Tag Archives: nutrition

Nutty Chocolate Drops – Serves 10

Posted by The FitBonVivant in Food, Recipes, Nutrition Tips & More! and tagged with , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

This has quickly become my favorite go to when I have a sweet tooth…  It’s free of the major food inflammatory agents aka gluten, peanuts, eggs, and dairy.  Another winning bullet point is that it’s free of white refined sugar and its sweetness is derived from dates.

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Medjool dates are a great fruit to add sweetness to a dish without reaching for processed sugar or its alternatives.  Unlike other fruits, its nutrient content lacks vitamins A and C.  However they are a great source of energy due to their carbohydrate/sugar content, potassium (dates beat bananas in this department), and soluble fiber.  Therefore if you’re making a smoothie pre-or post-workout be sure to add a date or two!  Now, this may be a bit TMI but if you’re constipated be sure to add some dates into your life!  The dates work as a great solidifying agent to give your bowels a push.

Let’s get down to business.  If you are craving the sweets instantaneously, the good news is that this tastes phenomenal without being cooked and is safe for consumption.  However, if you can wait a few minutes – pop these drops into the oven for 5-10 minutes!  Also, good news, if you’re not a chocolate person that’s okay because these drops taste amazing without it!

Ingredients:

  • 3 tbsp. coconut oil; melted
  • 1 cup cashews; soaked and strained (try to soak for 10-15 minutes)
  • 1 tbsp almond butter; crunchy or creamy (unsalted and aim for crunchy for some texture)
  • 1/3 cup oatmeal; dried
  • 3-4 medjool dates; remove the pits
  • 2 tbsp coconut flour
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • OPTIONAL but highly recommended: 1/3 cup milk or dark chocolate mini chips
  • To taste: sea salt (I added about 1-2 pinches)
Time to be mixed
Drops ready for action

Methodology:

  1. Utilizing a food processor, combine all ingredients BUT the chocolate chips.  Pulse until blended then transfer to a mixing bowl.
  2. Add in the chocolate chips and stir well until the mixture appears uniform.
  3. On a piece of parchment paper, create small drops/balls using a tablespoon and/or your hands to mold.  Set each drop/ball about a ‘thumb’ of distance between each other.
  4. If you want to eat right away – do so.
  5. If you want to wait and cook em – Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for 5-10 minutes until golden then set aside to cool.
  6. If you want to wait and have em cold – place in the refrigerator and nibble when ready.
  7. It’s time for some dates in your life.

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xxx – Sarah

 

Citrus Salmon with Ginger Pickled Onions – Serves 3

Posted by The FitBonVivant in Food, Recipes, Nutrition Tips & More! and tagged with , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

I’ll be last to admit that I used to screw up cooking salmon…  I only recently mastered this skill after watching a cooking play-by-play while running on the treadmill and watching Food Network.  Anyways, ever since I’ve experimented with various ways to cook salmon, and this is my latest creation that legitimately has the perfect ‘wow’ factor.

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I always tell clients to play up their diet with different proteins whether they are animal or plant-based.  For myself, I try to have fish twice/week and consume a Mediterranean style diet.  Fish is a high biological value (HBV) protein due to containing all essential amino acids.  Salmon is high in omega-3 fatty acids that are directly related to reduction of heart disease, increased immunity, improvement in mental function, and decreased bodily inflammation.

The new 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines following the typical American 2000-calorie diet recommend to have at least 8 ounces fish/week  but the Mediterranean 2000-calorie diet recommend at least 15 ounces fish/week.  If you’re active, 65 years+, immunocompromised (cancer, pneumonia, etc.), and/or dealing with skin issues – eat more!

Marinade Prep
Tinfoil Makeshift Pan

Ingredients:

  • 1.25# salmon filet; with the skin on 
  • 1 tsp ginger; ground
  • 3 tbsp white vinegar
  • 1 tbsp garlic, minced
  • 1 orange; juiced (save some for garnish)
  • 1 medium white onion; diced or minced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatos; halved
  • 1 tbsp EVOO and enough to drizzle for cooking onions
  • 1 tbsp pumpkin seeds; raw and shelled
  • 2-3 shakes of black pepper; ground
  • 2-3 shakes of red pepper; flakes
  • To reduce cleanup – have tinfoil on hand to create a cooking pan (it works)

Methodology:

  1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit 
  2. In a skillet over medium-high heat drizzle EVOO and cook white onions until caramelized or golden in color.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine all the spices, garlic, white vinegar, EVOO, juice of an orange, cherry tomatoes, and pumpkin seeds.  
  4. Remove the onions from the pan when finished and add to the ingredients from step two.  Mix all ingredients then pour over the salmon in a shallow bowl to marinate for 5 minutes.
  5. Create a oval pan out of tinfoil to roast the salmon.  I used a round cooking pan to help me get the shape formed.
  6. Transfer the salmon and juice/onion mixture to the tinfoil makeshift pan (make sure the skin is facing the bottom side).
  7. Insert salmon into the oven for 20 minutes or until it appears to flake or has an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
  8. Remove the skin from the fish, garnish with citrus, and serve atop quinoa or rice.
  9. Time to feast!
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Perfect lunch… Thumbs up!

xxx – Sarah

PS – If you’re like me and you want quality lunches; allow the salmon to cool down then pack for lunch in a microwaveable container.  Remember cooked salmon can be kept for about 4 days.

Garlic Peppered Asparagus and Brussels – Serves 4

Posted by The FitBonVivant in Food, Recipes, Nutrition Tips & More! and tagged with , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Have you been getting enough greens?  According to the new 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines it is recommended to consume 2.5 cups vegetables/day and within the week the intake of dark-green vegetables is 1.5 cups/week for the typical 2000-calorie American diet.  However if you’re anything like me and you’re active then I highly recommend more!  

This recipe is a sure way to reach your quota of dark-green vegetables.  In fact, it’s almost impossible to stop with one serving of these vegetables.

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If you don’t already know asparagus have been deemed as a natural diuretic and aid in excretion of fluids.  This antioxidant and anti-inflammatory nutrient rich vegetable can be found in various colors such as green, purple, and white…  Some of benefits possibly include blood sugar reduction/decreased risk of type two diabetes, prevention of cognitive decline, assistance with food motility during digestion due to its fiber, and lowering the risk of heart disease.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound asparagus; ends trimmed off
  • 1/2 pound Brussels sprouts; root trimmed off then halved
  • 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds; raw with shell removed
  • 1.5 tbsp garlic; minced
  • 1 tsp black pepper; crushed
  • EVOO – enough to douse vegetables

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Methodology:

  1. Preheat the oven to 415 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. In a bowl mix together all the ingredients listed above: Brussels sprouts, asparagus, pepper, pumpkin seeds, garlic, and EVOO.
  3. On a cooking sheet lay out the veggies.
  4. Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes depending how crispy you want your vegetables.  Halfway through cooking use a spatula to move the veggies around so that they roast evenly.
  5. Serve with your protein and starch of choice.  As you can see I opted for a double portion of vegetables and paired with scallops (YUM x 100%).
  6. Happy bites y’all!

xxx – Sarah

Triple Bean Turkey Chili – Serves 6

Posted by The FitBonVivant in Food, Recipes, Nutrition Tips & More! and tagged with , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Despite no longer living on the East Coast I’m still cold…  Texas is having quite the cold front this year and only feeds into my desire for hearty dishes.  When in doubt, chili can just warm anyone up, I promise.

This variation to chili is protein dense due to its content of three different beans (kidney, black, and chickpea) as well as lean ground turkey.  The dish is also antioxidant rich due to its ingredients such as peppers. 

Jalapeño peppers can be green or red in color and are a great source of vitamin-c.  These small peppers contain capsaicin aka ‘heat’ which stimulates endorphins/natural stress fighters.  Studies have begun to prove jalapeños may assist with appetite reduction and metabolism of fat.  

Bell peppers are also a great source of vitamin-c and beta carotene.  Bell peppers that are red in color are harvested longer and have the sweetest taste as well as the greatest nutrient content of the other colors (green, yellow, and orange).  Just like jalapeños these peppers are low in calories.

Triple Bean Power
Got Spices?!
Final product

Ingredients:

  • 1.25# lean ground turkey
  • 1 medium yellow onion; diced
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans; strained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas; strained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) red kidney beans; strained and rinsed
  • 1/4 cup cilantro, minced
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 medium jalapeño; minced
  • 1 large red bell pepper; diced
  • 1 cup beef or chicken broth (I used beef for extra flavor)
  • 2-3 shakes of the following spices: Tumeric, Cumin, Garlic Powder, Paprika, and Curry Powder
  • EVOO as needed for heating the stockpot
  • To Taste/Optional: 2-3 shakes of sea salt or regular salt

Methodology:

  1. In a large stockpot, drizzle EVOO under medium-high heat then add the yellow onions.  Sauté for 5 minutes or until slightly browned.
  2. Add the ground turkey and sauté for 5 minutes.
  3. Shake as needed with the following spices: turmeric, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, and curry powder (I did about 2 shakes of each).  Toss in both types of peppers.  Cook for 5 minutes.
  4. Add all three types of beans, cilantro, tomato paste, and beef broth – mix well.  Allow the combination to simmer under medium heat for 20 minutes.
  5. OPTIONAL:  Taste before serving and if needed add salt – absolutely not necessary for myself but some are quite the ‘salt-holics.’
  6. Remove from heat and garnish as needed with cilantro.
  7. Voila!

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DISCLAIMER :: Don’t forget to wash your hands after handling jalapeños – no one needs their eyes to water or for their skin to burn!

 

xxx – Sarah

Time to Become the Best You Possible

Posted by The FitBonVivant in Services and tagged with , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

So if you’re like me then you’re on a lifelong journey to achieve optimal wellness that is constantly changing due to new information.  The key is to obtain information from a trustworthy source – always look at the background of the individual and his/her services to see if it fits with your goals but pay attention to education and the mission.

As a professional I have learned there is not one solution for achieving your goals nor one template.  If you are looking to make improvements, changes, and/or modifications to your life – contact me today for a free consultation.

Consultation – FREE

30 minute nutrition counseling, goal planning, grocery shopping, education session, follow-up meetings – $35/person/session

60 minute nutrition counseling, goal planning, grocery shopping, or customized nutrition education session – $70/person/session

***All the above options can be in-person if the geography is right!  Otherwise virtual methods will be utilized.

INITIAL MONTHLY PLANS (+ free initial consultation):

  • Menu meal plan and diet framework – $125
  • Workout plan – $100
  • Meal and workout regimen – $175

EXTENDED MONTHLY PLANS/CHANGES TO MONTHLY PLANS (done on a weekly and monthly basis):

  • Menu meal planning – $50
  • Workout plan – $40
  • Meal/workout regimen – $65

IN PERSON WORKOUTS:

30 minute session: $25/person/session

60 minute session: $50/person/session

***Payments are non-refundable

Shrimp Squash Boats Stuffed with Brussels and Peppers – Serves 2

Posted by The FitBonVivant in Food, Recipes, Nutrition Tips & More! and tagged with , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Guess you can say I’m mad about squash.  Not a lie.  Seriously so easy to make and cures me of my pasta craving – absolutely works like a charm.

Shrimp is a great source of lean protein and it is a HBV protein making it well absorbed.  A four ounce portion of shrimp is about 100-110 calories, 20-25 g protein, 1.2 g fat, and contains no carbohydrates.  When cooked under moist heat/oil most of its juices and water content is retained.  This is a fantastic recipe demonstrating just that.

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Ingredients:

  • 1 spaghetti squash; halved diagonally to form a boat shape with the insides (pulp and seeds) scooped out
  • 1 small red bell pepper; diced
  • 1 medium yellow onion; diced
  • 1 cup of Brussels sprouts; quartered (keep the leaves as they shed when cut)
  • 1/2 pound jumbo shrimp; raw, peeled, and deveined
  • 1 tbsp garlic; minced
  • 1 small shallot; minced
  • 1 spring rosemary; minced
  • To taste – ground black pepper (about 2-3 shakes with my spice shaker)
  • To taste – ground French thyme (about 2-3 shakes with my spice shaker)
  • To taste – sea salt (about 1-2 full grinds or 1/2 tsp)
  • EVOO (extra virgin olive oil) – to coat the both pans
Squash boats after the sides were pulled apart
Shrimp and garlic marinade ball
Vegetable prep

Methodology:

  1. Pre-heat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit then line a cooking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Place the boat shaped spaghetti squash atop with the insides facing up on the pan and cook for 30 minutes.
  3. On a plate mix the shrimp and garlic together into a ball.  Allow to sit for 5-10 minutes for the garlic to be well absorbed.
  4. In a large sauté pan drizzle EVOO under medium-high heat then when the oil is dispersed add the following ingredients: red bell pepper, yellow onion, Brussels sprouts, shallot, and rosemary.
  5. Allow the vegetables to sauté and mix over a period of 10-15 minutes depending on how crisp you want the vegetables.  I sautéed the vegetables until the onions were golden in color.
  6. Top the vegetables with spices (sea salt, French thyme, and black pepper) as desired and stir well.
  7. In a separate pan while the vegetables are sautéing drizzle EVOO and allow the pan to heat up under medium-high heat.  Transfer the shrimp/garlic ball onto the pan.
  8. Sear each side of the shrimp for 2 minutes – each side should be seared at least twice or until a golden color is achieved.
  9. Remove the squash from the oven and drain if there is liquid pooled in the middle.  Using a fork gently pull down the sides of the squash until the spaghetti is formed.  Keep the spaghetti in the shell of the squash boat.
  10. Stuff the vegetables into the shell atop the spaghetti then garnish with the shrimp on top.
  11. If you want to further heat up the squash boat then place in the oven for 5-10 minutes to absorb the residual heat as the oven cools down.
  12. Have your utensils ready and dig in!

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xxx – Sarah

 

 

Cinnamon Cold Press Treat – Serves 1

Posted by The FitBonVivant in Food, Recipes, Nutrition Tips & More! and tagged with , , , , , , , , ,

We all have vices or guilty pleasures – mine is coffee.  I absolutely love coffee and it is a staple in my daily routine.  Lately I have been so busy that I am unable to stop at Starbucks or at the local coffee haunts by my house (Commonwealth, Local, or Rosella) so I have started packing my own to go.  My poison of choice is cold coffee – sometimes hot but with the warm weather approaching an iced beverage is ideal.  Now that I am preparing my coffee at home I am getting creative with what I put in and so far this is the winning combination…

Before I give away my beverage secrets I must share some facts about my favorite ingredient… Cinnamon is a great spice and is shelf stable for about 2-3 years as long as it is sealed well.  Just a single teaspoon of cinnamon contains 6 calories and 1.4 grams of fiber – if you are low in fiber intake then this is a great low-calorie addition. It is a great addition to cereals/, desserts, fruit dishes, spicy dishes, and beverages due to its sweet aroma.

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Ingredients:

  • 4-ounces, cold press coffee – my favorites are Chameleon which I usually obtain from Whole Food’s Market or HEB (Black Coffee Concentrate or Mocha Coffee Concentrate) and Trader Joe’s Cold Brew Coffee
  • 4-8 ounces, water (depends how strong you want your coffee)
  • 1-1.5 Tbsp, cinnamon
  • 1-2 drops, liquid stevia (in moderation)
  • Handful cubes, ice

Methodology:

  1. In a mason jar with a lid or shaker – combine: coffee concentrate (follow the recommended amount on the jar which is usually 4-ounces per person), water, cinnamon, stevia, and ice.
  2. If you are serving more than one person, multiply the number of people you are providing caffeine for by the serving amount for each ingredient.***
  3. Shake well and enjoy.
  4. Or if you want a blended ice beverage – whip out your blender and blend away!

xxx – Sarah

Fit and Vegetarian

Posted by The FitBonVivant in Fitness Tips and Plans, Food, Recipes, Nutrition Tips & More! and tagged with , , ,

Well… I must admit that I have been cheating on my website with eDietitians aka writing for them.  Whoops.  I recently wrote an article for them in June and just finished my latest article for the October edition.  The June article can be accessed at: http://edietitians.com/2014/06/14/fit-and-vegetarian/.  The article for the october edition is based on HIIT modality of training aka high intensity interval training therefore stay tuned!

 

xxx – Sarah

Curry Spiced Garnet Fries – Serves Four

Posted by The FitBonVivant in Food, Recipes, Nutrition Tips & More! and tagged with , , , , , ,

With the increased hours in the sun come BBQs, potlucks, and outdoor themed parties.  For me, parties and gatherings scream ways to try new recipes, especially ones that are typical crowd favorites but twisted…  Who doesn’t like French fries!?!  Of course these French fries are not just French Fries…  They’re gluten-free, not deep-fried, and offer a great crunch to a meal.

Garnet potatoes are NOT yams but they are ‘sweet potatoes’.  Yams are not sweet like ‘sweet potatoes’ and their nutrient composition differs; for example, yams have more calories and carbohydrates.  The sweet taste of garnet potatoes make them ideal for this savory dish.  Garnet potato flesh is a mellow/golden orange tinge and when cooked the color becomes a bright yellow rather than a slight yellow that is usually noted with most restaurant fries. The skin and flesh are loaded with antioxidants (beta carotene and phytonutrients) as well as vitamin A, vitamin C, and fiber.  The diverse nutrient content of garnet sweet potatoes can assist with blood sugar regulation, proper blood clotting, and decreasing risks associated with heavy metal and oxygen radical exposure.

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INGREDIENTS:

  • 4 large 90% skinned garnet potatoes; sliced and thickly julienned (assorted lengths with varying bits of the red skin showing)
  • 1 small yellow onion; minced
  • 4 tbsp coconut oil; melted
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • 1/4 tsp lemon grass powder
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp yellow mustard

METHODOLOGY:

  1. Pre-heat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. In a small bowl combine all the spices and mix thoroughly.
  3. Coat a rectangular baking dish/Pyrex container with melted coconut oil.
  4. Toss the julienned potatoes into the coated dish and sprinkle the spices atop.  Aim to cover as much of the potatoes with the spices then add in the remaining oil if there is any.
  5. Cook in the oven for 50-60 minutes until the potatoes are a golden-yellow and are slightly browned.  After about 25 minutes it is recommended to use a spatula and toss the potatoes to ensure even cooking.
  6. Remove from heat.
  7. Serve as a side dish or simply as a snack with homemade aioli or ketchup.
  8. Time to smack your lips!

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xxx – Sarah