Counting Down

June 5, 2013 by

There’s always one thing I can count on in the morning, and that’s starting the day with positive messages thanks to my tea… Well that is if I drink yogi tea. Which is the only reason I drink that brand anyways.

yogi tea

Being that I’m a major type A, one of my favorite things to do is make lists – usually of things that need to be done for the week or day. Well, the time came for me to start busting my booty and get to that list, however I decided it would be a lot more fun to pursue the black hole that is pinterest, rather than be productive… [Read more...]

{55 Comments }

Choco Cherry Coconut Protein Smoothie

May 28, 2013 by

Morning friends!

Today’s post is from my friend Meg, who shares her love of food and fitness with me. I love her posts, but even more, love the friendship we’ve formed over the time we’ve both been blogging! Of course, we had the chance to meet last year which was awesome!

Healthy Living Summit

{ Here we are together at HLS, along with Chelsea and Linz!….This makes me really miss blogger meet-ups! }

Anyways, I’ll let her do the chatting now! She’s providing you with an amazing smoothie recipe that I can’t wait to try out! You know I love my smoothies!

***

I like to think of myself as the Queen of Eggs.

I could eat them for every meal of the day. I’ve always been like this. My Mom always reminds me of the time when I ate 8 whole eggs for breakfast one day as a child.

Meg the Egg Monster was my name.

While I may be egg obsessed, Lisa is definitely smoothie obsessed and she’s kind of rubbed off on me actually…

My love for smoothies has definitely grown over the past few weeks and I definitely think it has something to do with Lisa and her daily smoothie pictures and recipes!

Although I may never be the Queen of Smoothies and only ever hold the title of being the Queen of Eggs, I hope you enjoy the smoothie recipe I’ve created for you today.

It’s thick, just the way I like my smoothies and it’s definitely nutrient packed, too!

choco cherry coconut protein smoothie

Choco Cherry Coconut Protein Smoothie

Serves 1

1 cup coconut milk

6 ice cubes

1 cup frozen pitted cherries

1 scoop protein powder (I like using vanilla)

1 spoonful cocoa powder

1 spoonful coconut butter

I’ve been obsessed with cherries lately, so this is definitely my go to smoothie lately! Cherries can be called a “super food” as they are packed with anthocyanins, which is an antioxidant which aids in the reduction of heart disease and cancer. Cherries also contain melatonin, which helps regulate sleep cycles. They are a great fruit to have post workout as they aid in the reduction of muscle soreness!

So, go ahead and enjoy yourself some cherries!

If you’re interested in more of my recipes, please feel free to come over and visit me at A Dash of Meg – there are more than enough recipes for you there!

Meg xo

***

What’s your favorite smoothie combination?

Do you like cherries in yours?

{16 Comments }

Sweet Potato Quinoa Black Bean Burgers

May 24, 2013 by

Happy Friday friends!

I really hope you’ve enjoyed this week of guest posts. I certainly had a fun time reading them all!

Before I leave once again, I want you all to welcome Lindsay from The Lean Green Bean. I’m sure most of you already know this amazing woman. Her blog is definitely one of my favorites to read; between all the variety, motivation, healthy recipes, workouts, beautiful energy, and more. Lindsay is quite the blogging extraordinaire as well as an admirable and generous person! And I’m so thankful to have her posting here today! Enjoy!

***

Hi Friends!

My name is Lindsay and I blog over at The Lean Green Bean. I’m happy to be able to help Lisa out by filling in for her while she’s recovery this week. She’s a HUGE supporter of my blog and a beautiful lady inside and out…but I’m sure you already know that since you’re here reading her blog!

Anyways, for those of you that don’t know me, I’m a Registered Dietitian and on my blog I love to share healthy recipes & meal ideas, workout routines, nutrition tips and more! I know Lisa shares my affinity for sweet potatoes, and since I pretty much live on them, I have PLENTY of recipes that include them. I thought I’d share one of them with all of you today!

Sweet Potato Quinoa Black Bean Burgers with Cranberries

DSC_0552
Don’t let the title scare you away! I came up with this recipe back in November, around the holidays, when fresh cranberries were always on sale…I realize that it isn’t exactly cranberry season right now, but I have a hunch that some of you are like me and stocked your freezer with several bags when they WERE on sale so that you could use them throughout the year! If you’re not, this recipe is worth buying a bag for :)

IMG_9504

These burgeres are simple to make and I like baking them so I only have to worry about flipping them once! They’re packed with protein and fiber and great on a bun or on top of a salad! Here’s the recipe:

Ingredients (6 burgers)

  • 1 medium sweet potato
  • 2 c black beans, cooked
  • 1/2 c onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 an avocado
  • 1 c quinoa, cooked
  • 1/2 c fresh cranberries, roughly chopped
  • 1/4 c chickpea flour
  • 1 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1 tsp paprika

Instructions

1) Stab the sweet potato all over with a fork and microwave on high for 5 minutes.

2) Scoop the flesh into a small bowl.

3) Add 1 cup of black beans and avocado and mash well.

4) Add the remaining ingredients and use your hands mix until well combined.

5) Form into six patties.

6) Bake at 400 degrees for 18 minutes, flipping once.

———————-

Added bonus: These burgers are vegan AND gluten-free! If you don’t have chickpea flour, you could try grinding up some oats and using those instead…or you could try subbing breadcrumbs.

IMG_9505

Go ahead! Give them a whirl! And be sure to let me know if you try them…I wanna hear what you think!

Enjoy!

–Lindsay–

{8 Comments }

Vegan Banana Bread

March 12, 2013 by

Morning friends! After a few nights of after midnight bedtimes plus 5:20 wakeup calls don’t make the best combination in the world. Even so, it feels good to be back on a somewhat normal schedule. I mean, that’s what extra cups of coffee is for, right?

Besides coffee being a crutch for sleepless nights, I crave comfort foods when this happens. Banana bread, soups, anything of those sorts. I’ve had a few unsuccessful trials with the banana bread route. It’s tough to make a banana bread allergen free and have it come out both tasty and in tact. Finally, after much patience and practice I have the perfect recipe.

vegan buckwheat bake

[Read more...]

{17 Comments }

Confessions and Coconut Frosting

December 7, 2012 by

Happy Friday!

The week went by so fast. I was quite confused when I realized today was Friday. How the heck did that happen?!

I think Amanda and I are on the same wave length this week.

Every night, I’ve had way too much energy and end up getting into bed at around 12, only to wake up for my workouts around 5-5:30 each morning.

So far I’m not feeling the negatives of this terrible sleeping pattern, but I’m sure it will catch up with me soon.

1. I totally forgot how much I love this protein pudding.

I’ve been nourishing my body with this delicious homemade snack for the past few days now.

I don’t see this going anywhere at the moment. I’ve been adding pumpkin pie spice and an extra sprinkling of cinnamon to bring out the flavors even more. Yum.

2. Okay, it’s not even funny how badly I want this coffee mug!

I don’t even like drinking out of coffee mugs, I stock up on Starbucks to-go cups, since I prefer them out of those.

However, I would totally switch if it meant I could drink out of this awesome mug.

I mean how fun is that mug? I just adore how it “wakes up” when hot liquid is poured into it.

3. Speaking of coffee, I’m waiting for mine to kick in.

I enjoyed a cup alongside the fake fire and reading a new book. I love mornings like this.

Do you like how I’m wearing the same dress I wore Monday, but in a different color. I totally do that with clothes, I buy one thing, love it, and buy it in different colors.

4. I’ve been dying to get into Christmas baking, but just don’t even know what to start with.

So I haven’t made anything. Even though I want to give the oven some loving again!

5. Same goes with Christmas shopping.

I go to the mall, can’t find that “special gift” and end up leaving with nothing, or just with something for myself.

Oops.

I ended up buying Elf, because I saw it and squealed in delight. How can you not love this movie.

6. An added bonus, I picked up a bottle of my favorite perfume that was on sale.

7. Why must I need to go to about 4 different grocery stores before I can finally pick up everything I need for food items?

It would be so much easier if I could just go to one of two stores and be done.

Sometimes, I have to drive an extra 40 minutes just to pick up one extra thing. So silly.

8. This workout killed me slightly.

Do yourself a favor today and do this workout from my lovely friend, Lindsay.

She’s a beautiful person inside and out and clearly makes some killer workouts too! I loved this one.

9. I’ve had a few e-mails of people requesting the recipe for coconut “frosting” I make.

It’s so simple; I just take 2 tablespoons coconut flour, add some stevia, a dash of vanilla extract, then mix in 1/4 cup of unsweetened almond milk.

It gets super thick and creamy and is an awesome topping for oats or protein muffins.

10. Is anyone else addicted to Sudoku?

I honestly think I’m obsessed with it, everytime I pick up my phone I have to finish a puzzle. I must spend hours a day doing them.

At least it makes up for me not being in school right now, right?

What are some of your confessions this week?

What’s your favorite Christmas movie?

Enjoy your Friday, hope you have some special plans for the weekend!

{52 Comments }

Friday Confessions

November 23, 2012 by

Good Morning my friends! And a happy Friday to you all!

This weekend is looking pretty low key at the moment, but hopefully a few things will come up. I desperately need a hair appointment to dye my hair, but I doubt that will happen this weekend. Yikes.

Anyone planning on going to the malls today for Black Friday? We get some sales here, but obviously nothing compared to you all in the States. I’d rather online shop, crowded malls make me anxious.

Let’s get to this weeks confessions.

1. I’m totally impulse buying everything at David’s Tea.

I swear, anything that sounds remotely delicious I will just buy. Which just so happens to be most of the teas they have.

It’s a little unfortunate for my wallet, but at least I have a large assortment of tea going on.

This cup is Santa’s Secret and it’s definitely one of my favorites. I have been obsessed with anything peppermint.

I’ve been trying to save it for special occasions mostly, but let’s be serious that doesn’t happen.

2. For some reason I haven’t been eating greek yogurt lately, it used to be my favorite snack ever.

I tried to have it today since you know, I used to be obsessed with it, but I actually found myself not really liking it.

At all.

My taste buds are odd. I go through such love/hate relationships with food.

3. Having cozy dinners at home is so much better during the colder months.

Throughout the Summer I mostly relied on smoothies or salads, but I much prefer having warm Dinners at home and being in more of a “hibernation” mode.

There’s nothing better then slipping into your favorite pajamas and having a bowl of chili or hot soup all cozied up.

4. I officially need these wine covers for Christmas time!

Are they not the most adorable things ever!?

I love the idea of having an ugly Christmas sweater for your wine;)

5. I have WAY too many recipes on my radar right now.

I’ve had some saved for months, so I really need to get cracking on that list.

I believe I’ll start with this gingerbread over the weekend! It looks lovely.

Somehow, even though I have a ton of ideas, I always resort back to the usuals though.

Hopefully I get motivation to switch it up soon.

6. I went to the mall to start buying Christmas presents and somehow I only ended up buying stuff for myself.


How did that happen? I clearly need a shopping intervention.

7. Ever try and get on board with those supposed “super-foods” and just hate them, but so badly want to like them?

That was me and collard wraps, I tried so hard to like them. I even tried this recipe which looked awesome.

But, sadly they just don’t agree with me.

However, the insides (minus onion) to the collard wrap were freakin’ delicious!

Any “super-foods” you want to like, but just don’t?

Any cute new finds recently?

What recipes are on your radar?

Happy Friday everyone!

{24 Comments }

Two-fer Tuesday

September 18, 2012 by

Happy Tuesday!

This week has been a doozy for me, just struggling with thoughts and doing my best to meditate each morning with them and become more positive with everything happening.

Lately, my mornings have been starting out with my new favourite green juice. It’s the perfect energizer for the morning, until I sit down for my actual breakfast.

This one had spinach, cucumber, leftover romaine, 1/2 an apple, lemon juice, stevia, and apple cider vinegar.

Paige has been doing these Two-fer Tuesday posts the past few weeks, and I thought I’d tag along:)

 2 things I ‘m eating…

-Lots of breakfasts for dinner. Ezekiel bread with a little coconut oil, almond butter, and an egg. Truly delicious combination.

-This Once Again creamy almond butter. Seriously, best I’ve ever tried. And this almond butter may just be involved with a delicious recipe I’ll have for you later on;)

2 realizations this week…

-Artisana cacao butter is magical. And is also meant to be melted in almond milk.

-Increasing your calories is a lot harder than it should be, my mind has been amuck with emotions and thoughts, and it has been a rough few days.

2 random things about myself…

[Source]

-I prefer reading the good ol’ fashion books, compared to those on my kindle. After reading Gone Girl, I wanted to check out more of Gillian Flynn’s work. I haven’t started this yet, but am hoping it lives up to Gone Girl!

-Sometimes without notice, I randomly talk in a British accent and then people will ask me where my accent is from…talk about awkward.

2 recipe I want to make NOW…

-Chelsey’s Mexican Spaghetti Squash with Creamy Avocado Spread

-Mama Pea’s Roasted Tomato Basil Soup (minus the onions)

2 things I’m watching…

[Source]

-Sex and the City re-runs. I have all the seasons on DVD and have been catching up on my old favourite show. I miss it.

[Source]

 -The X Factor. I just can’t resist it now that Britney Spears is on the show. She’s a gem.

What foods are you loving lately?

What are your favourite shows?

Have an amazing day!

{39 Comments }

Pumpkin Protein Cookie

September 11, 2012 by

Morning! Happy Tuesday!

This morning I woke up totally frazzled. I read my clock wrong and thought it was 7:30, and was super impressed I “slept in”.

And then I realized that it was actually 4:30. Sleep in fail.

Instead, I decided to get in some quality me time, and allow myself to write a ton about some thoughts on my mind. It feels so relaxing to write. I feel completely in my “zone”.

*******

Over the weekend I was clearly in full out Fall mode, so I decided to bust out the pumpkin and get a new recipe added to my snack list.

This recipe also happens to be simple and delicious. I’ve made it 3 times already, that’s how much I like it.

No Bake Pumpkin Protein Cookie (vegan, gluten free (if using GF oats), and sugar free)

Makes one giant cookie

  • 2-4 tablespoons oats
  • 1 tablespoon protein powder (I used sun warrior, vanilla)
  • 1 tablespoon coconut flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon stevia
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/8 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice
  • 1/4 pumpkin
  • 1-2 tablespoons almond milk (to reach desired consistency)

Combine all the dry ingredients together. Mash in the pumpkin to the dry mixture, and slowly add in almond milk until combined.

I allowed this cookie to cool in the fridge for about 2-3 hours before I ate it, but you can eat as soon as your done making it!

I’ve been topping it with coconut protein frosting, coconut cream, nut butter, peanut flour paste, or low calorie “ice cream”.

* this one was topped with a mix of cashew butter and nuttzo peanut free nut butter *

And now I have plans to enjoy this as another snack this afternoon:)

I was going to eat this after a pilates session, but I tried doing about 10 minutes and I am just super exhausted today and have been suffering from this fatigue for weeks now.

Maybe this is a sign I should just take it easy for a few days, and maybe take a que from Lindsay, whose post was amazing and eye-opening, by the way.

Instead, I traded in my workout in favour of an Americano and a little meditation and “me” time. Loved it.

Hm, if pilates is making me tired, I MUST be exhausted…I need to still work on the more sleep goal. Going to bed at 12 and getting up at 5 is not good.

*******

Backing up to last night, dinner included more socca.

I’ve gotten a few e-mails about how exactly I make this, so here’s a little run down for you.

Its so simple, once you actually try it out for the first time.

Easy Socca

Just combine 1/3 cup garbanzo (chickpea) flour to identical parts water. Mix together thoroughly with a fork, until there are no lumps of flour remaining. Heat about 1 teaspoon of oil (I use coconut) in a pan and pour the flour/water mixture into the pan. Cook on each side for about 5 minutes over medium heat.

And eat.

I love topping mine with more coconut oil and nutritional yeast. It makes a delicious “cheesy” flavour and the melted coconut oil mixed with the yeast tastes oh so scrumptious.

And of course this is usually had with a side of roasted veggies or a salad. Its really a simple dish to have when I’m in a time crunch or just a little lazy;)

I’m off to catch up on the finale of Bachelor Pad. Can’t wait to see the “most dramatic” ending ever. Don’t they always say that though?;)

Have you ever tried Socca?

Have you already started making any pumpkin recipes yet?

Have a fantastic day!!

{35 Comments }

Protein-y Eats and Easy Dinners

July 23, 2012 by

Good morning Monday!

Hope your weekend was pleasant!

As much fun as the weekends are, I enjoy Mondays because they are a fresh start to the new week. Tuesdays on the other hand are not my favourite.

The weekend was filled with gorgeous weather (well on Saturday), fantastic friends, and delicious coffees. Things fun times are made of.

Craving something with a little crunch, I went with toast this morning.

And had this masterpiece to eat.

Ezekiel toast topped with protein frosting and the easiest homemade blueberry jam.

Just mix frozen blueberries in a microwave safe bowl, heat for 1 minute, allow to cool a little before mixing with stevia and a tad of lemon juice.

Who watched the Bachelorette last night?! I was happy with her choice, but felt so bad for her and Arie when they went through that super duper awkward breakup.

I also got my package filled with marvelous coconut butter. There is nothing more divine than this stuff. I highly recommend you pick some up if you see it in the store. Its heavenly, truly! Especially since its the type of butter that doesn’t get stuck to the roof of your mouth when you eat it. If you know what I mean? No, maybe…well this is awkward.

The weather looked like it would be okay, and I wanted to do some light activity, a walk seemed to be fitting. Wouldn’t it be likely that as soon as I stepped out the door it started raining. If you know anything about me, I don’t do rain. Not my thing…so back inside I went.

Before my attempted walk , I had made a snack of yogurt, berries, and raw cashew butter. The strawberry obsession is still going strong.

I came back and caught up on Big Brother, this season hasn’t been too great so far, but I have high hopes considering I usually love that show every year. Dang, I wish Rachel was back. That girl is just hysterical.

To warm my soul for dinner, I ate a serving of broccoli slaw, spaghetti squash, turkey burger, and marinara. I ate it along side 1/2 an avocado.

I have an abundance of spaghetti squash right now, I bought a few and then my parents brought me home a few, so now I’ve got to use them up. At least they last for a while!

P.S. Remember to order your fitfluential shirts here!! Aren’t they cute?!

I felt the need to represent, so have my pre-ordered shirt all ready. I’m pretty excited about the pink colour! If you didn’t notice I like pink.

 

And make sure to check out Katie’s marvelous in my Monday posts!

What’s something special about your Monday? Do you like or dislike most Mondays?

***Let’s remember to live life to the fullest today; for being blessed that life has given us another day on this earth, for those others who can’t. I am praying and thinking for all the people effected by the shooting in Colorado. And anywhere or anyone else in the world who are suffering from an awful event or loss in their lives.

{44 Comments }

Outrageous Pumpkin Pudding

July 19, 2012 by

Hey, friends!

Happy Thursday!

It totally feels like a Friday to me, but I’m still okay with the fact that its Thursday. It’s Basically Friday anyways.

A good day in my opinion starts off on time….and with breakfast of course.

*overnight buckwheat, chia seeds, hemp seeds, pumpkin, blueberries, and almond butter*

That means, if I have an early appointment I must be on time. No, not on time early.

I was that girl who probably wouldn’t bother going to class if I was 2 minutes late, because I despise being late. I have not a clue why, but its just a pet peeve of mine. It makes me happy when I’m not in a rush and have time to get to an appointment or class.

Anyways, that was a super random tangent that had nothing to do with this post.

I have a fun pudding recipe for you all today.

While snacking this, I busted out some tunes when some good old Naughty By Nature came on.

Which lead to this recipe title…yes I’m that lame.

Let’s just call it the OPP (yah, you know me).

You down with the outrageous pumpkin puddin’?

Ingredients – 1 cup pumpkin, 1/2 an avocado, 1/2 tablespoon cacao powder, 1 scoop protein powder, stevia (you may need a little bit of milk to get it moving).

Blend in a food processor or magic bullet and voila.

Make this now and enjoy the magical taste.

Avocado is heavenly in anything. Sweet, savoury, um I guess that’s it. Still, its just dang delicious.

This snack was perfect to have before the dinner munchies ensued.

I really wanted to post that marinara recipe I talked about last week, but my sister borrowed my camera and left it at her friends…which has the pictures on it. So you will all have to wait. I’m sure you were dying to know anyways.

Do you like avocado? What are your favourite avocado recipes?

Hope you all have an amazing day!!

{40 Comments }
«Older Posts