Pushing your limits - Are you following through with your resolutions?

My son Mackenzie body surfing for the first time!

  

If you read this blog frequently, you have probably read all about my goals for the new year.  I have decided to try and change things up a bit in 2014.  Although, I like spontaneity, I am quite the creature of habits when it comes to making spur of the moment decisions. I can decide at the last minute to get away for the week-end, but it will surely be to a destination I am familiar with.  I am always pushing my kids to try new things - whether it be new food or new activities - but am not really pushing myself to do the same. 

 

So I have been forcing myself to be a bit more courageous and to push my limits a bit more this year.  Last week, my brother-in-law took us all to an indoor waterpark in Jay Peak, Vermont.  At first, I decided to only watch the kids since I usually get cold in the water and then, my back starts hurting.  I also assumed that the waterslides would make me dizzy (since I get dizzy even in small cars, waterslides were going to be no different).  But after walking around and seeing everyone having fun, I decided that I needed to push my physical limits a bit.  I have been on the sidelines for three years now was getting fed-up.  So I started with the lazy river, and it was actually pleasant.  Then, I took the plunge and went all out in the waterslides...Well, going all out for me means that I went down twice.  Did I get dizzy?  Yup!  Did it last forever?  Nope!  We sometimes get so comfortable in our roles, that we forget that we can gain something if we push ourselves to change it up a bit.  Whether it be ordering something you have never tried in your favorite restaurant, or taking a more nature-oriented vacation instead of a big-city one or even simply learning to cook with new ingredients...we would be surprised what we found out about ourselves if we agreed to change it up once in a while!

 

 

Have a great week-end and thanks for reading!

Amelie

 

 

 

Carrot Orange Ginger juice

 

 

Since I drink smoothies in the morning, I don't really get thirsty for orange juice anymore.  So when I started juicing a few weeks ago, I knew I had to make a juice with oranges.  This is yet another super simple recipe with 3 ingredients found in most kitchens - so there's no excuse not to make it!

 

 

  

Carrot Orange Ginger Juice

 

Ingredients

 

4 organic carrots

3 organic oranges

3/4 inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled

2 1/2 cups filtered water

 

 Method

 

Wash all ingredients properly and peel orange and ginger. 

Place all ingredients in juicer or vitamix.  If using a blender, mix until you get a thick watery paste.  Place fine mesh strainer over a large bowl and empty juice over it.  It may take a few minutes in order to separate the juice from the fiber  (fiber may be kept and used in muffins).  Serve and enjoy!

 

 

Thanks for reading!

Amelie 

 

 

 

 

 

Plant-Based Ice Cream Party!

 

 

In our family we LOVE ice cream.  Mention ice cream and my kids will start making cartwheels and run around just imagining their impending sugar high...But let's be honest, you can't eat it everyday - or can you? With this very simple recipe, you can have it as many times a day as you wish.  That's right, you read correctly: AS MANY TIMES AS YOU WISH IN ONE DAY!!!!!  So what's the secret recipe you ask? Here it is:

 

 

Frozen Banana Ice Cream

(Yields 1 large serving)

 

 

Ingredients

 

2 frozen bananas

1/4 cup vanilla almond milk

 

Method

 

Place all ingredients in your blender and mix until you get a smooth texture.

Serve and enjoy!



 



 

This flavor is chocolate: I simply added 1 tbsp. raw cacao to the blender before mixing.

 



 

This one is maple syrup (also added in the blender before mixing), with a small drizzle on top 

 

 

 

These little gems are by far my kids' favorite candy.  They are called sun drops and are all-natural dye-free candies made with molasses and cacao on the inside.  The coating is made with vegetable icing and the color is mostly obtained with beets.  They are available at most health food stores.

 

 

Yup!  That's what you and your kids will be saying when you have your own ice cream party!

 

 

 

Thanks for reading,

Amelie

Best way to freeze bananas or any type of food...

 

In our house, we buy a lot of bananas!  We usually go through about 11 pounds of bananas in one week.  From smoothies, to fruit platters, to muffins, we can't get enough of them.  But sometimes, life happens and we eat less than we thought we would and we are stuck with a bunch of very ripe bananas that we know we won't consume.  So instead of making a fourth batch of muffins or wasting them, we freeze them.  Before going plant-based it would have never occurred to me to freeze bananas, but it makes so much sense.  Frozen bananas are amazing in smoothies, they add a wonderful thickness and make it cold without having to add ice.  I also always have them on had for my banana ice cream cravings (recipe to come tomorrow).

 

So, what's the easiest way to freeze bananas you ask?  You simply peel them and cut them in half.  Then you place them on a cookie sheet lined with a parchment paper, and place them in the freezer for a few hours.  Finally, take them out and simply put them in a freezer bag.  I guarantee you they will not stick together and they will be easy to take out as needed.  This method applies to anything you would like to freeze.  

 

Thanks for reading,

Amelie

   

Guilt-Free Hot Chocolate

 

 

 

One of the things I love the most about winter, is coming into a toasty warm home and indulging in hot chocolate.  This feeling brings me back to my childhood when my sister and  I played in the snow for hours and then go inside for a well deserved pause and a hot cocoa made with love by my mom. 

 

Now I do the same for my kids, and I usually make one for myself as well...winter just wouldn't be right without it!  But as much as I do adore the taste of my Ghirardelli mix, the list of ingredients leaves me feeling less than enamored.  So a few ago, when someone I follow on Instagram (@persionprincessjuicing) posted the recipe to this wonderful hot cocoa recipe.  I decided to try it and it was an instant hit with the whole family!

 

  

 

 

Guilt-Free Hot Chocolate

 

Ingredients

 

1 3/4 cups of hot filetered water*

1 1/2 tbsp. raw cacao

2 tsp. honey

A splash of almond milk

 

Method

 

Place cacao, honey and almond milk in a large mug and pour hot water on top.

Serve and enjoy

 

* I substitute almond milk for the water for both my son and husband who prefer a thicker and richer taste.

 

Thanks for reading,

Amelie



Raw zucchini pasta and rosee sauce

 

Eating a plant based diet is wonderful and it has served me well since I have started on this journey, but winter time is harder since our cold climate is making me crave lots of starch like sweet potatoes and grains a lot.  As much as these are more than fine to consume, they too often leave me feeling stuffed and less than energetic.  So I have been trying to include more raw food as much as possible in order to give my digestion a bit of a rest and in the process have more energy.  One thing to keep in mind when enjoying meals like this is that they are very low in calories so make sure you eat a decent side dish.  I ate a large side salad (6 cups mixed arugula and Swiss chard) with the extra sauce I had.  Although a salad is also low in calories, I usually have a nice smoothie as a dessert and fully satiated until my next meal.   And when you do consume more starchy foods, consume them at lunch so you have time to digest them before going to bed or make yourself a rainbow bowl with some raw veggies, a salad and a sweet potato or a grain so they are not the main star of your meal!

I used this sprializer to create my "spaghetti".  I purchased it on www.teambuy.ca for 10$.  (But you can also get a fancier one like these ones here and here)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Raw Zucchini Spaghetti and Rosée Sauce

 

Ingredients

 

For the "spaghetti"

 

3 zucchinis

 

For the sauce:

 

1 red bell pepper, chopped in medium sized pieces

1 cup frozen mango pieces

Juice of one lime

1 tbsp.. fresh cilantro

1 tbsp. fresh parsley

 

Method:

 

For the "spaghetti":

 

Spiralize your zucchinis and set aside. 

 

For the sauce:

 

Place all ingredients in a blender and puree.  Pour over zucchini and enjoy!

 

 

Thanks for reading and have a nice week-end!

Amelie

      

 

 

 

Fig and Pear Chia pudding

I usually have a green smoothie for breakfast, but once a week I eat a chia pudding.  It is one of my favorite breakfasts!  I usually make it sweet and love it's tapioca like texture, which is a nice break from the smoothie. 

 

This week I decided I would make it even more special and treat myself to some fresh figs (I usually have the dried ones which are so much cheaper (fresh figs are usually around 1.60$ each around these parts, so it gets expensive quickly!).  Fig are my favorite fruit to pair and they are  as delicious in a salad dressing as on a pizza with arugula and red onions. 

 

 

When paired with pears, the bitterness of the pear perfectly tames the sweetness of the fig.  I also added a banana for extra smoothness. 

 

Fig Pear Banana Chia Pudding

 

Ingredients

 

2 black figs

1 frozen pear (it doesn't matter which kind, but Bosc would be perfect)

1 Banana

1 cup milk

1/4 cup chia seeds

 

Method

 

Thaw pear for approximately 30 minutes.  (I freeze my pears "as is" and take them out as needed.  When I thaw them, I place them in a small bowl so that I can reuse the juice in my recipes.  Once thawed, simply pull apart and remove heart.)  Place pear and skin, figs and banana in blender and puree.

 

Place chia seeds in mason jar or air-tight container.  Add milk and fruit puree and mix.  Let sit for  15 minutes and stir again, making sure there are no lumps left.  Cover and place in the refrigerator overnight or for at least 30 minutes.

 

Serve and enjoy!

 



 

I usually do this as I am doing dishes and preparing the kids school snacks after dinner, so it is easy to thaw pear and do all steps accordingly.

 

 

Thanks for reading!

Amelie

The Underdog Juice A.K.A Pure Clementine Juice

 

Winter is here, and that means colds, flus and all forms of unwelcomed symptoms are here as well.  When I started getting ill 3 years ago, it came with a slew of symptoms.  Among them was what I call the 6-month cold - a cold that lasts from October to the beginning of April.  I literally could not shake the constant coughing that comes with sinus infections.  It would last 2-3 weeks, then I would get a few days rest and then on again. 

 

This year is the first year that I have not had one bout of these symptoms.  I have maybe coughed a few times  here and there, but that is it.  I attribute this to my diet.  When you eat a plant-based diet, you eat fresh food that is loaded with nutrients and that boosts your immune system.     When your immune system is strong, infections have a tendency to stay away.  Now whether you eat a plant-based diet or not, make sure you get enough vitamin C in your diet.  Although our daily recommended intake lies between 75-90 mg, studies have shown that the benefits really start kicking in at around 500 mg daily (http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/the-benefits-of-vitamin-c).  Along with its immune functions that fight against bacteria, viruses, and infection, vitamin C also serves as an effective antihistamine that will lessen the unpleasant effects of the common cold, including inflammation, stuffy nose and aches.  So load up on your vitamin C, and don't just stick to oranges.  Make sure you vary your sources, this way you will also vary the nutrients you get - which is why I chose to share with you this Clementine Juice.  I also call it the Underdog Juice because oranges usually get the gold medal when it comes to Vitamin C that we tend to forget about other sources such as cantaloupe, red and green bell peppers, broccoli, cabbage- just to name a few.  If you are curious as to what nutrients and minerals you are eating each day, I highly recommend you download the CRON-O-Meter app on your smartphone, tablet or computer.  This is the way I make sure I am on track with my calorie intake (on a plant-based diet, you really need to eat a lot to make sure you meet your daily calorie intake, so it really helps me plan my meals accordingly). 

 

 

 

The Underdog Juice

 

Ingredients

 

10 clementines

1/2 cup filtered water

 

Method

 

Peel clementines and place whole in your blender,  Add water and blend until you get a smooth texture.  Serve and enjoy!

 



This recipe yields approximately 3 - 3 1/2 cups which is one serving.  It will give you 361.1 mg of vitamin C (481% of daily intake), 50% of your daily fiber, 6.3 g of protein and 347 calories! 

 

Thanks for reading and have a great day,

Amelie

 

PS This is not a sponsored post

 

 

How to prepare a pomegranate

 

I am addicted to pomegranates.  I love their crunchy refreshing taste and do not tire of it, but preparing them always felt like a drag until I learned the proper way to cut one.  So I figured I would share my knowledge with you so you don't have to deprive yourself either.

 

Here are the few steps required to prepare: (it is recommended to wear an apron for this in order to avoid staining your favorite pajama, as I did!!!)

 

1. Thinly slice both ends, as pictured below.

 

 

 

 

2. Cut the pomegranate in quarters.

 

 

 

3. Take each end of the quarter between your index fingers and thumbs and pull out.  Then slowly remove arils and drop into a bowl.  In a few minutes, you are ready to enjoy this wonderful fruit packed with antioxidants!

 

 

 

Thanks for reading!

Amelie

Lofty goals for 2014 - Are you living the life you want to?

 

 

 

If you follow me on Instagram, you saw this post in the new year.  I have never been one to really follow through with resolutions.  I vowed to exercise more times than I can recall, but never really followed through, because this, as well as my other resolutions, were empty promises.  While this years' resolutions are lofty goals for a city-loving girl who loves to shop, I do realize that my approach to life has sometimes left me feeling dull. Focused on wanting  new clothes when my closet is full, wanting to live in a warmer climate, instead of appreciating the beauty of my surroundings, and focused on thinking that a slimmer waistline will drastically improve my life, instead of appreciating the fact that I was given a fully functioning body that can take me where I want to go without too many limitations.   

 

So here are five things that I have done so far in order to stay on track:

 

1. I have found one thing each day that I love about winter - even when the temperatures reached -30c (a biggie for me!)

 

2. When the weather, and all the fashion blogs I read, make me crave a shopping outing, I shop my closet, bake something or accomplish a task that I have been postponing for a while.

 

3. Showed more appreciation towards my husband and kids. Instead of nit picking at what they haven't done, I thank them for what they have.

 

4. I have planned a few DYI projects that will up cycle things we have and prevent me from purchasing new ones.

 

5. Searched the internet for homemade beauty and cleaning products in order to waste and consume less.

 

 

What steps  are you taking in order to keeps your resolutions or live the life you want to live?  Let me know, I'm always happy to know what you guys are up to! 

 

 

Thanks for reading!

Amelie



 



Cucumber Lemon Green Juice

Today I am sharing with you one of my favorite juice recipes.  It is the first juice I made and although I grimaced quite a bit at fist, I now really look forward to it.  It is super simple to make and uses things that a plant-based cook surely has in his/her kitchen. 

It tastes super refreshing and is sure to give you the energy boost you need during cold winter days!

 

 

 

 

 

Cucumber Lemon Green Juice

 

Ingredients

 

A bunch of organic spinach

A bunch organic kale

Half a cucumber

2 celery stalks

1 lemon, peeled

2 green apples (I often leave them out, but if you like it a bit sweeter, it is good to add them)

1/2 inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled

2 cups filtered water

 

 Method

 

Wash all ingredients properly and peel lemon and ginger. 

Place all ingredients in juicer or vitamix.  If using a blender, mix until you get a thick watery paste.  Place fine mesh strainer over a large bowl and empty juice over it.  It may take a few minutes in order to separate the juice from the fiber  (fiber may be kept and used in muffins).  Serve and enjoy!

 

 

Thanks for reading!

Amelie 

Chickpea Red Grape Salad

 My lunches usually consist of a juice and a salad.  I often make it super simple as I am usually in the middle of cooking (when the kids eat lunch at school or at their grandparents' house) or tidying up after them (when they come home for lunch).  I rarely take the time to sit and relax, which is something I am working on in the new year.  But when I made this salad recently, I was so pleasantly surprised by it's lovely taste, that I stopped to take pictures and actually sat down and enjoyed my great lunch and the wintery scene outside.  

 

 

Chickpea Grape Salad

 

Ingredients

 

5 cups Organic Spring Mix

1 small organic McIntosh apple

1 cup organic red grapes

1 1/4 cup chickpeas

 

Method

 

Dice apple and cut grapes in three pieces.  Place fruits, lettuce and drained and rice chickpeas (if using canned) in a salad bowl. 

 

Drizzle with balsamic vinegar.

 

Serve and enjoy!

 

Thanks for reading!

Amelie

Healthy kid lunch ideas - Kid-proof Rainbow bowls

Feeding my kids is the part of my day that I find the most draining.  I need them to be healthy and that means proper food needs to enter their bodies. And with super picky eaters like my son, you have to get creative.  As far as breakfast goes, he has become quite adept at making the right choice.  As for lunch and dinner, it's hard to come up with a variety of meals that satisfies his picky palate and  my picky healthy requirements.  Enter in the rainbow bowls - a mom's savior in disguise.

What is a rainbow bowl you ask?  Well it is basically a plate or bowl filled with foods that are as varied in color as possible in order to get as many nutrients as possible.  The best part for moms is that they are super easy to put together and require little preparation.  The best part for the child is getting to decide what to eat in which order - including dessert!  My son also likes that it feels like snacking and not real meals - yet he is still getting all the nutrients he needs.

 

This bowl consists of homemade hummus (featured here) with gluten-free crackers, yellow bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, yogurt covered raisins and all natural dye-free sun drops (mixed molasses and chocolate).

 

 

 

This lunch is one of my daughter's favorite, with kale chips, mixed sunflower and pumpkin seeds, dry roasted chickpeas, dehydrated vegetables, cucumbers, pears and yogurt covered raisins.

 

This meal consisted of a simple black bean and corn salad, some almonds and yogurt covered almond and gluten-free crackers with cauliflower and cherry tomatoes  (this container is from Tupperware).  

 

 

If you are wondering where the actual stainless steel containers are from, they are from www.planetlunchbox.com.  I have had them for a few months and use them for both lunch and dinner at home and at school.  The kids adore them and eat very well when they use them. 

 

 

 

Thanks for reading!

Amelie

Steamed endamames

The most common question that I am asked when I tell people that I eat a plant-based diet is "Where do you get your protein?"  Well, the choice is quite varied.  The most common ones being legumes, nuts and seeds and soy products.  Most people think that I have simply replaced my meat with soy based products (tofu based "chicken" and other processed products).  The thing is I try to stay away from most soy based products (see why here), as well as from most processed foods, but when I am in a rush and do not feel like making the most elaborate meal, I enjoy endamames.  For those unfamiliar with these, they are immature soybeans in their pods mostly found in Chinese, Japanese and Hawaiian cuisine.  Around here, they are mostly found in the frozen food section of most grocery stores.  Did you know that a simple 1/2 cup of endamames will give you 11g protein and 4g protein? So next time you are considering a not so healthy fast food option, reach for these and some veggies instead!

Steamed endamames

Ingredients

1/2 cup endamames
1 tsp. coconut oil
pinch of pink Himalayan salt

Method

Steam the endamames over boiling water for approximately 10 minutes.  Season with coconut oil and salt and serve and enjoy!

Thanks for reading!

Amelie