Tag Archives: nutrition

Simple & Healthy Summer Supper

Summer Supper Menu:

Wild Alaskan Salmon “Burgers” – purchasd at Costco

Homemade Baked Sweet Potato Fries

Avocado & Walnut Romaine Salad

Homemade Baked Sweet Potato Fries

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 30-40 minutes
Serves 4
Ingredients:
2 large organic sweet potatoes
Olive Oil
Sea Salt
Pepper
Directions: Preheat over to 400. Wash, peel and cut sweet potato into fry-like size. Place fries in a bowl. Toss and coat with 2-3 TBSP of olive oil. Spread fries on pan. Bake for 15 minutes, then toss and flip fries over. Bake for another 15-20 minutes, until fries are crispy.

Avocado & Walnut Romaine Salad with Homemade Vinaigrette

Prep Time: 10 -15 minutes
Serves 1-3
Ingredients:
One Organic Romaine Heart – chopped
Red Onion- 2 Tbsp – 1/4 C chopped
1/2 Avocado- chopped
1/4 C chopped walnuts or pecans
Optional: 1/4 C chopped strawberries, 1/4 C feta cheese
Vinaigrette:
1/4 C Olive Oil
1/4 C Balsalmic Vinigrette
1 tsp honey (raw and local prefered)
1 tsp dijon mustard
Directions: Combine all salad ingredients in bowl. Combine all vinaigrette ingredients on stovetop, simmer on med/high heat. Stir with wisk, remove from heat and toss on salad.

Arugula, Brussel Sprout & Walnut Salad

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Arugula, Brussel Sprout & Walnut Salad

Salad Ingredients:

3-4 Cups Arugula
1 C Roasted Brussel Sprouts
1 TBSP Dried Cranberries
1 TBSP Pepita
1 Bacon Slice Bacon Crumbles
1/4 C Walnuts
Olive Oil
Sea Salt
Black Pepper
Vinaigrette Dressing

Vinaigrette Ingredients:

2/3 C Olive Oil
1/4 C Balsalmic Vinaigrette
1 TBSP Honey
1 TBSP Dijon Mustard

Mix all vinergrette ingredients in a pot. On stove top, heat on low, simmer and wisk. Upon simmer, remove from heat.

Roasted Brussel Sprouts:

Heat Oven to 400ºF
Cut Brussel Sprouts in half
Toss Brussel Sprouts in Olive Oil, Sea Salt and Pepper
Place Brussel Sprouts on cooking sheet and drizzle with Balsamic Reduction Vinaigrette
Bake for 30-40 minutes

by Neissa Springmann

Mix all Salad Ingredients together and toss with Vinaigrette. Be careful with the vinaigrette. A little dab will do you and you will definitely have plenty left over for your next salad.

10 Healthy Eating Recipe Sites to Kick off the New Year

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The holidays are over, and it is New Year’s resolution time. Since most resolutions include eating healthy, the iGnite Leaders have created a great guide to help in this — their favorite go-to healthy recipe sites. Eating better in the new year will be much easier with these creative recipes to keep you interested. We suggest subscribing to a few of these blogs in order to get daily inspiration and motivation. Here are our top 10 favorites:

Skinnytaste.com Provides delicious, healthy, low fat, family-friendly recipes. You can sign up to get new recipes sent to you several times a week. Check out the Top 25 Most Popular Skinnytaste Recipes of 2015 to get you going.
The Defined Dish Two Dallas-based sisters give you the dish about food, fitness and other happy and healthy lifestyle tips. Along with great recipes, the site includes workouts, fitness styling, music playlists and more.
Plant-Based Pulse iGnite member Allison Quinones created this blog as resource for those trying to find a healthier lifestyle by providing delicious plant-based recipes. She strives to make all recipes as close to refined sugar and oil-free as possible. She is a wonderful resource and periodically shares her recipes such as Breakfast Quinoa with Fruit on the iGnite blog.
Connoisseurus Veg This blog is written by a vegetarian who has a passion for cooking and sharing her favorite recipes. Try the herb crusted whole roasted cauliflower – delicious!
AmyChaplin.com Amy Chaplin, author of “At Home in My Whole Kitchen,” inspires people to seek out local and organic vegetables, stock their pantries with nutrient rich whole food ingredients and to cook at home. Find beautiful, healthy recipes on her blog or follow her on Instagram.
Elana’s Pantry A go-to website for easy, healthy, grain-free Paleo recipes. Elana Amsterdam is the author of the New York Times Best Selling cookbook “Paleo Cooking from Elana’s Pantry.” Her site even includes pizza, donuts, and other treats made the healthy way!
Greatist Daily Greatist covers all things healthy and makes it easy to navigate throughout their site — categorized by quick breakfasts, make-ahead meals, detox recipes and more. Get their daily email with Greatist’s top health tips, workout ideas and delicious recipes.
Oh She Glows One of the most popular vegan recipe blogs around featuring over 500 healthy recipes by Angela Liddon. Her goal is to inspire you to embrace more plant-based foods in your diet without feeling deprived. Most recipes are gluten-free and many are allergy-friendly.
Against All Grain Paleo recipes to make you feel great created by Danielle Walker. She is the author and photographer of the New York Times Best Selling cookbook “Against all Grain.” Use her Costco Paleo Shopping List as a great resource.
Naturally Ella Created by Erin Alderson, the blog focuses on seasonal vegetarian recipes that are pantry-inspired. Her goal is to keep the recipes simple, fresh, and exciting for the entire family. Her tex-mex inspired recipes are definite crowd-pleasers.

You might also like:

*Food photography by Allison Quinones of Plant-Based Pulse

Pumpkin Spice Coconut Oil Bites

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Pumpkin Spice Coconut Oil Balls

by Allison Quinones of Plant Based Pulse

Yields: Approx. 35 T Sized Balls
Serving: 3 per day
Prep Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

1 cup organic unsulphured raw coconut butter (boughten or homemade)
3/4 cup organic extra virgin coconut oil
1/2 cup organic coconut flour
1/4 cup + 1 T organic pumpkin puree
2 T pumpkin pie spice
15 drops stevia (or to taste)

Pumpkin Spice Coconut Oil Balls Instructions:

Combine all ingredients in a food processor and blend until combined. Take the mixture and refrigerate for no more than 30 minutes to allow the dough to become more firm. Using a melon baller/cookie scoop, or your fingers, gently roll dough into tablespoon sized balls. Place on a plate cover in parchment paper and refrigerate for 3-4 hours or until hard. Store in an airtight container in the fridge, will last about 3 weeks.

Why We Love Coconut Oil

by Dr. Jeff Ulery of Austin Whole Body Health

One strategy to increase ATP (the energy currency for the body) for brain healing & preventing dementia is consuming coconut oil: 1 tbsp with breakfast, lunch and dinner. MCT (medium chain triglycerides) found in coconut oil have many great benefits, including:

Improving the body’s use of insulin
Improving cholesterol by increasing HDL (good cholesterol)
Boosting thyroid function resulting in increased energy
Acting as an antioxidant and natural antibiotic
Improving overall health of skin and hair
Improves cognitive function

As one way to get your fill of coconut oil, I love the idea of using coconut oil to satiate sweet cravings. This is an especially good idea for those who might have a taste or texture aversion to coconut oil on its own (like my wife). Personally I create a chocolate version using raw cacao powder, coconut oil and stevia to satisfy my sweet cravings.

The Scoop on Coconut Butter

by Allison Quinones of Plant Based Pulse

You may be asking yourself, “Why did she use coconut butter in addition to the oil, versus just oil?” Coconut butter is made from ground raw coconut flakes or meat, that when processed at a high speed, pulls out the oils (just as nuts do into nut butter). When using coconut butter, you are not only getting the benefits of the oil, but also dietary fiber, proteins, vitamins and minerals. Coconut butter provides a full flavor and creaminess that compliments the texture of the coconut oil.

Any brand of coconut butter will work as long as the only ingredient is raw organic coconut. If you own a high-speed processor or blender, it’s much cheaper to make it at home than purchase it (plus it is satisfying to make yourself!). I paid $3.28 for 3/4 lb., which yields at least 16 oz. coconut butter, versus boughten at no less than $10.00 per 16 oz.

Enjoy!

Yummy Breakfast Quinoa with Fruit

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breakfastquinoawithfruit

by Allison Quinones of Plant-Based Pulse

Over the years, my breakfast has evolved from Kashi Cereal to plain old boring hot oatmeal with a tablespoon of brown sugar. As I became more health conscious, I started to be more mindful about what I put into my body first thing in the morning.

This recipe that I featured in the iGnite 10-Day Reboot blog features quinoa, but anyone making this recipe should keep in mind that ANY grain or complex carbohydrate can work in place of quinoa. I love quinoa because it is a complete protein, and as a plant-based vegan I take any complete proteins I can get. Not to mention, quinoa is great for my digestive system.

I have found that quinoa is cheapest at Sprouts, and I typically use whatever fruit is in season or whatever I have that is frozen. On the weekends I typically cook 1 cup of quinoa and divide that 5-6 ways equally throughout the week. If you were going to make one serving, I would cook only 1/4 cup of quinoa, which would come to about 1/2 – 3/4 cup cooked.

Keep in mind this is ALL customizable based on what you have on hand. When I’m feeling extra energetic in the kitchen, I prepare a week’s worth ahead of time in a jar and store it in the refrigerator. This recipe contains all the macronutrients but can be adjusted for anyone’s nutritional needs. I find that my protein powder and fruit give it the sweetness I prefer, but adding your own sweetener such as 1 tsp. of maple syrup would suffice as well.

Breakfast Quinoa with Fruit

Serves 1

Ingredients
1/2 cup cooked quinoa (or oats, buckwheat groats, farro, etc.)
1/2 cup thawed frozen blueberries
3-4 sliced strawberries
1/2 cup non-dairy milk
1/4 cup So Delicious Coconut Yogurt Plain Unsweetened (optional)
1 Tbs ground flax seed
1 Tbs ground sprouted chia seeds (or whole)
1 Tbs hemp seeds
1 Tbs plant-based vanilla protein powder (optional, I use Garden of Life)
1 tsp maca powder
Top with any of the following: nuts, granola, raw unsweetened coconut flakes, Tbs. coconut butter, Tbs. almond butter

Instructions
Combine all ingredients (except topping) in a bowl, mix until all the ingredients have been equally distributed. Enjoy cold. Will keep in refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Note: I often rotate half of a sliced banana, half of a peach, cooked apples, dried mulberries, or mango as my fruit in this dish. If you eat dairy, try adding plain unsweetened Greek yogurt in place of the Coconut Yogurt.

Inspiration for Additional Variations:

Examples of additional variations of the breakfast bowl Allison has enjoyed making

Additional variations of the breakfast bowl that Allison enjoys

Allison Quinones is the blogger behind Plant-Based Pulse. She lives with her husband in Austin, Texas, where together they cook, write and remake recipes, eat plant-based food, train, and compete in triathlons. Allison is passionate about health, wellness, and nutrition and writes her blog as a resource for those trying to find a healthier lifestyle.
Check out more of Allison’s wonderful recipes and blog here

10-Day Reboot: Allison’s Day 10

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by Allison Quinones

Day 10! I have thoroughly enjoyed being a part of the Reboot and have loved this process of self-discovery.

Breakfast! My morning breakfast is always the same, flavored differently. Today it was cooked quinoa with almond milk, blueberries, strawberries, protein powder, ground flax, chia, and maca powder

Aspects of the Reboot I’ve found the most difficult:
Throughout the Reboot I committed to trying all of the elements listed in the guide. I’m happy to report that I’ve done them all, at least once! However, the most difficult has been taking time for Epsom salt baths, time outdoors, and a full 8 hours of sleep. To me, these three things all have one thing in common – they take TIME. Seeing how busy I am isn’t a groundbreaking realization, but I do know how nice it has been to actually take time for these things when I have been able to.

Turmeric Tonic tea at work meeting, although caffeine-free, my mind still believes it will help me feel more alert. I love turmeric for it’s anti-inflammatory purposes

Aspects of the Re-boot I’ve enjoyed the most:
Technology Turnoff and Breaking from Social Media are two things that I thought would be the most difficult. Not surprisingly, this has been SO refreshing. I’ve noticed my habits throughout the day when I go to switch on my phone and catch myself automatically going into social media. Going into Facebook or Instagram has become such a mindless activity for me, and I’ve been aware that I need to check myself on this for a while, but there was no real motivation to do so. I don’t miss seeing what the world of Facebook is doing, what new recipes or exercises are posted on Instagram, and I’ve found myself being less critical of myself through these two elements of the Reboot.

Lunch consisted of Butternut Squash Mac ‘n “Cheese” with Brown Rice Macaroni, Roasted Broccoli and Kale. This is from Oh She Glows blog. This is a favorite fall recipe!

A couple things I’ve learned about myself over the Reboot:
I’ve committed to staying away from social media, and it’s crazy how many times throughout my day I mindlessly turn on my phone and almost open Facebook or Instagram. I’ve enjoyed reading ‘Made to Crave’ which is a highly encouraging book on eating and body image. I’ve been putting off reading this for a while and I am so grateful for more time to read this book and focus on myself.

Secondly, I’ve noticed I CAN abstain from sugar and tortilla chips! My two weaknesses. I can do it in private at home and in public when there is a delicious bowl of guacamole, salsa, and cookies just waiting to be eaten up.

Afternoon snack of apples with cinnamon, drizzled in homemade coconut butter with a tablespoon of freshly ground peanut butter

My personality is to be very self-disciplined, so eating clean and exercise haven’t been a challenge for me. I enjoy prepping ALL my meals for the week on the weekend, so it eliminates any desire to eat outside of what I’ve planned for. I teach RPM spin at the YMCA and have enjoyed several HIIT workouts, as well as a few swims and a yoga class. These two aspects of my self-discipline give my body and mind self-care to help me function the best I can throughout my day.

Evening treat, leftovers from weekend baby shower. My own recipe of Lemon Cashew “Cheesecake” with Blueberries and Mulberries. It’s oil-free, refined sugar free (sweetened with Medjool dates), soy free, dairy-free, all plant-based!

Tips & tricks that have helped me:
Let people around you know what goals you’re working on. Your support system will then avoid innocently tempting you with a glass of wine or checking Facebook for a trivial reason.

Not pictured: My dinner on the run of Wild Rice Pilaf from Forks Over Knives.

10-Day Reboot: Trina’s Day 9

10-Day Reboot: Paige’s Day 8

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by Paige Clark

Day 8. It’s hard to believe that there are only two precious days left of my very first iGnite Re-boot! It has been a great experience so far and I’m already looking forward to incorporating what I’ve learned into my post-reboot life.

After getting a little over 8 glorious hours of sleep, I started my day with hot lemon water and apple cider vinegar while reading my devotional in the peaceful quiet of morning. (Note: Don’t let this fool you. While I earnestly wish that this were how I started each day, most of the time my mornings look nothing like this. Thanks to the Reboot I have been afforded the opportunity to refocus my time and choices and I’ve taken full advantage!

I’ve been so thankful for this time to focus on being intentional with each choice that I make throughout the day. From what I eat and drink and how much time I spend outdoors, to the way that I use my time just before bed and the number of hours I sleep each night — it has been an enlightening experiment!

Breakfast: A parfait of strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries & a hard-boiled egg white

I’ll be honest and say that the first five days of the Re-boot did not really affect me. I didn’t feel any different than I typically do during a normal week and I did not know what to make of it. To be fair, my perfectionist personality lends itself to a rather disciplined lifestyle. Given that my regular eating habits and exercise routine tend to fall within the boundaries of the Re-boot already, my primary goal for participating was to learn how different foods affect the way that I feel. I have to confess that I’ve basically failed at this goal.

A delicious snack of almonds/walnuts and a peach while digging through work emails

I have been blessed/cursed with the ability to be completely content eating the same foods repeatedly and it has been more difficult than anticipated for me to branch out. I’m not opposed to trying new things, but I also know what I like and I am not very creative when it comes to food. Plus, I don’t cook. However, rather than beating myself up over not achieving my original goal, I have allowed myself to adapt my focus to varying the way that I eat rather than what I eat. More specifically, I have found that eating more frequently throughout the day and incorporating more protein into each meal has resulted in significant change for me. I still haven’t completely figured this out, but I am enjoying the challenge!

(Late) lunch: Spinach and kale salad with chicken, avocado, cucumber, pumpkin seeds, and a dollop of hummus. Not pictured: an apple.

Most noticeably, I have been finding myself eating at odd hours. I ate lunch at 2:30pm today. That would have never happened pre-Reboot. My only answer for this is that eating more protein throughout the day keeps me fuller longer and that I am learning to nourish my body with wholesome foods when I am hungry rather than when the clock tells me it’s mealtime.

During the opening luncheon, I quickly identified adequate sleep as the Reboot component that would be the most difficult for me to accomplish, so I really shouldn’t be surprised that this has presented itself as another key to my Reboot experience.

Highlight of the day: Spending the evening under the trees at beautiful Pease Park for Metabolic Circuit Training with Kathleen and an amazing group of iGnite women!

During the first half of the Reboot, I found myself struggling to fit in the minimum 7 hours of sleep per night and I was waking up exhausted. I love sleep, but I will admit that it is the first thing that I sacrifice when it comes to free time. I will find things to do around the house until late in the evening or wake up extra early to fit in a run before heading to the office without giving it a second thought. But sleep. Sleep is key. I slept for over 10 hours on Saturday and I woke up feeling like a new person. Since then, all of the other components of the Reboot seem to have been given new life and I have been feeling great! Prioritizing sleep is definitely going to be my number one take-away from this experience.

Post-workout dinner: Quinoa, black beans, and avocado with a side of green beans and asparagus. Another reason that I am thankful for the Reboot is that it has introduced me to quinoa. I know. Where have I been, right? Quinoa has basically been the extent of my branching out, but it just might be my new favorite food!

Time for bed and Day 9 ahead!

10-Day Reboot: Neissa’s Day 6

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by Neissa Brown Springmann, founder of iGnite

Having come off a hectic summer of selling our house then moving to San Diego in August, this Re-boot could not have come at a better time! So many of the healthy habits I have practiced for years have fallen by the wayside, and therefore my body, energy and overall health has suffered. So, re-implementing the Re-boot elements has given me a focus and routine — and I’m feeling great!

What I have enjoyed the most is giving myself permission to get 7-9 hours of sleep, properly hydrating, exercising outdoors and eliminating caffeine. Sleep, hydration, outdoor exercise and not drinking caffeine go hand in hand for me. When I sleep, hydrate and exercise, I make better food choices and I notice a distinct difference in the way I feel and function. Also, I am a caffeine abuser. It gives me a false sense of energy and therefore I don’t get the sleep I need. Then, when I don’t get the sleep I need, the whole vicious cycle of needing more caffeine, not properly hydrating, not making good food choices and then not feeling like exercising starts all over again. So, for me, eliminating caffeine and getting more sleep are the two most important pieces that set me up for feeling great!

Top left: For hydration and extra cleansing I love the SUJA Lemon Love from Costco. I found it in the San Diego Costco and it’s “Master Cleanse-ish” but without the maple syrup and is sweetened with Stevia. Next, is a jug of cranberry water, SUJA Organic Mighty Greens (also found in the San Diego Costco) and Kombucha (also much cheaper when purchased at Costco); Bottom Left: Morning Hot Lemon Water; Right: Numi Organic Chia Hot Caffeine-free tea on page 22 of our Re-Boot Booklet. I steep when I am wanting a warm coffee drink. I usually make it with Coconut Milk but I was out so I made it with Almond Milk.

My 2 favorite cookbooks

I do not enjoy cooking. I am not creative, and I loath the mess I have to clean up afterwards; therefore, too often I stick with the same boring things. However, what I do find most helpful is using two of my favorite cookbooks, Against All Grain and Everyday Detox, and the iGnite Re-Boot Booklet. These two beautifully written cookbooks are loaded with Re-boot friendly recipes. So, last weekend I dog-eared the recipes I wanted to use for the Re-boot, headed to the grocery store and have had a fully-loaded pantry and refrigerator.

Paleo and Re-Boot friendly pancakes from Against All Grain for the family, and a Strawberry Basil Blast from Everyday Detox for me. Bottom Right: Chocolate Chai Smoothie – A delicious meal or snack that is Re-boot Friendly!

Detox Salad from p. 28 of the Re-Boot Booklet with avocado and white fish. Bottom: Veggie and Shrimp Bonsai bowl from Wahoo Taco: brown rice, black beans, shrimp and lots of veggies

Detox Salad from p. 28 of the Re-Boot Booklet with avocado and white fish. Bottom: Veggie and Shrimp Bonsai bowl from Wahoo’s Fish Taco: brown rice, black beans, shrimp and lots of veggies

What has been the most difficult for me is that this Re-Boot has fallen during my husband’s birthday, so I haven’t been perfect. The kids and I made him a delicious cake and rather than not participate in the celebration (that would be terrible!), I enjoyed festivities, devoured my cake, had a class of wine with him and followed up with extra hydration and clean eating. I have found that when I enjoy a splurge or drink alcohol, the best antidote is to follow with extra hydration. It’s cleansing and seems to reverse the often times gross after-effect feelings.

Outdoor Band Exercise with my kids at one of our neighboorhood parks

What I once had to force because I was told I needed them, I am an Epsom salt bath and body-brushing lover. But, unfortuntely and ridicously, I have not made time to do either yet. This is another habit that I have dropped and I am determined to get at least two in by the end of the Re-boot.

All in all, I love the Re-boot! It always seems to come at the perfect time for me, when my good habits have dwindled. What’s always interesting is that on the front end, it seems like it adds an extra layer of complexitiy to my life, but once I’m in it, I consistently realize how it truly simplifies my life. I am more mindful, peaceful and rested. And, I LOVE taking a break from social media. I’m not a huge fan of social media, but when I do sneak a peek, it sucks me in! So, if anyone wants to permantly boycott it with me, let me know. I’ll be happy to be the ring-leader 🙂

10-Day Reboot: Payton’s Day 3

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by Payton Merriman

My first iGnite experience was participating in last Spring’s Reboot. I really enjoyed how I felt after the 10 days and was able to make some changes in my diet and exercise routine that I desperately needed.

Lunch: a salad from Trader Joe’s

Well, after the summer vacations, playdates, and eating out of the summer schedule I was ready to get back on track and excited to participate in the Reboot again.

I woke up feeling very refreshed after a good night’s sleep and even felt a little less “foggy” without my morning coffee. Coffee is probably one of the things I miss the most during the Reboot. There is just something about getting lunches packed and kids out the door in the morning that is a little better with that cup of coffee in hand! I have replaced the coffee with my hot lemon water and ACV.

Snack: rice cracker with peanut butter and apples

My on-the-go snack of almonds

One aspect I have definitely had to be more prepared for is making sure when I leave in the morning that I have snacks on hand to take with me. I found that I was eating a good breakfast and then would head out on the day’s errands and would not eat until much later in the day and was overeating because I was so hungry due to the amount of time between meals.

My kids have also enjoyed the new food choices in the pantry and refrigerator.

My son Weston enjoying an avocado for breakfast

This morning for breakfast I had scrambled eggs and avocado, and my 6 year-old asked if he could have some avocado also. I was glad to cut one up to add to his meal. Again this morning as we were having a snack of hummus and carrots, my 3 year old ate almost the whole bag of carrots while he was playing — he kept coming back and asking for one more!

The most difficult aspect so far has been not being able to make it to an ignite workout this week. My kids have been home sick this week, so I have not been able to do much exercise. I hope that everyone makes it to school tomorrow and I will be at Molly’s kickboxing class.