Dessert, Food

Macadamia and Maple Roasted Figs

August 3, 2015

If there’s one thing I can’t resist it’s experimenting with new, healthy recipes. So when I saw these brilliant, colorful figs in my local health food store this weekend, I had to give in. This recipe is delectably delicious and deceptively easy to make. In fact, the entire process took me less than 30 minutes. This would be a fantastic and simple dessert for a dinner party or just a simple weeknight indulgence.

Ingredients:

10 fresh roasted figs (cut in half)

2-3 tablespoons organic, grade B maple syrup

3 tablespoons crushed macadamia nuts

3 tablespoons dried, shredded coconut

1 teaspoon cinnamon

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

2. In a medium sized bowl add all ingredients. Mix thoroughly so figs are coated evenly.

3. Bake at 400 degrees for 15-20 minutes until figs are soft.

4. Serve over ice cream of your choice (I used Coconut Bliss Dark Chocolate).

Enjoy!

Lifestyle

My Summer Reading List for 2015

July 29, 2015
The Healthful Model Summer Reading

I’ve been spending quite a bit of time scouring bookstores lately, and with that, I’ve complied a stack of must-reads that will last me the remainder of the summer. Reading is such a fundamental and delightful part of my daily routine. Books have altered my perspective, changed my outlook, and captivated my imagination on so many subjects and situations.

Here’s what I’m reading:

1. ALL THE LIGHT WE CANNOT SEE by ANTHONY DOERR

2. ONWARD by HOWARD SCHULTZ

3. FORGETTING TO BE AFRAID by WENDY DAVIS

4. FACTORY GIRLS by LESLIE T. CHANG

5. VILLETTE by CHARLOTTE BRONTE

6. SENSE AND SENSIBILITY by JANE AUSTIN

What books are you reading this summer? Share your recommendations in the comments section of Tweet me at @TheHealthfulModel.

Happy reading!

 

Entree, Food

Gluten Free, Vegan Mexican Quinoa Cabbage Wraps

June 10, 2015

I love creating healthy, flavorful meals that are both nourishing and satisfying. These Mexican inspired cabbage wraps are light, fresh, and perfect for warm summer evenings when you want to keep cooking to a minimum.

Ingredients:

  1. Organic quinoa
  2. Vegetable broth
  3. Red bell pepper
  4. Green bell pepper
  5. Tomatoes
  6. White onion
  7. Garlic
  8. Olive oil
  9. Sea salt
  10. Pepper
  11. Chili powder
  12. Paprika
  13. Limes
  14. Raw honey or agave
  15. Mixed greens (baby kale, spinach, ect…)
  16. Avocado
  17. Black olives
  18. Purple cabbage

Instructions:

Begin by rinsing 1/2 cup of quinoa in a fine strainer until the dusty residue is thoroughly washed off. In a small sauce pan combine the rinsed quinoa with 1 cup of organic vegetable broth. Cook the quinoa to your desired consistency (about 15-20 minutes) and set aside. Coat the bottom of a medium frying pan with a small amount of olive oil. Once the oil is heated sauté 1 diced green pepper, 1 diced red pepper, 1 chopped medium onion, and two minced gloves of garlic until soft.  Add the cooked quinoa as well as a generous pinch of sea salt, 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper, and a pinch of chili powder and paprika. Once the quinoa, vegetables, and spices are combined put the mixture in the fridge to chill. To make the honey-lime greens combine 4 cups of any greens you may want (I used a mix of baby kale, spinach, and red leaf lettuce). In a separate bowl mix together the juice of one lime, 1 teaspoon of olive oil and 2 teaspoons of honey (or agave). Toss the mixture into to the greens and place in the fridge to chill. For the cabbage wraps, begin by removing the outside layer of a purple cabbage. Rinse the outside of the cabbage and cut in half from the top to the white stem. The leafs should peel off layer by layer. As for toppings I sliced up olives and avocado. However, you can use anything from salsa to black beans or roasted veggies. To assemble, add the greens to the base of the cabbage leaf followed by the quinoa and your toppings of choice. Enjoy!

 

Living Well

Sweet Dreams: My Top 10 Tips For A Good Night’s Sleep

April 29, 2015

Sleep. We all need it, but in today’s fast-paced society we rarely prioritize it. Rest isn’t indulgent; it’s an essential component to good health. Sleep (or lack there of) has a direct impact on our health, weight, mood, and appearance. While we sleep our bodies are repairing, rebalancing, and healing from the inside out.

Here are my top 10 tips for a quality night’s sleep so you can wake up feeling refreshed and energized:

 

1. Eat dinner at least 2 hours before you intend to go to sleep.

Eating too late can leave you tossing and turning in discomfort. If your schedule doesn’t allow at least a 2 hour gap, try eating easily digestible foods or a smaller portion.

2. Turn off all technology.

At least 1 hour before bed, nix all smartphones, iPads, TV – everything! The short-wavelength light found in electronic devices can delay the body’s natural release of melatonin and reduce your overall quality of sleep.

3. No caffeine in the afternoon.

The effects of caffeine can last anywhere from 3-8 hours. As a rule of thumb, try to switch to caffeine-free beverages (such as herbal tea or cold-pressed juice) after 12 PM.

4. Find the perfect sleep accessories

Using an eye mask and ear plugs every night is a great way to ensure a quality, uninterrupted night’s rest. I’ve tried several different brands of ear plugs and eye masks over the years and have found that Mack’s ear plugs are the most comfortable and Flight 001 and Bedtime Bliss make the most lightweight, natural feeling mask. 

5. Create a ritual.

Create a calming routine that signals your body that it’s time to rest. It can be anything from lighting a few candles and reading to doing a meditation practice or journaling. It’s important to find what works for you.

6. Take a warm shower or bath.

Rinsing the day away is a relaxing ritual that can prepare your body for a quality night’s sleep. You can try adding a few drops of lavender essential oil to your tub or using a calming scented shower gel.

7. Keep a notepad by your bedside.

Keep a journal or notebook by your bed for those last minute thoughts that pop into your head or anything you want to remember in the morning. You can quickly reference your notes when you wake up.

8. Invest in a real alarm clock.

Keeping an electronic device (such as a cell phone or tablet) with a set alarm in your bedroom can leave you tempted to check Facebook or your email. Invest in an alarm clock so you can keep your electronics turned off and out of sight all night.

9. Set yourself up for a good morning.

Nothing can leave you tossing and turning more than thinking about everything you have to do the following day. Make your mornings a little easier by prepping your breakfast ahead of time, packing your gym bag, and/or preparing your lunch.

10. Exercise mindfully.

Breaking a sweat raises your core body temperature, increases your heart rate, and releases cortisol (a stress hormone) into the body, all of which can make you feel too alert and awake to sleep. If before bed is the only time your schedule allows you to fit in a workout, try a relaxing yoga routine or taking a walk.

Sweet dreams, everyone!