All posts in “healthy living”

Walnut Basil Pesto Pasta (GF, vegan)

November 12, 2015 / No Comments

 

Pasta pasta pasta, who doesn’t love pasta!?! I’m no Italian, but I swear I must’ve been in a past life because pasta is my secret lover (as well as other carbs) However, my waist line and tummy do not appreciate the side affects pasta and other delicious carbs give me. This is why I have created this recipe. If your looking for a healthy alternative packed full of nutrients, and is super satisfying at the same time, look no further.

This recipe is vegan, but feel free to add in free range ground turkey, or chicken for some extra protein.

 

 

Now now let’s get to it.

Here’s  what you’ll need for the pesto:

  • 1 1/2 cups of loosely packed Basil, rinsed and trimmed
  • 1 cup raw walnuts
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1-2 cloves garlic
  • Dash of cayenne pepper (optional)

Add all ingredients (except for olive oil) into a high speed blender (you may need to stop a few times to scrape the sides) slowly add in your olive oil until it’s a creamy, paste like consistency. Set that aside.

 

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Meanwhile, get about 2 cups of pasta boiling. I used a brand called “GoGo Quinoa” which is a gluten free, vegan pasta made from quinoa! It’s delicious and seriously tastes just like normal pasta (not even kidding) I got this bag from Costco, but is also available in most super markets in the “gluten free” section.

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While your pasta is cooking, grab a sauce pan and add in whatever veg you desire. I always start with coconut oil, garlic and onion, and then I added in kale, sweet peppers, mushrooms and tomatoes. Add a little more salt and pepper and your good to go!

Once the pasta is cooked to your liking, drain and add directly into sauce pan, along with pesto. Stir to combine, and your ready to serve!

This recipe yields 4 servings.

Enjoy!

 

xo lauren

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vegan Over Night Oats

September 18, 2015 / Comments Off on Vegan Over Night Oats

Who ever created over night oats is a genius.  This dish is filling, simple and takes all of 5 minutes to prepare. However, I cannot take all the credit, this recipe is from my all time favourite cook book “Oh she glows”.  Over night oats are super versatile, and you can use whatever fruits and nuts you have kicking around to create something delicious you will look forward to in the morning, or any time of day!

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 1 cup gluten free rolled oats
  • 1 1/2 cups almond milk
  • 1/4 cup chia seeds
  • 1 large banana, mashed
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

In a small bowl combine oats, almond milk, chia seeds, banana and cinnamon.  Its as simple as covering them up and tossing it in the fridge over night.

When your ready to prepare, simply add in your favourite fruit (I used peaches, pears and blueberries because they were in season) top with your favourite nuts & seeds, or even add some shredded coconut to sweeten up the deal a bit!

This recipe serves 3.

Enjoy!

 

 

Fresh & Easy Bean Salad

August 14, 2015 / Comments Off on Fresh & Easy Bean Salad

In a pinch? This bean salad is super quick to prepare, sure to satisfy and will keep you full for long periods of time.

Now they don’t just call beans the magical fruit for nothing, these babies are packed full of fibre
which is essential to keep things flowing nicely (if you know what I mean) and fibre also breaks down very slowly therefore making you feel nice and full for longer. This dish is great as well because you probably have most of these items in your fridge already! Bonus!
Now lets get to it.

For this recipe you will need:
-2 cans of mixed beans
-2 sweet peppers (preferably organic)
-1 jalapeño (I used only half because I’m a wimp)
-1 /2 red onion
-juice of 1 lime
-2 cloves garlic (finely diced)
-1 tbl spoon honey
-3 tbl spoons olive oil (or coconut oil)
-cilantro (optional)
-salt and pepper to taste

This is how we do it.
Grab a large bowl, combine olive oil, honey, lime juice, jalapeno, garlic, salt and pepper and whisk that up until all ingredients are combined evenly. Your now ready to add in your beans, sweet peppers and red onion.

Toss all ingredients until the dressing is coated nice and even. Voila! Its that simple. Quick, easy and delicious Bean Salad 🙂

Serves 4.

I hope you enjoy!