Happy Thanksgiving Pie

Happy Thanksgiving Friends!

Just a happy reminder that most of you will probably eat more today than normal.  Some ways to not stress out about today's festivities...

-its only one day, get back on track tomorrow

-portion control: have a little of everything, even those delicious desserts

-get your workout it right when you wake up

-be happy and enjoy your time with friends, family and loved ones

It can't be thanksgiving with out pie though, so here is a delicious healthy alternative to those pies you may witness on dessert table

*This recipe is based off of a recipe found on www.ancestralchef.com

Apple Cranberry Pie 

(gluten free, dairy free, paleo friendly, wheat free, soy free)

Ingredients:

Pie Crust

4 cups almond flour

2 TBS chia seeds

1 whole egg

1/2 cup coconut oil

2 tsp vanilla extract

1 tsp baking soda

sprinkle of salt

Pie Filling

3 medium sized honey crisp apples, peeled and dust

12 oz bag of fresh frozen no sugar added cranberries

4 TBS coconut oil

1/3 cup raw honey

2 TBS coconut flour

2 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp nutmeg

1/8 tsp cloves

1 TBS vanilla extract

Pie Crust Instructions

-Mix all ingredients together in a medium sized mixing bowl

-kneed into dough

-use half of the door, and place on parchment paper, place another sheet on top and use rolling pin to roll into circle big enough for your pie dish   

    -flip dough from parchment paper into dish

*this dough is not easy to work with in my experience, it breaks and my crush didn't look too pretty

-Take the other half of the dough and roll with rolling pin with the same process, except this time roll into square and cut 8, half inch strips and place in frig

Pie Filling

-in a sauce pan on medium heat, melt coconut oil

-peel and chop apples, place into oil

-add bag of cranberries and cook for a few minutes

-add honey and spices

-stir the mixture and allow cranberries to thaw for 5ish minutes

-add coconut flour and mix into filling, cook for 5 more minutes

-once the apples look cooked and the cranberries melted, add vanilla extract and take off heat

-allow to cool for 10-15 minutes

-Place filling into pie crust
-remove top crust from frig and make a pretty pattern on top
*again the crust is hard to work with and my strips kept breaking

-place in oven set for 350 and bake for 25 minutes
 -slice pie
-can be enjoyed hot or cold

 

  Some personal feedback: For me I thought it taste great.  There was a little too much crust for me, I only ate half.  Next time I would only have a bottom crust or WAY thinner stripes on top.  This dough may not be pliable enough for small stripes though.  I also want to add that the dough is bland.  It is what it is, almond flour.  If you don't mind the added sugar you could try putting that into the ingredients for the crust or trying some stevia.

HAPPY BAKING AND HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

DNA Life Bars

Friends, this bar is so so delicious I could not pass up the opportunity to write a blog about them.  I am even eating one as I type up this raving blog post about them.

If you want to feel festival for the holidays than the Green Apple Cinnamon one is my suggestions.  It tastes like a Pumpkin Pie and Apple Pie in one delicious bar. 

Other flavor names are: Chocolate, Chocolate, Chocolate with Roasted Quinoa

Chocolate Fudge

Make sure to check out their website for locations on where to purchase bars:  There are plenty of options in LA as well as LV!

Here is a little information about DNA.

Protein Bars that taste amazing and they’re good for you!

When we set out to make the best protein bars possible there were a few hurdles we wanted to overcome. It needed to be All-Natural, Gluten-Free, Soy-Free, Dairy-Free, and have no refined sugar.  So, what did that leave us with? Well, actually the best nature has to offer!
Starting with whole foods like pumpkin, sweet potatoes, and coconut (you can actually see small pieces of the whole foods in every bar) we were able to create a truly unique product. Each bar has 14 grams of high-grade egg white protein, healthy fats from organic coconuts or organic almonds, and is very low in sugar. Of course, most importantly they taste amazing! You will not believe DNA Life protein bars are not made with sugar and yet have none of the aftertaste that some of the other natural sweeteners can leave behind. We hope you give our protein bars a try.  We think you will enjoy them as much as we do.

Cheers to your taste buds,
Brian
Owner, DNA Life Bars

 

Secret Ingredient Maple Pumpkin Blondies

Today is brought to you by…

CHICKPEAS

(the secret ingredient)

I have been seeing recipes popping up about baked goods made with chickpeas.  We all can relate to chickpeas and their deliciousness, through the most common food, hummus.  But to fully wrap my head around something that I enjoy dipping raw vegetables in to now all of a sudden be in a dessert, let alone a dessert I would enjoy…it took me a bit to break down and give it a try.

I suggest you do not hesitate like I did, because chickpeas is genius.  You cannot taste and thing and turns baked goods into something more healthy for the mind, body and soul.

Maple Pumpkin Chickpea Blondies

*1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed

*1/2 cup almond butter

*2 tsp vanilla extract

*2 options: either 2tsp maple extract and 1/4 cup honey OR 1/4 cup maple syrup 

(I did option one because I had no maple syrup on hand)

*1 tsp baking soda

*1 tsp baking powder

*1/3 cup vegan carob chips, plus some to sprinkle on top

*1/4 tsp salt

*1/4 cup pumpkin puree

-Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit

-Place all ingredients into food process or except carob chips, process until smooth

Mix in 1/3 carob chips (I used a bowl)

Pour mixture into greased baking dish, size is up to you

Sprinkle additional chips on top

Cook for 30-45 minutes (depends on oven and placement)

When they are done a fork or toothpick will come out clean

Make sure you do not over dry

I tried these while they were still warm and cold.  I preferred them better warm.  Every time you go back for another, I suggest warming it a bit.  Totally up to you but happy eating!

"Come on get happy"

I recently came across a great article on 

"10 Characteristics of a Happy Person" 

Even though I think all of the items listed are important, I want to touch on the topic of number 6!

'6. Happy people not only know how to eat well, they also know how to feed their body with great quality food. In addition to this, they also follow a regular exercise routine. This is because they believe in self care and work at reaching the epitome of mental and physical strength.'

For the full article, follow this link!

A large problem with working out and achieving a certain physique is all about aesthetics.  Now I am not saying that is the reason you work out, but it is a large misconception placed on the industry.  Sure there are a lot of people just doing it for the aesthetics, but I am going out on a limb and saying that I can guarantee they are not your role model of a happy person.  It takes great sacrifices to achieve a certain level of leanness and I personally do not believe these people are mentally happy...at least not in the long run.

It is important to create a balance and as the quote says above, happy people believe in self care mentally and physically.  It is equally important if not more important to be mentally healthy.  A healthy body doesn't mean one is super lean and full of muscles.  Health comes in all shapes and sizes.  For most the only way to achieve an optimal physique is actually to be happy...I know kind of sounds like a catch 22.  If you focus on mentally being happy the rest will fall into place.  Be true to yourself.  

For me I have found this through, dance, running and Pilates.  Each one gives you the opportunity to focus on your mind and your thoughts while working your body!  The best of both worlds, working mental health and physical health!

Running Lessons

I love to run.

I love taking time out of my day to run.  It is when I get to do something healthy for myself, as well as really just zone out and listen to my body and my thoughts.  Throughout my runs I have learned a lot of things.  Some of my greatest mantras and ideas come while I am running.  Today I thought I would share some of those mantras and lessons I have learned while running.

Life Running Lessons 101

~ Remember to always breathe...remembering this can help you in all aspects of life

~Never Give Up...there are always times when you will question whether it is worth it, I say if you started it then you at least knew you wanted to finish it or continue along the path.  It may no go exactly as planned, but never give up.  Always strive forward.

~Enjoy the Journey...don't waste energy on negativity.  It is harder to be negative than positive.  Enjoy all parts of the journey: big, small, highs, lows, hard work, etc.

~Sometimes you are alone in your journey...and sometimes you need the alone time to focus.  These moments are critical in the process.

~Do it for yourself...it is your life, do it for you and no one else

~No one can do it for you...simple as that.

~Listen to your body...you will have good days and bad days, even when you think nothing has changed to determine the outcome different from the previous day.  Accept this will happen, accept the process and don't beat yourself up over it.  Your body is smart, listen to it!

~Listen to your heart...if you heart isn't in it, your mind and body aren't in it.  Do what you love.

~Have fun...as much as possible

~Love your life...it is the only one you have

~Love your family..and keep them close!

Recipe: Harvest Pumpkin & Sausage Pasta

This week I have the opportunity for an article to track down my eats and workouts.  I figured during this project I would share with you all one of the recipes I have made myself this week, which is perfect for the fall weather that maybe approaching us next week.  

As many of you may know I like to eat what is in season.  That way I get the freshest out of the product and know I am consuming something natural and not mass produced.  All of the ingredients for this recipe can be found at the local farmers market this time of year.

I call this recipe:

Harvest Pumpkin & Sausage Pasta

Ingredients:

1 spaghetti squash

1 cup pumpkin puree (I roasted a pumpkin to use or you can buy canned)

1 cup vegetable broth

8 oz mushrooms

1/2 medium red onion

2 cloves garlic cloves

1 cup chopped spinach

4 TBS cooking oil (I used sunflower cooking oil)

garlic powder, salt and pepper to taste

2 sausages of choice (I used chicken sausage, hormone and nitrate free)

Directions:

First you must bake your spaghetti squash.  I always find this to vary each time I bake one.  It all depends on the size of your squash.  Begin by cutting the squash lengthwise in half.  Place aluminum foil onto a baking pan and place the squash flesh side down (after you scoop out the seeds).  Bake at 375-400 degrees for 40-60 minutes.  After you are able to easily pierce a fork through the skin, take squash out to cool.  After cooling, take a fork and fork out the fresh into strings.  This is your pasta part of the dish.  (You can always use regular pasta and follow the directions on package).

In a large skillet, put 2 TBS oil and heat on medium.  While pan heats up add together your pumpkin and broth in a bowl and set aside. Once pan is hot place mushrooms and onions into pan.  Cook for 5ish minutes or until onions become translucent. At about the 2 minute mark if you feel like the pan is getting dry (like me and don't want to add more oil) then add some of your veggie broth and pumpkin mixture to moisten the veggies.  After the 5ish minutes add in crushed garlic cloves and cook for an additional minute.

To skillet, add the rest of the pumpkin mixture, garlic powder, salt and pepper.  Turn heat down to a simmer.  Add in chopped spinach.  While the mixture is simmering, take an additional skillet and put the remainder of the oil in the skillet.  Once warm, cook the sausage.  (you can also use vegan or veggie sausage too or no sausage at all).

Once the sausage is done, take a fork and pierce the sausage to move to other skillet...don't bring extra oil with you, unless you prefer it that way.

Grab a bowl and put in about a cup of spaghetti squash pasta.  On top of your pasta put as much as your pumpkin, mushroom, sausage mixture you feel desired.  I would guess I put roughly a cup, but made sure to get one whole sausage and lots of veggies.

Here are the directions in photo form.

Spaghetti Squash baked

Mushrooms and Onions

Pumpkin and Broth mixture

Mushrooms and Onions cooking with a little pumpkin mixture

Chicken Sausage

The rest of pumpkin mixture and Spinach added

Final Result. ( Sorry brown doesn't ever photograph well.)

  Pasta hidden underneath, I forgot to snap a photo after I mixed it together.  My hunger got the best of me.

Enjoy this nice fall recipe along side some great wine as a treat!

Should you cleanse?

Let us first answer the question: Why should I cleanse?

Cleansing is a great way to remove toxins from the body, eliminate 'extra', increase energy levels, reset the body, etc.

Our environment is full of toxins poisoning the body.  It is almost impossible to completely avoid our environment's toxins from entering the body.  The goal is to keep these toxins at bay as much as possible and out of the body.

Remember that our bodies are beautiful, self efficient machines that know how to remove toxins themselves.  With this being said I am merely suggesting a way to clean up the mind and body to provide a clean environment internally for our bodies to work their magic.

Cleanse you SHOULD NEVER do:
1. cleanses that say you should only 'x' amount of calories (especially ones saying under 1500)
-these type of behaviors can lead to consuming more calories afterwards than you anticipated (i.g. binges, ragging cravings, etc)

2. Beverage based cleanses
-this works to loose weight in a short amount of time, but does nothing for the long run.  The body can shift into starvation mode, which can lead to when the times comes to consume food again that the body will hold onto extra.

3.Regular Laxatives:
-for one no one wants to sit on the toilet all day or have those close calls while at an important meeting, in line for groceries, stuck in traffic, etc.
-your colon knows how to work itself clean, no need for extra help...you could be eliminating extra good bacteria in the colon

4. Diet Food
-these are some of the most unhealthy foods out there.  Jam packed with processed  ingredients and chemicals...aren't these the things we are trying to avoid on a cleanse?  Don't fall into the Diet food trap!

5. Avoiding a Macro-nutrient
-you should not have to completely take out an essential macro-nutrient from your diet (i.g. fat, carbs or proteins).  Yes it is good to monitor these to create a nice balances healthy diet, but completely eliminating one can do some serious damage to some of your organs.

Now on to the Good Stuff:  What you SHOULD do!

This is just a guideline to follow that is shown on many sources as a way to properly eliminate toxins and create a cleaner environment for our bodies to internally function in:

Eat Organic.  There is evidence shown that you don't have to eat every vegetable or fruit organic, especially if you are on a budget or think the idea of organic prices is outrageous.  You can use the dirty dozen as a guide to try and buy at least the produce listed on the list to be organic.

DRINK WATER.  Drink more water.  Even if you think you drink a lot of water, drink more.  Make it a difference for your body to have to adapt to.  The change will help the body get things moving through it quicker, eliminating the bad.  

          -a lot of people also worship by starting your day with a hot cup of water and a little lemon to help the body begin it digestion for the day

Foods to Avoid:

-Alcohol

-Dairy

-Caffeine: cutting cold turkey could lead to some killer headaches, if you can't risk having them then try dropping your caffeine down each day to slowly eliminate...switching to tea can help!

-Gluten: sorry ancestors but you have messed up our grains with this one

-Added Sugars and Artificial Sugars

-Processed Foods: I think that might be more of an obvious answer now :-)

-Hydrogenated and Saturated Fats (some is great, a lot of bad):  our body has a hard time and with some fats it can't even digest it...If too much is consumed than a back up occurs in the body, clogging arteries, etc.  For purposes of cleansing, cutting back is ideal, but in normal circumstances in small amount is good.

-Corn: 

Natural Foods: eat as many natural occurring foods as possible: vegetables, fruit, fish, nuts, seeds, etc

Smoothies or Green Juice: adding in a smoothie is a great way to get in added nutrients, especially a green juice; definitely check out VEGA ONE (a plant based protein) to add into your smoothies or mix with a liquid.  (***check out a previous post on my giveaway of Vega One to see your chances on winning some for yourself***)

POOP:  Make sure your back door is moving.  If it isn't try drinking more water or green juices.  It is critical for the toxins and build up to leave your body through your exit.

SWEAT: another way to eliminate toxins is through your pore.  Getting in some great exercise a few times a week will help in the elimination process as well as just an overall great thing for your body to always participate in

STOP FOR A MINUTE:  It is important to relax your mind as well.  Every so often throughout the day stop for a minute and just breathe.  Concentrate on your breathing, pay attention to how the breathe works and how your body is feeling.  If you can sit somewhere quiet and do so or even if you can lay down for a few minutes that is most ideal.  Don't be afraid of naps...short naps.  They are a good break for the body!

Some lessons to learn from this:

After doing this process for a few weeks, really take a second to evaluate the process.  Was the process difficult?  Was the process easy?  Could you incorporate this into your life more regularly?  On the things that were difficult, are there ways to adapt to still be effective?

You can slowly add some ingredients/foods back into your life.  Slow is key, but what is more beneficial is to really monitor your body with these foods.  If you have any adverse effect to these foods, then you know your body doesn't function well with them.  With these foods try keeping them away, or only once in awhile.  Learning your body is the most important lesson in all of this.  Knowing what is good for your body and what is bad is the secret to a healthy body...not the newest diet trend, product, etc.