Healthy Smoothie Recipes
If you’re following me on Instagram {@Moicontrelavie} you’ve likely witnessed my love of green smoothies – They’re my usual breakfast/post workout recovery meal Mondays through Friday when I’m at the office.
I get lots of questions about my go-to smoothie concoction, what protein powder I use, whether I believe in “superfood” ingredients etc. So I’ll start this post with my favorite morning smoothie and then share some great recipes that I’ve found lately.
- Apple
- 1/2 – 1/4 Roasted Sweet Potato
- Couple Handfuls of Spinach or Kale
- Lemon juice or water
- Sun Warrior Protein Powder {Vanilla – Raw, Vegan & Gluten-Free}
- Navitas Naturals’ Wheatgrass
- Cinnamon
While I LOVE a sweet smoothie and virtually any variety with fresh or frozen berries in it, I really like the energy boost and filling nature of a smoothie filled with greens. Better than coffee! 
One of the most important things about smoothies is finding the right protein powder for yourself – I’ve tried dozens and finally settled on Sun Warrior a few years ago. Depending on your needs, allergies, and preferences you could try whey, hemp, brown rice… Reading reviews can be extremely helpful in making your choice so check out Chef Amber Shea’s PlantFusion Cookies ‘n Cream Protein Powder.
If you want to learn more about green smoothies and all the healthy, creative varieties you can come up with than defer to an expert and read Green Thickie’s Turbo Nutrient Booster: Vegetable Smoothie Vitamin Powerhouse Recipe.
Easter Candy got you down? Why not try The Fitnessista’s Butterfinger Smoothie and get your delicious sweet fix without the calories and sugar crash that come from a candy binge.
Want to add some powerhouse ingredients to your morning routine? Mixing them into a smoothie is a great way to work them into your routine – My Superfood Smoothie Stash from Carrie On Vegan.
If you’ve read about chia seeds and want to give them a try but aren’t sure how best to add them try a smoothie! FitSugar’s Antioxidant Power: Chia Berry Smoothie is a great choice.
Green Monsters can be intimidating so if you’re interested but want to ease yourself into this healthier routine try a green juice to start – Detoxifying Green Lemonade from Hitha On The Go.
Have you tried smoothies as a way to pack fruits and/or veggies into your diet? What’s your favorite recipe?
MCLV Mange: Peanut Butter Cookies
Sweet treats and baking have become part of my routine in the last year – In fact, I actually I didn’t really start baking until after I transitioned to a gluten-free, vegan diet. However with all my traveling and my busy schedule I’ve essentially been out of the kitchen for the last two months. I was thrilled to have house guests this weekend and decided to break out one of my favorite recipes to welcome them to San Francisco.
These cookies are a variation of The Wannabe Chef’s Gluten-Free Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies and I’ve made dozens of versions of these since he published this recipe in October 2012. This most recent adaptation is delicious and peanut buttery, in addition to being vegan.
- 1 Cup Almond Meal
- 1/2 Cup Coconut Flour
- 1/2 Cup Sugar
- 1/2 Teaspoon Baking Soda
- 1/4 Teaspoon Salt
- 4 Tablespoons Coconut Oil
- 1 Cup Applesauce
- 1 Flax Egg {Check out vegan baker extraordinaire OhSheGlows’s description here}
And since they’re done in 15 minutes and throwing them together takes 5 minutes, they’re the ideal cookie for a busy day. I’ve made them with pumpkin and added a kick with pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon & nutmeg, and I’ve made coconut chocolate chip versions with coconut extract, shredded raw coconut, and carob chips.
What’s your favorite kind of cookie?
Stay tuned for the next MCLV Mange installment and check out the previous posts from this series to see what you’ve missed so far:
MCLV Mange: Gluten-Free Vegan Pizza
No matter how healthy we are there will always be cravings. Yes, the hope is that our cravings will change for the better as our diets become cleaner, especially since you know just how badly indulging will make you feel. But comfort food? Comfort food cravings never go away in my experience. So what’s a girl to do when the craving for pizza strikes?
Make pizza obviously!
Socca pizza to be exact. What is socca? It’s flatbread made with garbanzo bean flour that’s vegan and gluten-free. You can adjust the recipe any way you’d like, add any ingredients that strike your fancy, and even cook it in various ways. My go-to recipe is:
- 1 Cup Garbanzo Bean Flour
- 1/2 Cup Flax Seed Meal
- 1/2 Cup Almond Meal
- 1 Cup Water
- 2 Tablespoons Coconut Oil
- A sprinkle of salt, cumin & paprika
I’ve made socca pizzas that were traditional with tomato paste and cheese, I’ve made sweet versions with cinnamon and coconut, but my favorite is by far hummus and veggies. And luckily it couldn’t be easier to make.
Pour the “batter” into a non-stick pan coated w/ cooking spray or coconut oil, heat on low for 5-10 minutes, flip, and repeat until you get the “dough” to your desired consistency. You can make it thicker & doughier, or thinner and more like a crepe.
Then slather the socca with hummus or whatever sauce you’re craving and cover it in all your favorite toppings. From cheese & {faux} meats to sautéed veggies like I did – The world is your oyster! I mean pizza.
So tell me – What are your favorite pizza toppings?
Stay tuned for the next MCLV Mange installment and check out the previous posts from this series to see what you’ve missed so far:
The Whole 30: The End
This week I said adieu to The Whole 30 after four long weeks of clean, healthy eating. While I did a “lite” version of this paleo-inspired program which included some additional vegetables & beans since I was excluding meat, I feel as though I was still able to get a good feel for the program.
Pros:
As with my juice cleanse in 2012, I found that one of the major challenges for me at the beginning of The Whole 30 was to think before eating. That may sound like a simple task, but a lot of snacking & munching throughout the day is habit or boredom or automatic rather than actual hunger.
Since this program excludes certain things I was forced to think about what I put into my body more consciously than I do on a regular basis. And that can’t be anything but good! Really listening to my body and asking the right questions was key – Am I really hungry? What is my body asking for? – I was also forced to plan my meals in advance to ensure I was receiving the necessary nutrients.
{Vegan, gluten-free mac n’ cheese & sautéed garlic vegetables}
Cons:
While I did miss some things {namely sweetener in my morning tea & Diet Coke}, I knew I could survive without them for a month. The real con about this program is that it’s not sustainable. It’s a cleanse and intended to be followed only for a short period of time. Living without alllllll fruits, vegetables, gluten-free grains, beans, and nuts isn’t conceivable if I want to live a full & healthy life.
Physical Benefits:
I already follow a fairly healthy diet, I do most of my own cooking and stay away from synthetic & processed foods, but overall in January I felt even healthier than usual. I woke up easily & was filled with energy, my days were productive and by planning out healthy, protein-rich meals in advance I avoided blood sugar spikes over the course of the day, and – best of all – I slept exceptionally well most nights.
Biggest Benefit:
I spent a great deal of 2012 in the kitchen but I have to admit that I was mostly baking. This month I tried more new recipes than I can remember trying all of last year! I made stew, paella, sautées, stir frys, mac n’ cheese, BBQ Baked Beans, and a couple other tasty new dishes. It was fun to put some real effort into being creative in the kitchen and I really hope to continue with that now that the challenge is over.
Have you ever tried a clean eating program like The Whole 30? What were the worst & best parts?
If you’d like to read about my entire experience with The Whole 30 you can catch up at the following links: The Whole 30: Preparing + Week One, The Whole 30: Week Two, The Whole 30: Week Three & The Whole 30: Week Four.
Links You’ll Love
Fashion:
My Spring cleaning urges are clearly starting to kick in early this year – Check out Gala Darling’s Blog On, Babe: Get Organized! for some great ideas for organizing your work – Whether you’re a blogger, a writer, or any other creative type.
Did you enjoy my recent organizational tips & recommendations for closet cleaning {Closet Organization}? If so you’ll love these suggestions from Apartment Therapy – Get Sorted: 5 Functional Shoe Organizers.
I’m in an outerwear state of mind these days – Between San Francisco being colder than I can ever remember and a trip to New York City scheduled for two weeks – I’m determined to find the perfect coat. Stylish but warm. Leave it to Olivia Palermo to have all the answers to our statement coat questions - How To Rock: The Coat.
It’s just about time to start daydreaming thinking about planning your Spring vacation. So why not take some advice from stylist-to-the-stars Brad Goreski – How To Travel In Style.
In the market for a new lipstick? Get the right one with Cupcakes & Cashmere’s Lipstick Guide to help you through the process!
Health & Fitness:
You know that coconut oil is good for you and I’ve shared some tasty ways to get coconut into your diet, but have you tried using it in your beauty routine? Glitter Guide has the scoop in their piece 10 Ways To Add Coconut Oil To Your Beauty. Routine
Whether you’re gluten-intolerant, following a paleo/primal diet, or just interested in eating a healthier diet kelp noodles are a great new food to try out, you should read Choosing Raw’s Kelp Noodle 101: How to Prepare and Serve Kelp Noodles.
I’m always interested in learning how my nutrition affects my health & how my body feels, and clearly I’m not the only one. Check out Purely Twins’s - Day 18 interesting reads about fructose malabsorption & hormonal acne.
As we grow up we need to pay attention not only to our overall health, but to our bone health at all. You may think that eating a calcium rich diet or taking supplements is all you need to do, but staying educated and aware is what you really need – Best Foods For Your Bones.
If you’re interested in strengthening your thighs than FitSugar has the answers in their Inner Thigh Exercises post – Work it!
The Whole 30: Week Four
In this, the fourth and final full week of The Whole 30 challenge, I started to realize just how great I’m feeling. While this clean eating plan isn’t terribly far off from my usual way of eating, it excludes the few synthetic, processed & sweet things that I usually consume. Mostly Diet Coke on weekends, Stevia in my morning green tea, the baked goods that I prepare a few times a month, and the red wine or whiskey I indulge in every once in a while.
And I’m not sure if it’s excluding these things that’s making me feel so much better or just the consistency of my diet lately, but I have been feeling great.
Snacks:
Same old, same old. Fresh veggies, smoothies, and sweet potatoes.
Part of the consistency that I mentioned above is a major reduction in my overall snacking – By consciously filling my meals with substantial amounts of fiber & protein I’m staying full and satiated for longer which means less snacking.
Meals:
My favorite new dish this week was one that I made for brunch last weekend – OhSheGlow’s Maple Baked Lentils w/ Sweet Potatoes. I made a few Whole 30-approved changed and the end result was absolutely delicious. Savory and filling with a hint of sweetness. I was thrilled that I’d made enough for brunch as well as a few mid-week meals for myself.
Thoughts So Far:
While many things about this way of eating seem like smart ideas that should be extended beyond the 30 days – Such as reduced consumption of alcohol, processed foods, synthetics ingredients – I don’t believe that this is a sustainable all-the-time diet. I’m hoping to continue on when it comes to certain aspects, but such an austere eating plan just plain isn’t fun when it comes to eating out or social events.
How I Feel:
As I said above this cleanse is having quite beneficial results for me. I’m sleeping really well, but more than that, I’m even – Emotionally and physically – Through out the day. Part of that is that I’m not going from starving to overly full because I’m planning my meals out in advance, and part of it is that my blood sugar is stable throughout the day so that there are no highs & lows.
Even = GOOD!
If you want to catch up on the previous installments of this series here they are: The Whole 30: Preparing + Week One, The Whole 30: Week Two & The Whole 30: Week Three.
Follow my daily struggles, thoughts, recipes I’m trying out & the fun I’m having with the Whole 30 on these platforms:
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moicontrelavie
- Twitter: @moicontrelavie
- Instagram: @moicontrelavie
- Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/mclv/
The Whole 30: Week Three
Here we are at Week Three of The Whole 30 Challenge, which could also be called “I can almost taste the coconut squares.” Yes, I’m already planning my first “non-Whole 30″ treat. Judge away.
Snacks:
There was some serious sweet potato-age this week! I barely touched them the first two weeks but this week, in addition to craving them, I was also reading about the positive health benefits of potatoes in Kathleen DesMaisons’s Potatoes Not Prozac {book report to come!}. So this week I ended up eating baked potatoes as snacks and even adding chunks of them to my mornings smoothies.
Yum!
Meals:
A friend came over for dinner Tuesday and I was excited to finally try a recipe that I had printed out the week before – Carrie On Vegan’s BBQ Baked Beans. They turned out great as the entree for our little dinner party with sauteed green beans & asparagus and curried cauliflower on the side.
I’m loving cauliflower right now so if you’re like me and just can’t get enough you should check out Holly Would If She Could’s 5 Things To Do With: CAULIFLOWER and get some new inspiration!
Thoughts So Far:
I had the strangest cravings this week! If someone mentioned a food or if I read about a meal or saw food on TV it as immediately the only thing I could think about. Which is especially odd since I don’t even eat most of those things in the first place. My subconscious clearly just doesn’t like being told “no!”
How I Feel:
Fantastic! I’m sleeping really well, I’m waking up easily and without caffeine, I have energy and concentration throughout the day, and I feel really satiated after my meals. And that smugness Holly promised is really starting to kick in…
Follow my daily struggles, recipes I’m trying out & the fun I’m having with the Whole 30 on these platforms:
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moicontrelavie
- Twitter: @moicontrelavie
- Instagram: @moicontrelavie
- Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/mclv/
Restaurant Review – Greens
Greens Restaurant is a vegetarian restaurant inside Fort Mason in the Marina neighborhood of San Francisco – It has delicious, healthy food, a creative, seasonal menu, a fabulous view, great wine list, and they’re incredibly willing to adjust dishes and make substitutions. Which is one of my favorite things in a restaurant!
For my recent birthday my family was sweet enough to take me to Greens – even though I’m the only one who follows a plant-based diet – since it’s one of my favorite restaurants in the city (Millennium is another dream place to eat!)
{Yellow Finn Potato Griddle Cakes – Ohmylord these little “cakes” were amazing, the table shared an order and I could have easily eaten two orders myself!}
{Yellow Curry w/ Fall vegetables & coconut milk – My mom & I both ordered and LOVED this dish – Tasty & very filling}
{Angel Hair Pasta – This vegetarian version of a classic dish was well-loved by the table - Especially the corn!}
{Fire Roasted Poblano Chili – Sean is incredibly hard to feed at this type of restaurant and always manages to order the dish that everyone likes least. It’s like he does it on purpose… Anyway, this was interesting but a little bland.}
If you’re ever in the city and are in the mood for a great meal with a phenomenal view I highly recommend giving Greens Restaurant a try!
Check out some other restaurant reviews from great places in San Francisco & New York City below:
MCLV Mange: Healthy Treats
There’s nothing that I like better than finding an excuse to eat desserts first thing in the morning!
I prefer to take my calcium and supplements first thing in the morning but since they’re fat-soluable they should be consumed with something fat-heavy. In the past I’ve taken them with Energy Bites (aka Protein Balls) which are nut and date based, and rich sources of protein, sugar, and fat. These also serve the unique purpose of fueling my morning workouts since I eat them on my walk to the office.
But I decided to mix things up recently and using The Wannabe Chef’s Copycat Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Larabars as a starting point I made peanut butter chocolate chip bites. I mixed dates, almonds, powdered peanut butter, salt, and raw cacoa nibs in the food processor, rolled up the sticky dough into little balls, and finally stuck them in the freezer to harden.
So. Good.
I kid you not, this is one of the best tasting treats I’ve ever made. Quick, simple, and so good that I accidentally ate 90% of them the day that I whipped them up. I will definitely be making these again in the very near future.
The second dessert recipe I want to share today is a tasty raw, vegan chocolate cake from the aptly named Yes, I Want Cake. Before this year I rarely ever baked and raw “baking” was completely foreign to me – Whereas these days I bake (or ”bake”) at least once a week. Baking has become something of a stress-relivier for me – As far as I’m concerned cleaning, cooking & baking could replace prozac!
As a rule raw desserts are primarily composed of nuts and dates, and this time I swapped the walnuts in the original recipe for these on-hand almonds and halved the recipe since I just wanted a little treat for my cousin and I after a day of shopping.
This is my baby three-cup food processor which has since been replaced. I know you don’t think of Bloomingdale’s as a kitchen appliance store – at all – but they actually have great sales on home & kitchen goods and I picked up an 11-cup food processor for a steal a few months ago.
Isn’t it funny in this electronic day in age when I can’t live without my laptop or smart phone that I still prefer to have a paper recipe in front of me? If not just to spill on it and make notes in the margins…
Finally I sprinkled the dense little chocolate cake with shredded coconut.
Et voila!
I highly recommend both of these treats – The peanut butter chocolate chip bites are delicious and the perfect snack before or after a workout, and this little coconut chocolate cake is quick & and oh-so-tasty, perfect for an after dinner treat.
Stay tuned for the next MCLV Mange installment and check out the previous posts from this series to see what you’ve missed so far:
Links You’ll Love
Health & Fitness:
Sweet potatoes are a great addition to any healthy diet so you should definitely try out some of these nutritious recipes from Shape Magazine – 10 Healthy Sweet Potato Recipes.
OhSheGlow’s Fall Detox Salad is a must try – Filled with Brussels Sprouts, carrots, apple, celery, sunflower seeds, and raisins, it’s as nutritious as it is delicious {also check out this salad as part of the Thanksgiving Recipe Round-Up}.
Eating well and living a healthy life doesn’t have to mean giving up all sweets and desserts, you just need to make healthier, smarter choices when you want to indulge – Try FitFluential’s Five Healthier Desserts which include amazing choices like Raspberry Chocolate Chips, Dark Chocolate Nut Butter Pretzels, Fruit & Yogurt Parfaits, Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes/Muffins, and Cheesecake Stuffed Strawberries.
Do you want model-worthy skin? Refinery 29 has the goods – The Surprising Secret To Model-Worthy Skin.
Finding a great, healthy snack that you love and that’s easy to make is wonderful – One of my favorites recently is Choosing Raw’s Cinnamon Caramelized Cauliflower.
Fashion:
Interested in spicing up your daily makeup routine? It’s always fun to see what other beauty products are out there and the sort of routines that women go through on a daily basis, so let’s check out how blogger Trop Rouge has set up her makeup routine – Makeup Monday.
Top 9 at 9: A Model’s Must Haves with Lonneke Engel gives you all of model Lonneke Engel’s Fall 2012 picks – From workout gear to sweaters to what her favorite shoes are for Fall.
Ulyana Sergeenko’s dramatic, eye-catching clothes are the perfect pieces for this dreamy Moscow-based photo shoot in the most recent Carine Roitfeld Fashion Book issue - Moscow Walk.
Oxblood is everywhere for Fall 2012 and if you’re not sure whether it’s the trend for you, trying beauty products and nail polish are great choices – 3 Chic Ways To Do Burgundy Beauty.
The Fall 2012 Collection for J.Crew is pretty phenomenal – It’s filled with great outerwear, fun, printed pants, and killer accessories. And none of those accessories are better than the Lulu Frost’s Capsule Collection - Shop It Now: Lulu Frost For J.Crew Holiday.
MCLV Mange: Thanksgiving Recipe Round-Up
When I think about Thanksgiving I picture beautiful Autumn scenery, family time, and lots, and lots, and lots of food. Preparing and eating meals as a family is such an ingrained part of our country’s Thanksgiving ritual – Whether it’s your parents and sibling, your roommates, or the family you’ve created for yourself as an adult in a new city.
Whether you’re cooking the whole meal from scratch or bringing a dish or two for your host or hostess, here are some delicious, healthy recipes that you can try out – From savory entrees to mouth-watering desserts to fun twists on classic sides, there’s something for everyone to get excited about here.
Entrees:
- No-fu Love Loaf from Eat, Drink & Be Vegan
- Tofu Loaf from Vegan Mother Hubbard
- Stuffed Bell Peppers from Vegan Mother Hubbard
- Chickpea Tart from Dreena Burton’s Plant-Powered Kitchen
- Creamy Vegan Broccoli and Rice Casserole from Fat-Free Vegan Kitchen
- Glazed Lentil Walnut Apple Loaf from OhSheGlows
Sides:
- Bourbon Vanilla Cranberry Sauce from Eat, Live, Run
- Green Bean Casserole from Peas And Thank You
- Sweet Potatoes with Candied Pecans Recipe from Fork & Beans
- Crowd Pleasing Vegan Thanksgiving Stuffing from Choosing Raw
- Herb & Cheese Drop Biscuits from OhSheGlows
- Gluten-Free Thanksgiving: Southern-Style Cornbread Stuffing from FitSugar
- Creamy Mashed Sweet Potatoes from Peas And Thank You
- Super-Awesome Brussels Sprouts and Mushrooms from Fat-Free Vegan Kitchen
- Cranberry Raspberry Relish from Forks & Beans
Salads:
- Fall Detox Salad at OhSheGlows
- Strawberry Roasted Chickpea Salad with Cinnamon Dijon Vinaigrette from Peas And Thank You
- Avocado Sweet Potato Salad from Vegan Mother Hubbard
- Salad-Free Ways To Eat More Leafy Greens from Chef Amber Shea
- Mixed Green Salad from Dreena Burton’s Plant-Powered Kitchen
Desserts:
- Healthy Pumpkin Pie Alternatives For Thanksgiving from FitSugar that include Pumpkin Pie Brownie Cupcakes, Pumpkin Custard, Pumpkin Loaf Bread, Skinny Pumpkin-Banana Bars, Pumpkin Bread Pudding, and Pumpkin Pancakes
- Perfect Vegan Pumpkin Pie from Choosing Raw
- Sweet Potato Cinnamon Rolls from Eat, Live, Run
- Baked Apples Stuffed with Cinnamon Date Pecan Oatmeal from OhSheGlows
- Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Blondies from Purely Twins
- Snickerdoodle Blondies from Peas And Thank You
Still in the mood for more recipes? Check out these other sites for more delicious ideas: Gourmet chef Eat, Live, Run’s Thanksgiving Recipe Madness, The Huffington Post’s Vegan Thanksgiving Recipes, Purely Twins’s Starters – Sides – Sweets Holiday Ideas for a gluten-free Thanksgiving, Gluten-Free Holiday Baking, Modelinia’s Model Meal: The Ultimate Thanksgiving Meal, or if you have fussy children check out Fork & Bean’s 10 Kid (and Allergy Friendly) Thanksgiving Ideas.
What’s your favorite part about the Thanksgiving holiday? Do you have a specific Thanksgiving dish that you look forward to year after year?
Links You’ll Love
Fashion:
If you adored the leather-sleeved trench coat that Saucy Glossie sported in New York City last week {see Looks of the Week} than I have juuust the article for you – Shop The Look: Trenches Flirting With Leather!
What’s better way to enjoy your Fall clothes & accessories than with clean, well-organized, swoon-worthy closets? Seasonal Shift: Inspiring & Attainable Organized Coat Closets
While the House of Valentino is known for their showstopping awards season gowns and lipstick red dresses, it’s also known for sending sweet, girly frocks down the runway that leave many a girl sighing with desire – Fairy Tales & Fantasies.
Checking out pictures of street style and every day fashion from a city is a great way to familiarize yourself with the local styles as well as decide what you’re interested in adding to your closet for the upcoming season. Check out the latest installment of 4 Cities, 4 Looks, 4 Climates: Fall Edition from StyleList and learn everything you need to know about New York City fashion.
No matter what kind of shoes you’re in the market for this Fall there are some fun, flashy choices out there, so why not give metal toe caps a chance? Onto My Wardrobe’s Metal Cap Toe.
Health & Fitness:
One of the great things about Fall is that the stores fill up with delicious new produce, but don’t be intimidated by trying to cook something new, there are ways to learn! If you want to tackle a new type of squash check out Eat, Live, Run’s Perfect Roasted Acorn Squash.
Another amazing squash that you should get your hands on this Fall is the spaghetti squash. Now sure where to start? Peas And Thank You has the answer with her Spaghetti Squash Pad Thai!
Sometimes what you NEED is comfort food. And nothing else will do. So why not try a healthier version of your favorite calorie-laden dish and see that you can satisfy those needs with something a little more nutrition? 5 Comfort Food Makeovers from Ellie Krieger
Did Friday’s Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show post get you in the mood to sweat it out at the gym? Me too. So why not take some training advice from one of the gentlemen who helps the stunning Alessandra Ambrosio prepare for this fabulous runway show each year? Victoria’s Secret Workout: Runway Legs With Trainer Justin Gelband
Getting enough and the right kind of energy is important to fuel a great workout. Not only what you eat, but when you eat it are things to consider in advance – How to fuel for your workout properly and pre-workout superfood energy bites!
MCLV Mange: October Smoothie Challenge
As I mentioned in my September & October Round-Up posts, I participated in a modified version of the Green Thickies October Smoothie Challenge. I decided on a week-long cleanse consisting of a smoothie for breakfast, a smoothie for lunch, raw snacks when needed, and a healthy, nutritious dinner.
I tend to favor green smoothies first thing in the morning - I get up early and the blended spinach, ginger, lemon, and apple is practically a shot of espresso in the energy department. Here are my two basic recipes for my smoothies, though it’s easy to mix up the fruits and veggies based on what you have fresh on hand or in the freezer.
Green Smoothie:
- Spinach or kale
- Apple
- Fresh ginger
- Lemon juice
- Cinnamon
- Wheat grass powder
- Sun Warrior protein powder {raw, vegan, gluten-free}
Fruit Smoothie:
- Spinach or kale
- Frozen or fresh berries {strawberries or blueberries primarily}
- Lemon juice
- Cinnamon
- Wheat grass powder
- Sun Warrior protein powder {raw, vegan, gluten-free}
I’m an avid snacker, sometimes work is too hectic to sit down for a full meal so I frequently count on snacks to keep my energy and blood sugar at optimal levels. Crudite and hummus is nearly a daily occurence in my office and/or house - carrots, cabbage, sugar snap peas, celery, radishes, they all go perfectly with whatever my hummus-of-the-moment is. Fresh fruit is another good choice at the office, I will eat virtually anything other than mango. Weird, I know.
{Sautéed kale, zucchini & kale with quinoa, sweet potato with protein hummus, and Tuscan Baked Zucchini}
I’ve found that if I eat large, carbohydrate heavy meals close to bedtime, I wake up starving, so I try to keep my dinners on the light side. Sweet potatoes, squash, and zucchini are always in my fridge or freezer and I like to include them when I can. I usually chop veggies & make a big batch of quinoa or lentils on Sundays {for details see Sunday Prep} and I use those in my meals throughout the week.
Early in 2012 I did a juice cleanse {The Juice Cleanse} and while I’m not a huge proponent of fasting, cleanses, or detoxes in general, I have to admit that I enjoyed positive results from both the juice cleanse and my recent smoothie challenge. We put a lot of stress on our systems not only with unhealthy diets, but with stationery lives and not enough, or the right kind of exercise. By blending fruits & vegetables you’re breaking down the thick cell wall and making the nutrients more readily available thereby saving your body the trouble – i.e. energy that it takes – to break down the foods once you consume them. By reducing the stress on your system you’re able to use more of the energy from the foods that you eat and give your digestive system and internal organs a much-needed break.
If you’re interested in learning more about smoothies or other meal replacement options like soups, blended salads, or green juice, check out some of these articles:
- Raw Carrot and Sweet Potato Soup with spinach (Meal Replacement) from Green Thickies
- 5 Easy Ways to Get Even More from Your Smoothie from The No Meat Athlete
- Smoothie Making For Dummies from Organice Your Life
Have you ever tried a cleanse or detox program before? What sort of goals did you have going in and what results did you see?
Disclaimer: Please note that I am not a doctor, dietitian, or nutritionist. I recommend speaking with a professional prior to making any dramatic changes to your lifestyle, diet, or exercise regime to ensure that any changes you make are done safely.
Birthday Bonanza
This past week I celebrated my thirtieth birthday and it was a pretty spectacular experience that included a family dinner at one of my favorite restaurants in San Francisco (restaurant review upcoming), a trip to Sonoma, wine tastings, and a weekend in Glen Ellen with my family & friends.
Here are some highlights from my birthday weekend!
{My colleagues are so amazing – I’m a lucky girl!}
{Wine tasting, delicious food, fabulous views – Living the DREAM}
{We’re a fashionable crowd}
{Speaking of lucky…}
Thank you to all of my friends & family who helped make my 30th birthday weekend so amazing & memorable – I appreciate it more than I can say!
Links You’ll Love
Fashion:
Jackets and blazers and coats – Oh My! Chic jackets, blazers, and coats in brilliant jewel tones, soft velvets & corduroy, fun patterns, formal tweeds & brocades, and freshly pressed trenches will all make appearances this Fall, so get a head start with WhoWhatWear’s Street Style with Adam Katz Sinding: Chic Outerwear.
Sweatshirts don’t have to be boring or gym-worthy, this season you’ll want to find a sweatshirt with a cute patterned or retro design to pair with your separates. Bright colors, fun nostalgia-inducing graphics, even highschool letterman-style sweatshirts will be hitting the streets – Trend: Sweat Chic.
There’s nothing quite like seeing what one of your fashion idols has their closet to get you in the mood to revamp your own wardrobe! Luckily for us Harper’s Bazaar is taking you on a tour of DJ, model, and Chanel ambassador Leigh Lezark’s fashion collection – Closet of the Month: Leigh Lezark.
When you’re fashion-obsessed the passion for fashion doesn’t stop with clothing and accessories, it extends to ever facet of your life. Like Tom Ford said: “Fashion is everything. Art, music, furniture design, graphic design, hair, makeup, architecture, the way cars look – all those things go together to make a moment in time, and that’s what excites me.” So let’s enjoy this tour of a fabulous, fashionable, organized home - The Brunette’s My home, my essentials.
One of the reasons that I love doing Style File posts is that you get to recreate and put a fun, fresh spin on an outfit that someone you admire has worn. Whether it’s a celebrity, a model, a blogger, or a fashion editor, you’re taking the time to really look at their personal style and try to recreate a look that you love. Smile For Style agrees and has shared her picks for this killer look from Revenge start Ashley Madekwe - Get Her Look: Ashley Madekwe.
Health & Fitness:
I don’t know about you, but I like to hold onto Halloween for as long as possible, and that means making Halloween-style treats wellllll after the holiday itself passes – Sweet Vegan Treats For a Happy Halloween.
Taking some time for a calming yoga routine each day could not only help you cope with everyday stress, it could also give you a great energy boost - Yoga Moves for a Pick-Me-Up from Women’s Health.
The ladies over at Tone It Up! are known for their great outdoor & beach workouts that you can do with little to no equipment and their latest, Halloween inspired workout is another fab example filled with bridges, planks, and cardio - Your Tone It Up Tuesday SpOokTacULaR Workout!
Pizza is the ultimate comfort food but unfortunately it’s not usually on the approved foods list for the conscientious, healthy eater. But what if it could be? Check out these killer veggie-filled recipes and get cooking! Green Garden Pizza, Garlic Flatbread/Pizza Crust, Heirloom Tomato & Sweet Corn Pizza & Swiss Chard Pizza from Gluten Free, Soy Free Vegan.
MCLV Mange: Indian Feast
I’m a huge fan of Indian food - it’s my all time favorite takeout indulgence – so I was thrilled when I saw Vegan Sparkles’s Vegan MoFo Tandoori Cauliflower & Cucumber Raita Wraps.
I couldn’t wait to give this one a try!
I adore cauliflower so I was excited that it was the base of this recipe and quickly picked one up at the Farmers Market, but as far as the other ingredients I mostly just used what I had on hand.
Luckily for me there’s a fabulous vendor at the Ferry Building Farmers Market on Saturdays – They carry great spices, sauces, marinades, naan, curries, tapanades, and anything else you might need to put together your own Indian feast. I picked up some tandoori marinade and smothered the fresh, organic cauliflower head in the fragrant sauce.
After marinating it for an hour in the fridge I threw the cauliflower into the oven - It smelled AMAZING while it was baking. Side note: You end up COVERED in orange – red sauce!
I served the tandoori cauliflower with curried veggies – A frozen bag of eight vegetable blend from Trader Joe’s that was in the back of the freezer combined with fresh kale. It was a healthy, delicious, hearty meal that really filled me up.
Stay tuned for the next MCLV Mange installment and check out the previous posts from this series to see what you’ve missed so far:
Links You’ll Love
Health & Fitness:
Packing lunch during the week is a great option to save money and make sure that you’re getting a healthy, nutritious meal mid-day to keep you going. I like to do some work in the kitchen during the weekends to prepare for the week {Sunday Prep}, you can also get some killer tips from Choosing Raw – Monday’s Lunchbox.
Thinking about jumping on the treadmill or elliptical for some cardio and neglecting the machines and weight racks are you gym? Think again! I’m a huge advocate of not only changing up your gym routine on a regular basis but of foregoing machine cardio for walking and weight training. If you don’t believe m just read this piece from Natalie Jill Fitness: Only WEIGHT and INTENSITY Will Change Your Body – You HAVE to lift HEAVY if You Want to Lean Out and Change Your Body!
Fitting in a workout is a MUST during the hectic holiday season – It reduces stress, gives you some much-needed alone time, produces endorphins, and keeps you healthy & fit so you can enjoy the holiday festivities with your friends and family. Regardless of whether you have an hour or 15 minutes available, or if you even have time to make it to the gym – Make time!
- HallowLEAN Hill Workout from The Fitnessista
- Total Body Tabata Home Workout from Blonde Ponytail
- Easy Interval Plank Workout from Purely Twins
Fashion:
I love the old Hollywood, film noir feel of killer black & white photographs. The subjects somehow always manage to appear chic and timeless, regardless of the year, the pose, the style of their clothes… I just can’t get enough and neither can A Fashion Friend – It’s Better In Black & White.
Have you ever been tempted to run off to Paris so that you can live a fashionable, glamorous life? If the answer is yes, you probably shouldn’t click on these links because you will most likely run off to Paris to live a fashionable, glamorous life.
As you may know – I adore stripes – Whether they’re the traditional nautical variety for Spring or demure pinstripes for the office. So why not take this fabulous print into the Fall season as well? Harper’s Bazaar definitely agrees – Shop the Street Style Look: Summer’s Stripes for Fall.
Are you a jeans girl? There are so many varieties this day in age there are almost endless choices when you head into a store and start to peruse their denim department. 70′s flare, wide-leg, cropped, skinny, cut-off, distressed, boyfriend, boot cut… Check out Love Me Jeans for some serious denim inspiration and worship - What’s your favorite pair?
We’ve all had the rule “No White After Labor Day” repeated ad nauseam over the years, but is this a rule for our grandmothers and not for our generation? Well The Man Repeller is making quite the argument against this rule with her fabulous photographs from Nolita – Accent In White.
MCLV Mange: Mini Polenta Pizzas
I was in the mood for comfort food this week and couldn’t get the idea of pizza out of my mind. I considered making a garbanzo bean socca crust for my pie but then I saw this organic polenta sitting unused in my refrigerator door and opted to make mini pizzas instead.
These mini pizzas are a great snack because you can make up the recipe as you go along depending on what you have on hand. You start by slicing the polenta thinly and toasting the pieces - a low broil for 5-10 minutes each side should be sufficient.
Once they’re a little browned you load them up with whatever toppings you’re in the mood for. In this instance I went for a slice of tomato, Spike seasoning, and Daiya jalapeno jack shredded cheese. 10 minutes longer in the oven, or until the “cheese” melts, and you’ve got yourself a delicious snack.
I’ve used salsa and canned tomato paste instead of fresh tomatoes in the past, as well as loading the slices up with veggies, soy cheese, or nutritional yeast. Like I said before, this is a great, versatile snack because you can put whatever you have in your fridge onto the polenta slices!
Have you ever made your own pizza before? What’s your all-time favorite pizza topping? Be sure to share your most creative toppings, I’d love to hear what you found tastiest!
Stay tuned for the next MCLV Mange installment and check out the previous posts from this series to see what you’ve missed so far:
Links You’ll Love
Fashion:
Are you a fan of metallics? They can be a great way to spice up a look for Fall or make an outfit nighttime-ready – Style File: Metallics.
Black and white is one of my favorite color schemes, it’s chic and really stylish and you can spice it up really easily with a splash of color - Street Style Update: Black & White Outfits @ New York, Milan & Paris Fashion Weeks.
If you’re in the market for a sweet dessert-inspired necklace why not support an amazing cause? She’s The First sponsors girls’ education in the developing world and has created a too cute cupcake necklace to further their cause - She’s the First Tie-Dye Cupcake Necklace.
I don’t know about you, but I’ve always been a fan of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes books and have thoroughly enjoyed all of the recent remakes from the movies to the BBC & US-based TV series. Clearl I’m not the only one as Apartment Therapy put together a great list of Sherlock Holmes-inspired home decor – Get This Look: BBC’s Sherlock.
Healthy & Fitness:
Do you track your daily food intake? While it can see daunting to keep track of every single thing that you put in your mouth over the course of the day, it can be a useful and informative project. Commonly people over – or under – estimate their intake of calories, fat, protein, fiber, and vitamins & nutrients. Over the years I’ve tried a handful of programs – From Slimkicker to Livestrong to the My Fitness Pal app (for Android!) that my boyfriend recommends to his CrossFit clients. I highly recommend giving this a try, you may be surprised by what you find out!
I can’t live without music in my day-to-day life and I REALLY can’t live without music at the gym. If I forget my headphones or don’t charge my mp3 player, odds are I’ll skip my workout. So finding new tunes for my fitness sessions is essential – Whether they’re new tracks on the airwaves or I’m rediscovering CDs from my youth.
- Workout Playlist: Pop Music
- Shayk Your Booty: Irinia Shayk’s Poppin’ Playlist
- Harley Viera-Newton Has Your Summer Playlist Covered
We’re heading into the holiday stretch now and with all the family gatherings, social events, and holiday festivities on the horizon, why not make a healthy eating plan that’ll allow you to not only show up to everything looking fabulous, but also feeling great? Check out The No Meat Athlete’s 10 Simple Guidelines for Eating Healthier than Ever and get inspired!
Shopping at your local Whole Foods or health food store can be a daunting prospect – There’s a reason they call it Whole Paycheck! So why not get some advice & tips to arm yourself before your next trip? Prevention’s Smart Buys At The Health Food Store.
If you’re anything like me, you’re always in the mood to try something new in the fitness arena. From boxing & pilates to running & yoga, I’m always interested in finding new ways to keep myself interested and to keep my body from plateauing. Classes at the gym or local Y can be a great option and with endless choices to pick from learning a little about them in advance can’t hurt. So read on – TRX: 6 Things to Know Before Trying a Class.
MCLV Mange: Spicy Peanut Stirfry
After reading Hungry Hungry Hippie’s Simple Vegan Stirfry post I decided to try my hand at a similar, oh-so-simple dish. Something easy that can be thrown together with ingredients that are usually on hand and is quick enough for an after-work dinner when you come home from the office starving.
Rather than peanut flour and soy sauce I used powdered peanut butter and Bragg’s Liquid Amino Acids as the flavor base of the dish. I was in a hurry (read: starving) so I sautéed some diced tofu in the Bragg’s and powdered peanut butter until it was browned and cooked all the way through.
After the tofu was done I added a couple of cups of broccoli to the pan. I’m definitely going to try this combination again and I’ll be sure to add some additional veggies - This is the perfect recipe to utilize that bag of frozen veggies that have been forgotten in the back of your freezer.
This is a quick, easy, healthy recipe that’s high in nutrients and protein. In fact, this is a perfect lunchtime meal that you could make in a large batch on a Sunday and reheat for lunch during the week.
Flavorful and filling but light enough that you don’t go into a food coma at your desk after lunch.
Be sure to stay tuned for the next MCLV Mange installment and check out the previous posts from this series to see what you’ve missed so far:
Fall Fabulousness
Fall is by far my favorite season – I love the weather, I love the fashion, I love the holidays, I even love the decorations – From Halloween pumpkins to Autumn leaves to Thanksgiving turkeys. And here in San Francisco, Fall has most definitely arrived.
As far as I’m concerned the decorations box or closet it one of the best parts about changing seasons! So why not try some of these fun ideas to spice up your home for Fall – Glitter Guide’s 10 Simple Fall Decorating Ideas.
If you’d like some seasonal pictures frames why not try this too cute technique to spice up your photos! Easy Halloween Framed Pictures from Lilac & Lace.
If you’re not in the mood for traditional orange pumpkins this season than give this fun new style a try – DIY Glitter Pumpkins from The Glitter Guide.
Taste of Fall
A lot of what makes Fall to me is what I’m putting in my mouth! I’m always dying to break out the squash, pumpkin, and apple pie by the time Summer wraps up. Here are some fabulous recipes to get you in the mood too.
- Eat Live Run’s Chewy Caramel Apple Chip Cookies
- OhSheGlow’s How To Roast A Sugar Pumpkin & Make Fresh Pumpkin Purée and All-Natural Pumpkin Butter From Scratch
- The Fitnessista’s Vegan Gluten-free Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread
- Choosing Raw’s Apple Pie Smoothie
- Glitter Guide’s Spiked Cider Cocktail
- Post Punk Kitchen’s Chai Spice Snickerdoodles
- Eat Live Run’s Vegan Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
- OhSheGlow’s Creamy Pumpkin Pie Smoothie
- Choosing Raw’s Pumpkin Pudding and Chocolate Mousse Parfait
- Eat Live Run’s Pumpkin Cheesecake Bites
- OhSheGlow’s Roasted Butternut Squash with Kale and Almond Pecan Parmesan
What’s your favorite part about Fall? Do you like recipes that showcase all of the Fall produce that’s hitting the stores?
Links You’ll Love
Health & Fitness:
I was quite the little baker this Summer and I have to say that this was one of the tastiest and most creative recipes that I tried out – Dark Chocolate Cherry Zucchini Bread.
A short, energizing yoga workout is a great way to de-stress and stretch out after a long day at the office in your desk chair – Women’s Health yoga video.
Love Thy Self! Gala Darling agrees and wants to help you – 10 Radical Self Love Exercises To Boost Your Summer Lovin’!
A vegetable stir fry with either a grain or soy, tempeh, or tofu is one of my favorite quick & easy mid-week dinners so I enjoy finding new sauces and combinations to try out, like Peas And Thank You’s Szechuan Broccoli and Quinoa.
You don’t need a full hour for a workout to be beneficial, fit in some walking and short bursts of exercise whenever you can! Before work, during your lunch break, before a class starts – Get Fit In Only Fifteen Minutes.
Fashion:
Being able to break out all of your jeans is one of the fun things about Fall dressing. Check out FabSugar’s The Ultimate Fall Denim Guide — Every Trend, Cut, Color, and Fit.
My favorite part about Fall is the outerwear - I love full ankle-length coats, peacoats, trenches, blazers, basically anything that I can get my hands on - Coat Check: How to Take Your Look in a Ladylike Direction.
Most of us wish we could get more sleep, so why not save a few precious minutes in the morning by speeding up your beauty and makeup routine? How To Do Your Makeup In 5 Minutes (Really!)
Dressing for work doesn’t need to be boring, from colorful separates to chic suits to fabulous sheath dresses, Harper’s Bazaar has the answers – Stylish Work Clothes.
Celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness month with some stylish pink finds – From beauty products to accessories and jewelry, no matter what you’re in the mood for you can support this great cause. Mama’s A Rolling Stone – Our 6 Favorite Breast Cancer Awareness Products.
MCLV Mange: Tuscan Baked Quinoa
Last weekend I made a tasty and versatile recipe that was adapted from one that I found in Women’s Health Magazine - Vegetarian Italian Cooking: Tuscan Baked Zucchini.
I made the dish vegan by substituting soy cheese for the parmesan and mozzarella as well as simplifying the recipe by using ingredients that I had on hand – i.e. excluding the artichokes and just dicing up extra veggies in their place. I also used quinoa rather than the orzo or couscous that they recommended in the magazine.
The first night I made the zucchini boats that the recipe called for and found that there was enough filling that I had quite a bit of left over quinoa for a second night.
I went to the Farmer’s Market the next morning and saw some gorgeous bell peppers so I decided that I would use the leftover filling to make a Tuscan quinoa stuffed pepper the following evening.
Both were quite tasty and offer an abundance of vital nutrients, but the zucchini boats were a little easier to eat from a mess-creating standpoint.
Are you a fan of versatile recipes like this that you can adapt for somewhat different dishes? Do you like to re-use your leftovers for a day or two after a big night in the kitchen?
Stay tuned for the next MCLV Mange installment or check out previous posts from this series to see what you’ve missed so far:
Links You’ll Love
Fashion:
Whether you’re watching the US Open or America’s Cup, a stylish spectator outfit is a must – US Open 2012 from Net-A-Porter.
Are you starting to prepare your wardrobe for Fall? A great skirt with tights & killer boots is always a fabulous option so check out WhoWhatWear’s suggestions for Fall 2012 – Market Watch: Fall Skirts.
One thing that I always look forward to when Fashion Month rolls around are the Garance Dore and Net-A-Porter Fashion Week video collaborations Pardon My French. She talks to fashion greats, reviews the collections, meets designers, interviews fashion insiders, and just generally gives you a great behind-the-scenes look at all of the Fashion Month madness.
- Pardon My French/Anna Dello Russo Dancing
- Pardon My French/Amanda de Cadenet
- Pardon My French/Lunch at Miss Lily’s
You know how much I adore a versatile piece in my wardrobe - especially when it comes to packing for a trip. Refinery 29 clearly agrees – Oxford Shirt Styling Tips: 1 Oxford Shirt, 3 Easy Ways To Style It.
One of the fun Fall trends this year will be finding pieces that have your favorite artwork translated onto them – Whether you’re a fan of the Renaissance Masters or Graphic novels, there are pieces out there for everyone! This Time Tomorrow – Wearing Your Art On Your Sleeve.
Health/Fitness:
Don’t have time for a run? Not interested in the membership fees at your local gym? Why not head online to find the perfect workout for yourself – Fit Club: The Country’s Best Virtual Workouts.
Are you looking for some healthy meals to feed your family to ensure that they’re getting all the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that they need? Here are some great recipes to try:
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The Wannabe Chef’s Grain-Free Muffins
No matter how much time you spend in the kitchen familiarizing yourself with new tools – or re-familiarizing yourself with tools you haven’t used in a while – is an important part of staying on top of things so check out The Blissful Chef’s Cooking Tool of the Month Series.
Medicine and bosu balls are two of my favorite gym toys – If you use them right they can keep your workouts both challenging and fun. Don’t believe me? Check out FitSugar’s Don’t Let the Medicine Ball Intimidate You — 5 Easy Moves!
