All posts filed under: healthy habits

Food: Dinner Tonight – Roasted Chicken and Burrata

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Here’s what’s happening this week – I have family in town. Which means, there is no deciding or organizing any meal at home. Everything is decided last minute and meals are consumed at any number of wonderful eateries around the city-San Francisco.  Except tonight – where I am left on my own and the meal I prepare will be a healthier variation to the mostly overly salty meals I’ve been having each night since last Thursday.   By the way, this is also the explanation for my lack of posts. I will be on track next week for sure. So, here’s what I’ll be switching up to take my dietary needs into consideration ORIGINAL INGREDIENTS – RECIPE 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (skin on or off, I prefer skin off)  – {sticking to chicken breast, not a fan of thighs} 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 2 tablespoons fresh chopped thyme, plus more for serving 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper kosher salt and pepper 1/4 cup all-purpose flour   {Not adding any flour} 4 …

Food: Dinner Tonight – Grilled Zucchini all around

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So excited to report that I found yet another recipe that I can keep as is for the FAM, and also add my own twist to make it Keto-friendly for me. Here’s what I am thinking: ORIGINAL INGREDIENTS 1 cup dry orzo pasta    ***instead I will use ground chicken sausage – remove skin and saute with a touch of butter – or lots of butter – I usually use Ghee or Grass-fed 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar 1 tablespoon fresh chopped oregano 1 clove garlic, minced or grated kosher salt and pepper 1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes 1 cup cubed feta cheese   ***or Parmesan if you aren’t a fan of feta 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved 3 zucchini or yellow summer squash, halved  *** sticking to only green zucchini for the calorie count and carbs kosher salt and pepper 1/4 cup basil pesto   {MORE} And because this variation is delicious, I am making it for the entire family rather than the orzo pasta option for them. {image and recipe source}

Food: Dinner Tonight – Spinach and Artichoke Melt – Two Ways

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Sorry to keep opening most of my food posts with this – but in my household there is me following Keto, and others who don’t really want to (yet), so I have to be mindful when announcing our dinner menu. Although really, I seldom announce it, I just make it – one meal, two ways so no one feels left out. This morning I searched for a cheesy, gooey recipe since the crazy cold weather in San Francisco is making me crave comfort foods – and this is what I came across to tweak a portion for my dietary needs: INGREDIENTS 1 tablespoon butter 1 clove garlic minced or grated 1 tablespoon flour  * I usually omit the flour – no need for it really, the cheese is enough thickening ingredient.  1/2 cup milk (I used 2% but whatever you have will be fine)   * I replaced with almond milk or coconut milk for entire meal 1 ounce cream cheese 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese 1/2 cup greek yogurt I used 0% 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional 1/2 teaspoon pepper 1/2 cup frozen chopped spinach thawed, about 5 ounces 1 (8 ounce) jar grilled artichoke hearts or …

Lifestyle: Four Day Workweek to Gender-Neutral Parenting

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Sunday morning, although time is flying by in a blink of an eye, is one of my favorite days of the week. Where I can simply stay in bed and read, with my favorite companion curled up next to me, or get up and have a cup of coffee, while pondering life in a good way and sharing topics of interest with all of you. That’s what Sundays are for – at least for me.   {featured image source}

Health and Beauty: Sugar and Carbs Explained

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Since Keto, I have made a conscious effort to cut down on carbs and sugar. Meaning to say, that some days, especially when I feel overwhelmed or stressed, I crave nothing but French fries and a box of chocolate. So, I attempt to alleviate the stress and talk myself out of indulging in the cravings in large quantities. What can I say, I am human and although very disciplined in how I live my life, sometimes do ‘fall of the wagon’. But just to help understand the damaging effect of sugar or carbs for those of us suffering from all sorts of issues – weight gain, bloating, digestive problems, diabetes, and/or allergies, I have listed excerpt from an article I found here. Fruits: A favorable choice over a candy bar – any day – but… if you are overweight, fruit is not your friend  Fruit should be an occasional treat, nature’s dessert, but do not count fruit, fruit juice, dried fruit or fruit pouches as equivalent to vegetables. Fruit is packed with nutrients – well, not …

Food: Summer After Dinner Treat

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I get it – some parts of the bay area as well as cities around the world – the weather is warming up. Not so much in San Francisco – as you may or not know – we experience winter-like weather during the summer months here and actually the locals wear coats, and ankle boots and sometimes even woolly scarves. Not exaggerating. But if you happen to be in a much warmer climate and crave a dessert now and again – the healthier version that is – consider this refreshing recipe: INGREDIENTS: 12 oz mixed frozen organic berries 1 Tbsp lucuma 1 Tbsp cold-pressed sunflower lecithin powder (hexane-free) 2 Tbsp hemp seeds 1 Tbsp goji berries 4 dropperfuls Dragon Herbs goji & schizandra drops ½ tsp pearl powder 1 tsp tremella powder 1 Tbsp grass-fed ghee 1 Tbsp C-8 caprylic acid MCT oil 1 dropperful liquid stevia DIRECTIONS: Blend all ingredients on high while strongly pounding with the VitaMix plunger until smooth. Enjoy! {more}

Food: Dinner Tonight – Garlic Shrimp with Honey Drizzle

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Although I am following a no-carb no sugar diet, I have to consider the family when preparing dinner – Meaning to clarify – a dish where I can leave out the carbs and enjoy the key parts of the meal to feed my dietary needs. Like this amazing recipe I found here: In this case I simply eat the shrimp and avocado, and pass up on the rice, beans and just maybe have two slices of the plantain or maybe not (I need to be good) INGREDIENTS 1 pound raw tail on shrimp 1/4 cup olive oil 2 tablespoons honey 4-6 cloves garlic finely minced or grated (I like using around 4) 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger 2 jalapenos seeded + chopped 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (use less for less heat maybe 1/4-1/2 teaspoon) 1 teaspoon cumin 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped 4 tablespoons butter 1/4 cup canned coconut milk 2 tablespoons fresh basil chopped + more fore serving kosher salt + pepper steamed white rice + black beans + sliced avocado for serving FRIED PLANTAINS 4 inch yellow plantains sliced into 1/2 rounds oil for frying flaky sea salt {more}

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 …

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.  

How I’ve Stopped Feeling Guilty About Drinking Beer

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While in France, I noticed the women ordering a cold tall glass of beer in the afternoons, rather than coffee at a sidewalk cafe and sip while catching up on gossip, I can only imagine, since I have no idea what they are talking about, in French. I was impressed and confused at the trend, because I was always under the impression beer was fattening and not good for you. Recently, I’ve craved beer with every meal but for the life of me could not figure out as to why. But remembering the French women, and the fact, my body seems to know what is good for me I guess, I decided to do some research and here’s what I discovered – 7 backed by science reasons that beer is good for you. So no more guilty feelings, beer has now become my choice of drink: BEER APPARENTLY CONTRIBUTES TO OUR DAILY NUTRIENT INTAKE IT MAY LOWER YOUR RISK OF DIABETES IT MAY MAKE YOUR HEART HEALTHIER IT MAY BUILD STRONGER BONES IT MAY BOOST …