Happy Baby Bowl

Hi There,

I’ve been having to eat very mindfully lately. Breastfeeding a 3 month old (She’s getting so big!) little girl has me constantly thinking about what I am putting into my body.

I find myself eating the same things over and over again because I know these certain foods don’t make her fuzzy. Hopefully we will get into a nice routine soon where I can experiment with more ingredients, but for now this Happy Baby Bowl is officially my magic potion.

Luckily, it taste freaking amazing so feel free to make it even if you aren’t a breastfeeding mama like me. 🙂

Happy Baby Bowl

• 1 cup chocolate almond milk
• 1 tablespoon peanut butter
• 1 frozen banana
• 1/2 cup frozen strawberries
• ground flaxseeds

Add all the ingredients into a blender. Blend until smooth. Enjoy!

 

Raspberry Peanut Butter Surprize Smoothie

The days are counting down until my little baby girl arrives. Her furniture is assembled, her clothes are washed and her stuffed animals are patiently waiting to be squeezed and loved. I am waiting (not so patiently) to meet her, hold her and just stare at her little face.

At this point in pregnany it feels as if time starts to slow down. Every day feels longer than the last and the fact that any moment labor could begin is exciting and terrifying all at the same time. It’s also much harder to do yoga simply because my belly is in the way and movement in general is a bit more challenging. Walking however, has been a new healer of mine. I highly recommend it to women in their third trimester if your back allows it.

Walking is incredibly relaxing. It’s a great time to pop on your favorite playlist, podcast or audio book and just go. Take new routes overtime to keep yourself inspired and stimulated and take your time, there’s no rush to get anywhere.

With all my walking, I’ve also picked up a habit of smoothie bowls after each walk to replenish on nutrients and to cool off my body. I came up with this Raspberry Peanut Butter Surprise yesterday and I know it will become a regular around my house for now on. It’s creamy, sweet and a bit salty and a great smoothie to pair with your favorite granola.

I hope you enjoy it as much as I have. 🙂

Raspberry Peanut Butter Surprize Smoothie 

• 1 cup almond milk (or any milk)
• 1 banana (frozen or not)
• 1/2 cup frozen raspberries
• 1 apple
• 1 tablespoon peanut butter (preferably natural)

Blend all ingredients until smooth. Smoothie Tip: The longer you blend, the smoother the smoothie. 😉

Spice Of Life Bowl

Life can really get away from us sometimes.

We get caught up in our routines and the safety they hold for us and we forget sometimes to try new things or take a few risks. This week, my husband and I are packing to move into a new apartment so we can have an extra bedroom for our soon to be little girl.

The apartment that we are moving out of was our first apartment we lived in together alone. We have been here for 5 years. We have transitioned from a relationship, to engaged, to married all within these walls.

We have honestly grown into adults here too and have learned how to be the best parts of ourselves for each other. We have argued, loved, screamed, cuddled, cried and danced here. We have built the family we are about to become within this small NYC space right here and it’s has made us better people.

This part of our lives has served it’s purpose, this apartment has held us and supported us and now it’s time to move forward to a new chapter and let this new part of our lives build.

It’s funny how much a space can hold a part of your heart but no matter how much I want to stay in my comfort zone, I know it is time to once again move forward.

So here we go. Boxes packed, tears wiped, goodbyes said. To the next step and to believing enough to take it on whole heartedly.

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For my last recipe post here I wanted a lot of spice because spice is risk taking, so be warned this is hot! 🙂

Spice Of Life Bowl

Serves 1

• 1 cup of brown rice, cooked
• 1 plum tomato, chopped
• 1 jalapeño, chopped (Keep seed in for more heat, remove for less)
• 1/2 avocado, chopped
• 1 lime
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Mix brown rice, tomato, jalapeño and avocado together in a small bowl. Top with the juice of one lime and olive oil. To spicy? Add some hummus to cool down the heat. xo

 

5 Minute Spicy Sweet Potato Hash

Oh how I love summer. All the fresh and light ingredients that give you all the energy you need to tackle a hot day. I’ve been meaning to make a sweet potato hash for a while now and today I had a sweet potato and some random ingredients in the fridge so I created this spicy colorful variation that only takes 5 minutes to make.

If you don’t like spice you can always just omit the cayenne pepper. Don’t worry, it will still taste amazing. So get creating, what are you waiting for?!!

5 Minute Spicy Sweet Potato Hash

serves 1

• 1 sweet potato, cut into even cubes
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper, ground
• salt & pepper
• 8 red onion slices, leave rounded
• 1/4 cup zucchini, cut into cubes
• The corn off of one cob
• 1/2 an avocado, cut into cubs
• olive oil and cooking oil (sesame, grape seed, or coconut)

Place a medium size skillet on medium high heat. Add cooking oil (I used grape seed oil), sweet potatoes, cayenne, salt and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes, toss and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Once the 4 minutes is up and the sweet potatoes are slightly brown, add the onion, zucchini and corn. Toss and cook for 1 more minute. Transfer to a bowl, top with avocado and some olive oil. Enjoy!

5 First Trimester Do’s and Don’ts.

Well, If you didn’t figure it out from the title of this post or from the picture above yet… I’m Pregnant!

Yup, that’s right I’ve got a baby girl growing inside of me and I’m extremely excited about it.

Something you also might have noticed is that this is my first post in a month or so and that’s because pregnancy has been kicking my ass.

I am currently 4 months along and for the first 3 1/2 I thought I was dying, everyday. Morning sickness? Try all day, everyday, sickness. Not to mention the exhaustion. Did I just get hit by a truck? No, no I’m just pregnant… ;/

The truth is, for some of us pregnancy is pretty tough and all those remedies people try to say will help, well they really don’t help at all.

The only cure for feeling like crap during pregnancy is time. You just have to wait it out and I’m actually one of the lucky ones. My sickness only lasted through the first trimester, for some women it can last throughout the entire pregnancy…(AHHH!!!)

But hey, I’m not complaining, I know it’s all worth it in the end. But what I am saying is that if you’re pregnant, you’re not alone. And below I’ve got some things that I hope will help you through this crazy first trimester.

Here are 5 Do’s and Don’ts I’ve learned thus far. 🙂

5 First Trimester Do’s and Don’ts

1. Do move your body, Don ‘t become a couch potato. The first trimester can be very exhausting and moving your body might be the last thing you want to do. But believe me this, your second trimester will thank you for keeping your body moving when you can. If doing your regular movement routines seems like too much, try walking. Walking not only gets your blood circulating but it also gives you time to get some fresh air. I know it’s easy to lay on the couch and cocoon yourself, but your body needs rest and movement. Find a good balance.

2. Do eat when you’re hungry, Don’t eat for two. It’s very easy to get into the mindset of eating for two the moment you find out you are pregnant but the truth is you are never really eating for two. In the first trimester you only have to eat 150 extra calories a day. That’s a small yogurt, not an extra cheeseburger. Keep in mind that you should eat when you are hungry, but don’t let your mind trick you into eating large amounts of food that you and your baby just don’t need. Also, try to eat REAL food, apples with nut butter, veggies with hummus or a homemade smoothie. Real food has real nutrients, feed your baby great food.

3. Do drink a lot of water, Don’t leave home without it. One of the first symptoms of being pregnant is dry mouth. Hydration is very important during pregnancy so buy a water jug and keep it on you always. If you are working out, remember to drink plenty of water to hydrate before and after.

4, Do explore different prenatal vitamins, Don’t settle for the first one the doctor gives you.  One of the best changes I made during my first trimester was switching prenatal vitamins. I didn’t realize it immediately but my prenatal was one of the things contributing to my sickness. I recommend trying a chewable vitamin like Smarty Pants Prenatal Vitamins, not only is this company one of my favorites for their mission, but their vitamins taste amazing as well!!

5. Do sleep more, Don’t try to overdo it. You are literally making a human. That means your body is working hard 24/7 and that’s why you feel so freaking tired all the time. When you need to rest, REST! Don’t feel bad about it, give your body what it needs. 🙂

 

Savory Spinach Pancakes Stuffed with Quinoa & Feta

This super moist and fluffy spinach pancake is great for any time of day. Feel free to experiment with other fillings!

Savory Spinach Pancakes Stuffed with Quinoa & Feta

• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup cottage cheese
• 1/2 cup oats
• 1/4 cup almond milk
• 1/2 cup spinach
• 1 tsp. garlic powder
• 1/4 cup red quinoa, cooked
• feta
• coconut oil

In a blender combine in order, egg, cottage cheese, oats, almond milk and spinach. Blend until smooth, mixture will be thinner then normal pancake batter. Heat a large skillet to medium heat, grease skillet with coconut oil.

Pour pancakes mixture into skillet cooking for about 3 minutes or until bottom is slightly golden brown. Carefully flip pancake and cook for an additional 3 minutes on other side. Once pancake is cooked through, transfer it to a plate, coat one half with quinoa and feta and flip the other side on top to create more of a quesadilla. Feel free to top with a drizzle of olive oil. 🙂

Morning Bliss Bowl

This is the perfect morning bowl. It leaves you feeling energized, satisfied and clear. 🙂

Morning Bliss Bowl

• 1 cup almond milk
• 1 frozen banana
• 1 pack Acai + Guarana
• 1 apple
• 10 blueberries
• handful of spinach
• hemp
• chia seeds
• flax seeds
• Toppings: blueberries, strawberries & Granola

Blend all ingredients together until smooth. Top with toppings and enjoy!

Simple Spaghetti Squash

Spaghetti squash is one of my favorite winter dinner dishes. It’s really simple to prepare and is a great way to add some extra veggies into your meals.

Simple Spaghetti Squash 

Serves 4

• 1 Spaghetti squash, medium size
• 1 cup portobello mushrooms
• 1/2 cup onion, sliced
• capers
• tomato sauce

Preheat oven to 425. Cut squash in half long ways. Line baking sheet with Aluminum foil and drizzle oil so squash doesn’t stick. Place squash cut side down on baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, sauté mushroom and onions until tender, about 5 minutes.

When squash is done, take a fork and scrap the squash out, this should make the squash look like “spaghetti strands”.

Mix squash and tomato sauce together and then top with mushrooms, onions and capers.

Enjoy!

Savory Quinoa Flakes (Vegan & Gluten Free)

A few years back I came across quinoa flakes and absolutely fell in love with them. They taste like a creamier version of oatmeal, more of a cream of wheat texture and they are great for a quick breakfast or lunch.

Originally I use to only eat quinoa flakes for breakfast, topping them with almond butter and apples. But this time I wanted to try a savory approach and it really turned out great.  Feel free to experiment with various vegetables and herbs, these flakes really do go with anything. 🙂

Savory Quinoa Flakes

• 1/4 cup quinoa flakes
• 1 cup vegetable broth (low sodium)
• 1/4 cup chopped tomatoes
• 1/4 cup chopped zucchini
• 1/8 cup chopped parsley
• drizzle of olive oil (optional)
• salt & pepper (optional)

Combine quinoa flakes and broth in a microwave safe bowl twice the volume of the combination and microwave for 2 1/2 minutes. Top with tomatoes, zucchini, parsley, drizzle of olive oil, salt and pepper.

Enjoy!

The Best Sweet Potato Fries Ever

Sweet potato fries are a weekly must have around my apartment and after many years of making them, we’d like to think we have perfected the recipe. 🙂

They are simple to put together and have a sweet yet savory taste that is amazing.

Plus they only take 25 minutes to cook, which is double amazing.

*Feel free to cut them thinner if that’s your preference but make sure to flip them about every 7 minutes to keep them from becoming burnt if you do.

The Best Sweet Potato Fries Ever

• 3 large sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced thick
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

Preheat oven to 410 degrees and line 2 baking sheets with aluminum foil.

In a medium size bowl, toss the sweet potatoes and coconut oil together.

Then add the garlic powder, salt and pepper and toss well to coat each fry.

Place fries on baking sheets making sure to leave space between each one so that they have room to become crispy.

Cook sweet potatoes for 25 minutes, flip the fries at minute 10 and at minute 20 flip them again and also sprinkle them with the oregano, allowing them to cook the last 5 minutes with the oregano flavor.

Enjoy!