Nachos - well kinda sorta

ssshhh....don't tell my body I am really on a diet of clean eating.  

Trying to switch things up at the cafe, I discovered a little creativity can really go a long way....can I tell you how amazingly delish this was?  I could but I suggest you try it for yourself.  I promise it will be love at first bite! 

Nachos 

2 medium size peeled sweet potatoes and sliced thin ( I used a mandolin but next time I won't, they were almost too thin)
1 to 2 tablespoons coconut oil melted 
Smoked paprika, black pepper, garlic powder

• Toss sweet potatoes with oil and spices, arrange on a cookie sheet and bake until crisp.  I baked mine at 375 degrees but watch careful so they don't burn. 

Toppings:

Extra lean hamburger meat cooked with onion and taco seasoning.  When finished add finely chopped cilantro and mix together.

Arrange cooked potato "chips" on a plate.  Add a generous serving of meat.  I added a sprinkle of cheese, dollop of low fat greek yogurt, siracha hot sauce, more cilantro and chopped green onions. 

Fresh avocado would be a nice addition too. 

Grocery List:

Sweet Potatoes
Low Fat Greek Yogurt - Plain
Lean Hamburger - 1 pound
Cilantro 
Green Onions 
Cheese 
Avocado 
Siracha Hot Sauce - Trader Joe's brand is amazing :) 

Seasoning Used:

Taco Season 
Smoked Paprika
Garlic Powder 
Salt and Pepper 

Dig in!

Breakfast Scramble and Food Prepping at the Cafe!

Good Morning, 

It’s time to clean out the fridge at Cafe5400 which means food prep and a delicious breakfast scramble.  This recipe is super versatile and healthy…..I call that nothing short of awesome! 

1/2 teaspoon of coconut oil
1 red bell pepper - diced into small pieces
1 cup frozen spinach - drained 
1 half sweet onion - finely diced
1 frozen veggie burger - Dr. Prager brand is my favorite :) Sold at Trader Joe's
4 whole eggs and 4 egg whites 
5 slices of pepperoni (Left over from New Years Eve)
3 wedges of laughing cow cheese light (secret ingredient - creamy & delish)

Spices: smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt & pepper

In a large non-stick pan, melt the coconut oil & saute veggies until tender and a bit browned.  Add veggie burger and allow to get soft….once soft, smash up and incorporate together with veggies.  Add eggs & seasoning and start to scramble.  Just before the eggs  are finished, cut up laughing cow cheese and mix together.  I served mine with fresh avocado.  Enjoy! 

You can use whatever veggies you have on hand.  Get creative.  

Food prepping for a successful week :

Food prep is also happening today….this ensures a successful week full of healthy options.  My menu is as follows:

• Lean Ground Beef Meatloaf
• Baked Sweet Potatoes - cooked and stored in the fridge for the week.
• Roasted balsamic & olive oil brussel sprouts 
• Sauteed zucchini in olive oil 
• Smoked whole chicken 

Snacks: cut up carrots - fresh oranges & protein smoothies

Wishing you all a wonderful week full of excellent choices….remember you are in control and it’s truly about choices!  Make each one healthy and stay STRONG! That will keep you moving in the right direction.  

Happy New Year....cookies too

Treats to kick off 2015....

I made both of these healthy cookie recipes over the holidays and they were both amazing.  Even the best nutrition plan deserves a little fun.  It’s all about moderation……right?  So they say....AND I believe them!!!

Caramel Sea Salt Macaroons (Paleo, vegetarian, vegan friendly) 

1/2 cup coconut oil
1/2 cup melted coconut butter
1 - 1/4 cup shredded coconut - unsweetened
1 -1/4 almond flour
1/4 cup maple syrup
1/8 cup raw coconut nectar
1 tsp sea salt
1/2 pure vanilla 

Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl fitted with a paddle and blend until ingredients are incorporated.  Roll into small bite size balls and roll in additional shredded coconut.  They will be soft, store in an airtight container in the fridge to harden. 

Double Chocolate Chip Cookies

1 cup thick almond butter (thick is important…do not use the oily type)
1/2 cup coconut sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon vanilla
pinch of salt
1/2 carob chips
1 egg

Preheat oven to 350 degrees, combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl fitted with a paddle and blend until incorporated.  To make each cookie use 2 tablespoons of dough rolled into a ball and place on a parchment paper lined baking sheet….lightly press down with a fork but no need to flatten. Bake for 10 minutes.  Remove from oven and allow to cool.  

Happy New Year!

Today marks my 1 year anniversary of hydrating, moving and nourishing my body.  For a solid year, I have made conscious decisions regarding eating and exercising.  I've learned so much about proper nutrition and how my body responds to eating certain foods.  I mostly cut out “white” processed foods and limited my processed sugars to almost zero.  My body first responded by dropping excess weight, giving me a bolt of energy as well as better mental focus.  Over the past holiday season, I indulged in a few of my favorite treats including, pasta, pizza and ice cream.  While the taste was delicious, I was left bloated and with an empty feeling of nutrition.  To think prior to making this lifestyle change, that was just a normal everyday feeling for me…YUCK!  

My exercise also took a 180 turn this year, our bodies are capable of so much…it’s the mind that limits us.  I ran my first 1/2 marathon in October and what an accomplishment that was! Just this time last year, running any distance steady over 3 miles was a pipe dream.  I learned to push my body when my mind said stop.  I learned what a injury felt like (no fun) but most important, I learned to not give up!  When I was injured, I would cycle, lift weights or swim.  I kept moving and incorporated a no excuse policy.  To be honest, some days these lifestyle changes felt like a chore however, being overweight coupled with self loathing was no easy task either….I would not change a second of what I learned about myself in 2014!  I love who I have become!  

Not one to make New Year resolutions since they usually tend to have an expiration date.  With that being said, I will stick to what has worked and continue on my path of healthy & positive.  One decision or choice at a time….it all adds up!  Wishing you all a STRONG 2015!

It is time for this girl to get serious about training, I have another 1/2 marathon coming up!  

Until next time, stay awesome! Hugs & Cheer! 

Meatloaf

Hello,

This year is flying by so fast that I am afraid if I blink, I will miss it!!!  Between the Holiday Gatherings, Christmas Cheer & Work Deadlines…I have managed to neglect my beloved blog….sad, I know but rest assured I can’t stay away too long.  With that being said, I am here to share this amazing meatloaf recipe with you…super easy…somewhat healthy and fast….now that’s something worth celebrating!

1 pound of ground lean beef

1 pound of chicken sausage – bulk or casing removed

2 medium chopped carrots

1 cup of frozen spinach – drained – Trader Joe’s sells the perfect frozen spinach

½ chopped sweet onion

1 chopped red bell pepper

1 bunch of green finely diced onions

1 cup almond flour

½ teaspoon of salt and a generous amount of fresh ground black pepper

1 teaspoon garlic powder

In a large bowl, mix all ingredients together using your hands and place into a greased baking dish.  Bake for 1 hour and allow to rest before slicing.  I noticed the longer it cooled, the better it held together. It was delish!   

Enjoy!

Running and Exercise Update:

I have managed to sideline with myself with yet another unhappy knee….running has pretty much slowed down until I can get into the doctor for a check-up.  While I have no pain, I do have tightness and an occasional popping noise that somewhat concerns me.  I am staying active with weights, swimming, walking and cycling…none of which seems to aggravate the situation.  Thank goodness because I love my active lifestyle especially during this time of the year…so many treats and it really helps with stress.  For fun, I decided to give myself a little challenge that I named #operationnohibernation.  Operationnohibernation is a fun reminder to get out of bed early to workout and stay focused during this time of year.  Keeping the focus is my goal. I have no intention of hitting reset on January 1st ,  therefore, I don’t hit the snooze button in the morning!  Ok maybe once or twice, I am human after all! 

Of course this Season won’t pass me by without a few indulgences.  It’s all about balance, being positive, hydrating and moving!  

Cheers to staying STRONG and being HEALTHY!

Pumpkin Cake with Walnut Praline

Good Morning,

Happy almost Thanksgiving...WOW, where has the year gone!  T- Day is my holiday, I cook the entire meal for the family.  Since 2014 has been a year of cleaning up my act and being a better version of myself, I have decided to make this meal a bit healthier all while keeping up with tradition.  This morning I decided to do a test run and make  a healthier dessert instead of traditional pumpkin or apple pie.  These pumpkin cakes with Walnut Praline are made using no white flours or processed sugars and they are simply awesome!  Sometimes all it takes is a little effort and thinking outside the box.  

Cake: 

3/4 cup almond flour
1 Tablespoon Coconut Flour
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon pumpkin spice 
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
2 large eggs
1/2 cup organic pumpkin 
1 Tablespoon coconut oil, melted
3 Tablespoons of pure maple syrup
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract 

Cake: 

Mix all ingredients together using an electric mixer until smooth - use non stick cooking spray, grease ramekins and spoon mixture into each dish.  Bake at 350 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes and allow to cool. 

*I used ramekins to bake the cakes, plus I like the fact I can serve them directly to my guests this way.

Praline Topping: 

1/3 cup pure maple syrup
1/4 cup full fat coconut milk
3 Tablespoons chopped walnuts
1 Tablespoon butter

In a small saucepan, over medium heat combine all ingredients. Bring to a boil and stir, reduce the heat and allow to thicken.  This will take about 10 minutes.  Do not burn. 

Drizzle topping over cakes prior to serving! 

Endless options...serve alone or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whip cream!  

Enjoy! 

Wishing you all a wonderful holiday and don't forget to count your blessings and give Thanks!  I know I have so much to be Thankful about!  

Long Beach Half Marathon

Hello,

 I am proud to say I participated in and finished my first 1/2 marathon.  I spent most of this year running and training to cross that finish line and what an amazing experience!  Just wow!!!  I was honestly in tears at the finish because I never imagined myself doing such an event. I had made up my mind that running a half marathon was dream and something bigger than I was capable of achieving.  Running this race was on my bucket list for a long time...I would always start training and then let some short term fun goal effect my long term desire.  This year I set out to run that race and nothing was going to stand in my way.....not even myself! 

The actual race day was the final piece in my puzzle, I truthfully learned so much about myself & my body during the past 9 months of training.

•  I learned how to use this body to become stronger - not only physically but mentally.  
•  I learned how to overcome weakness and rely on my resources, friend & family. 
•  I learned who my true friends were - they were there every second cheering me on and        providing me with endless support when I wanted to quit. 
•  I learned there was a such thing as proper nutrition and hydration.
•  I learned I can do anything I set my mind to and most important, I learned to never give up! 

On race morning, I woke up ate my oatmeal with almond butter...got dressed (taped up the knees) gulped some water and headed to the start line with Gu in hand.  Up until this point, my race experience was a few "Turkey Trots" and a few 10k races.  I had no idea what to expect....I was a bit late due to traffic, parking ect but managed to still be there on time.  My plan was to start in "wave 2" with an expected finish of 2:15-2:30 however, by the time I used the outhouse (gross) and headed to my spot...wave 2 was in progress.  I was hoping for wave 3 but too far past the cut off, so I ended up running in wave 4 (slow group) which gave me a really slow start for the first 2 miles.  The start of the run was great...the energy and the crowd was amazing (25,000 people)....I rode that high for the first 5 miles...I remember thinking this is going to be a breeze if the whole race continues this way.  I was still feeling pretty good until mile 10 and then I had to rely on mental power to pull through to the finish.  So many people came out to show support, they dressed up in costumes while handing out high fives & goodies. They danced, they waved banners, they cheered and they gave their all to keep us pushing forward - the human spirit and overall experience will forever live in my mind.  I was so moved by all the support it was unbelievable. 

I crossed that finish line at 2:26....and I am proud to say I have already signed up for another race, my next half is February 1, 2015!  Here is to setting goals and going out there to chase them!  

Stay awesome!  

Brownies & Running

Hello

I am starting to think about the Holidays as we launch into October and all the delicious foods & fun.  I love Fall for so many reasons, the cool weather, scarves/boots and so many endless soup options. (I absolutely love hearty soups).  I can promise you this blog will not fall short on recipes.  Stay tuned...
My latest cooking adventure has been all about making the "healthy" brownie and YES, I think I have come close.  While not too low in calories, I can say it contains no flours, processed sugars or added fats or butter.  So far, I have made a traditional chocolate brownie and a blonde brownie (cause we all know blondes are more fun - LOL).  Both turned out awesome and did not last long at Cafe5400!  These are super easy to make and even easier to EAT...You've been warned!  

Ingredients:

Pam or Coconut oil cooking Spray - grease 8X8 Baking dish 
1 cup almond butter
1 cup almond flour
1/2 cup pure maple syrup or stevia drops (both are amazing) *use stevia to taste
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking powder
pinch of sea salt
1/2 cup sugar free chocolate chips - available at Whole Foods or Vitacost.com 

Traditional Brownies: add 1/2 unsweetened coco powder 

Blonde Brownies: leave coco powder out and add vanilla protein powder (I use the brand Muscle Pharm - Combat).

Everything goes into a mixing bowl...combine and bake in an  8X8 baking dish for 30 - 35 minutes at 350 degrees.  Cool, cut into squares and store in airtight container in the fridge. 

Enjoy!

Blondies

Let's chat about RUNNING: 

Oh my gosh, oh my GOSH....my half marathon is next weekend....Sunday, October 12, 2014!  I am super excited and nervous all at the same time.  While I have trained and I feel prepared - I still can't believe I am accomplishing a long time dream of mine.  I am nervous of actually running in a race with thousands of people but excited at the same time cause I know the energy of the crowd will move and motivate me.  It has been four years since my last official race, which was a 10k. 
I will keep you guys posted as I get closer...until then, wishing you all a wonderful week and reminding you to stay Awesome! 

Remember, it's all about sticking to the plan and not giving up....You can do anything you set your mind to....I am living proof of this...when I started training, I could barely run a mile without stopping!  

No EXCUSES!  

Still smiling after a 13.1 mile practice RUN!