Vegan Vanilla Almond Milkshake!

Hello fellow health and wellness lovers!

It's been awhile since I've posted an update...

This was a busy week: work, house-sitting, studying my coursework for Integrative Nutrition, and working on my health coaching business! I've also been spending time on my gardening blog! ♥

Anyways... last year around this time I found a health food store in Las Vegas, where I had a "Raw Vanilla Milkshake." I don't remember the exact ingredients, but this is what I came up with!

Vegan Vanilla Almond Milkshake
(2 servings)

• 1 banana
• 1 cup almond milk
• 1 1/2 cups ice
• 1 medjool date (2 for added sweetnes)
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 4 tsp. flax oil* (optional, see note below)

 *Flax oil is great for balancing hormones! ;)

Who ever said milkshakes have to be made out of sugar and dairy anyways?

Chocolate Covered Strawberries

 Happy Valentine's Day! ♥

Do you have anything special planned? Since I will be working tonight until 8, I am planning on surprising Jon with Valentine's Day dessert!

I am baking up some love in the form of chocolate covered strawberries, peanut butter "Hershey Kiss Cookies" (Jon's favorite), and vegan cupcakes. ♥

If you want a healthy, yet still heavenly & delicious version of chocolate covered strawberries... give this recipe a try!
  
Chocolate Covered Strawberries
For the Chocolate:
Ingredients:

• 6 tablespoons agave
• 6 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 4 tablespoons coconut oil (melted)
• 3 teaspoon. carob powder
• 1 teaspoon. vanilla extract

Directions:
Blend all ingredients together, dip strawberries immediately.


What special treats are you making? I hope you have a wonderful day! ♥

Green Apple Super Smoothie!

Hello there! :) And happy Friday!

So... earlier this week, I did some reading & researching about 100 different popular dietary theories (for hours!). I am absolutely fascinated by everything I am learning at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition! ♥

Anyways, when reading about the Body Ecology Diet, I came across a delicious green smoothie recipe! I ended up adding dates for natural sweetness. It is my favorite green smoothie yet!!

If you want to whip up a green smoothie that is less "green" tasting than most, give this one a try! :) It's delightfully refreshing and calming, yet energizing!

Green Apple Super Smoothie
(makes 6 servings)  

Ingredients:

*1 granny smith apple

*4-5 stalks celery 

*2 cups romaine lettuce

*4 dates, pitted 
*½ large avocado 
*½ bunch cilantro or parsley

*3-4 cups filtered water

Directions:

Chop vegetables into 1 inch pieces for easy blending. Fill blender with 3-4 cups filtered water (more or less water depending on how thick you desire your shake). Add all ingredients into blender. Puree till smooth or desired consistency. Enjoy!

Do you have a favorite green smoothie recipe? I would love to try it! :)

And, are you doing anything exciting this weekend?

Garlic Roasted Cauliflower & Lemon Tahini Sauce

Happy Tuesday! I hope you are having a great week!

This morning I was definitely not feeling 100%... but after a nutritious breakfast of oatmeal, almonds, and a fruit smoothie... and then a 30 minute run, I felt much better! Healthy food and exercise can do amazing things! ♥

Anyways... tonight I finally got around to using the head of cauliflower that has been waiting patiently in the fridge.

Little did it know... it was about to get roasted with garlic, olive oil, and parsley!

And then dipped in Lemon Tahini Sauce! :)

And... guess what?! It was so easy to make!

How to Make:

Garlic Roasted Cauliflower & Lemon Tahini Sauce

(serves 4, as a side dish)

Roasted Cauliflower

• 1 head of cauliflower
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Cut cauliflower into florets. Mince 3 cloves of garlic. Toss cauliflower florets and minced garlic with the olive oil and parsley in a large bowl. Spread flavored cauliflower onto a pan (I used parchment paper, but it probably is not necessary). Roast for 25 minutes.

Lemon Tahini Sauce

• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 5 tablespoons tahini

Mix lemon juice and tahini together in a blender. Serve as a dipping sauce, or drizzle over roasted cauliflower.

Even though I enjoy cooking... I have little patience when I am already hungry. So I am glad this was so quick & easy!

Do you have any favorite ways to enjoy cauliflower?

P.S. Has anyone ever made cauliflower "mashed potatoes?" I think that is going to be the fate of the next head of cauliflower that comes my way. :)

Decadent Chocolate Avocado Pudding!

Good morning! I hope you are having a great week so far!

I am excited... Jon and I are celebrating our 4 year anniversary today!! Disneyland, here we come!

But first, I wanted to share an amazingly delicious (vegan & gluten free!) chocolate treat with you...

I was in dessert heaven last night... ♥

Recipe:

• 1 medium avocado, mashed
• 3 tablespoons chocolate chips, melted
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• ¼ cup agave 

Combine ingredients in a blender and puree.

{Recipe inspired by: Vegan Era}

I think this is the best pudding I have ever tasted! I am in love. ♥

Speaking of love... Valentine's Day is right around the corner! Do you have any romantic dinners & desserts planned?