Spiced nuts are a versatile food, they’re fancy enough for antipasti platters, low maintenance enough for picnics, healthy enough to top oatmeal or yogurt for a good breakfast and comforting enough for rainy day snacking curled up with a book. They are very rich so it can be nice to balance them out with some dried fruits. This version uses the traditional combination of cinnamon and nutmeg on buttery pecans and sweet almonds. Continue Reading →
Homemade Popcorn
Plain air popped corn is an easy, accessible and healthy alternative to processed chips, croutons and crackers. It is considered a whole grain and while it barely has any fat or protein it does have a good amount of fiber and several antioxidants. Popcorn is sturdy enough for thick dips like hummus and guacamole and versatile enough to take on a range of flavors. Continue Reading →
Red Ginger Citrus Juice
Even the pickiest of eaters, children and adults alike, who generally avoid fruits and vegetables enjoy fresh pressed juices, especially when they are made mostly from fruits and have a vibrant color. Fresh juices are more delicate in flavor than commercial juices processed for a long shelf life and they are full of antioxidants, enzymes, vitamins and minerals Continue Reading →
Cherrry Coconut Trail Mix
Both dried cherries and coconut have some natural sweetness with their own strong, distinct flavors, making them perfect additions to trail mix. Cherries are a great source of fiber, vitamins A and C and several antioxidants, and these nutrients are still plentiful when the cherries are dried. Continue Reading →
Smoothie from the Sea
One of the trendiest ingredients out there for smoothies is chlorella and/or spirulina powder. It is very fine and a rich evergreen colour with impressive nutritional components. It is one of those foods that tastes as healthy as it is- it’s pretty gross but once the smoothie is blended you cannot taste or smell it at all, you only get the benefits. Chlorella and spirulina are both microalgaes rich in antioxidants, B vitamins, chlorophyll, calcium, iron, zinc, protein and essential fatty acids. A lot of the (warranted) hype around these products is based on its alkalizing and chelating abilities. Continue Reading →
3 Ingredient Rice Bowl
This is a really, really simple bowl but it has been a staple of mine for a long time. It originated as a bedtime snack after late nights out and though I have less of those now, this is still my go-to choice when I need something nourishing, easy to digest, warming and grounding- basically just some healthy comfort food. Both brown rice and avocado are very nutritious and easy to digest, so much so that they are acceptable for babies who are just getting into solid food. Continue Reading →
Sesame Honey Chickpeas
Roasted chickpeas are usually paired with salt and savory spices to create a healthy snack full of fiber and protein, but they work well with some sweetness too. Honey, legumes (the lentil and bean family, including chickpeas a.k.a garbanzo beans) and sesame seeds are foods widely used in Ayurveda, a five thousand year old wellness system derived in India meaning “the science of life”. Continue Reading →
Strawberry Mango Smoothie
Mango and strawberry is one of those combinations that never disappoints. Add in some lime juice, coconut water, vanilla protein powder and an avocado and it becomes a tropical tasting, rich, sweet and creamy smoothie good enough to satisfy dessert cravings. This is the perfect kind of thing to eat before or to take along when heading to a beach, pool or anywhere else you want to feel energetic, lean and comfortable. Continue Reading →
Orange Mocha Frappuccino
Several years ago I took a very elitist film class. On the first day we had to go around the classroom and say our name and favorite film. I was near the end and those before me each picked obscure foreign films I had never heard of, to a round of understanding nods from everyone else. I knew I couldn’t compete with that so I was honest and admitted mine to be the completely American and Hollywood creation- Zoolander. The pursed lips I was expecting were parted and to my surprise I was met with collective approval and a lively discussion ensued. A well known part of this movie has one of the lead male models and his crew heading out to cheer themselves up with orange mocha frappuccinos followed up by a “freak gasoline fight accident”. Continue Reading →
3 Ingredient Vitality Smoothie
This is the kind of food to go for after you have been sick. After a spell of nausea or food poisoning, a wicked hangover or even just an energy depleting virus or really intense workout, we need sustenance that is easy to digest, absorb and use. When I was little this meant saltine crackers and gingerale but I wanted a more nutrient dense and chemical free option to aid in recovery. This is easy on sore tummies and it does wonders to help get one back to regular speed quickly. Once we are already dehydrated, drinking water can make us feel instantly worse but some studies, and my own empirical research has shown that coconut water helps to rehydrate without any negative symptoms like increased nausea. Continue Reading →