Dani's Corner

Dani Spies is a Certified Health and Nutrition Counselor, Fitness Trainer and Mom who is passionate about finding simple ways to make real, whole, nutrtious foods a part of an everyday kitchen. More about Dani »

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Fruit Nut & Oat Cookies

Fruit Nut & Oat Cookies
If you've been reading my blog for a while, surely you don't need me to tell you that I am certainly not the world's most proficient writer;).  Short and to the point tends to be my basic style, so while after eating these cookies I had a hundred of different ways to explain just how absolutely d'lishes they are, the only thing that I can think to say about them now is, "Holy Yum!".

Egg White Scramble (in the microwave!) - Video

Egg White Scramble (in the microwave!) - Video
I know from past experience that I am going to get a handful of "isn't the microwave a not so 'clean' way of making healthy food" questions/comments on this video, so I thought I would start by addressing this point... 

Crunchy Topped Apple Oat Bran Muffins

Crunchy Topped Apple Oat Bran Muffins

Apparently, when one becomes pregnant, while the body focuses on nourishing the little blueberry, other bodily systems can have the the tendency to slow down.  Let's just say I've been keeping the local bakeries in business lately buying bran muffins for breakfast and decided it was due time to get into the kitchen and whip up my own!

 

Strawberry-Vanilla Smoothie - Video

Strawberry-Vanilla Smoothie - Video

Here in Southern California, September is one of the hottest months we have so this Strawberry-Vanilla Smoothie is still on my menu.

Besides, I really wanted to sneak in one more summery QuickBite before we start cuddling into the warmer foods of fall.

Turkey and Avocado Super Sandwich

Turkey and Avocado Super Sandwich

What makes this Turkey and Avocado Sandwich so super you ask?!  Well other than the fact that it is absolutely d'lishes and super nutritious, it only takes about four minutes to make and requires only three ingredients... pretty super, huh?!

I mean, tell me you don't wanna just take a bite of this thing!?

The PB&B Sandwich - The Ultimate Snack Food

The PB&B Sandwich - The Ultimate Snack Food
Unlike the self-proclaimed life of Denise Richards, eating well does NOT need to be complicated.  Sure we can complicate it if we want to and more often than not we do, but the truth is that it doesn't have to be that way.

Frozen Banana and Cacao Topped Yogurt

Frozen Banana and Cacao Topped Yogurt
As a Health Counselor and Food Coach I find that many of my clients are more interested in clean, simple, and d'lishes ideas than they are actual recipes.  It's not they don't enjoy the recipes, it's just that for most, a normal, busy work week just doesn't allow the time for them. 

Fruit and Flax Smoothie

Fruit and Flax Smoothie
For those of you that receive my newsletter, this Fruit and Flax Smoothie is old news.  This is the smoothie that was the featured this June as the recipe of the month. (what can I say, I've been a busy girl... notice there were no new videos this month??  Let's just say I've fallen a little behind schedule, but I promise... they will be back;)).

100-Calorie Snack Pack Alternatives

100-Calorie Snack Pack Alternatives

I know that sometimes when you're in a rush and on the go it can be very tempting to grab pre-packaged snack foods.  The problem is that more times than not processed, prepackaged, low calorie snack packs are pure junk!  Just because something is low in calories and portioned out does not mean that it's a nutritious, healthy choice.  Honestly a lot of the 100-calorie packs you see are packed with sugars and unhealthy fats (they're just in smaller portions).   

How to Keep it Healthy on the Road!

How to Keep it Healthy on the Road!

I have recently accepted a temporary job cooking on the set of a reality TV show (I can't tell you which one yet).  Basically all I have to do is shop and cook for the cast of the show; which is really fun - the only catch is that the days are REALLY LONG!  Like really, really long... I'm talking 12 hours plus.

I'm only on day four of twenty eight and let me tell you, It didn't take long to realize that I was gonna have to make a very conscious effort to make my basic needs a priority (basic needs = eating well, working out, getting enough rest) throughout this hectic schedule... It may be my only shot at staying sane;).

Banana Boat

Banana Boat
Oh, where to begin?!  This is simplicity at it's best!!

Banana.  Peanut butter.  Cacao Nibs.  Goji Berries.  That's it!