Blog & Recipes

The good old go-to health food is a salad. They can be very boring, but with some creativity they can become very delicious instead! One of my favourite salads is the kale and quinoa version. The homemade dressing really kicks the flavour up without the added sugars!

Kale and Quinoa Salad

Ingredients:

3/4 cup quinoa, cooked

1 head fresh kale, rinsed and chopped

¼ cup sunflower seeds

¼  cup fresh parmesan, shaved

5 tbsp olive oil

½ lemon, juiced

1 clove garlic, minced

Salt and pepper

Directions:

1. Mix kale, cooked and chilled quinoa, and sunflower seeds in a large bowl.

2. In a small bowl mix together oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt and pepper.

3. Pour dressing over the salad and mix.

4. Top with fresh parmesan.

I LOVE to snack! I tend to be an evening eater and don't eat a whole lot to begin my day. There are a few sweet and savoury snacks I have made over the past while that have really gotten my attention so I am going to share some of them with you!

Oatmeal No-Bake Protein Bites - Peanut butter and Chocolate

Ingredients:

1 cup dry oats (gluten free quick oats preferred)

¼ cup peanut butter

½ teaspoon vanilla

¼ cup honey

½ cup mini chocolate chips

Dash of salt

Directions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a medium mixing bowl. Make sure you have a sufficient amount of wet ingredients to make the balls you make stick! A little extra honey won't hurt. ;)

2. Put mixture in the fridge to rest and chill, at least 30 min.

3. Use a tablespoon to scoop out a small portion and roll it into a ball.

4. Should make about 10-12 oatmeal balls. Store covered in fridge.

Baked Cinnamon and Sugar Chickpeas

Ingredients:

1 (19 oz) can chickpeas, drained

1 tbsp olive oil

¼ tsp salt 

3 tsp sugar

1 ½ tsp cinnamon

Directions:

1. Rinse chickpeas underwater for 2 minutes, some skins will be removed and that is okay.

2. On a baking sheet lay a paper towel down spreading the chickpeas out on top. Place more paper towel on top and try to dry peas out as much as possible. Let them dry out on the counter for a little while after removing paper towels. I usually leave them for at least half hour so they can get nice and crispy in the oven.

3. Place parchment paper on the baking sheet under peas and toss them in the olive oil and salt.

4. Cook at 375° for 40 minutes, shake the baking sheet halfway to cook evenly.

5. Remove from the oven when done and add your cooked chickpeas and spices to a bowl and toss until coated, then serve.

Baked Zucchini Chips

Ingredients:

3-4 large zucchini

2 tablespoons olive oil

Salt

Pepper

Optional spices: paprika, garlic powder, cumin

Directions:

1. Slice the zucchini to about 1/8 in thick. If you have a mandolin that would be a great way to get them all even.

2. Lay the zucchini slices on paper towels in a single layer. Cover with more paper towels and set a baking sheet on top of the zucchini slices. Press down on the baking sheet to help get out some of their moisture.

3. Preheat the oven to 250 degrees F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Brush the parchment paper lightly with olive oil. 

4. Place the zucchini slices in a single layer on the parchment paper. Fit as many on each baking sheet as possible. 5. Lghtly brush the top of the zucchini with olive oil. Now sprinkle with salt, pepper, and seasonings of your choice.

6. Bake for 1 1/2 - 2 hours until crisp and golden. Check on them frequently after 1 hour, they burn fast. If some are still a little flimsy or damp just remove the crisp chips and place the damp chips back in the oven for a few more minutes. 

7. Allow the zucchini chips to cool on dry paper towel to absorb any extra oil. Store in an air-tight container.

Are you a chicken lover like me, or do you prefer your red meats? It is okay to have both, BUT in moderation! It is harder for your digestive system to break down red meats, especially a thick and fatty steak, so limiting your intake and choosing a healthier version  will allow you to still cut your cravings and get some of the nutrients your body needs! A 6-8 oz flank steak with a salt and pepper rub is a healthier choice. If you feel it is not filling, make sure to create some yummy and healthy side dishes that will help fill the spot!

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