Tag: healthy fat

Peppermint Mocha Chia Pudding

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Wow. Peppermint, chocolate, and coffee culminate to make this perfectly decadent combination. Did we mention it’s super healthy too? Nutritious and delicious anytime of day! With no added sugar, this dessert-like treat can even be enjoyed for breakfast!

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Ingredients: (makes one meal serving or 2 smaller snack/dessert servings)

  • 2/3 cup almond or coconut milk (make your own!)
  • 4 tablespoons chia seeds
  • 2-4 tablespoons coffee (cool/room temp)
  • 2 teaspoons cacoa powder
  • 2 small drops peppermint extract
  • 1/3 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt (optional)

Mix all ingredients together and refrigerate overnight. Mixture will thicken to pudding. Remove, stir again, and serve chilled. Enjoy this decadent (super healthy!) sweet treat!

One Healthy Breakdown: who says healthy doesn’t taste good delicious?!

Does Fat Make You Fat?

News flash: a low-fat diet can actually cause weight-gain, not a diet high in fat. So, what is fat anyway and why do we assume that fat is what makes us fat?

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Fat is a nutrient that our bodies need, in fact, about 30% of your daily calorie intake should come from fat. This may surprise you, but it’s true!

There’s a catch, though, sort of. We should be eating good quality fats, just like we should be eating good quality foods in general. That means no trans fats. Deal?

So, what are the healthy, good quality fats that we should be eating? Good question. Nuts and seeds, avocado, fatty fish like salmon, coconut, olive oil, unprocessed lean meat, flax, dark chocolate (yay!) and dairy. These healthy fats do not cause obesity, heart attacks, or high-cholesterol, but actually promote nutrient-absorption, raise immunity, and actually burn fat. Really!

Fat also makes us feel satisfied for longer. For example, adding a spoonful of nut butter to your apple or half an avocado to your eggs will make you feel more satisfied, help your body absorb the nutrients it needs, and ward of hunger longer. Win/win!

One Healthy Breakdown: do not fear the fat, eat the fat!

Nothin’ Like EVOO

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10702069_904476514773_3840381980300393958_nCiao bella! Although I am a huge fan of all things coconut oil, there’s just nothin’ like the one and only EVOO. Olive oil, rich in phytonutrients and antioxidants, is a fundamental part of the Mediterranean Diet. My recent trip to Italy for our honeymoon spiked quite a rekindling for my relationship with olive oil. I’ve always used and loved it, but my appreciation for the oil grew stronger as Italians just don’t live without it. From salad to octopus, (yup) pasta to dessert, olive oil was as essential as water (and wine!) at every meal. Every bite was a bit tastier, richer, and more satiating.

10689850_904476659483_2449018094796810023_nMaking pasta from scratch in Rome!

Olive oil is a monounsaturated fat – aka a healthy fat. Although it is very high in fat content, olive oil’s health benefits are unparalleled. A diet consisting of EVOO regularly is correlated with lower rates of heart disease, diabetes, stroke, cancer, and Alzheimer’s. The phytonutrients in olive oil help to strengthen and protect the blood vessel cells, prevent blockages, and aid digestion. It also transforms a bowl of spaghetti into a work of culinary magic. Bellissima!

1017740_904477602593_2597989234029221327_nWhy EVOO? Extra virgin olive oil is fresh-pressed, less processed, and more pure than regular olive oil. EVOO has been proven to reduce inflammation, cholesterol, and blood pressure. So, instead of butter, margarine, dressing, sauce, etc., turn to EVOO. Olive oil can also be used to treat a sunburn, condition hair, moisturize skin and lips, rid stickiness, polish surfaces, fix a jam, remove eye makeup, and so much more. Who knew?!

One Healthy Breakdown: Rekindle your relationship with this old fave today and you won’t be sorry!

Afternoon Snackocado

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Oh, avocado. How you make the world a better place…

photo 5(3)Avocados are rich in nutrients and flavor. With 20 essential nutrients, including Vitamins B, E, folic acid, potassium, fiber, and healthy fat, these power-fruits actually burn fat, aid digestion, inflammation, heart health, and lots more!

Afternoon snackocado:

  • 1 rice cake or toast of choice
  • 1/2 avocado
  • fresh lemon or lime juice
  • sea salt
  • pepper

Mash avocado and spread on rice cake or toast. Squeeze fresh lemon or lime juice on top and add a dash of salt and pepper. That’s it! One bite and you’ll be hooked on this easy combo! (If you’re looking for a more substantial/satisfying snack with added protein, feel free to add cottage cheese as well!)

One Healthy Breakdown: avocado vs. snack attack…avocado wins again.

Cold Crunchy Chopped Asian Salad

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This refreshingly crunchy salad is tasty, healthy, and super easy to make. With lots of veggies, healthy fats, and protein, it packs a powerful punch and tastes as indulgent as take-out! Makes a great lunch, dinner, side dish. Makes 2-3 servings and makes for great leftovers for the next day!

asianIn a bowl, combine:

  • 1.5 cup shredded cabbage (use red, green, or a combination of both)
  • 1 cup chopped jicama
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1/4 cup sliced almonds
  • 1/4 cup chopped peanuts
  • 1 cup bean sprouts
  • 1 cup shelled edamame
  • 1/2 cup snow peas
  • 1/4 cup chopped scallions

For dressing, whisk the following until mixed:

  • 1/4 cup natural peanut butter or tahini
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup dark miso
  • 4 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
  • 4 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup water

For more protein, add cooked egg, tofu, chicken, tempeh etc. Pour dressing over ingredients and mix thoroughly.

One Healthy Breakdown: easier and tastier than you think!

*Recipe adapted from The Ultra-Metabolism Cookbook by Mark Hyman

Holy Guacamole!

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The only thing better than avocado is guacamole! This guac cuts fat and cals – olé!

Recipe adapted from local celebrity chef, Katie Lee via SELF Magazine.

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 whole avocado
  • 1 medium-sized tomato finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup red onion or scallions finely chopped
  • juice of 1/2 lime
  • splash of lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • dash of cayenne pepper
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 lb asparagus, trimmed and steamed OR 1/2 cup shelled edamame OR 1/2 cup green peas

Blend all ingredients in blender or food processor until it’s mixed to your ideal guac texture. Guac is perfect for crudite, a salad topper, and yes with chips, salsa, and a cold marg (once in a while!)

One Healthy Breakdown: just when we thought guacamole couldn’t get any better!