All posts tagged: healthy recipes

Get Your Tropical Summer Shake On

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I personally drink so many shakes per week, I truly just consider them a food group unto itself. I also think they’re a fabulous way to get a sweet fix in while maintaining a lower calorie count than getting a sugar laden shake or smoothie. I’ve become pretty stringent about making my own food and treats, because I know exactly what goes in them, and that just makes my OCD personality oh so happy. Recently, I accidentally made a super delicious shake, and it’s so simple that I had to share it. Ingredients: 1 cup frozen tropical fruit of your choice 1/2 fresh banana (or frozen) 1 can of Zevia soda (zero calories, uses Erythritol and Stevia; it’s “healthy-ish”) Extra: can throw in a handful of fresh greens like baby spinach Optional: add fresh snips of mint leaves or basil (surprisingly delicious with mango and other tropical fruit. I know this because I watch a ridiculous amount of cooking shows featuring food I never even eat. Um, rack of lamb? I mean, sure, I’m only a vegetarian …

Organic Foods: Spurge vs Save and How to Choose

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By this point, the average health conscious person is aware organic living is the way to go. We know we’re supposed to avoid artificial ingredients that make food more like a science experiment than a nutritious source. GMO’s are also rightfully getting more and more attention as consumers are slowly but surely being alerted to the hazards of consuming these science experiments. Whenever possible, as much as possible, we want to eat organic food so we can safely avoid pesticides and genetically radically altered food. But let’s be real, it can really break the bank to eat healthy. I hear this from many of my married friends with children, and I sympathize. My husband and I pay a ridiculous amount of money on groceries, and that’s even with meal planning and budgeting. We also save money by eating out less, so it evens out a bit. Food should be safe to eat, but the simple truth is that most FDA approved foods aren’t healthy. In fact, they’re dangerous to consume. In particular, GMO foods are …

Savory Roasted Acorn Squash

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 I crave colorful veggies. Not only are they beautiful to look at, but those bright colors tell the inside scoop: bright vegetables are rich in nutrients that are essential to inner health and outward beauty. All the fabulous makeup and expensive lotions can’t benefit us the way nature can. I recently tried a recipe for acorn squash, and it was really delicious and satisfying. I enjoyed the flavor panel of sweet and spicy, which pairs nicely with squash. Plus, it was easy to make. Ingredients: Whole Acorn squash Pure maple syrup, honey or liquid stevia Celtic salt to taste Cajun spice Garlic powder Directions: Cook whole squash or microwave till just soft enough to slice into rings. Cut squash into rings, then lay on tray. Mix a glaze of honey or syrup, sprinkle in spices, then brush over both sides of squash. Preheat oven to 425 degrees; Oil tray with coconut oil and place rings on tray. Cook for 7-10 minutes then flip rings and cook for an additional 7-10 minutes or until lightly browned …

Gluten Free Blueberry Muffins

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One of the things in life I’m so grateful for is having a husband who is not only so amazing, he rocks my world everyday, but he’s also passionate about health and fitness. Let me tell you, it’s SO hard to keep healthy lifestyle if your partner is not on board! I remember when my aunt and uncle would try at different times to quit smoking, but they were only able to do it when they kicked the habit together. My sweet husband never complains about my kitchen quests for better, healthier food, and I’m extremely grateful. As a teeny tiny thank you, I try to convert his favorite recipes into healthier versions. Let’s be real, if a person’s taste palate is used to refined flours and refined sugars, healthier options will rarely completely measure up, because there’s a certain heavier flavor panel that comes with using those products. Whenever other health nuts tell me “you won’t even taste a difference!” I know that’s probably not quite true. Spaghetti squash does not equal spaghetti noodle;) BUT …

Gluten Free Choc-Oat-Chip Cookies

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I have a major sweet tooth, and even though I try to avoid sugar altogether, sometimes a girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do. I recently experimented with some chocolate chip oatmeal cookies to try to a health-ish version, and I was able to whip together a recipe that turned out really quite nicely. While this recipe cuts out the gluten (you won’t even miss it! Seriously!) and a huge amount of calories and lowers the overall glycemic index, it doesn’t sacrifice the flavor or texture. I brought these cookies with me to Girl’s Night In with my besties last night, because my one friend has celiac disease and constantly misses out on what everyone else is eating. No one even could tell they were GF, which is a big win in my book. So basically, these cookies are like ninjas and totally incognito. True story. Ingredients: 1 3/4 cups Pamela’s Products Gluten Free Artisan Flour Blend 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional) 3/4 cups packed brown sugar 1/2 cup Dried Coconut …

Gluten Free Banana Bread

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When I was growing up, I had an obsession with banana bread that I’ve yet to live down with my family. I was a little more than mildly fanatical about it, and since it’s not exactly cake and it’s not really just bread, I would usually try (unsuccessfully) to convince my mother that it was in my best interest to let me eat say…the entire loaf. Kids have had worse aspirations, I guess…right? Regardless, I still just love a thick piece of banana bread with a cup of tea and a good book. That’s a scene from a little corner in my heaven, friends:) Being gluten free, sugar free, preservative free, etc etc etc often feels like it ends up being taste free. Texture is often unpleasant and the final result is a really bad knock off from whatever original recipe from which it was fashioned. I don’t think clean eating has to come at that high of a price, especially when it comes to my gd beloved banana bread, so I experimented with a …

One Pot Scrumptious Rice Noodle Soup

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I am a soup fanatic. It’s basically an entire life source for me. I just love, love, love soups of all kinds, colors, and varieties. As winter settles in DC, the weather is turning more gray and dreary. It’s the perfect kind of weather for curling up on the sofa under a blanket while sipping on warm soup.

The challenge with vegan and vegetarian soups in finding a mix that’s hearty but soothing. I can only do so many bean variations, if you know what I mean! My mom makes a should-be-famous chicken noodle soup that unquestionably is good for the soul….

Gluten Free Pumpkin Pancakes: Because Too Much of A Good Thing Is Delish!

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Can you ever have too many pumpkin recipes? I submit to you that you can not! If you read my last post about making pumpkin bread, you’re probably aware of my crazed enthusiasm for all things fall and pumpkin related. I can’t even feel bad about this…I mean, fall is the most wonderful time of the year (take that, Christmas! Kidding, I kid…Santa don’t send me coal!) Plus, pumpkin is AMAZING for your health. The bright orange flesh is chocked full of ingredients that aid digestion, immunization, anti-aging (SIGN ME UP!) and even helps with disease prevention. (For fellow nerds who like to research, check out this link on the benefits of pumpkin) My favorite meal is Brinner: breakfast for dinner. It’s all the benefits of breakfast with the perks of dinner. ‘m wide awake, loving life, and ready for a hearty meal. Unlike at breakfast, I have no thoughts of how much I’m missing my bed. I also tend to drink only lemon water and a green smoothie for breakfast to let my digestive …

Gluten Free Spiced Pumpkin Bread

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I have no problem admitting, when it comes to anything fall or Thanksgiving related, I am all about #thingsbasicbitcheslove. I wear infinity scarves, add pumpkin to anything and everything I can, and I filter the hell out of pics of trees changing colors and then post it on instagram with a pithy, heart felt quotes. I also do a Friendsgiving the week before Thanksgiving, which is a great time to get together with friends and show them a little appreciation. One of my besties has Celiac disease, and I actually eat very little to no gluten products, so this gave me the perfect chance to try my hand at some gluten free recipes. This pumpkin bread recipe is one I experimented with, and it’s really delicious—and low calorie! Best of all, it’s a really healthy alternative. I also included a vegan version for my vegan friends (it can be soooo hard to find good vegan recipes! This one is quite good:) Ingredients: 3 eggs ¾ cup full-fat canned coconut milk 1/3 cup of coconut nectar …