Featured, Lifestyle

There’s Just Something About Sunday

March 5, 2017
There's Just Something About Sunday

There’s just something about Sunday that sends me into a complete and utter state of bliss. Perhaps it’s the natural leisure of the day that devours my spirit, leaving little space for anything other than relaxation before the coming week. Mornings are fueled by bottomless cups of Earl Gray and some sort of confection that requires a generous drizzle of maple syrup. A trip to my favorite coffee shop, Vivace, often follows brunch. Today, I occupied the end of a long, red booth with my husband where we shared various sections of The New York Times and glances mutually implying our satisfaction of the well crafted macchiatos. Ella Fitzgerald swelled through the background serenading everyone with her rich, dynamic vocals. A general sense of contentment swept across me as I noted the simplicity of the small ceramic cup I was clutching with my newspaper ink stained hands.

Sunday afternoons are less predictable but usually involve a trip to the market where I study the seemingly endless rows of fresh produce in search for the heartiest brunches of latticino kale and ripest blood oranges. I’ll often traipse through a bookstore (or three) before setting off towards home. Once there, I prefer to be in my happy space, the kitchen, swarmed by the scent of sweet cinnamon and savory shallots wafting through the house. If the evenings conclude with dinner at home, a glass of pinot and a 1960’s film then my contentment is at its maximum.

So where have I been these past few weeks? I’ve been on a couple of planes, visited family and landed myself in the emergency room for the first time. I’ve also been balancing work and taking the personal time and space I need to make concise decisions. It’s been a year of complete chaos accompanied with a feeling of incapability to stay in one place for more than a moment. I believe that’s where my infatuation with Sunday comes from. The normalcy of an unstructured day that is filled with the possibility of anything or simply nothing at all is truly magical to me.

I’m certainly glad to be back here and connecting with each and every one of you. With that, I send you my well wishes for a healthy and productive week ahead.

Drinks, Featured, Food

Apple Ginger Green Smoothie

February 8, 2017
Apple Ginger Green Smoothie

This Apple Ginger Green Smoothie is packed with nutrient-dense produce for a juicy boost of vitamins and minerals! I often drink this between lunch and dinner to stay fueled and focused for the afternoon and early evening.

Ingredients:

  • 1 large apple, core and seeds removed.
  • 1 inch piece fresh ginger
  • 4 cups greens (I alternate between kale and spinach)
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1/2 cup filtered water (add more if you like a juice-like consistency)
  • 3 sprigs of fresh mint (optional)

Directions:

In a high speed blender combine all ingredients and blend on high until liquefied.

Notes:

  • If you’re not accustomed to drinking green drinks, try adding a banana to this recipe for an extra touch of sweetness.
  • This recipe is high in fiber, low in sugar and packed with gorgeous nutrients for a healthy body and beautiful skin.

Time: 5 mins

Serves: 1

 

Featured, Food, Living Well

My Healthy Fridge and Pantry Essentials

February 1, 2017
HEALTHY FRIDGE PANTRY ESSENTIALS

Just like everyone else, I’m busy and often find myself overwhelmed at the prospect of cooking. But over the years, I’ve found that preparation is truly the key to living a healthy life. The most important part is finding what works best for you and your lifestyle. I try to stock up on all of my staple items once a week. Towards the middle of the week, I’ll make an additional trip to the store for fresh produce if necessary.

Today, I want to share with you my healthy fridge and pantry essentials. These are the things I have on hand to create simple and healthy meals all week.

Pantry

Dried and packaged goods:

  • Rolled oats
  • Brown rice
  • Quinoa
  • Gluten free flour
  • Coconut flour
  • Almond meal
  • Nutritional yeast
  • Flaxseeds
  • Chia seeds
  • Hemp seeds
  • Sesame seeds
  • Raw almonds
  • Raw walnuts
  • Gluten free pasta
  • Beans: garbanzo, kidney, black and pinto
  • Jarred pasta sauce

Cooking staples:

  • Tahini
  • Tamari
  • Coconut oil
  • Olive oil
  • Sesame oil
  • Organic nut butters (almond, peanut, cashew)
  • Sweeteners: honey, maple syrup, coconut sugar, stevia and raw organic sugar
  • Spices and herbs including: course salt, fine sea salt, fresh ground pepper, chili flakes, cayenne, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, nutmeg, coriander, basil, parsley, sage, oregano, garlic powder and ginger

Snacks:

  • Dark chocolate (70-85% cacao)
  • Larabars
  • Mary’s Gone Crackers
  • Organic corn tortilla chips

Drinks:

  • Vega and Sunwarrior protein powder
  • Coffee beans
  • Assorted teas including: mint, chamomile, green and english breakfast

Fridge

  • Greens: spinach, kale, romaine
  • Vegetables:brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, eggplant, zucchini, cucumber, carrots, leeks, onions, bell peppers and cabbage
  • Fruit: green apples, berries, avocados and bananas
  • Unsweetened, organic almond milk
  • Organic eggs
  • Dijion mustard
  • Just Mayo (vegan mayonaise)
  • EarthBalance
  • Gluten free bread

Cleaning

Comment below – I would love to hear what some of your healthy essentials are!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Featured, Food, Sides

Simple Roasted Vegetable Salad Board

January 31, 2017
Simple Roasted Vegetable Salad Board

This salad was the result of a serious craving for winter vegetables. As I wandered through PCC Market in Fremont this morning, I couldn’t help but eyeball the gorgeous displays of seasonal root vegetables, locally grown greens and beautiful bunches of fresh herbs.

Your tastebuds are in for a real treat with this exciting blend of savory vegetables, creamy tahini, crunchy walnuts and a burst of sweetness from the pomegranate seeds. It’s the perfect dinner that can be assembled in less than an hour and will leave you with plenty of leftovers for days to come.

Ingredients

Salad:

  • 1 bunch red kale
  • 1 bunch lacinato kale
  • 3 medium garnet yams
  • 10 oz of tri-colored carrots
  • 1 head cauliflower
  • 15 brussels sprouts
  • 1/4 cups mixed walnuts
  • 1/3 cup pomegranate seeds
  • 1/2 cup garbanzo beans, cooked and drained
  • 3 tablespoons of finely chopped parsley
  • Olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Dressing:

  • 1/2 cup raw tahini
  • 3/4 cups warm water
  • 3 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 clove of garlic
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

  • Preheat oven to 425° F.
  • Prep roasted vegetables by cutting cauliflower, brussels sprouts, yams and carrots into bite sized pieces. Place on a nonstick baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, salt and pepper and roast for 30-45 minutes depending on desired consistency.
  • Wash both bunches of kale and pat dry to remove any excess water. Trim the stem from the center of each leaf within bunch and discard. Tear leaves into small pieces.
  • In a large pan, sauté kale in 2 tablespoons of olive oil and a garnish of salt. Cook until tender.
  • In a high-speed blender or food processor add tahini, warm water, lemon juice, garlic, salt and pepper and blend until smooth.
  • To assemble, first place the kale onto a kitchen board or serving plate. Top with roasted vegetables and garbanzo beans. To finish, drizzle with tahini dressing and garnish with pomegranate seeds, toasted walnuts and fresh parsley.

Simple Roasted Vegetable Salad Board

Enjoy this delicious salad that’s packed with good-for-you ingredients!