quick

Recipes, Snacks, Vegan, Vegetarian

Spinach Chips

Hoppy Monday everybunny!
I am so excited to announce that I am taking over the Natural Delights Medjool Dates Facebook page this week! I have a special recipe for tomorrow and I’m hosting a live chat this Thursday (1/9) at 12pm (noon) PST! The live chat will take place on the Natural Delights Facebook page, so if you have any questions about cooking or weight loss, be sure to join me!

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This could be my new favorite recipe. I’m calling it right now, Spinach Chips are the new Kale Chips. Actually, I’m probably way late to this party since I remember a few readers mentioning spinach chips before haha. But man oh man are they good! They literally melt in your mouth. I’m pretty sure you’re going to LOVE these. They’re super easy to make, have a short baking time, and only 4 ingredients! What’s not to love? They’re the ultimate healthy snack!

My friend Anna Marie and I just ate the entire batch of them, so I’m not sure how well they store if you have leftovers. Pretty high change you will eat these in one sitting, but no shame or guilt, they’re actually good for you! Completely gluten-free, vegan, low-calorie, and awesome! Not to mention, packed with vitamins and minerals!

Spinach-Chips96 Facts About Spinach:

  • Filled with powerful antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, manganese, zinc and selenium, which combat the onset of osteoporosis, atherosclerosis and high blood pressure.
  • One cup of spinach contains over 337% of the RDA of vitamin A that protects and strengthens “entry points” into the human body, such as mucous membranes, respiratory, urinary and intestinal tracts.
  • One cup of spinach has nearly 20% of the RDA of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, and curbs overeating.
  • The abundance of vitamin K contributes to a healthy nervous system and brain function.
  • Contains two anti-inflammatory epoxyxanthophylls; Neoxanthin and violaxanthin.
  • Packed with magnesium, folate, iron, calcium, vitamin C, vitamin B2, potassium, and vitamin B6, and a great source of selenium and niacin.

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Spinach Chips
Serves 1-2

2 large handfuls of spinach (I used about 1/2 the bag)
1 Tbsp olive oil
1/2 Tbsp Italian herb seasoning  (I use Frontier & sometimes McCormick)
1/8 tsp sea salt, or to taste

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Massage oil into spinach until all leaves are completely coated.  Add italian seasoning and salt, combine until evenly dispersed. Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place leaves on the parchment paper so that they aren’t overlapping (this will allow them to cook evenly). Bake for 9-12 minutes until crispy.

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Desserts, Recipes, Vegan

Light Vegan Apple Crumble for One

I hope you guys had a wonderful Thanksgiving!
I am so very thankful for all of my readers.
You make me so happy and inspire me every single day.
Thank you for allowing me to do what I love for a job.
It’s incredibly rewarding and I love hearing your success stories!

Thank you so much for being patient with me the past few weeks! A lot has been going on recently.
Now that the cat’s out of the bag, I can finally tell you guys why I have been so MIA!
I’ve been traveling a ton meeting with RFFMBT brand sponsors,
buttttt the big news is: my sister got engaged!
And of course amidst the chaos along came Thanksgiving and tons of family events!

This was seriously the cutest proposal in the world! I’ve had to keep my mouth closed for a month and it has been the hardest thing in the world! Patrick had asked my dad for his blessing, and then told my mom and I that he wanted to propose. Patrick actually asked me to be a part of the proposal which was so sweet! My sister is a photographer, and since photography is obviously very important to her, Patrick asked if I would hide and capture the proposal on camera (um duhhh this is every girl’s dream!). Of course I was all over it! I ended up hiding in a bush at the beach for 3 hours in the rain while Jess was “photographing” the beach and sunset until they made their way to the proposal sight where Patrick had written “Jessica will you marry me?” in shells and rocks! Both families were waiting at our house with champagne when they got back! It was too cute and I am soooooo happy that I was a part of it! My sister was beyond surprised, she had NO clue it was happening : ).

Of course for me, this means bridesmaid bootcamp! I’m ready to get those arms and shoulders toned for the wedding! I’m patiently waiting for the fiancés to set a date!

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proposalGreetings from my hobbit hole!

Since the holidays are here and dessert is essential at every gathering in my family, I have been inventing some new healthy single serving sweets for you guys. This recipe is the ultimate quick and easy dessert. Serve with nostalgia and the warm cozy feeling of fall!

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Light Vegan Apple Crumble
Serves 1

For the Apple Filling
1 medium fuji or gala apple
2 Tbsp almond milk
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/8 tsp salt

For the crumble
1/4 up rolled oats
1 Tbsp whole wheat flour
1/2 Tbsp maple syrup or 1 packet stevia
1 tbsp Earth Balance Buttery Spread with Olive Oil or coconut oil

Optional: Top with 1 cup of Chobani 0% Vanilla Greek Yogurt as a light & healthy ice cream replacement.

Chop apple into small pieces and combine with almond milk, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Microwave for 4-5 minutes until apple becomes soft. In a separate bowl, combine oats, flour, maple syrup, and earth balance. microwave for 1 minute and stir. Place cooked apples in a bowl and top with the crumble mixture.

The Rabbit Food Pyramid Breakdown
Produce: apple
Whole Grain: rolled oats & whole wheat flour
Protein: Greek yogurt
Plant Based Fat: Earth Balance Buttery Spread
Free Extras: salt, cinnamon, nutmeg

| 18 Comments
Desserts, Vegetarian

Two Ingredient Coconut Macaroons

Congratulations to the winner of my Love True Naturals Beauty Box Giveaway: Melanie H.!
Be sure to check your email!

Motivation Monday: “What you do today can improve all your tomorrows.”

My website had some technical difficulties this morning, so I apologize for the inconvenience. I’m so happy it’s back up and running!

I’m obsessed with desserts and after making some toasted coconut this weekend, I though to myself; I NEED to make healthy coconut  macaroons! Most macaroons contain tons of added sugar and even full fat condensed milk, so I took to the kitchen to make a skinny bunny version with only 2 ingredients! Crispy and toasted on the outside with a lightly sweet chewy center!

This recipe is gluten-free, paleo friendly, clean, and made with healthy plant based fats!
If you’re following my Rabbit Food Pyramid: 4 Macaroons (2 Tbsp of shredded coconut) count as 1 serving of healthy plant based fats! Excellent topping for your Banana Nicecream!

Two Ingredient Coconut Macaroons
Two Ingredient Coconut Macaroons
Two Ingredient Coconut Macaroons
Two Ingredient Coconut Macaroons
Two Ingredient Coconut Macaroons
Two Ingredient Coconut Macaroons
Two Ingredient Coconut Macaroons
Two Ingredient Coconut Macaroons
Makes 14 macaroons
(about 3.5 servings)

1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
1 egg white

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Whisk one egg white and then stir into the shredded coconut until well combined. Spray a cooking sheet with nonstick cooking spray (I used coconut oil spray, but any will do). Using a 1/2 Tablespoon measuring spoon, scoop the mixture, press into the spoon (to keep the mixture together), and then place onto the cooking sheet. Once all of the mixture has been scooped into 1/2 Tbsp balls, place cooking sheet in the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes until they become a light golden brown. If only the bottom halves of macaroons brown, turn the oven to broil and cook for 1 minute until the tops turn golden brown. Remove from oven and allow to cool.
Note: Watch the macaroons while baking because they tend to burn quickly.

What’s your favorite healthy dessert to make?

| 37 Comments
Dinner, Lunch, Recipes, Vegetarian

Southwest Quinoa Stuffed Peppers

Motivation Monday: “Never let success get to your head. Never let failure get to your heart.”

I have been traveling so much recently. I can’t wait to update you guys on what I’ve been doing and what is happening in the blogosphere! I’m gathering all of my photos from my recent adventures and will post them later this week.

I love upcycling old recipes. There are so many simple ways to alter old recipes and make them into something completely different.
Let’s start with my Southwest Quinoa Collard Wrap recipe. Subtract the collard greens and add whole bell peppers, throw in some pepperjack cheese, green chiles, and tomatoes, and turn those avocado slices into some guacamole. Voilà, a new dish is born!

I suggest pre-making a batch of Southwest Quinoa so you can make stuffed peppers and collard wraps all week!
Helpful Hint: 1 cup of cooked southwest quinoa = 1 serving.
1 Tbsp of Quick Guacamole + 1 serving of plant based fat.
Use these measurements when making wraps or individual stuffed bell peppers.

Southwest Quinoa Stuffed Peppers
Southwest Quinoa Stuffed Peppers
Southwest Quinoa Stuffed Peppers
Southwestern Quinoa Stuffed Peppers
Serves 4-5

4-5 bell peppers
1 cup dry quinoa + 2 cups water
1 15oz can unsweetened corn kernels
1 15oz can low sodium black beans
1 4oz can diced green chiles
1/2 cup diced tomatoes
1/2 yellow onion
1/2 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
1 Tbsp Southwest/Fajita seasoning (I used Mccormick Salt-Free Southwest)

Quick Guacammole
1 ripe avocado
1 small jalapeño
1 Tbsp lime juice

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Bring quinoa and water to a boil, then reduce to low heat and cover for 10-15 minutes until water is absorbed. Cut tops off of bell peppers and remove seeds and “meat” from inside. Rinse and strain the beans and corn. Once quinoa has finished cooking combine with corn, beans, green chilies, tomatoes, onion, pepper jack cheese, and fajita seasoning. Scoop the quinoa mixture into the bell peppers. Transfer stuffed bell peppers (without lids) to a baking dish lined with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes.
For the Guacamole: Remove the avocado “meat” from its skin and transfer to a bowl. Dice jalapeño into small pieces. Add jalapeño and lime juice to the avocado and mash with a fork. Serve one tablespoon of guacamole on top of each stuffed bell pepper after they are cooked.
Note: 1 cup of southwest quinoa mixture = 1 serving. Use this measurement when making wraps or individual stuffed bell peppers.

Southwest Quinoa Stuffed Peppers
The Rabbit Food Pyramid Breakdown
Produce: bell pepper, green chilies, tomatoes, onion, and jalapeño
Whole Grain: quinoa and corn
Protein: beans and pepper jack cheese
Plant Based Fat: avocado

| 6 Comments
Breakfast, Recipes, Snacks, Vegan, Vegetarian

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

| 15 Comments

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