Fish Taco's

This is a family favorite right now. Holy deliciousness!!!

4-5 Panko crusted Tilapia (I get them from costco)

Cook in oven for 20 mins at 450 degress

While that is cooking I put together the avocado salsa and spicy mayo (it's not that spicy).

Avocado Salsa  

1 large Avocado or 2 small
1-2 Roma tomatoes
1-2 Green Onions
Handful of Cilantro
Juice of 1/2 a Lime
Pinch of Salt


Spicy Mayo  

1/2 cup Light Mayo
1 tsp (or more if you desire) Sriracha sauce
pinch of salt
Juice of 1/2 a Lime
Add water till 'drizzling' consistency

Put together in a whole wheat tortilla and savor every bite!

Zucchini Lasagna

Another delicious dinner tonight! This one is low carb and high protein. A definite repeat!

INGREDIENTS
1 lbs ground organic beef (you could also use turkey or 2c shredded chicken)
1/2 chopped medium onion
3 cups spaghetti sauce (I used my homemade recipe Marina Sauce)
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp oregano
1/2 tsp basil
1/4 tsp black pepper
4 large zucchini sliced length wise
2 cup cottage cheese
2 eggs
4 tbsp almond flour (or coconut or whole wheat flour)
1.5 cups shredded mozzarella

DIRECTIONS  

Bring a pot of water to boil. Salt water and add zucchini slices (these are your 'noodles') and boil for 3 mins. Drain, then lay zucchini on paper towels to cool and absorb extra moisture.

Cook ground beef and onions over medium heat until done. Drain grease. Add marina sauce and seasonings. Bring to boil, then reduce heat to simmer uncovered for about 5 mins to allow the seasonings to flavor the sauce.

In a small bowl, mix the cottage cheese with the beaten eggs.

Spray a 9x13 baking dish with cooking spray, lay half of the zucchini, and sprinkle with 2 Tbsp of flour. Top with some of the cottage cheese mixture and half of the meat sauce. Repeat the layer of zucchini, flour, cottage cheese & meat sauce. Top with mozzarella cheese.

Bake at 375 for 40 mins or until heated through and the cheese is nice and bubbly.

Whole Wheat Gnocchi w/ Quinoa

Who says you have to have meat to have a high protein packed DELICIOUS meal??!!

I whipped this puppy up in a matter of 10 mins.

Ingredients
1 16 oz packaged Whole wheat gnocchi (found at Albertsons)
1/2 medium Yellow onion, chopped
4 cloves Garlic
1 15 oz can White beans, rinsed
1 15 oz can Italian-seasoned diced tomatoes
salt & pepper
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup Mozzarella cheese
1 packed Quinoa w/ kale (found at Costco)
1 TB EVOO (extra virgin olive oil)

Heat EVOO in skillet over medium heat and add onion & garlic for about 2 mins.

Boil gnocchi for 3 mins as per packing instructions.

Place Quinoa in microwave for 4 mins as per instructions.

Add canned tomatoes, beans and salt & pepper to onions & garlic. Once the gnocchi & quinoa are ready add them in as well. Stir together until everything is heated. Add both Mozzarella & Parmesan cheese and stir. Serve and ENJOY!!

Thai Chicken Salad

This was so good & refreshing ... however, it does have a kick to it!

Chicken marinade
1/2 cup Coconut Oil
2 TB Rice vinegar
2 TB Agave
1 clove Garlic
2 TB Cilantro, chopped
1 Lime juice
dash of salt & pepper

Place4 boneless skinless chicken breast in a zip lock bag and pour in marinade. You can marinade from 30 minutes up to 4 hours. Place in refrigerator. When ready just grill up.

Salad
2 hearts of Romaine, chopped
2 cups Broccoli slaw
1 Cucumber, peeled, seeded & chopped
1 Red bell pepper, chopped
2 Green onions, chopped
2 TB Cilantro, chopped
1 cup Cashews

Dressing
1/4 cup Rice vinegar
1/4 cup Sriracha sauce
1 tsp Sesame oil
1 TB Agave
pinch of salt & pepper

Pour over salad and toss

Peanut Sauce
1/4 cup Almond butter
2 TB Soy sauce
1 TB Rice vinegar
1 TB Sriracha sauce
2 TB Water

If the sauce is too thick you can use more water to thin. Drizzle over chicken.

Asian Ginger Salad

This is a very flavorful salad. I devoured it.

Dressing

4 Cloves of garlic
2 Tbsp ginger root
3/4 Cup EVOO (extra virgin olive oil)
1/3 Cup rice vinegar
3 Tbsp honey 
1/2 Cup soy sauce (low sodium)

blend together in food processor.

Salad

Any kind of greens. I used a half/half mix of spring mix and spinach.
1 Cup cilantro
1 Cup currants
1 Cup coconut flakes
1 Cup cashews
1 Can of chickpeas

Toss with dressing.

Whole Wheat Pizza

My family is a pizza family. The fact that we can eat this pizza has helped us get through the rough patches when you really want to eat a pizza. Move over Little Caesars!!

Marinara Sauce

1 can stewed tomatoes (whole or chopped)
2 fresh roma tomatoes, cut into quarters
6 sundried tomatoes
2 dates (pits removed)
1/2 onion (white or yellow) cut into quarters
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp salt
1 zucchini or yellow squash, cut into 1" pieces

Strain the stewed tomatoes into the food processor and set the tomatoes aside for now. Put all the other ingredients into the food processor and blend until mostly mixed. Add the stewed tomatoes and pulse until your desired consistency. I like mine a little chunky.


I buy the already made whole wheat pizza dough from Winco. Or you can buy the whole wheat pizza ready to make crust at Winco or Albertsons. Fred Meyer's might have it too.

Grease a pan and sprinkle whole wheat flour on the pan. Roll the dough out to desired thickness. Pour the marinara sauce over dough. Sprinkle some Parmesan and mozzarella cheese. Place the turkey pepperoni over pizza. We also like to put olives on it too. Sprinkle some more mozzarella cheese. Bake at 400 degrees for 18-22 minutes depending on your oven.

Other variations we like is roasted tomatoes & basil. So good!!

Enjoy!!

Craisin Salad

I had this salad last night and I could seriously have it every night ... it's THAT good!

Dressing

1/2 C Honey (raw)
1/2 C Apple cider vinegar
1/2 C EVOO (extra virgin olive oil)
1 Tbsp Mustard (I used honey mustard)
1 Tsp Salt
1/4 Red onion

Throw in food processor and puree. Then add 1 Tbsp Poppy Seeds and pulse a few times.

Salad

Organic spring mix & baby spinach (as much as you desire)
1 can Mandarin oranges
1 cup Craisins
1 cup Mozzarella cheese
1 cup Sliced almonds (toasted with 2 Tbsp of Agave)

I added 1 cup of shredded chicken but this is optional. Pour dressing over and toss.

Enjoy!

Granola Bars

I make these at least once a week if not more. One of my favorite snacks.

2 cups Rolled oats
1 cup Cashews
1 cup Carob chips

Mix in bowl

In a sauce pan mix in together

2.5 cups Almond butter (the runnier the better)
2/3 cups Honey
1/3 cup Agave

Melt together (I don't like this to get very warm because it melts the carob chips)

Pour over oat mixture and incorporate thoroughly. Place in greased pan and press down with fingers. Put into refrigerator to set. About 30 minutes. Store in refrigerator in air tight container.

Vegan Taco Salad

This was a HUGE hit in our house! So fast,easy & good!

Ingredients

Taco "meat"

• ½ white onion, sliced
• 3 tablespoons water
• 1 can cooked chickpeas
• 1/2 packet taco seasoning mix

Guacamole

• 1 avocado flesh, mashed
• 1 tablespoon finely diced white onion or red onion
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh cilantro
• Juice from ½ lime
• Sea salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

Salad Ingredients

• 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
• 2 tomato, chopped
• 2 tablespoons salsa (optional)

Instructions

1. Add sliced onion and water to a medium-sized saucepan. Heat on medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes, until onions are softened.
2. Add chickpeas and taco seasoning and reduce heat to medium. Cook uncovered for another 2-3 minutes, until heated through.
3. Meanwhile, add guacamole ingredients to a small bowl and mash with a fork to combine. Set aside.
4. Pile all of the salad ingredients in a bowl. Top with guacamole and taco "meat".

Vanilla Granola

My kids will eat this for breakfast or for a mid afternoon snack with almond milk. I like to put raisins in with mine.

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup Agave Nectar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 4 cups quick cooking oats
• 1 cup sliced almonds

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
2. In a sauce pan, heat the agave nectar and vanilla extract on high for one minute, just until its warm (do not let it bubble). Set to the side.
3. Place the quick cooking oats and sliced almonds in a large bowl. Pour the agave mixture on top of the oats/almonds. Mix well with a spoon until everything is coated with agave. Pour onto a parchment (or SILPAT) lined baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes (mixing half way through).
4. Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

Your first week

If you've decided to start your new lifestyle change here are a couple of things to keep in mind.

Your body will be getting rid of all the toxins in your body. You may experience headaches from the lack of sugar and caffeine for a couple of days. You will also experience some bloating & cramping from the toxins moving through your bowels. You will poop a LOT! This is a good thing. It took my body about a week and a half to get rid of all the toxins (meaning I was crampy & bloated that long) but once everything moves through you will feel great. You will NO longer feel bloated while eating this way. I used to suffer from acid indigestion throughout the day and especially at night. That is completely gone. I've been eating this way for 5 weeks now and I've lost 8lbs. I've also been hitting the gym hard and lifting weights so I'm gaining muscle. Body transformation is what I'm calling it. :D My husband has also lost 13lbs.

I will be putting some more recipes on today for salads and snacks. If you have any questions or suggestions please comment below. Good luck everyone!

Grilled Ginger-Sesame Chicken Salad

Quick, simple & satisfying. Especially on a super hot day like today!

Marinade
 1/4 c low sodium soy sauce
2 Tbsp finely minced ginger
3 Tbsp coconut oil
2 Tbsp hoisin sauce
1 Tbsp sesame oil
1 tsp Sriracha
1/2 tsp salt

I used shredded rotisserie chicken. I put it in a ziplock bag and poured the marinade over top of it. Massage it into all the chicken and set aside.
You can also pour over raw chicken and marinade for 30 mins up to overnight in the refrigerator. Then grill.

Salad
1 lb napa cabbage halved lengthwise and thinly sliced crosswise
1-2 cups matchstick carrots (or cut any kind of carrot into matchsticks)
2/3 cup slivered almonds (toasted if you'd like)
1/2 cup cilantro (I'm not a huge fan so I did not use)

I warmed up the chicken in a fry pan for a couple of minutes.

Dressing
1/4 cup red wine vinegar OR I used rice wine vinegar
1/4 cup chopped green onions

Toss everything together sprinkle with some sesame seeds and serve. Let me know how you liked it below.  :)

Healthy Chocolate Chip Cookies

Who'd a thought ... healthy cookies??? and they taste good?? YES!!!! For those of you with sweet tooth's (like me) these are an excellent alternative.

2.5 cups Almond flour
1/2 tsp Sea salt
1/2 tsp Baking soda
1 tsp Pure vanilla
1/2 cup Coconut oil
1/2 cup Agave
1 cup Carob choc chips
1/2 cup Nuts (optional)

Mix all together and place 1/2 inch balls on parchment paper. Cook for 7-8 minutes at 350 degrees.

ENJOY!!!

Egg & Avocado Salad

Boil 6 eggs for 8 minutes

1 Avocado (cut into pieces)
2 tsp. Garlic salt
1 tsp. Salt
1/2 Lime juice

Mix together

Cut hard boiled eggs into pieces and remove the yolk. Mix with avocado mixture and 1 Tbls of Mayo.
Serve on whole wheat bread or bagel.

Typical Day

So a typical day of eating at our house would be:

Make green smoothie

Breakfast - Whole wheat pancakes or Oatmeal with Green Smoothie

Snack - Fruit & veggies

Lunch - Whole wheat bread or bagels with Almond Butter & Raw Honey with Green Smoothie (I try to have my kids finish off their smoothies by this point)
you could also go Tuna or Egg salad using very little mayo

Snack - Granola bar

Dinner - Large salad (try not to use store bought dressings. If you do, find one with the least amount of sugar)
I usually make either whole wheat pasta or a quinoa salad.

Oatmeal

This is actually a really good recipe .. I promise!

2 cups Rolled Oats
1.5 cups Almond milk
.5 cup Water
pinch of Salt

Bring to boil for 2-5 minutes until desired thickness.

Add 2 Tbls Agave
and for a little added flavor 1 Tbls Maple syrup

Chips

For those of you who love chips. These can be found at Albertsons. My husband & kids love them. They come in different varieties as well.

Snacks

Many people have asked me 'What do you snack on?' That is easy. We snack on fruits such as banana's (we go through a LOT of them) strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, plums, oranges, watermelon, cantaloupe, pineapple ... etc.
I'm adding in veggies. This is a little harder but I'm not too concerned since they gobble up their smoothies. Carrots, broccoli, cauliflower & celery sticks for now.
I also, make homemade granola bars and other yummy snacks or treats that I will post as well.

Whole Wheat Pancakes

These are soooo good!! My kids request them almost daily. Super easy to make!

For my family of 6 I double this recipe.

1.5 cup Buttermilk
1 Egg
1 tsp. Vanilla

Mix together

1 cup Whole wheat flour
1 tsp. Baking soda
1 tsp. Baking powder (alum. free)
pinch of Salt

Incorporate all together and cook.

Delish!!

Green Smoothies

My family LOVES the green smoothies. Bruce (husband), Collin (15 yrs), Jordon (9 yrs) and I all drink a quart a day. Sienna (7 yrs) & Alexa (3 yrs) drink a pint a day. I like to make different variations each day. I like to add some fresh fruit in with the frozen fruit. Here is what I do:

2.25 cups of filtered Water
Then fill the blender full with the greens

Blend till they are all mixed. Roughly 15-25 seconds

Then add
1 Banana
2 Tbls of Agave
1 cup Frozen fruit & 1/2 cup of fresh fruit
1 Tbls Chia & Flaxseed
I also like to add 1-2 Tbls of Kefir (pro-biotic)

Blend all together till smooth.

ENJOY!!!!

BTW, these can be made the night before. They last up to 48 in a air tight container. 

Pantry Staples

These are your 3 main sources of sugar when making anything.

I use a lot of pure vanilla in baking, chia & flaxseed in my green smoothies. Stewed or whole tomatoes and sun dried tomatoes for my homemade marinara sauce. Black & white beans for sure! Pure sea salt, aluminum free baking soda, cocoa & olive oil.

Rolled oats & whole wheat flour. I buy these in bulk at the grocery store.