Recipes for an Active Lifestyle

As equestrians, we all know how hectic a typical day at the barn can be. We also know what proper nutrition looks like but often value convenience over quality when it comes to our food. I am here to tell you, that with a little foresight and preparation you can have whole food options at any time without sacrificing your time. So put down the cheesy puffs, sodas and get your pen and paper ready because I promise you, you will want to make all of these delicious recipes! 

Breakfast is a hard meal for lots of equestrians. We are in a hurry to start the day and usually the last thing on our minds is ourselves. I can’t tell you how many barns friends I have known who completely skip breakfast all together and then want a massive lunch that leaves them sluggish for the afternoon. I am not a morning person by any means, but owning horses means I get an early start to my day. This smoothie is what gets me out of bed and gives me energy for hours. I can also make it in less than 5 minutes by using mostly frozen organic fruits so no slicing! (I choose to buy organic produce & products and urge you to as well).

Tropic Green Smoothie:

¾-1 ripe organic banana

1 cup organic mango chunks (frozen)

½-1 cup organic pineapple chunks (frozen or fresh)

¾-1 c unsweetened coconut milk (can sub almond or other non-dairy milk)

2-3 large handfuls of organic baby spinach (trust me here!)

1 T organic chia seeds

1 T organic flaxseed oil

*optional* 1-2T agave or raw honey if you need it sweeter, I personally don’t add any. 

Yes this smoothie will be green in color but it will taste like fresh heaven, especially on these scorching summer days. I promise you will not taste the flaxseed oil or spinach! I often make this for lunch also, and eat a small salad on the side with ¼ chicken breast and oil & vinegar dressing with fresh tomatoes. You will be surprised how satisfying and filling my Tropic Green smoothie is!

During a busy workday, it’s easy to start to fade around 2:00 in the afternoon. My quick and delicious answer for added energy any time you need it is from eating a few... 

Chocolate Chip Energy Bites:

1 Cup Quick Cook Organic Oats

½ cup natural peanut butter (whatever version you like best)

½ cup raw organic honey

1 cup organic coconut flakes

½ cup organic milled flaxseed

1 T all natural vanilla extract

½ cup dark chocolate chips (optional, but recommended) 

1 T organic chia seeds (optional, but recommended) 

Mix all dry ingredients together. Add wet to dry and stir well until everything sticks together. Stick in the fridge for 30 minutes which will make it easier to roll into 1” balls. Serving size is 2-3 individuals. Store in airtight container in the fridge. Feel free to play with the recipe using the type of nut butters and mix-ins you prefer.  Make extras and bring them with you because your friends are going to want some! 

Another great snack you can make beforehand is what I like to call Candied Apple Chips. These “chips” taste indulgent and a lot like a healthier version of a candied apple. 

Candied Apple Chips:

1 whole organic apple- cored (whatever kind you prefer)

All-natural peanut butter- Unsalted & unsweetened (can use any nut butter here)

Sliced almonds (I smashed mine in the package for smaller pieces)

Chocolate Chips (or carob)

Dried cherries

Slice Apple into thin, ¼” slices on its side to create rings. Arrange apple rings on plate. Spread thin layer of nut butter on each slice. Then arrange chocolate chips and dried cherries on each apple ring. Finish with a generous sprinkle of sliced almonds. Can chill in the fridge or eat immediately! Remember that nut butters are a healthy fat (if they are truly natural), but a fat nonetheless. This snack is great for an active day! 

Water is the most important part to your day. Try this fun and fresh spin on plain water to encourage yourself to drink your full 60-80 ounces per day! 

Auga de Chia:

In a large jar (32 oz.) add 1T chia seeds, 1 cup frozen or fresh organic fruit, and a few fresh sprigs of mint or other herb. Cover ingredients and fill jar completely with filtered water. Allow to sit in fridge for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight. In the morning you will have delicious flavored Agua de Chia! The chia seeds absorb water, turning into little gel bubbles that help keep you hydrated, energized and focused throughout your day. I like to change up my ingredients and make a few jars for every day. Some without chia seeds also to add variety. Some of my favorite combinations are as follows:

• Lemon, Strawberries, Mint, Chia
• Watermelon, lime, lemon balm.
• Cucumber, lemon, lemon balm
• Raspberries, Blackberries, Blueberries, mint
• Watermelon, basil, chia.
• Blueberries, lemons, rosemary.
• Watermelon, Rosemary. 

You will feel like you are at a spa sipping on your beautiful and flavored waters throughout your day, even if you are mucking stalls!