Giveaway: Manitoba Harvest Hemp Pro 70 Protein Powder

As you all know, I love making smoothies. I probably have 1-2 a day. Since I make so many, I really care about what I put in them. It's hard to find a protein powder that isn't made with JUNK. This one is really bomb, and you can try it for FREE if you win this give-a-way.

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Healthy Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup

Ok, this sweet tooth is killing me! I've been super creative so I don't go off and eat a whole pound of chocolate. Anyone else ever get this way? 

I decided to make a high protein treat that is super healthy!!!

Ingredients:

1 scoop chocolate protein powder

Coconut milk (how much depends on thickness)

1 tbsp almond butter ( or another nut butter)

1-2 packets stevia 

2 cupcake foils 

1. In a bowl combine protein powder with a little bit of milk. Then slowly add more milk to get the protein smooth(not chunks). Make sure to not make it "runny"

2. Pour 1/4 mixture in to cupcake foil, and 1/4 in other.

3. Place in freezer.

4. While those are freezing, in a small bowl mix almond butter and stevia.

5. Take foils out of freezer, and top with almond butter mixture.

6. Then add on top the remains of the chocolate mixture(1/4 of mixture on each).

7. Freeze for an hour, then enjoy! 

Spiced Banana OIAJ

When I'm in a hurry it's always great to have grab n' go meals. I've always wanted to make overnight oats in a jar, so being quite busy this week I decided to give them a shot.

I made up this recipe, and it's delicious. It's creamy, banana-ey, and full of spice! 

Ingredients:

1/3 c oats

1/2 scoop vanilla protein 

2/3 c coconut milk(or milk of choice) 

1/2 mashed banana 

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp cashew butter(or nut butter of choice)

1. Mix all ingredients in a jar in the evening.

2. Let soak overnight in fridge.

3. Grab and enjoy cold for breakfast

Banana Chocolate Mug Cake

Ok I've definitely been meaning to post a mug cake recipe for a while. I am finally getting around to it. WOW, if you have a sweet tooth this is your thing!

Banana chocolate protein mug cake 

2 tbsp chocolate protein

2 tbsp Greek yogurt

2 tbsp coconut or almond milk

2 tbsp coconut flour 

1 egg white 

1/2 banana mashed

1 tsp cocoa powder (unsweetened)

1 tsp baking soda

2 packets stevia

1.Mix all ingredients in a bowl

2.Spray a mug with nonstick spray

3.Pour mixture in to mug

4.Microwave for 1:30-2 minutes depending on microwave 

5.Optional top with tsp almond butter and chocolate sauce (2 tbsp chocolate protein, 1.5 tbsp almond milk or coconut milk, and packet stevia)

Chocolate Cinnamon Chia Shake

Ok, this hit the spot. Sometimes I want to jump through my computer and make people drink or eat my recipes when they are this good! This tastes better than a chokate shake from In-n-out to me! 

Ingredients:

1 scoop Life basics vegan protein(chocolate)

1 cup Calafia farms almond milk (unsweetened)

2 dates (pitted organic)

2 tbsp chia seeds (organic and raw)

Organic cinnamon & vanilla to taste

1 cup ice.

Throw everything in to a blender and enjoy!!

Fun fact: chia seeds have lots of fiber, omega fatty acids, calcium, antioxidants and even protein!

Peanut Butter Apple Sandwich

This is too yummy to pass up. As Halloween is right around the corner caramel apples are everywhere! I felt like making myself a snack, but thought of a peanut butter apple instead of caramel.

As I suspected, it's delicious! 

Ingredients:

1 red apple

1 green apple

Organic PB, almond butter, walnut butter, or cashew butter.

Directions:

1. Cut out the core of your apples

2. Slice your apple in to 4 or 5 chunks horizontally

3. Take the bottom piece of your red apple and slather nut butter on it

4. Place a green apple slice on top then repeat until you have a fully stacked apple sandwich

5. This makes 2, but you can grab more apples to make a bunch! 

Lean & Green Protein Pancakes

Why not start off the morning with some greens. These look like HULK pancakes, but you can't taste the veggies and they are simply delicious! They are super healthy, lean, & green!

Recipe:

2 Egg whites 

2 tbsp Vanilla protein powder

1/4 c. Oats 

1 tbsp. Coconut flour

1 cup spinach

1 tbsp. Unsweetened apple sauce 

1 tbsp. Unsweetened almond milk

1 tsp. Cinnamon

Directions:

1. Blend ingredients together (I use a vitamix or nutribullet)

2. On pan pour 1/5 batter, flip when golden brown.

3. Repeat with the rest of the batter.

4. Enjoy! ( I like adding stevia and sometimes almond butter on top).

Crispy Baked Sweet Potato Fries

When sweet potato fries are on a menu, it's seriously hard for me to resist ordering them. I also crave super crispy fries! When my family asked me to make a side dish for our dinner this weekend I knew exactly what I wanted... Sweet Potato Fries

Ingredients:

Sweet Potatoes or Yams 

Salt & pepper

Optional: Extra virgin olive oil

Optional: lemon, rosemary, thyme 

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

2. Spray a cookie sheet with Extra Virgin olive oil.

3. Peel yams 

4. Thinly slice yams, in to "fry" shaped strips.

5. Spray& toss yams with olive oil and spices.

6. Bake for 15-20 minutes (20 minutes+ for crispy fries) 

Creamy Green Smoothie

This smoothie is too delicious not to share! Seriously, just try it! 

2 cups spinach 

1/2 avocado

1 scoop vanilla vegan protein

1/2 c frozen mango

1 c coconut water

1 cup ice

Directions:

1. Place ingredients in blender.

2. Blend.

3. Serve.

Sweet Treat Smoothie

I always crave a little something sweet before bed, and tonight I decided to fulfill that craving... Guilt-free! I made this smoothie that is so simple, yet so creamy and delicious! 

This recipe can be enjoyed for breakfast,

as a snack, post-workout,or before bed!

Ingredients:

1/2 Banana (frozen is even better)

1 scoop vegan chocolate protein 

1 cup almond milk

1 tbsp flaxseed ( you can also use chia, or hemp seeds)

1 cup ice

1. In a blender mix all ingredients until they are blended smooth.

2. Enjoy!

Restaurant Review: Freshii

This spot is a clean eaters heaven. Let me mention a vegetarian, vegan, or meat eaters heaven. This place needs to be all over the world. It's that good!

This place reminds me of Chipotle based on the quick service and the fact that every meal is customized. 

I was in Vancouver, and was bummed they didn't have one near me in SF. Little did I know they have not only one, but two really close by! 

My friend and I freaked out when we ate it; so we had it every day in Vancouver! Again, it was that good! 

I got the green wrap and customized it with all the delicious fresh veggies I wanted including cucumber, avocado, mixed greens, edamame, tomato, onion, and black beans! I also added quinoa, dates, and Tofu. The options are endless here! 

I highly suggest checking them out http://www.freshii.com/

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.

Brian's Grilled Corn & Edamame Salad

My cousin Brian (@brian_wagner) is a total foodie. He works for Nugget Market, and in his free time outside work explores cool food spots and likes to cook. We were at a family reunion this weekend, and I almost died when I saw something bright and fresh in the kitchen! I told Brian I had to try his salad, and once I did I knew it had to be on my blog. Here it is!

Brian's Grilled Corn & Edamame Salad! 

Ingredients:

4 Grilled corn on the cobs or pan roast

1 Diced red onion

1 bunch chopped cilantro

2 bags of frozen edamame

Olive oil 

Rice vinegar

Sweetener of choice - stevia, agave, honey

Directions

1. Throw all ingredients into a bowl! 

2. In a smaller bowl whisk together dressing items. Brian says, "I always make the dressing to taste."

Prep time 20 minutes. 

Serve chilled.

It's that simple! I tried it, it really is delicious!

FOLLOW BRIAN ON INSTAGRAM: @BRIAN_WAGNER

Cocoa & Mint Mojito

Vacation Morning Smoothie

It is hard to get greens in your diet when traveling, so I make sure to pack some treats in my bag in order to make sure I have healthy options. In my post a few days ago I mentioned some of my groceries I bring, and today I used a lot of them! Try this recipe, or make one with different ingredients that you enjoy! 

Baked Avocado Eggs

I saw a photo of these delicious eggs and had to try them! They are so creamy and delicious I definitely recommend spending the time on making this delicious breakfast! 

Ingredients:

2 free range organic eggs (local & veg fed)

1 avocado

Salt & pepper

Other spices (I tried chili powder & paprika)

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 425.

2. Cut open avocado and take out the pit.

3. Crack one egg in to the groove of 1/2 of the avocado, and do the same for the other 1/2.

4. On baking sheet place the avocado's with the eggs and add your spices.

5. Bake for 13-15 minutes.

Pack Your Snacks: Easy Snack Options

Who is in a bind when it comes to picking out healthy snacks? I used to do the same snacks everyday, but now that I've been eating healthy for quite a while I have come up with tons of ideas. Here are a few of my faves to have at home or pack on the go

- Dales bars- very nutritionally sound protein bars. They are high in protein, low in carbs, gluten free, raw, vegan, and DELICIOUS. I have one a day! My favorite flavors are peanut butter fudge, mint chocolate chip, graham cracker, and vanilla cashew! BUY HERE

- Green Smoothies: there are so many varieties you can make. They are so fast to make and drink on the go! Green smoothies are my favorite, because they can be whatever you want them to. My favorites are these. Here's another.

-Hummus and veggies: I love packing veggies and hummus in my purse when I am running around. A cup of veggies (carrots,cucumber, tomato, beets, califlour, broccoli, bell pepper, etc) always goes well with some delicious hummus. You can make your own, or go to a health food store and stock up on your favorite organic hummus. Make this one, or this one at home.

- Fruit with chia seeds: Chia seeds are great to throw in to your diet. They are packed with nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, carbohydrates, protein, fiber, antioxidants, and calcium. Soak your chia seeds in water then you can top them on your favorite fresh organic fruit! My favorites right now are a combo of plums, peaches, nectarine, and mango.

-Kale chips: I have been obsessed with kale chips lately. I have made them at home, but have also tried these and these and have been completely blown away by how tasty they are! These are filled with fiber and nutrients so stock up!

- Nut butter and fruit: sometimes keeping it quick and simple is the way to go. I love grabbing an apple or banana and spreading a nut butter on it. Lately I've been trying new kinds of nut butters, and my favorites are walnut, cashew, and pecan.

-Hard boiled eggs: if you hard boil some free range organic eggs and keep them in your fridge, they can be the perfect grab-and-go along with nuts or a piece of fruit! 

Thea's Summer Kale Smoothie

It's time I share another smoothie recipe! I literally have a green smoothie almost every day. Green smoothies are nutrient rich drinks, that seriously taste delicious! They are sweet, creamy, and whatever you want them to be.

I made one today, and had to share!

• Feel free to add a whole banana, or switch up the banana with any other desired fruit.
• The protein powder I used today is called Dale's and you can buy it here.  
• I like to enjoy my green smoothies as a breakfast, snack, post-workout, or sweet treat at night!

Follow me on instagram and twitter: @thea_nolan

How To Make Homemade Almond Milk

I cut most dairy from my diet a few years ago, and found that almond milk is a great replacement for milk. It is lower in calories, higher in calcium, and saves our COWS!!! Try this easy recipe at home!

Ingredients:
1 cup raw almonds
1 cup water (to soak nuts overnight)
3 cups water
2 tsp. vanilla extract
1packet stevia (optional)  or agave nectar
1 tsp. cinnamon (my special kick)

Directions:
1. In a jar, soak 1c. almonds with 1c. water overnight.
2. Drain water from jar with soaked almonds.
3. In a good quality blender (Blendtec or Vitamix) blend all the ingredients until smooth.
4. Strain the blended almond mixture using a cheesecloth or other strainer.
5. Store almond milk in mason jar, and ENJOY!!

MOTIVATION MONDAY: What "diet" works for you?

I have always toyed with the ideas of trying this diet, or that diet. What diet works for you, doesn't always work for your best friend and vise versa. There are so many diets out there that I don't even want to start listing, because it will go on forever. The most common 5 that people ask me about are:
1. Paleo
2. Juice cleanses
3. Vegan
4. Gluten-free
5. Low carb

In my opinion, there is nothing wrong with any of these. I know many can argue valid points against my opinion, but I am sticking to it. I have tried all these diets, and although I am not on them right now I can tell you first hand (I won't knock something until I try it) that they are all healthy. On every diet I bought all organic meat, veggies, fruits, grains, etc.

Does this mean they all get me the same results.. NO. Does this mean that after being Paleo I might get over meat, and try to be Vegan? Possibly. I think that when it comes to your diet (or lifestyle choice) do what works best for you and what makes you feel good. Don't do what your best friend is doing, or your co-worker just because they are trying something. BE YOUR OWN PERSON, and do you! This is your life, live it the way you want.

When it comes to dieting, at the end of the day all I reccommend is that you try to simply eat clean. Not even 100% of the time, but as often as you can. Enjoy the food you eat, and fuel your body properly!