Berry and Seed Granola

I love good granola that's not high in calories sugar and honey. I love using small amounts of granola on smoothies, fruit and just out of the jar. 

  

What you'll need:

2 cups oats (gluten free)

1/4 cup raisins

1/4 cup raw pumpkin seeds

1/4 cup Gogi berries

1/2 tsp sea salt

1/2 tsp cinnamon

2 tbs coconut oil

2 tbs pure maple syrup (I used homemade from family friend) 

1 tbs vanilla

Directions:

Turn oven to 350 degrees

Mix all dry ingredients

Place coconut oil and syrup in pan and warm so completely melted

Pour over dry mixture and add vanilla

Mix and place on cookie sheet tray covered in wax paper

Cook for 12-15 minutes and then turn over

Put back in oven for about 10-12 minutes

Take out and let cool

* be careful to not burn the berries; I burnt the first batch because the berries cook faster than the oats. You could also bake the oats for about 10 minutes then add the berries. 

Baked Avocado--wrap

Oh my were these good. I saw a post by Native Foods and had to recreate it, so here's what I came up with.

What you'll need: yields 1 serving
1 avocado

1/3 cup plain soy milk
1/2 tsp vegetable oil

2tbs whole wheat flour (for coating)

1/4 cup flax meal
1/2 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp season salt
2 tbs quick oats

Directions:
1. Turn on oven to 400 degrees
2. Whisk milk and oil and sit aside
3. Place flour in bowl and sit aside
4. Place rest of ingredients in bowl and mix
5. For the avocado I cut in half and pealed the skin off, I used a semi hard avocado with no brown. If too soft it will be hard to coat. Take the skin off and cut into strips; about 4 strips per half avocado.
6. Coat with flour, then milk and oil mixture then in seasoning mixture until evenly coated. Use hands/spoon if needed.
7. Place on baking sheet tray with wax or parchment paper and bake for about 15 minutes; turning over about half way through. Cook until browned/slightly crispy.

I used mine and made a wrap using cilantro/garlic hummus (recipe on recipe page) red leaf lettuce, onion, tomato and peppers!

Sweet potato fries:
I used coconut oil and sprinkled with season salt.

No Bake Date Squares

I have never eaten dates before and was a little skeptical but I can now say I love them!

What you'll need: (I cut the recipe in half, below is the full recipe)

Crust:
1.5 cups walnuts
1.5 cups oats
1/2 tsp salt
10 Medjool dates--pitted
1/4 cup coconut oil

Date Filling:
20 Medjool dates--pitted
1/2 cup water

Directions:
Line metal pan with 2 pieces of wax paper, 1 horizontal and 1 vertically. In food processor mix oats, walnuts and salt until crumb like. Now add the 10 dates and pulse until crumb like. Melt coconut oil and pour onto mixture and mix until sticky. *you may have to add more coconut oil. Remove from food process and place in separate bowl and set aside about 3/4 of mixture and place rest of mixture firmly into lined pan. Make sure its even

Next, place water and 20 dates into processor and mix. You will have to wipe sides a few times as it is very sticky. It will form into a paste.

Finally, place the date paste on top of the already firm mixture and spread evenly, next sprinkle the remaining 3/4 of the mixture on top. Refrigerate for about an hour so it hardens. Cut into squares in serve or freeze.



*recipe adapted from ohsheglows.com

Cilantro/Garlic Hummus

What you will need:
2-3 cloves garlic (minced)
2-3 tbs cilantro
2 tbs olive oil
1 can unsalted garbanzo beans (hold half can of juice)
4 tbs lemon juice
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg

Directions:
Mix all ingredients in food processor and blend until creamy. Serve with pita, with veggies or on sandwiches and wraps.

-You can add more or less cilantro and garlic depending on what you prefer. Add as you go!

Avocado Dressing

Can be served over pasta, salad or as a dip for veggies!

What you'll need:
1 ripe avocado
1 tbs lemon juice (keeps the avocado from turning brown)
1/4 cup tahini
2-3 tbs cilantro (more if you like taste)
dash of salt and black pepper

Directions:
Place all ingredients in small food processor and pulse until completely mixed.

Tofu Balls

These were amazing; tasted just like meatballs.
--recipe adapted from @whollyvegan

What you'll need:
1 8oz package of firm tofu (drained)
1 small onion (finely chopped)
2 cloves of garlic cloves minced
1 tsp mustard (I used Dijon)
1 tbs Tamari
1/2 cup flax meal
salt and pepper to taste

Directions:
Mix all ingredients in a bowl and form into small balls. Heat a small amount of oil (I used coconut) in pan. Fry tofu balls, and turn on occasion until brown.

Serve over pasta, rice or raw zucchini noodles.

Sweet Potato Chips

I have always really liked sweet potato fries but they were usually fried and full of salt so until I became vegan Ive tried to make them more guilt free!

You'll need:
A large or small sweet potato, depending on how much you want to make
Oil-I use coconut but olive will do

(to taste)
Rosemary
Salt
Pepper

Directions:
Turn on oven to 400 degrees(I use a convection oven; so cooks pretty fast)
I use a serrated knife and cut the sweet potato in thin round circles (you could also cut into strips)
I lightly grease the pan with oil or you could put on wax paper
I place the sweet potato's on the pan leaving room between each piece
I next will sprinkle with a dash of salt and pepper (I am a huge fan of Rosemary so you could also sprinkle some on if you want)
Next, place in oven for about 15 minutes
Take out of oven and flip over so both sides are brown
Place in oven for another 15 minutes
Take out and serve

--the time may vary depending on how thick or thin the strips/slices are or how crispy you like them.

Todays a new day!

Rise and Shine Everyone!

I have to admit, the past week has been a struggle for me. Now that I am home for the summer with nothing to do, all I want to do is eat. Im used to my school schedule and now that Im home Im missing that structure. I have eaten way to  much and not nearly enough exercise.

Prior to my race on the 5th I hurt my big toe and it caused me tons of pain so I just took Tylenol and iced it, hoping it would be ok before the race. It wasn't ok thus why I think my time was so much higher than expected. As I am still in pain when I go running it has really dampened the already sour mood. So im trying to stay active and not run but if you know me you know that id run with any injury...I don't recommend it.

So today's a new day, I woke up and had a fruit smoothie which is my favorite and for me I have no excuses because I have a gym in my house...no excuses right? So I think Im going to hop on the bike and put in a few miles! I just continue to remind myself that summer is around the corner and Im not happy with how I look right now. Theres still work that has to be done.

Finally, thank you all for your sweet comments and support with this new blog thing, I think its a great way for me to share past everything on Instagram. If there anything in particular you would like me to address or talk about. Let me know. ---Also, the cauliflower bites are an adapted recipe from @irresistiblyvegan on Instagram; check her out she has some awesome vegan food options.

xx-Amber

Real Fruit Ice cream

Many people will ask how did you give up dairy; either cheese or milk? To be honest, it was pretty easy, because prior to living a vegan lifestyle, when I lost 100 pounds I did not eat any dairy products. I did though eat dairy when it was an ingredient in a dish; but that was pretty rare so transiting to vegan was not that hard for me. Its just those food item that say May(does) contain dairy or milk.

 One thing Ive always loved was vanilla ice cream, and only vanilla nothing else. So when I was craving ice cream last month I thought why not use the fruit and soy milk in my fridge and make it happen...so here it is dairy free homemade ice cream!

You will need to use 1 cup of fruit: frozen or fresh
1/2 cup dairy free milk

Blender of some sort or food processor

Place the milk and fruit in blender and mix until a thick constancy, you can always add more fruit or milk as you go. When I cook I never measure anything just add as I go....I get that from my mom!


Next place in freezer for about 30 minutes and you have ice cream (if you use frozen fruit it wont take as long to freeze)

Below is strawberry and Mango:

My daily meal plan:

So I was asked what do I eat in a typical day. Here is just an example of what a typical day consists of:

Breakfast:
I always eat fruit for breakfast and a lot of it. Either in a fruit or veggie form and a large glass of water
If raw fruit I may eat:

• an apple
• an orange
• a banana
• a pear
• watermelon
• strawberries

In a smoothie form

• my favorite combo is strawberries, mango, 1-2 bananas, peaches, ice and water-I dont use any milk or yogurt. I personally think its added calories and fat that I dont need.

In a juice form:

• look under my recipes page under juice for some ideas.

Snack 1:
I will choose one of these options:

• cucumber or peppers with hummus--I loveee hummus
• watermelon
• 1 serving of salt free pretzels
• any fruit or veggie

Lunch:
I will usually eat a salad or wrap. With tons of veggies and fruit. Fruit is great on salads; my favorite is strawberries or blueberries. As for dressing I use hummus, guacamole, homemade Italian dressing  lemon or lime juice. I think people will eat a salad but they put a gallon of ranch or a creamy dressing and that's just wasted calories. I will also add raisins and roasted seeds, beans, ect

For a wrap it will be like a salad in a wrap, and on occasion I will add meatless chicken or tofu. Also a large glass of water and some kind of fruit or veggie on the side. I use Ezekiel bread or flax wraps.

Snack 2:
Same as snack 1; just a different combo and water.

Dinner:

Dinner is usually always plant based. I eat tonsss of veggies but on occasion I will have pasta/qunioa/brown rice/lentils with pesto, homemade red sauce, mixed veggies or like a Marsala sauce.
Other options:

• veggie burgers
• tofu cooked-baked or grilled
• tempeh-only have eaten it a few times, not always sure what to do with it.

I am obsessed with sweet potatoes so I eat a lot of those. I make a lot of things as I go or what ever I have on hand

Snack 3:
I tend to stay up late and eat dinner around 6 or 7 so by 12 I'm hungry so ill have some veggies or fruit.

As you can see I eat a lot of veggies and fruit and drink about a gallon of water a day. I'm not perfect so I do eat chocolate and some unhealthy foods on occasion.

My mouth is on fireeeee!

So I made this recipe for Cauliflower bites and OMG were they good! They were super spicey, not much of a huge hot sauce fan but after being in the fridge for a few hours it helped.

What you ll need:
1 head of cauliflower
1 cup milk (I used organic soy milk-but any non dairy milk will do)
1-1.5 cup whole wheat flour (or regular)
1.5-2 tbs garlic powder
.5 tbs oregano
.5 tbs of cumin
pinch of salt and pepper
Pinch of red pepper flakes
1-2 cups Buffalo sauce (I used Franks hot sauce but you could also use Cholula but not sure if that one is vegan or not)(I also added more on top after they came out of the oven)

Directions:

Turn oven onto 450 degrees (I use a convection oven)
You will need to break (or cut) the cauliflower into small pieces (or large depending on what you like)
Combine all the indigents and mix well in a large ixing bowl.
Add cauliflower to the bowl and I suggest using your hands so its coated evenly. (it ake be somewhat sticky) I had to add a little extra milk because it was pretty thick or you could reduce the amount of flour.
Place the coated cauliflower on a baking sheet that is covered with parchment paper/wax paper and bake for about 20 minutes or until crispy/golden
Take out of oven and coat with hot sauce
Bake for about another 10 minutes or so until crispy


Enjoy and be prepared to drink a glass of milk or a loaf of bread if your not a fan of spicy foods.

--recipe adapted from @irresistablyvegan 

Juice:

Today's Juice was Delicious. I loving adding different fruits and veggies to see what they taste like!

Today I used:
1 Large cucumber
2 green apples
1/2 lemon
1 bag of spinach

Heres some other combos:

1 cucumber

1/2 cup carrots

1 cup pineapple

1 orange

1 apple

1/2 lemon

 

2.5 cups carrots

1 apple

1 small ginger root

1/2 lemon

1 orange

1 apple

1 cup carrots

2 cups spinach

1 cucumber

3/4 pineapple

 

 

Who ever thought of grilling pineapple?

Who knows, but whoever did is a genius. I absolutely love grilling pineapple; it become super sweet and is a perfect summer snack or meal.

A few things you can do with it:
--Make into kabobs
--Cut pineapple horizontally so its a sphere shaped and you can grill and add to a sandwich or a burger. Almost like a tomato
--Some people add brown sugar- thus its super sweet
--Add to salads
--Make a chutney out of it and add to wraps, pasta or just for dipping

"Grilled pineapple spears are vitamin-rich, low calorie and simple to make. Pineapple has natural sugars that create a caramelized crust from the grill’s high heat. This crust has an intense, citrus flavor and a light crunch, providing contrast to the soft flesh within. Serve grilled pineapple spears as an exotic dessert at an outdoor gathering or eat them as a light snack." http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/nutritional-information-grilled-pineapple-spears-1521.html


One of my favorites is making veggie kabobs and adding pineapple:

Loaded Baked Potato

One of my favorite foods before I started my healthy journey was stuffed baked potatoes with a pound of salt and butter and cheese. So I wanted to create something healthier.

What you'll need: (1 serving)
1 sweet potato
1/3 cup broccoli
1/4 cup shaved carrots (I used a veggie peeler)
1/4 cup diced mushrooms
1/3 cup diced tomato's
1/2 tbs earth balance butter
1.5 tbs finely chopped cilantro (more or less to taste)
Dash of salt and pepper

Directions:
Bake sweet potato in the oven at 400 degrees for about 40 minutes or until soft.
Cook all the veggies (I used Pam spray and water and just softened them)
Take out of oven and let the potato cool.
After cooled, cut potato in half and take out the filling and place into a bowl. While in bowl add butter cilantro salt and pepper and mix well.
Next, place mixture back into the empty potato skin shell.
Finally top with veggies and serve

My Favorite Guacamole

I love avocados in general, but I love guacamole. I add it to salads, wraps, sandwiches or just eat it straight out of the bowl.

 

I say "an avocado a day keeps the Doctor away".

 

What you'll need:

1-2 avocados

1/2 red onion minced

2 tbs cilantro

1tbs fresh lemon juice (keeps it from turning brown)

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

Dash pepper

 

Directions:

Take the avocado and cut in half and remove the seed. Take out the "green stuff" and place all ingredients in a food processor and pulse a few times or until its the consistency you like. Some like it really chunky some really thin.

 

The thing with cooking you can do whatever you want. Add or subtract-cook longer etc. All up to you.

 

Stuffed Sweet Potato Sandwich

This little creation was totally random and what I came up with because I had an empty fridge!

What you ll need:
A sweet potato or yam
1 avocado
Lettuce
Tomato
Pepper (I used yellow and orange)

Directions:
Cut the sweet potato into thin slices and place on baking sheet and place in oven for about 25 minutes or until golden.
      -I know people who use coconut oil and "fry" in pan also
Make your guacamole--check out my recipe or make your own
Thinly slice the peppers and tomato

Make into sandwich:
Potato
Lettuce
Tomato
Guacamole
Pepper
Potato

Banana Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

These cookies are so easy, cheap and healthy! I love oatmeal raisin cookies and wanted something guilt free and less sugar so here is what I came up with.

Banana Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

What you ll need: (you can add more or less to your liking)
1/2 cups oats-rolled or whole
1/4 cups raisins
1-2 smashed bananas, have to be pretty ripe, if green wont work properly
1 tbs vanilla
1/2 tbs Cinnamon

Directions:

Turn oven on to 350 degrees
Mash banana(s) and set aside
In large mixing bowl mix the rest of the ingredients
Now add bananas to the mixture
Roll into ball form
Place on cookie tray with either parchment paper or lightly sprayed with cooking spray
Cook for about 15-20 minutes or until turning brown

Take out of oven and eat as a snack or breakfast

Lettuce Wraps

One of my new favorite lunches is lettuce wraps. They are so simple and give salads a little twist. I could eat salad all day but it has to have tons of veggies on it....I hate boring salads.

For the lettuce wraps I just judged on how much I liked of each, and I didnt want it to fall apart so here is what I used:

Romaine lettuce stalks
White Northern beans--you could also use black
Cucumber
Red and Orange Pepper
Red Onion
Avocado--my fave
Tomato
Franks Red Hot sauce

Dairy Free Pesto

Here is the recipe for my moms pesto! I use rice noodles; they are gluten free and a lot less calories and carbs. I found them in the gluten free section of my grocery store.

3-4 cups basil (I love basil, so I always add more)
3-4 cloves garlic
1 teaspoon salt
6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (I try to use as little as possible)
1 lemon (about 3 tbs)
6 tbs walnuts

Place all in food processor and mix until paste like

Peanut Butter Cups

As posted tonight on Instagram; here is the recipe for the peanut butter cups!

What you need:
1 bag of chocolate pieces--I used Enjoy Life brand soy, nut and dairy free
Peanut Butter- Id recommend about 1/2 cup--more or less depending on how much you like
Silicon Cupcake Cups

Directions:

I used a small sauce pot and added water and brought to a boil; I then placed a large ceramic bowl on top so that the steam would heat up the bowl.
Next place about half the chocolate in the bowl and stir until melted.
Next, put about a spoonful of chocolate on the bottom of the cupcake holder and smear some chocolate on the sides.
Next, put into freezer for about 5 minutes or until chocolate has hardened.
Now, take out of freezer and add about 1 spoonful of pb or to desired preference.(it will be in layers...chocoalte-pb-chocolate)
Next, melt the rest of the chocolate and cover the pb so that no pb is showing. Make sure it is all covered.
Finally, put into freezer so that all the chocolate has hardened.

You will most likely have to let sit for a few minutes, don't bite right in because you will most likely break your teeth. You can add as much chocolate or pb as you desire.  Enjoy! xx

Yayy! So I finally chose to start a blog and share with you all my recipes, tips and just everyday adventures that I don't share on Instagram.