Stuffed Acorn Squash

Stuffed Acorn Squash Need a healthy yet hearty recipe for the holidays? I got you covered! Try this super delicious and healthy stuffed acorn squash recipe. It's hearty and filling, but not high in calories! Ingredients: 2 Acorn squash 1 Pound lean turkey 1 Can Black beans 1 Red pepper 1/2 c Corn (organic& GMO free) 1/4 white onion 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil A dash chili powder Paprika to taste A dash of salt & pepper Optional: goat cheese or another cheese 1. Preheat oven to 475 2. Cut both acorn squash in half and remove seeds. 3. Fill pyrex dish with 1/2 inch of water 4. Bake acorn squash for 25 minutes. While squash is baking 5. In large pan pour olive oil and add in chopped onion. 6. Add corn, and bell pepper. 7. Add in black beans, and turkey. Cook until turkey is cooked through.  Remove squash when cooked through, and dump out water. 8. Turn over squash and fill with stuffing. 9. Bake for another 5 minutes. 10. Optional add on goat cheese for the last minute in the oven. 11. Serve!!

Thea's Top Three Ceviche Recipes

Last night I went to a Carribean themed dinner party, and I decided to bring my 3 favorite ceviches. I made a shrimp ceviche, a salmon ceviche, and a coconut mango ceviche (for my vegetarian/vegan friends). They turned out delicious!

Shrimp Ceviche:

1 lb raw shrimp 

1 cup lime juice

1 cup tomato

1/2 cup cucumber 

1/2 cup red onion 

1/2 diced jalapeño 

Himalayan sea salt& pepper to taste

1. In a large bowl place washed shrimp and pour over 1c lime juice.

2. Let it soak or "cook" for about 30 mins before adding the rest of the ingredients.

3. Place in the fridge for 1-3 hours.

4. Serve in a bowl, on corn tortillas, or with corn tortilla chips. (GMO free)

Salmon Ceviche:

1 lb fresh salmon 

1 cup lime juice

1 cup tomato

1/2 cup cucumber 

1/2 cup red onion 

1/2 diced jalapeño 

Himalayan sea salt& pepper to fast

1. In a large bowl place washed shrimp and pour over 1c lime juice.

2. Let it soak or "cook" for about 30 mins before adding the rest of the ingredients.

3. Place in the fridge for 1-3 hours.

4. Serve in a bowl, on corn tortillas, or with corn tortilla chips. (GMO free)

Coconut Mango Ceviche

1 ripe mango

2 limes

3 young Thai coconuts 

1 ripe avocado

1. In a bowl scoop out the meat from 3 young Thai coconuts. (I put the water in a jar jn the fridge to drink)

2. In bowl, add 1 diced mango, and 1 diced avocado.

3. Add juice of 2 limes.

4. Mix and add Himalayan sea salt to taste.

Summer Grilled Salmon and Kale Salad

I recently cut out meat from my diet, just to see how my body responded. I want to test how my energy levels are, how my workout intensity is, and simply how I feel. Well surprisingly, a few weeks in to not eating animal products I started craving fish out of all things. I really try to make sure I listen to my body, so I decided to hit up whole foods and stock up on some yummy organic fresh fish. 

Today I decided to make a kale salad with a nice filet of salmon! 

Ingredients:

Salmon (organic, fresh)

Kale 

Avocado 

Lemon juice

Seeds (sunflower, hemp, or chia)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350.

2. Bake salmon for 20-30 mins (I seasoned with cumin,paprika,Italian, and basil).

2. In a bowl toss kale, lemon, and avocado with your hands. This allows the kale to soften and moisten.

3. Sprinkle on quinoa, and seeds.

4. Top salad with your baked salmon.

Raw Zucchini Pasta with Raw Pesto

I am going to a dinner party tonight, and the theme is Italian. I thought I would try making something new, and fresh for my dish. Raw zuchinni pasta with pesto sauce comin' right up!

Ingredients:
6 organic zucchini
1.5 c. raw organic pine nuts
1 bunch basil
1 cup parsley
Juice of 1/2 a lemon
6 Cloves garlic
2 tbsp. cold pressed Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Salt to taste
Paprika to taste

1.Wash all veggies.
2. Use a potato peeler, julienne peeler,  or spiralizer (if you have it) to slice the zuchhini.
3. Place zucchini aside in a medium size bowl.
4. In a vitamix blend all other ingredients to make pesto.

5. Pour pesto on top of zucchini.
6. Serve.

This is probably one of my favorite recipes I have made thus far. ENJOY IT!

Eat Fresh & In Season- Breakfast, Lunch, Snacks, & Dinner

It's Spring and summer is around the corner! It is absolutely beautiful outside, and honestly it is my favorite time to get creative with juicy fresh fruits and vegetables. How lucky are we? The markets are in abundance of fresh colors ready to be consumed! Right now mango's, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, pineapple, avocado's, beets, tomatoes,and spinach are in peak season to name a few of my favorites. I am loving seeing the colors, but to be honest I am twenty times more excited to taste the freshness. Now, here are some ideas on how to keep your fruits and veggies on the top of your priority list when it comes to your daily meals.

Breakfast tips: - Green smoothie - Fresh fruits and veggies- SIMPLY JUICE THEM! - Sliced bowl of fresh fruit topped with fat-free greek yogurt. - Egg white omelette with fresh chopped veggies. - Whole grain toast topped with avocado and spices. - Whole grian toast topped with cottage cheese and fruit. Snack tips: - Bowl of fruit,chia seeds, and mint. - Piece of fruit - Green smoothie - Bowl of fresh chopped vegetables spritzed with lime, and served with a lime quinoa. Lunch: - Salad with tons of fresh veggies, fruit, seeds/nuts. - Sushi paper wrapped around tons of veggies and fruit. - Fish, chicken, tempeh, or quinoa topped with a homemade fruit salsa served with an amazing small seasonal balsamic drizzled salad. Dinner: - Eggplant grilled with a balsamic glaze served with a side of mango &strawberry mixed greens salad. - Grilled hearts of romaine topped with a lemon grilled fish/chicken/tofu/tempeh/turkey/(or lemon infused grain) topped with homemade salsa- - Yummy seasonal tacos Now get to cookin', or better yet EATIN'

Quick Kale Salad

This is a super quick uber-healthy delicious kale salad recipe. Kale is like the god of greens and if you make the effort to stick it in your diet it will repay your health! This veggie is filled with nutrients, vitamins, and fiber. It helps aide with cleansing and detoxing the body! Start mixing salads like this in to your diet to see a BIG change in your mood, energy, skin, and maybe even weight!

Quick Kale Salad

4 cups cut organic kale
1/2 lemon juice
1 tbsp minced or finely chopped garlic
1/2 avocado

1. Wash kale then cut.
2. With clean hands Massage kale for a few minutes so it's leafy ends soften.
3. Massage in avocado.
4. Add in garlic and lemon and mix.
5. Let marinate in fridge overnight.

Parties & Entertaining: The Clean Way

I have never walked in to a party, and not been nervous to see what my food choices were. I went to an absolutely stunning birthday party last weekend for my amazing friend Kate. She planned the most spectacular party that was quaint and decorated stunningly.
The party was held at Kate's mom Elise and step dad Ben's home in Huntington Beach. I walked in and it was full with amazingly welcoming people. I noticed everyone was sipping on a glass of wine, glass of champagne, or Local Beer while mingling.

There was an amazing vegetable plate with a homemade hummus dip that Kate made without oil or tahini! She said it was garbonzo and bell pepper based! There was also an assortment of cheeses with yummy little crackers and Kate's out of this world homemade bruschetta!

I snuck in to the kitchen to see what was going on and I saw Elise making the most beautiful fresh and colorful salad. This salad was filled with goodness! There was avocado, and an array of grapefruit! This salad tastes so flavorful without having to add any oil or dressings.

The next thing I saw smelled was amazing chicken! This was the most beautiful platter, definitely made with love. The chicken was baked with olives, apricot, and dates which gave it the juiciest melt in your mouth flavor.

I was enjoying myself so much looking around at all the goodness I forgot that we were actually going to sit down and enjoy this amazing meal with amazing people. I filled my plate! I grabbed some grapefruit salad, chicken, farro (that needs to be mentioned!), and a sauteed green bean mushroom side. I got a glass of chardonnay and sat down at the most beautifully decorated table. Kate executed this party like it was meant for a movie. We ate, drank, chatted, and enjoyed the amazing company.

The icing on the cake (no pun intended) was the way dinner was finished! After hearing some tear jerking toasts, two extravagant cakes sparkled their way towards the head of the table. Kate with a huge smile on her face made a wish and blew out the candles on these masterpieces. She made two clean eating cakes. I tried both! One was a pear spice cake, and the other a berry delicious cake. They were both made with wheat flour, xyitol as a natural sweetener, egg whites, and frosted with 1. greek yogurt topping 2. fat free cream cheese topping. I, along with everyone else was so impressed with the moisture and flavors of these cakes, no one knew they were healthy.

At the end of the night, I looked back on what was one of the most amazing parties I have ever attended. The people so warm and welcoming, and the food so delicious and healthy there is no reason to want anything else. I am now so inspired to cook clean for my friends, after seeing how many people enjoyed this tasteful dinner.

Kate, thank you so much for letting me be a part of such an amazing night! Happy 23rd birthday beautiful.

Thea's Thai Coconut Peanut Tofu & Fried Rice

Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh!!!!!!
I think I nailed this meal, it seriously turned out better than I could've imagined! I honestly made this one up as I'm staring at some delicious ingredients hoping they will mesh. And oh did they!!! This meal tastes so decadent and flavorful you will feel like you are Thai town sitting on little pillows on the floor. This recipe takes my clean eating cooking to a whole new level! It's healthy, vegetarian, and quite delicious! Give this one. Try and tell me if it isn't one of the tastiest healthy dishes you've made at home!

Ingredients:
1 bag brown rice (steamers)
1 C. Unsweetened almond breeze
1 Pack extra firm tofu ( any firmness works I just don't like mine mushy)
1 1/2 Tbsp. Red Thai Curry paste
2 Tbsp. Crunchy Unsalted peanut butter
1/4 C. Unsweetened coconut flakes
Pepper to taste

Directions:
1. On large pan pour almond milk and brown rice on medium high heat. Let simmer.

2. While that is simmering cut up your tofu into small squares and place on smaller pan at medium high heat.

3. After 2 minutes or so add Thai paste, and peanut butter to brown rice and almond milk.
4. Stir and let thicken.
5. Add cooked tofu squares into large pan and stir in.

6. Add coconut flakes to mixture.
7. Finally, add cracked pepper to your meal.
8. Serve and enjoy. Garnish with coconut flakes.

Thea's Easy Asain Chicken Veggie Stir Fry

I get bored of just chicken and veggies when I'm trying to eat super healthy! Do you ever eat plain grilled chicken and steamed broccoli? After a few days it sucks let me tell you! I decided to flavor up my chicken and broccoli and make a tasty stir fry.

I actually like to cook my chicken and veggies separate then stir fry them later, because I want to make sure I have the right portions of chicken and veggies.

Ingredients:
1 lb chicken breast cut in small pieces
1 Bag broccoli cuts
2 Tbsp worcestershire sauce
1 Tbsp. Low sodium soy sauce
1 tsp. Sesame oil
1/2 Tbsp. Thai red curry spice
1/4 c. Water

1. In large pan add cut up pieces fop chicken breast.
2. Add all spices and 1/4 c water.

3. Stir and let simmer/ cook chicken.
4. When cooked (about 5 minutes) remove chicken and leave sauce.

5. Add bag of broccoli to sauce.
6. Let simmer and cook for about 4 minutes.
7. Serve :) mix veggies in with chicken.

Ladies: measure about 4 oz chicken and 5-6 oz veggies.
Guys: measure about 6 oz chicken 8-10 oz veggies.

Thea's Thanksgiving Tips:

Thea's Thanksgiving Tips:
1. Start your day with a morning workout. A run, hike, or walk with
your family could be fun!
2. Drink tons of water! This helps you recognize real hunger versus
thirst/dehydration.
3. Eat veggies and protein first then go on to bite at the heavier
foods. (ie. By filling up on tons of mashed potatoes/gravy/bread rolls/
stuffing you are more likely to consume more and get less nutrients
from these).
4. Grab a smaller plate and utensils. (this helps you not overSTACK
and slow down when you eat).
5. Bring healthier options that still taste amazing (sugar-free mousse
or pudding, homemade healthy cake, cookies, dark chocolate)
6. Eat throughout the day, and don't eat like you've never seen food
before ( most likely there will be leftovers tomorrow).
7. Enjoy your meal and a slice of desert(don't deprive yourself,
hopefully you've been eating clean and deserve a holiday treat).
8. If you're planning on drinking. Sip on water between beverages. Also stay away from high-calorie add-ins if you are making mixed drinks. TRY: Brut Champagne, Unsweetened Cranberry Juice, With a few cranberries in the glass.

Thea's Turkey Stuffed Baked Acorn Squash

It's about to be thanksgiving. To me I think of cranberry, squash, turkey, cinnamon, apple cider, etc. I thought I would take a risk and try a "out of the ordinary" recipe. These flavors of Thanksgiving all in one turned out to mix extremely well. This is a comforting, and filling meal. This meal is so nutritious, you would never expect all that flavor to come through so well!

Ingredients:
1 Medium Acorn squash
10 Oz. Extra Lean Ground Turkey
1 1/2 C. Spinach
1/4 White onion chopped
1/2 C. Chopped mushroom
1 tsp. Cinnamon
1 tsp. Garlic
1/4 C. Unsweetened Apple Juice
1/4 C. Unsweetened cranberries (dried are ok as well)
2 Tbsp. Slivered almonds

1.Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
2.Using a strong chef's knife, cut the acorn squash in half, lengthwise, from stem to end. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and stringy stuff in the center of each half.
3. On baking pan fill with 1/4 in. water, then place each half in a baking pan, cut side down.
4. bake for about 25-30 minutes or until soft.

WHILE THAT IS BAKING.

1. In large pan on the stove top, add spinach, garlic, onion, mushroom, cinnamon, unsweetened apple juice, cranberries, and almonds.
2. Let them reduce until spinach and mushrooms are cooked.
3. Add Turkey and stir until cooked through.

NEXT

1. Take acorn squash out of the oven.
2. Drain the water, and flip open sides of squash up.
3. Spoon turkey mixture into acorn squash and fill squash.

4. Add in to oven for about 8-10 minutes.
5. Remove from oven, plate up, and serve.

Thea's Healthy Ahi Burger with Avocado and Cilantro Lime spread

Thea's Healthy Ahi Burger with Avocado and Cilantro Lime spread

I got a little tired of turkey, chicken, and egg whites this week! I decided to take a little risk and try a little something new. AHI BURGERS:) I usually put hummus or something as a spread, or an aoili (but aoili is super unhealthy loaded w trans fats). I made up a recipe that ended up amazing. To be honest, one of the best recipe's I've made yet!

Serves 2
Ingredients:

2 4-5 Oz. portions of Ahi Tuna (wild caught)
Mrs. Dash lemon pepper seasoning
4 Slices bread (I used 50 calorie Flaxseed bread from Sprouts Market)
1/2 Avocado

Spread:
1/3 C. 0% plain greek yogurt
1/2 Tbsp. Garlic
1 tsp. grated ginger
1/5 Chopped white onion
Juice from 1/2 lime
1/4 C. chopped cilantro (parsley works too)
Pepper and salt to taste

1. In small bowl mix all "spread" ingredients.
2. Spray large pan with olive oil spray and set to medium/high heat.
3. Add salt free lemon pepper seasoning to Ahi.
4. Sear ahi for about 2 minutes, flip and sear for 2 more minutes.
5. Toast bread.
6. Spread "spread" on one piece of toast for each person, spread other halves with fresh avocado.
7. Add ahi, make in to a sandwich, and take a BIG BITE:)

The best thing about this recipe, is it is not only healthy, but just as juicy and flavorful as ANY high end restaurant (just with a way cheaper price).

Thea's Clean Eating Veggie Pizza With Zuchinni Crust

Is it just me? Lately I have been noticing temptations more than ever, feels like everywhere I go. Every now and then it is normal to give in to them, but I truly believe junk food makes me feel just like that.. JUNK! I was at the market today and was walking by the spaghetti squash and thought to myself, I used to make that all the time (delicious for fall if you don't want the heavy carbs from regular spaghetti). I realized that although spaghetti sounded good, PIZZA sounded better:) I created a pizza recipe with no guilt or that sick to my stomach full feeling. Here's my recipe:

Ingredients for crust:

2 Medium zucchini
1 Bunch parsley
1 Tbsp. garlic
2 Egg whites
Salt & pepper to taste

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 450º.
2. Grate both zucchini with cheese grater, on the finest side.
3. Grab zucchini and squeeze out extra liquid over the sink (won't bind in oven if to moist)
4. Finely chop parsley, add to bowl.
5. Add two egg whites to bowl.
6. Add salt & pepper to taste, then mix with hands.
7. pour mixture on to pan (should be fairly thick).
8. Bake in oven for 10 min. at 450º.

THEN.
1. Pull out of oven.
2. Spread tomato sauce.

3. Add veggies.
4. Cook for 10 more minutes at 45º.

OPTIONAL:
1. Add cheese (I used almond cheese).

2. Broil for 2 minutes.
3. Take out of oven and enjoy.

For ladies: I recommend eating 1/2 with some lean protein ( Extra lean turkey breast, chicken, fish, etc.)

For gents: You can get away with eating this whole thing with some lean meat.

Enjoy!

Time To Grab A Meal Out

Eating out this weekend? Opt for a healthy restaurant that you can try new yummy meals at! I have been exploring orange county and keepin' a lookout on truly healthy places ( no more low calorie meals with fake stuff for you guys). We want lots of real fresh yummy food right!

Veggie grill:
In my eyes Veggie gill is a healthier panera bread and just as convenient! My fave is the "all hail kale salad" with grilled tempeh and if you want a little extra treat get yourself a small side of sweet potato fries. The great thing about these fries is that they aren't deep fried but simply flash fried in canola oil. The ketchup is even organic and has no added sugar and is instead sweetened naturally with organic agave syrup. Check it out yourself!

Rutabegorz:
This restaurant has the cutest home town feel, I feel so comfy when I visit. I get their salads and they are HUGE, filled with veggies! I like the shrimp and avocado salad with no cheese. The Thai chicken salad with no crunchy noodles is also amazing. Ruta's even carries stevia to sweeten your iced tea or coffee! The homemade vegetable soups are so fresh and flavorful I love them. This place is amazing and definitely rexxomed it I'd you want to eat healthy and still go out!

Native foods:
 OH MY GOSH! New discovery! Native foods is DELICIOUS! New obsession for sure! I have been introduced to the Aztec salad and asked for added grilled tempeh! Wowzaaaa! My mom ordered the soup of the day and it was also amazing, she got the watermelon fresca which is a drink with fresh watermelon, mint, and a little agave! Super refreshing on a hot day! I can't wait to try more things on this menu! This place also had NON DEEP FRIED sweet potato fries with an amazing mayo-free creamy chiptole dipping sauce! Another thing I would like to mention (which is very important to me) is how amazing their customer service was. I was sincerely impressed and when me and my roommates came (indecisive as always) they were helpful and patient! Cudos to the workers;)

Seasons 52:
On the more high end side of te ealthy dining I've tried would have to be Seasons 52! This is an amazing restaurant that orders the best quality, organic, and healthy ingredients to mix up on their menu. The menu changes frequently and each day has seasonal specials the chef prepares fresh. The experience is a little more pricey but is DEFINITELY worth it! Everything on the menu is under 450 calories! Guilt free!!!!!!!!!! Nothing better than the feeling of enjoyig a delicios meal our and not feelig like you are taking steps backwards! I suggest the salmon salad! My brother got the filet mignon which was amazing as well! Celebrate a night out and do it right! Seasons is the place to be;)

True Food Kitchen:
This place is OUTSTANDING. Seriously delicious food. I am stunned with how good True Food can make healthy food taste so decadent and delicious. There isn't one appetizer, main course, or beverage I didn't like. This place is a must try!

Thea's Simply Baked Salmon

Salmon is one of my favorite protein sources. For some reason it doesn't need much added condiments or flavor, besides some seasoning. This baked salmon is delicious, and can be served with relatively anything. You can serve on a bed of greens, with veggies and brown rice, over some whole wheat pasta, cut up on a tortilla as a taco, etc.

Thea's Simply Baked Salmon

Wild Salmon (try to avoid farm raised, and also none with added artificial color)
Cumin
Salt
Pepper
Oregano
Red pepper flakes
Garlic
Chili powder

1. Preheat oven to 375 Degrees.
2. Spray baking sheet with non-stick spray.
3. Sprinkle Salmon with all the seasonings.
4. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until cooked through.

Thea's Clean Eating Quinoa Bison Meatballs

I am a sucker for quick bites. Since I eat about every three hours, if I am out running errands sometimes I get frustrated that it is time to eat when I am busy. Even when I'm at work I get so busy that I need to make sure I remember to eat, because I get starving but busy. I was thinking of making something with carbs, protein, and veggies so it is balanced; at the same time something you don't necessarily have to eat with utensils. I decided to make meatloaf, but thought it would be even more CONVENIENT to make meatballs. I just grab some and throw them in a little container and I am out the door! Easy peasy!
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Thea's Clean Eating Quinoa Bison Meatballs

Ingredients:
1 lb grass fed organic bison (this is buffalo, but you can use extra lean turkey)
3 egg whites
1 1/2 c. cooked quinoa (I used red quinoa)
1 chopped and diced red bell pepper
1/4 chopped and diced onion
Pinch cumin
Pinch pepper
Pinch

1. Preheat oven to 350.
2. Mix all ingredients in a large bowl
3. Use non-stick spray on pan.
4. Roll mixture in to little balls

5. Cook for 20 mins, or until cooked through

You can serve this over spaghetti squash, with mixed sauteed veggies, or even on a salad. Get creative!