The HAFA Bagel

I have a new favorite sandwich and it's The "HAFA Bagel"!!! It's delicious, healthy and perfection in just a few minutes...... the only thing it has in common with Mr. Jimmy Hoffa is a name. In order to tell you how this sandwich popped in my head you have to know my favorite snack. So............ good for you, TWO RECIPES this week. Let me start with my very simple snack!


Amber's Crostini Bagel

Mini Whole Wheat Bagel (Trader Joes are the best!!!)
Whipped Light Cream Cheese
Fire Roasted Red Pepper (jar)

Cut the bagel in half and toast
cover both sides with cream cheese
Top with sliced roasted red peppers
ENJOY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I love this snack. I love it so much I could eat it everyday and usually I do. Though after realizing how much I ate this, I decided I should actually make a sandwich and get some more veggies on there for an actual lunch. So, The "HAFA Bagel" was born. The first time I made this I called a friend to see if she had eaten lunch just so I could make and take her one. :) A great thing about this sandwich is that it can be tailored to your palate but the ingredients will stay the about the same. So, here goes-


HAFA Bagel

Mini Wheat Bagel
Horseradish Hummus
Arugula Lettuce
Fire Roasted Red Pepper
Avocado

Cut the bagel in half and toast
Cover each side with hummus
Slice one half of an avocado and place on one side of the bagel
Cover one side with half of a roasted red pepper
Layer some arugula lettuce over and place the other half of the bagel on
EAT and ENJOY!!!!!!!!

Now you understand the HAFA :) Now, if you prefer something that doesn't have the zing that horseradish hummus does, switch it to any hummus you like. Also, the arugula could be switched with baby spinach. However, I prefer it this way! The best part of it all is that this is the healthiest sandwich you will ever crave. It's so full of everything that your body needs and wants. It's the perfect size and if you feel like two, you can leave the guilt for someone else because it's STILL great for you.

Breakfast Heaven

Sorry I didn't get this post up yesterday. I'm only a day late, right? So, one of the first things I have changed in my diet this year is BREAKFAST!! Before I was ending up eating donuts at work if they had them, a granola bar and an apple if I had them or just skipping, not the best of choices. Granted the second option wasn't horrible but my goal is to get as fresh and healthy as I can. So, I'm starting the recipes with what I start my day with- A SMOOTHIE! I used to think drinking anything for a meal would leave me unsatisfied and hungry within 20 min. However, this smoothie will leave you wanting more but only because it's AMAZINGLY DELICIOUS!!! So here goes -


Breakfast Smoothie

1/3 cup Berry Bonanza Juice (You could use any purple juice here - grape, acai,or any other 100% Juice)
1/3 light soy milk
2.5 oz frozen strawberries
2.5 oz frozen blueberries
2.5 oz frozen mango chunks
2.5 oz frozen bananas
Blend and drink!


So here are a few helpful hints that will help so much. When you go to the grocery store go ahead and buy the cheap ripe bundle of bananas. When you get home go ahead and peel, cut in half, throw in ziploc baggies and toss in the freezer. Half a banana is a little under 2 oz. I usually just grab 3/4 of a banana for my smoothie.
Another helpful hint and one I would not skip is to throw these ingredients into your blender the night before and stick it in the fridge. This will soften your fruit enough to not kill your blender.

I really love this smoothie and I have had it every morning for the last month. It's sweet, creamy and filling. When I get up in the morning I also try to drink a glass of water as well as right before bed. This really helps cleanse your body, flush out toxins and boost the metabolism. So, drink your water...then drink your smoothie:)

ENJOY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!