Attention Brownie Lovers

I have been seeing all over instagram brownies.  Pictures of brownies filling up my whole picture feed.  Not just any old brownie though, brownies turned completely healthy.

Please keep in mind when I say a brownie is healthy, at the end of the day it is still a brownie, so don't think you can eat them all the time.  They are still looked at as a dessert but a much better alternative to the sugar and fat loaded desserts :-)

This post is dedicated to showcasing some of the delicious brownies I have seen all over instagram.  I do not have a recipe of my own, but I am sure one of these will surely knock your socks off and crave the inner chocoholic...or outer...we all know we love our chocolate :-)

Sweet Potato Brownies brought to you by TheLeanGreenBean

 

Prep time

10 mins

Cook time

20 mins

Total time

30 mins

 

Vegetables in a brownie? You bet! But these tasty sweets will be gone before you have time to tell anyone.

Author: Lindsay L

Ingredients

• (8×8 pan)
• 1¼ c chopped, pitted dates
• ½ c cooked sweet potato, mashed
• ¾ c nut butter
• 2 eggs
• ⅓ c unsweetened cocoa powder
• ¼ c applesauce
• ¾ tsp baking soda
• ⅔ c dark chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Put the dates, sweet potato and nut butter in a food processor and process until smooth.
2. Add the eggs and applesauce and process until mixed.
3. Sift in the cocoa powder and baking soda and pulse until combined.
4. Stir in the chocolate chips.
5. Spoon into a greased 8×8 pan and bake at 375 degrees for 15-20 minutes until a toothpick inserted in comes out clean.
6. Optional frosting: When cooled, top with nut butter, or melt nut butter and more chocolate chips in the microwave, stir to combine and spread over brownies.

This brownie is brought to you by a favorite among the Paleo Kiddos, Miss PaleOMG

Ingredients

• 1 sweet potato
• 3 eggs, whisked
• ¼ cup Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil, melted
• ⅓ cup raw honey
• ½ cup Enjoy Life Chocolate Chips
• 3 tablespoons Coconut Flour
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• ¼ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
• pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Time to bake that sweet potato. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees, use a fork to puncture holes all around it, then throw in the oven for 25-30 minutes. (I’m sure you could microwave it, but I like the ole fashioned way. I’m just so ole fashioned)
2. Once your sweet potato is soft and cooked through, peel off the skin and mash it up in a bowl. And turn your oven down to 350 degrees.
3. Now add your wet ingredients: coconut oil, honey, vanilla, and whisked eggs to the bowl and mix together.
4. Then add your dry ingredients: coconut flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, cinnamon, salt and chocolate chips.
5. Mix well to incorporate all that goodness.
6. Pour into an 8×8 glass baking dish
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes.
8. Let rest to cool a bit.
9. Eat those b*tches. Try not to eat them all in one sitting. Like what may have happened in my kitchen….oops.

Sweet Potato Brownie with a kick

Author: Rachel–Almonds & Avocados

Prep time:  15 mins

Cook time:  35 mins

Total time:  50 mins

Serves: 9 brownies

 

Ingredients

• 1 Tbs. ground flaxseed + 3 Tbs. water
• ¾ cup sorghum flour
• ¾ cup almonds, ground in a coffee grinder or food processor
• ⅓ cup cacao powder
• 2 Tbs. coconut flour
• 2 Tbs. tapioca flour
• ½ Tbs. baking powder
• ½ tsp. chipotle chili powder (optional–for a kick)
• ½ tsp. sea salt
• ¼ tsp. cinnamon
• dash of cayenne (optional–for a kick)
• 1 cup sweet potato puree*
• ⅔ cup liquid sweetener (maple syrup, coconut nectar, or honey)
• ¼ cup applesauce
• ¼ cup coconut oil
• ¼ cup chopped walnuts (optional)
• ¼ cup chocolate chips or cacao nibs (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Stir together the flaxseed and water and set aside to thicken.
3. Grease the bottom and sides of an 8 x 8-inch baking dish or pan.
4. In a mixing bowl, stir together the dry ingredients. In a larger mixing bowl, stir together the wet ingredients, including the flaxseed/water mixture. Slowly pour the dry ingredients into the wet and mix until fully combined. Fold in the walnuts and chocolate chips.
5. Transfer the batter to the greased baking dish/pan and smooth out evenly.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Allow the brownies to cool to room temperature. Drizzle with icing **(see notes for recipe) and serve immediately. Store in the fridge in a sealed container for up to 5 days.

Notes

*To make homemade sweet potato puree, simply steam, boil, or bake a small–medium sweet potato and process in a food processor. Add a small amount of water or almond milk until completely smooth.
**Icing recipe: stir together warmed coconut butter, almond milk, vanilla extract, and stevia (I don’t have exact measurements for this as I usually just stir ingredients together until I reach a consistency and flavor I like).

PP Instructor Feature

MICHELLE M
1. What inspired you to become a Pilates/spin instructor or what inspired you to want to be a part of platinum? 

In England, pilates classes are very traditional...  Pilates Platinum was where I first encountered this 'west coast' type of pilates and it transformed my body very quickly. I wanted to take it with me anywhere in the world and so I trained in both SPX/Lagree) and STOTT (classical).  Originally,  it was passion that drove me - I didn't have the intention of teaching anyone but myself.  I consider Pilates Platinum to be the original studio of this pilates inspired workout movement in Los Angeles.  

2. What is your favorite exercise to put your class through? 

Skating!  Outer thighs... that saddle bag area,  your gluts and hamstrings... What more can I say?

3. Which exercise do you think is the most challenging or most effective?

The mental exercise of getting out of bed and into the studio.  Everything after that is achievable.

4. What is your favorite way to exercise? 

Lagree Fitness/SPX Pilates!!!  This machine is unique.

I personally don't want to bulk out (and have a tendency to with other workouts) - I'm looking for that lean, feminine, athletic, dancer aesthetic.  (Side note to the boys: I've trained world class athletes and ex-Special Forces - I can build you up if that's what you want, no problem, let me know!).

Maximum results, shortest amount of time - like most people, I don't have time to spend on workouts that are pleasant, but don't give me results. This technique has outlasted and will continue to outlast the fitness fads out there plus it's safe - high intensity, low impact.  There are also unlimited combinations, so just when you think you've mastered the workout... 

5. What is your favorite healthy food and what is your favorite unhealthy food?

Healthy - smoothies - I'm a dab hand with a blender... The stove... not so much.

Unhealthy - NYC pizza

6. What is your most unique quality?

No one else in the world has my fingerprints. You get a British accent in my class for free.

7. Where is your favorite place in LA and why?

My bed. C'mon, I'm regularly up at 5am to teach! 

8. In one sentence...why should someone take class at platinum or why spx Pilates?

You'll get addicted to the results...

Where do you find inspiration?

My inspiration to workout?  My pilates clients keep me on my toes and inspired!  They're  amazing, strong and disciplined for being there before/after work, often at farmer hours!  I would feel like a charlatan driving them towards their personal peak condition and yet not doing the same for myself. Also, quite frankly, feeling good and staying young inspires me! I plan on living until age 200.

What advice would you like to share with the platinum blog reader.
If you're new, try it at least 3 times... First time can be a shock! :)

Use the collective energy in the room, not to compete with, but to inspire and support - borrow it to push you to be better.  

Don't feel you're fit or fit enough? Where you are now physically is a residual of who you were, old habits, not who you are NOW or where you will be a few months ... I've seen so many people transformed with this fitness technique. It doesn't take as long as you think.

The moves you find difficult are very often the moves your body needs the most!

Recovery is key to allowing your body to adapt (and change) to cope with the new demands you put upon it.  So if you want to see results, allow your body to recover! Working out immediately (if your body hasn't recovered) is often counter productive!

And last but not least. If you we're to have a cocktail named after you what would the ingredients be. If you can think of its name share that as well :-)

Something with tequila and chili...  Tequila is derived from agave, which is considered healthy... But let's face it, tequila is a little bit naughty... Gives you a GOOD kick, which says it all about my teaching ;) 

 

What White Rice and Brown Rice don't have in common.

I think it is safe to say that in the health food world, brown is the new white.  Many people have defaulted their rice choice to brown.  It has been preached over and over again for quite some time that brown is the new white.  Not even that, but to eliminate white rice out of your diet all together.  For many this was an absolute no when it came to sushi, not only because of the flavor but because traditional japanese sushi restaurants simply do not have a brown option.  Well sushi loves and those of you that are choking down brown rice because it is the healthier rice, I have good news for you.  White Rice might in fact be the best choice and this is why...

The number one reason and reason that should convince you enough is the fact that White Rice, unlike brown rice doesn't have arsenic relations.  Okay well I shouldn't say none, but a far less amount than their friends of the brown rice world.  It is shown that brown rice has higher levels of arsenic in them because a lot more arsenic is bound to the gran of the grain.  Yes any plant can take up arsenic from its growing conditions but rice is one of those foods that is often grown in waterlogged conditions.  Arsenic is easily dissolved in water---> rice grows in water conditions---> high levels of arsenic present.  Arsenic is toxic.  There are studies shown that it can lead to miscarriages, stillbirths and cancer to name a few.

Check this link out for more information: arsenic in rice

The truth is we can't all grow our own food.  That would be the best solution for this problem.  However, rest assure that California has a lower percentage than other rice growers.  At the store see if you can find out where your source of rice is growing at and make sure to find local!  Also you may want to check out rice from thailand.  It is said that they have the lowest levels and as an extra bonus I think the countries are banned genetically modified rice.  Double winner.

Also you can practice rinsing your rice, if you don't do it the asian way already.  Rinse your rice until it runs clear before cooking your rice.  It is said that it can reduce up to 30% of anything that is hanging out on the grains.

The bottom line is to task yourself if you truly like the taste of brown rice.  If you do and want to stick to it, go for it.  There are a lot of health benefits that still do come with brown rice.  Like all foods, moderation is key.  Switching up grains is beneficial.  See how many different ancient grains you can eat in the month.  Also word on the streams is that the more aromatic rice is lower in arsenic as well :-)

What is bubbly, refreshing and can always make you feel better?

It was a trick question...there are two answers. 

 A Mimosa is more of the obvious

 but the not so obvious is:

 Lindsay Whitley

  What inspired you to become a Pilates/spin instructor or what inspired you to want to be a part of platinum?

From the moment, I took my first pilates class at PILATES PLATINUM Brentwood - I was hooked!  Coming from a competitive athletic background, I loved both the mental and physical challenge. The challenge is truly one-of-a-kind and the results speak for it.  I wanted elevate my own voice and share my passion!

What is your favorite exercise to put your class through? 

Scrambled Eggs.  "See You Saddlebags!"

Which exercise do you think is the most challenging or most effective?  

I love the results, unique to pilates, from Scrambled Eggs, French Twist and Inner Thigh.

What is your favorite way to exercise?   

Spinlates @ Pilates Platinum (30 minutes of a cardio dance party and 30 minutes to tone sexy arms/six packs).

What is your favorite healthy food and what is your favorite unhealthy food?  

Oysters mmm!  Pizza or cookies mmmmmmm! 

What is your most unique quality?  

My quick Wit.  It comes in handy for making people smile.

Where is your favorite place in LA and why?   

The Beach for a mini vacation and mother nature's ability to provide a mesmerizing Zen. 

In one sentence...why should someone take class at platinum or why spx Pilates?   

At Pilates Platinum you get the 3 dynamics of fitness:  strength, cardio and stretch.

Where do you find inspiration?  

Sunny days and sunny attitudes from friends, family or people with hardworking, optimistic attitudes.  Spread the love!

Describe the energy and type of music you like to play for class. 

 I strive for fun, high energy and music to positively bring out your best.

What is one piece of advice you'd like to share with the platinum blog reader.  

Get in here, you won't regret it!

And last but not least. If you we're to have a cocktail named after you what would the ingredients be. If you can think of its name share that as well :-) 

It already exist, a Mimosa.  Who wouldn't want to be bubbly, refreshing and always make you feel better?

PP Instructor Feature: Beth

Beth Ella Bedingfield

- I have been teaching Pilates for 2 years. 

- I love motivating, encouraging and helping people in general. Any job that would allow me to do so I would be passionate about. However, the type of Pilates we teach is nothing like any type of exercise out, and I'm addicted, so it's easy to love what you do. 

- Don't know that I really have a motto. However, I try to be tough and motivating without discouraging anyone. Fitness is just as much mental as it is physical, and I believe being a good instructor is helping people mentally engage and challenge their bodies without feeling defeated by the end of the workout. 

- The cool thing about the studio is no matter what trainer you have every experience will be different, and I LOVE THAT. I am a very difficult instructor, but I never want it to be impossible. I play my music loud, I LOVE hip hop, and my goal is to not only instruct and motivate the class, but to also create in environment for the clients that they can get into a state of focus and improve their Pilates practice and increase their strength. I have high energy, and I train at a very high intensity, but will also help those who are newer to be able to get through and finish the workout without feeling defeated. My class does plenty of booty, and abs, two of my favorite things to work :) 

- What makes everyone unique is that none of us are the same. Everyone will gravitate toward different training styles or personalities. The way I train is unique because it shows a lot of my personality. I come from a Collegiate track background. I've learned to push my body to different limits my entire life. I think it's important for every trainer to know exactly what they are putting their class through feels like. If you don't know how it feels, there is no way you can instruct. I am very passionate about what I do and I genuinely care about people getting the best workout they can, and hopefully that shows in my teaching. :)

Juice Served Here

Hi Guys!  If you don't know by now you are going to now know another reason why I love juices!  Green Juices are so great for your body and taste so darn good!  I had the pleasure of checking these guys out and there different juices are so unique and delicious.  I put on here some information from their website as well as my own two cent thrown in here and there.  Make sure you don't miss the part below about how they have green coffee.  You know how much I love my coffee too!  

The juice shown above is the juice I got to try and posted last week on instagram.  It is a winner!  Definitely try it if you like a little heat in your life :-)

We are Juice Served Here.  We are more than just a juice company. We are your new daily ritual.

The Juice:

We are Raw. We are Organic. We are Cold-Pressed.  We are sourced locally whenever possible and no two juices are alike. 

The Served:

We are Fresh. We are Clean. We are Simple.  Impeccably presented by passionate health enthusiasts.  

The Here:

We are Warm. We are Inviting. We are the Place to hang.  Drink and eat in total comfort with select literature, free wi-fi, and local community events.

RAW GREEN COFFEE!!!!!  It doesn't get any better than this.  How awesome would this be on a hot summers day!  Amazing, just simple and gives your body a healthy jolt :-)  There is also another green coffee listed on the website, please check it out.

Someone please please please try death by chocolate and let me know how it is...it sounds dangerously good :-)

Also don't forget to check these guys out online or in Los Angeles!!!!

UNPARALLELED
CLEANSE PROGRAM

This organic detox program is at the cutting edge of raw and superfood nutrition. We take your average juice cleanse to a new level by incorporating a raw soup and a superfood bar into your regimen. Not only is it deeply regenerating and alkalizing, but also it tastes delicious and is completely satisfying. 

NEVER CONVENTIONAL

It’s our mantra and our mindset. It applies to everything we do and how we do it. Put simply, Its In our Name,JUICE / SERVED / HERE.  Product / Experience / Environment. We strive to be unique in our offerings with every element being thoughtfully curated. We find inspiration on the edge and push the envelope, while keeping a sense of humor. "Never Conventional" is refreshing.  You will have to "drink the juice" to digest it. 

JUICE SOCIETY

Juice Society offers exclusive benefits to our fellow juice fanatics!  Members receive rewards for participating in our in-store recycling program and are first to learn about a monthly digest of product news, industry insights, informative interviews, and get to be the first to snag their spot at one of Locally Grown seminars put on by people who inspire us.

PP Instructor Feature: The Piper Sunrise

Ms. Piper

1. What inspired you to become an SPX Pilates Instructor? 

I fell in love with the Pilates Platinum workout before my first session even ended. After the first week, it was apparent that this is the most intelligent and effective total-body conditioning method I had ever tried. And THEN when I saw the results-- I knew I couldn't stop! I want to share my love for the Megaformer, because this is something that makes me happy. And I teach in the hopes that other people will find something that brings them joy too.

2. What is your favorite exercise to put your class through?

I love the Essential Abs Series on the Megaformer-- Wheelbarrow, Plank to Pike, and Bear ALL.DAY.EVERYDAY!

3. Which exercise do you think is the most challenging or most effective?

I think the Scrambled Eggs is the best exercise for their entire body-- It's arms, abs, legs. It's balance, flexibility, strength, and it sure does bring on the sweat!

4. What is your favorite way to exercise?

I only do exercise that feels like fun. Pilates Platinum, rock climbing, the occasional bootcamp, barre, or yoga. But mostly, on the days I workout, I go all out, and on the days I'm not, I'm resting completely. Actually, my classes are exactly how I like to workout-- Lots of intensity while you're exercising. And well deserved rest… AFTER once class is done ::laughs::

5. What is your favorite healthy food and what is your favorite unhealthy food?

On the healthier side, I am obsessed with eggs. Obsessed! I eat them every morning. And often times try to sneak them in as a snack during the day. (Hm… I wonder if that's why I think Scrambled Eggs is the most effective exercise you can do on the Megaformer...) On the darker side as a fitness fanatic, I have a serious pasty problem. Actually now that I think of it, I might just have a soft spot for breakfast foods. I just try to stick to the ones that won't turn my entire waistline into a soft spot.

6. What is your most unique quality?

Aw shucks, isn't that hard to say? I'm uncannily talented at board games-- I'll give myself that. #allidoiswin

7. Where is your favorite place in LA and why?

At the risk of sounding like a shut-in, I love being at home in Santa Monica-- With two sweet puppies (Okay, they're full-grown dogs), a wonderful beau (So, mostly wonderful), and a refrigerator stocked with eggs (No addendum to that one!) I have a lot to look forward to when I'm at home.

8. Simply put, why should someone take class at Platinum or why SPX Pilates?

Come find out what the best version of yourself can do.

9. Where do you find inspiration?

I think the best inspiration is the kind that catches you off-guard when you're not really looking to be inspired. The best part, is that kind of inspiration is everywhere if you keep yourself open. Hint: Smiling helps.

10. Describe the energy and type of music you like to play for class.

Oh my-- I almost feel like this question would be better answered by people that have taken my class. The energy is on full-blast, and the music is too. It's kind of like a rowdy party: You're going to laugh. You'll want to dance. You might cry. And someone will probably spill their drink. You'll leave sweaty and wasted-- But reliving the achievements until next time. 

11. What is one piece of advice you'd like to share with the Platinum Blog readers?

Only do things that serve you well. (…Hang in there-- you're getting stronger.)

12. If you we're to have a cocktail named after you what would the ingredients be?

The Piper Sunrise: Two parts adventure, one part laugher, and a pinch of disco. Served in a highball glass on the rocks.

Green Granola

As you might have learned by now, I love hydrated snacks!  When I saw a recipe using dehydrated kale in a not so conventional way, I had to give it a try myself.  A little skeptic, I took my first bite...yum!!! It has a nice balance of that kale chip crunch, chocolate and that familiar granola taste you expect when eating granola.  Plus who doesn't want another way to sneak in those greens!

I made a few changes to the recipe and it turned out great!  I hope you all make it as well, it wont disappoint you.  If you have a dehydrator, it will be a piece of cake.  If you don't, don't worry your oven will do just fine.

Green Granola

(adopted from choosingraw and eatingbirdfood)

• 3 cups of kale, washed, de-stemmed and torn into bite-size pieces
• 5 pitted medjool dates
• 1/2 cup almond butter
• 2 cups gluten free oats
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• 2 tablespoons cacao or cocoa powder
• 1/3 cup cacao nibs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• ½ cup dried cherries, blueberries or cranberries (optional)
• ¼ cup unsweetened coconut flakes (optional)

1. Blend together almond butter, water, dates, cacao/cocoa, vanilla, salt, cinnamon.
2. Combine oats, kale, cacao nibs, and optional items into a large enough mixing bowl.
3. Massage almond butter mixture into kale mixture.  Work it all together, get dirty with your hands and use all the mixtures to massage together.
4. If you have a dehydrator, spread the mixture onto a Teflex lined dehydrator sheet.  Dehydrate at 115 degrees for 6-8 hours.  At this point the mixture should be half way dry and stuck together.  Transfer to mess dehydrator sheet and continue for 2 more hours.
4b. If you are using an oven, spread the mixture onto a silpat-covered baking sheet and bake for about 50 minutes on your oven's lowest temperature (typically 200 degrees Fahrenheit).  Stir a couple times during baking.  Also around the 45 minute mark check for burning of kale, it can happen super fast.  Baking times will vary.

I added my granola on top of a spinach protein smoothie for an extra crunch and extra greens.  Tell me what you do with your granola!