The Nourishing Bowl

I have been making this bowl like crazy lately! It’s simple, delicious and nourishing.

Here is my tip: Prep the ingredients on a Sunday and make enough to last 3 days of lunches during the week.

The Nourishing Bowl

Ingredients:

Quinoa
Kale
Watermelon Radish
Chicken
Turmeric
Sea Salt
Pepper
Chicken Broth
Trader Joe’s Green Goddess Dressing
Optional toppings: Avocado, sprouts, and hempseeds

Directions:

Cook the quinoa as directed on the package.

Meanwhile pan grill chicken (or purchase a rotisserie chicken).

Then, saute kale in a little chicken broth, sea salt and turmeric.

Wash and slice the radish.

Once everything is cooked, prep bowl with ingredients and top with the green dressing.

*pre-make 1-2 other bowls in tupperware but don’t add the dressing until you eat them.

ENJOY! x

Quick Tempeh & Swiss Chard Tacos

Happy Wednesday! You may or may not know this about me, but I am obsessed with Mexican food. Ceviche, pico de gallo, corn tortilla chips, guac, TACOS, MARGARITAS. You name it, I love it all (todo) and I cook it all the time.

Lately, I’ve been satisfying my Mexican food cravings by making a veggie version of a taco that consists of a just a few ingredients. For all of you vegan/vegetarians out there or just those of you that just appreciate eating more that way more often like myself, you will love these! They are super simple to whip up and taste great.

Tempeh & Swiss Chard Tacos
makes about 6 tacos

1 package of plain or flax tempeh
1 bundle of green or rainbow Swiss chard (roughly chopped and stem removed off bottom)
1 small lime (1/2 for cooking, 1/2 for garnish)
1 tbs coconut oil
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp chili lime seasoning (or just a few shakes of chili powder)
Sea salt to taste

Optional: Chopped cilantro and sliced avocado

Directions:

In a large pan turned to medium heat, melt the coconut oil

Add in tempeh and a few good pinches of sea salt

Cook for about 5 minutes
*If tempeh soaks up oil quickly, you can add a tablespoon of water

Then, add in the juice form half of the lime, garlic powder, chili seasoning and swiss chard

Add in another two pinches or so of sea salt and cook for another 3-5 minutes
*at this point you can also add a teaspoon of grape seed oil or more coconut oil if needed

While cooking, prep your corn tortillas to your liking
*I place mine in the microwave with a wet paper towel around them for about 45 seconds

Once your tempeh and Swiss chard mixture is cooked, place a small serving on each corn tortilla and the cilantro + avo if you’d like!

So quick, so easy, so healthy and so tasty…
Enjoy!

Healthy Cooking With Sun Basket

At the start of the new year, I set the goal of eating less meat, more organic produce and more locally sourced foods. I feel such a responsibility to not only eat better for myself and my family, but for the planet!

A little while back, I was just getting really bored of making the same ol’ meals; I’m also a full-time working mom, so dinners tend to be whatever I can whip up within 15-20 minutes. I wanted to find something that fit within my normal meal regime (gluten-free, lighter fare), but I also wanted to explore foods that I don’t normally cook with.

Say hello to Sun Basket!

My sister was actually the first person to rave about Sun Basket. I thought I’d give it a try and I’ve been hooked ever since. I love that you can get vegetarian, paleo, or gluten-free meals; meals that actually look and taste like you just ordered it at a restaurant. Not to mention, they are fun to put together! We all enjoy cooking the meals at our house (Parker even helps) and I’ve actually learned quite a bit (like how to do a perfect roasted piece of chicken or how to cut a beet- haha!). It makes for a fun family night.

This last time we got our delivery, we went with two “lean and clean” paleo meals and then one Friday night meal, a tofu burger with a chipotle mayo, carrot slaw, red peppers, and sprout.

So yummy!!

If you want to try out their meals, I can promise you that you won’t be sorry. They have given me a code that gives you 3 free meals, so grab your discount by clicking the link below and let me know how you like it!!

3 FREE MEALS WITH SUNBASKET

ENJOY! x

I only work with companies that I know and love. All opinions and text are my own.

A Healthy Apple Crumble

What’s fall without some apple picking? If you are like me, you go apple picking and in the midst of the thrill of loading your bag with apples, you end up getting a ton (emphasis on ton) of apples and then return home questioning what exactly you thought you were going to be making with those apples. As if I ran a whole restaurant or something…

So, apple crumble for dessert every night for the next month!

I mean, you really can’t get enough of this stuff anyway. I also like to justify this version of an apple crumble below as a totally acceptable breakfast.

Basically like oatmeal, just with butter. : )

A Healthy Apple Crumble

Ingredients:

6-8 apples
1 1/2 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup almond meal
3/4 cup coconut sugar
1/2 cup melted butter
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 pinch of sea salt
+ 1 1/2 tbs of coconut oil
*optional 1 tbs of gluten free all purpose flour

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350F.

Chop apples into small cubes and place at the bottom of an 8×8″ baking dish.

Coat the chopped apples with the coconut oil as evenly as possible.

Meanwhile, in a food processor, add in all dry ingredients and pulse until well-blended.

Once processed, transfer to a bowl and add in melter butter. Mix well until a crumble/dough-like texture appears.

Then, take the dough mixture and cover the baking dish filled with apples to create a nice even layer over the whole dish.

Place dish into the oven and bake 25-35 minutes or until top is slightly golden. Remove from the oven and let sit for about 10 minutes before serving.

I highly suggest pairing this with a scoop of vanilla coconut milk ice cream or organic vanilla ice cream. hehehe

Enjoy!

Healthy Food Guide: Boise

(image from Juniper website)

Boise completely exceeded my expectations. Mark my word, 5 years from now this city will be THE SPOT. Until then, I will continue to enjoy the calm before the storm.

One thing that was pretty impressive to me, and very Portland like, was their dietary options. You can find great vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options just about anywhere. I also really liked their use of fresh produce and meats from local farms; and of course, their seasonal dishes that are everywhere. Go Boise! Which, by the way, is pronounced “boy-see,” I learned that quickly when I kept saying “I love “Boy-Z!” : )

Happy eating!

Best Healthy Breakfast Spots

1. Wild Root Cafe (Vegan/Gluten-Free Options): Whatever you do, don’t leave Boise without trying this place, especially if you are a total health nut. I loved the egg dish, Wild Skillet. They use a cashew “cheese” and you can even order the dish with vegan eggs (I just ordered regular, cage-free eggs). Oh, and their avocado toast! I want to eat that every.single.day. Seriously!

2. Fork (Vegan/Gluten-Free Options): This spot is a sure bet for brunch. They pride themselves on local, sustainable foods (some they get the same day at the city market!!). They have so many great options and it is a true Northwest fare.

3. Bacon (Vegan/Gluten-Free Options): This is the perfect spot to go if you have a healthy foodie AND a meat-eating- ‘don’t really care if it is healthy or not’ foodie. It is a great place to grab brunch with a group and their Bloody Mary’s are the best in town! I ordered The Poser for breakfast, which was a nice, light, egg white dish and it was deeeelicious.

4. Slow by Slow (Vegan/Gluten-Free Options): This is the cutest little coffee shop with some great pastries and quick things like granola and tasty, local kombucha.

5. Java (Vegan/Gluten-Free Options): A great place for either breakfast or lunch. They’ve got great drinks and super tasty breakfast burritos.

Best Healthy Lunch Spots

1. Bleubird (Gluten-Free Options): This was one of my favorite places for lunch in Boise. They change their menu depending on the season, but I highly recommend the grilled cheese (insert excited emoji). This is great spin on a traditional deli!

2. Boise Co-op (Vegan/Gluten-Free Options): This is such an amazing Co-op! If you want to grab something on-the-fly and affordably, you can find just about anything you would want here.

3. Jenny’s Lunch Line (Vegan/Gluten-Free Options): You will find some delicious soups, salads and sandwiches made from scratch here. They change their menu monthly too, so it is always fun to see what is new and seasonal here. This place is so yummy!

Best Healthy Dinner Spots

1. Bittercreek (Vegan/Gluten-Free Options): I loved this place! It is the perfect spot to go with a group or girls and guys. Everything we ate (and drank) was super tasty. I ordered an Old Fashioned and the veggie burger and was one happy camper!

2. Juniper (Vegan/Gluten-Free Options): The ambiance and decor here is what first sold me, but their menu seals the deal! This is the perfect dinner date spot. They have really good, crafty cocktails and are also extremely food allergy friendly.

3.State & Lemp (Vegan/Vegetarian Options): This is the best spot if you are looking for a culinary experience. This is a reservation-only, prixe fixe menu and features a really beautiful Northwest cuisine. It doesn’t get any fresher than their food. And (bonus), they are extremely accommodating to anyone with dietary restrictions!

4. Barbacoa (Vegetarian/Gluten-Free Options): This is a really great dinner option (with a great view). It is a bit on the pricey side, but you get a ton of food, so make sure you go there hungry! I would highly suggest one of their seafood dishes.

ENJOY!

Cauliflower "Rice" with Swiss Chard and Crimini Mushrooms

Ever since Trader Joes started selling the frozen organic riced cauliflower, I have been hooked! This is such a simple, lighter, starch-less option to pair with dinner and if made correctly, I would take this over actual rice any day.

Oh, and mom tip: It takes about 8 minutes to make (win!). I don’t have time for complicated meals anymore!

Anyway, have fun with this stuff! I mix up my cooking style with the “rice”, depending on what is in the fridge and what I feel like. I also love make it with turmeric and shaved brussel sprouts. And even better, Parker loves it too.

Cauliflower “Rice” with Swiss Chard and Crimini Mushrooms

1 bag of frozen cauliflower rice OR 1 head of cauliflower riced by food processor

2 C. swiss chard, chopped

1 C. crimini mushrooms, chopped

1 Tbs. grapeseed oil

1 Tsp. garlic powder

1 Tsp. sea salt + extra if needed

2 shakes of cayenne pepper

Directions:

Turn stove up to medium-high heat

Add cauliflower rice and mushrooms

Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over rice and mushrooms

Cook for about 5 minutes

Add in oil, then the swiss chard

Add in garlic, sea salt and cayenne

Cook until soft (about another 3-5 minutes)

Take a taste test to see if you need anymore salt

Turn off heat, serve and enjoy!

Healthy Food Guide: Portland

Well, it’s no secret that Portland is just about the best town there is when it comes to food. We pretty much have anything and everything here. Which also means a lot of healthy options, but also a lot of not so healthy ones.

Below, I’ve put together a list of my favorite healthy places to eat in Portland. And I give major props to this city for gluten-free and vegan options just about anywhere (even bars!).

Best Healthy Breakfast Spots

1. Prasad (Vegan/Gluten-Free Options): Now with two locations, this place is SO good. The Classic Oatmeal or Chili Scramble is a must-try!

2. Kure (Vegan/Gluten-Free Options): This place is another great option at any point during the day. Their juices and smoothies are SO tasty and packed with nutrients. My personal favorite is the Lush Life smoothie. I’ve also heard rave reviews about the Hangover Helper smoothie and that it will help you feel like a different person. I wouldn’t know, I’ve just heard about it… ; )

3. Bob’s Red Mill (Vegan/Gluten-Free Options): Yes, this is at the HQ where they make all of the awesome Bob’s Red Mill products. I personally love the museli and yogurt, but there are loads of options and the food is extremely affordable.

4. Radio Room (Vegan/Gluten-Free Options): Back in my single days, this spot was my favorite place to go on the weekend after a night out. They have a lot of options for carnivores and herbivores, as well as great gluten-free options. My go-to? The Classic Rocker Scramble and the pint Mimosa with blood orange (yes… I repeat… pint!). YUM.

5. Fern Kitchen (Vegan/Gluten-Free Options): Tons of healthy, tasty options and they use all local and organic produce. I love the “Eggs Your Way” with tempeh and New Cascadia toast.

Best Healthy Lunch Spots

1. The Whole Bowl (Vegan/Gluten-Free): I think if I had to eat a single meal for the rest of my life, it might be this. And yes, there is just one bowl on the menu and you can order it “veganized” or “full loaded.” Either way, it is so dang good.

2. Harlow (Vegan/Gluten-Free): This is the sister to Prasad and just as tasty. I love their bowls; specifically the Urban Bowl. I also can’t leave there without ordering their Turmeric Toddy (hot). This place has a lot of space too, so I like to grab my computer and get some work done there from time to time.

3. Jade (Vegan/Gluten-Free Options): Ahhh, this place! I honestly can’t say enough good things about this spot. This place is a unique twist on veitnamese and thai food, but it is so much lighter and healthier than most places. The Minced Chicken dish is my go-to. And you have to order the sweet rice with mango for afterwards. Mmm!

4. Garden Bar (Vegan/Gluten-Free Options): If you are a salad-for-lunch kind of person, this will be your new favorite. The salads on the menu are great, but if you prefer to mix your own, you can do that too. The Bliss-Detox salad is excellent!

5. Cultured Caveman (Paleo): This place is a great spot, especially if you eat a paleo diet! I will warn you, it is pricier than most lunch spots, but well worth it. Make sure to grab some bone broth while you are there. They also have amazing chicken tenders for kiddos!

Best Healthy Dinner Spots

1. Bamboo Sushi (Vegan/Gluten-Free Options): This is actually the first sustainable sushi restaurant in the world and let me just tell you, this spot is never a disappointment. Make sure when you visit, you order everything because everything is so delicious. I also really love their happy hour menu. It’s no wonder this place is so popular!

2. Farm Spirit (Vegan/Gluten-Free): This is a multiple-course dinner place, so you are going to have to reserve your spot and pay ahead of time. But don’t worry, this is totally worth it. You are not only getting incredible food that just so happens to be vegan, you get to enjoy an amazing culinary experience.

3. Andina (Vegan/Gluten-Free Options): Talk about a culinary experience, Andina is just that. I recommend ordering a bunch of tapas to try. My favorites are the Quinoa Con Verduras and the Atun Fusion. They have a lot of fresh and healthy options, which is why I like it there so much. Oh yes, and don’t forget to order a Pico Sour! They are the BEST!

4. Park Kitchen (Vegan/Gluten-Free Options): If you are looking for a great Northwest style cuisine, you won’t be disappointed here. They have plenty of healthy, seasonal options and a great happy hour.

5. Blossoming Lotus (Vegan/Gluten-Free): This place is deeeeelicious. I highly recommend the mac n’ cheese and a slice of raw cheesecake. Everything here is organic and vegan.

6. Higgins (Vegan/Gluten-Free Options): Don’t be misled by the traditional decor; this place is great! It isn’t up there as the hippest spot in Portland, but this is a great, classic Portland restaurant and because of that, it has a lot of charm. They are known for their Northwest cuisine and using locally sourced ingredients. I recommend ordering their seasonal fish dishes.

7. Luc Lac (Vegan/Gluten-Free Options): This place has, hands down, the BEST pho in town. I will just leave it at that!

Best Healthy Bars/Breweries:

1. Sweet Hereafter (Vegan/Gluten-Free): Ahhh, this place is great for a good drink and a vegan meal. Definitely not your typical bar food. My go-to? Old Fashioned with a Jamaican Bowl (ask for a brown rice tortilla on the side to make a burrito out of it).

2. Wilder (Vegan/Gluten-Free Options): I love this place. It has a great date night vibe and the food is super tasty. It is the perfect spot to go if there are vegetarians and/or meat eaters in the group. What to order? Wilder burger and ask for it over polenta. And don’t forget to order one of their craft cocktails. There are so many good options.

3. Ground Breaker (Gluten-Free): This is a 100% gluten-free brewery. It also has some really great healthy food options for all dietary needs!

4. Bye & Bye (Vegan/Gluten-Free): I like to head here with a large group of friends. The food is super tasty, they have great vegan/gluten-free options, and the drinks are always strong. My drink of choice: Lefty’s Prayer. Food pick: Brussel bowl.

5. Interurban (Vegetarian/Gluten-Free): This is one of my favorite bars in Portland. They have the best old-fashioned’s and such great food. You can find a lighter meal here or a heavier one; either way, your belly will be happy : )

Best Dessert Spots:

1. Back to Eden (Vegan/Gluten-Free): This is my absolute favorite dessert spot in Portland. No matter what your food sensitivity might be, they have a dessert for you! My favorite? The dairy free yogurt in a gluten-free waffle cone.

2. Eb and Bean (Vegan/Gluten-Free Options): You will not be disappointed here. This is an organic yogurt spot that also has some great dairy-free options.

3. Petunias (Vegan/Gluten-Free): This bakery is completely vegan and gluten-free, and is my go-to for office treats, birthday treats, etc. Their black and white cake is out of this world!

I am always on the search for new, healthy places to indulge. I will keep this list updated as I find new places. And as always, please share your favorites with me!

Watermelon, Arugula & Feta Summer Salad

I love mixing watermelon in salads during the summer. I know it might sound a little strange, but once you try it, I can assure you that you will like it! This particular salad is inspired by one of my favorite chef’s, Ina Garten, and is one of my go-to side dishes for summer parties. In fact, when I’m trying to make a sure-bet dish, I always turn Ina; she really is the best.

Watermelon, Arugula and Feta Summer Salad

6 C. arugula
2 C. seedless watermelon (diced in cubes)
1 C. crumbled feta
1 C. chopped mint leaves

For the dressing:

1/4 C. fresh squeezed orange juice
1/4 C. fresh squeezed lemon juice
1/2 C. olive oil
1/4 C. minced shallots
1 tbs. honey
1 tsp. coarse sea salt
1/2 tsp. ground black pepper

Directions

In a medium size bowl, whisk together the orange juice, lemon juice, oil, shallots, honey, salt, and pepper.

Place the arugula, watermelon, feta, and mint in a large bowl. Add in dressing (enough to coat the salad lightly). Add in extra sea salt or pepper if needed.

Enjoy!

High Protein Egg Muffins (With Arugula, Feta and Quinoa)

Recently, I have been putting some major effort into getting back in shape. It only took about a year and half to find the motivation after Parker was born, but HEY, gotta start somewhere. To be honest, I have actually really enjoyed the last year and a half of being relaxed about what I ate and a lot more lenient with working out. But, since I’ve got a lot of awesome things coming up (and some that might require a lot more photos of myself), I realize that I want to put some time into my body before that all happens.

Plus, summer.

With that said, I have been working on a plan with a trainer (which I will go into more details about later). My schedule is a bit crazy so I have been having to do more home workouts; but I’ve been working out 4-5 times a week. And as for my meals – I’m trying to keep everything in balance (protein- carbs- fats) for my personal body type and goals, which requires a lot of preparation. The hardest part for me is upping my protein count without a starch based protein (like beans, sweet potatoes, etc) and having to eat 5 times a day- it’s easy to run out of ideas!

These egg muffins however, have been a lifesaver! And even better, Parker LOVES them. They are packed with nutrients, simple to make and a perfect ratio of protein, carbs and fats. I like them as a snack or for a quick breakfast.

High Protein Egg Muffins

3 eggs

1 C. egg whites

2 Tbs. plain almond milk (or regular organic milk)

1 C. cooked quinoa

1 C. arugula

1/2 C. feta

1/2 C. chopped mushrooms

1/4 C. chives

sea salt + pepper to taste

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees
In a mixing bowl, combine the egg whites, eggs, milk and some salt and pepper (whisk well and set aside)
Spray muffin tins with oil (about 9)
Stuff the arugula, mushrooms, and chives evenly into each tin (not too full)
Add about a tablespoon of quinoa into each tin (over the veggies)
Then, sprinkle some feta on top of the mixture in each tin
(Alternatively, you can mix together all of the ingredients excluding the egg mixture, together in a bowl before placing them into the tin)
Gently mix together the ingredients in each tin
Divide and pour in egg mixture evenly over all 9 tins (filling just barely to the top)
Cook for about 20-30 minutes.

Enjoy!!

Two-Ingredient Banana Oat Toddler Cookies

I know how easy it is to reach for pre-packaged food when you have a little one. I even try and grab the healthiest brands I know for my little guy, but I still would rather give him something healthier and homemade.

So, allow me to introduce to you our new favorite:

Two-ingredient cookies.

These are ridiculously simple, healthy, tasty and perfect for your little one. I also spent about, hmmm, 3 minutes prepping these? Yep.

Two-Ingredient Banana Oat Toddler Cookies

makes about 10

2 large bananas

2 cups oats

Optional ingredients:

Pinch of sea salt

Vanilla

Cinnamon

Chocolate Chips

Raisins

Coconut

Pecans

Cranberries

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F

Place bananas and oats in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth

Add in any optional ingredients (I add sea salt, cinnamon, chocolate chips and vanilla)

Spray baking sheet with nonstick spray

Drop about a tablespoon of batter per cookie onto cookie sheet; flatten a bit with a spoon

Bake for about 10-12 minutes

Remove from oven, allow to cool and ENJOY!