Recipes

Recipes

Coconut Mug Cake

Ohhh my gosh, I am so excited to share this recipe with you! On Tuesday, I went to a Kappa Alpha Theta Alumni Group social and came home with the BEST recipe! My fellow sister, Carter (sorority sister for those of you who may be confused) told me all about her new healthy dessert creation, and I was all over it! Only 6 ingredients and takes 2 minutes to make, what’s not to love?! Carter has a Tumblr with tons of delish healthy recipes so make sure visit choisis la joie!

Choisis la joie

Coconut Mug Cake
When I asked her how she came up with the recipe, she explained, “I am not Paleo, because I love cheese and sourdough bread too much, but Paleo recipes are a great place to start, because they are focused on veggies, fruits, healthy fats and proteins. This makes it so that overall, the foods I make for myself are healthier and more nutritious. Then I can indulge without guilt when I’m out for happy hour or food-truck day!” I love her philosophy on using Paleo guidelines as a starting point or base for her recipes. It’s a great way to explore different healthy foods and experiment with new recipes!

I like to emphasize that all types of foodies are welcome here whether you are vegan, vegetarian, carnivore, candy lover, paleo, gluten-free or if you follow Weight Watchers, or a low carb diet like Atkins. I want my blog to be a place where anyone can come to find inspiration and motivation to try new healthy recipes. There is no foodie judgement here! Plus most of my recipes can be easily adjusted to fit your dietary needs.

I do however want to talk about the pressure to follow a certain “diet.”
My most requested recipe adjustments are usually to make meals gluten-free, but recently I have been asked about Paleo options. I don’t follow the Paleo diet, but I love the way that Carter explained it! It makes Paleo seem less cult-like and more approachable! If you are an avid healthy living blog reader, you probably know what I mean by “cult-like” haha but if not, let me explain. CrossFit has recently turned into a phenomenon. Not only for fitness, but for it’s own “language” (box, WOD, AMRAP, etc.) and even adopting it’s own diet; Paleo. It seems like any blogger that I follow (or even Facebook friend) that goes to CrossFit, gets sucked into this crazy CrossFit cult! Suddenly they give up their vegetarian lifestyle to become full-blown carnivores and LIVE to plaster their new weight lifting PR all over the internet. It seems more like people are quick to jump into the Paleo world for the trendy CrossFit reasons than for their health. I don’t want you to get the wrong idea, I’m proud of all of my friends who do CrossFit. I know it’s something that I A) would never enjoy B) would probably suck at, and C) would most likely get hurt doing, so props to the CrossFitters in the world! But why has CrossFit gone from a trendy new exercise to intimidating hardcore lifestyle? Honestly, I would be so scared to set foot into a “box” because I wouldn’t be able to lift more than 10 lbs, would feel guilty that I ate whole-wheat, and think that Fran is my instructor, not my workout! As you can tell, CrossFit is probably not for me, but it’s a great match for so many others! Long story short, I like Carter’s approach for creating healthy recipes by starting with paleo guidelines. To me, that’s how special diets should be used. You shouldn’t feel obligated or pressured into eating a certain way to sit at the cool table haha. Not every diet or lifestyle works for everyone, and most of the time it takes a little while to find out what works for you and makes you feel your best. I don’t want anyone to think that because I eat a certain way, that they have to as well I also want everyone to know that no matter what their diet is, they are very welcome here and I respect their choices. The important thing is to eat clean whole foods as much as possible and have a healthy balance and relationship with food. Healthy eating should be fun, not intimidating!

choisis la joieAlso love that Carter made my DIY Workout Shirt before meeting me or knowing that this was my blog! So awesome!

Coconut Mug CakeI had some very curious kitchen assistants today. Elin (Labrador Retriever) & Teddy (Corgi) had tons of fun as the cleanup crew.

Coconut Mug Cake

Coconut Mug CakeSince this recipe requires a heaping tablespoon, I thought I would show you what that looks like. If you are unsure of anything in my recipes, always feel free to ask! I had no idea what a heaping or scant Tbsp was a while ago haha yay for learning new things!

Coconut Mug CakeThe batter before microwaving.

Coconut Mug CakeCoconut mug cake cooked!

Coconut Mug CakeMy favorite way to eat it, with one tablespoon of all-natural peanut butter!

Coconut Mug Cake
Serves 1

1 heaping Tbsp coconut flour
1 heaping Tbsp cocoa powder
1 Tbsp almond milk (or coconut)
1/2 Tbsp honey
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
1 egg

Combine all all ingredients together in a microwave safe mug and mix well. Microwave for 1 minute and 30 seconds to 2 minutes until cooked.
Carter’s notes: Enjoy with a big dollop of peanut butter if you’re as obsessed with the pb/choc mix as I am! You can also add some dark chocolate chips in the cake for a little extra flavor.

Personal Pan Pizza

You read that right. Personal Pan Pizza. P³ for short.
If you want to get really tricky… Perfectly Portioned Personal Pan Pizza! P⁵
Healthy, simple, no baking required, personal sized, delicious.

Mhmmm, no baking and waiting for your pizza!
This baby is made on the stove top in about 5 minutes!

Personal Pan Pizza
Personal Pan Pizza
Personal Pan Pizza

Personal Pan Pizza
Serves 1

¼ cup whole-wheat flour
1 egg white
2 Tbsp almond milk
2 Tbsp tomato sauce
2 Tbsp reduced fat shredded mozzarella cheese
½ tsp oregano
pinch of salt
pinch of pepper

Combine whole-wheat flour, egg white, almond milk, oregano, salt, and pepper and mix well. Spray a small nonstick pan over medium heat. Pour the batter into the pan and spread evenly. Cook over medium heat for about two minutes, or until the bottom is firm and the top has solidified. Spread with tomato sauce and top with cheese. Cover with lid and cook for about 3 more minutes until cheese has melted. Transfer to a plate, slice, and enjoy!

For a vegan option: You can use egg replacer to the equivalent of one egg white and vegan cheese such as Daiya.

The past week has been a whirlwind! I surprised my friend Jocelyn (the bride-to-be) in Iowa for her bridal shower and bachelorette! Updates on all of my travels coming soon!
xo

Chobani Recipes

I’m so excited to announce the winner of my Chobani Flip Giveaway!
Congratulations to Emily Nard! Make sure to check your email Emily! xo

Motivation Monday: “Your body keeps an accurate journal regardless of what you write down.”

 

Chobani Greek Yogurt
To celebrate my CHO Giveaway winner, I thought it would be fun to bring back some of my fun recipes made with Chobani Greek Yogurt! Enjoy!

Healthy Beet CookiesHealthy Beet Cookies

Honey Yogurt Covered GrapesHoney Yogurt Covered Grapes

Apple Pie ParfaitApple Pie Parfait

Honey Wheat Protein PancakesHoney Wheat Protein Pancakes

Individual Protein CheesecakeIndividual Protein Cheesecake

Protein Popsicles 1Protein Popsicles

Chobani Muffin For One + GiveawayChobani Muffin For One

Banana Roll-Ups

Hi bunnies!

Some of you may have noticed my blog went down a few times last week. I had some technical difficulties, but thanks to Go Daddy, it’s all good now! The response to my last post about bridesmaid dress sizing was overwhelming! It’s absolutely crazy to see how many of us have been through the same situation with clothing sizes or that darn number on the scale. I loved reading all of your comments, and I’m sure that other readers appreciated them as well! You guys are truly empowering! I was also so excited to hear from some of you that had never commented on my blog before. It really showed me how powerful that post was and how much you appreciated it. Sometimes it’s hard to talk about weight and sizes because it’s often uncomfortable and embarrassing, but your support and responses make me happy to share my ups and downs! Just one comment from someone who says “thank you” or “I can relate” makes it all worth it! Knowing that I can help others with my blog is an indescribable feeling. I love you all very much!

Motivation Monday: “Take it day by day. Results don’t come overnight. Change doesn’t happen immediately. Keep working towards your goals.”

Over the weekend I found another “before” photo. Sometimes I really dislike seeing these photos, but when I see them next to my “after” I can’t help but be extremely proud of myself and how far I have come. I hope that these photos can help to motivate and inspire you to continue on your journey and never give up!
Before & After Weight Loss I have a super simple healthy snack for you guys. I love having Banana Roll-Ups for breakfast with some Greek yogurt, as a pre workout snack to fuel me through my barre classes or runs, or as a post workout snack. They’re easy to make and totally hit the spot!

Banana Roll-Ups
Banana Roll-Ups
Serves 1

2 soft taco size whole corn tortillas
1 banana
1 Tbs almond butter, peanut butter, or natural nut butter of your choice.
sprinkle of cinnamon to taste

Cover the tortillas with a damp piece of paper towel and heat in the microwave for 15 seconds. Spread the tortillas with nut butter. Cut banana in half and place on the tortillas. Sprinkle with cinnamon, and roll the tortillas tightly around the banana. Slice into half inch pieces like sushi, and enjoy!

Banana Roll-Ups
The Rabbit Food Pyramid Breakdown
Produce: banana
Whole Grain: whole corn tortillas
Protein: complete the meal with a side of Greek Yogurt or a cup of milk!
Plant Based Fat: nut butter

Why I like whole corn tortillas vs. whole wheat tortillas: First things first, in the rabbit food world, corn is a whole grain! There are less calories and carbohydrates for two soft taco sized corn tortillas than in 1 whole wheat tortilla. This way you can have more!

Stay tuned for an delish giveaway this week! xo

Sunset Bunny Bowl

Hi everyone, I hope you had a fantastic bunny day yesterday!

Motivation Monday: “You don’t get what you wish for, you get what you work for.”

Obvi my favorite holiday since I was a little tike… haha Bun and a bun!

Easter Throwback
This bun is in bunny heaven!Bunny Heaven
Since I’m sure most of us ate our weight in Easter candy and… plug your ears… chocolate bunnies, NO! A Tragedy! It’s time for a little Easter detox. This Bunny Bowl was inspired by a photograph on Chobani’s Instagram. After seeing the photo, it was all I could think about, so I headed to the grocery store for some fresh ingredients to make a similar concoction. After a very long deliberation on what this delectable bowl should be named, I ended up going with “Sunset Bunny Bowl” which was reader Julie Scott’s idea! Please note that my awesome recipe names were vetoed: Rainbow Bunny Bowl, Chop Chop Bunny Bowl, and Veggie Nom Nom Bowl. April Fools on the last one haha. I thought those named were suh-weeeet, but apparently not so much! Easter Detox Bowl was a close second, but this “salad” if you will, can be made ANY day!

This colorful bowl is filled with protein, fiber, and micronutrients. It’s the perfect lunch for a warm day! Don’t forget healthy food should be pretty, we eat with our eyes! Pretty food= delish food!

Sunset Bunny Bowl

Sunset Bunny Bowl
Sunset Bunny Bowl
Serves 1

1/3 cup red bell pepper
1/3 cup orange bell pepper
1/3 cup yellow bell pepper
1/3 cup mushrooms
1/3 cup tomatoes
1/3 cup carrots
1/4 medium avocado
1/4 cup white cannellini beans
1/4 cup plain 0% Chobani Greek yogurt
2 Tbsp sliced almonds
Salt, pepper, & lemon juice to taste

Wash and chop produce into small pieces. Rinse and strain cannellini beans. Arrange chopped produce, beans, avocado, and almonds in a bowl and top with Chobani Greek yogurt. Add salt, pepper, and a fresh squeeze of lemon juice to taste. Toss, and enjoy cold.
Note: I used canned low-sodium cannellini beans

Greek yogurty goodness:

Sunset Bunny Bowl
Sunset Bunny Bowl
The Rabbit Food Pyramid Breakdown
Produce: bell peppers, mushrooms, tomatoes, carrots
Whole Grain: none
Protein: cannellini beans and 0% Greek yogurt
Plant Based Fat: almonds and avocado

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