Smoothie of the Day

Tired of the same ol' smoothie? It's time to kick it up a notch, making it greener
than ever. This particular smoothie is loaded with "cleansing greens", packed with
calcium and tastes quite refreshing. Cheers, everyone!!

Ingredients:
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 chopped apple
2 cups stemmed and chopped kale or spinach
1 1/2 cups frozen peaches
1 cup green grapes

Mix together in blender and voila!! Health in a heartbeat.

Finally Arrived....BB Certified Accomplished

The long road to becoming a Certified Pilates Instructor has finally touched down, taxi-ing past the finish line. I have come a long way on my journey, slowly taking off learning basics and exercises to cruising for awhile, then finally reaching my altitude with knowledge, comfort and finding muscles I never knew existed. Now, a renewed excitement begins, whether it be creative teaching, exploring new levels or just getting better for what I have put so much time into.

Lend a Hand to Lentils

Is it time to clean out the pantry? All those packages of lentils still there? Well, winter is the perfect season to toss a few lentils into any seasonal dish. Not only do they pack a punch with nutrients, lentils make an inexpensive meal for all.

Tom Kha Soup and Dreary Day Go Together

It's cold outside and dreary and raining... Hmmmm..What's there to eat that will warm the soul, soothe the mind and be somewhat healthy. How about the Tom Kha Chicken soup from last night!

Made with curry powder, galanga root, lemongrass and coconut milk, one can't go wrong.  It is super easy to make and takes approximately 45 minutes to prepare and have ready. Oh, did I mention it makes a perfect left-over meal!

Here goes:                                                           courtesy of Google/my.recipes
1 butternut squash, cut into cubes            
1/2 red onion                                  
1 tsp. curry powder
2 cloves diced garlic
1 stalk lemongrass
handful of galanga root
2 Tablespoons of Thai basil
1 Tsp. Tamarind
1 tsp. fish sauce
1 cup shitake mushrooms, sliced
1 cup diced chicken pieces
2 cans lite coconut milk
2 cups of organic chicken stock
Kaffir lime leaves (or fresh lime)
fresh cherry tomatoes
fresh chopped scallions
handful of cilantro
lemon or lime juice

• Bake squash for 1/2 hour. In meantime, prepare ingredients by chopping, dicing onion, garlic, lemongrass and mushrooms.
• Saute chicken in coconut oil.
• In Dutch oven, combine onion, lemongrass, mushrooms and garlic. throw in galanga root, thai basil with the tamarind, fish sauce and curry powder.  After a few minutes throw in chicken stock with coconut milk. Let simmer for 20 minutes. Strain. 
• Toss in chicken, stems of cilantro and add lime or lemon juice for flavor enhancement. top off with tomatoes and scallions. Delish!

Now, here's a good one! Soda that burns the fat.........read more

Prop 37

Prop 37....please vote yes on prop 37. Bottom line....we need to know what is in our food. Prop 37 is about labeling. Corporations are spending millions per day to fight it. Educate yourself on food choices.

Homemade Protein Bars-Great for Travel and Work-out

Finding a yummy protein bar that's good for work-outs, travel and extra energy is easy, right? Head to the store, grab what looks good, purchase and 3 bites later satisfied. Well, not so true. While there are a multitude of grab'n'go bars readily available, it is just as easy to make at home.

These snack bars are full of protein and quality ingredients, providing nourishment and stamina. Enjoy!

Ingredients
2 cups almond meal
1/8 cup flax seeds
1/8 cup pumpkin seeds
1/4 cup dried cherries
1/4 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup coconut
1/4 cup pumpkin butter or pumpkin puree
1/4 cup cocoa almond spread or chocolate spread
1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
4 drops liquide stevia
1/8 cup honey crystals or liquid honey (substitute with applesauce is okay)
5 squares of dark chocolate

Pulse dried almond meal, seeds, coconut, dried fruits, pumpkin butter and chocolate spread in food processor for 20 seconds. Melt the coconut oil and add sweeteners then drizzle into food processor.
Pulse again until all is coarsely mixed. Press into baking pan adding whole dried cherries and pumpkin
seeds to top layer. Chill  for an hour or so. Melt chocolate squares on low heat and drizzle over the entire mixture. Chill once again until chocolate hardens.

Stores well in refrigerator or even good for freezing. Cut into bite size pieces and carry along in bag.