ITALIAN BREAKFAST OF CHAMPIONS TACOS

WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS MY FRIEND

Eating protein in the morning gets your brain working! This dish is a wonderful balance of protein, fiber, good carbs and good fats! Wake up, do breathing exercises, some stretching, a light work out and make this breakfast. I like to call this winning! 'Cause we are the champions - of the world!!!

Serves 1

2 ezekiel 4:9 taco size sprouted grain tortilla
2 organic eggs
Handful of broccoli
1 clove garlic chopped
2 tbsp of antipasto: for the antipasto (italian cured veggies) I went to Whole Foods. A lot of stores have an antipasto self serve section. If your store doesn't you can buy all these ingredients separate in a glass jars. I got a few olives, 1 artichoke, 1 small mozzarella ball, and a bit of roasted red pepper. I put all these in a container and they weigh it out and charge by weight.
1/4 tsp chopped chilli pepper
Salt and pepper to taste
Sprinkle Italian fresh/dried herb (oregano, parsley, basil)
1 small tomato chopped for topping
1/2 tsp butter or oil for cooking.

     

Boil water in a small sauce pan and blanch the brocolli for a couple mins. Drain water and chop the broccoli into small pieces. Chop the rest of the veggies and cheese and have them ready like the above picture. Get the tortillas ready. I cut little strips off either side to make them fit in my toaster. See if they fit in your toaster like this. I find this easy, just make sure they dont touch the element and burn. You can also heat them in the oven or in a pan. I find the toasted easy. Don't forget to switch the toasted to light as they will not take as long as toast. Just get them ready.. don't heat them quite yet!

When making eggs I like to use a really good non toxic non stick pan so I don't have to add much butter.. just a bit! Heat the pan up on med high heat and add butter/oil, garlic and chilli, cook for a minute. Then crack two eggs in the pan and let them fry until the whites start to cook, like the picture above. Salt, pepper and herbs get added here. Give the eggs a stir with a wooden spoon (they will be half cooked) and add all the veggies in. Now its a good time to heat your tortillas in the toaster, push them down, keep it on low. If you toast them to long or let them sit too long waiting to be eaten they get too crispy to fold(and if that happens use them as nachos! It's all good). Back to eggs, reduce the heat to med low and stir it around a bit, then when its cooked through take it off the heat and add the cheese. Your tortillas should be up now. Add the chopped tomato (ops! I forgot) and plate it up.

This dish is full of flavor! Also packed with protein, fiber and omegas, vitamin A, C, and folic acid.

SWEET AND SOUR CHICKEN DRUMS WITH CREAMED CURRY KALE

I love eating bright food. Especially yellow and green food. I really enjoy cooking with turmeric because of how the color makes me feel.. happy!! And it's very good for you too. Turmeric is a powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cancer fighting and blood detoxifier. This recipe is low carb and low cost! When buying organic chicken the drums are the cheapest without skimping on meat and flavour. I found 5 organic drums for 3 dollars.

 SWEET AND SOUR CHICKEN WITH A HINT OF CURRY

Serves 2

4-6 organic chicken drums

2 tsp apple cider Vinegar

2 tsp agave or honey

1/4 tsp anise seed

1/4 tsp cardamon seeds ground

1/4 tsp (or a bit more, coast the chicken well) turmeric

1/4 tsp onion powder

1 clove garlic chopped

1 Tbsp oil (olive, sunflower, grapeseed)

Salt and pepper and Cayenne to taste

I cut half the skin off the drums. The choice is yours. I pull the skin back a bit and cut it off with kitchen sheers. I like to keep a little bit on because the fat helps seal the juices in, baste the chicken, and help them not to stick to the pan. I like to cut some off so the marinade penetrates the meat and its less fatty. Marinade all these ingredients in the fridge for 30 mins to over night. The longer the better. 

Preheat oven 425 degrees. Place chicken in greased oven dish or pan. Cook for approx 25 min, check the chicken at about 20 mins by inserting a knife into the centre, pulling back the meat and seeing how many minutes it is from being fully cooked to the bone, no pink left insde. I also like to put a bit of water in the pan just to cover the bottom so that the spices don't burn and it also creates a bit of steam. Just a little glaze of water that covers the pan/dish. Take out the chicken when it's done and and let it cool for a few mins under some foil. My chicken in the picture turned out very juicy with a nice balanced flavour. It was delicious!!

CURRY KALE

1 bunch kale

1 clove garlic

1 tbsp butter

2 tbsp of half and half/cream/milk/almond milk

1/3 tsp curry powder of your choice 

1/4 tsp onion powder

drizzle of oil
1 chopped roma tomato

salt and pepper

While the chicken is cooking prepare the kale. In a med saucepan bring water to boil and blanch the kale for a few mins. Then strain the water, let cool, pick it up and squish it with your hands to get the excess water out. Chop it up and squish it again if you need to. Heat the butter in a med pan on med heat, add a drizzle of oil to protect the butter, add the garlic, sautée the garlic for a two mins. Then add the spices to the butter (this will bring out the flavour of the curry), heat the spices, don't burn, you might have to take the pan off the heat for a few seconds at this point. This all happens fast keep your eyes and nose on it, you just want to get the curry spice hot and aromatic. Add the kale and onion powder (you can also use caramelized shallots if you have the time, recipe to follow). Get the kale hot and mix it well with the curry butter, few mins. Now add the milk. Mix it up and cook it for a five mins.. until hot and everything has combined nicely. Add chopped tomato and salt and pepper to taste. 

Optional: Caramelized Shallots:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 tablespoons raw sugar, honey, maple syrup

4 shallots, peeled and sliced, 

Salt and freshly ground pepper

Melt the butter and sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the shallots, season with salt and pepper, and cook until they begin to brown all over, about 10 minutes.

FUN SPA NIGHT WITH SHEILA VOSSOUGH AND BODY POLISH!

We made a FRAGRANT COFEE BODY POLISH to soften skin and stimulate circulation. Works wonders and smells amazing! Helps get rid of cellulite because caffein stimulates blood flow. Use this to get ready for bikini season. It leaves your body oh so silky and luscious.

Our story: I invited Sheila over for Beauty night. Tomorrow she is going to help in the gym since she is also fitness model and can help me in that department. I don't drink coffee so I didn't have coffee grinds, Luckily for me, Sheila is a bit of a coffee addict! She came over with fresh brewed coffee and the left over grinds. Our building has a spa so after making the polish we went into the steam/sauna to open up our pores and soften our skin. Then we came out and polished ourselves with the body scrub and put on face masks. I did a Dermalogica Intensive Moisture mask and Sheila did Origins Clear Improvements mask. We left it all on for ten mins and did what girls do when they drink coffee and have a spa night.. chatter! Then we went back into the sauna for another ten mins and did some deep breathing and soaked in the aromatherapy of the scrub. Ahhhh so relaxing. We showered and then admired our glorious skin.

Check out Sheila's fan page and twitter 

RECIPE

1/2 cup ground coffee (if you drink coffee save your used grounds, they still contain the caffein and are softer than fresh ground coffee)

1/2 cup of scottish oats (you will have to grind) or raw sugar or sea salt or combination (I used oats and salt)

3 Tablespoons of virgin olive oil, virgin coconut oil,  almond oil, or sunflower oil or combination (I used olive and coconut)

2 Tablespoons honey

1 tsp vanilla

1 tsp cloves ground or whole ( if you use whole you'll have to grind them up)

6-8 drops of essential oil of rosemary or tee tree or lavender (I used rosemary it's very stimulating for the skin)

oil of 2 vitamin E capsules

You will need a coffee grinder, blender or vitamix if you are using any coarse ingredients suck as whole coffee beans, irish oats, or coarse rock salt to get them ground down. If you don't have a blender and just want to use a mixing bowl use fine ingredients already ground up.

You want to combine and grind all of these to form a polish. It's going to be somewhere between a paste and crumbly mixture. It will be on the dry side and thats okat because you will use it in the shower when your a bit wet and it will smooth on nicely. If your using a coffee grinder, grind the dry ingredients first and then transfer to a bowl and add liquids. If you are using a blender you can throw all the ingredients in at once and blend for a few mins. Make sure you have a container to store it in the fridge, it makes enough for about ten body rub downs. Use in the shower, turn off the water, rub on your body in a circular motion, leave on for ten mins if you can and rinse. 

Refreshing Tasty Snack Smoothie

1/2 cup frozen pineapple

1 or half frozen banana

1/2 cup grapefruit juice

1/2 water

2 leaves of kale

1 1/2 teaspoons maca powder

1 1/2 teaspoons colostrum

2 tablespoon hemp hearts

Blend in a blender, start slow to combined and then blend on high until smooth. Great for immune support, hormone balancing, vitamin C, protein, omega's, iron, and minerals. 

COLOSTRUM is the “immune milk” produced by all mammals for only the first few hours before and after birth. Supercharged with 97 immune factors and 87 growth factors, cow Colostrum is nature’s “first food”. Its adaptogenic properties have been known to enhance rejuvenation and regeneration while strengthening the immune system, allowing your body to thrive under any circumstance.

Orange Walnut Chia Vanilla Pudding

Great light breakfast or nutrient packed snack!

One serving:

2 tablespoons chia seed
1/2 cup almond milk
Zest of half an orange
Slices of the inside of one orange
1 tablespoon walnuts (I used sprouted)
Few drops of vanilla
Honey or Agave to drizzle

Mix all ingredients in to a bowl and refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight. Contains protein, fiber, vitamin C, calcium and omega 3 and 6 fatty acids. Double the recipe for two servings.

I just added a little candied ginger to this and zing! Amazing!

Kidney Kale Hummus! Packed with nutrients for a healthy lifestyle.

I'm obsessed with making pesto's, hummus and spreads. It all means the same thing to me. I use it with my eggs in the morning, spread it in my wraps, toss it in my pasta and eat it as a quick snack with a rice cracker and sliced veggies.  I love the dark green and red color of this hummus. I came up with the recipe when I went to go make hummus last night. I looked in my kitchen and wait a minute, I had no chickpeas, no lemons and no tahini? How I am suposed to make this! I was pretty determined.. a girls has her cravings you know. So.. I replaced the chickpeas with kidney, tahini with sunflower seeds and lemon with apple cider vinegar (with 'the mother'). Apple cider vinegar is stronger and more acidic than lemons, so you don't have to use as much. If your sensitive to apple cider vingar acidic taste, maybe just use half in this recipe and try it out. Add a bit more until you reach your desired taste. If you want to use lemon instead, use about 4 tablespoons.. at least one large juicy lemon.

1 16oz can organic kidney beans, drained and rinsed

1/4-1/2 a bunch of cilantro, depending on how much you like it (I like a lot)

4-5 leaves of dinosaur kale, depending on their size

2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar

2 tablespoons raw sunflower seeds

1-2 cloves of garlic (optional)

1/4 cup good quality olive oil

1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper

Blanch the kale in boiling water to soften a couple mins, discard water and cool kale before using it. Blend all ingredients in a vitamix (what I use), food processor or blender until super smooth 3-4 mins.

Place in a glass bowl, refrigerate and enjoy.  It's packed with protein, Omega 3 fatty acids, iron, vitamin b6, vitamins, minerals and amino acids.

Sometime's I don't add garlic in my spread for a more mild taste. Especially this one has a mild sweetness. I also like putting it on fruit slices!

Baked Egg Hash

2 Russet Potato Grated 

2 Carrots Grated

1 small onion chopped

2 cloves garlic finely chopped

1/2 cup Steamed Chard

2 Tablespoons chopped Cilantro or Parsley

1/2 C Grated Aged White Cheddar

4 Organic Eggs

Chilli Sauce to dollap (I used  a medium mexican chilli paste)

Good quality oil for cooking like olive, grape seed, coconut or sunflower

I made this up as I went along and it took about 1 hour with prep. I don't recommend this if you're in a rush. Great for a weekend brunch or just for trying something new.

Preheat oven to 375. Grease a medium casserole dish. Mix potato,carrots,onion,and garlic in the dish and lightly dress with oil. Mix it so everything is a lightly covered in oil. Bake until soft and lightly brown on the edges. Should take 30 mins, time can very depending on your oven and size of your dish. Check it after 30 mins with a fork take a piece of potato and see if its tender. Don't over cook because you still have to add the egg. Remove from the oven and spread out the greens on the hash. Then sprinkle cheese evenly. Crack four eggs right on the hash in four corners.  Put that back into the oven until you see the eggs cook and translucent egg is white, about 10-12 mins. Transfer it to the top and broil it on high (few inches from the heat so not to burn) for a few more minutes to brown the top of the dish and fully cook the egg further. You have to watch it, dont over cook, it takes a few minutes if you like you eggs yolks runny. There is a small window of baked medium eggs. This is the baked egg challenge! The out come is worth the trial and error. The texture of the eggs is different and delicious. Dollop some chilli sauce, place it on a heat proof pad on the table and enjoy!

Benefits of Chia Seed

They boost energy

We all know that energy levels have a lot to do with what a person eats. Chia seeds possess much protein that can raise energy levels pretty fast. These seeds have not only proteins, but also minerals, vitamins and blood sugar balancing properties that ensure one’s never jittery energy. Complex carbohydrates that are found in these seeds break down very slowly, improving and maintaining energy levels for endurance and stamina.

They help to lose weight

If you are looking for weight loss foods, consider chia seeds. Recent researches have shown that they maintain, as well as restore, intestinal health. That is possible due to their unique fiber content. Chia seeds assist in promoting regularity and are very easily digested. Though they are digested a little bit slower than other products, they keep the colon hydrated, preventing colon inflammation (diverticulitis). In addition to all the mentioned benefits, these seeds normalize cholesterol levels and blood fats. Dietary seeds can prevent the onset of fats and high lipids in the blood, thus reducing abdominal fat.

They are powerful antioxidants

Chia seeds are high in antioxidants. The number of elements equals to that of blueberrys. This feature makes chia seeds a pretty effective remedy to maintain a youthful and healthy glow and halt the aging process. Antioxidants present in seeds fight free radicals and can even prevent the occurrence of different types of cancers. When consuming seeds regularly, one reduces risks of degenerative diseases and cancer.

They regulate sugar levels

Seeds can form gel that converts starches into sugar much slower. This is why chia seeds are perfect in cases of diabetes, as blood sugar levels don’t surge soon after meal consumption. Comparatively slow sugars released into the blood stream aid in their optimum absorption by the body cells. This is how the need for insulin diminishes. Regulating blood glucose chia seeds also prevent type 2 diabetes.

They are high in minerals

In addition to all the above-mentioned features, this one also takes a special place. Chia seeds are known for being a great source of a huge number of minerals that the human body needs to thrive. Calcium, zinc, magnesium and iron are among the primer ones. They are essential for bone health and proper functioning of all body organs.

They have omega-3 fatty acids

Flax seeds contain much omega-3 fatty acids, but are you aware of the fact that chia seeds possess much more fatty acids? In case you don’t keep to a vegetarian diet and refuse to eat fish, a full tablespoon of chia seeds per day ensures you get the omega-3 fatty acids you and your body need. One more plus is the fact these seeds needn’t to be ground to let the body benefit from their intake. Even eaten whole, the body manages to process all the fatty acids it needs.

They boost brain power

Fatty acids that are present in chia seeds assist in maintaining proper functioning of brain cell membranes, as well as neurotransmitters. They contain DHA – docosahexaenoic acid – which is used by the human brain and the nervous system of the body. In addition to docosahexaenoic acid, they have EPA – eicosapentaenoic acid – that is widely known for its help in relieving low-grade inflammation that is associated with clinical depression. Chia seeds are very powerful sources of essential acids that are considered to be natural food for one’s brain.

Delicious Chia Seed Pudding

1. 2 1/2 cups almond milk
2. 3 tablespoons agave nectar
3. 1/2 cup chia seeds (3 ounces)
4. 1/8 cup chopped almonds
5. 3 tablespoons Cacao Powder(optional)
6. 1/2 teaspoon finely grated orange zest
7. 
   

1. In a 1-quart jar, combine the almond milk with the cacao and agave nectar. Close the jar and shake to combine. Add the chia seeds, almonds, and orange zest to the jar, then close and shake well. Refrigerate until very thick and pudding-like, at least 4 hours or overnight, shaking or stirring occasionally. Serve the pudding in bowls. The pudding can be refrigerated for three days. 

You can also just use a bowl and mix the ingredients. If you use the cacao powder you have to mix it well and get out all the lumps.

SERVE WITH :Citrus sections, diced banana, almonds and extra agave nectar.