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?