All posts filed under: healthy foods

Food: No Carb, No Sugar Avocado Smoothie

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I’ve been on this plan since April 2nd and I have to say, I am proud of myself for not falling off the wagon. Meaning, ordering chili fries and beer, or the need to munch through a large bag of skittles just because it is forbidden on this healthy eating plan. I can actually look at rice, or potatoes just to name a few, or sit through a meal with friends eating starchy foods and be okay.  So I guess my body has adjusted – hopefully well into the rest of the year. This morning, after eating two eggs in scramble, or boiled, every morning past, I decided to try this smoothie, even though I had a tough time thinking avocado to be a tasty option in smoothies – but it was fine and a great alternative to the usual eggs and bacon option. Ingredients 1/2 avocado (3-4 oz) 3/4 cup full – fat coconut milk (from a can) 1/4 cup almond milk 1 tsp fresh grated ginger (about 1/2 inch piece) 1/2 tsp turmeric 1 tsp lemon or lime juice (or more to taste) 1 cup crushed ice …

Food: Healthy Nachos Alternative

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Two weeks into this healthy eating plan – no sugar, no carbs – I find myself having a withdrawals here and there, or maybe its my mind playing tricks on me. But today I woke up craving Nachos, knowing very well the typical tortilla chips included in the recipe is not a smart idea when aiming to wean myself off all things carb-heavy. So naturally the first thing on my list today was to find an alternative to the traditional tortilla chips and aim to make the healthier version of one of my favorite meals/snacks/comfort foods for dinner tonight.  I’ll let you know how it goes, unless of course you’ve tried this recipe and can share your experience with us here. Ingredients Fat Head Tortilla Chips 170 g pre-shredded/grated mozzarella 85 g almond meal/flour 2 tbsp cream cheese 1 egg salt to taste 1 tsp cumin powder 1 tsp coriander/cilantro powder pinch chilli powder Nacho Meat Sauce 1 red onion diced 500 g ground/mince beef 400 g tinned/canned tomatoes diced 1/2 tsp chilli powder, or to taste 1 tbsp tomato paste Topping Options guacamole salsa shredded/grated cheese sour cream jalapeños

Lifestyle: No Carb, No Sugar Plan

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April fools day, I began a lifestyle change – in terms of eating better. Meaning, I don’t want to diet, or order a meal plan to follow. I simply decided to cut out carbs and sugar as much as possible from my daily meals. I have to tell you, it is day 9 and I feel pretty determined to go on, even when I am craving sugar like nobody’s business.  I also want to report that I’ve been a little grouchy, call it having withdrawals, but I know in the long run this is going to help me. At least I hope in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Last night I was craving a fat dessert, and opted to drink two bottles of water instead. Which helped. But today, I decided to make a list of desserts that are good to keep in mind  – for the just in case.  

Food: Dinner Tonight – Pesto, Asparagus, ricotta, prosciutto pasta on the spicy side

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Love a spicy kick to my meals and this pasta is going to be made for dinner tonight – with a bottle of my favorite chilled white Merlot wine. INGREDIENTS 4 ounces thinly sliced prosciutto 1 pound long cut pasta 1 bunch asparagus, ends trimmed and chopped 1 cup basil pesto, homemade or store bought 1 jalapeño, seeded, if desired, and chopped 3/4 cup whole milk ricotta cheese zest and juice of 1 lemon kosher salt and pepper 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives grated parmesan, for serving {more}

Food: Dinner Tonight – Roasted Cauliflower and Halloumi Cheese Tacos

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Last March I visited a friend in England and she introduced me to Halloumi cheese dish served in a Mediterranean restaurant in London. Since then I have included this amazing cheese in salads, and simply served fried with a bit of tomato sauce for dipping – kind of like mozzarella sticks in a restaurant without the batter.  You see the cheese has the best elasticity and even melted holds together very well – so you can actually use it in variety of appetizers and as a side dish. So, guess what happened to me when I saw this recipe for roasted Cauliflower and Halloumi cheese tacos!!!!!!!!!  With a beer of your choice to wash it down of course. My mouth is watering as I settle into my kitchen to duplicate the recipe: INGREDIENTS 1 large, or 2 small, heads cauliflower, cut into florets 2 tablespoons sesame or olive oil 2 teaspoons smoked paprika 1 teaspoon chili powder 1 teaspoon cumin 1 teaspoon kosher salt and pepper 1 (14 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed 8 ounces halloumi cheese, sliced 1 cucumber or zucchini, shredded SPICY AVOCADO BASIL GUACAMOLE 1 avocado, halved …

Food: Dinner Tonight – Chicken, Lemon Butter and Orzo

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I love cooking or coming up with a different take on the same old protein. And for tonight, I am tasting lemony chicken, and this recipe will do the trick. INGREDIENTS 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 1 pound chicken breasts or small thighs kosher salt and pepper 1 Meyer lemon, sliced 2 tablespoons butter 1 clove garlic, minced or grated 1 cup orzo pasta 1/3 cup white wine 2 1/2 cups low sodium chicken broth 1/2 a bunch kale, roughly torn zest + juice of 1 lemon 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill {more}

Food: There Is Actually 43 Cauliflower Recipes?

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Cauliflower is the best tasting vegetable but it is an acquired taste or takes time acquiring the taste for it.  While growing up in a Mediterrean home – my family used to simply saute the cauliflower in olive oil and sprinkle a dash of sea salt  and black pepper and voila – the best snack ever. I used to eat an entire cauliflower in one sitting – not too smart – but that’s how much I love(d) it. So you can imagine my excitement when I saw this article about 43 cauliflower recipes to choose from: I mean you get the picture(s) – for the rest go here

Food: Anti-Inflammatory or Bust

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I do appreciate these articles – about what to do and not in terms of taking care of different ailments. Although I am going to share with you the suggested anti-inflammatory list of foods to consider, I do have to warn you – that some of these foods can contribute to bloating, food/spice  allergies or gluten related complications. So, approach the suggestions with care or mindfulness: You might also find this interesting: How To Easily Remove skin tags

Food: Dinner Tonight – White Bean Burger

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I’ll try any veggie burger, at least once, and this one is something the entire clan appreciated a few weeks ago, so I decided to share it here, in case variety in veggie meals is something you need right about now. Sure it’s a bit of work, but make the slaw and aoli the day before or save it all for a lazy Saturday afternoon at home: WHITE BEAN BURGERS WITH FENNEL SLAW   INGREDIENTS – FOR THE BURGERS 2 cloves garlic zest from 1/2 lemon 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes 1 tablespoon ground flax seeds 1/4 cup chickpea flour 1 15oz can navy beans, drained and rinsed 1/4 cup parsley oil for frying FOR THE SLAW 1 bulb fennel, thinly sliced 1 tablespoon olive oil juice form 1/2 lemon salt and pepper to taste FOR THE CAPER AOLI 1/4 cup capers, roughly chopped 1 clove garlic, minced 1 teaspoon honey 1/2 cup mayonnaise 1/2 teaspoon black pepper {more}

Food: Dinner Tonight – Salmon Burger

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Variation is key to a successful dinner get-together – even for a busy family – who sometimes can’t sit down together for a proper meal. I say, create a menu and put it on display in the kitchen and see just how quickly everyone shifts their schedules around to be present for dinner. Here’s one I’m making tonight. I love Salmon burger and most of the time I order it in restaurants, thinking I can’t make it happen at home. But…this recipe has helped me get over my insecurity about making Salmon burgers: INGREDIENTS FOR THE SALMON BURGERS 1 8-ounce salmon fillet 1 teaspoon salt freshly cracked black pepper 2 stalks lemongrass 1/2 inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled zest and juice from 1 lime 1/4 cup + 1 tablespoon mayonnaise 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes 3 tablespoons ground flax 3 tablespoons oil FOR THE PICKLED CUCUMBER 1/2 cup rice vinegar 1/2 cup water 1 tablespoon coriander seeds 1 tablespoon peppercorns 1 tablespoon honey 1 cucumber, ribboned 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced FOR THE CILANTRO …