All posts by nourish

Healthy Valentine’s Day Treat Ideas

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, which means many people will be spending money on chocolates and candy which are often loaded with excess sugar and artificial ingredients. Instead, why not make something that’s healthy and delicious for the ones you love?

Healthy Valentines Day Ideas Nourish Nutrition and Health

Here are a few Healthy Valentine’s Day treat ideas that not only taste great, but will help you stay on track with your goals!

  1. Beet Pancakes: A personal favorite of mine and the bright pink hue is so festive! Create pancake “hearts” by using a heart shaped cookie cutter in your skillet.
  2. Frozen Chocolate Bananas: This is a simple treat that can be jazzed up however you like it! Take a few bananas, freeze them, then dip them in chocolate and top with nuts, sprinkles or anything else your heart desires.
  3. Flourless Chocolate Cake: While this may be a more decadent dessert, it’s free of refined sugar and grains, making it the perfect chocolate-y treat.
  4. Cake Pops: Skip the cake pops at Starbucks and make these instead. The secret to their great texture? Greek yogurt!
  5. Healthy Acai Bowl: If chocolate isn’t your thing, then whip up some fresh acai bowls with berries, granola and coconut.

Feeling inspired by these dessert ideas and want more healthy recipes? Contact me today to get more nutrition ideas and learn about my custom health plans.

 

 

Healthy Tips For 2017

 

Healthy Tips for 2017 Nourish Nutrition and Health

One of the things I love most about the new year is that it also means a fresh start. What are your goals for this year?

To help you get started on the right foot, I wanted to share some of my healthy tips for 2017:

  1. Start Meal Prepping – One of the things I offer to my clients in my customized programs is a customized meal plan. By planning your meals in advance, you’ll be less likely to reach for junk when you can’t think of something to eat! I recommend picking one day each week to meal prep for your entire week to help you stay on track.
  2. Eat Breakfast – This may seem obvious, but starting the day off with a nourishing breakfast will help you set a healthy intention for the rest of the day. Feel like you don’t have time to make breakfast? Try a nutrient-rich smoothie to enjoy on the go.
  3. Drink Lots Of Water – Many of us are dehydrated before we even realize it! Invest in a reusable water bottle and be sure to refill it multiple times a day. As an added bonus, proper hydration does wonders for your skin!
  4. Get Plenty Of Sleep – Having enough sleep affects your physical and mental health, and chances are you aren’t getting enough! Aim for at least 7-8 hours per night and invest in blackout curtains if you have a hard time staying asleep. Your body will thank you.
  5. Make Sure To Move – Exercise is important, and even if you are limited on time, a short 20 minute walk can do wonders for the body and spirit. Make this year the year you find an exercise you enjoy and commit to exercising 3-4 times a week.
  6. Make Time For Self-Care – This is one of the most important tips to help ensure you have a healthier year ahead. Take time to do something you love – whether it is journaling, getting your nails done, spending time outside, etc. and commit to doing it! Self-care is one of the best things you can do to ensure a happy and healthy lifestyle.

If you are looking to achieve specialized health and fitness goals this year, I recommend you contact me for a health assessment and custom plan overview. Now is the time to make 2017 your best year yet!

How to quit sugar for good

There is a misconception that fat makes us fat, but it’s really sugar that we should be concerned with.

Sugar will give you temporary energy, only to leave you tired a few hours later. It’s loaded with empty calories, and you will never be satisfied..always craving more.

It tastes good, I know, but it causes inflammation in the body, weakens our immune system and fuels cancer. It’s addictive and we should avoid it as much as possible.

Continue reading How to quit sugar for good

Salmon with Brown Rice and Salsa

2

  • 5 oz cooked salmon
  • ½cup avocado
  • ½tomato
  • ½medium cucumber
  • ¼red onion
  • Chives
  • Dill
  • ½cup brown rice
    • Cook brown rice and set aside
    • Take skin off the salmon and grill or bake it
    • For the salsa, dice the tomato, cucumber, avocado, red onion, chives and dill. Squeeze lemon juice over it
    • Place the salmon on top of the brown rice and generously place the salsa on top.
    • Add a side of broccoli for an extra nutritional value! =)

Enjoy it!

QUINOA & CHICKEN SALAD

1

  • 1 cup cooked chicken breast
  • ½cup cooked quinoa
  • 2 cup raw spinach
  • ½cu p mushrooms &½ zucchini
  • 1 teaspoon coconut oil
  • 1/2 cup tomatos
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar

-Remove fat and slice your chicken into small, even pieces.
-Spice with pepper and oregano.
-Place into already hot skillet
-Cook on both sides to done
-Saute mushrooms and zucchini in coconut oil
– Cook½cup raw quinoa with 1 cup water for 15 minutes
– Place the quinoa on top of the spinach, next place the chicken on top of the vegetables base and drizzle olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the top

Enjoy it!

Beet Pancakes

pancakes

  • 1 beet
  • 2 cups oats
  • 1 banana
  • 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 3 tbsp honey

– Mix all ingredients well.
– Cook in a medium temperature frying pan
– Enjoy!

Lentil Soup

lentil

  • 1 pound lentils
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 3 large carrots, peeled, sliced
  • 2 stalks celery, chopped
  • ½ teaspoon cumin powder
  • 2 cups crushed fresh tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Balsamic Vinegar

– Rinse lentils in cold water and place in a large pot with enough cold water to cover them by 6 inches. Add the bay leaf.
– Bring to a boil, skim off foam, lower heat, and boil gently, partially covered, until lentils are just tooth-tender, 20-30 minutes.
– Add carrots, celery, cumin and onion to the lentils. Cook partially covered till carrots are tender, about 20-30 minutes.
– Add crushed tomatoes, olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste. Simmer, partially covered, until lentils become very creamy and soft. Stir occasionally and add boiling water if necessary to prevent sticking
– Remove bay leaf before serving.

Super Berry Smoothie

superberry-smoothie

Perfect for breakfast or snack!

  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup frozen mixed berries
  • 1 tsp flax oil
  • 1 scoop protein powder
  • 1 cup spinach

– Blend it all up and enjoy! 🙂

 

Protein Oatmeal

protien_oatmeal

Great option for breakfast or snack!

 

  • 1/4 cup oats or oat bran (gluten-free or regular)
  • 1/2 cup coconut or almond milk (just water works too!)
  • 1/4 cup vanilla whey protein powder
  • Cinnamon to taste
  • Blueberries, strawberries or almonds for toppings
  • Stevia drops or a teaspoon of honey if you like it sweeter =)

– In a nonstick pot, bring your milk and oats to a boil. Allow it to simmer for 3-5 minutes until you get a thick and “porridgy” consistency.Remove oatmeal from
– the heat and let it cool before adding the rest of the ingredients. Add the whey after you cook the oats, or it will curdle.
– If you like your oatmeal thicker, add a bit less milk. If you like your oats runnier, add a bit more milk.
– Add cinnamon and other toppings. Enjoy!

Kale Avocado Salad

kale

  • 3 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
  • 1 clove garlic, smashed and chopped into a paste
  •  4 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3 avocados, halved, pitted, and peeled
  • 2 tbsp. raw hemp seeds (optional)
  •  1 bunch kale (about 3⁄4 lb.), stemmed and finely chopped
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

– Whisk together lemon juice, olive oil and garlic in a bowl.
– Cut 2 avocados into 1⁄2″ cubes and thinly slice the remaining avocado. Put cubed avocados, half of the hemp seeds, and kale into a serving bowl. Toss kale mixture with dressing and season with a little salt and pepper.
– Divide salad between plates and garnish with sliced avocado and remaining hemp seeds.
– You top it with strawberries and some almonds or walnuts too!
Enjoy it with some grilled chicken or turkey and a side of brown rice or quinoa!

ZUCCHINI NOODLES

spin

Low carb healthy alternative to regular pasta!

  • 2 zucchinnis, peeled
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil
  • ¼ cup water
  • low sodium salt and ground black pepper to taste
  • Cut lengthwise slices from zucchini using vegetable peeler making long strips like spaghetti. Discard seeds.
  • Heat coconut oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook and stir zucchini in the hot oil for one minute.
  • Add water and cook until zucchini is softened, 5 to 7 minutes
  • Season with salt and pepper

Sauce Suggestion:
Low Sodium Tomato Sauce

Enjoy it with ground chicken breast or turkey or shrimp!

Turkey Tacos Lettuce Wraps

spin

  • 1 package of lean ground turkey
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp oregano
  • 1/2 small onion, minced
  • 2 tbsp bell pepper, minced
  • 3/4 cup water
  • 4 oz can low sodium tomato sauce
  • 8 large lettuce leaves from Bibb lettuce

Healthy topping suggestions: veggies (carrots, zucchini, bell peppers, peas), avocado slices, ½ cup shredded reduced fat cheddar (or healthier cheese options – goat, feta)

  • Cook the turkey in a large skillet breaking it into smaller pieces.
  • When no longer pink add dry seasoning and mix well.
  • Add the onion, pepper, water and tomato sauce and cover. Simmer on low for about 20 minutes.
  • Wash and dry the lettuce. Divide the meat equally between the 8 leaves and place in the center of each leaf. Add your healthy toppings and enjoy!

Spinach Quiche Cups

spin

Completely gluten-free and low-carb.

Perfect for breakfast or brunch!

  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil for cooking the mushrooms
  • 1 (10 oz) package fresh baby spinach
  • 4 eggs (if yolks are quite small, use 5 eggs)
  • 1 cup shredded cheese ( aim for low fat types – Fetta, Goat)
  • 1 (8 oz package) mini bella mushrooms chopped
  • ½ teaspoon oregano
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • Pepper to taste
  • ¼ cup chopped onion

– Preheat the oven to 375F or 190C.
– Heat the coconut oil in a large skillet. Sauté the mushrooms until they are soft, about 5-6 minutes. Set Aside.
– Place the spinach in a deep pan or in the skillet that you used for the mushrooms. Add a little water, 1/4 cup should do it. Using medium heat, cook the spinach just until wilted, about 3-4 mins. Use either your hand or a spatula to pack in the spinach. Drain the excess water really well
– In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs until combined. Add the cooked mushrooms, spinach, cheese to the eggs. Mix well. Season to taste.
– Divide evenly among the 12 muffin cups.
– Bake for about 20-23 minutes, or until it’s well set and a tester/toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
– Leave in the pan for a few minutes or just until it’s cool enough to handle.

Enjoy it with a side of veggies and brown rice or quinoa!

Snacks

Snacks for mid morning or afternoon

1

  • 1/2 tbsp almond butter
  • 1 cup apple slices
2

  • 1 cup strawberries
  • ½ cup nuts
3

  • 1 cup celery, baby carrots or cauliflower
  • 2 tbs guacamole (smashed avocados, lime, black pepper, 1 teaspoon olive oil)
4

  • 2 hard boiled eggs
  • ½ cup almonds
5

  • 1 cup low fat yogurt
  • 2 tbsp gluten free granola
  • ½ cup berries
6

  • 2 cups greens (ie. kale, spinach)
  • 1 cup low fat yogurt
  • 1 cup berries and 1/2 banana
7

  • ½ cup strawberries or blueberries or any other fruit you like
  • 1 cup whey protein powder
  • ½ cup almond milk

Frozen Chocolate Bananas

img1

That healthy desert for Friday night or the weekend =)

  • 2 ripe but firm bananas
  • 6 ounces dark chocolate, chopped
  • 1/2 cup granola, chopped pecans and walnuts (optional)
    • Line a baking sheet with nonstick foil or parchment paper.
    • Cut the bananas in half and insert a Popsicle stick into each half, as shown. Place them on the baking sheet and freeze for 15 minutes.
    • Meanwhile, melt the chocolate a Pyrex measuring cup in the microwave (check it every 30 seconds) or in a half-full pan of simmering water (about 2 minutes). Stir until smooth.
    • Roll each banana half in the chocolate, then quickly sprinkle with your topping (if using).
    • Freeze until the chocolate sets, 30 minutes. Serve or freeze in an airtight=