Blueberry Flax Seed Pancakes

How are you eating healthy today? I'm serving up a plate of blueberry-flax seed pancakes for breakfast.

No, there's no recipe. I simply tossed a handful of blueberries and a few tablespoons of milled flax seed into my gluten-free pancake batter. I like the extra nutrition and the flavor!

On our honeymoon we indulged in wild rice and blueberry pancakes several mornings. It's a popular breakfast treat in Northern Minnesota. Since I don't have wild rice on hand, I used flax seed for the nutty flavor and texture.

What do you like to add to your pancakes to make them healthier?

Until Next Time,
Choose Healthy!

Angela Tague

How to Eat Flax Seed

Whole Flax Seed.

Photo courtesy Rumun999, Wikipedia Commons.

I love listening to Dr. Oz, The Doctors and health segments on the morning news. But, sometimes they talk about eating things I've never heard of.

Last year someone mentioned the health benefits of flax seed. The first thing that came to mind were the seeds in my pet bird's food bowl. Aren't seeds bird food? Now, a year later, I can't imagine not adding flax seed to my meals and baking endeavors. Here's why!

The Benefits of Flax Seed
Milled flax seeds aid in digestion (um, keeps you regular), helps lower cholesterol and may decrease your risk of heart attack, according to the Mayo Clinic. To get the full benefit of flax seeds, eat them milled or ground. Whole seeds can be difficult to digest, and pass through your system without breaking down. Flax seed oil is also beneficial, but doesn't contain the same amount of fiber found in seeds.

How to Eat Flax

• Stir a tablespoon of milled flax seed into a bowl of oatmeal.
• Add a sprinkle of ground flax seed to a fruit smoothie to give it a nutty flavor.
• Mix milled flax seed into bread dough, oatmeal cookie dough or whole wheat pizza dough.
• Use flax seed oil in homemade salad dressing.

How do you incorporate flax seed into your diet? 

Please share your tips and tricks in the comments below.

Until Next Time,
Choose Healthy!

Angela Tague
Whole Foods Living

PS: Flax seed oil is also fabulous for skin care.  

Benefits and Uses of Flax Oil for Youthful Skin
The Facts About Flaxseed Oil for Healthy Skin

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Easy Triple Berry Smoothie Recipe

Sometimes I don't want a heavy breakfast before I exercise in the morning. That's when I turn to my single-serve blender and create a refreshing smoothie.

This easy berry smoothie recipe is a nutritious mix of nut-based protein, vitamin-packed fruits and healthy seeds. People with a lactose intolerance or a sensitivity to soy can indulge without worry.

Photo Courtesy Wikimedia Commons

Triple Berry Breakfast Smoothie
2 cups almond milk, regular or vanilla flavored
1/2 cup ice cubes
1/3 cup frozen raspberries
1/3 cup frozen blackberries
1/3 cup frozen blueberries
1 Tbs light agave syrup or raw honey
1 Tbs milled flax seed

Place all ingredients in a blender and pulse on a high setting to chop the frozen berries and ice cubes. Blend until smooth, and enjoy your berry smoothie.

Next time try a Chocolate-Covered Banana Smoothie or a Raspberry-Banana Smoothie. Both make a great, light breakfast or a delicious afternoon snack.

Until Next Time,
Choose Healthy!

Angela Tague
Whole Foods Living

PS: Did you miss day one of the 2012 Blogging from A to Z April challenge? Check out my "A" post about apples!

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