A TEX-MEX BOWL MADE FOR A VEGGIE

I felt inspired from all the photos on Instagram of Quinoa Bowls based on a recipe from Cameron Diaz's book, The Body Book: The Law of Hunger, the Science of Strength, and Other Ways to Love Your Amazing Body that I had to make my own. I must say it turned out pretty damn good...and it was so easy too! 

Using the contents in my pantry and fridge I came up with a delicious Vegetarian Tex-Mex Bowl with a bit of a kick that I have to share with all of you! See the recipe below...

Tex-Mex Quinoa Bowl Recipe 

(Yields 4 Servings)

1/2 Cup - Quinoa

1 Cup - Water

1 Can - Black Beans 

(No Added Salt)

1 Ear - Yellow Corn

2 - Green Zucchinis

2 - Yellow Summer Squash

1 - Avocado

1/4 Cup - Shredded Mexican Blend Cheese

1/4 Cup - Salsa 

(Fresh, not bottled - bottled is loaded with sugar!)

1 TBSP - Organic Coconut Oil

2 - Garlic Cloves

Begin by rinsing the quinoa in a strainer, then add it to a sauce pan with the water and place on the stovetop on high heat. Once the mixture begins to boil, place the lid on the pan and lower the heat to a simmer for 10-15 minutes until the water soaks into the quinoa. Meanwhile, chop the zucchini and squash into small bites, and saute in coconut oil and chopped garlic for 8-10 minutes. Once cooked transfer the quinoa and veggies into a serving bowl, and then add cooked black beans and corn, chopped avocado into the bowl. Top it off with a sprinkle of cheese and salsa. Remember ONLY use fresh salsa! 

Bottled salsa like Pace is loaded with added sugar, so make sure to look for some of my favorite brands, Casa Sanchez or Santa Barbara, at your local supermarket. Don't believe me? Compare the labels, plus they taste much better too. They might be a little bit more expensive, but I guarantee they are so worth it!

There you have it - a tasty low-cal (275 cals) vegetarian quinoa bowl loaded with protein (10g), fiber (9g) and healthy fats (13g) that will have you satisfied! Perfect for lunch, a light dinner, or bring it as a side dish to a backyard BBQ!

Give it a go and let me know what you think - I promise your taste buds won't be disappointed!

xo

Jen

ACAI BERRY TASTY SUPERFOOD BOWL

As I continue to look for healthy alternatives to processed foods and shift towards a more plant-based diet, I have become addicted to Acai Bowls. I ordered the tasty superfood bowl from my local juicery about a month ago and I am obsessed! 

The only problem is that while I like to support local businesses, Acai Bowls can be a bit pricey ranging from approximately $7 to $10 per bowl, which really does not bode well for one living on a budget so I came up with a DIY recipe at a more affordable cost that still satiates my craving for the refreshing wine-like berry.  

Acai Banana Berry Bowl 

1 - Frozen Acai Unsweetened Smoothie Pack 

(Buy in the frozen food section at Whole Foods or get more bang for your buck at Costco.) 

1 - Banana

1/2 Cup - Blueberries

1 Cup - Power Greens 
(Mix of Spinach, Kale and/or Chard.)

1 TBSP - Chia Seeds

(Soak in water in the fridge overnight so they are easier to digest.)

1 TSP - Raw Honey or Agave Nectar

1/4 Cup - Almond Granola

1/4 Cup - Strawberries

Start by emptying the frozen acai berry smoothie packet into your blender followed by the banana and blueberries. Then, add the power greens, chia seeds and honey/agave for a little extra natural sweetner. Blend until smooth similar to a smoothie. Pour into a bowl and top with almond granola and fresh strawberries. Sliced banana and blueberries also make a great topping.

If you are unfamiliar with Acai (ah-sigh-ee), it is an exotic relative to the blueberry and cranberry found in the Amazon forests hence its hefty price tag. Some claim Acai berries are one of the most supreme superfoods given its medicinal properties and high nutritional value, packed with antioxidants, vitamins, amino acids, fiber, and essential fatty acids. Consuming acai berries are said to help promote heart health and aid in digestion as well as boost energy and strength. 

Combining Acai with the ingredients listed above you will be fueling your body with a host of nutrients! Try it and let me know what you think -- I'd love to hear your feedback!

xo
Jen


Note: This Acai Bowl contains approximately 400 calories and 12 grams of fiber.