A Healthy Start to the School Year with Vitacost

It’s that time of year again. That time when school item checklists are complete, wardrobe piles are washed, folded, and put away, class schedules are ironed out, and all moms start to cry…..tears of joy that the kids are back in school!

Then the first week passes. Oh, you optimistically thought life gets easier? You must have forgotten about the incessant “I’m hungry”, “I’m bored”, “It’s too early”, “Can I have a snack”, “I don’t want breakfast”, “But, I’m hungry”, “I don’t feel good”, “I’m sick”, “Can I stay home because I’m hungry and I’m sick” demands. It’s THAT time of year when the tired, hungry, sick grumbling begins. 

But dread not! I am here to help spread some deliciousness, positivity, and healthy facts in an effort to make THAT time of year a little bit easier. Because sometimes, regardless of how well you plan, you can’t muster up the brain cells to think of a healthy, satisfying meal for yourself. Much less your kids.  And with the unlimited options for supplements and cold remedies, deciding on the right ones can feel overwhelming.

Let me help - I’ve teamed up with Vitacost to run this “A Healthy Start to the School Year” campaign. I am pumped about this campaign because I feel like it's right up my alley. I LOVE reading and learning tidbits on over-all health, supplements, and nutrition. Especially when it comes to children (I have 2 boys of my own so I'm in a constant state of trying to decide what is healthiest for them). I am a fact finder, research queen (a term coined by my husband), wholesome food advocate, major germaphobe, knowledge is power mom!

I hope to enlighten you and lessen the burden of both planning nutritious, filling meals for your kids and keeping your family healthy during the school year by sharing with you the following:

1. A healthy + filling breakfast recipe that will last your family all week (virtual high-five)

2. An afternoon snack that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters’ post-school hunger pains (with some extra for you to enjoy, too!)

3. A homemade moisturizing hand sanitizer recipe (say goodbye to parabens, phthalates, & triclosan)

4. Lunch ideas (you can’t have too many)

5. Additional tips that will help your family stay healthy during the school year 

Pecan Spinach Pesto

I think I just went to PESTO HEAVEN! It's one of those moments where I asked myself "Why on earth have you not made this sooner"? I could literally eat this off of a spoon. It's fresh, light, flavorful, and incredibly versatile. Not only that but it's also way too easy to make and freeze for future use. You've got to make this recipe. I promise you'll never go back to jarred store-bought pesto again!

Double Chocolate Fudge Muffins

 With the upcoming winter months, why not add butternut squash to these muffins that not only adds moisture but also adds a healthy dose of vitamin A and vitamin C! I don’t know about you, but I’ll happily consume fudgey chocolate muffins than have an added benefit of germ fighting vitamins! Replacing the butter with butternut squash also helps keep the fat content down to only 4.1g per muffin.  Win-win!

Chocolate Coffee Cheesecake with Chocolate Sauce

 If you're looking for a rich and delectable dessert that packs on delicious flavors (but not calories), look no further!  The cheesecake has a silky smooth texture and is topped with a finger-licking homemade chocolate sauce. 

Mini Berry Lemonade Freezer Pies

 The heat - the August  heat is overwhelming, sometimes. I honestly feel as though I constantly need something cold to sip on, or in this case - eat on. What better way to cool off in this hot weather than with these refreshingly cool freezer pies! The zesty lemon paired with sweet berries is sure to send your taste buds to food heaven. Go ahead and make this gluten-free treat while the berries are fresh and in season!!

Dark Cherry Coconut Cups {No Bake}

I think sometimes we need a little break from the oven heat in the summertime. No-bake treats have been my jam lately. They're refreshing, delicious, and require no additional heat! And has anyone else been on that cherry look-out? Gah they are soooooo good in the summer. I found a big ass bag at Costco. I mean I could probably eat the whole bag but we all know how that would turn out. So I set some aside for this *no bake* recipe. I went all out and created a double cherry treat for ya. A cherry filling AND a coconut cherry filling. How's that for cherry over-load? There's no such thing as a cherry over-load. Give me all the cherries!! I hope you all enjoy this treat as much as I do!