Roasted Cinnamon Almond Walnut Butter!

Holy COW guys. Holy cow. 


Image via Google Images.

I recently tried almond butter not too long ago and FELL in love. I can get a giant tub of it at Costco, but even then it is still really expensive (some of the jars are nearly $10?! Like what?!)

So, usually I stick with peanut butter (usually cheaper!).

However, one of my New Years GOALS  is to heal my gut. I have always had a really sensitive tummy, and recently things have only gotten worse. I don't want to spoil your dinner with too many details, but let's just say I have very bloated and I feel gross and tired!

I have thought about changing what I eat for a while now, but honestly, have been scared. Because I tend to not eat much meat, I rely on getting protein from beans most of the time, or grains. But... what if those things exactly are the causes of my troubles?

I am not for sure, but I am pretty positive that the reason I feel so AWFUL is due to my consumption of legumes (I think most grains, apart from those with gluten, are okay). Recently I discussed my thoughts with Abby from Yes To Yummy, who also follows a Paleo and Gluten Free lifestyle. She supported my decision to try cutting out legumes, and to also eliminate gluten from my diet.

Sadly, I have came to realize... PEANUTS are a legume. Not to mention, after research, they have all sorts of nasty toxins that could be another reason my tummy is so messed up. So looks like no more peanut butter for this girl!

So... what is a peanut butter LOVING girl to do without her drug precious jar of golden goodness?

Well, I will tell you what I just did. And what you, too, should do, unless you want to deprive your taste buds of pure, nut buttery HEAVEN.

I made homemade nut butter! In less then 25 minutes flat!!

It also costs less than most store bought brands. 

Again, Abby inspired me. I also peaked at a nut butter recipe from Heather at Heather Eats Almond Butter. Thank you guys!!

Roasted Cinnamon Almond Walnut Butter

6-8 oz mix of almonds and walnuts (I used more walnuts than almonds)
TBSP cinnamon (or to taste)
Pinch of sea salt

1) Line a baking sheet with foil and spread out your almonds and walnuts. Toss a bit of cinnamon on them, then bake them at 400 for 15 minutes. I tossed them around twice to make sure they didn't burn.

I can hardly wait for the result.

2) If you can hold back from eating the tray (because this stuff smells GOOD), take the nuts from the oven and transfer them all into a food processor.

3) Put on the lid and blend!! I have heard of this process taking up to 15 minutes, but for me, it seriously all blended smooth in 3-5 minutes.

It is going to look flaky at first. You will have to take the lid off a few times and push the grainy stuff back down to blend again.

Add in your cinnamon and salt when you feel it is almost blended!

And there you have it folks! Seriously, as easy as that. You can transfer it over to another container or just eat it all at once after you blend it. 

Just kidding. Not really. 

I don't think I have lived until I made this. Is this why all you Paleo nut butter lovers seem so happy? Hmm. Things are beginning to make sense...

I will keep you updated on how my new approach to food choices goes. Until then, stay tuned and eat almond butter! <3

Do you have experience with healing you gut? 
Have you had success cutting out legumes/gluten from your diet?
What is your favorite kind of nut butter?

Natalie 

What Are Your 2014 GOALS?

Hello there Clean Eaters and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

I am READY for 2014. The past year has brought many wonderful things...

First and foremost...
I Picked Back Up On My Blog!!

I started Clean Eating Teen back in August of 2012. I didn't post much, but this past summer I became super motivated again and really brought this blog back to life. I am so grateful for this, because I have made wonderful memories through writing here and have found an amazing community unlike any other. 

Working Out With Friends, Teachers and Family

I guess I have made something of a name for myself as the "healthy hippie chick." During the summer, my best friend Taylor and I hosted a boot camp open to anyone. Only one of my teachers (and her husband, at one point!) came, but it was still TONS of fun! 

I have worked out with her after school this year too. I also have worked out with some other family and friends (I got my momma to do a Bob Harper DVD with me once!)

New Gym Membership
Though I have improved my fitness and made progress working out at home all these years, I have been ready for a while to step it up and be able to access heavier weights at a real gym. I am SO HAPPY this finally happened this past month!! 

Now me and Taylor can take as many selfies as we desire. 

New Friends

I am so happy to have met Abby from Yes to Yummy. She is a fellow teenager who eats and cooks healthy, and is SO adorable, and sweet. I hope we can get to know each other better come 2014.

School Spirit 

I didn't do much for Homecoming my freshmen year. This year, I really went all out! This picture, my friend and I dressed up from the 50's for Throwback Thursday. 


I went to the dance this year, too. 

New Workouts 

Thank the heavens for Bob Harper. I love this man. 

I also love Tatianna from Loving Fit. This girl knows how to kick my butt. 

Crow Pose (well, a few seconds of it!)

Some days are better than others. At least I know I can do it without -always- falling on my face!

An Undying Love for MUSTARD

Lay it all on me. 

After all the fun of 2013, what could I be hoping for come the new year?

Well, I have a few goals. I will list them below in no particular order.

1) Stress LESS! 
Thank you Abby for reminding me of this! I am always SO hard on myself. With grades, my training, food... I never seem to be able to just be happy. Sometimes being a perfectionist can come in handy. But other times, it just drives me crazy.

This year, I want to be able to feel comfortable in my own skin, and accept my body, my grades, and myself! I always do the best that I can, and sometimes, that is all that is needed (instead of 'perfection', per say).

2) Gain MUSCLE!
Now that I have a gym membership, I am READY to gain MUSCLE! I hope to start a training program from Krissy Mae Cagney, a super fit, super certified, super awesome trainer that I admire and trust to know her stuff!

3) Heal My GUT! 
I haven't really discussed this much, but my stomach is in need of some repair.

I have always had a really sensitive tummy. I cut out red meat in 4th grade and that seemed to help. However, flash forward 6 years... I still don't eat red meat, yet my stomach seems to still bother me.

(TMI ALERT!) I get bloated. I feel gross. I can't exactly go to the bathroom in an easy manner... sigh. Perhaps I need to cut out grains? Gluten?

Or maybe... rethink my eating all together? I tend to not eat much meat. But I think honestly, my body might react more positively to meat than I have previously thought.

In any case, this year I plan on healing my tummy. I am tired of feeling... tired! ;)

4) Get my DRIVERS LICENCE!
This one is pretty self explanatory! I have finished my class times. Now to tackle those nasty drive times!

I will be blogging all year long, and as I try to complete these goals, I will update you. 

What did you accomplish in 2013?
What are your 2014 GOALS?

Natalie