Peanut Chia Pudding

Layering peanut chia pudding with fresh strawberries makes for a PB and J inspired healthy treat. They contain a very healthy amount of fiber, good fats and protein which make chia pudding both satiating and satisfying. Some Medjool dates make it naturally sweet and add in some extra nutrients while a combination of peanut powder and peanut butter give it a strong peanut flavour and variety of textures. Continue Reading →

Nectarine Energy Balls

Energy balls can be made with any combination of dried fruits, nut butters, seeds, nuts and whole grain flakes or puffs. They are basically trail mix in another form, though they are just as portable and convenient. I find that they can even be a bit easier to digest because everything is chopped finely. Generally, we do not chew our food enough, putting more stress on the rest of the digestive system to break down each bite. Continue Reading →

Raspberry Hazelnut Oatmeal

Steel cut oats are one of my favourite whole grains. They cook up into a really nicely dense and hearty oatmeal. Around a cup and a half, cooked according to package directions, expands into around 6-8 nourishing servings. I like to make a batch like this, with a generous sprinkle of cinnamon, then reheat portions as needed throughout the coming days, with some nut milk to thin in out. Adding in fruit, nuts, seeds and yogurt makes it rich in a wide range of nutrients from fiber, protein and healthy fats to vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Continue Reading →

Peanut, Date and Hemp Energy Balls

Energy balls are basically round, very healthy cookies. They are easy to prepare because they do not require any baking time in the oven, although they could be flattened with a fork and called cookies instead. Their ingredients are all very nutrient dense- making them a potent source of energy. They are really versatile and can be a good way to use up bits of dried fruit, nuts and seeds leftover in the pantry. Generally I use a mixture of dates, nut butter and some kind of nut flour or oats as the base. Continue Reading →

Meyer Lemon Coconut Energy Balls

Energy balls are perfect for a healthy dessert or snack or they can be added to a bowl of oatmeal or yogurt to bulk it up a little. Their name describes them perfectly- energy balls, a.k.a. power balls, are filled with nutrient dense ingredients. Each component itself is filled with nutrients, including the macronutrients (carbohydrates, protein and fats) and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals). When they come together they create a great option for fuelling or recovering from intense workouts or for getting through afternoon energy slumps. Continue Reading →

Orange Asparagus Wheat Berry Salad

Eating in the summer is easy- the focus is on lots of hydrating smoothies, fruits and salads, plus some BBQ here and there to weigh the lighter options down a bit. In the fall, it gets a little heavier still and there is (ideally) pumpkin in everything. The winter is all about comfort food- thick stews and chilis, roasted meats and root vegetables, porridge and hearty breads. But what about spring? For the earth it is a time of renewal and if we eat with the seasons, as we should as much as possible, it is a season of renewal for us too. It is the best time of year to detoxify our bodies. That doesn’t mean going on cleanses or restrictive diets, it means eating more foods that support our bodies’ natural detoxification process. Continue Reading →

Bruschetta Endive Boats

Endive leaves are the perfect shape for one- or two-bite appetizers, they are like edible spoons that can be filled with whatever your heart desires. I topped these with a quick bruschetta mixture for a colourful and easy option. To make it even faster, some chopped tomato can be tossed in an already prepared pesto sauce or a fresh salsa from the deli can be used. Continue Reading →

Mini Bites Greek Salad

Since I like my salads to last for a few days I’ve been experimenting on different ways to make them stay as fresh as possible. I find that smaller cucumbers and tomatoes like this tend to stay more intact because they are still encased in  their skins even when chopped, versus larger versions that get diced and have more exposed surface areas. Continue Reading →

Cruciferous Carrot Salad

Nutritional findings can be very conflicting and confusing and if you’re trying to eat healthier it can get a bit disheartening. Very simply, the most universal rule is to just eat a variety of foods, especially plant foods, in as close to their natural state as possible. Do this as often as possible, and you will probably be doing quite well. Salads with a range of different, colourful raw vegetables can be a great source of nutrients that can be eaten on their own or as a supplement to your regular meals. Continue Reading →