Gluten Free Pepper Chive Biscuits

Gluten free biscuits that are packed with flavour! They have fresh spices and herbs that offer a refreshing flavour! They can be enjoyed alone, with a bowl of soup, or as a sandwich bun. 

My last "first day of school" photo

School started last week, and I am still trying to get back into a routine. This is my last year of university, and I am determined to make it a good one by volunteering a lot and getting involved in the community. I have discovered so many wonderful opportunities, and instead of choosing one I want to do it all! There are so many things I want to accomplish in such a short time, I get excited just thinking about it! I am hoping for big things to come. Like anything, it takes hard work and dedication. Tomorrow is Monday and the start of a new week. I am still not feeling very well but I am going to try a new mentality of; "if I do not think about it, it will not exist!" I realize that this may catch up with me eventually, but it might also be the kick I need to get back to feeling better and start accomplishing all the things I have been neglecting (my blog, the gym, meal prep, and doing what makes me happy).

Here are my tips and trick to get back into routine after a long break, or setback:

1. Buy a day planner. At the start of the week jot down everything you have to do, and the times you have to do them (appointments, classes, work). Then decide when you are going to do the things that do not have a specific time. In between all the things you have to get done, make sure you leave time to eat meals and get a work out in. I like to end my day with a hot yoga class if the day has been busy. It is relaxing and does not interfere with my daily activities. Do not forget to leave time to look after yourself!

2. Plan your meals and snacks for days that you will not be home to prepare something. If you are following weight watchers calculate the points of what you are eating so you know if you have room for that latte on the way to school or work. This is also when you can decide when and how you are going to work out. When you pack your food for the day, make sure you pack the workout gear you require for the day!

3. Take time to rest. If you have been ill, or out of routine for awhile it can be overwhelming to throw yourself back into it. Take time to relax in the evening and read a book or watch a movie. Everyday you can add more and more to your day until you are back to where you used to be! Just always remember that your health comes first.

For this weeks meal plan I have decided that turkey sandwiches are going to be the best choice since lunch time is at the same time as one of my classes. I love sandwiches, but gluten free bread is messy, heavy, and can take up a lot of weight watchers points. Last week I made these Pepper Chive Biscuits, and they are going to make the perfect sandwich bread! They are light, tasty, and only THREE points plus per biscuit! Enjoy :)

Pepper Chive Biscuits

1 Cup Gluten Free Bisquick, or Gluten Free Biscuit Mix

½ Cup Corn Meal

½ Cup Gluten Free All-Purpose Flour

1 Tsp Xantham Gum

1 Tsp Baking Soda

1 Tbsp Sugar

¼ Tsp Dried Oregano

¼ Cup Green Onion, or Chives

1 Tbsp Hungarian Pepper (Jalapeno Pepper will also work)

¼ Cup Cold Butter

1 Cup Plain Coconut Yogurt

½ Cup Almond Milk

-Preheat oven to 400 Degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Combine all dry ingredients in a bowl and cut in butter until there is a crumbly texture.

-Add yogurt and milk until the dough becomes sticky.

-Add Peppers and Green Onions. Mix until Combined, however do not over mix. It is easiest to do this part by hand to ensure that everything is mixed.

-Place on a cookie sheet with a ¼ cup measuring cup.

Makes 12 Biscuits

3 Points Plus per Biscuit

I hope that everyone has a great week! Remember that celiac disease is not as bad as many think. You may wake up in pain, find it hard to get gluten free food, feel tired all the time, and have no motivation to do anything BUT you can do anything. Make celiac disease fun. Go play in the kitchen, even if your not a good cook. Go to the farmers market and make a meal with fresh, whole foods. Do what makes you happy, and make this a time to discover exactly who you are. It is a time of transition and learning, so make yourself and your health the number one priority!

k.

My World With Celiac Disease

I try to focus my blog on my life trying to eat healthy and gluten free. I share my newest recipes and my tips to live better. I have also shared my struggles of living a healthy life. But today I have decided to share a bit about my life with celiac disease and the struggles I have been having with it lately.

This is me

Having celiac disease is not always easy. Many people think "Cut out gluten, and you will begin to feel better!" That is not always the case. For me cutting out gluten is not enough. I also have to avoid dairy. I have to make sure I get an adequate amount of sleep so I do not put to much stress on my immune system, I have vitamin deficiencies and need to have my iron and thyroid levels monitored constantly. There are times when my stomach gets bad and I get very depressed or just want to stay in bed. Since coming in contact with gluten a few weeks ago I find myself still recovering. I do not know yet if this is because of the gluten, or if it is from the stress of school. But I do know that something in my body is not right. As soon as I eat my stomach begins to act up, and I could nap three times a day and still need ten hours of sleep at night. I feel like this has been a set back, but my body is telling me to take it easy, and that is exactly what I am going to do for the next few days. I sit and think about how I want to get back to prepping all my meals and working out everyday, but right now that is not a reality for me. I miss it, but I do not know how I am going to feel the next day or what I will be able to eat. Right now I am flying by the seat of my pants and trying to live as healthy as I can while struggling to get through a day.

The hardest part about not being able to eat gluten is that it is everywhere. I avoid wheat, barley, and rye. But it hides in so many other things. Sometimes you can be so careful but you still come in contact with it. It feels like gluten is everywhere, just waiting for an ambush like an army of party crashers. I find that now I just want to cook my own food so I know exactly what is in it. This takes away so much convenience. But it makes eating healthy easier and ensures that there will be no gluten hangovers.

 There is so much information available about celiac disease now compared to when I was first diagnosed. This makes things seem easier, but it can also be very overwhelming. A lot of the information is contradicting. At first I thought the new "gluten-free diet" fad would be great for people that HAVE to eat gluten free. But it has an awful stigma attached to it, and gluten free items that have hidden gluten are popping up everywhere. Monitoring has become much harder. Being gluten free is not a diet that I would wish on anyone. When you say you need to eat gluten free because you have celiac disease people give you a very confused look. Many people do not know what celiac disease is or its something that they have heard of because their neighbours sisters dog walker has it. Sometimes you get labelled as a picky eater, or someone following the newest health fad. This is not the case at all, and it infuriates me. I do not judge people who avoid peanuts, mushrooms, or any other allergen, so why do people on a strict gluten free diet get judged? This may not be the reality for everyone, but it is something I have seen.

I am going to give you a quick run down of how I explain celiac disease to someone that is unsure. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that attacks the intestine. The body cannot break down gluten and the small villi in the intestinal tract begin to die. Your body quits absorbing the nutrients that it needs to survive. If left undiagnosed, the lack of nutrients can begin to effect other areas of the body such as causing brittle hair and nails, yellowish skin, severe weightloss or gain, thyroid problems, or effect on anxiety and depression. Once someone is diagnosed with celiac disease they must cut out all gluten from their diet. They should get regular blood work done to ensure that they have the necessary vitamins and nutrients to live a healthy life. Even after going gluten free there still might be days or weeks where you are bloated, in pain, and feel exhausted. You also need to remember that I am not a doctor. I am simply sharing what I know about the disease and my experiences with it.

I have been very frustrated with being a celiac this week, and thought I should share a bit of the struggle. Everyone experiences it differently, but it can be reassuring to know that someone else is battling similar problems. Having a community to share stories, ask questions, and invite conversation is something I wish I had when I was diagnosed. Oh and I forgot to mention that most wines are naturally gluten free, so drink some vino and relax!

I will be back to healthy living and healthy eating this week (I hope) as school starts wednesday! I am so excited to share the delicious recipes that have been created over the last few weeks to ensure gluten free and healthy eating on the go!
Hope your enjoying this labor day long weekend.
k.

Three Goals for Motivation

School starts in a few short weeks and it is time to get back on track so I am prepared for anything that will come my way! Here are three goals that I have for myself and everyone else that is trying to live a healthy life!

1. Plan Ahead - I always find that I eat better if I take the time to plan my meals a few days ahead, find out their weight watchers points, and prepare everything I can in advance. This ensures that I know what I am eating and how many points I have left everyday. Cooking in advance prevents me from eating an unhealthy meal when I am in a rush. It also ensures that I know exactly what is in my food, so there is no chance of eating gluten.

2. Routine - While its nice to have days off, I find that I sleep in, lay around, miss meals, and generally do not do anything productive. To be successful at reaching my goals I need to have a routine. This involves getting up at the same time, eating breakfast, having healthy snacks, and making the time to go to the gym, yoga, or for a walk around the neighbourhood. I am a creature of habit. I like having my days schedule so I know exactly where I will be when. This way I can plan my workout and meals or snacks for when I have school or work. I included the name balance in my blog title because I believe that having a balance between school work, working out, spending time with friends, and making time for yourself is the most important part of living a happy and rewarding life. This is one thing that I need to focus on.

3. Change things up - Eating the same things everyday gets boring. I am going to try to make enough food that I do not need to cook everyday, but something that I can change up everyday and make it good. This is the same thing with working out. If I do the same thing daily I eventually get bored and quit all together. I will make a plan to alternate workouts and make sure I have extra time for some juicy hot yoga.

These are three key things that I need to do in order to stay motivated and reach my goals. I also need to make sure that I make time for the things I enjoy doing. Taking time for myself is one of the most rewarding parts of my day. I love to cook, I need to take the time to make dishes that I enjoy. Figuring out how to make them gluten free and healthy can be a challenge. But if it tastes good then it is incredibly rewarding!

The fruit and vegetable stands are full of delicious and fresh foods right now! Every time I go I find myself inspired with new idea and overwhelmed with all the possibilities! Last week I bought some eggplant and wasn't really sure what to do with it. After much research I tried something simple, and it turned out to be very satisfying! Later this week I'm going to try more experimenting and see what deliciousness I can come up with.

Tomorrow is jam and salsa day! I have never canned before, but I am so excited to try! I got some wonderful looking fresh peaches at the fruit stand today and they will be perfect for jam. There are so many possibilities with all of the fresh foods available. Check out my Rhubarb Muffins, and Cheeky Cherry Bread for some ideas!

Tonight is Sunday, and tomorrow is the start of a new week. A new week full of promise and possibilities. I am going to spend the evening enjoying a cup of tea and planning my meals for the week. I find writing on balance and elegance to be very rewarding, I am still very new to it and would love any feedback from readers (good and bad) so I can grow into a better blogger! My main goal is to blog more frequently. I do post yummy food ideas on my instagram between posts - feel free to follow me for more ideas @_kacimarie

Have a great week! and remember to plan ahead!
K.

Healthy Gluten Free Camping Tips

I went camping this weekend with a group of great friends. It was awesome to get away, relax, and enjoy some fresh air! Everything worked out and we managed to get two sites that filled our needs. One had a great view, while the other was sheltered from the wind. My only exercise this weekend was the trek to the bathroom, but it was quite the trek! Summer as a student separates you from your friends. Everyone is busy, and after seeing someone everyday you may not see them for weeks or months. It was great to see everyone and enjoy some time together before life takes everyone their own way again. The hardest part about camping was packing healthy and gluten free food when the typical camping food is hot dogs with buns, and s'mores. The first step was deciding that it was not a weekend to eat junk. I knew that I would regret it later. After that it was easy to plan what to take.

Camping Food List
1. Fruits and vegetables - I bought the pre made veggie and fruit trays at the grocery store. This saved a lot of prep time and cut down on the waste. I took the veggies out of the tray and put them into a ziplock bag to save room in my cooler. I bought the fruit trays that were small so they would fit into the cooler as is. Fruit can be tricky because it tends to go mushy if left out to long, and spoils quickly. I selected the fruit trays with melon, pineapple, and strawberry. They lasted longer in my cooler and were fresh for the whole weekend. For a side with meals I bought the salads in a bag that come with all the topping in a separate bag. I separated the lettuce into two separate ziplock backs so there were no leftovers. Then to make the salad I just had to add the desired amount of toppings, shake, and serve.

2. Meals - For lunch and supper I took gluten free smokies and burgers, minus the bun. They were easy to make over a fire and would be eaten on a plate. After getting them home from the store I froze them so they would last longer, and doubled as a ice pack for the cooler. For breakfast I pre measured gluten free chex cereal into sandwich bags. I took almond milk because it doesn't have to be kept cold until opened, and the small cartons take up a minimal amount of space.

3. Beverages - To stay hydrated I took a full water bottle, as well as a four litre bottle of water. There was also water available at the site. Beer and juice is a staple of mine in the summer. I took New Grist Gluten Free beer and Clamato juice. I also took gatorade to replace any electrolytes lost in the sun (however, we unfortunately did not have the hot weather we were hoping for).

4. Snacks - I did not pack a lot of snacks because fruits and vegetables are one of my main snacks. I did take strawberry marshmallows to roast on the fire, and some cripsy minis. I also packed coffee creamer for my coffer, as well as some vegetable dip to change things up. I took some gluten free pepperoni sticks as well, I don't buy stuff like this often and they were a great treat!

Overall, the camping trip was a success. I feel that I ate healthy and managed to refrain from devouring any gluten in the form of a sticky, gooey, delicious s'more. Next time I would probably take egg whites for breakfasts, as well as some steaks or kabobs instead of a large number of smokies.

I am now heading back the Okanagan for a few weeks before heading back to Saskatchewan! I hope everyone has a great Canada Day tomorrow!
Safe Travels.
k.

Gluten Free Rhubarb Rainy Day Muffins

The fresh fruit topping on these muffins adds moisture and flavour to the muffins. The sweetness of the strawberry balances out the bitterness of the rhubarb for a party on the tastebuds. These are the perfect muffins for a spring treat. 

Tuesday was a rainy day in the Okanagan, but rainy days are the perfect days for baking! There were so many fresh fruits and vegetables at Dan O Ray Vegetables and inspiration was lurking around every corner! The colours were so bright, and everything smelled delicious. It was a hard choice between getting the ingredients for borsht, or making a fruit muffin. However, I am going camping for the long weekend and muffins are always the perfect snack. After getting some rhubarb it was time to start coming up with a rhubarb muffin recipe! My grandma has a great rhubarb muffin recipe, but it is filled with gluten and dairy! This would not work for my intolerances, but I wanted to keep the great flavour and texture.  I made some changes and added my own twist to the crumble and a few of the ingredients. Gluten free products can be really dry and have the texture of sawdust when substituting gluten free flour for regular flour in a 1-1 ratio. Depending on the flour I often find it necessary to increase the wet ingredients, or decrease the amount of gluten free flour.


Gluten Free Rhubarb Rainy Day Muffins
1 1/2 Cup Gluten Free Flour
1/2 Cup Gluten Free Oats
1 Cup Brown Sugar
1tsp Baking Soda
1tsp Baking Powder
1tsp Cinnamon
1tsp Nutmeg
1tsp Vanilla
1/2 Cup Apple Sauce
1/2 Cup So Delicious Vanilla Coconut Yogurt
1/2 Cup Almond Milk
1 Egg
2 Cups Rhubarb

Crumble Topping
1/4 Cup Almonds
1/4 Cup Coconut
1/4 Cup Brown Sugar
Strawberry Slices

Combine all wet ingredients and dry ingredients separately and then combine. Add the Rhubarb last. Mix the crumble topping in a separate bowl, without the strawberry slices. Once everything is mixed place in muffin tins (approx 1/3 cup of mix per muffin) and add the crumble to each muffin. Place a strawberry on top of each muffin. The strawberry adds some moisture and prevents crumbly or dry muffins.

Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

The only thing I would change about this recipe is the crumble. Next time I make these muffins I will add some coconut oil to the crumble so it has a moist texture! Other than that, they were great! They are the perfect mix of great flavours.

The best part of rainy days in the Okanagan is the fresh smell of all the flowers and grass when the sun decides to shine! The roses are in full bloom and everything looks wonderful and inviting! I cannot wait to head back next week. Until then it is time to get ready for a long weekend camping trip! Staying healthy while camping has been a challenge to plan, but with the right amount of organization it will be possible and fun! Check back Monday for a post about staying healthy in the great outdoors! 

Safe Travels this weekend!

K. 

Quinoa Vegetable Salad and Getting Back on Track to Healthy Living

Quinoa is such a versatile grain that can be enjoyed in many ways! It is gluten free and makes the perfect summer salad for summer picnics. It can also be used in stir fry, or eaten on its own. It takes on the flavour of whatever you mix it with, and is perfect with fresh vegetables and dill for a refreshing salad.

Finals are finally done and I have taken a few days off to relax and enjoy the nice weather before starting my online class. It is going to be a busy month trying to get this class done, and finding the time to enjoy summer. I have been hanging out in the Okanagan and to ensure that I stay on track with eating healthy and working out while being away I bought a punch card at the leisure centre. I am excited to try classes that we do not have in Kamloops, like aqua zumba and aqua yoga! I am making sure to track all my food, and before eating I am trying to think "Is this worth the points?" Planning ahead is still a big part of my healthy eating goals. There are so many fun outdoor things to do here! Hopefully there will be some time for SUP yoga, and a few hikes!



The hardest part about eating healthy is that food is always on the mind - And not the healthy food I should be eating. I am consumed by thoughts of slurpees, dill pickle chips, and hot dogs. I want to indulge, but it is to soon. Indulging before eating healthy is a habit again can throw everything onto a bad track. Its okay to treat yourself, but it is also easy to get distracted or keep thinking "one won't hurt!" One often turns into two, and then three. Before you know it you have eaten way more than you should have and you feel bad about it. The key part to staying on track isn't always being heathy, its allowing yourself those bad foods in moderation. If you deprive yourself all the time you will end up indulging way to much and all success will be for nothing.


One of my favourite summer treats is a Quinoa Vegetable Salad. It is perfect to eat fresh, or it can be frozen and enjoyed later, with stir fry, or as a side to any meal! It is great for barbecues and is a fresh change from potato and macaroni salads! It can be enjoyed hot or cold and is perfect for anyone needing ideas for the upcoming long weekend parties!

Quinoa Vegetable Salad 

4 Cups Quinoa (Cooked)
1 Cup Baby Corn
1 Cup Snap Peas
1 Cup Tomatoes
1 Cup Broccoli

Juice from 1 Lemon
Fresh Dill

Combine all ingredients and mix together! It is quick and simple. You can use any vegetables in this. However, I find that these ones freeze best and do not get watery. The lemon and Dill are all that is necessary for the dressing and add plenty of flavour. The vegetables offer a lot of natural flavour, so using too much dressing can ruin the fresh flavour.

Makes 8 Servings

I am very excited to spend some time blogging! If anyone has some suggestions on how I can improve or any changes I can make please let me know! I have a list of things to do on my days off, but I am starting by reading Blog Inc by Joy Deangdeelert Cho! I have heard great things about it and cannot wait to start learning! I really enjoy blogging and hope to create a sense of community for other people that struggle to eat healthy with celiac disease and balance their busy lives with a healthy lifestyle. Have a good day!

k. 

Gluten Free Banana Muffins

Gluten free banana muffins are moist and full of flavour! They are allergen free and make the perfect snack or breakfast treat. They can be enjoyed fresh from the oven, or frozen and enjoyed at anytime!

Things are still crazy with school, but I am getting away this weekend to go camping with friends and family! I can not wait to get out of town and refresh before my finals next week. It will be a great time to get some fresh air and recharge my body and mind! Every trip needs a snack, and I have stocked by cooler with vegetables, fruits, crackers, and my favourite - MUFFINS! Muffins are necessary for road trips because they are quick, not messy, and can be enjoyed at anytime. I have finally perfected my Banana Muffin Recipe, and I cannot get enough of them! They have the perfect flavour, the right amount of chewyness, and butter or jam only makes the experience better!

These muffins are great because they are egg, gluten, and dairy free. They are full of fibre, and are relatively low for weight watchers points. I find that freezing bananas takes up a lot of space in the freezer, and frozen bananas do not do the flavour any justice. For this recipe you can blend all of the wet ingredients and freeze in a freezer bag. When you are ready to make muffins, unthaw and add to the dry ingredients. It saves time, and valuable freezer space. However, they are best if made when the bananas are starting to turn brown, and frozen after. These muffins can be frozen and taken out for lunches, snacks, and they are good for breakfast with a protein shake.





Gluten Free Banana Banana Muffins
3 Bananas
3/4 Cup Unsweetened Apple Sauce
1/2 Cup Almond Milk
1 Tbs Molases
1/4 Cup Coconut Oil

1 1/4 Cup Gluten Free Flour
3/4 Cup Oat Bran (or oats blended in the blender)
1 Tbs Flax Seed
2 Tsp Baking Powder
1 Tsp Baking Soda
1/2 Tbs Cinnamon
1/2 Tbs Nutmeg

Blend all wet ingredients in the blender until smooth, add to the try ingredients. Put 1/3 Cup of mix into muffin tins and bake at 350 for 18-20 minutes.

Makes 15 Muffins

Being gluten free can be a struggle, but if you take the time to experiment with your ingredients you can enjoy great foods! Gluten free is a different lifestyle, but it should be looked at as a journey rather than a burden. You will be healthier and happier when you go gluten free if you suffer from celiacs or a gluten intolerance. 

I hope that everyone takes some time this weekend to get outside and enjoy some fresh air and summer. Everyone has bad days or weeks (even months). But Monday is the start of a new week, and the best way to start it off right is to take some time to refresh and recharge first! I know I plan to start the week with a bang! Next week is finals week for spring classes, and to stay sane I am going to make the time for yoga and regular workouts. I am beginning to miss the gym and need to get back into a routine because the days are passing by way to quickly. 

Happy Friday!

K.

Tips for healthy eating when you are busy

Things have been a little crazy. I have been busy with classes, papers, and studying. I must apologize for not posting in a few days, and not sharing any new recipes or tips with you. Things slow down in the next few weeks, and then there will be more time to focus on what I enjoy; blogging, cooking, and relaxing! I can enjoy the summer weather and refocus on getting healthy. I thought I would share some tips on how I still eat healthy when life is just to busy!

-I always have a healthy snack in my bag. This typically includes hard boiled eggs, fresh fruit and vegetables, and half an ounce of almonds!

-I always carry water with me. This way I do not have to spend money on water, and it ensures that I always meet my daily intake.

-The night before I normally make my breakfast and lunch for the next day. Breakfast may be overnight oats, or an omelette that can be reheated. Lunch is typically a salad with tuna and avocado, or egg salad.

-If I know its going to be a busy day I take out the meat from my freezer so it can defrost and is ready to be cooked when I get home.

-Smoothies have become a staple in my life. I will usually have one for a morning snack, or to get some more protein with a meal. My smoothies are made with Vega all in one protein powder, frozen fruit, almond milk, flax seed, and a lot of spinach! The nice thing about smoothies is that you can virtually put anything you want in them!

-Working out tends to be a walk around campus or my neighbourhood when I am busy. It takes a back seat, but as long as I continue to eat healthy I am okay with that. I know that it is only temporary and life will get back to normal shortly!

Being healthy is a balance. You need to find a routine that works for you, and make healthy eating a habit!

I hope everyone has a great week!
k.

Organization is my key to weightloss

Freezer meals are perfect for organized healthy eating!

 To make life during the week easier I spent my Saturday making food and freezing it! I made egg muffins for breakfasts, baked turkey breasts for suppers, a pork roast to put in wraps and salads for lunches, and a quinoa vegetable salad for sides. These were all perfect to freeze, and then when I am in a rush or just to tired to cook I can pop them in the microwave and enjoy :) I also perfected my banana muffin recipe for a little treat with morning coffees. All of these recipes will be posted right here on my blog! They are gluten free, dairy free, and delicious!

Prepping for upcoming meals makes eating healthier easier. Every week I try to plan my meals for the week. Every night I plan my meals for the next day and put them into my points tracker so I know how much room I have for snacks, and treats. I can plan if I will have time to cook a meal, or if I need to grab something from the freezer. Organization is hard to find. But it becomes routine and makes healthy living a lot more convenient. Deciding what you are going to eat before hand takes all of the guess work out of meals, and if the food is ready or prepared you will be less likely to reach for an unhealthy alternative. At first meal prep and planning seems like a daunting stressful task. If you break it down into a day at a time, or three days at a time, it is easier to accomplish healthy eating. It is the little steps that make a huge difference in the end.

My favourite part of weight watchers is that you can truly eat whatever you want. It took me awhile to learn that this doesn't mean you should eat whatever you want because you won't see the results you want. What it means is that if you want a treat you can have a treat. Not everyday, and not all the time, but you can still have a little something to satisfy that sweet tooth. I have found that the healthier I eat, the more I want to eat healthy. The cravings go away, and you find healthy alternatives to the items you crave. The hardest part is eating my points. I eat lots of fruits and vegetables so they are zero points. If i go over the recommended serving I count them as points, and if I am still short I put avocado or healthy fats into my cooking for some extra points. I snack on almonds, and hummus, and try not to worry if I have a few extra points left over as long as I am not starving.

The hardest part of being busy has been finding the time to be active. I have been to tired to go to the late yoga classes that I love, and morning workouts have been exchanged for sleep and studying. I am hoping this will change before the weekend! However, I have still managed to find some activity in the busyness of life. Yesterday my friends went for a hike and I tagged along. We were gone for two hours, saw some breath taking views of the city, and took on some terrain that was deadly on my out of shape legs! It was great!

Being outside is refreshing and reenergizing. Hiking is a great way to spend time with friends, enjoy the summer weather, and get active. One day I will be able to hike to the top without wanting to crawl, or just sit down half way. Everyone has a starting point, and everyone has goals. It does not matter how you reach your goals, as long as you get there. It may take months, or even years. But every little bit is an accomplishment. Getting to the lookout was my accomplishment. Next time I'm striving to get there a little bit easier.

I will post the recipes for my freezer meals over the next few days, as long as time allows! Maybe I will get some more hikes in and I can share the views with you. I wish everyone a motivated week, and hope you can find a small accomplishment in a bad or busy day! Everything counts, some days just getting out of bed is a big accomplishment.

K.

Vanilla Chai French Toast

French Toast is a great breakfast food, but lacks the high amounts of protein that keep you full until lunch, or morning coffee. This protein packed french toast offers a lot of flavour and can be enjoyed at anytime of the day! Just top it with your favourite fruit and enjoy!

This week has been crazy. When I get stressed I crave sweet foods, like waffles. Waffles seem to make everything better. I had a nap and woke up wanting breakfast for dinner. I did not have any bacon or sausages for protein, so I played around and found a way to add protein to my french toast! This tasted just as good as the original, and was probably a bit softer because of all the extra egg. This recipe has no waste, is packed with protein, and is delicious.

For me, cooking is all about experimenting. I do not follow recipes exactly, and I tend to omit items or add new items. That is what makes it exciting. Somethings work, and other things don't. Gluten free can be really gross, but other times it can be truly delicious and can taste like any other gluten filled food. Having celiac disease is no longer a burden, but an adventure that I look forward to most days (I really miss angel food cake! - That is an experiment for another day, and another post!)

Vanilla Chai French Toast
1 Egg
Cinnamon
1 Scoop Vega Vanilla Chai Protein Powder
Splash of Almond Milk
2 Pieces of Silver Hills Gluten Free Bread

Mix egg, protein powder, cinnamon, and almond milk in a bowl until well blended. If it is a little thick add some more milk. Put bread in the bowl one slice at a time to coat well. Place bread into frying pan and cook. Before flipping toast put more of the egg blend onto the toast. Alternate flipping and adding more until there is no more blend left and the toast is nice and brown.

Top with your favorite fruits and a tablespoon of maple syrup! Enjoy

This recipe is higher in points plus than I would prefer, but it is comparable to having a meal with meat and rice or pasta! It is filling, and sometimes you need to treat yourself! This was the perfect treat! It was healthy, filled me up, and satisfied my terrible waffle craving!

I hope everyone is having a great week!

k.

Dijon Garlic Marinade

This marinade is perfect on any meat and can be used on the grill, in the slow cooker, or substituted as a salad dressing! It has the perfect balance of garlic and mustard, without being over the top! It is soon to be a staple during BBQ season!

It is finally grilling season! I am definitely not a BBQ connoisseur, but last week I found myself at the meat market and decided to get some pork chops. I am not a huge fan of pork, but I thought I would give it a whirl and see how I could make something with great flavour and was seasonal. I am so happy I did! These pork chops turned out to be better than I imagined.

I covered the pork chops in a Dijon garlic marinade and grilled them! The marinade was the perfect mix of tangy and sweet. I was able to use it as a salad dressing as well! Even more exciting - It was zero weight watchers points!


Dijon Garlic Marinade
1/4 Cup Red Wine Vinegar
2 Tbs Dijon Mustard
Fresh Dill
3 Cloves Garlic
1 tsp Olive Oil

Mix all ingredients together and cover over meat of choice. The longer it sits the better. However, 20 minutes is long enough if you are in a hurry! I also put this on the meat while it was on the grill, and after flipping the pork chops. 

This was perfect on top of a fresh green salad! Trying new things makes eating healthy exciting. When you can find guilt free ways to change things up, there is no reason not to eat healthy! It is about experimenting with what works for you, your lifestyle, and your body! No one is the same, but if you stay dedicated and motivated things will seem a lot easier!

Enjoy your day!
k.

Citrus Cinnamon Fruit Salad Dressing

This fruit salad has a citrus kick that keeps it fresh in the fridge for a few days! It is a great way to change the way you usually eat fruit, and it quick and easy to make! There are so many possibilities and combinations of fruit that you can enjoy it time and time again!

One of the hardest things about eating healthy is finding the time and energy to cook healthy. To make this easier I make a lot of my meals and snacks on Sunday so I am prepared for the week. I do not want to eat the same thing everyday for a week so I either make a variety, or I plan to cook again on Wednesday. On weekends I enjoy fresh meals and my favourite foods! One food that gets boring is fruit. I get tired of eating apples, bananas and kiwis day in and day out. I eat these because they are an easy grab and go snack. However, this week I made a fruit salad that stays fresh for a few days! Fruit salads tend to get soggy and brown fast. While covering them in lemon juice can fix this problem, it can overpower the flavour. Thankfully, any type of citrus juice can keep fruits fresh longer. The perfect fruit salad comes down to using the right fruits and dressings to keep things fresh.

It is finally spring and so many fresh fruits are available! I was so excited to see melons like honeydew, cantaloupe, and papaya in the produce section at the grocery store.  I stocked up on my favorite berries and melons and came home to make a salad. I used all my favorites - strawberries, blackberries, mango, kiwi, and papaya. These are what i find stay freshest in a fruit salad that you plan on eating for a few days. To keep it fresh I added a cinnamon citrus dressing for some punch!


Citrus Cinnamon Fruit Salad Dressing

The juice from one orange
1 Tbs Cinnamon
1 Tsp Honey

Pour over fruit salad and enjoy :)

Seems pretty simple right? Thats because it is! It tastes good, and gives some variety to snacks. Being healthy should be exciting and refreshing! That is one of the keys to staying motivated and excited about your success!

I hope everyone is having a good week!

k.

A Season to Reflect

Today I got the chance to take a walk around my neighborhood. It was great to get out. With all the rain this weekend everything smelled so fresh, all the trees were blooming, and the scenery that is usually brown and dead looking was green and gorgeous! I got a chance to see the city before the sunset, every time I look at the city I am blown away by the views. I guess that is what happens when you move from the flat land. I don't think looking at the view will ever get old. I noticed the trees in front of my complex were blooming. I didn't even know that there were trees in that spot! The walk gave me a chance to notice life, and reevaluate myself. It was short walk, but it gave me a chance to reflect on myself, where I am, and where I want to be.


I am trying to keep to my goal of getting in four workouts, and three yoga classes this week. With today being a holiday the gym was closed, and I missed the last yoga class because of work. Normally I would have called it a day and told myself that I will try again tomorrow. But, if I am going to commit to getting in shape I have to make it a priority to be active.  I am really happy that I decided to get off my behind and go for a walk. It gave me a chance to realize how out of shape I really am. Doing cardio in the gym is much different than walking up a mountain, or running the stairs up to the next street. Walking outside is something I am going to fit into my everyday routine. It does not take long and is refreshing.


My point here is that it does not matter how active you are, as long as you are active in some shape or form. Everything offers something different. I go to yoga to relax and refresh, I go to the gym to burn energy, release anger, or just take a break, and now I will go for walks to reflect. With the weight watchers system every thing counts. Something that seems like a big effort is an even bigger accomplishment. It may be the hardest ten minutes of your day, but eventually you will be able to do that activity for longer and longer. You can build up your strength and endurance. This will also increase your motivation because as you see your progress you wont want to go back to your old habits.

Happy Monday
k.