Satisfying Snacking

May 2, 2014May 2, 2014Leave a comment

I’m the type of person who gets HANGRY. Like, I get the serious case of the grumpies when I don’t eat something. I try my best to pack snacks or keep something on hand for those moments when I can’t get to the munching. When I’m out, especially with people who aren’t vegan or gluten free, it can be a struggle. I mean, who really wants to go out for tempeh tacos besides me? But thankfully I am slowly discovering new snacks that I can keep stashed in my purse or work drawer for those moments when I really need to gnaw on something delicious AND nutritious.

I was recently given the AMAZING opportunity to check out Vega’s brand new Vega Bars thanks to the ladies over at FitApproach. I don’t know about you but I’m not a huge fan of these mainstream meal replacement, protein or snack bars. Lately, it’s just all processed crap and usually has gluten or dairy which is totally unfair to me. Why in the world would I want to sacrifice my amazing stomach and healthy gut for something that doesn’t taste that great either?!

I was pleasantly surprised by the awesomeness of Vega’s brand new bars (meal replacement, snack, energy and protein). I have to admit my favorite was the Snack Bar: Dark Chocolate Mixed Nuts and Sea Salt (for obvious reasons- I’m a chocoholic and I LOVE the combo of sea salt and chocolate).

Photo credit: FitApproach & Vega Bars

One thing I am not fond of for most “health food” bars is the granular texture and the amount of added sweeteners. These particular bars had a great texture, were very tasty but they did have agave (which is fructose. I do wish they used coconut sugar or even just nixed the sugar, we don’t need that!) and at most had a whopping 19 grams of sugar per bar. Thankfully the snack bars weren’t loaded with sugar and had at most 8 grams. I probably won’t go for the Vega Sport (protein or energy) bars because of the sugar content.

I really appreciate that Vega really focuses on adding greens, Omega 3’s, plant based protein and good flavors to these bars. The variety was absolutely delicious even though I didn’t eat the peanut butter flavor (allergic-yikes). I don’t advocate replacing your meals with these bars as a weight loss regimen or a diet. If you’re looking to nibble and just want a nutritious snack, these are a great option. I would really stick with a diet that’s rich in REAL, whole, nutritious foods- think veggies, fruits, whole grains (if you do grains), healthy fats, cut back on sugar and generously consume green smoothies. Overall, I really enjoyed these bars and hope you give them a try to see how you feel after eating them.

Have you tried a Vega Bar in the past?

What are your thoughts?

Peace, love and NO Beef!

Guramrit

Food for the Soul – Bid Adieu to STRESS

April 29, 2014April 29, 2014Leave a comment

There are some days when I take a look at my to-do list and really wonder if even half of it is doable. My knee jerk reaction is panic. My heart beats rapidly, my stomach cramps, and I start thinking about anything other than the tasks at hand. Yeah, a little procrastination happens, let’s be real. No matter how much I plan, and I’m the queen of planners and calendars, I can’t seem to avoid a momentary panic. But what good would I be or how effective can I possibly be when I am under stress? Some people can function under pressure, in fact it’s when they shine, but that’s really not beneficial for my health – think raised cortisol levels and comfort food. Shoveling spoonfuls of coconut ice cream into my mouth while wallowing in self pity. I don’t want that. None of us do. We all want to feel as relaxed as possible.

Read the entire post here.

Fiesta Tacos with Tempeh

April 16, 2014April 16, 2014Leave a comment

I looooove tacos. Seriously. I love tacos. I love Mexican food in general. Actually, I think I just love food. If I could just go around tasting food all day I would not only be a big roly poly, I would be a very happy pudgy person.

It just so happened to be a Tuesday (hello, Taco Tuesday) and I had a craving. I also had a ton of tempeh hiding in my fridge in an attempt to fall madly in love with tempeh (I think it might be working). These tacos were the love child of the ingredients in my fridge, my obnoxious craving for tacos and a lovely spring day.

It’s okay, you can start salivating now. I promise I won’t judge you. These tacos are THAT good.

What You Need:

For the Tempeh

1 package of Organic Three Grain Tempeh (check out Lightlife), sliced into thin strips

3 cloves of garlic, crushed

2 limes, juiced (and zest)

3 tbs extra virgin olive oil

3 tsp chili powder

2 tsp cumin powder

2 tsp Himalayan Pink Salt or Sea Salt

For the Slaw

1/2 package of broccoli slaw mix (or coleslaw mix from your grocery store)

1 lime, juiced

2 tbs diced pickled jalapenos (or you can also use fresh)

1 tbs extra virgin olive oil

Sea salt and black pepper to taste

For Taco Assembly

Gluten Free Corn Tortillas

Toppings: Avocado, Tomato, Cilantro, Salsa or more lime

How You Make it:

Create the marinade for the tempeh by combining the lime, olive oil, garlic, spices in a bowl. Cover the sliced tempeh completely with this marinade and let sit for 30 minutes to 1 hour (the longer it marinades, the better tasting your tempeh).
While the tempeh marinates, make the slaw by combining the slaw mix with the pickled jalapenos, salt, pepper, lime juice and olive oil. Let sit for 20 minutes.
After your tempeh is fully marinated, warm up a cast iron skillet on high heat. Once hot, lower to medium-high heat and add the strips of tempeh. Cook until golden brown on both sides.
Assemble your tacos! Grab a couple of corn tortillas (you can warm on the stove, microwave, oven-however you like), add 3 slices of tempeh per tortilla, top with slaw and your favorite toppings. I love avocado, tomato and cilantro.

There is nothing more satisfying than a delicious taco and a simple meal on a weeknight.

What are your favorite Taco Tuesday recipes? I’d love to know!

Peace, love and NO beef!

Guramrit

Sexy Kale Salad

April 2, 2014April 2, 20141 Comment

Spring is all about getting sexy for summer time. What better way to prepare your body for warmer weather than a light and delicious salad? I thoroughly enjoy eating a light yet filling salad. You can really jazz up a salad with a few change of ingredients, mixing up your greens and trying different dressings to tickle your taste buds.

Earlier this month, I visited Dr. Andrew Weil’s restaurant, True Foods in Newport Beach, CA. I am a huge fan of Dr. Weil and his anti-inflammatory diet. His recipes are mouthwatering and absolutely fabulous. Even my boyfriend who is not a big green juice drinker, tried a kale-aid (kale, apple, cucumber, lemon & ginger juice). He scarfed down the street tacos (check them out, small, fresh and absolutely divine for the carnivore you love). I ordered his kale crunch salad with avocado, grapefruit, kale, cabbage, watercress, almond and radish with a chili garlic dressing. I could NOT get over how incredible this salad was. I really have not ever tasted a salad this phenomenal. The moment I got home I HAD to recreate this salad.

For you lovers of kale, try this salad for your next meal. I guarantee you will be craving this salad.

What You Need:

For the Salad

1 bag or bunch of Tuscan kale (you can get a bag of organic Tuscan kale from Trader Joes), chopped
1 tbsp organic extra virgin olive oil
1 cup of radishes, sliced
1 red grapefruit, sectioned (skin removed)
1 blood orange, sectioned (skin removed)
1 avocado, sliced
1/2 cup slivered almonds

For the Dressing

3 tbsp organic extra virgin olive oil
1 clove of garlic, minced
1 scallion, chopped
Juice of one lime
1 tbsp Sriracha (or more to taste)
1 tsp red chili flakes
Sea salt to taste

How You Make It:

Add kale to a large bowl. Drizzle in one tablespoon of olive oil and begin to massage the olive oil into the kale with your hands. Continue to massage until the kale has wilted and slightly darkened (this will remove the bitterness of the kale and bring out the amazing nutrients in this perfect green).
Toss in the rest of the ingredients for the salad. Let sit for a few minutes while you whip up the dressing.
In a small bowl, mix together the ingredients for the dressing. Season with sea salt or a little extra sriracha if you like!
Serve with a little extra slivered almonds for garnish.

Enjoy getting sexy for summer!

Peace, love and NO beef!

Guramrit

Why I Loved My Juice Cleanse with Juice Press

March 30, 2014Leave a comment

Happy Sunday beautiful friends. I am overjoyed and filled with immense energy after the best juice cleanse I have ever done. Spring to me is always a time to cleanse and reset. Especially after the winter we had, I really needed some detoxification. I enjoy juice cleansing because of the break it gives my digestive system. It helps me recognize my emotional attachment to foods and points out some of the cravings I have. I don’t juice cleanse to lose weight even though many people do lose weight when they juice for an extended period of time. I cleanse for the sake of treating my body good. I love giving my body some much needed nutrients and taking time to really rest. Trust me I took time to get my full 8 hours and put my needs first. We ALL need to do that from time to time, if not ALL the time.

This month I started a new job and was introduced to Juice Press. It is a raw juice and smoothie bar of the future (their words). And I am all for their mission. During my lunch hour I wandered over to Juice Press and tried one of their green juices. Actually, I tried quite a few things. They have a fridge full of samples. AMAZING. You can win me over any day with free samples.

I brought home a menu and decided to embark on amazing juice journey with my mom. I have done two other juice cleanses before with Love Grace Foods and The Squeeze Truck and even did the Dr. Oz cleanse with smoothies. I knew the drill and mentally prepare myself to feel complete hungry and possibly a few mood swings.

Day 1

I woke up energized and ready to take on my day. The first juice was a grapefruit, orange and lemon. It was tart, tangy and citrusy. LOVED it. I went through my day not feeling a bit hungry. Shocking! I was anticipating day 1 to be my worst day because that was my experience the last time. Each and every juice was nutrient filled, well thought out, delicious and kept me full. I really didn’t even miss food. I almost didn’t finish one of my juices since I was so full off my juices. The only one I really wasn’t fond of was “Good Weed” with filtered water, hemp seeds, tahini, coconut sugar, cinnamon, vanilla and sea salt. I really could not take the intense flavor of the tahini even though my favorite go to dressing contains tahini. I got used to it by the third day but it really was my least favorite of the 6 juices I had throughout the day.

Day 2

I woke up incredibly groggy, convinced I wouldn’t make it through the day. Can I have my dirty soy chai latte, please? After the first two juices I got a little pep in my step and seemed to function. No real signs of hunger. My skin looks great. I’m just going to the bathroom to pee every 30 minutes.

Day 3

Can I do this for 2 days more? I LOVE how I feel right now! I feel light, clean, clear and completely NOT bloated! I hate feeling bloated. I love feeling completely empty yet satisfied at the same time.

Even though I am gradually adjusting back to normal eating, I am very impressed with Juice Press and their well thought out cleanses. Not only that but their selection of salads, raw desserts and even breakfast items are to die for. I picked up their chia seed pudding and acai superfood bowl as easy post cleanse meals and fell deeper in love with Juice Press. Seriously? What can’t you guys do?!