Lemon Chia Bread

Sunday is my typical day for R&R but I like to set aside a couple hours to ready myself for the coming week. This normally includes chopping veggies or bagging up Crockpot dinners to pop into the freezer for later in the month. I also like to bake muffins of a loaf of bread to nibble on through the week as a snack or in addition to my breakfast. This helps me to make sure I'm eating a well-rounded meal (veggies, protein, & carb!) without having to fuss in the kitchen when I don't have the time. Or maybe just when I feel like I don't have the time.

I've been spending plenty of time transforming old favorites into cleaner, healthier favorites. This Lemon Chia Bread is a twist on one of my favorite spring treats: Lemon Poppyseed. Much like the poppyseed version, this batter can be made into muffins or a loaf.

Serving Size: 12

Ingredients:

• 2 Tablespoons Chia Seeds (I get mine from Nuts.com!)
  
• 1/4 Cup Lemon Juice
  
• 1/4 Cup Soy Milk (or other milk)
  
• 1/2 Cup Olive-Oil Based Margarine
  
• 1/3 Cup Agave Nectar
  
• 1/2 Tablespoon Lemon Extract
  
• 1 1/2 Cup Whole Wheat Pastry Flour
  
• 1 Teaspoon Baking Powder
  
• 1/4 Teaspoon Baking Soda
  
• 1/4 Teaspoon Sea Salt
  

Directions:

1. In a small bowl, combine chia seeds, lemon juice, and milk. Let stand for 10 minutes.
   
2. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
   
3. In a mixing bowl, mix together margarine and agave nectar. Slowly add chia seed mixture, blending well.
   
4. Combine dry ingrients, then slowly add dry ingredients to chia seed mixture. Blend until just combined.
   
5. Pour batter into a 8-inch loaf pan and bake for 55-65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
   
6. Allow the bread to cool for a few minutes, slice, serve, and ENJOY!
   

*This bread keeps well in the freezer for up to 6 months.

Did you know Chia seeds have more Omega-3 fatty acids than any other plant food, including flax seeds?

Broiled Grapefruit

Broiled grapefruit is a fun way to sweeten up your day with some fresh citrus and a Vitamin C boost. But the traditional preparation of broiling grapefruits uses butter and refined sugars. So I've cleaned it up a bit so you can enjoy a broiled grapefruit as a snack or in addition to your breakfast. Broiling this fruit takes out the bitterness and most of the sour flavor a grapefruit normally has, making it a sweet treat!

Did you know? Grapefruits are low in calories (a large one has around 42 calories) and is full or Vitamin A and antioxidants. They also contain a large amount of pectin, which is a dietary fiber that helps remove toxins from the colon.

Serving Size: 1

Ingredients:

• 1 Cup Grapefruit, cut in half
  
• 1 Tablespoon Honey or Agave Nectar (or Stevia)
  

Directions:

1. Preheat your broiler to high.
   
2. Place grapefruit halves on a baking sheet.
   
3. Broil for 10-12 minutes or until charring begins.
   
4. Let grapefruit cool for about 5 minutes or until it's cooled off enough to eat and top with sweetener of choice. Enjoy!