Start the New Year off with a Detoxifying Breakfast

Now that Christmas has come and gone, many of us are probably feeling the need to detox, refresh, and rejuvenate from all the Christmas goodies we consumed. Luckily for us, there are some foods that help support and speed up the detoxing process. I’ve taken a few of these detoxing foods and created a delicious breakfast bar that is packed with vitamins, antioxidants, minerals fibers and essential nutrients.

The first detoxing ingredient in this recipe is the protein-packed quinoa. This gluten-free seed has nine essential amino acids, making it similar to the proteins found in meat. Apples, in the form of applesauce, is the next detoxing ingredient found in this recipe. Apples are high in insoluble fiber and the soluble fiber pectin, which soaks up toxins and waste and sweeps them through the intestines. The next is one of my favorite snacks: almonds! These seeds are high in vitamin E, fiber, vegetable protein, and monounsaturated fats – all of which are essential to a healthy diet.  Blueberries are a detox super food because they are packed with fiber and vitamin C, are low in calories, and are ranked high when it comes to antioxidant capacity. The final detoxing ingredient included in this delicious recipe is flaxseed. These tiny grains have soluble and insoluble fiber, which helps the body’s detoxification by promoting bowel regularity and helping the body to eliminate excess toxins, cholesterol, and waste.

All these important detoxing ingredients can be found in this tasty recipe

Blueberry Quinoa Detox Bars

• 1/2 cup Almond Meal
• 1/4 cup Flaxseeds
• 1/4 cup Vanilla Fitmixer Protein Powder
• 1 tsp. Cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp. Sea Salt
• 1 cup Cooked Quinoa
• 1/2 cup Dried Blueberries
• 1/4 cup Natural Peanut Butter
• 1/3 cup Unsweetened Applesauce
• 1 Egg
• 1/4 cup Almond Milk

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees and grease a 9 x 9 baking dish with cooking spray. In a medium bowl, combine almond meal, flaxseed, protein powder, cinnamon, and sea salt. In a separate bowl, mix together peanut butter, applesauce, egg, almond milk and quinoa. Add the wet ingredients to the dry and mix well. Fold in blueberries then scoop into prepared pan. Press down gently to evenly distribute throughout the pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes or firm and lightly brown. Allow to cool before cutting into bars and storing in the refrigerator. I like to individually wrap these to enjoy as a quick breakfast on the go

Makes 8-10 (depending on the size you cut them into).

Nutrition per serving based on 10 servings -  calories 169, carbs – 10, fat – 12, protein – 8, sugar – 3

These are good. Like really, really good. The blueberry-vanilla flavoring is the perfect combination and the quinoa adds the perfect amount of texture. So delicious and so good for you at the same time! Who knew detoxing could be so tasty?!