Tasty Trail Mix

Making your own trail mix is so easy and you can control the fat and salt, so it can be as healthy and whole as you want. Makes a great snack or addition to lunch and definitely works in the kiddos lunch boxes. Oh, and no, not all trail mix needs to involve Chex cereal. This recipes is simply a suggestion, you can add any mixture of seeds, nuts, and dried fruit you like.

1/2 c unsalted, raw pumpkin seeds
1/3 c dried cranberries
1/3 c dried cherries
1/3 c raisins
1/2 c banana chips, crushed up just a bit

Mix together and store in a plastic container.

Whole Wheat Chocolate Chip Banana Pancakes

You know how people on diets always wish there were "free" foods, ones that you can eat buckets of but never feel any repercussions. While there may not be any such food (darnit!), these pancakes are a pretty darn good compromise. They are healthy, low in fat, high in protein and fiber, and taste like they should make your behind double in size. Decadence and health. Yep, count me in!

1 1/2 c whole wheat flour
1/4 c protein powder
2 tbs flax meal
2 tbs brown sugar
1 tbs baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 1/2 c fat free milk
1 tbs vegetable oil
1 banana, sliced
1/4 c semisweet chocolate chips

Combine flour, protein powder, flax, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and add egg, milk, and oil. Mix wet and dry ingredients together until just combined. Stir in banana slices and chocolate chips.

Pour by 1/4 cupfuls onto a hot griddle sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and solid in the middle.