Hearty Quinoa Salad

Quinoa - Pronounced "Keen-Wah" is native to South America and was considered the "Gold of the Inca's"; eaten by Warriors to increase their stamina. Although people consider it a grain, it's actually a seed that is relative to the spinach family. When it is cooked, Quinoa has is very fluffy, has a slight crunch (almost like caviar) and a light nutty flavour. Not only is Quinoa delicious but it is packed full of Protein, Magnesium, Fiber and Maganese and Copper (minerals that act as antioxidants in your body). I'm not a nutritionist, but you can trust when I say that Quinoa is a health food champ.

Quinoa is a major staple in our home so in this post I am going to explain how to cook Quinoa and will be sharing our favourite salad recipe with you.

To begin with, you can purchase Quinoa at in any health section of any grocer. I purchase mine at the Bulk Barn because I find that buying it in bulk is much cheaper than purchasing it from the grocery store, but where you purchase it is entirely up to you.

Some say that you should soak for up to 8 hours before cooking but the Quinoa that is purchased in North America doesn't generally require soaking. I just rinse mine thoroughly through a strainer and cook immediately.

To Cook:

1 Cup of Quinoa

1 1/2 Cups of Water

Note: Double the batch by using 2 cups of Quinoa to 3 cups of water.

After rinsing, place the Quinoa in a large pot (lid off) and bring to a boil on high heat. Once boiling, stir, put a tight fitting lid on the pot and turn the heat down to low. Let simmer for about 15 minutes until all of the water is gone and you see little dimples on the top of the Quinoa much like you do when you cook rice. Remove from heat, fluff with a spoon and voila! It's that simple.

Hearty Quinoa Salad:

1 double batch of Quinoa (2 cups Quinoa to 3 cups water)

1 Can of Black Beans
2 Cups of Frozen Corn

2 Cups of Cherry Tomatoes

2 Limes
5 or 6 Green Onions (long stem)

1 Avocado

Cilantro to taste
Extra Virgin Olive oil
Sea Salt and Fresh Black Pepper (if you wish)

Place the Quinoa into a large bowl. Rinse and drain the Black Beans thoroughly and add to Quinoa.

Microwave the Corn for 1 minute (I cook mine for 1:11 mins because I am OCD like that) and place into bowl with Quinoa and Beans. Cut Cherry Tomatoes into quarters, slice Green Onions, dice Avocado and add to bowl. Chop as much Cilantro as you wish to use and add to bowl as well. Squeeze in the juice of two limes (or 1 lime if you prefer) and drizzle some EVOO over top. Mix well and serve.

This batch is going to make a helluvalot of salad but it will last you a few days in your fridge in an air tight container and is perfect for snacks, lunches, and dinner side dishes. Ours never goes to waste!

Again, super simple and delicious! C'est Bon!

Do you have a favourite Quinoa recipe that you could share?

xTx

Gain That Indomitable Will!

I didn't plan on writing this post at all especially right now given that I am in the middle of making quinoa salad but I wanted to share something with all of you.

If you know me personally, you know that I have been working out regularly; solo and with a personal trainer. I haven't drank any soda or juice since December 7th. I eat extremely healthy (although I had like, 12 french fries [because I refuse to deny myself of something if I want it] on Friday that made me really sick to my stomach; assumed from the grease since I do not eat any greasy foods). And I'm on a total fitness kick.

Since I started working out in January the only thing that I have gained is energy, strength, better sleeping habits, better eating habits and a whole lot of will power.

I have lost two things (in the absolute following order):

1. That guilty feeling.

2. Pounds.

The guilty feeling is no longer because I'm taking my butt to the gym and hitting the cardio and weight machines. I really hate cardio (a lot) but that's just too bad. I hate feeling guilty much more than I hate cardio. Once I'm done my work out, my body feels amazing and I can carry on with my day or evening knowing that I did my body good. Although cardio and I are enemies; weight training is my BFF. I have never weight trained before until this year, never thought that I would and definitely never thought that I would say that I love it. The last thing that I want to be is muscular (only toned) but training is a ridiculous amount of fun!!

Even when you don't want to work out and would rather sit down on your computer, watching a movie or even reading a book - Go work it out. I know way too many women who want to get fit and talk about it constantly but don't go out to do it. I was one of those women. Notice the past tense?

Maybe you don't want to lose weight, you just want to tone. Maybe you just want more energy. Is it that you do want to shed some inches? Or push your body into a healthier state? Whatever your goal, whatever your wish, put the negative aside that is stopping you and get to it.

No one can help you do it. Sure, people can support you and work with you but you are the only person that can achieve it.

Gain the willpower to change your habits. Gain control over your thoughts. Gain the confidence in yourself.

I have decided that my goal for the Month of March will be to work out every single day and lose 11 more pounds. Why don't you set a goal for yourself and join me?

You can do it if you really want it and, girl, you know you want it.

"Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will." 

 Mahatma Gandhi

xTx

Healthy Mexican Fiesta Chicken Wraps

Tonight we had a little Mexican Fiesta. Chili spiced chicken, creamy guacamole, sauteed veggies and salsa. It was almost as spicy as a party during Cinco de Mayo in Detroit's Mexican Town. Well, not quite but the food was good. And healthy!

So sorry but I didn't take pictures so you will have to use your imagination for this recipe.

If you don't have all of the ingredients that I list, get creative and use what you have. I will give you some substitution ideas at the end of this post but in the meantime, I will list exactly what I used.

Ingredients:

3 Chicken Breasts Diced
4 Large Mushrooms Sliced
1 Red Pepper Diced
1 Green Baby Zucchini Sliced
5 Stems of long Green Onions
2 Avocados
3 Tablespoons of No Fat Plain Greek Yogurt
4 tablespoons (divided into two) of no fat Balsamic Vinaigrette
Garlic Powder (as much as you'd like)
Thyme or Basil (if you'd like)
Chili Powder (as much as you'd like)
Sea Salt and Pepper
Salsa (Mild El Paso is our fav)
Whole Wheat Tortilla's
Low Fat Mozzarella Cheese (optional)

Place 2 tablespoons of the dressing into pan with chicken, shake on some garlic powder (I use a lot), thyme or basil, a bit of pepper and cook thoroughly on medium-high with lid on to sweat all of the juices out. I can't stand juicy meat so I always over-cook the bird. I'm sure you know how to cook chicken, so do yo thang and cook it how you like. Just before it's done (I prefer golden brown edges) add the chili powder, a couple tablespoons of water, stir and cook until all of the water is gonzo.

In another pan, or pot, or wok, or whatever add the other 2 tablespoons of dressing and the red peppers. Cook on medium until they start to soften. Once the peppers are slightly soft, toss in the mushrooms and put a lid on the pan so that the juices from the mushrooms sweat out. Once they are close to being done, add the zucchini (lid still on), sweat them out and then add the green onions. Cook until veggies are soft.

While the Chicken and Veggies are cooking, de-pot (which is what I call it) the avocado's and place in a bowl. Mash them up with a fork and add in the plain Greek yogurt. Stir, stir, mash, mash. Sprinkle in a bit of sea salt and pepper and you're done.

Place a tortilla on a plate, add some guacamole for glue, chicken, veggies, salsa and a bit of cheese, wrap it up and eat!!

Healthy and soooooo Yummy!!

Substitutions:

If you don't have balsamic vinaigrette, use some Italian dressing or mix up some EVOO, a bit of vinegar and spices.

If you don't have any Greek yogurt, mix equal parts of no/low fat mayonnaise and no/low fat sour cream with your avocado. You could even dice up some tomatoes and sprinkle in some fresh lemon juice for a more authentic guacamole.

Cook up whatever veggies you have - Onions, carrots, broccoli, mushrooms, peppers, eggplant, or even spinach!

No chicken in your freezer? Use beef or shrimp!

No tortilla's? Use pitas or flat bread!

I find that people tend to follow recipes the same way that they follow directions to an unknown destination. They often become afraid that if they fall of the recipe track that what they are cooking won't turn out. I can honestly say that getting lost in my recipe kitchen has always ended up in a delicious adventure. I personally think that I suck at baking because I have a really hard time following the directions of a recipe. I like to break the rules and improvise when I cook and unfortunately there is no improvisation in baking. Hence the reason that I am a terrible baker but a (self-proclaimed) amazing cook.

So get creative and fiesta, my lovelies!

xTx

President's Choice Greek Yogurt

Before I go to bed I wanted to share a product with you that I am absolutely in love with. When I say I'm in love, I mean, literally - I love this product so much that if it put a ring on my finger, I would have to say "YES"! It's so, so, so good. Even the Lova and Baby Girl are in love with it!

President's Choice Greek Yogurt.

Three syllables.

OH - EM - GEE!

As I mentioned, I started training a bit ago and my Trainer (who I refer to as Momma Joe) insists that I eat carbs during the day before I head to the gym for my hour long training session and a whole lot of protein after. Normally I eat chicken after I train but after a suggestion from Momma Joe I have discovered the beauty of Greek Yogurt.

I have tried a couple of different types but the President's Choice Greek Yogurt is by far my favourite. It's about $3.99 per tub and can be purchased at the Independent Grocer or (I'm sure) any other store that sells President's Choice products.

It's so thick and creamy and so delicious! Not overly sweet, bitter or thin like most yogurt's. Not only does it taste wonderful but 3/4 of a cup of the vanilla flavoured yogurt is packed full of 18 grams of protein (that is almost as much protein as a steak and a perfect after-training snack!!), only 160 calories, 23 carbs and ZERO fat. That's right! ZEEEEROOOO FAT!

The vanilla and honey flavours are my favourite and quite frankly, I don't think that I will ever eat another type of yogurt again.

You must try some! Guilt free!

xTx

Chicken & Broccoli 1 Pot Meal

I stopped drinking soda's and juice on December 7th, 2011 and haven't looked back. This was a huge step for me given that most of the fluids that I used to take in on a daily basis were juices and ginger ale. Now I only drink water, herbal tea and coffee (normally one or two a day with milk). 

I started training with a Personal Trainer a few weeks ago and since doing so, we have been creating really great low fat recipes. If I told you that we didn't use anything white I would be lying because along with brown sugar we do use white sugar in our coffee and tea; but we don't use anything else that is "white".

Our staples consist of whole wheat pastas and rice which we only eat a couple times a week (that is as starchy as we get), rye bread, chicken, turkey, lean beef, a ton of veggies, fruits, regular mustard, dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, sea salt and pepper.

Since my training began I have managed to drop 15lbs - Which I am very excited about!! The Lova purchased an in-home gym and has also be training  for a few weeks and he too has lost 15lbs. I would say that a combined 30lbs isn't too bad at all :)

We eat a lot which is nice lol. We eat breakfast, lunch and dinner and snack in between breakfast/lunch and lunch/dinner, trying not to eat anything after dinner. Eating a low fat small meal or hearty snack every couple of hours helps to keep your metabolism up which in turn helps to burn more calories and fat. Trust me, I'm not a nutrition expert or Personal Trainer but I'm very fortunate to train with a woman who is a Registered Nurse and fitness guru. She is my amazing source of information regarding all things healthy.

Tonight we threw together a really good meal in a matter of about 20 minutes and we only used 1 pot. I would say that this pot of goodness made about 8 portions (maybe more) because we have a ton left over for lunches and probably dinner tomorrow. 

3 Boneless/Skinless Chicken Breasts - Diced
2 Bunches (6 stems) of Broccoli (we always use extra broccoli because Baby Girl loves it so much)

1 Red Bell Pepper - diced

1 1/2 Cups of Sprouts
1/4 Cup Fat Free Italian Dressing
2 Cups Instant Brown Rice
2-3 Cups of Water

As much Garlic Powder or Fresh Garlic that you choose

1/4 Cup of Cashews (Clearly not low fat but optional)

Pour Italian Dressing and diced Chicken Breast into large pot and cook on medium-high until done.

Add Garlic Powder or freshly chopped Garlic, Water and boil on high.

Add the Brown Rice, Sprouts, Bell Pepper, Broccoli and optional Cashews.

Cook on medium-low with lid on until all water is absorbed.

Serve! (You could sprinkle on a bit of sea salt and pepper to taste if you'd like)

We had this meal with a Baby Spinach Salad topped with thinly sliced apples, mushrooms and a few rye croutons. As per normal, I made the dressing from olive oil, dijon mustard and balsamic vinegar. Delish!

I <3 1 pot meals!

I hope you all have a great week!

xTx

Five ★ Sunday - Malibu C Scalp Wellness Shampoo and Conditioner

When I think of Malibu, California I let my mind take me away with thoughts of crystal blue water, rolling white waves, warm sand between my toes, the smell of salty sweet air with hints of coconut tanning oil, pineapple rum drinks with little pink umbrellas and my hair blowing on a warm beachy breeze. Although I have never been to Malibu I have had the opportunity to travel to California quite a few times in my life and I must admit, I absolutely love it there. Cali sounds so dreamy right now given the crisp white snow and slick ice that I can see from my office window. Cheers to our Canadian winters - *sigh*.

With our Canadian winters comes dry, itchy skin that requires a lot of attention. Keeping my skin fresh and hydrated is something that I ensure to do all year long. Not only do I care for my hands, arms, legs and feet but I also care about my scalp. Fortunately I don't suffer from a scalp condition but it's really important to me that I keep my scalp healthy for the growth and life of my hair. For this, from Malibu, California comes the Malibu C Scalp Wellness System Kit of Shampoo and Conditioner.

To start with, this shampoo is absolutely divine. Like most people (I'm sure?) I always wash my hair two times when I am in the shower. The first time is what I like to refer to as the surface clean. The second wash is the deep clean. If you're like me, you will find that no matter what shampoo you use, the lather during the surface clean is never as thick and foamy as you like. Shampoo's always seem to lather thicker during the second wash once you have cleaned the surface of your hair and scalp. That's definitely not the case with this shampoo. The Scalp Wellness Shampoo is so thick and creamy, even during the surface clean. The deep clean is a whole other story! The super clean feeling that my scalp and hair is left with immediately after washing is simply out of this world.

Now, the conditioner - So, so cashmere creamy. It doesn't weigh my hair down and all I am left with is silky soft and smooth, shiny, shiny (did I mention shiny?) locks from root to tip! After I use this conditioner, I can literally run my fingers through my hair to comb it out while it is still wet, which is not something that I am usually able to do unless I deep condition.

Not only does the Scalp Wellness shampoo and conditioner define all things good for my scalp and hair but it smells like spearmint gum which I love!

The Malibu C Scalp Wellness shampoo and conditioner are not only specially designed to control and prevent many scalp issues but they are 100% vegan. They aren't 99.9% vegan, they are 100% vegan.

They are sulfate-free and full of vitamin E, plant based proteins, aloe and many other delicious ingredients that our scalp and hair require for health and longevity. 

If that isn't enough, my two other favourite perks about the Scalp Wellness system is that it's so gentle it is perfect to use on babies (assisting with cradle cap) and the shampoo can also double as a body wash to help prevent dry skin. 

Having said that the shampoo can be used as a body wash, I will confess that I used the conditioner to shave my legs. When I got out of the shower, my legs were so soft that I didn't bother putting cream on them. I love that!

So, if you're craving a trip to Malibu but aren't able to make it there, I suggest that you take your hair on a minty trip to Malibu instead. Lounge back in the warm sun, watch the waves, sip on your umbrella drink and feel your pretty hair blow in the salty sweet breeze. But don't forget to pack your Malibu C Scalp Wellness shampoo and conditioner!

xTx

A special thanks to Malibu C for taking such great care of my hair! Not only are the products amazing but the very dedicated people behind the products are too!

DIY - Re-vamped Melamine Bookshelves

My first Chalk Paint bookshelf is complete. Below are some pictures of my new beauty!

Here you have the ugliest melamine "wood" in the world. Disgusting. But not for long!

To begin, I painted two thin layers of my fancy DIY Chalk Paint over the entire shelf.

After the two coats of white were dry and complete I went in with an aqua (that looks way brighter in photo's than it does in real life) and distressed the white edges and sides with sand paper.

Below you can see the finished product empty and with a couple shelves of books. Chalk Paint sticks to melamine like glue!! I can only imagine how well it works on real wood!! Clearly, this makes my painting opportunities endless!!

Happy Monday!!

xTx