EATS : FAVORITE SMOOTHIE

I've been making this for the breakfast far too often! It's definitely my favorite.  So healthy and delicious. 

EATS : GLUTEN FREE HOMEMADE GRANOLA

I love making a huge batch of homemade granola to snack on.  It's the perfect healthy treat.  This happens to be gluten free and very low in sugar.  I buy all ingredients in bulk from our local health food store.  I'm not so good at following recipes so I just throw in my desired amount of each item.  The oats, sliced almonds, and shredded coconut are the main part.  I add around 4 cups of rolled oats (I used gluten free), 2 cups of sliced almonds, and about 2 cups of coconut.  I added pumpkin seeds, walnuts, raisins, dried apricots, and pecans.  You could do about a cup of each of these to make a large amount. Again, I buy all of this in bulk and the raw, unsalted versions. It will stay fresh and last you while!  Lay all your ingredients out on a cookie sheet.  I sprinkled cinnamon, raw agave nectar, and a small spoonful of coconut oil over the top.  This was the first time I used coconut oil, Hunter and I both agreed it was the best batch yet.  The original recipe calls for olive oil and honey if you want it a little sweeter, but I am trying to cut sugar from my diet!  Set the oven to 350 and baked for about 25-30 minutes.  I start checking on it around 25 minutes, it should be golden brown and crunchy.  I always look at the coconut to tell when it's ready since it gets real toasty looking!  

Happy Snacking!

ROASTED VEGGIES WITH POMEGRANATE

On June 1st I began a Paleo-Based Diet / Whole 30 challenge.  The idea is getting back to our roots...subtracting processed foods, sugar, dairy, things that are not natural, from our diet.  I read up on the Whole 30 on Free People's blog. It sounds like a great challenge for someone who just wants to try it out or treat is just as a detox or cleanse.  They say anything you do for 30 days becomes habit right?! So anyways, Paleo is based on eating meats, eggs, lots of vegetables, some fruit, and only processed food that have natural and pronounceable ingredients.  I have altered a few things since I am a vegetarian.  I have added eggs and some fish into my diet but otherwise I am substituting with soy protein powder and more beans.  This diet makes total sense.  And for someone who has struggled with food allergies, stomach problems, and weight, I can't believe I didn't start doing this sooner.  In just 5 short days of cutting dairy and sugar from my diet I already feel better and my stomach already looks flatter...no joke.  

I am going to be sharing recipes and healthy snacks that we are eating during this time.  I've started an "eat" category on the left side to organize all of these posts.  I would love to hear other experiences with this diet...have you tried it? 

If you've followed any past food posts, you know I like to keep things simple and I'm unfortuntely not much of a recipe person so bare with me.  The other day I was looking around the store for ways to spruce up my usual dish of baked vegetables.  I saw this beautiful pomegranate and took it home to try out.  I added the seeds and squeezed the juice on brussel sprouts, cauliflower, and onions.  I also squeezed some lemon and added a small spoonful of coconut oil.  I seasoned it with garlic and pepper (remember no salt or butter on this diet! So the juices and spices became the "sauce").  I baked on 350 for about 30 minutes.   Our salad consisted of romaine, tomatoes, mushrooms, strawberries, walnuts, and hard boil egg for more protein.  Again, without using dressing I just squeezed some lemon, added a very small amount of olive oil, and some pepper. 

Happy whole eating!