green smoothie. I used alfalfa and radish spouts, which is a great mixture because it adds a horseradish-y spice, but you can use whatever’s your favorite. Smash the avocado and spread evenly; the other ingredients stick better to the toast this way.

13. Sliced Pear + Ricotta Cheese + Honey

 

14. Hummus + Chopped Walnuts + Pomegranates

 

15. Mashed Chickpeas + Tomato Slice + Fried Egg

 

Rinse canned chickpeas in a mesh sieve, then mash with olive oil, salt, and pepper. After you fry the egg, use the same pan to gently heat up a slice of tomato. Then stack up!

16. Chopped Mejdool Dates + Sliced Feta + Sliced Almonds

 

17. Sliced Plums + Sunflower Seed Butter + Flaxseed

 

18. Sliced Apple + Honey + Blue Cheese

 

19. Marinara Sauce + Poached Egg + Parmesan + Basil

 

20. Kimchi + Sliced Hard-Boiled Egg + Black Sesame Seeds

 

21. Smoked Salmon + Ribboned Cucumber + Light Cream Cheese + Scallions

View this image ›

Macey Foronda / BuzzFeed

Use a sharp vegetable peeler to make cucumber ribbons.