Lemon Chia Collagen Overnight Oats

I love all things lemon flavored but hate water with a lemon? Weird, right? Anyways, these are delicious, a perfect summer-y overnight oat recipe.

serving size: 1

What you need:

• 1/2 cup oats
• 1 tbsp chia seeds
• 1/2 tablespoon maple syrup
• 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/8 teaspoon almond extract
• 3/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
• Lemon zest
• Vital protein collagen packet

What you need to do:

1. Add everything to an airtight container, stir and place in fridge overnight
2. Enjoy warm or cold the next day

Spicy Vegan Curry

Three words: SPICY VEGAN CURRY. What more could you want? This was so good! and very spicy. AAAAND husband approved. I served this over farro but was really envisioning it over cauliflower rice..just ran outta time to make some!

serving size: 6 servings

What you need:

• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1 block of firm tofu, pressed and cubed
• 1 sweet potato, diced
• 1 eggplant, cubed
• 1 can of chickpeas, drained
• 1 can of unsalted, diced toamotes
• 2 cups of packed spinach
• 2 cups of veggie broth
• 1 cup of water
• 1 teaspoon coriander
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 3 teaspoons cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne
• 1.5 teaspoons garam masala
• 1.5 teaspoons curry powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon chili in adobo sauce
• 1 teaspoon paprika

What you need to do:

1. Heat olive oil and saute onion until translucent, about 3 minutes over medium high heat
2. Add in garlic, tofu and sweet potatoes and cook about 10 minutes or until tofu is crispy and brown
3. Add in your water and broth, then add in your eggplants, chickpeas and diced tomatos
4. Next, add in all your spices and stir well
5. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 30-35 minutes or until sweet potatoes are cooked
6. Add in your spinach and cook another 1-2 minutes until wilted
7. Serve over rice, farro, quinoa and enjoy!

Healthy Green and Yellow Squash Pancakes

So, guys..these are like a healthier version of one of my fav things ever..HASHBROWNS. Comes together with a few simple ingredients and only took me like 20 minutes to make!

Serving size: 10 patties

What you need:

• 3 small to medium squash, shredded 
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup of flour
• 1/2 cup finely diced onion
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning 
• 1 teaspoon pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon avocado oil 

What you need to do:

1. Shred your squash and make sure to squeeze out all the extra liquids
2. Add everything to a medium bowl and mix well 
3. Form into patty shape 
4. Saute in tablespoon of oil for 3 minutes then flip and cook 2 more minutes 
5. DONE!

Chili Honey Garlic Chicken with an Avocado Lime Sauce

Sweet and Spicy chicken with a tangy, creamy avocado sauce! What's not to love about that?! Really easy and you probably have everything on hand already! These bowls, as always, can be customized to your liking.

serving size: about 4 bowls

What you need for the chicken:

• 1 pound chicken breasts
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1/4 cup liquid aminos
• 1 tablespoon avocado oil
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic

What you need for the sauce:

• 1/2 an avocado
• 1/4 teaspoon salt, pepper and onion powder
• 1/2 cup greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1/2 jalapeno, de-seeded
• 1 tablespoon cilantro
• 1/3 cup avocado oil
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1/2 tablespoon honey
• juice of 1 lime
• 1 tablespoon hemp seeds

What you need to do for the chicken:

1. Add everything into a shallow dish, covering the chicken and marinate overnight or for 20 minutes if you're on a time crunch!
2. Heat 1/2 tablespoon oil in a large pan
3. Remove chicken from pan but save the marinade for later use
4. Cook chicken for 5 minutes in oil, then flip and cook another 4 minutes
5. Add in marinade and turn heat down and simmer for another 2-3 minutes
6. Remove chicken, let cool slightly and chop or slice
7. Add to your bowl!

What you need to do for the sauce:

1. Add all ingredients to a food processor and process until smooth and creamy
2. Serve atop your chicken bowl!

Quick, Spicy Chicken Ramen over Buckwheat Noodles and Zoodles

I had every intention to follow a recipe similar to this that I found in the new Cooking Light magazine..but that didn't happen at all as per the usssssssual. So, here I give you my take on an insanely easy, spicy ramen bowl. Like, really easy guys. Protein can be swapped out for literally any other..the recipe called for ground pork so experiment!

What you need:

• 8 ounces of noodles (I used Buckwheat noodles, also threw some leftover zoodles in my bowl)
• 1/2 tablespoon cocout oil
• 1/2 a white onion
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 1 package mushrooms
• 1 pound ground chicken
• 4 cups stock (I used chicken)
• 2 tablespoons chili garlic sauce
• 2 tablespoons liquid aminos
• 4 tablespoons white miso
• 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 2-3 scallions, chopped
• *optional: sesame seeds, sriracha, green onions...

What you need to do:

1. Cook your ground chicken, onions and mushrooms in the coconut oil, about 10 minutes until the chicken is no longer pink.
2. Meanwhole, boil water and cook noodles according to package directions.
3. Drain and divide into bowls
4. Next, add in your stock, chili garlic, liquid aminos, miso, garlic and carrots.
5. Bring to a boil, then turn heat down and cook for another 5 minutes
6. Pour over noodles and top with your toppings!
7. Eat!!!!

Avocado Brownies

I took a chance with these guys and they came out SO good. Who woulda ever known putting fruits and veggies into your desserts and it would taste this good. My next endeavor will be with sweet potatoes I think...

Serving size: 12 brownies

What you need:

• 1 ripe avocado
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon maple syrup
• 1/2 cup coconut sugar
• 2.5 tablespoons coconut butter
• 1/2 cup almond flour
• 1/3 cup carob powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Optional toppings* chocolate chips, coconut shreds, drippy nut butter, more coconut butter!

What you need to do:

1. Preheat oven to 350
2. Grease a baking dish
3. Add your avocado, eggs and coconut butter to a food processor and process
4. Add in the rest of the ingredients and pulse to combine
5. Pour batter into pan and top with whatever your little heart desires!

Sweet and Spicy Instant Pot Chicken Bowl

I made this in my instant pot and it was SO EASY. And probably took 30 minutes all together. Spicy, flavorful and the chicken is so tender and delicious. Plus it's good for you too. I made a homemade quick slaw too that was the perfect pairing with the spicy chicken.

serving size: 4

What you need for the chicken:

• 1.5 pounds chicken breast
• 1 cup carrot, diced
• 1-2 bell peppers, sliced
• 1/2 cup liquid amino's
• 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
• 1/4 cup of honey
• 2 tablespoons of garlic chili paste
• 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch to help thicken sauce
• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• *extras: green onion, sesame seed, hemp seeds, peanuts, sriracha

What you need for the quick pickled cabbage:

• 1/2 cup cole slaw mix
• 1/2 red onion, sliced
• 1/2 cup red cabbage, sliced
• 1/2 cup apple cider finger
• 1 teaspoon coconut sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon minced dehydrated onion

What you need to do:

1. Prepare your pickled cabbage first and let sit in the refrigerator, the longer the better!
2. Place all ingredients in instant pot and place chicken on top
3. Stir around to coat chicken
4. Turn on high pressure and cook 10 minutes
5. One the timer goes off, use the quick release valve to release pressure
6. Once done, saute an extra 3-10 minutes depending on the thickness of the sauce
7. Assemble your bowls and top with extras!

Mediterranean Chickpea and Tuna Salad

This is one of the tastiest, easiest, quickest dinners to make on a weeknight when you don't have much time AND it's great as leftovers for the remainder of the week.

serving size: this bowl

What you need:

• 1 can of chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• 2 cans of tuna, drained
• 3 tablespoons avocado oil
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
• 1/2 cup red onion, diced
• 1/2 cup cole slaw mix
• 1/2 cup cilantro or parsley, fresh
• 1/2 avocado, diced
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper
• optional add in's capers, bell peppers, olives, nuts..anything really!

What you need to do:

1. Toss all the veggies and tuna in a bowl and mix well
2. Add in olive oil lemon juice and spices
3. Serve over salad, on a sandwich, or stuffed inside a pita

Mini Grocery Haul

I got to go to the new Kimberton Whole Foods and it was great! I needed nothing so had a little (expensive) fun. Then I stopped at the Farmer's market for fruits and veggies!

Grilled Curry Chicken Flatbread

This came together fast and was so tasty! I adapted it from a Cooking Light recipe but changed a bunch of things around. I don't normally cook with curry powder and I don't know why I don't because it is so delicious! This is really filling and topped with veggies and a great yogurt sauce.

Serving size: I'd say about 2 flatbreads? 

What you need:

• 1/2 cup shaved carrot
• 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
• 1/2 cup rice vinegar 
• 1 teaspoon coconut sugar
• 1.5 teaspoons curry powder
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• 2 tablespoons avocado oil
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt 
• 2 teaspoons honey
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Pinches of garlic powder, curry, turmeric, salt and onion powder for chicken breast
• 2 cups chicken breast, diced
• Kale
• Fresh cilantro
• Chopped peanuts
• Whole wheat pitas

What you need to do:

1. Combine carrots, ginger, vinegar, 1/4 cup water and sugar. Bring to a boil then remove from heat
2. Combine curry, turmeric and 1 teaspoon oil in a microwaveable bowl and cook 30 seconds
3. Add in yogurt, honey and salt
4. Heat a pan with 1 tablespoon avocado oil and sprinkle your diced chicken with curry powder, turmeric, salt, garlic powder, onion powder and a dollop of the yogurt mixture.
5. Cook chicken about 12 minutes or until cooked throughout.
6. Heat a pan with 1 tablespoon avocado oil 
7. Wait til the oil is shimmering then place pitas in and cook til char marks start showing
8. Assemble! Top pita with yogurt mixture, chicken, kale, chopped peanuts and carrot mixture. Top with kale and cilantro
9. Enjoy!

Grocery Hauls

Just sharing my latest grocery haul with the blog! I try and keep my fridge stocked with fresh fruits and veggies every week and grab the essentials when I'm running low.

Lightened Up Veggie Pasta Alfredo

This was mighty tasty with minimal ingredients and more green veggies than you can imagine! I adapted this from the new Cooking Light magazine but of course changed a couple things around! I didn't want to use cream cheese so started researching what would be a good substitute. I was just gonna sub Greek yogurt for it but a couple places in Internet world we're saying neufchatel..what the fuck is that? Lower calorie cream type cheese! So, I grabbed that and threw it in and it was so creamy and delicious! Was very happy with how this turned out.

serving size:6-8 servings

What you need:

• 1/2 - 1 box of whole wheat pasta
• 1 pound green veggies (I used asparagus, snap peas and green beans)
• 1 1/4 cup low fat milk (could use unsweetened almond milk here)
• 1 teaspoon whole wheat flour
• 3 ounces neufchatel cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon minced onion

What you need to do:

1. Fill a large pot up with 5 quarts of water
2. Bring to a boil, add veggies and cook 4 minutes
3. Using a slotted spoon place cooked veggies in a colander to strain excess water
4. Add your pasta to the boiling veggie water and cook according to package directions
5. Mix your milk and flour together
6. After pasta is cooked, drain and reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water
7. To the same pot, add in your tablespoon of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of minced onion and minced garlic
8. Saute for about 30 seconds
9. Then add in your milk mixture and cook for about a minute until thickened slightly
10. Next, add in your cheese and cook until its melted
11. Add in your pasta, veggies and reserved water, stir to coat everything
12. Enjoy! I added some goat cheese but it would be great with Parmesan cheese too