Mac n "Cheese"

Who doesn't love comfort food? This dish is a great way to enjoy comfort food without having to loosen your belt.

2 tbs. extra virgin olive oil
2 butternut squash peeled and cubbed
1 onion chopped
3 cloves of garlic pressed and minced
1/2 cup vegetable stock
1/2 cup of unsweetened non dairy milk of your choice
1 package of quinoa macaroni
1 cup of gluten free bread crumbs
2 tbs. vegan parmesean (optional)

Pre-Heat oven 350 degrees

Cook Pasta until al dente, do not over cook.

-Heat olive oil in a non stick pan over medium heat.
-Add onions saute until opaque.
-Add garlic and saute for 2 mins.
-Add butternut squash and vegetable stock.
-Salt and pepper to taste
-Cook down until butternut squash is soft and easily mashed.
-Puree contents of pan in two batches in a blender or food processor (if sauce looks to thick add more stock 1tbs. at a time until smooth)

The sauce should have a thick consistency similar to Velveeta
-Mix pasta with sauce.
-Pour pasta into a baking pan (3qt pan)
-Mix breadcrumbs and parmesan and sprinkle evenly over top
-Bake in oven for 7-10 min or until top is golden brown

ENJOY!

Green Goddess Smoothie

No this isn't a science project. Yes I know St. Patrick's Day has come and gone. This smoothie is a great way to sneak veggies into a healthy breakfast.Do not let the color steer you astray this is a must try! This combination of power foods is a great way to kick off any day.

1 pear
1 cup fresh blueberries (frozen works too)
1 cup kale
1 cup spinach
1/2 tbs. raw agave syrup
1 cup hemp milk (sub for soy, almond or coconut milk)

add some ice and blend!

Diets don't work, healthy does!

"Eat real food, not too much. Mostly Greens" -Michael Polland, Author of Omnivores Dilemma

Everyday we are bombarded with products, plans, and pills that are suppose to make us thinner and happier. The truth is there is no magic pill or packaged meal that will make you a better you.

I am a firm believer that if you are dieting to lose weight it won't happen. You must commit to being healthy and the rest will follow. Women tend to put so much pressure on that number on the scale when really weight has little to do with health. Some people notice that with regular exercise they may even gain weight due to the increase in muscle mass. So what should we focus on? Focus needs to be turned to what we are putting in to our bodies and getting regular exercise. This may sound simple, but in this day and age people rarely weigh the repercussions of the processed foods we eat. The modern food is so complex and processed. It is hard to even call it food; more like a science project. Even "health" food doesn't resemble food.

I am challenging you to get back to the basics! Roll up those sleeves and get in the kitchen... There is nothing better you can do for your health then instilling whole foods into your diet. I am not asking you to become a raw vegan. Vegetables and fruits have lost there place in daily meals. Obesity and diabetes are on the rise, the food processed and eaten in America is much to blame. Food is a choice, no one forces you to eat fast food or packaged food. It is true that these food are cheaper and more accessible than any other type in America. Healthy eating isn't convenient and won't come out of a drive-thru window. you will need the money you save from shopping off the Value menu, to pay for health care later.

So why not make the investment now, in your health and your future.

Get out of the gym! It's a beautiful day!

I don't know a single person who enjoys going to the gym. They are expensive, crowded and in some cases smelly. There are also so many ways to enjoy this gorgeous weather while exercising. Hiking, Power walking, biking, and outdoor yoga are free and easy ways to get closer to nature and in shape. Also local playgrounds and school stadiums are great accessible places to door outdoor exercise. I do at least 30 minutes of cardio every day and some kind of strength training 4 days a week. Mixing regular exercise with a healthy diet is the best way to stay in shape and feel great.
Get outside and exercise!!

Sun Dried Tomato Hummus

This is a fabulous dip for parties or a healthy snack!!

1 large can of chickpeas
1 cup of marinated sun dried tomatoes
1/4 olive oil
1 tsp. curry powder
1 tsp. coriander
salt and pepper to taste

Blend all ingredients in blender or food processor add olive oil as needed

Serve with tortilla chips or veggie sticks

NO SOUP FOR YOU!-

Soup is one of my absolute favorite way to have an affordable and healthy meal that is also extremely satisfying.

Roasted Tomato Soup
3 tbs. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 whole Onion coarsely chopped
3 cloves of garlic through garlic press
2 cans of diced tomatoes
1 carrot peeled and chopped
2 celery stalks
1 quart of organic chicken stock (substitute for water or vegetable stock)
6 fresh basil leaves
1 tbs. dried oregano
-red chili pepper flakes*
-Sea salt and fresh cracked pepper*
-Curry powder*
(*to taste according to preference)
Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees
In a large pot heat EVOO on medium-high heat.
Add onions to pot, heat until slightly opaque.
Add garlic saute for about 1 minute.
Add carrots and celery, cook down for about 3-5 minutes.
Add tomatoes and chicken stock. Simmer for 5 minutes stirring occasionally.
Add spices

Put in blender in two batches, still keep the soup chunky.
Transfer into cast iron soup pot. Cover and roast in oven for about 5-7 minutes.

Top with Fresh Basil

Gooey Gluten Free Brownies

When I think brownie I think gooey and fudgy, but don't forget that amazing caramelized top. My dad makes great brownies but they weren't what you would call healthy. This is my version that has been born from experimenting with other recipes, finally the gooey center and flaky top I was looking for! These brownies mischievously healthy. They also have a dirty little secret... ALMONDS!

1 cup of semi sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup Coconut oil or vegan margarine such as Smart Balance
2 eggs
1 cup packed organic light brown sugar
1/2 rounded cup almonds, processed into a fine meal in a food processor or blender
1/4 cup Authentic Foods Brown Rice Flour
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons Vanilla extract
Pre Heat 350, foil line 8x10 and grease

-Melt butter and chocolate in microwave, mix well
-Whip eggs at medium-high speed until frothy, add -brown sugar
-Slowly add chocolate/butter mixture
-Mix dry ingredients then add slowly to chocolate mixture.
-Mix in vanilla

Pour in to pan, bake for about 30-45 min

allow to cool completely before cutting. (I made that mistake and dove right in!!!)

Champagne Taste-Beer Budget

I haven't always been a foodie, there was a time when i didn't care what went down the hatch as long as it was salty and filling. Things started to change when these processed foods really started to effect how I felt on a day to day basis. Let's not get in to the nitty gritty but let's just say the effects weren't pretty.

I am Gluten and dairy Free. All of the recipes you find on the blog will be gluten and dairy free. I understand that eating healthy seems expensive, but think of it as less money you will have to spend going to the doctor later. It is an investment in wellness; preventative care! My budget is tight, but that doesn't mean my jeans have to be.

Happy Health!