Julia Chan

Cinnamon Toast Breakfast Quinoa

Cinnamon Toast Breakfast Quinoa

This is a great alternative to the usual oatmeal and eggs in the morning. A delicious and warm protein packed breakfast recipe I found on Cookie and Kate. Adding my favorite ingredients and toppings, this Cinnamon Toast Breakfast Quinoa is a perfect balance of nutrition and comfort.

Quinoa is a gluten free “super grain” loaded with fiber, antioxidants and numerous nutrients but more importantly provides all nine essential amino acids – making this more than just a delicious breakfast meal. Give it a try and feel free to add your favorite whole foods toppings and spices. Enjoy!

 

INGREDIENTS

Breakfast Quinoa
  • 1/4 cup chopped raw pecans and walnuts
  • 1 teaspoon coconut oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Tiny pinch of salt
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
Toppings 

 

DIRECTIONS

  1. Warm the walnuts and pecans in a small saucepan over medium heat, shaking the pan often until fragrant and toasty (approx 5 min).
  2. Add coconut oil, vanilla extract, cinnamon and salt to the pot. Stir frequently until cinnamon is fragrant (about 30 seconds).
  3. Add the quinoa to the pot and stir to combine. Stir until the quinoa is warmed through (approx 2 min). Remove from heat and stir in the maple syrup.
  4. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and add toppings with a sprinkle of cinnamon. Serve and enjoy!

Dreamy Chocolate Ashwagandha Smoothie

Ashwaganda, an adaptogenic herb, has been touted as the magical stress relief supplement that provides a calming effect but also improves the quality of sleep and increase energy levels. So when I came across this smoothie recipe on Dr. Junger’s Clean Program, I had to give it a try. Anything that has “dreamy” and “chocolatey” in the title will catch my attention and this smoothie is exactly that! Ashwagandha powder does have a slight bitterness to it but blended with almond butter and dates along with avocado, this smoothie is a great fix when you’re having cravings or to break your fast. Give it a try – Enjoy!

 

INGREDIENTS

 

DIRECTIONS

  1. Remove skin and pit from avocado. Remove pit from dates.
  2. Add all ingredients to a blender and blend on high until creamy and smooth. Serve immediately!

 

 

Post-Workout Smoothie With Moringa

Moringa leaves are super rich in antioxidants and bioactive plant compounds that help with inflammation helping to speed up recovery. Loaded with protein, iron, and significant amounts of vitamins A, C, and E, calcium, and potassium, it serves as a nutrient dense superfood. Its mild flavor makes it perfect for blending into smoothies. I take it up a notch by adding protein powder, almond butter, avocado and spinach for an extra boost of nutrients right after my workouts! Enjoy!

 

INGREDIENTS

 

DIRECTIONS

  1. Remove pits from avocados and dates. Discard skin from avocado.
  2. Add all ingredients to a blender and blend on high until creamy and smooth.

Cilantro Hemp Pesto

While most pesto recipes use traditional ingredients like pine nuts and parmesan cheese, this recipe (inspired by Cookie + Kate) offers an amazing dairy-free and nut-free alternative that goes best with my dietary preferences. Perfect to serve with any savory dish especially gluten-free pasta, tostones, and salads! It’s shocking how easy it is to make. Enjoy!

INGREDIENTS
  • 2 cups cilantro, chopped (approx 1 large bunch)
  • 1/2 cup hemp seeds
  • 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 2 – 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

DIRECTIONS

  1. Chop cilantro, stems included.
  2. Add cilantro, hemp seeds and garlic to the food processor and process until finely chopped.
  3. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil as you continue to process until you reach desired consistency. For creamier texture, add more olive oil.
  4. Store in an airtight container and refrigerate. Consume within 5 days.

SUPERFOOD SMOOTHIE

Loaded with nutrients, this smoothie provides the nourishment you need to power you through the day. It’s a great way to break your fast and load up on the nutrients from the berries, seeds, and greens. Also great pre or post workout providing sufficient carbohydrate and protein blend for energy and replenishment. The mint and ginger give it an extra zing that makes it refreshing and tasty.


INGREDIENTS
1/2 cup raspberries + blackberries
1/2 frozen banana
1 large handful of greens (spinach, kale, chard)
1 tablespoon flaxseed meal
1 tablespoon hemp seeds
1 teaspoon chia seeds
1/4 cup mint leaves
1″ slice of fresh ginger

DIRECTIONS
Blend all ingredients and enjoy!

THE ELIXIR

Low in calories but high in essential nutrients —  this green elixir is packed with vitamins C, A, K, folate, iron, potassium, and so much more! Since coconut water is a great source of electrolytes, this drink is my ultimate source of hydration after a sweaty workout or when my body is in need of recovery. It’s also a great reset drink after an indulgent weekend or vacation, aiding in digestion and reducing inflammation. The subtle tanginess of lime enhances and boosts the flavors in the cucumber, coconut water, and ginger making a super refreshing and vibrant beverage you will definitely enjoy.

INGREDIENTS
1/2 cup coconut water
1/2 cup filtered water
3 stalks celery juiced
1/2 cucumber
1 large handful spinach
Juice of 1 lime
1″ slice of fresh ginger

DIRECTIONS
1. Blend celery with 1/2 cup water then strain to remove pulp.
2. Add all other ingredients including celery juice to a blender and blend until all ingredients are combined.

SWEET + SIMPLE SMOOTHIE

An easy and nutritious recipe that is a perfect replenishment after a workout. A blend of protein, greens, antioxidants and micronutrients that help me refuel and recover – you just can’t go wrong with this sweet and simple smoothie.

 

INGREDIENTS
1 cup filtered water
1/2 cup blueberries
1 large handful of spinach
1 tablespoon raw nut butter
Few sprigs of mint (optional)

DIRECTIONS
Blend all ingredients and enjoy!

Cherry Berry Smoothie

Sometimes, throwing random stuff in a blender yields delicious results. That’s how I came up with this delicious Cherry Berry smoothie, which is also equally nutritious. A great source of fiber, cherries are loaded with vitamin B and C, manganese, potassium and rich in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Blending them with greens, berries, seeds and supplement powders, this rich, deep purple concoction has it all! It’s a great way to break your fast or as a mid day or pre-workout elixir.

 

INGREDIENTS

1/2 cup frozen cherries
1/2 cup frozen mixed berries
1/2 frozen banana
Large handful of fresh spinach
1 cup water
1 teaspoon maca powder
1 teaspoon raw cacao powder
1 teaspoon flaxseed meal
1 teaspoon ginger
1 teaspoon hemp seeds

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

 

DIRECTIONS

1. Blend water and all powders, seeds, spinach, cinnamon and banana.
2. Add cherries and berries and blend until smooth and creamy.

Easy Tostones

Plantains are a rich source of complex carbohydrates loaded with fiber that provide many benefits including micro-nutrients such as vitamin C, A, K, potassium and magnesium. They also have a low sugar content (only 3g per cup boiled) yielding an easy effect on blood sugar spike. This makes plantains a great way to get your healthy carbohydrates, depending on how you cook them. Most restaurants will deep fry them and make tostones (a Caribbean staple) to make them crispy and delicious but it’s definitely not the healthiest option…but I found a way!

This recipe has been my weekly go-to on days that I need the extra energy for a tough workout or run. When air fried, these tostones come out just as crispy and crunchy minus the oily texture you may find in restaurants. I pair them with eggs and veggies for breakfast or dip them in hummus and pesto as a snackl May take a few steps to make but you can meal prep them for the week and they provide all the crispy, crunchy, and salty goodness restaurant-made tostones give without the grease and guilt. Give them a go!

 

INGREDIENTS: 

  • 6 green plantains
  • 4 tablespoons avocado oil
  • 2 tablespoons sea salt

 

DIRECTIONS:
  1. Cut plantains in 2-inch width slices and place in a medium bowl.
  2. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of avocado oil and season lightly with salt.
  3. Place in the air fryer for 10 minutes at 400°F.
  4. Remove from the air fryer and place individual pieces between 2 sheets of wax paper. Using the bottom of a cup, press down with medium pressure to gently smash plantain into a flat shape.
  5. Toss all pieces back into the bowl and coat with remaining avocado oil.
  6. Place back into the air fryer for another 10 minutes.
  7. Remove immediately and season with a little bit more salt while the plaintains are still moist.

WARMING AYURVEDIC TURMERIC NOODLE SOUP

In Ayurveda, turmeric and ginger are valued for their therapeutic effects. They aid the body in balancing and naturally healing itself. When my immune system is being tested this is my go to! A bowl of this restorative ginger-turmeric broth is so nourishing and warm, I immediately feel that I’m doing something great for my body to recover.

Once the broth is prepped, its versatility allows me to add what I crave the most in noodle soups. I usually go for mushroom and greens but bok choy, broccoli, eggplant, shredded chicken and carrots also make great additions.  This soup is so delish that you’ll find every reason to make this, even if you’re not feeling under the weather. Give it a try!

 

INGREDIENTS: 

  • 4 cups filtered water
  • 4 cups veggie broth
  • 1 8oz package of Eden Buckwheat Soba Noodles
  • 1 can chickpeas
  • 2 handfuls of kale, stems removed
  • 1 cup of shiitake mushrooms
  • 1 medium red onion, diced
  • 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
  • 2 tablespoons garlic, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil
  • 2 teaspoons ground turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon cumin powder
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • 2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne powder

 

DIRECTIONS:

  1. In a large pot or dutch oven, saute onion in 1 – 2 tablespoons avocado oil over medium heat for 5 minutes until fragrant and golden. Add ginger, garlic, and turmeric powder and saute for 2 – 3 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and golden. Add cumin and continue to stir for another minute.
  2. Add water, stock and salt. Bring to a simmer. Add apple cider vinegar and cayenne powder. Taste and adjust salt and spice level to your liking. This makes a flavorful base to add what you like. 
  3. Separately cook buckwheat soba noodles. Drain and set aside.  
  4. While noodles are cooking, add shiitake mushrooms, chickpeas, and kale to the broth and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring frequently. 
  5. Toss cooked noodles in the broth mixing all ingredients together. Serve in a bowl and garnish with fresh cilantro and black pepper.
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