Skinny Spring Rolls

We made these spring rolls at my girlfriends house the other day. I really like the combination we came up with. These wraps are what made me loose 30 pounds after I was pregnant. They are not only low calories but they are healthy. Eating these will make you feel great. You are what you eat, right?!

We put white rice in them which I never recommend especially if your trying to change your lifestyle or loose some weight. My family eats plain white rice about once a month. Better alternatives are quinoa (my favorite) brown,red and black rice. When I really try to shed some weight, I cut all the grains out and eat fruit for my carbohydrates.

Ingredients:
Cilantro
Roasted Red Peppers
Avocado
Onions
Carrots
Cucumbers
Lettuce
Rice (optional)
Rice paper

Sauce:
Peanut butter
Housing Sauce
Broth, we used vegetarian.
Crushed peanuts

Add hoisin and peanut butter equal parts. Add broth to liquidify it. Top with crushed peanuts.

Get the rice paper wet. Layer veggies in then start rolling! It will take practice to get this down!


               Christine

An Apple A Day Keeps The Doctor Away

What real apple juice looks like 🍎

This week I made fresh apple juice. I love fresh apple juice because it has so many benefits. It's one of those fruits that are so common I kind of forget all the the health benefits they have. An apple a day keeps the doctor away, right.?!! It's amazing how much different fresh apple juice compared to store-bought apple juice looks and taste. I can also tell how much my body feels and how clear my skin gets. Store bought will not do that.If you want to detox, apple juice is a natural laxative. It will clean your liver and colon out because of it's high fiber content. I drink a little everyday in the morning with other veggies as well. Now I don't think drinking just juice for days is good for detoxing. I have it with a healthy mostly raw meal.I personally could never strictly drink juice. I think that you should detox your body every day whether it's a salad, juice or raw fruit. Ingredients like lemon and turmeric should put incorporated regularly. 
I make juice once a week. I make about a gallon then dilute it about 25%, if it's just apple juice. If I make a more green juice I keep it pure.If you wanted you could juice for the whole month then freeze it. Freezing it is a lot better then store bought. They filter it so much that there are hardly any benefits left. Juicing everyday is the best for me because I love the fresh taste but it is so time consuming so I'll make a gallon for the week then juice here and there.

This is only about 25% of the benefits of Apple's!

Micronutrients- help stop free radicals

Vitamin C- antioxidant and helps prevent        infectious agents

Fiber- detoxing, losing weight, lowers cholesterol and helps fight diseases

B-Complex- Good for the nervous system

Calcium-good for bones

Potassium- Good for organs to function properly. Low potassium contributes to high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke,arthritis and infertility.

Phosphorus- bones, phone balance, helps oxygen to the tissues. Gives energy

Beta Carotene- slow progression of cataracts, cancer, heart disease, prevent macular degeneration, boost immunity, protect against Sun, asthma,depression, Parkinson's Disease,psoriasis,arthritis,high blood pressure

Vitamin E- helps immunity, healthy skin and eyes

Magnesium- keeps blood pressure normal,  helps bones and keeps heart rhythm normal

Folate- Good for cell growth, metabolism and pregnant women. Crucial for baby's brain and spinal cord

Riboflavin- helps cervical cancer, migraines, acne,muscle cramps, Carple tunnel, eye conditions

Thiamine- helps inflammation of the nerves, ulcerative colitis, aging, cerebellar syndrome (brain)



Christine

Healthy Food Shots Lately

Here are some healthier food options from the last month. I know my blog is about healthy eats but I just wanted to say I do eat unhealthy foods BUT it is definitely not all the time or everyday. I try to to eat the unhealthy things in moderation. I think everyone should indulge at least a couple times a week just watch your portion control!

Here is a tomato and roasted red pepper soup I got from Trader Joe's. I use it as a base and ad whatever vegetables I have in my fridge with a protein. I added tofu for the protein, okra and a frozen veggie pack of carrots, peas and corn with some fresh basil. I let it simmer til the veggies were soft. You can add chicken and it would be really good :)

My friend made this really good red quinoa dish. You can get the recipe here.

Here is some Chipotle Hummus with Tabbouleh and a romaine lettuce salad with green peppers and carrots.

My grocery cart from Trader Joe's. I really miss having one right down the street. The chicken drumsticks are ridiculously cheap, they are all natural and only about $3. Avocados, Quinoa and Coconut water are a must at all times in my house.

EATING OUT!! I love indulging when eating out, when I actually love it! Every time I eat out I am always unsatisfied because I feel like home cooked meals are better. We ate out at an Mexican restaurant and I almost always order ceviche. It is not too high in calories except for the tortilla. I ate one of these and brought the rest home.

Here is a salad I made with black bean/mixed grain pattie I had posted last week. I get the pattie and add a salad on top with some dresssing. You can get the recipe for the patties here.

An easy way to be healthier is to add vegetables. Eating just pasta is not very good for you. Adding a salad or some steamed vegetables makes all the difference and of course myglass of VINO!

Hope you are having a great week!!

Laugh and Love
Christine