Healthy Eating Doesn’t Have To Be Intimidating!

“Eat a lot of everything, but not a lot of anything”
– Giada de Laurentiis

Two of my biggest passions in life are food and nutrition. While I can say that food, in general, was a favourite of mine growing up, nutrition definitely was not. I had a horrible diet, ate and drank junk food at every meal and ate out at fast food restaurants far too often. It wasn’t until I was in University and discovered a love of cooking that I turned my “diet” around and made a healthy lifestyle for myself.  Soon after I loaded my meals with fresh vegetables and whole grains, I saw so many of my health issues diminish: no more unexplained rashes, digestive issues or exhaustion. I understand that many people can be intimidated by finding ways to eat healthy and to actually maintain that lifestyle…I know I certainly was.
Before diving into any of the recipes I may post, I want to remind you that healthy eating doesn’t have to be intimidating. You don’t have to be a nutritionist, health coach or personal trainer to know how to eat well. Additionally, you don’t need a million complicated ingredients to make a delicious, healthy meal. Just know one thing, coming to this blog is a good start! The first thing is to remember to start off simple! Here are my top 5 tips for starting (or maintaining) a healthy lifestyle:

1. Moderation & Eat Smart
   My first piece of advice to myself, and now to you, is to start off by eating specific foods in moderation. I started off eating the things I loved but in smaller portions. If you like having an egg sandwich in the morning, opt for 1 piece of 100% whole grain toast, 1 egg, 1 slice of cheese and a handful of spinach instead of something that is loaded with unhealthy calories and too much fat. If you like pasta, have it…just in a smaller portion, or opt for whole grain or brown rice noodles instead of the normal processed white pasta. Remember, you can live a healthy lifestyle without dieting! Eat what you love but remember to eat smart!
2. Find Inspiration
   All in all, if you have a favourite food you can still have it, just find alternative ways to make it healthier! That’s the glory of the Internet. If you ever need help finding new ways to adapt recipes or find new ways to eat better find blogs like this one, Pinterest, or follow healthy Instagram pages to give you inspiration. The possibilities are truly endless!
3. When in doubt: Veggie it up!
   Veggies, Veggies and more Veggies! My favourite thing to do is sneak in vegetables wherever I can. If you have a favourite list of vegetables, eat them! So many of us put a small portion of veggies on the side, who is to say that you can’t eat a whole plate loaded with veggies? Almost any meal can be complimented with vegetables so don’t be afraid to add them into your meals.
4. Be Realistic—One meal won’t ruin you, just like one meal won’t make you healthy
   If you want to go out and have a burger and fries, go out and have a burger and fries! If you want to go out for some drinks with your friends, go out! Again, just in moderation! You can find new ways to alter these drinks/meals as well. If you get a burger, get a side salad instead of fries, or even better…a lettuce burger wrap! If you want to go out for drinks, opt for something lighter – A vodka cranberry or a beer can be replaced with vodka water with lemon instead! It is important not to shame or guilt yourself for enjoying food, you only get one life after all, but it’s important to treat your body right!
5. WATER!
   I know you have probably heard this again and again, but water is so, so important! I used to drink milk and diet Pepsi like it was my day job! In second year University, I switched over to drinking almost only water and I will never go back. I felt more energized, my skin improved and I felt way more hydrated than I ever had before. My favourite combo to spice up my water is adding two slices of lemon, a few slices of cucumber and a few pieces of mint leaves. If you are feeling a little bit under the weather my favourite drink is warm lemon water with a teaspoon of all natural honey. Trust me, it works!!

I hope that my blog helps you on your healthy eating journey and that you can find some inspiration from my recipes to continue a healthy lifestyle into the future. Find your own healthy balance!

If you have any questions let me know!

Avocado & Salsa Omelette

Hello everyone, and happy “hump day”! I decided to kick off my morning with this delicious and colourful breakfast omelette. This recipe is dairy free, gluten free and acceptable to eat on the Paleo diet.

I am always experimenting with omelette recipes because sometimes I find that they can be quite bland, even with the added vegetables. After eating this breakfast, I can assure you that this omelette is far from bland, and the real star of the show is the avocado and salsa on top.

Ingredients:
2 Eggs
1/2 ripe Avocado
1 Tbsp Pico de Gallo/Salsa (I used Mad Mexican)
1 Garlic clove, minced
1 small Sweet Bell Pepper
1 handful Cherry Tomatoes
1/4 tsp Basil
1/4 tsp Onion powder
Salt and Pepper to taste

Steps:
1. Chop your Garlic, Bell Pepper, and Cherry Tomatoes.
2. Heat your frying pan on medium heat, spray with coconut oil. Add in veggies and cook for 3-4 minutes.
3. In a bowl, combine Eggs, Basil and Onion Powder and Salt and Pepper. Whisk together and pour into frying pan over veggies.
4. While Omelette is cooking, slice Avocado and set aside.
5. Cook your Omelette, and set on a plate. Add Avocado and 1 Tbsp Pico de Gallo/Salsa on the top.

*Tip: This is how I cook my Omelettes, this technique really works!!

Green Power Breakfast

I originally made this in the summer after a very indulgent (oops) weekend. The weekend was filled with girls wine & cheese night, patio drinks and eating out so I definitely needed to reboot my system. This breakfast was packed with feel-good ingredients, antioxidants and vitamins. The best part about this recipe is that the warm baked avocado and egg is perfect year round, I know I will be making it as we transition into the colder weather here in Toronto.

I hope you enjoy!

Ingredients for Baked Egg & Avocado with Lemon Asparagus:
1 ripe Avocado
2 Organic Eggs
4 pieces of Asparagus
1 tsp Chives, chopped
1/2 Lemon, juiced
1/2 tsp Butter or Olive Oil
Salt & Pepper to taste

Ingredients for Green Spa Smoothie:
1/4 cup Cucumber
1/2 cup Mint Leaves
1/4 cup Almond Milk
1/2 Lemon, juiced
Handful of ice cubes

Steps:
1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
2. Cut Avocado in half and remove the seed. Scoop out a hole in each Avocado half and set aside to top your baked Avocado after.
3. Crack two eggs in each Avocado half. Season with Salt & Pepper. Place on baking sheet.
4. While waiting for the oven to preheat, prepare Asparagus by rinsing and chopping off the ends. Fill frying pan with water and boil Asparagus water over high heat.
5. Bake Avocado for 15-18 minutes, depending on how cooked you like your eggs.
6. While waiting for Egg & Avocado and Asparagus to cook, prepare your Spa Smoothie. Chop Cucumber and place inside blender. Add in Mint leaves, Almond Milk, Ice Cubes and Lemon juice. Blend until smooth.
7. Sprinkle Egg & Avocado with chives and let cool while you drain your Asparagus and season with Lemon & Butter/Olive Oil.

 

Refreshing Breakfast Smoothie Bowl

I was sitting in my house one chilly winter day and decided that I wanted a little bit of summer back in my life.  In my opinion, winter is fun for Christmas time, but after that it’s time for the warm weather! So I thought that despite the cold, I was going to bring a taste of refreshing summer into my breakfast routine (mind over matter right?!).

This recipe is highly versatile and can include your favourite mixes of toppings and fruit! It is a great way to add in fruits and superfoods into your diet without all the hassle. Although it is optional, I encourage you to add in a few tablespoons of your favourite nut butter or protein powder to add in a little bit of protein into the bowl.  I hear a lot of people talking about how fruits have too much sugar to be eaten in large amounts, or that you should avoid consuming them at breakfast time, but I don’t agree with this! Fruits are filled with natural sugar, and are packed with essential vitamins and antioxidants that help create a healthier you! The chia seeds and nuts add an extra dimension by adding some crunch and keeping you full until lunchtime!

I don’t have Smoothie Bowls that often, but when I do, I feel more energized and happier to start my day, especially when it’s early!

Ingredients: 
1 cup frozen berries (or Acai pack from your local health food store/Amazon)
1 ripe banana
1/4-1/2 cup of water (depending on your preferred thickness)
1 handful of your favourite fresh fruits
1 tbsp crushed nuts (I chose almonds) *optional 
1 tbsp chia seeds *optional
2 tbsp of nut butter or 1 scoop of protein powder *optional

Steps:
1. Blend frozen berries (or Acai pack), banana, nut butter/protein powder, and water together in a blender
2. Once blended, pour into a bowl and sprinkle (or create a cute design) with your chia seeds, nuts and fresh berries!

Enjoy!!