Simple Baked Apple

Remember that old saying “an apple a day keeps the doctor away?”  Well consider me a doctor repellent because I definitely eat my daily apple dosage! Once in a while though, the mundane crunchiness will deter me from consuming my persistent apple fix; this morning was one of those days.

So what’s a girl to do? BAKE!

The recipe below is super simple and quick to make in the morning (or very easily the night before).

 

 

• One apple (I prefer granny smith because of the tartness and the antioxidant properties)
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• 1/2 banana
• Rolled oats
• Agave
• Vanilla extract
• Coconut flakes

1. Cut the apple in half and core it. Sprinkle with cinnamon and nutmeg, and bake at 350 for 45 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, measure rolled oats (I usually do about 1/4 of a cup so I have extra) and lightly coat with agave and a dash of vanilla extract. Mix together and spread on a baking sheet. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes, adding coconut flakes for the last 5 minutes.
3. Once the apples have finished, stuff with 1/2 banana (mashed with a fork) and top with vanilla coconut oat mixture.

Enjoy this morning treat knowing you are starting your day off on a healthy foot!

Health & Love <3

 

Spicy Two-Bean Chili

If you follow me on Instagram, you are most definitely aware that I completed my second half marathon race this past Sunday. The 13.1 mile Tri-City Medical Center race took place in Carlsbad and is one of three races in San Diego that I have signed up for this year to earn the Triple Crown award, which is one of my goals for 2013. The Triple Crown is basically just the completion of the Carlsbad, La Jolla and America’s Finest City half marathons in the same calendar year. Anyways, after finishing the race on Sunday, I can’t seem to stuff enough food into my mouth to satisfy my hunger.

So tonight I decided to indulge in some healthy comfort food… CHILI!

One of my favorite things about chili is the fact that you can totally customize it to your desire. Feeling extra spicy? Add some extra pepper, cayenne, or jalapeno. Feeling like you need a little more of a “stick to your bones” kinda meal? Keep it chunky with extra beans and tomatoes. Any way you make it, chili is a super simple to make and always makes your tummy smile!

 

 

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium white onion
• 2 small serrano peppers
• 2 shallots
• 1/2 red bell pepper
• 3/4 pound of ground turkey
• 2 tablespoons of minced garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
• 1/4 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
• 3-4 tablespoon of tomato paste
• 1-15 ounce can of unsatled black beans
• 1-15 ounce can of unsalted kidney beans
• 1-15 ounce can of fire roasted tomatoes
• 1 can of El Pato chile sauce
• 1 3/4 cup of water

1. Chop the onion, serranos, shallot and bell pepper and cook in a heated pot with olive oil. Stir and cook until fragrant (about 2 minutes). Add the garlic and ground turkey; cook completely.
2. Add the remaining ingredients (spices, beans, tomatoes, chile sauce, tomato paste and water). Stir chili and bring to a boil. Cover and let simmer for at least 30 minutes.

It is literally that easy.

BEWARE, this recipe really is spicy. If you don’t like your food too hot, switch out the El Pato chile sauce for a can of crushed tomatoes. Other awesome substitution ingredients include beans like garbanzo, pinto, and lentils or ground chicken instead of ground turkey. For garnish, I tend to stick with non-dairy toppings like avocado, green onion, orange bell pepper and serrano chiles. If you just can’t fathom the idea of eating chili without gooey cheese and tangy sour cream, then do what you gotta do (in moderation of course)! Try measuring a small serving of cheese or substituting greek yogurt for sour cream. You don’t want to kill the healthiness of this dish by overindulging on your toppings! And speaking of serving size, this recipe should serve 8, so portion your bowl accordingly. You can always freeze extras to defrost on a lazy rainy day, or bring some for lunch at work the next day!

I hope you all enjoy! Any and all feedback is beyond welcome!

Health & Love <3

 

Day One

Well I guess I have to start somewhere right? I am feeling really excited to have a little piece of myself floating out there in the universe. It’s kind of unnerving, but entirely invigorating at the same time. Whether this ends up being read only by my family and friends, or gets spread a little further, I hope that you take away something encouraging and constructive from my posts.

I know that you might be wondering what gives me the nerve to think that I am even qualified to have a blog about health, recipes, etc… Right?? I didn’t go to culinary school, I am not a registered dietitian or a personal trainer, and I am sure as hell not a ray of sunshine 24/7. I do however, have a boundless passion for leading a healthy lifestyle and  maintaining a positive outlook while doing so.

In my opinion, health and positivity are like wine and cheese- they are each amazing on their own, but so much more exceptional when paired together. I don’t know about you all, but when I make healthy choices, I feel good about myself. When I feel good about myself, I project that onto those who I come into contact with, thus extending positive energy into the universe. Isn’t that what we all want vibing around us? I know I do.

Okay, okay enough about my rambling.. I just wanted to give you a little idea about what you can expect from me. I hope you are looking forward to taking this little blogging journey with me. I will be posting whatever I feel like, so either read it or don’t. JUST KIDDING! I am going to try to post a few times a week with recipes, pictures, mind and body health tips, and all of the other random healthaholic things I think about. If you have any ideas, suggestions, or feedback PLEASE let me know! I am no blogging expert and could use all the help I can get!

Health & Love <3

“Keep your thoughts positive because your thoughts become your words. Keep your words positive because your words become your behavior. Keep your behavior positive because your behavior becomes your habits. Keep your habits positive because your habits become your values. Keep your values positive because your values become your destiny.” -Gandhi