All posts tagged: eating healthy

Five Things That Grabbed My Attention This Morning

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As I ‘mature’ I realize I’m developing a sense of calmness when dealing with everyday life. Now, don’t get me wrong, I do need to vent here and there, well mostly after enduring a situation for a long period of time, I need to let it all out, but not as emotionally as I used to. I realize as I type this, that with maturity, there will also come a time, where I see myself not even venting anymore. Instead, simply shaking my heading and carrying on. Until then, I am simply sharing a few things that have grabbed my attention this morning and wanted to know your take on them.

Zucchini Muffins Kind of Day

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I watched a movie on the Hallmark channel last night – where the perfect single mother bakes zucchini muffins for a road trip to drive her perfect daughter from Los Angeles to Oregon, where she would be attending college. Cute movie, great chemistry among the characters Amy and Noah, and perhaps it is one of the only films from Hallmark where there is actual sexual tension portrayed between the characters. So, besides the chemistry, all I could focus on was the zucchini muffins. Funny how things work on the ‘interweb’, because all of a sudden this recipe popped up across my screen and naturally, since it’s all gluten-free, I decide to bake them over the weekend and…share with all of you right here: INGREDIENTS 1 cup grated zucchini (about 1 medium/large) 2 eggs 1/3 cup olive oil (or avocado oil or coconut oil) 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract 1 tsp. apple cider vinegar 1/4 cup buttermilk or plain yogurt 3/4 cup almond flour 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (or superfine rice flour) 1/2 tsp. baking soda 1/2 …

Food: Fall Harvest Salad

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Oh the delight of cooking with seasonal fresh ingredients and the idea of Superfoods, or mostly plant-based, which I am testing out recently is the inspiration for tonight’s dinner. INGREDIENTS 2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil 1 small butternut squash, halved, peeled, and cut into 1/4 inch half circles 2 tablespoons honey 1/2 cup raw pepitas 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1 head kale, shredded 4 cups shredded brussels sprouts arils from 1 pomegranate 4-6 fresh figs (optional) 1/2 cup shredded gouda cheese  {no cheese for me or feta if you twist my arm dear family} POMEGRANATE VINAIGRETTE 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil 1 shallot, thinly sliced 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage 1/4 cup pomegranate juice 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar 2 tablespoons honey kosher salt and black pepper 1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes {more} {featured image source} In case you are also wondering what to watch on television tonight – here’s a couple of suggestions now streaming on Amazon Prime or otherwise. 

Food: Dinner Tonight – Salad with Chickpea, Corn, Tomato, Avocado

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Ingredients that go way back in my culture, are now coming to light – in all sorts of ways. But the only difference in this case, is that we used to eat roasted lightly salted chickpeas as a snack (instead of candy) and never have considered it in salad. 🙂 So, since I am on the verge of converting to plant-based ‘not-diet’ – I figured I’d give this salad a try – with the feta cheese. Because…I have trouble letting-go of cheese. INGREDIENTS 1/2 cup fresh basil, roughly chopped 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, and or parsley, roughly chopped 1 tablespoon fresh chopped chives 1 can (14 ounce) chickpeas, drained 4 ears grilled or steamed corn, kernels removed 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved 2 Persian cucumbers, diced 1 cup cubed feta cheese 1 avocado, diced SHALLOT VINAIGRETTE 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil 1 shallot, finely chopped 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice + the zest of 1 lemon 2 teaspoons honey 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar 1 pinch crushed red peppers flakes kosher salt and black pepper {more} On another note, what films have you seen lately and recommend? yes, I did go..and..see…Hobbs and Shaw

Food: Dinner Tonight – Coconut Cauliflower Over Rice

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This past week was a bit all-beef and not much veggies – due to some unexpected lunch and dinner invites. Also, I was actually only craving beef so it all worked out.  But today I’m aiming for a veggie dish – Indian Coconut butter cauliflower over rice less the butter? according to the recipe below. Either way it seems so delicious and I can’t wait to make it – after running to the grocers to get the curry powder or simply do without. Since I do believe skipping a few ingredients is perfectly fine. INGREDIENTS 1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets 2 1/3 cups canned full fat coconut milk 4 cloves garlic, minced or grated 2 inches fresh ginger, grated kosher salt and black pepper 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 1/2 yellow onion, chopped 1 tablespoon garam masala 2 teaspoons yellow curry powder 1/2 teaspoon turmeric 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper ,more or less to taste 1 can (6 ounce) tomato paste 2 tablespoons coconut oil 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped steamed rice and naan, for serving {more} I love naan bread – don’t you? I normally either order for pick up from my favorite neighborhood Indian cuisine …

Food: Dinner Tonight – Fried Eggs and Beans

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Since I landed on Sunday evening a bit tired and ready to just be with my dog, I didn’t get a chance to grocery shop for this week. So, I did a quick peek into the refrigerator and decided there will be fried eggs over beans, and freshly or homemade Pico de gallo sauce, feta cheese, and sliced Avocado on a bed of spinach. Something similar to this  – just in case you crave a step-by-step recipe to follow: Ingredients 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil 4 cloves garlic, minced 1/2 onion, chopped 1 red or yellow bell pepper, chopped 1/2 head kale, ribs removed and leaves torn or chopped 1/2 cup pico de gallo kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper 4 large eggs 1/3 cup crumbled cotija or feta toppings: sliced avocado, cilantro, hemp or pumpkin seeds, tortilla chips {more} {featured image source and recipe| On another note – Possible spoiler alert for some – what was your take on last week’s GOT (episode 3) – an entire hour being on edge only for …

Food: Dinner Tonight – Cajun Steak

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Had a flank steak in the freezer and wanted to try something different then the norm – my own simple spices, garlic, butter, seared in wine and voila dinner is served. Except, tonight I wanted to step-it up a notch – in terms of spices and style of cooking – although as I read this recipe, I realize it is very similar to my usual.  I am siding this dish with a leafy salad tossed with olive oil and lemon juice. Voila! for this nights dinner. INGREDIENTS 1 1/2 pounds beef tenderloin or flank steak, cut into 1 inch cubes 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves, plus additional thyme for serving 1 tablespoon smoked paprika 2 teaspoons chili powder 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon onion powder 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, more or less to taste kosher salt and black pepper 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 3 bell peppers, sliced 4 tablespoons salted butter 3 cloves garlic, minced or grated juice from 1 lemon 3 cups steamed rice, for serving 1 avocado, sliced fresh herbs such as basil, cilantro, and or mint {more} Off topic – I have been debating on selling my photographs – not sure yet, but …

Food: Dinner Tonight – Sticky Korean Chicken

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It is Friday. I’ve managed to complete most everything on my to-do list this week, leaving (intentionally) a few minor items for next week – in an effort to lessen the anxiety I feel when I think I must do more and then some more. One of those things was that  I finished watching Amazon Prime– Marvelous Mrs. Maisel season two – and I have to say, the show thus far is fascinating in every sense of the word – from entertainment, content, decor and naturally the fashion – best yet since Mad Men.  Which I will be discussing more about over the weekend but for now, here’s what I am aiming to make for dinner tonight, serving it up with a bottle of lite beer – yes you read right – beer is the only go with sticky Korean chicken. INGREDIENTS 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce or tamari 1/4 cup honey 1-2 tablespoons Gochujang (Korean chili paste) 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil 1 inch fresh ginger, grated 2 cloves garlic, grated 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts steamed white rice, for serving 1 cup kimchi 1 mango, sliced toasted sesame …

Food: Dinner Tonight – Fall Salad, You Bring The Squash

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I found this recipe a few days ago, and immediately thought, why settle for roasted pumpkin as suggested in the ingredients? Instead, I prefer butternut squash or Acorn? I prefer the taste of roasted Acorn over pumpkin any day. But you are more than welcome to try any squash your heart desires.  You know, in case, like me, you are craving a light dinner tonight: Ingredients For the baked pumpkin 800 g (1.7 lb) of Mantua pumpkin or butternut squash 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil 1 teaspoon of salt Nutmeg Black pepper For the salad 100 g (3.5 oz) of rocket ⅓ cup of shaved Parmigiano Reggiano 2 tablespoons of black olives pitted 2 tablespoons of pine nuts toasted For the vinaigrette 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil 1 tablespoon of aceto balsamico 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar Zest of ½ an organic lemon grated Salt Black pepper  {more} For your reference

Food: Dinner Tonight – Shrimp Cobb Salad

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San Francisco’s Indian summer temps are in full swing this week. Which mean, we can shift our meals to salads, rather than the hearty comfort food we crave during our cold summer months.  Last night, while ordering Chicken cobb salad at one of my favorite restaurants, I realized, I wanted the same thing for dinner tonight – except I aim to swap out the chicken for shrimp, with a few ingredients I am switching up not because of keto, but rather a seasonal thing. This recipe is fine the way it is: INGREDIENTS 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 1 1/2 pounds shrimp, peeled and deveined 2 teaspoons chipotle chili powder 1 teaspoon ground cumin Kosher salt 6 cups fresh greens, such as romaine 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved 1 peach or nectarine, thinly sliced   {since peach is out of season, try adding tart green apples} 4 ounces feta cheese crumbled 1 avocado, sliced 6 strips crispy bacon, crumbled 4 hard boiled eggs, sliced JALAPEÑO CORN VINAIGRETTE 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil juice of 2 limes 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar 1 tablespoon honey  {omit not really necessary} 1 jalapeño, seeded if desired 1/4 cup fresh cilantro 1 pinch kosher salt 1/2 cup fresh corn …