Spicy Vegetable Pasta

Dinner Special!

           This recipe turned out great! It has tons of veggies, a light olive oil sauce, and when sprinkled with some Parmesan cheese it makes for the perfect dinner.            

Pepper and Mushroom Pasta

Garlic (1 clove diced)

Olive Oil (1-2 tbsp)

Onion (1/4 cup)

Bell peppers (2 any color, sliced)

Mushrooms (large package)

Spinach (1 cup fresh)

Pasta (Any type works- 8oz)

Salt (1 tsp)

Crushed red pepper (1 tsp)

Pepper (1 tsp)

Parmesan cheese (fresh shredded-organic)

Instructioins: 

       In a large pot combine garlic, olive oil, onion, bell peppers, salt, pepper(s), and mushrooms. At the same time boil off your pasta. Cook veggie mixture over medium heat until the peppers are tender, and the mushrooms are cooked down. Add the spinach towards the end, because it take less time to cook.  Combine pasta with veggies, sprinkle with cheese and enjoy!

                 

Citrus Season

It's citrus fruit season so skip the high sugar orange juices and indulge in a fresh piece of citrus fruit! 

           Most citrus fruits are known for their vitamin C, but what we don't hear about are all the other essential nutrients they contain. Citrus fruits contain folate, calcium, potassium, niacin etc. They also contain no sodium or fat, and have a low average energy value (take less calories to burn). Citrus fruits also help prevent cancer, and lower risk for diseases such as cataracts, kidney stones, asthma, and anemia. These are all just a few examples of this amazing fruits ability.  Check out this site for more info... http://www.fao.org/docrep/x2650T/x2650t03.htm

Luna on the GO!!

Today is a busy day! Thought I'd share with you my on the go lunch!
Luna Bars!!!
Keep in mind that protein/energy bars should never completely replace whole foods, but they are great for days when you need a meal on the go.
I love these bars for multiple reasons. First off they have over 30% calcium which is important because I hate milk. Secondly they contain 30% iron and a sufficient amount of folic acid, which are essentials in a woman's diet. Lastly they have some amazing flavors, protein, and fiber for days!
My favorite flavors (in order)
Cookies and Cream
Caramel Nut Brownie
Peppermint Stick

Chocolaty Dipped Coconut                            
S' mores
Nutz Over Chocolate
Peanut Butter Cookie
Chocolate Chunk
White Chocolate Macadamia Nut
Oatmeal Raisin
Blueberry Bliss
Lemon Zest
AND MANY MORE!

Go Greek

In a previous blog I talked about Greek yogurt, and thought I would share with you a yummy snack.

Organic blueberries, Extra ripe banana, Plain Greek yogurt (Fage 0%)

In an normal cereal bowl I mashed the banana. I spread a layer of the Greek yogurt over the banana mush, and sprinkled a layer of blueberries. Real simple. I prefer to get a little of each ingredient in every bite!

Soup Section

Today's Dinner adventure!
Cauliflower leek soup
I got this recipe from the one and only Bethenny Frankel! This is a delicious and healthy soup that will keep you full for hours.  Here is the recipe, hope you get a chance to make it! (This recipe serves twelve, but since I'm the only one eating it I divided it by 3 and tweaked it to my liking.)

• 1 tsp vegetable oil                                                        
• 2 tsps garlic, minced
• 2 ½ cups leeks, white part only
• 1 ½ cups potatoes, peeled an diced
• 6 cups cauliflower, cored and trimmed
• 8 cups vegetable stock
• ½ tsp salt
• 1/8 tsp black pepper

Preparation

1. Add vegetable oil to a heated stockpot.  Sauté garlic and leeks for about 5 minutes or until soft.  Be sure to stir frequently.
2. Add potatoes and cauliflower and continue to cook for 3 minutes.
3. Add stock and simmer for 30 minutes or until cauliflower is soft.
4. In a blender, add potato/cauliflower mixture and puree.  Alternatively, you may use an immersion blender.
5. Add more water if the consistency is too thick.  Stir in salt and pepper.  
6. Cook another 5 minutes and adjust seasonings and serve.

Organic Hookup

If buying organic food was cheap we would all be doing it.  Well I have some good news, many fruits and vegetables have thick outer skins that aren't effected by the harmful pesticides. Here are some non-organic foods that are safe to buy, so you don't pay an arm and a leg for food.  I also included a list of foods that are essential to buy organic. (as a side note my chemistry professor, Gloria Freschl, would be very up set with the term organic. Why you ask? Well everything is organic! Obviously when I say organic I'm referring to the use of pesticides or lack of.)

Buy Organic                               Don't Buy Organic         

·         Apples                                         Onions

·         Celery                                          Sweet Corn

·         Strawberries                                 Pineapple

·         Peaches                                       Avocado

·         Spinach                                       Asparagus

     Nectarine                                     Sweet peas

·         Peppers                                      Mangoes

·         Potatoes                                      Eggplant

·         Blueberries                                  Cantaloupe

·         Lettuce, collard greens                 Kiwi

·         Fatty meats                                  Cabbage

·         Chocolate/coffee                          Watermelon

·         Wine                                            Sweet Potatoes

·         Milk                                             Grapefruit 

                                                    Mushrooms

                                                    Bananas

Say NO to SOda

Soda Alternatives
I don't care if your soda is diet, IT IS NOT GOOD FOR YOU!
1.BONE LOSS: phosphoric acid
2.WEIGHT GAIN: artificial sweeteners
3.TOOTH ENAMEL DAMAGE: phosphoric acid
4.KIDNEY DAMAGE!!!!!: artificial sweeteners
Check out these articles for all the details!
http://www.fitday.com/fitness-articles/nutrition/healthy-eating/4-health-side-effects-of-diet-soda.html
http://www.care2.com/greenliving/dangers-of-diet-soda.html?page=1

Here is My favorite juice/soda alternative...

POM (1/4 cup)

+ Truvia (1 packet)

+ Water 20oz