Strawberry Kale thirst Quencher

Recently I have been in contact with an old friend; and have borrowed this recipe from her:). Tried it this evening and is yummy!

1 large Kale leaf 

1/2 cucumber 

5 large strawberries

1 cup water 

Optional for a protein boost: 1/2 scoop vegan plain protein powder and 1 tsp wheat grass powder.

Blend it all up and enjoy!  That easy!!:)

Tracy has really turned things around for herself and has quite the story of her own.  So proud of her and her journey if eating clean and healthy as well as finding a love for physical activity again!

Here below is a before and after.  You Rock Tracy!:)

Mini bell pepper nachos

I don't usually eat dairy but today I made a treat.  Turned out pretty tasty!  Next time though I will use goat cheese feta

Mini colourful bell peppers, sliced in half lengthwise and seeded 

Onion ,1/2 medium chopped

1 clove garlic, minced

1/8 tsp garlic powder

1/8 tsp onion powder

1/8 tsp crushed red pepper flakes

1/8 tsp chili powder

1/4 tsp paprika 

3/4 tsp ground cumin

1/2 tsp Himilayan salt

Ground black pepper to taste

1 cup organic salsa 

Shredded cheese or crumbled feta

Slices black olives

Cilantro, chopped

Green onion, chopped

1.  In fry pan cook onion and garlic, add spices and heat for 30 seconds or so.

2. Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup salsa.

3.  On baking stone arrange the pepper in a single layer.  Top with salsa mixture.  Sprinkle cheese over top and follow with olives, green onion and cilantro.

4.  Bake in oven at 350 •F until cheese is melted approx 10 min.

Yum!  Pair with a nice glass wine:)

Looking Within

As I continue to work on my inner self and grow towards who I'm meant to be I become aware of many things. I consider myself to be an open, accepting, non-judgemental person. In the same breathe though I am not perfect in that; perhaps I judge more than I thought without fully realizing - for In saying that someone is judgemental is that not in itself judging them on this trait? When I comment on the fact that someone is rude or unkind is also a judgement. We do not have to adopt these traits as our own or surround ourselves In their aura. 

Realizing this I come to the awareness that not everyone is at the Same place in their journey; and that we all come into different awareness at different times. The trick/idea I believe is to realize this with acceptance. It doesn't make another wrong..just at a different place or path.

Differences can be intriguing as well and perhaps we can all learn from others if we accept and listen with an open heart.

I myself am now more aware of this and hope to continue to grow and learn more about myself and others:)

A Passion for CHOCOLATE!

Please take time to watch this TEDX talk by David Wolfe.  I found it very informative and interesting!  One of my favourite foods:) 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7R5Ty1XfqE&sns=em

8 Terrific Superfoods

Hello!  Hope everyone is having a fantastic day! Spring is finally in the air.

I came across this article today and wanted to share it.  I myself incorporate most of these foods on a daily basis.

http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-7264/8-best-superfoods-to-boost-your-mood-energy-levels.html

Looking for a low carb option?/Fried Cauliflower Rice

Some days I just want a low carb option. so Today I finally did it!  I've been wanting to try my hand at cauliflower rice And it was really easy!  As always I'm looking for something different to try so I or the recipe for cauliflower rice from a friends page 

http://www.thenutritionblueprint.com/

Check out his link above for lots of great info and other recipes:)

Then I twisted it up my style! The cauliflower rice makes a lot so extra portions I will freeze for later dates before cooking:)

FRIED CAULIFLOWER RICE

1 cup grated cauliflower

1 tsp coconut oil

1/4 cup onion minced

1 large garlic clove minced 

1/4 red pepper chopped

Small handful fresh cilantro 

1 free range egg

Himalayan salt and cracked black pepper to taste

1. Heat coconut oil in fry pan

2. Add 'rice' fry up or about I minute.  Add remaining ingredients except cilantro and egg.  Fry until onions are translucent.

3.  Add cilantro and egg.  Cook up until resembles fried rice.  

Vegan chocolate Cookie Dough Balls

Recipe seen on MindBodyGreen

16 oz cooked chickpeas, rinsed and drained

3 TBSP raw organic honey 

1 TBSP coconut palm sugar

1/8 tsp baking soda

4 TBSP raw organic almond butter (I used hazelnut butter)

2 tsp vanilla

Pinch sea salt (used Himalayan)

1 1/2 cups vegan chocolate chips (dark chocolate -just check ingredients)

1.  Combine chickpeas, honey, sugar, Baking soda, nut butter, vanilla, and sea salt in a food processor.( I used my blender and it worked fine)

2.  Remove to a bowl and stir in 1/2 cup chocolate chips.  Form into 1 inch balls and place on a parchment lined baking sheet.  Freeze until solid.  

3.  In a double boiler melt remaining chocolate.  Dip balls into chocolate sauce until covered.  Place back on parchment sheet and freeze until solid.

4.  Store in fridge.

( My children loved these and when they have a treat I much prefer it comes from natural ingredients)

Quick and Easy Rosemary Lemon Chicken with Asparagus

1/2 tbsp coconut oil
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast
1/2 fresh lemon
Rosemary to taste
Ground black pepper to taste
1 bunch asparagus

1. Wash and cut your asparagus Into bite size pieces; set aside.
2.  Cut chicken into bite sized pieces; set aside.
3.  Heat medium fry pan on med-high heat adding coconut oil to melt.
4.  Add chicken pieces with ground black pepper and rosemary; cook through.
5. Add asparagus and fresh squeezed lemon Juice.
6.  Cook until asparagus is tender crisp.

Can serve on a bed of lettuce or alone topped with fresh Parmesan.

Teach our Children..Live and Love by example

My job above all else is to raise my two wonderful children equally. To teach them to be healthy, kind, confident and empathetic children so that they can be such as adults. To show them that life is about love, that they are amazing beings capable of achieving anything now; that happiness begins on the inside and not contingent on others. To do this I must myself live by example. 

Every morning I now hug them a little bit longer, I really look at them and tell them that they are amazing and that I love them for exactly who they are.

I want them to believe in themselves and not be afraid to show their true colours and feelings. I have an artist and an athlete...and each of them are beautiful already in their differences. 

I want them to have fun! Explore! Question! Love! And Learn:)

I want this for every child..not just mine..so really look at them, really listen and let them know how special they are. I believe nothing is more important than how we raise our children.

Oh and hey! If you mess up from time to time..apologize:) they will learn that it's okay not to be perfect. Even parents mess up.

<3