tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51715887463182008002024-03-05T20:26:58.143-08:00Eat, Live, and Love LifeUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5171588746318200800.post-52669175155316717812014-07-08T17:08:00.001-07:002014-07-08T17:08:45.652-07:00Summer Quinoa Asian Flavoured Salad<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTXmAYARSI6RidDaoWq9UZ5WORPJd-wog9pba4vmbs8YIdAteImpUSOTb10Hjxgn4bvRULzmCDqD9p4Nkf-4YynIkZimO45R9GBFxVmBb2Pk_adVruBNbO1j8ttP85zsEkIcWtc7Jb1k0/s1600/IMG_20140706_193651.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTXmAYARSI6RidDaoWq9UZ5WORPJd-wog9pba4vmbs8YIdAteImpUSOTb10Hjxgn4bvRULzmCDqD9p4Nkf-4YynIkZimO45R9GBFxVmBb2Pk_adVruBNbO1j8ttP85zsEkIcWtc7Jb1k0/s1600/IMG_20140706_193651.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">With summer well underway, finding new salad recipes are a must on my to do list since I am constantly making the same one! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Since my diet has predominantly been Paleo since Feb 2013, I backed away from cooking non-paleo items such as quinoa. I do however eat it every so often when going out. (if you are not sure about the Paleo diet is about, <a href="http://nomnompaleo.com/paleo101" target="_blank">read this article</a>)</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Recently, I picked some up at Bulk Barn and made a batch of it. I threw plain quinoa in a couple salads and then found <a href="http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/quinoa-chocolate-chip-cookies" target="_blank">Dr. Oz's Chocolate Chip Quinoa Cookies</a> - OMG, to die for!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Anyways, at dinner last weekend, my partners parents and best friend came over and we each contributed a few dishes. Since I have been on this quinoa kick, I decided to make an Asian inspired version.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This recipe is very easy, however is a bit labour intensive due to the cutting of all the ingredients (I recommend doing this while chatting with friends or watching your favourite TV show).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Asian dressing is simply delicious and so easy to make...just make sure you have all the ingredients on hand! </span><br />
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<b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><u>Quinoa Salad</u></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yields: about 6-8 servings</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><i>Ingredients</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3 cups quinoa, cooked</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2 cups carrots, shredded</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/4 cup parsley, chopped</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 cup cucumber, cubed</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/2 shallot, finely diced</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 celery stalk, finely diced</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 kale leave, finely chopped</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 apple, chopped into small cubes</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 1/2 tbs toasted sesame seeds (optional)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><i>Directions</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Cook quinoa and let cool. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(Place 3 cups of water or chicken stock in pot and bring to a boil. Add 1.5 cups of uncooked quinoa to pot, bring to a boil again, reduce to a simmer and add lid. Cook for about 10-15 mins. To check, take off lid, stir around quinoa and check to see that all liquid absorbed. If not absorbed, put lid back on and wait a couple more minutes.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Cut remaining ingredients above and add to bowl.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Add cooked quinoa and dressing (see below) to ingredients cut above and mix thoroughly. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Place in fridge for at least 60 minutes to allow flavours to mix and quinoa to cool down. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><u>Asian Dressing</u></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yield: about 1/3 cup</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><b>Ingredients</b></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2 tablespoons unseasoned rice vinegar </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 teaspoon sesame oil</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2 tablespoons almond butter</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2 teaspoons low sodium tamari or soy sauce</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 teaspoon pureed garlic from jar (or freshly minced)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2 teaspoons maple syrup</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2 tbs water (to thin out)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><b>Directions</b></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Place all ingredients into a small bowl and stir together until smooth or into a jar with a tight lid and shake well. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Tips: </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- You can make this up to a couple days in advance, the flavours will mix beautifully</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- If you don't have time for the quinoa to cool in fridge for 60 mins, cover with saran wrap and stick in freezer for 20-30 mins before serving. Ensure you mix it one more time after removing from freezer.</span><br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5171588746318200800.post-59340906369559677502014-05-05T08:24:00.000-07:002014-05-05T08:24:50.268-07:00Easy paprika carrots<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikYSmaFSWrRf4fTM6KAJOUh8BeRgwMDrf8Z4-Q3Dv6oWGWx3U5iHr-K-7TitO0ux0qK9ZzAbhRN8gDiXbWWKLrvUlwJnNq27qTVW2TzNVQrHKKA1GuiLUBt1SpWAGcGtamLHfwEp6qbaA/s1600/20140430_204002(0).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikYSmaFSWrRf4fTM6KAJOUh8BeRgwMDrf8Z4-Q3Dv6oWGWx3U5iHr-K-7TitO0ux0qK9ZzAbhRN8gDiXbWWKLrvUlwJnNq27qTVW2TzNVQrHKKA1GuiLUBt1SpWAGcGtamLHfwEp6qbaA/s1600/20140430_204002(0).jpg" height="320" width="240" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I came home the other night and the only fresh vegetable I had on hand was a bag of carrots. I could have eaten them raw, but that was not that enticing, especially at dinner time, so I decided to make something up on the spot. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have a lot of nice sounding spices in my cabinet, but to be quite honest, sometimes I don't know what to do with them and it comes down to trial and error when making meals. My goal in creating this recipe was to <u>keep it simple</u>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You can roast most veggies with olive oil, salt and pepper and it will taste delicious. I took this recipe to another level and added garlic (pre-grated) and hot smoked paprika to the mix. After 30 minutes, they came out beautifully cooked and absolutely flavourful. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Supplies</b></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhryXFm7w5sZWDlMxLKTerKafg_uFE2MDQ5eQ02J7VU5E4Ej3LN4IgAQL_lTHX52ekQuc4oFUgXpw0fpwfb8hflg1IsB1Kbz75VcFVh7uPRjkzQ3UzKZ5Y4xVUNXTgeBOnRH-9z6bNK7CY/s1600/20140430_203929.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhryXFm7w5sZWDlMxLKTerKafg_uFE2MDQ5eQ02J7VU5E4Ej3LN4IgAQL_lTHX52ekQuc4oFUgXpw0fpwfb8hflg1IsB1Kbz75VcFVh7uPRjkzQ3UzKZ5Y4xVUNXTgeBOnRH-9z6bNK7CY/s1600/20140430_203929.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Knife, cutting board, parchment paper, aluminum foil, baking sheet</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Total bake time:</b> 30 mins</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Ingredients</b></span><br />
<ul style="border: 0px; line-height: 19.9999942779541px; list-style-position: outside; margin: 0.2857em 0px 0.714285em 2em; padding: 0px;">
<li style="border: 0px; line-height: 1.428571em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">8-10 carrot stalks (organic preferred), chopped in medium size chunks</span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; line-height: 1.428571em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1-2 tbs olive oil</span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; line-height: 1.428571em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1-2 tbs crushed garlic</span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; line-height: 1.428571em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 tbs hot smoked paprika</span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; line-height: 1.428571em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Salt and pepper, to taste</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="line-height: 22.857135772705078px;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Instructions</span></b></span></div>
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<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 22.857135772705078px;">Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 22.857135772705078px;">Wash and chop carrots (I didn't bother peeling since I used organic). </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Transfer carrots to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Drizzle olive oil over carrots. Add garlic, paprika, salt and pepper to carrots and mix with spoon (or by hands) so that carrots are covered.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Cover cookie sheet with aluminum foil and bake in oven for 20 minutes.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After 20 minutes, remove aluminum foil and check if carrots are soft by sticking a knife or fork through. If soft, bake uncovered for another 10 minutes so the outside can crispen up a bit.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Remove and serve with your favourite protein.</span></li>
</ol>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5171588746318200800.post-87807869492551934412014-04-30T17:29:00.000-07:002014-05-01T07:22:33.955-07:00Paleo Choco Love Cookies<div style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5dR5MyokTVcbig54lOoSPAiIgMpHBoCidGIgsp93-NJS_rmR72qsqIvz7Svn_6mUvKAZg2QDTqzamYzSyOeW-3QO1t3GKaEl8ok4wU7jwCsjRmHOuMSayRtFXtNHaSL4LkBtUdFCShDA/s1600/10303301_10152147374691220_4879796496050609804_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5dR5MyokTVcbig54lOoSPAiIgMpHBoCidGIgsp93-NJS_rmR72qsqIvz7Svn_6mUvKAZg2QDTqzamYzSyOeW-3QO1t3GKaEl8ok4wU7jwCsjRmHOuMSayRtFXtNHaSL4LkBtUdFCShDA/s1600/10303301_10152147374691220_4879796496050609804_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 17.142852783203125px;">These are my favourite Paleo cookies and I have made them time and time again. The weather in Toronto has been pretty poopy lately and the lack of sun really has affected my mood. The other morning before going to work, I decided to whip up a batch. These babies take around 10 mins to prep and 12 mins to bake. They are a great treat when you are looking for an gluten free, processed sugar free alternative. They are firm on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside. I promise when you eat them, they will make you feel as happy as I felt after making them. :) </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Total time to prepare: </b>10 minutes</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Time to bake: </b>12 minutes</span></div>
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<em style="border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 1.428571em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></em></div>
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<em style="border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 1.428571em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Makes 20-24 cookies</span></em></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ingredients</span></b></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Dry ingredients:</span></i></div>
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<div style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<ul data-mce-style="list-style: none; margin: 5px 0px 0px 25px; padding: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 18px; list-style: none; margin: 5px 0px 0px 25px; padding: 0px;">
<li data-mce-style="list-style-type: disc; background-image: none; padding: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;" style="background-image: none; border: 0px; line-height: 1.428571em; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 1/2 cup almond flour</span></li>
<li data-mce-style="list-style-type: disc; background-image: none; padding: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;" style="background-image: none; border: 0px; line-height: 1.428571em; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding: 0px;"><span style="line-height: 1.428571em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2 tbs coconut flour</span></span></li>
<li data-mce-style="list-style-type: disc; background-image: none; padding: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;" style="background-image: none; border: 0px; line-height: 1.428571em; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 1.428571em;">1/2 tsp baking soda</span></li>
<li data-mce-style="list-style-type: disc; background-image: none; padding: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;" style="background-image: none; border: 0px; line-height: 1.428571em; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/2 tsp salt</span></li>
<li data-mce-style="list-style-type: disc; background-image: none; padding: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;" style="background-image: none; border: 0px; line-height: 1.428571em; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3/4 cup chocolate chips</span></li>
<li data-mce-style="list-style-type: disc; background-image: none; padding: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;" style="background-image: none; border: 0px; line-height: 1.428571em; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding: 0px;"><span style="line-height: 1.428571em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2 tbs chia seeds (optional)</span></span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 17.142852783203125px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 17.142852783203125px;"><i>Wet ingredients:</i></span></span></div>
<ul data-mce-style="list-style: none; margin: 5px 0px 0px 25px; padding: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 18px; list-style: none; margin: 5px 0px 0px 25px; padding: 0px;">
<li data-mce-style="list-style-type: disc; background-image: none; padding: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;" style="background-image: none; border: 0px; line-height: 1.428571em; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2/3 cup almond butter</span></li>
<li data-mce-style="list-style-type: disc; background-image: none; padding: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;" style="background-image: none; border: 0px; line-height: 1.428571em; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/4 cup maple syrup</span></li>
<li data-mce-style="list-style-type: disc; background-image: none; padding: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;" style="background-image: none; border: 0px; line-height: 1.428571em; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 egg</span></li>
<li data-mce-style="list-style-type: disc; background-image: none; padding: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;" style="background-image: none; border: 0px; line-height: 1.428571em; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/2 tsp vanilla extract</span></li>
</ul>
<div data-mce-style="padding: 5px 0px; margin: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 18px; padding: 5px 0px;">
<b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;"><br /></b></div>
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">Instructions</b></div>
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</div>
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Combine all dry ingredients (except chocolate chips & chia seeds) together.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In a separate bowl, mix wet ingredients together.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 1.428571em;">Add almond flour mixture gradually until a dough forms, then fold in chocolate chips and chia seeds. Note: your mixture will be sticky, that is okay. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 1.428571em;">Roll cookies into balls and press on top to slightly flatten out.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Bake for 11-12 minutes or until set.</span></li>
</ol>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5171588746318200800.post-11937615134821933712014-04-21T20:38:00.001-07:002014-04-21T20:38:08.189-07:00Bliss Balls: Playa Coconut<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxGBjDzuOWzH4Hzok6hHt_LA3ksQ-q2WGeGU1rISQrKiiMd_R758JckPxzeCAVR28YF0BjPReRDQD9VjbvCqkYsYOU-Lo1IfmRDCNdGxX672nhNR5D_DLh-PCEPXRQaeEbgTzoMzK-hlQ/s1600/Playa+Coconut+Bliss+Balls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxGBjDzuOWzH4Hzok6hHt_LA3ksQ-q2WGeGU1rISQrKiiMd_R758JckPxzeCAVR28YF0BjPReRDQD9VjbvCqkYsYOU-Lo1IfmRDCNdGxX672nhNR5D_DLh-PCEPXRQaeEbgTzoMzK-hlQ/s1600/Playa+Coconut+Bliss+Balls.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lately 'Bliss Balls' have been on my radar for a fun and easy treat to make. For those of you who have never heard of them, or really don't know what they are, they are raw, naturally sweet, dessert balls. Bliss Balls can be eaten as a great afternoon snack </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">or a light dessert </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">when you feel like something sweet, or even before a workout when you need that extra pick me up.</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Since they are raw, they are full of live enzymes, a great source of fat, antioxidants and make a great energizing snack.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Your family, friends, guests, will love this decadent treat (which was proven this past weekend when I served them at two parties)! The recipe below is vegan, paleo, gluten-free, and very easy to make!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Major Tools</b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Food processor</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Total time to prepare: </b>10 minutes</span></div>
<div>
<b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Time to cool: </b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">30 minutes</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Ingredients</b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Inside of balls:</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 cup dates, soaked </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 cup walnuts, raw</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/2 cup shredded coconut, inside of balls</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2 tbs raw cacao</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/2 tbs coconut oil*</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/2 tsp vanilla bean powder (or 1 tsp vanilla extract)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Dash of salt</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Outside of balls:</i><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/4 - 1/2 cup shredded coconut, outside of balls</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">*The coconut oil is used to make the balls a bit most so that the coconut on the outside will stick on easier.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Instructions</b></span></div>
<div>
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Fully cover dates with water in a bowl and soak for 10 minutes.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Add all ingredients, except dates and extra coconut for outside of balls, to food processor, grind up until course.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Turn off food processor.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Discard water dates soaked in.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Add dates to food processor and process until mixture sticks together (to tell if it sticks together, test out the mix by trying to make a baby ball).</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If too dry, add water starting with a 1/4 tsp until consistency achieved. If too wet, add more coconut starting with an 1/8 cup.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Roll mix into bite size balls.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Pour shredded coconut for outside of the balls onto a plate and roll balls around until fully covered.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, then serve.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Store refrigerated in an airtight container.</span></li>
</ol>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5171588746318200800.post-83756186878383096462014-04-14T18:09:00.000-07:002014-04-14T18:12:21.020-07:00Fruity toast for breakfast<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKuAN_Yw8YLn1lsmsHXRs9pBIi-f8modZ1vHFRevcBOVbVvhvet_LtFvGJA8yklDP2sAYeZJFhJZd0iMdKDrPryn25KFbozFc6wM_x5s_cDorI4n7YZbBIx9KoXMmhoxZZdZDJTZ0o-ic/s1600/IMG_20140414_095222.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKuAN_Yw8YLn1lsmsHXRs9pBIi-f8modZ1vHFRevcBOVbVvhvet_LtFvGJA8yklDP2sAYeZJFhJZd0iMdKDrPryn25KFbozFc6wM_x5s_cDorI4n7YZbBIx9KoXMmhoxZZdZDJTZ0o-ic/s1600/IMG_20140414_095222.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My toast has almond butter, banana, cinnamon, blueberries,<br />
goji berries and pumpkin seeds.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We all enjoy toast for breakfast, but we are usually in such a rush, or too lazy to make it fun, tasty, and to be quite honest, filling.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Try out this fruity toast which has a balance of the macronutrients we need to provide us energy! These macronutrients are fats, protein, carbohydrates and amino acids.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After toasting your bread (I recommend bread that has no preservatives or fake ingredients), the extra steps to make this fruity toast takes less than two minutes. And the best part, you can use any combination of ingredients you have in your kitchen so you don't have to buy each listed below! Best news ever!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To complement this breakfast, a green </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">smoothie will round it out leaving you full</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">for hours! </span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Ingredients</b></span></div>
<div>
<i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Base Ingredients</i></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 - 2 slices of bread </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 - 2 tbs of nut butter (almond, sesame, macadamia, pumpkin)</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Toppings (try any combination suggested below, and list is not inclusive)</i></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/8 - 1/4 tsp ground spice (cinammon, all spice, cardamom) </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/2 -1 banana sliced (totally optional, but I love bananas so they got their own line)</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2 - 4 tbs any fresh fruit (blueberry, strawberry, raspberry)</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/2-1 tbs raw seeds and/or nuts (pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, hemp hearts, chia seeds, walnuts)</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 - 2 tbs dried fruit (goji berries, cranberries, currants, sliced figs, sliced apricots)</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Directions</b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Toast bread</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Spread nut butter on toast</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sprinkle spice on top of nut butter (if using)</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Place sliced bananas on top of nut butter/spice</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Top with fresh fruit, raw seeds/nuts and dried fruit</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That's it, your done! The fruit will sometimes fall off when eating, but no big deal, it ends up in the same place anyway. Enjoy :)</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5171588746318200800.post-38081762818899003452014-04-13T11:59:00.000-07:002014-04-13T12:02:41.770-07:00My first time travelling alone…it was pretty cool<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSH5FBhlCsM-0enrlQDLsqjwE5jtVDF55tgeJPdgyOC1z9VvAWUPiji5bcr0XdPWLcis4kL6gszvhfAr30dQZFr3gr3KI6KbEB5q5j04P9Uh2twDauroXzG0otFFCPt-gdU3rHKT5U2OU/s1600/Cathay+Pacific+Plane.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSH5FBhlCsM-0enrlQDLsqjwE5jtVDF55tgeJPdgyOC1z9VvAWUPiji5bcr0XdPWLcis4kL6gszvhfAr30dQZFr3gr3KI6KbEB5q5j04P9Uh2twDauroXzG0otFFCPt-gdU3rHKT5U2OU/s1600/Cathay+Pacific+Plane.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSH5FBhlCsM-0enrlQDLsqjwE5jtVDF55tgeJPdgyOC1z9VvAWUPiji5bcr0XdPWLcis4kL6gszvhfAr30dQZFr3gr3KI6KbEB5q5j04P9Uh2twDauroXzG0otFFCPt-gdU3rHKT5U2OU/s1600/Cathay+Pacific+Plane.jpg" height="105" width="200" /></span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">On Friday,
March 14<sup>th</sup>, 2014 at 1:30am, in Toronto, Ontario, I stepped on Cathay
Pacific’s Boeing 777-300ER plane to start my first trip as a <i><u>solo</u></i> traveller to….Bali!! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Since I was
going to an exotic destination that honestly sounds AWESOME, it was normal that
I wanted to share the fabulous news! After talking to friends and co-workers I
heard either of the following responses to travelling alone:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">- - <!--[endif]-->“Wow,
you are travelling by yourself?! Aren’t you nervous I have never thought of
doing that and kind of wish I did.” Or;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">- - <!--[endif]-->“Wow,
you are going to love travelling alone! It is such a great way to meet new
people and learn more about who you are.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Before I go
tooting my horn about having the ‘balls’ to go on the other side of the world,
not knowing anyone, on my own, I actually never thought about travelling alone.</span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOUrIeoAxxlX0QOBziB03uC1ujQ5GjAc6ZbEPd6DKu7YY1IZZjqkUaGpGTlRUaBCu_KLlIRnH6g_BT7aaJrawtNY5hjCWFEQyzKRembmU1NuunZoIdQMlIMXoTEJlYYAo4VjgC_n9iq08/s1600/IMG_4032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOUrIeoAxxlX0QOBziB03uC1ujQ5GjAc6ZbEPd6DKu7YY1IZZjqkUaGpGTlRUaBCu_KLlIRnH6g_BT7aaJrawtNY5hjCWFEQyzKRembmU1NuunZoIdQMlIMXoTEJlYYAo4VjgC_n9iq08/s1600/IMG_4032.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Julian & Me (Dec 2011)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The idea
was only put in my head after <i><u>multiple</u></i>
discussions (<i>okay maybe baby arguments</i>)
with my partner Julian as to why I should do it. He had already taken many trips
on his own before even meeting me, so he had the leg up on the conversation. He
would always tell me that as much as it is important that we travel together
and experience new things as a couple, it is equally important travelling alone
and learning more about who we are as individuals. We are in this relationship
together, but we are also two equals coming together in this partnership, so we
need to have our own experiences to make this a happy place for both of us. My
rebuttal was <i>always</i>, "Well when I
travel to these new and exciting places, I want to experience them with you so
that we have something to share, because we are together."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Over the
span of a year or so, we would have the same discussion, and he was always encouraging
me to do something on my own. I never really understood his point since I had been
in relationships since I was 18 years old and didn't know any better. I had always
thought of doing things together. In addition, I never had the opportunity to
start travelling until I was 25 since I did not have the time or money due to
school. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhym0xZSBsN1bESFOCGWEUj8bn_BodlRHjltpF_qlzY0G7wjchh5IsFdrIWT8oA5TNf9isEuahXre0LmC9J39usU3stTvSdGTdOCerOGL9rPjV16DFZYWbEoREdASGNTVoiGmJKsiBpSFg/s1600/20130525_092922.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhym0xZSBsN1bESFOCGWEUj8bn_BodlRHjltpF_qlzY0G7wjchh5IsFdrIWT8oA5TNf9isEuahXre0LmC9J39usU3stTvSdGTdOCerOGL9rPjV16DFZYWbEoREdASGNTVoiGmJKsiBpSFg/s1600/20130525_092922.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Julian refueling during his 50 mile race.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It was not
until the summer of 2013 that somebody else had opened my eyes and said that this idea
was okay, and Julian is right. I was supporting Julian on the sidelines while he
was running a 50 mile ultramarathon race in Ancaster, Ontario. If you have ever
supported a love one during any race, you know there is loads of time to kill,
and luckily Julian is gifted in running, so I only had to wait 7 hours that
day. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I met a
lady in her late 40’s from Philadelphia that was supporting her partner in the
race. Through our chat, I found out that she was previously married, had
multiple careers, moved around a lot, and was back in school doing a program
related to the environment. She was very successful in her previous careers,
well-travelled and most importantly, happy. We were chatting about things and I
brought up the solo travelling conversation I kept on having with Julian since
she had also done it many times. She said the exact same thing to me that
Julian did, and said, he is a smart man, keep him. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I know you
are all thinking, Julian told you all that already, why didn’t you listen? I
think we can all agree that sometimes it is hard to hear things when it is
coming from someone so close to you, especially when you have a complete
opposite view on the situation. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So over the
months, we had done a couple trips to New York City for my 30<sup>th</sup>
birthday and for the New York City Marathon, and to Kelowna, British Columbia
for a friend’s wedding. It was not until around Christmas time I thought about
actually finally cutting the umbilical cord and booking a vacation on my own. I
had a lot of vacation carry over days I had to use before the end of March 2014
or I was going to lose them.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><b><u>A few pics from New York City & British Columbia</u></b></i></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimGHnk1Gxe5UQjQjreCMYJSDlT4ROb5QlOK0EEi1_WYtAwjnsSWvjCz3jJ-WXDg2XlaJ3gmd81Ih-q_8orDqODIxQhyphenhyphenZ4OdedfEnEzi3xBkc8O1ebysdESPmy1FN4GJ4jUz_xIYr3b8I8/s1600/IMG_8018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimGHnk1Gxe5UQjQjreCMYJSDlT4ROb5QlOK0EEi1_WYtAwjnsSWvjCz3jJ-WXDg2XlaJ3gmd81Ih-q_8orDqODIxQhyphenhyphenZ4OdedfEnEzi3xBkc8O1ebysdESPmy1FN4GJ4jUz_xIYr3b8I8/s1600/IMG_8018.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">At Beauty & Essex for dinner with</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Julian, Lutfiya (sister) and</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Josh (partner).</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq0Fz5XuWdFitmSQmqwO6pvEPZkI8VgfudmWNASe6Rv66QNL9I3WiPHS3uSidx4AzLoXGNbd5AMrpsOMMXzAa8_hfuRRK4AuOrzEJtiPQkNyIdG1eald3DqubituU2P6uOfUhPN2oX8wo/s1600/IMG_7904.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq0Fz5XuWdFitmSQmqwO6pvEPZkI8VgfudmWNASe6Rv66QNL9I3WiPHS3uSidx4AzLoXGNbd5AMrpsOMMXzAa8_hfuRRK4AuOrzEJtiPQkNyIdG1eald3DqubituU2P6uOfUhPN2oX8wo/s1600/IMG_7904.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">At The Top of the Rock</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjORdDIZ626t-99yYyM9uDge4bdsgEDqvbygqlk-qOLMgeDiwPaiIne1XcjrWwm9M752KJ3vUr68o3LsZ0RBA0P4p2aD_78NN14lRgH7-4hPMXrsh5kScTrKfBhBk7Li_GIBiSZb3tDZAk/s1600/IMG_8085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjORdDIZ626t-99yYyM9uDge4bdsgEDqvbygqlk-qOLMgeDiwPaiIne1XcjrWwm9M752KJ3vUr68o3LsZ0RBA0P4p2aD_78NN14lRgH7-4hPMXrsh5kScTrKfBhBk7Li_GIBiSZb3tDZAk/s1600/IMG_8085.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">A visit to NYC is not a visit if</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">you don't see Times Square</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR3BP3YGYndiFAji5I3su3mxgiwEtTmZhzvpZ1yJQ5f_krrg3ZGuS9ZqD4NKoeXao8SOMoLLaGrlR2hBaS3rA_xIxMlFoy4MpsgjVqthoKTRYr4OyBy6KJI37BCDVrCov82t0eZW4jUBs/s1600/1379732_10151755697781220_545755550_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR3BP3YGYndiFAji5I3su3mxgiwEtTmZhzvpZ1yJQ5f_krrg3ZGuS9ZqD4NKoeXao8SOMoLLaGrlR2hBaS3rA_xIxMlFoy4MpsgjVqthoKTRYr4OyBy6KJI37BCDVrCov82t0eZW4jUBs/s1600/1379732_10151755697781220_545755550_n.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">With the bride & groom, Julie & Craig</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I started
looking for places to go but was always worried about the safety element of it.
If you have watched <i><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0936501/">Taken</a></i> with Liam Neeson from
2008, you will know exactly know where my worries come from!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My first
Google search was <a href="http://www.gadventures.com/">G Adventures</a> as
they have many group trips available. In June 2012, Julian and I did a 9 day
trip which included 6 nights of hiking and camping through <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ausangate">Ausangate Mountain</a> in Peru. G
Adventures took care of pretty much everything, we just had to trek our asses
through +5 to as low as -10 degree Celsius weather. I was very happy with the
overall experience (yet I would not recommend it to everyone as it was a
mentally tough hike due to the altitude), and was thinking about doing either
Mount Kilimanjaro or Mount Kinabalu as my solo trip. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">But then I
thought <i><u>‘F-it’</u></i>, I don’t want
to be working so hard on my first trip alone. Imagine not having a support
system when you are in the middle of the mountains puking your face off, or
nearly pooping your pants…just sayin….because this did happen to some people
during the hike in Peru. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Then I
thought about what I <i>really</i> wanted. I
wanted to have a balance of culture, activity and relaxation, all while feeling
<i>safe </i>in the process. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Then I
Googled surf and yoga retreats. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I had come
across it years before I started dating Julian and thought about how cool it
would be. I never did it because one, I was in a relationship and the thought
of solo trips were rarely discussed, and two, it was not cheap. For a place
that met my standard when it came to location, food, and activities, the
minimum cost of the retreats I was looking at was approximately $3,000 US, and
this was not including the flight to actually get there! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">There were
only two locations that I wanted to go to, it was either Costa Rica, or Bali.
The prices were going to be somewhat similar so it was really a toss-up between
the two. So why Bali, well two things; one, “<b><span style="color: #ffcc00;">Eat</span></b>, <b><span style="color: #663300;">Pray</span></b>, <b><span style="color: #ff33cc;">Love”</span></b>, two, Bali sounds way
cooler than Costa Rica. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIUBD6sUW_6pG9UkB6sVWQ1uMDHojtHhzzDNBi_VrB0BT11gvlEXVEJlodZ4jnDZhfzEnfgRI3-MGqWCmVDU6t9snoydrEz8c6ugBA9MaA5r-Ni0MbbNfqjYNAWih3LtJlG1rFmfmsQNE/s1600/74526_175308965816989_1870040_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIUBD6sUW_6pG9UkB6sVWQ1uMDHojtHhzzDNBi_VrB0BT11gvlEXVEJlodZ4jnDZhfzEnfgRI3-MGqWCmVDU6t9snoydrEz8c6ugBA9MaA5r-Ni0MbbNfqjYNAWih3LtJlG1rFmfmsQNE/s1600/74526_175308965816989_1870040_n.jpg" height="188" width="200" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">After my
research on Bali, I found that it was a safe place for female travellers and
they were going to be finishing their wet season by the time I arrived so the
prices were a little cheaper. I ended up at an all-women’s Yoga and Wellness
retreat called <a href="http://www.baligoddessretreats.com/">Bali Goddess
Retreats</a> instead of a surf one due to the time of year, and I couldn’t have
been more pleased with my choice. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It is now
April 2014, and I am reflecting on my solo trip last month, and <b><u><span style="color: #134f5c;">this is what I
have come up with about travelling alone</span></u><span style="color: #4c1130;">.</span></b><b style="text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="color: #4c1130;"> </span><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></b></span></div>
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<b style="text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1) It is not as scary as it sounds</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">There
is WiFi almost anywhere you go, Hotels, restaurants, cafes, and the airport. If
you feel lost, you can Google your question, or just ask a local. Depending on
where you choose to go, I recommend that you find out if they speak a similar
language to you. In Bali, most people spoke English, some better than others.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;"><b>2)</b> <span style="font-weight: bold;">You get to do whatever you want to
do</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">If
you feel like going out, you can, if you want to stay in one night and go to
bed at 8pm, you can do that too! You don’t have to answer to anyone.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b style="text-indent: -18pt;">3)<span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><b style="text-indent: -18pt;">It is so easy to meet people</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">I
had the opportunity to meet people wherever I went. When people see you alone,
they just want to talk to you because you are more approachable than with being
in a group. Honestly, it is easy as that. I have talked to other people who
have backpacked and they told me that meeting people in hostels is even
easier…I may consider back packing on my next trip </span><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">J</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b style="text-indent: -18pt;">4)<span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><span style="text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">The best things happen when they are
not planned</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">I
did not plan a lot when I went to Bali especially since I don`t enjoy the task
of planning trips. I knew I was going to spend my week at the retreat and have
3 days on my own. I listened to what other people wanted to do, and if it
sounded interesting, I piped up and said, hey I would like to try that too. With
that, I saw an amazing Osteopath and the only way I can describe him is that he
was a ‘body whisperer’, tried a pole dancing class (not easy, lots of skin
burn, and felt so awkward trying to be sexy, even though it was only women in
the class), and saw a healer who read my tarot cards (that was an experience
which defined why I made the trip to Bali).</span></div>
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<b style="text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGeMDem7vFs5BzZDJzMw4Wz_-a5j5H4CTxoA9qSSUALVQHhcBGFrrg2ad-jjs0nFaFTlT6s4q2dWqu7AgXSddtlWdhewIhyuLk5Qs5OT4fXlM-4iXXwXpITyv5zcBt3z9Ard3ccmfjZ34/s1600/IMG_9422.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGeMDem7vFs5BzZDJzMw4Wz_-a5j5H4CTxoA9qSSUALVQHhcBGFrrg2ad-jjs0nFaFTlT6s4q2dWqu7AgXSddtlWdhewIhyuLk5Qs5OT4fXlM-4iXXwXpITyv5zcBt3z9Ard3ccmfjZ34/s1600/IMG_9422.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The amazing women I met. Back L to R (Rebeca, Me, Candy,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Melissa), front L to R (Gwen, Antje)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b style="text-indent: -18pt;">5)<span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></b><b style="text-indent: -18pt;">You get to learn about others and
especially yourself</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">Staying
at an all-women’s retreat was such an easy way to meet other women, but the
cool thing about it was that they were all like-minded individuals, with
different paths they have taken to get to where they are in their life. I got
the opportunity to learn about each of their stories, their experiences, their
ups, downs and what makes them who they are today. I was able to gain priceless
advice from each of them that have allowed me to become more clear and shape my thoughts and views
to becoming a better me.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As this was
only my first trip alone, I know that I still have so much more to experience
in this life. We easily come up any excuse as to why not travel by ourselves
but I know it is possible especially since I met women that were single, in
relationships either dating or married and even with children at home. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBQDl7EK_z8N1S9hMPp5tBw7xSJJpmv81oIMTi93zyxvXPy8G55j9B-6SPRxFwHWjuvZsrHtEuxxiCTD7OTRprSeEV8ipVuiZP0GWn8oKyaeHbdD9kXGFUIlqdzSaiww7a_JzPkWMoowE/s1600/IMG_1665.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBQDl7EK_z8N1S9hMPp5tBw7xSJJpmv81oIMTi93zyxvXPy8G55j9B-6SPRxFwHWjuvZsrHtEuxxiCTD7OTRprSeEV8ipVuiZP0GWn8oKyaeHbdD9kXGFUIlqdzSaiww7a_JzPkWMoowE/s1600/IMG_1665.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">A more happier, balanced me :)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Travelling
alone is an experience that you can only understand when you do it and honestly
one of the smartest investments in you. Everyone’s experience is completely
different, but at the end of the day, we come out a better version of
ourselves. Happier, balanced, and more guided on what is important in life. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Shameen <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRqRbjm_OgAVTvhQs3R_v_jebwYmXn39isoVSEq6jkcJW9bJKfF3kswwfGKQAzQCl6c6JxrtZG8yLd5XWzgiaIy3EJbFXnxtR27x2_N0ns7FUVcRpxTl092KHD1X0b04m9qck3nIcBF6E/s1600/20140222_213219.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRqRbjm_OgAVTvhQs3R_v_jebwYmXn39isoVSEq6jkcJW9bJKfF3kswwfGKQAzQCl6c6JxrtZG8yLd5XWzgiaIy3EJbFXnxtR27x2_N0ns7FUVcRpxTl092KHD1X0b04m9qck3nIcBF6E/s1600/20140222_213219.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxUX34exYNRBXBaUo5qwI8gbc9UxJNRQIjRMVSFQDcXX7w42Lefr7MrcS2RCpXHwnGANEj8-nyCKqrHzBkynk9aPvq7KFU2P-vAxAsoYt6UDSrwbxgsJfR8ZE8hM9JEN_UyKOO97so3B8/s1600/20140222_211139.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;">Oh yeah, Cauliflower pizza! Eating Paleo consists of approx.
80% of my diet. My choice to go out and eat pizza is normally at the very
bottom of my list, so finding an alternative is music to my ears. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The first time I ate cauliflower pizza was a couple
weeks back when visiting my friends Aleem and Farrah for dinner. Aleem’s wife Farrah is such an amazing cook and freestyles the crap
out of every meal. Since she knew my boyfriend and I were coming over, she made
cauliflower pizza. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It was honestly such a perfect substitute to a thin
crust pizza. The consistency, the taste and texture replicated a regular pizza
crust and I knew I had to try it out for myself.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I adapted my recipe below from <a href="http://www.theluckypennyblog.com/2013/05/the-best-dairy-free-cauliflower-pizza.html">this
website</a>, tweaked it and made it simpler to follow. I do not provide a
recipe for the toppings since there are a million ways you can top a pizza! I
want you to be creative but have a great veggie base to start with. Try it out
and let me know what you think!</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></b></div>
<a name='more'></a><b><br /></b>
<br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Cauliflower
Crust Pizza</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="color: #ff33cc; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="color: #ff33cc; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;">Prep time</span></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;">20
mins<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxUX34exYNRBXBaUo5qwI8gbc9UxJNRQIjRMVSFQDcXX7w42Lefr7MrcS2RCpXHwnGANEj8-nyCKqrHzBkynk9aPvq7KFU2P-vAxAsoYt6UDSrwbxgsJfR8ZE8hM9JEN_UyKOO97so3B8/s1600/20140222_211139.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxUX34exYNRBXBaUo5qwI8gbc9UxJNRQIjRMVSFQDcXX7w42Lefr7MrcS2RCpXHwnGANEj8-nyCKqrHzBkynk9aPvq7KFU2P-vAxAsoYt6UDSrwbxgsJfR8ZE8hM9JEN_UyKOO97so3B8/s1600/20140222_211139.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>This is the crust before cooking for 15 mins.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
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<b><span style="color: #ff33cc; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;">Cook time (base only)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;">15
mins<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="color: #ff33cc; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;">Cook time (base with
toppings)</span></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;">
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;">10
mins<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="color: #ff33cc; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;">Supplies</span></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;">Food
processor or strong blender, bowel, spoon, cookie sheet, parchment paper, tea towel<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="color: #ff33cc; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;">Ingredients<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;">1 big
head of cauliflower<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;">1/4 tsp salt<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;">1/2 tsp - 1 tsp herbs
de provence (or any dried herb combination of your choice!)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;">1 egg<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;">1 tbs
olive oil<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="color: #ff33cc; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;">How to do it<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 9pt; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; text-indent: -18pt;">Take
a cookie sheet, place in oven, then pre-heat oven to 450 degrees</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; text-indent: -18pt;">Grind cauliflower up
into tiny pieces either in a food processor or strong blender</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; text-indent: -18pt;">Put cauliflower
pieces in a microwave safe bowl, cover with paper towel, and microwave for four
minutes</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; text-indent: -18pt;">Remove from
microwave, dump into a clean tea towel, and allow to cool (10-15mins)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; text-indent: -18pt;">Prep pizza toppings
of your choice while you are waiting for the cauliflower pieces to cool</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; text-indent: -18pt;">Wrap cauliflower
pieces up in tea towel and ring as much liquid out of cauliflower into sink (if
not, the crust will just crumble after you cook it)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; text-indent: -18pt;">Once liquid is rung
out as much as possible, add cauliflower pieces back into bowl and add
remaining ingredients.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; text-indent: -18pt;">Mix until fully incorporated.</span><span style="font-size: 9px; text-indent: -18pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; text-indent: -18pt;">Dump out mixture on
parchment paper and flatten out by hand. Crust should not be too thin or too
thick.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; text-indent: -18pt;">Place flattened out
crust with parchment paper onto hot baking sheet. Put in oven for 15 mins or until edges are brown.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; text-indent: -18pt;">Once nicely brown,
pull out of the oven, and top to your hearts content! Once topped with your
favourite ingredients, bake in oven for another 10 mins or until toppings
cooked.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; text-indent: -18pt;">Remove from oven;
allow to cool for a few minutes, slice and serve. Boom!</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-HNRTuu46fJE%2FUxU2eJhx8-I%2FAAAAAAAAFUw%2FIPO_orQzSsk%2Fs1600%2F20140222_211139.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxUX34exYNRBXBaUo5qwI8gbc9UxJNRQIjRMVSFQDcXX7w42Lefr7MrcS2RCpXHwnGANEj8-nyCKqrHzBkynk9aPvq7KFU2P-vAxAsoYt6UDSrwbxgsJfR8ZE8hM9JEN_UyKOO97so3B8/s1600/20140222_211139.jpg" -->Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5171588746318200800.post-45367428436786950662013-12-06T08:05:00.001-08:002014-04-14T18:18:28.725-07:00Knock your socks off Paleo Banana Brownie Cups<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSHV_lhPRAtY0FOhsvIWAkqR8ZONKvMljUUSnN11of3Th3U1P_tvNyHj3Bm3oaUeDRcKtvCNvUnVgnO9kO4gFByY0Y-rzjDxiu7j5TzHucERwAnuEV732O8EcUJkUidN8MfwII8vKM9rk/s1600/Paleo+Banana+Brownie+Cups.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSHV_lhPRAtY0FOhsvIWAkqR8ZONKvMljUUSnN11of3Th3U1P_tvNyHj3Bm3oaUeDRcKtvCNvUnVgnO9kO4gFByY0Y-rzjDxiu7j5TzHucERwAnuEV732O8EcUJkUidN8MfwII8vKM9rk/s1600/Paleo+Banana+Brownie+Cups.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So it has been a while since I have blogged. Back in August I received a promotion at work and I have been busy ever since. I have taken a couple trips, one to Kelowna for my friends Craig & Julie's wedding and to NYC to support my boyfriend and his client who ran the marathon. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Since working late hours, more lately especially, I get home and need to find a way to get my mind off of work and NOT dream about it, which I have been doing a lot of lately! Last night I got to chat with my sister on the phone for an hour which was awesome because I don't make phone calls that much anymore, cooked breakfast for dinner, then baked!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I have made this recipe a number of times already, and even for our bake sale at work recently where they sold out! The recipe originally calls for pumpkin puree, but I decided to switch it up and try banana puree instead and decrease the sweetness. The original recipe which is delicious can be found <a href="http://redefineyourbalance.com/flourless-fudgy-brownies/" target="_blank">here</a>. This is super easy to make and if you are too lazy to pour the batter in individual muffin cups, you can just grease a square pan, pour in, smooth out and bake! </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><u>Rating</u>: Easy Peasy</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><u>Taste Rating</u>: Yummy</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div align="center" style="border: 0px; line-height: 19.984375px; margin-bottom: 0.714285em; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 cup almond butter</span></div>
<div align="center" style="border: 0px; line-height: 19.984375px; margin-bottom: 0.714285em; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 cup of mashed bananas (approx 3 bananas)</span></div>
<div align="center" style="border: 0px; line-height: 19.984375px; margin-bottom: 0.714285em; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 egg</span></div>
<div align="center" style="border: 0px; line-height: 19.984375px; margin-bottom: 0.714285em; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/4 cup of maple syrup</span></div>
<div align="center" style="border: 0px; line-height: 19.984375px; margin-bottom: 0.714285em; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder</span></div>
<div align="center" style="border: 0px; line-height: 19.984375px; margin-bottom: 0.714285em; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 tsp of baking soda</span></div>
<div align="center" style="border: 0px; line-height: 19.984375px; margin-bottom: 0.714285em; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2 teaspoons of vanilla</span></div>
<div align="center" style="border: 0px; line-height: 19.984375px; margin-bottom: 0.714285em; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 tbsp of coconut oil</span></div>
<div align="center" style="border: 0px; line-height: 19.984375px; margin-bottom: 0.714285em; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">½ cup dark chocolate chips (preferably dairy free)</span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; line-height: 19.984375px; margin-bottom: 0.714285em; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="line-height: 19.984375px;"><u><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Instructions:</span></u></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 19.984375px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.</span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 19.984375px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Mix all the ingredients together in a medium sized bowl, until well incorporated and smooth. </span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 19.984375px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Pour the batter evenly into lined baby muffin tins. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.984375px;">Bake for 22 minutes. Let the brownies cool and enjoy!</span> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Can be kept in the fridge for up to a week</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5171588746318200800.post-89420861894235485432013-04-24T11:36:00.003-07:002014-04-14T18:14:02.709-07:00Try something new, drink a ``Green Smoothie``<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWQo-wsdo-so7KDu8MZLc9XSLzVytvLMg0u3l3NsThgku9xV0qiPzk6V0JK09wPp_QlzuVTXMGikKMSd-8MNiHRPNhp3C_WJC0d_VopJGs7klVgT-OlSocfITIl96sXKI2gQ-D9Qc2OX0/s1600/Green+Smoothie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWQo-wsdo-so7KDu8MZLc9XSLzVytvLMg0u3l3NsThgku9xV0qiPzk6V0JK09wPp_QlzuVTXMGikKMSd-8MNiHRPNhp3C_WJC0d_VopJGs7klVgT-OlSocfITIl96sXKI2gQ-D9Qc2OX0/s1600/Green+Smoothie.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">It seems that lately everyone is talking green smoothies and has finally
decided to ride the green smoothie band wagon. I think this absolutely
wonderful since it is an excellent way to get in a lot of veggies in one drink.
I am a veggie beast, I absolutely love them. If I don’t have veggies at every
meal I feel guilty. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">I know a number of people that don’t eat many veggies at all. They will
opt for cereal and milk, bagels or toast at breakfast, a slice of pizza, a
burger and fries, or a sandwich with minimal veggies on it for lunch, and then
a big piece of meat, starchy carbohydrates such as rice, with a small serving
of veggies at dinner. Even though this
makes them happy, they are totally missing out on the amazing benefits of
vegetables that have been put on this earth to help us heal and feel good.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"></span></div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Without even thinking about it, we know that fruits and veggies in a
drink with no added sugars or preservatives is a no brainer. But people, including me, love answers and
want to know why. Here are a few reasons:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div>
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoTableGrid" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 239.4pt;" valign="top" width="319"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">Nutrients are more easily absorbed<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Green
smoothies are awesome because your body does not have to work to break down
the food through the digestion process. Most of the valuable nutrients are
broken down by the blending process which makes it easier for the body to
absorb.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 239.4pt;" valign="top" width="319"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">Increased Energy<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">The
balance of fruits and vegetables are a great source of energy since the
sugars in the fruit are balanced out with the vegetables. These drinks are
high in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants which naturally lead to increased
energy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 239.4pt;" valign="top" width="319"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">Low in calories and keeps your
belly full<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Fruits
and veggies contain high amounts of water and fiber. They will make you feel
full and balance out any cravings you may have because of the lower sugar
content. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 239.4pt;" valign="top" width="319"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">Quick and Easy to make<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">The key
ingredients are a liquid, fruits, veggies, and super foods (optional). You
can make your smoothie the night before, and have it ready to go for the next
morning. No muss, no fuss.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">If the reasons above convince you, awesome, you rock! If they don’t, that’s
okay, how about just trying it out for fun. See how you feel after you drink
one. Try and replace one meal in a day with a smoothie. I recommend breakfast
since it is the easiest. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Before I tell you how to make one of these nutrient powerhouses, here are
some of the most common excuses, and my responses:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst">
<br /></div>
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoTableGrid" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; margin-left: 5.4pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 233.9pt;" valign="top" width="312"><div align="center" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">Excuse<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 239.5pt;" valign="top" width="319"><div align="center" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">Response<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 233.9pt;" valign="top" width="312"><div align="center" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">``I don`t have a blender``<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 239.5pt;" valign="top" width="319"><div align="center" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Go to Canadian Tire and you can find one on sale
for as cheap as $30. Wait for a sale, and don`t do a small magic bullet, it
doesn`t have the power to break up the vegetables. You also don`t need a $500
Vitamix or Blendtec to do the job.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 233.9pt;" valign="top" width="312"><div align="center" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">``I don`t like vegetables``<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 239.5pt;" valign="top" width="319"><div align="center" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Boo hoo, get over it! Kidding </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Candara; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Candara; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"> But
seriously, you will get over it. When mixing the fruit with the vegetables,
you won`t even taste the vegetables. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 233.9pt;" valign="top" width="312"><div align="center" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">``I don’t have all the ingredients that are in the
recipes``<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 239.5pt;" valign="top" width="319"><div align="center" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">You don`t need to have all the ingredients! I have
come up with a chart below that will help you create your own smoothies.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Guide
to creating your own green smoothie<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">(<i>Use the following suggested measurements and
you can mix and match within each category)<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><i><br /></i></span></b></div>
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoTableGrid" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td rowspan="2" style="border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 64.95pt;" valign="top" width="87"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 65.65pt;" width="88"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">Base<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 74.1pt;" width="99"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">Vegetables<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 115%;">(leafy
greens)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 68.35pt;" width="91"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">Fruits<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 65.1pt;" width="87"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">Fats<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 73.75pt;" width="98"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">Sweetener<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 66.9pt;" width="89"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">Boosters<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">/Protein<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="3" style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 208.1pt;" valign="top" width="277"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";"><Mandatory
><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
<td colspan="3" style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 205.75pt;" valign="top" width="274"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";"><Optional><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 64.95pt;" valign="top" width="87"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Serving
Size</span></b><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 65.65pt;" valign="top" width="88"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">1.5 cups <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">(add more for a less thick version)</span><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 74.1pt;" valign="top" width="99"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">2 cups<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 68.35pt;" valign="top" width="91"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">1 cup<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 65.1pt;" valign="top" width="87"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">1 tbs<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 73.75pt;" valign="top" width="98"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">1 tsp <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 66.9pt;" valign="top" width="89"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">1-2tbs (booster)/<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">1 scoop (protein)</span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 64.95pt;" valign="top" width="87"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">Ingredients<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 65.65pt;" valign="top" width="88"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">>Water<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">>Coconut
Water<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">>Coconut
Milk<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">>Almond
Milk<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 74.1pt;" valign="top" width="99"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">>Kale<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">>Spinach<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">>Swiss
Chard<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">>Romaine<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 68.35pt;" valign="top" width="91"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">>Banana<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">>Strawberry<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">>Blueberry<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">>Raspberry<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">>Mango<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">>Kiwi<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">>Pear<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 65.1pt;" valign="top" width="87"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">>Avocado<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">>Walnuts<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">>Almond
Butter<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">>Chia
Seeds<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">>Cacao
Nibs<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">>Coconut
oil<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 73.75pt;" valign="top" width="98"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">>Agave
syrup<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">>Maple
syrup<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">>Stevia<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">>Date
(1)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 66.9pt;" valign="top" width="89"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">>Goji
berries<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">>Maca
powder<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">>Raw
Cacao Powder<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">>Your
favourite protein powder <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">The chart above is definitely not inclusive of ingredients, but gives you
a good starting point. Be creative, try out different combinations. Some
combinations will not be great, but keep trying and you will find your
favourite mix. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">If you are trying to lose weight, limit items from the fats and sweetener
categories. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">When you first start with green smoothies, you may not find it sweet
enough. Start with the recommendations above, but then try to wean yourself
off. Use ripe fruit, or fruit that is in season to help naturally sweeten your
smoothie.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">See <span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;"><b><a href="http://eatliveandlovelife.blogspot.ca/2013/04/my-go-to-green-smoothie.html" target="_blank">HERE</a></b></span> for
my favourite go-to smoothie. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">If you already do green smoothies, comment below with your favourite
recipe.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Shameen<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5171588746318200800.post-30747532774471207752013-04-24T11:36:00.000-07:002014-04-14T18:18:47.277-07:00My go-to “Green Smoothie”<span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif;">I love green smoothies, and if you
want to know why you should too, read </span><b style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif;"><span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;"><a href="http://eatliveandlovelife.blogspot.ca/2013/04/try-something-new-drink-green-smoothie.html" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank">here</a></span></b><span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif;">. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF2Lj1ds-SGOlOpgcjDtD7JuDm3t6PKZdUCBGAPu7gK1C5iZtbXo-SbzSATJFlUimahRDXGRkBZohLcBRaNEnv7rORT491HB335-c8-8NuVVsEYJtou_7OzxJm-SWY9fRVRsNh7u6fw68/s1600/Green+Smoothie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF2Lj1ds-SGOlOpgcjDtD7JuDm3t6PKZdUCBGAPu7gK1C5iZtbXo-SbzSATJFlUimahRDXGRkBZohLcBRaNEnv7rORT491HB335-c8-8NuVVsEYJtou_7OzxJm-SWY9fRVRsNh7u6fw68/s1600/Green+Smoothie.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif;">Here is my favourite go-to recipe:</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">Makes
approx. 5 cups (i.e 2 servings)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">Time
to prepare: 3 minutes<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">1 cup water<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">1 cup almond milk <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">2 big handfuls of spinach<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">2-3 leaves of kale<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">1 cup frozen berries<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">1 – 2 tbs goji berries<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">1 tbs almond butter<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">1 tbs coconut oil<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">1 tbs raw walnuts<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">1 tbs raw cacao nibs<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">1 scoop chocolate (or vanilla) Vega
protein powder (not pictured)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">Directions</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">In a blender, blend together water,
almond milk, spinach and kale until broken down.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">Add in the rest of ingredients and
blend until desired consistency.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">Blend longer for a smoother
consistency. Add more water to lessen the thickness.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">Enjoy!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTAhHDa8oMeGbagC7zWxhmY7BF3eSNcvvrteCoRSgPY6QcHE2j4QPTeX9ieCanR6l5xcVZpTQfDv1wY_0yafORKVAaFATxVpk32ciSozcBOyKvnhyphenhyphenGWJmyF-UuTHeY0V-Lz9PYOA0dyjs/s1600/20130422_185656.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTAhHDa8oMeGbagC7zWxhmY7BF3eSNcvvrteCoRSgPY6QcHE2j4QPTeX9ieCanR6l5xcVZpTQfDv1wY_0yafORKVAaFATxVpk32ciSozcBOyKvnhyphenhyphenGWJmyF-UuTHeY0V-Lz9PYOA0dyjs/s1600/20130422_185656.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5171588746318200800.post-62197289339740692172013-04-10T11:35:00.000-07:002014-04-14T18:19:07.835-07:00Vegan Chia Pudding <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5OP7ZSJDsZMrttqNCL4nGhyHJpOclbwlk_GGlGrNkD2Sr4UycC7k5FubnAPa-kJfD9S_gBpgJtbgut8aIonwD80QAoF7_OhVnH2-TlBJkErTwFMakqMDIXVmU8vsu7PGF8skVMgbObpI/s1600/205711_10151346492356220_271346432_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5OP7ZSJDsZMrttqNCL4nGhyHJpOclbwlk_GGlGrNkD2Sr4UycC7k5FubnAPa-kJfD9S_gBpgJtbgut8aIonwD80QAoF7_OhVnH2-TlBJkErTwFMakqMDIXVmU8vsu7PGF8skVMgbObpI/s1600/205711_10151346492356220_271346432_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Looking for a fun breakfast, that does not consist of grains? The this vegan, paleo, chia pudding is for you. Very easy to make and can be prepared the night before.</span><br />
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_5165af094ab676948899299">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Ingredients</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1-2 tbs chia seeds</span></div>
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_5165af094ab676948899299">
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/4 cup almond
milk<br />1 banana mashed with a fork<br />1 tbs cinnamon<br />1 tbs vanilla extra<br />1 tbs raw
cacoa nibs (optional)<br />Fresh fruit<br /><br /><b><br /></b></span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Directions</b><br />1) Mix all ingredients except fresh fruit the night before and allow to set overnight in the fridge. </span></div>
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_5165af094ab676948899299">
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_5165af094ab676948899299">
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2) Fresh fruit can be added before serving. </span></div>
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_5165af094ab676948899299">
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_5165af094ab676948899299">
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3) Keep in
mind the banana browns but it does not alter the taste. You can always mix the
banana in before serving instead of the night before. The chia seeds will plump up either way because it will be soaking in the almond milk.</span></div>
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_5165af094ab676948899299">
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_5165af094ab676948899299">
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Eat this as breakfast, or as a dessert. This is a great way to get in Omega 3's, protein, and tons of vitamins and minerals. See why Chia Seeds are so good <b><a href="http://eatliveandlovelife.blogspot.ca/2012/12/morning-body-booster.html" target="_blank">here</a></b>. </span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRlxl89VaEcwRUfpvBjLm8KCuMHUM0NDBllukV9hItgwi0RHED_0zjYEdBxb9aVD9p9IMpc6ogUeskR-6UmHnDkqtdidIQH3ieliAgqOHOc_hyBFsaJ2HQAOXMro4RsZBGXzLcF563Vos/s1600/20130225_215108.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRlxl89VaEcwRUfpvBjLm8KCuMHUM0NDBllukV9hItgwi0RHED_0zjYEdBxb9aVD9p9IMpc6ogUeskR-6UmHnDkqtdidIQH3ieliAgqOHOc_hyBFsaJ2HQAOXMro4RsZBGXzLcF563Vos/s1600/20130225_215108.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif;">I love, love, love this bread recipe! I started eating Paleo mid February, and as part of the diet, I had to give up all grains. I didn't each
much bread before, but sometimes I like to have a slice with a breakfast. I
found this recipe from </span><a href="http://www.elanaspantry.com/gluten-free-bread-20/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Elena’sPantry called Bread 2.0</span></a><span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif;">. I know this recipe is good because my boyfriend
loves it.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">It’s easy to make, it toasts well, and is also great as part of an open
faced sandwich. I changed the recipe ever so slightly but it tastes the exact
same way!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"></span></div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><b>Dry ingredients</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">1 ½ cups blanched almond flour<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">¾ cup arrowroot powder or tapioca starch<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">¼ cup golden flaxmeal or ground chia seeds<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">½ teaspoon sea salt <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">½ teaspoon baking soda<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><b>Wet ingredients</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">4 eggs<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">1 teaspoon honey <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar</span><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-no-proof: yes;"><v:shapetype coordsize="21600,21600" filled="f" id="_x0000_t75" o:preferrelative="t" o:spt="75" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" stroked="f">
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</v:imagedata></v:shape></span><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><b><u>Directions</u></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">In a large bowl, combine all dry ingredients.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">In a smaller bowl, whip eggs 3-5 minutes until nice and frothy<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Mix honey and vinegar into eggs<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Mix dry ingredients into wet and stir well<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Scoop batter into a loaf pan (you can buy a 4 pack
of disposable loaf pans at Loblaws/No Frills for $2.50). I don't grease the pan.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Bake at 350º for 30-35 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into center of
loaf comes out clean<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Cool a bit and then pop out the loaf pan by gently running a knife around the edges to loosen it up. I usually slice it then cool it overnight before wrapping it with paper towel and aluminum foil. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Store in the fridge for up to a week...but it won't likely last that long :)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Makes</span></i><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"> <i>1 medium sized loaf</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5171588746318200800.post-34227243250513509032013-03-03T09:34:00.000-08:002014-04-14T18:19:51.742-07:00Paleo Eggplant Lasagna/Shepherds Pie<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSP3CwigeVzy8iFmd0k_eEwI1DRal4ibDCuK_IgoXtEufUFtfL89vgYRx1TeypNsi95e_KowY5A5TtBPpKkE88L0TOE8lb61BJ5zykdOi2hXIeNUWaSv6jWn2pnqYpTwpDigwwROC8Yso/s1600/17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSP3CwigeVzy8iFmd0k_eEwI1DRal4ibDCuK_IgoXtEufUFtfL89vgYRx1TeypNsi95e_KowY5A5TtBPpKkE88L0TOE8lb61BJ5zykdOi2hXIeNUWaSv6jWn2pnqYpTwpDigwwROC8Yso/s1600/17.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Last week I invited my girlfriend over for dinner. I didn’t have much in
my fridge, but had eggplant, veggies and ground lamb and thought I would to try
my hand at a lasagne. After many searches online for an eggplant lasagne, the
only thing I took away from it was how to prepare the eggplant, and that was
mainly because I was too lazy to read the recipes (you will know why when you
read the steps below, however, making the recipe is worth it!). So with the
ingredients I had at home, I came up with this beauty. The recipe below is
written in steps because this recipe is a little bit labour intensive. Lastly, I also call this a Sheperds pie after a debate with my boyfriend. He said it looked more like a pie than a lasagne with the sweet potatoe on top, hence the two names. See below for recipe.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><b></b></span><br />
<a name='more'></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNjP33XdXhrWY5xzxPHB3gk7tFuk6TU4ww1-1YGzoX2Gz8IScMAbIu1OzcW-yrVlRW5tdu_r-JQzK0ZU7DZi4OEtnWR5laJRW2RqUA1Ir3S5SOKApZV1zSBp6oVNG0kuaPEDbINJCoB08/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNjP33XdXhrWY5xzxPHB3gk7tFuk6TU4ww1-1YGzoX2Gz8IScMAbIu1OzcW-yrVlRW5tdu_r-JQzK0ZU7DZi4OEtnWR5laJRW2RqUA1Ir3S5SOKApZV1zSBp6oVNG0kuaPEDbINJCoB08/s1600/2.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><b>One
piece of crucial advice</b>, precut, mince, and peel <i><u>everything</u> </i>before starting. It will make the cooking part a
lot more enjoyable since there are many steps involved.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">Prep time: </span></b><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">30 minutes<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">Bake time: </span></b><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">35 minutes<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">Serves: </span></b><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">4<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<br />
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoTableGrid" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 76.3pt;" valign="top" width="102"><div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">“Pasta”
Layer<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 155.9pt;" valign="top" width="208"><div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">Veggies<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 123.3pt;" valign="top" width="164"><div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">Meat
Layer <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 123.3pt;" valign="top" width="164"><div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">Top
Layer (Optional)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 76.3pt;" valign="top" width="102"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">2
eggplants, sliced<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Salt<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Pepper<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Olive
Oil<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">1 small
can of tomatoe paste<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 155.9pt;" valign="top" width="208"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">1 medium
red onion, diced<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">1 yellow
pepper (or really any colour), diced<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">2 cloves
garlic, minced<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">½ pack
mushrooms, sliced<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">1
zucchini, cubed<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Sprinkle
of Salt, to sweat onions<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">1 tbs maple
syrup (used when mixing veggies and meat together)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">1 tbs
coconut oil (or olive oil)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 123.3pt;" valign="top" width="164"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">1 pound
of ground lamb (or any ground meat of your choice)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">2 cloves
garlic, minced<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">2 tsp
dried oregano<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">2 tsp
dried basil<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">2 tsp fresh thyme (dried ok too)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">1 tsp dehydrated onion<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Salt, to taste<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Pepper, to taste<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Sprinkle of chili flakes, to taste<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 123.3pt;" valign="top" width="164"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">1 sweet potatoe, peeled and diced<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">This layer is optional. If you want to make the Paleo Shepherds Pie version, add this layer.</span></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><i><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";"><br /></span></i></b>
<b><i><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">Directions:</span></i></b><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoLHu6wjVtRGG9QiYfKroQk3havo_0vkkrq45LxyAZn3Uz-g3zf3NZUiqKks4bAUdbcCFH7X_3-xSh1vkghc-S36WnXCVHW4pAHGcAPOLiyyBMXPmmY5PN3hK6SVJpKYudGuoXfK9EcOw/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoLHu6wjVtRGG9QiYfKroQk3havo_0vkkrq45LxyAZn3Uz-g3zf3NZUiqKks4bAUdbcCFH7X_3-xSh1vkghc-S36WnXCVHW4pAHGcAPOLiyyBMXPmmY5PN3hK6SVJpKYudGuoXfK9EcOw/s1600/6.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a><b><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">“Pasta Layer”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">- Preheat
oven to 350F.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
- Slice
eggplant in even medium size slices (if you have a mandolin even better).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">- Season
eggplant slices with salt and pepper.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWy3ANBqRjwQKo74iKRCL_BArABNJuHNVxBNeoZ4kqeRG4-60dNjj3D9Ck0aEH70PbuchKW2L9_8VoD5wZRY1LI9-rBRRcC7mvAddYXsi7AyxBgg6G9WsIb671NQ0JNzNWHsDkrN6uZl8/s1600/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWy3ANBqRjwQKo74iKRCL_BArABNJuHNVxBNeoZ4kqeRG4-60dNjj3D9Ck0aEH70PbuchKW2L9_8VoD5wZRY1LI9-rBRRcC7mvAddYXsi7AyxBgg6G9WsIb671NQ0JNzNWHsDkrN6uZl8/s1600/7.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">- Place on parchment paper on cookie sheet, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">do not overlap.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">- Brush eggplant with olive oil on both sides.</span><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">- Bake for
20 minutes, flipping midway through. Should be slightly browned. Cook more if necessary.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">- Set aside
and turn oven up to 400F so it is ready when it is time to cook the lasagne.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">Top Layer (Optional)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN7Yvl6U1R5LOQln3uppeNGSKIps131joIJ88S0EnnJg-ZLQLaWmmJ5a2Ww-09zQ0xiYD0hNOvIWgd0XuoQRoWe2EmoSx16YzNtPk_D95nIY8as7W3fHdBa5tf70UBEzZcZeF7syAjht8/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN7Yvl6U1R5LOQln3uppeNGSKIps131joIJ88S0EnnJg-ZLQLaWmmJ5a2Ww-09zQ0xiYD0hNOvIWgd0XuoQRoWe2EmoSx16YzNtPk_D95nIY8as7W3fHdBa5tf70UBEzZcZeF7syAjht8/s1600/3.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">- Turn stovetop
burner to high and place a pot with water 75% full. Bring water to a boil.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">- Peel sweet
potatoe and dice. Add to boiling water.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">- Boil until
potatoes are soft enough to mash up. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">- Drain.
Transfer to a bowl, and mix with salt, pepper and coconut oil. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">- Set aside.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";"><br /></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">Veggies<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6m1McURpERknttHjCIoroXSKBYvJ48drTteb5pHBH4eQZfLJZXlK9MKt06YQPhueemDVLkNN8Cxjau6HPjJziLuqX-sw4enIXoeLQJf5l7v0qIwaHvWUn0o81uQEMpyzpzfa2thUog2Y/s1600/8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6m1McURpERknttHjCIoroXSKBYvJ48drTteb5pHBH4eQZfLJZXlK9MKt06YQPhueemDVLkNN8Cxjau6HPjJziLuqX-sw4enIXoeLQJf5l7v0qIwaHvWUn0o81uQEMpyzpzfa2thUog2Y/s1600/8.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">- Turn stovetop burner to medium heat
and place pan on burner.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">- Add 1 tbs of coconut oil to pan and melt.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">- Add garlic and sautee until it is
light brown.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6IZgSKgP6SIJCRuLBpyDWZglnW0KqgKrFyt5zOuiwFJOCBWtufM16_hB6hN9BrAmcm8rBbHYcYc3LqK_I_BTNUxqv-pmW7kanxev14-rK9xOSPJwNU0N4gqJgozzpmRy1JOcm-yD0qdU/s1600/9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6IZgSKgP6SIJCRuLBpyDWZglnW0KqgKrFyt5zOuiwFJOCBWtufM16_hB6hN9BrAmcm8rBbHYcYc3LqK_I_BTNUxqv-pmW7kanxev14-rK9xOSPJwNU0N4gqJgozzpmRy1JOcm-yD0qdU/s1600/9.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">- Add red onion and yellow pepper,
sprinkle with salt to allow the onion to sweat (get soft), and stir fry until
veggies are soft.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXfw_1XJJKf4RPQcUrpj2pw0xXK3t7NnR6H8UHA_Bjm22lYgbgtx0e9TRevfn_7Wt4mE837Yw7U_diTwJv1Cc8xLo6AfhC4jayHsxISw08_eeClNjvMSeZgHbDu9uNoTkJhqCtjFrN-20/s1600/10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXfw_1XJJKf4RPQcUrpj2pw0xXK3t7NnR6H8UHA_Bjm22lYgbgtx0e9TRevfn_7Wt4mE837Yw7U_diTwJv1Cc8xLo6AfhC4jayHsxISw08_eeClNjvMSeZgHbDu9uNoTkJhqCtjFrN-20/s1600/10.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">- Once softened, add mushroom and
zucchini and cook until soft (should only take approx 3-5 minutes). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiugGsNGex9Xb4S3DcqOLSmxkDOGGndrP6g1oot3sih0LCMfhFHfjvFHOrtp5W1EoF0vxyuvC62-FfhW8Wty2W2k5f931yA5YN0AsngesxNGNz51ZY_FgZ1EOxxXNvViSzO84zpQS06dlM/s1600/11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiugGsNGex9Xb4S3DcqOLSmxkDOGGndrP6g1oot3sih0LCMfhFHfjvFHOrtp5W1EoF0vxyuvC62-FfhW8Wty2W2k5f931yA5YN0AsngesxNGNz51ZY_FgZ1EOxxXNvViSzO84zpQS06dlM/s1600/11.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">- Once veggies are done, transfer to a
bowl, and use the pan for the meat.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">Meat
Layer</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2d8mMkHU5ZgTWuDtsIH8MhghWFScn6OCXI2sEAtCX1XV9v3Dwv1UgAH9HeGSPXbIuGLz89HiMfhCeszXxPT6lqccHbIY7Y-Oeu3zijUbhfhmZWGmlJnvpOiq7kQapI8uZkRIjbe5oWBY/s1600/12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2d8mMkHU5ZgTWuDtsIH8MhghWFScn6OCXI2sEAtCX1XV9v3Dwv1UgAH9HeGSPXbIuGLz89HiMfhCeszXxPT6lqccHbIY7Y-Oeu3zijUbhfhmZWGmlJnvpOiq7kQapI8uZkRIjbe5oWBY/s1600/12.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">- Keep burner at medium heat, take
ground lamb and dump in the middle of the pan (no oil required!).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">- Cook the meat by working in
quarters. Break apart a quarter of the meat with a spatula, and cook it
separately until cooked through. Then work with the remaining quarters until
done. This prevents that pool of water forming at the bottom of pan and having
to dump it out at the end.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif;">- Once cooked, add in veggie mixture and mix thoroughly.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif;">- Add in all seasonings
(garlic, oregano, basil, thyme, dehydrated onion, salt, pepper and chili
flakes). Mix thoroughly again.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">- Add maple syrup and mix through.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif;">- Adjust seasonings to taste.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif;">- Turn off burner, it is time to assemble!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvF1pYjsWlQgXwg_YvZ-LPlhIcgbb2cC8DelW2m5jJup3xuySE5DuGCwvVuLFecuG9f3A8XoVeD0kr7B4Usasv5P3FkffxY96LGwPyfyf4Og4yZMx6ez_DngRjr-S-dOKaTFnfye6XWWo/s1600/14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvF1pYjsWlQgXwg_YvZ-LPlhIcgbb2cC8DelW2m5jJup3xuySE5DuGCwvVuLFecuG9f3A8XoVeD0kr7B4Usasv5P3FkffxY96LGwPyfyf4Og4yZMx6ez_DngRjr-S-dOKaTFnfye6XWWo/s1600/14.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHeWVOVYFu53PteSPkOBzuaidnULv_X-2LYGTvjxu9KdAnTrC9OUbRQaR8bjG_c87i_x3LWdIfldhfMN6VU-Xx9pvFxNZ6ZUUxZqrtr2nPsUUrECGWYzXZ5655ViapcMW38dz6IgwSuGk/s1600/13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHeWVOVYFu53PteSPkOBzuaidnULv_X-2LYGTvjxu9KdAnTrC9OUbRQaR8bjG_c87i_x3LWdIfldhfMN6VU-Xx9pvFxNZ6ZUUxZqrtr2nPsUUrECGWYzXZ5655ViapcMW38dz6IgwSuGk/s1600/13.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">Assemble
Lasagne</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">- Take a baking dish and brush a thin
layer of olive oil to bottom of pan.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">- Place zucchini at bottom of pan, by
covering the entire bottom (you should overlap a little here).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">- Spoon tomatoe paste on top of eggplant
(put as much or as little as you like).<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijDwItvGNjrZPBbQcBssgnXd33wiR_2j02bbbZLjJj_qrmac2DGNdjk0ITLOdOjIevQ21g-t676shpHOwyKFv8qJL1rKU6s0zAz6q68X-M0fqrziT8d5k6sT6qUn4hhRV8hWnIV19nQ_o/s1600/15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijDwItvGNjrZPBbQcBssgnXd33wiR_2j02bbbZLjJj_qrmac2DGNdjk0ITLOdOjIevQ21g-t676shpHOwyKFv8qJL1rKU6s0zAz6q68X-M0fqrziT8d5k6sT6qUn4hhRV8hWnIV19nQ_o/s1600/15.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">- Spoon meat and veggie mixture on top
of tomatoe paste. Put as much or as little as you like depending on how many
layers you can get with the eggplant. Press down to compress it (don’t murder
it though).<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixOwjKkugpbFsXTNLLcYaoAWsGUij_tb4YG8-h-lD2bHH1QcuLn9901nf1UdHh4FAaGSEbza1qpWdbpcwrfY3Pfkr6V_vGqyXtO-fYqQSpWzXS9-rQ6Ded-lTrKaa0tioYcCTdRB0GvLk/s1600/16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixOwjKkugpbFsXTNLLcYaoAWsGUij_tb4YG8-h-lD2bHH1QcuLn9901nf1UdHh4FAaGSEbza1qpWdbpcwrfY3Pfkr6V_vGqyXtO-fYqQSpWzXS9-rQ6Ded-lTrKaa0tioYcCTdRB0GvLk/s1600/16.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif;">- Repeat until you run out of
ingredients to layer.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">- Spoon sweet potatoe mixture on top
of final layer and even out (it does not matter if you have eggplant or meat as
your final layer before the potatoe mixture (if you choose to use it)). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">- Pop in oven which should be at 400F
and bake for 30 minutes. Broil for 3-5 minutes at end to make top a little
firm.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">- Pull out of oven and enjoy! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">Serve with a side salad.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5171588746318200800.post-11713438585976816532013-02-22T20:25:00.001-08:002014-04-14T18:20:28.254-07:00Apple & Mint Mocktail<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWJmdt3EXlfdwRcqk_jr2rHaaXYj9SEG36GWHvT4Nmxp0wBEhIucIwiVaivZZw6QVhgn8gCtu7cuAIFjQfm1dc7vkJ4CxA0erGrT4e30mA7lvcKhyf89OUC8TcUIgpgTjNn3DEsXaJBC8/s1600/20130220_210403_LLS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWJmdt3EXlfdwRcqk_jr2rHaaXYj9SEG36GWHvT4Nmxp0wBEhIucIwiVaivZZw6QVhgn8gCtu7cuAIFjQfm1dc7vkJ4CxA0erGrT4e30mA7lvcKhyf89OUC8TcUIgpgTjNn3DEsXaJBC8/s1600/20130220_210403_LLS.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif;">I wanted a little drink while doing some work at home and since I am not
drinking, I came up with this simple, quick mocktail that did the job. Keep in
mind this is not that sweet, but you can make it sweeter by adding more apple
cider.</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">In a glass mix the following ingredients:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif;">4 mint leaves muddled</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif;">Ice</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif;">¾ glass full of San Pellegrino (Club Soda or any
fizzy bubbly of choice)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif;">1-2 tbs of fresh lemon juice</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif;">Splash of apple cider to top up the glass</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif;">Stir and enjoy!</span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5171588746318200800.post-86734475861029897242013-02-18T20:43:00.001-08:002013-02-20T18:23:16.500-08:00Back to Basics - How to make eating healthy easier<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">All the people that know me know that I live a very healthy lifestyle.
Many are proud of me, and others think I am crazy, but I`m cool with that. I
know that many would like to adopt parts of my lifestyle, but sometimes don’t necessarily
know where to start. I am currently following the Paleolithic way of eating,
but before I even blog about that (which will not be today), I want to share with you the basics. I want
to share with you what I practice in my life on a regular basis, so that when
<b><u>you are ready</u></b> to take more steps to <b><u>your optimal lifestyle for eating</u></b>, you have
a great baseline to start from.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Taking on a healthier approach to eating, depending on which principals
you decide on following takes effort. There are two common excuses I hear all
the time. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">Excuse #1
- I don’t cook<span style="display: none; mso-hide: all special;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif;">If you are not used to being in the kitchen to prepare food, it`s not
easy and you may not be comfortable or know where to start. But over time it
does become more enjoyable and a lot easier because you know what to expect. We
all have to start somewhere.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">Excuse
#2 - I don’t have time<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Before I hear you say, “I don’t have time”, I say “Bull S**T! </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Candara; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Candara; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">” For
real, if you have time to sit at home and watch TV for the night, play games,
go out for drinks, you are just not taking time “out” of your busy schedule for
your own health. I can’t speak for people with children because that is a whole
other ball game that I have not yet had to deal with in my life. But I know
there are ways to getting around it because I work with some amazing men and women
that find the time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Below are my tried and tested tips on starting off on the right foot and
having the ability to keep healthy eating a priority in your life! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif;"><b><u>Tips to making eating healthier easier</u></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">Stock up
on good food<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAhZ7Gi-MoLsrfref21rPTpLWLor-qUIrEnZtbynSxxcB1x4JkztybOHh2K1Y4_cvjLd2tyI9VB8yi82_c3owpX5iQK-bwSO8ANyki-VA701SZGVwh9d9ewuYoarlfKxjNqDh8WXPvhiE/s1600/20130218_132319.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAhZ7Gi-MoLsrfref21rPTpLWLor-qUIrEnZtbynSxxcB1x4JkztybOHh2K1Y4_cvjLd2tyI9VB8yi82_c3owpX5iQK-bwSO8ANyki-VA701SZGVwh9d9ewuYoarlfKxjNqDh8WXPvhiE/s1600/20130218_132319.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">I absolutely love grocery shopping. I love picking out my fruits,
vegetables, meats, nuts and super foods. I make food a priority in my life, and
I spend a lot of money on it. I am not saying you have to spend a lot on it,
but spend it on what you like, and what you will eat. Don’t just buy it because
you know it is good for you, but then a week later it is rotten in the fridge
and you have to throw it out.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif; font-weight: bold;">Buy
yourself a fun food item</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ2krtyjWNQrP6h08RfxcrK3P7h-H9uRc632AIs6YpdyeVByMdGJbpL4Uf7wN5W6Fgh9w1In4ajvT2XOrHvOo3iNi8ZQ1MnX-ozqZmRMA9tApZLUpO0LPLqIo3LDozYKnRzyRY6E-1I8Y/s1600/20130218_132343.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ2krtyjWNQrP6h08RfxcrK3P7h-H9uRc632AIs6YpdyeVByMdGJbpL4Uf7wN5W6Fgh9w1In4ajvT2XOrHvOo3iNi8ZQ1MnX-ozqZmRMA9tApZLUpO0LPLqIo3LDozYKnRzyRY6E-1I8Y/s1600/20130218_132343.jpg" height="200" width="173" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">A fun food item is anything that you have been wanting to try for a long time,
but it is not justifiable because of the price. For example, I just bought
avocado oil for the first time and it cost me $15. I make salad dressings all
the time, and knew that I would use it on the regular, so it ends up being a
worthwhile splurge. Once you buy this item, you will be excited to use it
because it is something that can spice up your meals.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">Organize
your food<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlBfaXVt-Fj6aqtKgY5mLlKPwiXnAyEduaPpNakRn0UC2WleQZWiQvBCh40xrm-UH9ujZ-VUUnJF9OTbpkBpr7uAcPKpqepnEhL_BNLsP7_BYh-RU1QkV8KWATsWQUsaGi8xodULtvktk/s1600/20130218_132623.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlBfaXVt-Fj6aqtKgY5mLlKPwiXnAyEduaPpNakRn0UC2WleQZWiQvBCh40xrm-UH9ujZ-VUUnJF9OTbpkBpr7uAcPKpqepnEhL_BNLsP7_BYh-RU1QkV8KWATsWQUsaGi8xodULtvktk/s1600/20130218_132623.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Keeping everything organized makes it easier to see everything and use.
Believe it or not, when you see it all when preparing a meal, you can get more
creative. The picture here is a part of one of my cupboards. As you see I
love using mason jars to show off my nuts, seeds, super foods (not pictured) and anything else
that would be acceptable to be mason jarred. I find that it is easier for me to
track when I am getting low on something. A 12 pack can be found at Canadian
Tire for $7.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">Enjoy
the time you prepare food</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">I have the tiniest kitchen, and the worst part, it is not open to my
living room where my TV is. I love having the TV on or movies playing while
preparing food. I usually settle on just listening to the TV, but have gone as
far as bringing a mirror out to watch the reflection from the TV. I also love
listening to music, or talking on the phone (headphones in ears so that my
shoulder doesn’t get a cramp from trying to hold the phone up). For those of
you who have an open concept place, you are lucky because at least you can
still enjoy your shows while preparing your food.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">Don’t
waste your vegetables<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">I am guilty for letting food go to waste, and it has happened a lot. The
reason why this happened is because I didn't take the time to prepare it. For
the items that are going to go faster, I wash them, cut them up, and store them
in a container. The biggest items that I do on the regular are salads, and raw
vegetables. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPMH3cQq0tQocptEVbXckIadKHmQCFqpaW9VAnRUqJrHbadacjZWypFBXh6EUhdFxkINnhA-Q1TV0SrRsDezEKnz9_V9FoSsLYUR9OgJpF339wKERfMqK_bJNVdkdxQM2AuD7WXxHO2eU/s1600/20130218_144251.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPMH3cQq0tQocptEVbXckIadKHmQCFqpaW9VAnRUqJrHbadacjZWypFBXh6EUhdFxkINnhA-Q1TV0SrRsDezEKnz9_V9FoSsLYUR9OgJpF339wKERfMqK_bJNVdkdxQM2AuD7WXxHO2eU/s1600/20130218_144251.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">For my salads, I take huge container, cut up all the leaves, onions, and
any other "base" items that I want in my salad. When I have to prepare a salad
for work the next day, I get another container and take out these "base" ingredients
and add in what I called the “Glamour” ingredients followed by my home-made
salad dressing. Glamour ingredients include fruits, avocado, nuts and protein.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-kdl9LXOTqVM5b65aDjP166eC8aKMEOrpM7taC9vMW7jqt-DyuRpHhYuzozN3YAn99-Wy9u5osENVovVLCmfjFdiExJHKaoJtTyAFu3iKWbQdYF4tqIMdNcPqtg0WucLwuHTnPJ7SrGk/s1600/20130218_144719.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-kdl9LXOTqVM5b65aDjP166eC8aKMEOrpM7taC9vMW7jqt-DyuRpHhYuzozN3YAn99-Wy9u5osENVovVLCmfjFdiExJHKaoJtTyAFu3iKWbQdYF4tqIMdNcPqtg0WucLwuHTnPJ7SrGk/s1600/20130218_144719.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikOV9WIdaHjIIgdGq8L76o2HqSbC96Int9yjwQ-9YmEyn-CwzCfdECNL1Jhyphenhyphen73xd1q7HS55EDaG7hXLITzQOE8uEiOYVvkc32EZWhijRdreZQ_KEiu2pCX6tyWzAFGA9vusaYudfSrh2s/s1600/20130218_145112.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikOV9WIdaHjIIgdGq8L76o2HqSbC96Int9yjwQ-9YmEyn-CwzCfdECNL1Jhyphenhyphen73xd1q7HS55EDaG7hXLITzQOE8uEiOYVvkc32EZWhijRdreZQ_KEiu2pCX6tyWzAFGA9vusaYudfSrh2s/s1600/20130218_145112.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Whatever raw vegetables I want to munch on as a snack, I pre-cut them and
also store them. I will take a handful from each container and put it in a
baggy for work, or for on the go. One tip, celery usually can get weak a few
days after cutting it up. I store it in water so they can last the entire week.
But when taking to work the next day, you don’t need to keep it in water.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">Portion
your meat and prepare it early</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">When I buy a big gigantic pack of meat, I will split it up in individual
portions. This saves time and money since I am not cooking them all at once,
or trying to separate it with a sharp knife when frozen because I only want
one piece. I use Ziploc bags to separate everything.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">When I am ready to cook the meat, I usually marinate it the night before
so that it is ready to cook the next day. But if you have time on the weekend
to make a batch of meat for a few days, even better. My advice if you are not
yet much of a cook, don’t prepare meat for more than 2 or 3 days…you will
usually get sick of eating the same thing, unless you can jazz it up in
different meals.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">Bake
your own treats<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt4BFJgK2jHRf1YTqAWsacWNDf5j2oT2aFRQRyGqzleiSLeEGgGiZhXy0WNn4eP4_5tqJUrnpKchnJmDcUSfgZ3JW_L6BuHiuTkIfqxCvCRrRTCRelF4lZ5sWkqIlT1NTHXY8EHT1in2s/s1600/20130120_182450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt4BFJgK2jHRf1YTqAWsacWNDf5j2oT2aFRQRyGqzleiSLeEGgGiZhXy0WNn4eP4_5tqJUrnpKchnJmDcUSfgZ3JW_L6BuHiuTkIfqxCvCRrRTCRelF4lZ5sWkqIlT1NTHXY8EHT1in2s/s1600/20130120_182450.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Eating treats are definitely one way to sabotage your healthy eating.
Sometimes we become like ravenous lions and want to eat everything in sight.
When you make your own treats, you know exactly what goes in it, and will
appreciate it more when it comes to those times you succumb to your cravings. I
suggest baking a healthy treat over the weekend and saving it for when that
moment arises, because we know that time will happen at least once in a week. A way to make it fun is to do it with
a partner. It makes the process that much more enjoyable, you are creating
memories, and you can share it too!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">When you
run out of something, write it down<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBFYcQKiKK1v8Se4ygXc43UEPHTZfy6EqnSs5jfnv8H5uNhTPlElJP52fy_DzM5R30Bd1vHv-siSVGs11QtFhRitJlGMeYZB-ekiA7ddFwFq-a6FGA1cru1Q906OlVVl3bBsfHmY0ekBM/s1600/20130120_134601.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBFYcQKiKK1v8Se4ygXc43UEPHTZfy6EqnSs5jfnv8H5uNhTPlElJP52fy_DzM5R30Bd1vHv-siSVGs11QtFhRitJlGMeYZB-ekiA7ddFwFq-a6FGA1cru1Q906OlVVl3bBsfHmY0ekBM/s1600/20130120_134601.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif;">I have a chalk board decal on my wall in my kitchen. Whenever I am close
to running out of something, I write it down. Before I go to the grocery store, I
take a picture of it, and then I have my grocery list right there. There are so
many ways to track this from a pad of paper and a pen, a dry erase board, or
entering it on an app. Whichever way works for you is all that matters.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">Time to
get started</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">I know that this seems like a lot and it will take a lot of time…I am not
going to lie, it will. But once you get used to the process, you will find your
way of doing it, your own short cuts, and eating healthy will be a breeze
because you found <b><i><u>your</u></i></b>
way of preparing your meals. If you have a partner that you live with, ask them
to help you. Preparing all this for you and someone else can get tiring, and
you may get annoyed that you are doing all the work, and they just get to eat
it! Having a supportive partner who understands your goals is very important in
living a healthy lifestyle. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">I hate when people say, “I’m on a diet”. Diets suck and don’t work. We
all know that because we have tried our hand at a diet or two or ten in our
lives. You need to remember that this is a lifestyle choice, and eating this
way is a lifestyle. But for it to be a lifestyle, you need to make it an
important part of life. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><b>A few key things to remember when considering a lifestyle change:</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">Instead of thinking about the immediate weight loss
gains, think about when you are old, and start slowing down…you want to be the
best you can be, and not be slowed down because of the bad food choices you decided to make all your life.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">Don`t always think instant gratification, think
delayed satisfaction.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">And to losing weight, it didn`t take a few days to
put it on, so don’t think it will take a few healthy meals to take it off.</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">To eating, living, and loving life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Shameen<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5171588746318200800.post-16383134120488063242013-02-18T19:08:00.001-08:002013-02-18T19:09:44.633-08:00Check-in<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">After a month and a half hiatus, I finally found the time and motivation
to write once again. Since New Year’s Day, I have been really busy with life,
but at the same time taking time to veg out. I have worked a lot of extra hours
since it was year-end at work and we at Rogers finally released our Annual
results on Friday Feb 15<sup>th</sup>. During that time, I took a month off of
drinking, exercised six days a week, went to Spanish classes once a week, spent
time with friends and family, baked, cooked, and caught up on some of my favourite
TV shows in the process. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Writing was not really on the top of my list because I found that I didn’t
have much of a focus. I can write to you about foods that I love to eat and why
they are good for you, but I decided I needed to step back and figure out where
I wanted to go with it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">During this process, I took 31 days off of drinking. It was really hard
at first because I love to have a nice glass of wine with dinner, or when
hanging out with friends. But near the end, it wasn’t that big of a deal and
found ways to get around it. I drank virgin Caesars thanks to my workout partner Monica who does not drink at all, as well as soda water with lime. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Once Feb 1<sup>st</sup> hit, I had two drinks per night over the whole
weekend. It was nice. I enjoyed it. Then my boyfriend/personal trainer came up
with an idea that turned it all around. He asked me and some girlfriends who
already exercise on a regular basis, if we wanted to try the Paleo diet/lifestyle
for 5 weeks which started on February 11<sup>th</sup>. We all work so hard in
the gym, so we want to see where this lifestyle change in our diet will take us
with all of the work we put in</span><span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif;">.</span></div>
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<b><i><u><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">What is Paleo?<o:p></o:p></span></u></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">In a nutshell, the paleo diet is anything that the cave men would have eaten
during the Paleolithic era, anything that they would have been able to hunt and
gather. It consists of eating meat, vegetables, fruit, nuts and seeds, sweet
potatoes, limited oils which are avocado, olive and coconut, and limited sweeteners
which are honey and maple syrup. The items to avoid are all grains (starchy
carbohydrates), dairy, sugars, processed foods, caffeine and alcohol. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">My sister has lived this lifestyle with her boyfriend for over a year,
and when she first told me about it I thought it was absurd because it was so
heavy on protein. I was all about eating mostly vegetarian and limiting meat in
my diet, especially after reading The China Study. I had already cut out dairy,
processed foods and extra sugars, so there were parts of the diet that I
thought were excellent. But over this last year, I found that the more I
educated myself on foods to eat and how to eat, the more variety I had in my
choices on what I wanted to include, what I wanted to eat in moderation, and
what I wanted to eliminate permanently.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">So today, with the arsenal of knowledge I have obtained over the years of
learning what and how to eat, I agreed to take on the challenge to try out this
lifestyle. Like I said, I eat pretty closely to the diet already, but I had to
take the extra step and cut out grains, caffeine and alcohol on the regular.
However, in this post I will not be talking about eating Paleo. It is just a check-in
on where I am, and a sneak peak on where I will be taking my blog. My next post
will be tips on adopting a healthier lifestyle, and then I will be posting more
recipes based on my current way of eating. Then from there, we will see where I
go. Hopefully you can join the ride! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Shameen</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5171588746318200800.post-65922310354952110732012-12-31T10:14:00.001-08:002012-12-31T10:14:14.525-08:00It’s that time of year again: Resolutions and how to actually make them stick<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">I hope you
all had a great holiday filled with fun and happiness, and are ready to start
your New Year! This year I had a staycation in Toronto for a full two weeks. My
vacation consisted of family, friends, shopping, exercising, cooking, eating,
partying, chilling out hard and practicing Spanish. I know this is a lot but I
tried to keep myself busy because I didn’t want to make a full stop of my active
life, laze around for two weeks, and then try to get back into the swing of
things all over again. If you did this over the break, it’s all good now,
because it is too late to turn back.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">With today being New Year’s Eve, there are tons
of blogs, newspaper articles, and news reports on making resolutions. My post
is related to resolutions, but with a <b><i>little twist</i></b>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">To start, we all know <i>most</i> resolutions don’t ever stick. I know this sounds critical and
harsh, but it is the truth. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Why don’t they stick? <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3SvNLYq7tIVN5m2UNdnlj4M4vqshNb_xDAD7_ujKup6fWs7Vb-HJEiZJmQa9JKIbgoAYoZSvOv3pgo6GIhBL8cZZsipY_5GVObvjQRGYUi6NNEoraay4F9uGsNIG4CAoNqySybIAhazo/s1600/Joke+Picture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3SvNLYq7tIVN5m2UNdnlj4M4vqshNb_xDAD7_ujKup6fWs7Vb-HJEiZJmQa9JKIbgoAYoZSvOv3pgo6GIhBL8cZZsipY_5GVObvjQRGYUi6NNEoraay4F9uGsNIG4CAoNqySybIAhazo/s1600/Joke+Picture.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Well most of the resolutions we make require a
full 360 degree turn in what we are currently doing in our life. It likely
requires us to deprive ourselves in some way. It likely requires us to extend
ourselves further and realistically in our busy lives, don’t have the time to
do. Some of the popular resolutions are: exercise more, lose weight, spend more
time with friends and family, quit smoking, quit drinking and learn something
new. And most of us pick more than one to achieve, which is too much!</span><span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">What can I try to make it work this time?<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">With the end of the world passing by (according
to the Mayan’s), a much needed break from work, and the start of a new year,
why not try and work on yourself all year long, not just in January. Do you
want to know what works if you just put a little extra effort in?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Only
pick one thing to change each month!<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Through this short motivating video called </span><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";"><a href="http://www.ted.com/talks/matt_cutts_try_something_new_for_30_days.html">Trying Something New for 30 days</a></span><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"> a
resolution may stick. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">When you pick something new, you actually have to
do it! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">How do I make sure I do it? <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">WRITE IT DOWN!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Put it as a daily reminder in your calendar, put
a sticky note on your fridge, toilet, TV, or on whatever you see all the time.
Even putting it in multiple places is ideal. Then, track it. Literally put a
checkmark on a calendar for each day you actually do your new thing. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">What happens if I don’t like the goal?<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">If after 30 days you don’t want to do it, don’t do
it. Pick your new goal for the next 30 days. But actually try to finish
something for an entire month before moving on! DON’T QUIT mid-way through, wait
for the month to end, and then start a new again the next month. You will be
surprised with the sense of accomplishment you will have achieved.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">What if I like my goal? What are my next steps?<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">If you actually like what your goal has achieved
for you, continue with it by either doing one of three things: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<li><span style="font-size: 7pt; text-indent: -18pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">Continue
on with it in the next month, and pick a new goal not related to it, or;</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 7pt; text-indent: -18pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">Take
that goal, and add onto it to enhance it, to take it to another level, or;</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 7pt; text-indent: -18pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">Continue
on with it in the next month, and <i><u>don’t</u></i>
make a new goal for the next month because you don’t have time to add something
new. A word of caution, don’t go longer than two months without adding to your
goals, see <i>why</i> below.</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";"> </span><b><i><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">Why should I not go
longer than two months without setting a new goal?</span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">I entered into a 90
day challenge with my workout partner to achieve diet and exercise related
goals from Oct to Dec 2012. My diet goals were: No alcohol Sunday to Thursday,
No eating after 8:30pm daily, Drink 2.5 litres of water daily, and Drink my
chia seed mixture daily. My exercise goals were: cardio 3x per week (one an
hour in length), heavy weights 3x per week and cross training 1x per week.
These goals were selected so that I could decrease my body fat percentage, and
get a shapelier butt. If I didn’t make my goals for that week, there would be
penalties, and there were room for cheats in this challenge as well. The diet
and exercise goals seem excessive, however since I was doing most of the goals
above before-hand; it was not a radical change. The alcohol and eating after
8:30pm were challenges to me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">I created a monthly
calendar in excel with the diet and exercise goals on the left side for each
week, and carried that calendar with me <b><i>everywhere</i></b> I went. I would refer to
this calendar numerous times a day to make sure that I was on the right track.
This calendar really helped me but I didn’t achieve my goals. Why? The 90 day
period was too long! Seriously, I found I was motivated more in the first
month, and it started to slow significantly with more time that passed on. I
still exercised and ate right, but I was not as excited anymore. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">I know this doesn’t
sound motivating, but the honest reason is that I wasn’t challenging myself
because I got into a routine. Don’t get me wrong, I picked up awesome habits
that I continue to do every day, and it is easier to do because it is no longer
a burden. If I am too busy, I will still make sure I fit it in. However,
because I wasn’t challenged as much, I fell back a few steps. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">So take it from me, don’t
go longer than two months without making a new goal to challenge yourself.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">Write
your goal down, share it with people, and educate yourself so you know why your
goal is important to YOU!<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Happy New Year and all the best to finding a new
(or better) you! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Shameen<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5171588746318200800.post-64776049320889140432012-12-06T19:50:00.003-08:002014-04-14T18:21:20.254-07:00Morning Body Booster Recipe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<ul>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd5jJPDr9-Lk0oBg3wZD_42T4_06rLXOraMFay0sdaW367PsbV7O0IbnxX47W-XChMXEiMtNi9OQL7rykoPoydqP4KBER_1Q4VnNG-1zkhLrfEtHTi36A-Xgv09gJIIwZl5EFj6gS0O3M/s1600/IMG_4668.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd5jJPDr9-Lk0oBg3wZD_42T4_06rLXOraMFay0sdaW367PsbV7O0IbnxX47W-XChMXEiMtNi9OQL7rykoPoydqP4KBER_1Q4VnNG-1zkhLrfEtHTi36A-Xgv09gJIIwZl5EFj6gS0O3M/s1600/IMG_4668.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></ul>
<span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif;">- 1 cup
of cold water</span><br />
<ul></ul>
<span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif;">- 1/2 cup
of boiling hot water</span><br />
<ul></ul>
<span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif;">- 1 tbs
of chia seeds soaked (min 5 mins to overnight)</span><br />
<ul></ul>
<span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif;">- 1 tbs
of fresh lemon juice</span><br />
<ul></ul>
<span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif;">- 1/8th
teaspoon of cayenne pepper</span><br />
<ul></ul>
<span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif;">- Maple
Syrup or Agave nectar, to taste</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif;">Mix all the ingredients above, stir well, and
enjoy</span>! <span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif;">This is my go to drink every morning. See </span><a href="http://eatliveandlovelife.blogspot.ca/2012/12/morning-body-booster.html" style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;">here for why this is an awesome drink</span></a><span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif;">!</span></div>
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<div style="margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif;">We all know why we need to drink water (such as keeping hydrated, essential for our health), but do you know why you need to add the ingredients I listed above? Let me explain.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm;">
<b><span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif;">Why Chia Seeds?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; line-height: 14px;">Energizing<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; line-height: 14px;"><br /></span></i></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; line-height: 14px;">The word Chia comes from the Mayan language meaning strength (scientific name is <i>Salvia hispanica L)</i>. It has a balanced blend of protein, carbohydrates, fats and fibre. Athletes have reported that Chia seeds help them perform at optimal levels for much longer periods of time.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; line-height: 14px;">Hydrating & Detoxifying</span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; line-height: 14px;">Chia seeds are hydrophilic which means they have the ability to absorb and retain water! These seeds can retain up to 9 times their weight in water, which helps keep you well hydrated, and maintains electrolyte balance which is great for athletes. Chia’s gelling ability soothes and lubricates the digestive tract, helping to preserve the health of cells, as well as eliminate excess waste and toxins.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; line-height: 14px;">Nutritionally Dense</span></i></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; line-height: 14px;">Chia seeds have an ideal ratio of Omega 3 to Omega 6 (3:1), they are high in fibre, full of protein, an excellent source of antioxidants, full of iron, calcium, niacin (Vitamin B3), Magnesium, Zinc and Phosphorous.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></li>
</ul>
<div style="margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif;"></span></div>
<a name='more'></a><b><span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif;">Why Lemon?</span></b><br />
<div style="margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm;">
<i><span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif;">Helps alkalize the body</span></i><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">Do you remember those litmus paper tests you had to do as a kid in school? Well the scale that is used also applies to our bodies. The more alkaline your body is, the healthier your body will be. A pH of 7.4 is ideal for optimum body function. A body that is properly alkalized contains high oxygen levels, which destroy diseases and unwanted organisms. So if you think about this from the opposite side, the more acidic your body is, the higher your chances are for getting sick. Your body becomes a great host for bacteria, fungi, viruses, yeasts and mold, and colds and flus love these conditions.</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif;"> </span><i><span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif;">Rich in Vitamin C</span></i><br />
<div style="margin: 0cm;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">Vitamin C is great as it works against infections.</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif;"> </span><i><span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif;">Detoxifying for the Liver</span></i><br />
<div style="margin: 0cm;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif; line-height: 14px;">I always seem to forget this, but the liver is very important in maintaining good health as it is our body’s primary means to remove toxins from our bloodstreams. We are exposed to toxins every day from our surroundings, to the chemicals in food we may eat, or put on our bodies on a daily basis. Lemons are a stimulant to the liver and are a dissolvent of uric acid and other poisons, and support liver function by strengthening liver enzymes.</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif;"> </span><b><span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif;">Why Cayenne Pepper?</span></b><br />
<div style="margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Candara, sans-serif;">Anti-Irritant</span></i><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="background-color: white; text-indent: -18pt;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Candara, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">Believe it or not, even though this is one spicy spice, it actually has the ability to ease upset stomachs, ulcers, sore throats, irritating coughs, and even diarrhea!</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Candara, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Candara, sans-serif;"><i>Anti-Cold and Flu Agent</i></span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="background-color: white; text-indent: -18pt;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Candara, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">Cayenne pepper helps in breaking up and moving congested mucus. Once mucus begins to move, generally relief from flu symptoms follow.</span></li>
</ul>
<i style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Candara, sans-serif;">Digestion</i><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Candara, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">Digestion is one the most important things to keep your body working. Cayenne helps stimulate digestion by increasing the flow of enzyme production and gastric juices. Did you know that it is also helpful for relieving intestinal gas? </span></li>
</ul>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Candara, sans-serif;">Cayenne also has other health benefits such as: helps with inflammation, a detoxifier, improves heart health, boosts immunity, and helps in weight reduction.</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">Making this drink can be a little time consuming so here are my <b>suggestions</b> to make it as easy as possible:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggS1Wzd5R35Vn0rPvFo2C1f3ZxA1t_MxcoVV7_5dxBYjNUFJ6PONyyGFylnmMWWsS1pTpGk-9x5y1r-YFTLuyIT5htTWpFDsq9MlErifr6HiG8blIs08lF4lbnRIrxVaFxH_LS8HBWZAs/s1600/IMG_6399.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggS1Wzd5R35Vn0rPvFo2C1f3ZxA1t_MxcoVV7_5dxBYjNUFJ6PONyyGFylnmMWWsS1pTpGk-9x5y1r-YFTLuyIT5htTWpFDsq9MlErifr6HiG8blIs08lF4lbnRIrxVaFxH_LS8HBWZAs/s1600/IMG_6399.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">1 - Buy a bunch of lemons, juice them all at once, and keep it sealed tight. It can last approximately 1 week in the fridge. I recommend buying a lemon juicer because it makes this process much easier. The one pictured cost me approximately $5 at Kitchen Stuff Plus.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">2 - Prepare the drink the night before, but making sure to leave room for boiling water which you will put in the next morning. I put all the ingredients in a cup and cover with saran wrap and keep in the fridge overnight. I wake up early for the gym in the mornings, so I roll out of bed, turn on the kettle, do my business, and then pour the hot water in my prepared drink. Easy peasy!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">3 -Investing in Chia seeds, and the thought of taking cayenne pepper down, may be a bit of a tall order. So how about just starting with warm water and lemon first thing in the morning. It is a great way to kick start your system for the day! When you are ready, try the recipe below.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">If you have any other suggestions to making this drink more amazing, please comment, I would love to hear!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm;">
<b><span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif;">Shameen</span></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Morning Body Booster Recipe</b></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd5jJPDr9-Lk0oBg3wZD_42T4_06rLXOraMFay0sdaW367PsbV7O0IbnxX47W-XChMXEiMtNi9OQL7rykoPoydqP4KBER_1Q4VnNG-1zkhLrfEtHTi36A-Xgv09gJIIwZl5EFj6gS0O3M/s1600/IMG_4668.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd5jJPDr9-Lk0oBg3wZD_42T4_06rLXOraMFay0sdaW367PsbV7O0IbnxX47W-XChMXEiMtNi9OQL7rykoPoydqP4KBER_1Q4VnNG-1zkhLrfEtHTi36A-Xgv09gJIIwZl5EFj6gS0O3M/s1600/IMG_4668.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm;">
<br />
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">1 cup
of cold water<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">1/2 cup
of boiling hot water<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">1 tbs
of chia seeds soaked (min 5 mins to overnight)<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">1 tbs
of fresh lemon juice<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">1/8th
teaspoon of cayenne pepper<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">Maple
Syrup or Agave nectar, to taste<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif;">Mix all the ingredients above, stir well, and
enjoy!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0cm;">
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5171588746318200800.post-25846147927725728812012-11-18T20:29:00.001-08:002012-11-19T08:34:09.793-08:00For the love of Coconut Oil<br />
<div style="background: white;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #222222; font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">If you haven’t tried this amazing, multi-functional, health benefiting product, let me tell you why it’s time to start. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #222222; font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background: white;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ISon354u1ZgpImwtGbk86mokVBHUTi8841-Ec1jLG7c4Nd0XDDmsM9e3bf8YfJBRZsOcB3e2fuzEGTyn1j44SPGnhf-CgjTa8IyfJ1EfkZppKmPturdrI0P8TT2Tvn1kiFdv7bYs4DI/s1600/Coconut+Oil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ISon354u1ZgpImwtGbk86mokVBHUTi8841-Ec1jLG7c4Nd0XDDmsM9e3bf8YfJBRZsOcB3e2fuzEGTyn1j44SPGnhf-CgjTa8IyfJ1EfkZppKmPturdrI0P8TT2Tvn1kiFdv7bYs4DI/s1600/Coconut+Oil.jpg" width="180" /></a><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #222222; font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">If you have ever looked at the nutritional profile of coconut oil, you will see that 1 tablespoon has 120 calories and 14 grams of saturated fat. Most of us would shy away from this product because advertising on TV has programmed us to immediately think that <i><u>all</u></i> fat is bad. We say that fat is bad, because it makes us fat! Well there are definitely bad fats out there that will make us fat, and do more harm to us other than our waist lines. You may not believe me, but the fat in coconut oil does wonders to your body inside and out. Let me explain.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #222222; font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background: white;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #222222; font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The saturated fatty acids in coconut oil are mostly Medium Chain Fatty Acids (MCFAs). The main contributor to coconut oil is of a type rarely found in nature called Lauric acid. When consumed our bodies convert Lauric acid into Monolaurin, which has anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-protozoa properties. MCFAs are better for the body since the molecules are smaller and are easily digested. They are immediately burned by your liver for energy, like carbohydrates, but without the insulin spike. Other oils such as vegetable or seed oils are comprised of Long Chain Fatty Acids (LCFAs), which are larger molecules, so they are difficult for your body to break down and are predominantly stored as fat.</span></div>
<div style="background: white;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #222222; font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Candara, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">How do they know this? Well, back in the 1940’s farmers tried to fatten their livestock using inexpensive coconut oil. But to their surprise, it didn’t happen! The Livestock became lean, active, and hungry. MCFA’s can actually boost your metabolism and help your body use fat for energy, as opposed to storing it, so it can actually help you become leaner.</span></div>
<div style="background: white;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #222222; font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background: white;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #222222; font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Now that we know that the fat (MCFAs) in coconut oil can increase our metabolism and help us lose weight, let me tell you what else it can do. There are actually a plethora of benefits which include stress relief, hair and skin care, increased immunity, proper digestion and metabolism, heart diseases, diabetes, cancer, and the list goes on (literally). Here are a few discussed in further detail:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #222222; font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Hair Care </span></b><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #222222; font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Coconut oil aids in healthy growth of hair and giving them a shiny complexion. With regular massage of the head with coconut oil, it ensures that your scalp is free of dandruff, lice, lice eggs, and dry scalp. It works as an efficient hair conditioner and provides the essential proteins required for nourishing damaged hair. From personal experience, I recommend to only use a small amount to start with. I went a little oil happy one day and had some oil slicked hair.</span><br />
<br />
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #222222; font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Skin Care</span></b><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #222222; font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">You can use it for massage oil, and it is an effective moisturizer for all skin types. It also delays wrinkles and sagging of the skin which become prominent with age. </span><br />
<br />
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #222222; font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Digestion</span></b><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #222222; font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">When cooking with coconut oil, it helps improve digestion since it prevents various stomach and digestion related problems. Since the saturated fats in it have anti-microbial properties, it helps in dealing with various bacteria, fungi, and parasites that cause indigestion. To make things better, the fat helps aid in the absorption of nutrients such as vitamins, minerals and amino acids.</span><br />
<br />
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #222222; font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Heart Disease</span></b><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #222222; font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Since coconut oil contains a high amount of Lauric Acid, it helps prevent various heart problems such as high blood pressure and cholesterol levels. The oil actually increases HDL (good) cholesterol, but does NOT increase LDL (bad) cholesterol.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-left: 72pt; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #222222; font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">So there you have it. Coconut oil is an amazing food and body product that we should all consider using. If you are still not convinced, just Google the question and you will get an enormous amount of results. When buying it, make sure you buy Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil as it is the best quality to get the full range of the coconut oils health (see why </span><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://www.live-the-organic-life.com/virgin-coconut-oil.html">here</a></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">). <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">One final thing to be aware of is the melting point of coconut oil. </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Unlike most other oils, coconut oil has a high melting point - about 24 to 25 degrees Celsius. Therefore it is solid at room temperature (meaning don’t put it in the fridge or it will be as hard as a rock) and melts only when the temperatures go high. Due to the hot summer we just had (and no air conditioning in my apartment), my coconut oil remained in its liquid form for most of the season (as pictured above). <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">If you are ready to pick yourself up a jar and add it into your diet, you can do something simple as adding it to your smoothies to get all its health benefits. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">To good, pure, clean health, inside and out.<o:p></o:p></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5171588746318200800.post-50286032328995716892012-11-01T19:51:00.000-07:002014-04-14T18:21:51.194-07:00Oatmeal 2.0<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyzYrJtdzeGjSI9SRi9XGnNwfVwoPcAoLoQYtZnufZ3nV18RhivHGCTDM930_P-0AnvpK05Ljevyx7H5I7HBwO2DNDtWyZiXKcHlJIeupVRnNdgQDOaF4lAAAqFEOCt_Slyc72-N5-X2w/s1600/IMG_20121101_093850.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyzYrJtdzeGjSI9SRi9XGnNwfVwoPcAoLoQYtZnufZ3nV18RhivHGCTDM930_P-0AnvpK05Ljevyx7H5I7HBwO2DNDtWyZiXKcHlJIeupVRnNdgQDOaF4lAAAqFEOCt_Slyc72-N5-X2w/s1600/IMG_20121101_093850.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">I work in
an office with many people, and I get to see what a lot of them eat for
breakfast. One of the main things that I see is oatmeal. It is usually the
instant packs of oatmeal which are cooked with boiling water, or in the
microwave, and either eaten with fruit, or eaten plain. As a child I was not an
oatmeal lover and it was not until last year I realized why…my oatmeal was just
plain old BORING! I learned of this oatmeal recipe from one of my favourite nutritionistas
Megan Telpner last year when I did a 9 day cleanse. I have used this recipe and
morphed it into something I like to call Oatmeal 2.0. The toppings will change on a
regular basis, but the base is pretty much the same. Do NOT use instant oats
and make bigger batches so you have this tasty dish on hand for a few breakfasts.
Don’t be afraid to play around with the dried fruits, seeds, and nuts used. Use
what you have at home, and it will all come together.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";"></span></div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><u><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">Oatmeal 2.0 Recipe</span></u></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">Makes 2-4 servings<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">Time to prepare: 5 minutes<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">Time to cook: 5-10 minutes<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">Base<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">1 cup of grains </span><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%;">(try
any combination of oats, quinoa, lentils, buckwheat, millet, brown rice)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">2½ cups of water<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">2 tbs ground flax or chia seeds <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">8 tbs dried fruit </span><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%;">(I like
goji berries for the antioxidants and dried cranberries) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">1 tbs coconut oil </span><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%;">(optional,
but it is lovingly good for you)</span><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">1 tbs of cinnamon </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">2-3 cardamom pods (take the spice out of the pod) </span><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%;">(optional
as it does have a distinct flavour)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">¾ cup of fruit </span><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%;">(if
using frozen, cook fruit with oatmeal – if using fresh, see toppings below)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">1 tbs almond butter </span><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%;">(or
your favourite nut butter)</span><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">Toppings for each serving<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
**(all the toppings are optional, however to take it to the next level,
I recommend keeping the fruit and nuts at a minimum)<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">½ - ¾ cup of your favourite fresh
fruit </span><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%;">(try
any combination of banana, strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, etc.)</span><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">1 tbs pumpkin seeds </span><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%;">(or
your favourite nut)</span><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">1 tbs dried coconut flakes <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">1 tbs maca powder<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">1 tsp raw cacao powder </span><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">Drizzle of maple syrup or agave
nectar</span><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">Directions<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif;">Place all
ingredients in the ‘Base’ section of the recipe, with the exception of the
almond butter, into a pot.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif;">Bring water
to a boil, then bring to a simmer, leaving uncovered. Stir occasionally so that
the grain does not stick to the bottom of the pot. Simmer until you reach your
desired consistency (I don’t like mine too watery, so I make sure that it looks
fairly moist, but not swimming in liquid).</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif;">If it
becomes too dry, add more water, if it is too wet, simmer until the water cooks
away.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif;">Once oatmeal
is cooked to your preference, stir in almond butter and take off heat.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif;">Dish out
into your favourite bowl, and top with the suggested toppings above (mix maca and raw cacao powder in oatmeal if using - if not, you will cough it up like its going out of style).</span></li>
</ol>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5171588746318200800.post-81941915146840097922012-11-01T18:30:00.004-07:002012-11-01T18:32:52.197-07:0015 Reasons to Exercise (and why to keep reminding yourself)<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Earlier this week I came across
a blog post called<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://byebyebodyfat.fitproconnect.com/Newsletter/10/30/2012?fb_comment_id=fbc_396047477130713_3327388_396047897130671#f205fcc09cd40dc" target="_blank"><strong><span style="color: blue;">15 Reasons to Exercise</span></strong></a>. After I read it, I
really wanted to share it with my readers because it is that time of the year
when a lot of people fall off the band wagon or have not been on it for a while.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqGEvErADwvsibYMe7WAlmhx0K4fOojC2BqUbmgY7EZIjypzg6rpMmwWuTWTpFq4rHEYfdY97FYK5wNcjeimQlFUqHjlXHi0IMUgteLsz4kVeygGtwj88ktznsKRhTUca1qXWDuBzoMpQ/s1600/254652_10150258326621267_93214851266_7638165_4697917_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqGEvErADwvsibYMe7WAlmhx0K4fOojC2BqUbmgY7EZIjypzg6rpMmwWuTWTpFq4rHEYfdY97FYK5wNcjeimQlFUqHjlXHi0IMUgteLsz4kVeygGtwj88ktznsKRhTUca1qXWDuBzoMpQ/s1600/254652_10150258326621267_93214851266_7638165_4697917_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">New Years is long gone meaning most of our resolutions followed
suit, Summer is over so we are now allowed to 'cover' up our bodies,
Thanksgiving has passed which left most of us feeling gluttonous yet fully
satisfied, and Christmas is just around the corner, which takes Thanksgiving
dinners to another level. What does all this mean? It is an up and down roller
coaster that we are constantly playing with our bodies to make up for all the
bad, with a little bit of good.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">However, this is not the way to go. It should be the other way
around, do your body good with exercising regularly, and allow yourself to
indulge every once in a while, <b><i>without</i></b> the guilt.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"></span></div>
<a name='more'></a> <span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">For the first time in my life, I have been exercising regularly, despite
the numerous running injuries I have encountered. Why? Because if I go more than
two days without exercise, I feel sluggish, I get bored, and I honestly feel
that my body craves it. I am not trying to brag about it by any means, but the
feelings that I get without exercise</span><i style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">
actually</i><span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"> happen, and I want you to feel that too!!</span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Another reason that I exercise
is something that most people don’t think about. In our society we are all
about instant gratification. If it takes longer than 2 seconds for Google to
give back a search result, we get slightly frustrated. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLfI9ZErKB7Bp9qS5f1W5Hq7BGYPzcdOy2JQCknftxHEYAuxCsfZCSl2rLTaxvFK0Z3R0i__v6JUPp8iQCHIZRC-NAmYZ75GVsk8yJSh6N22_u9UTyqGV-Otjb5-yGhzidIdPAJ9ljRV0/s1600/IMG_0883.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLfI9ZErKB7Bp9qS5f1W5Hq7BGYPzcdOy2JQCknftxHEYAuxCsfZCSl2rLTaxvFK0Z3R0i__v6JUPp8iQCHIZRC-NAmYZ75GVsk8yJSh6N22_u9UTyqGV-Otjb5-yGhzidIdPAJ9ljRV0/s1600/IMG_0883.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Obviously we know that exercise
makes us look good, but that is inevitable if you maintain a balanced diet, and
exercise on the regular. I am looking down the road to my future. When I get
into my 40’s, 50’s, 60’s, and 70+ (fingers crossed), I want to be able to keep
up with my kids, and with my own life. I have been to numerous running races,
triathlons/duathlons and see the older generation kicking ass in these races. I
want to kick ass one day </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 11pt;">J</span><span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"> I know that is an
extreme example, but at the end of the day I would love to just be able to be
fully capable of myself, and enjoy retirement when that time comes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">So take the time to read this
blog post <a href="http://byebyebodyfat.fitproconnect.com/Newsletter/10/30/2012?fb_comment_id=fbc_396047477130713_3327388_396047897130671#f205fcc09cd40dc" target="_blank"><strong><span style="color: blue;">15 Reasons to Exercise</span></strong></a>
and take it for what it is. Keep the list aside or right in front of your face,
and refer to it when you feel like you are falling off. If you have any
reasons/tips/motivations on what keeps you going, please comment below. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">To end off, I want to leave you
with one saying that my boyfriend always says, “You get out of it what you put
in.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Shameen</span><span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5171588746318200800.post-41251234799473737532012-10-25T13:55:00.000-07:002014-04-14T18:22:32.533-07:00Chocolate Chip Date Super Bar <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn3U-ycEGQvvtzrL0gBF1kMyOONP8L7bqyV80fa4YaR6Qb5QqrJbncJgFdNrrZl-WLihlGlDU3nCGy6fgxUwdeIpIFgOt5hr1OH4Ck14Ova9kPi4lR4pePytdWQ230X7jdear6xll1Zdc/s1600/Super+Powered+Date+Bar.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn3U-ycEGQvvtzrL0gBF1kMyOONP8L7bqyV80fa4YaR6Qb5QqrJbncJgFdNrrZl-WLihlGlDU3nCGy6fgxUwdeIpIFgOt5hr1OH4Ck14Ova9kPi4lR4pePytdWQ230X7jdear6xll1Zdc/s1600/Super+Powered+Date+Bar.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">By special request, I was asked to put this recipe up. I made these at<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-289SA0V_k" target="_blank"> <b>Julian’s 100km fundraising event</b></a>, and have also made it for my friends at work who test out my treats on a regular basis (which is one of the many things I love them for). This recipe was adapted from various other recipes, but I added a little power to it with the super foods :) It is really easy to make and if you don’t have any of the super foods, they are totally optional. However, I do recommend spending the extra money on at least a couple super foods since putting them in makes it a fuel packed pre-workout snack or a healthier treat for kids (and adults) vs. the processed crap desserts. Happy food processing!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<a name='more'></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">Equipment Needed:</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Food Processor<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Cookie Sheet<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Parchment Paper<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Freezer <b>or</b> Dehydrator <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">Makes approximately 20 bars<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">Ingredients</span></b><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">1 cup chopped dates (i use medjool)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">1 cup walnuts<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">½ cup raw almonds<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">½ cup raw cashews<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">¼ cup flax seeds <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif;">4 tbs goji berries</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">2 tbs hemp seed<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">2 tbs maca powder<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">3 tsp vanilla extract<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif;">3 tsp water</span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif;">¼ cup unsweetened coconut<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif;">1/3 cup vegan chocolate chips/chocolate chips or carob chips</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">Directions:</span></b></div>
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</div>
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif;">Place chopped dates, walnuts, almonds, cashews, flax seeds, goji berries, hemp seed, maca powder, and vanilla extract into food processor.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif;">Blend ingredients in food processor. While blending, add the water, followed by the coconut. Blend until everything broken up well.</span><span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif;"> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif;">Transfer mixture into a separate bowl. Add in chocolate chips and mix with hands.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif;">Press dough into parchment lined pan into ½ inch thickness. It may not reach the edges, but that is totally fine.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif;">Chill for at least 30 minutes in the freezer before cutting. Store in freezer (because it tastes way better cold).</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif;">If dehydrating, transfer to dehydrator for 8 hours at 115 degrees, and cut when done. Can be left at room temperature after dehydrated.</span></li>
</ol>
<b><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">Nutritional Data</span></b><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Candara;"><u>Per Individual Bar</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Candara;">Calories 138</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Candara;">Fat 9.5g</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Candara;">Saturated Fat 2.1g</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Candara;">Sodium 1.3g</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Candara;">Total Carbohydrates 11.0g</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Candara;">Dietary Fiber 2.8g</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Candara;">Sugars 7.2g</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Candara;">Protein 3.3g</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5171588746318200800.post-31048362934231487012012-10-23T18:27:00.000-07:002012-10-23T18:28:42.823-07:00Quinoa, Adzuki and Mung Beans, oh my!<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">About a
month ago, my boyfriend Julian held a fundraiser to raise money for kids with
cancer. His ultimate goal in raising the money was to participate in his first
ever 100km run (if you want to see how it went, please check out the video at
this <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-289SA0V_k"><b>link</b></a>). The fundraising event was a complete success and was
different from anything he had ever done before. It consisted of 3 components,
a circuit training workout, yoga, and a holistic nutritionist talk. While the
nutritionist was talking, everyone was chowing down on some tasty snacks, made
a la moi, and I received a lot of great feedback. One of the things I made (with
help from my bf of course) was a quinoa, adzuki and mung bean veggie medley.
Many people had asked for the recipe, and after a month of putting it off, I
finally wrote it down! Check out this <b><a href="http://eatliveandlovelife.blogspot.ca/2012/10/quinoa-adzuki-and-mung-bean-veggie.html" style="background-color: #f3f3f3;" target="_blank">link</a></b> for the recipe.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">But before
you go out and buy these ingredients, I want to tell you about them first so
you feel much better about your purchase </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Candara; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Candara; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a name='more'></a><br />
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<b><u><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">Quinoa (Keen-wah)</span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">I think it
may be safe to say that in this past year or so, everyone has learned about Quinoa.
It is <b>high in protein</b> (and supplies
a complete protein – meaning it includes all 9 essential amino acids), <b>is gluten-free</b>, and is <b>full of vitamins and minerals</b>. But, did
you also know that it was once called the “the gold of the Incas”? The Incas
recognized its value as it increased the stamina of their warriors. Also, this
grain <b>contains twice as much fiber
compared to other grains</b>! We know fibre makes us poop </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Candara; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Candara; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";"> Keeping ourselves regular is really
important, but I am not going to get into that today. But fiber helps prevent
heart disease by reducing high blood pressure, it lowers cholesterol and
glucose levels, and can help you lose weight. <o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlo3ZaXFvABtBA946VG7zCvbhmN5vHgcprtXmnpk5ras38d4eSylcxCuHOytjHlJS5upf5xxpYiaXIDyiBMrK78khm5jKAN7hT-1wGah637xsAcJSTeLkFtGJBFfvZiVlgt4_aENw4-9g/s1600/Quinoa+Pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlo3ZaXFvABtBA946VG7zCvbhmN5vHgcprtXmnpk5ras38d4eSylcxCuHOytjHlJS5upf5xxpYiaXIDyiBMrK78khm5jKAN7hT-1wGah637xsAcJSTeLkFtGJBFfvZiVlgt4_aENw4-9g/s1600/Quinoa+Pic.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">Adzuki Beans (a-zoo-key)<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">The first
time I heard about this bean was when I went to work for <a href="http://www.shashabread.com/">ShaSha Bread Co</a>. at a trade show. They
have something called Bio Buds which are sprouted, dehydrated beans. Since I
was selling this stuff, I had to learn what they were, and little did I know,
they were mini power houses. They are a small red bean with a white ridge that
runs along its side. In addition to being sprouted, than can be cooked, or
ground into flour. The bean is cultivated in Japan and China and is the second
most popular legume in Japan after the soybean.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">These beans
may offer <b>cardiovascular benefits</b>
since they are <b>rich in soluble fiber</b>
which helps lower blood cholesterol levels. Did you know that soluble fiber
provides bulk to your poop and with that binds to toxins and cholesterol aiding
in their elimination from the body? In Japan, the beans are known for their
healing properties, and are used to <b>support
kidney and bladder function</b>. They are also rich in folate, magnesium and
potassium which play a role in <b>supporting
heart health</b>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEgPLMaBUUTiJitNLP8ll5M4C67MCDEMkxr1fF8hZQJWYrpw5qubYbLsyrK3kSiSFWIKKAiyfZLlapzRFc2sJB5ity6NNcv9xrR7sHEBKTHDf0G4ICLLURCld4ZlECV3ZFei1otAJFhpg/s1600/Adzuki+Beans.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEgPLMaBUUTiJitNLP8ll5M4C67MCDEMkxr1fF8hZQJWYrpw5qubYbLsyrK3kSiSFWIKKAiyfZLlapzRFc2sJB5ity6NNcv9xrR7sHEBKTHDf0G4ICLLURCld4ZlECV3ZFei1otAJFhpg/s1600/Adzuki+Beans.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">Mung Beans<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">I heard
about mung beans the same way I heard about adzuki beans. They are small green
beans with a white ridge that also runs along its side. They can also be sprouted,
cooked, or ground into flour. These little babies are also <b>high in soluble fiber</b>, <b>contain
Vitamin C </b>(when sprouted) which is an antioxidant that may lower the risk
of heart disease or stroke, and also a <b>low
glycemic index food</b>, which means they are diabetic friendly. These little
green beans are rich in nutrients such as protein, folic acid, iron, zinc, potassium,
magnesium, and more which contribute to overall health! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0UhA6t4qIE_UIF9bu7MnLy-LhfnHBiju-3PQbzbPLnrVmOF1TG_I2tsyswtZeasFUnuyafiKpk5IX14RNJwv6mk1JYs1tCUVTDpgzTB13IzUMoTEvaycHeH9iXTkN4Nyr4a8VMhoBK6Q/s1600/Mung+Beans.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0UhA6t4qIE_UIF9bu7MnLy-LhfnHBiju-3PQbzbPLnrVmOF1TG_I2tsyswtZeasFUnuyafiKpk5IX14RNJwv6mk1JYs1tCUVTDpgzTB13IzUMoTEvaycHeH9iXTkN4Nyr4a8VMhoBK6Q/s1600/Mung+Beans.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">Let me
share one more fun fact with you. The great thing about Adzuki and Mung Beans
is that they don’t produce as much flatulence! Yes, I am talking about farts!
So don’t be afraid to fuel up on these mini powerhouses.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">All of the
items I shared above with you can be used easily in every day recipes. You can
throw the quinoa and the beans in your salad, in your sandwich, stir fries and
in soups. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">Check out
the link here for mine and the bf’s <a href="http://eatliveandlovelife.blogspot.ca/2012/10/quinoa-adzuki-and-mung-bean-veggie.html" target="_blank"><b>Quinoa, Adzuki and Mung Bean VeggieMedley</b>.</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">Shameen<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5171588746318200800.post-68251496742725939872012-10-23T18:24:00.002-07:002014-04-14T18:23:01.606-07:00Quinoa, Adzuki and Mung Bean Veggie Medley <br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">Ingredients:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">2 cups quinoa cooked (1 cup
uncooked)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">½ cup adzuki beans soaked and cooked
(1/4 cup uncooked)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">½ cup mung beans soaked and cooked
(1/4 cup uncooked)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">½ cup chickpeas soaked and cooked
(1/4 cup uncooked)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">1 small red onion diced<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">2 leaves of kale chopped<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">¼ cup of flat leaf parsley<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">2 cloves garlic minced<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">2 tbs coconut oil (or olive oil)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">1 tbs spoon of maple syrup<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">¼ cup of cranberries<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">Cayenne pepper to taste<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">Salt and pepper to taste<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">Directions:</span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">The
hard part – Prepping the beans:</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
</div>
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">Chickpeas: Place uncooked chickpeas
in a sealed container with double the amount of cold water overnight/or before
going to work, leaving on the counter. Once the 8-12 hours are up, the beans
will have soaked up most of the water, but you are not done yet. Strain any
remaining water, and transfer soaked chickpeas to a large cooking pot. Bring to
a boil, and reduce to a simmer with the lid on for approx. 30mins to 1 hour (or
until the desired texture is reached).</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">Adzuki/Mung Beans: The same
instructions applies to these beans as with chickpeas, with the exception that
the time to simmer will a little less since they are smaller beans. However,
check the consistency of the bean before removing. They should still be firm,
but not hard to chew.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">Quinoa: Rinse 1 cup of quinoa in a
strainer and transfer to a pot. Add two cups of water to the pot, bring to a
boil, and reduce to a simmer, with the lid slightly off. Simmer for approx.
15-20 minutes until the quinoa has soaked up all the water. Fluff with a fork.
This can be done either when you are prepping the beans, or before you start
cooking your meal (see ‘The easy part’ below).</span></li>
</ol>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">The
easy part:</span></b></div>
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</div>
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">Dice onion, chop kale and parsley,
and mince garlic (or just cut it as small as you can).</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">Add oil to the frying pan at a
medium heat, and once heated, add in diced onions. Sautee until slightly brown.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">Add in garlic and cook until garlic
is slightly brown.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">Add in kale and parsley until
slightly wilted.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">Add in cooked mung beans, adzuki
beans, quinoa and chickpeas and mix in with onion mixture.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">Once mixed, add in cranberries, maple
syrup, cayenne pepper, and salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">If the pot is too dry at the bottom,
add a tablespoon of water to deglaze and cook until water is evaporated.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">Adjust seasoning to taste and serve!</span></li>
</ol>
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<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";"> </span><b><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">Suggestions</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;"><b>- </b>Chickpeas/Adzuki
Beans/Mung Beans – Soak/cook more beans than needed for this recipe. You can
store them in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Add them to
salads and other various dishes for an extra kick of protein.</span><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">- </span></span><span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">Quinoa:
You can also cook more than you need and leave it in the fridge for up to a
week for other recipes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">- </span></span><span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">Canned
beans – You can use canned beans if you wish, however, I recommend against it
because in most cans of chickpeas, they contain a preservative called Disodium
EDTA which is used to prevent air from spoiling food and cosmetics. I won’t go into
it now, but the fact that it is a processed food that contains a preservative,
is enough for me not to buy it. It is actually cheaper to buy a bag of
chickpeas, and go through the soaking/cooking process yourself, so you know
exactly what is in it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";"><b>Picture:</b> SOOOO, I realized we didn't take a picture of the finished product the day of the fundraiser! I will make this recipe again soon and post the pic, sorry about that!</span></div>
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