Chocolate Chia Pudding

March 24, 20133 Comments

Need an instant mood boost? Make this super easy, Omega 3 and protein rich pudding that is sure to put a smile on your face. Simple, delicious and healthy, what more could you want in a sweet dish.

What You Need:

1/2 cup Organic Chia Seeds

2 cups Almond-Coconut Milk

3 teaspoons (or more if you like) of cocoa powder

1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon

Grade B Maple Syrup to taste (I put 1/4 of a cup)

Banana, sliced for serving (or any fruit you like)

How You Make It:

1. Combine chia, non-dairy milk, cocoa and cinnamon in a mason jar or container. Stir until combined. Sweeten with maple syrup if desired.

2. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight for a thicker pudding like consistency).

3. Serve with fresh fruit and enjoy!

Enjoy this delicious pudding with someone you love.

Peace, love and no beef!

Guramrit

P.S. This is great for breakfast, snack or dessert.

Spring Cleaning

March 24, 2013Leave a comment

For a few months I obsessed (well, more like contemplated) over starting a juice cleanse. I have to admit, this probably started after watching Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead. If you haven’t had an opportunity to check this documentary out, you should. It will change your life. I was full of self doubt initially. I thought, “how am I going to live without FOOD for 3-days?” I LOVE FOOD. I did a ton of research on people’s reactions to juice cleanses and then ultimately decided it was time for me to cleanse.

I started this cleanse with the intention to purify, detoxify and clean my body out of winter sludge (yes, sludge- gross). I purposely chose the Spring Equinox as the ideal date to start fresh and welcome one of my favorite seasons (basically, I love every season except winter). Everyone speaks of spring cleaning and it is much more than just putting away winter clothing, planting daffodils and brightening up your living space. It is about awakening the dormant spring and summer within. Spring cleaning is the ultimate purge. And boy, did I need to purge and release the winter.

I ended up not making my own juices (waiting to purchase my dream juicer aka Jack Lallane) and going with a phenomenal company: Love Grace Foods. For $56 a day ($168 for 3 days), I got 6 juices a day (you drink 1 every 2 hours) chock full of vitamins, minerals and pure liquid healing in a bottle. Love Grace sends you the following:

1. 16 oz Purify

2. 4 oz Ginger Bomb

3. 16 oz Super Cider or Longevity Tonic

4. 16 oz Smoothie (Chocolate Superfood, Green Protein, Probiotic)

5. 16 oz Green Sunshine

6. 16 oz Restore

Initially I was anxious but more so excited. The moment my juices arrived I was practically bouncing off the walls. Yes, I get excited about the little things. I’m just a tad weird but hey, why not?

The first day I woke up ridiculously hungry. I went to the fridge thinking about steel cut oats with blueberries and walnuts but then it hit me, I’m drinking juice FOR THE NEXT THREE DAYS. I almost panicked. I know my body freaked out slightly. But I grabbed juice numero uno and nourished my body with pure green deliciousness. Though I was turned off by the cucumber (not my fave, but I know it’s good for me), the coconut water in the first juice balanced the rest of the veggies perfectly.

The rest of the first day went well but was definitely the most challenging. I felt lethargic initially. Then the benefits hit me and I was bouncing off the walls as though I had consumed 2 cups of strong coffee. The remaining two days flew right on by but were completely worth it and necessary for my body.

It was truly mind over matter. It was and is essential to be hydrated. I sipped on herbal tea, water with chlorophyll in it and kept my intention as my focus. I had a few moments of self doubt. I thought I was going to die of hunger but I simply hushed my mind and let my body know I was nourishing it with pure love.

I have never used the ladies room so much in my entire life but I know I was flushing out (literally) whatever toxins I was clinging to internally, externally, emotionally, spiritually, mentally. I took time each day to contemplate, reflect and meditate. Being in silence with myself really brought great clarity. Not only did I do something amazing for my body, I feel an immense glow surrounding me. I really feel uplifted, like my spirits were scrubbed clean.

I am truly grateful for Love Grace Foods for helping me pre-cleanse to post-cleanse. I could not have asked for a more supportive company.

Now, I am slowly introducing solid foods back into my diet. My cleanse isn’t completely over (yay- even though I really want a bagel-eek!). I am drinking smoothies, making chia pudding (recipe will be up soon) and brothy soups.

Sometimes our bodies really need to reboot, refresh and be allowed the opportunity to detoxify. I am definitely making this a monthly practice.

Please note, I do not recommend this for everyone. It is not a crash diet or a way for you to lose weight temporarily. This is for a greater benefit, overall wellbeing. Make an intention to start eating cleaner, more organic and unprocessed or unrefined foods. Treat your body as the temple it is.

YOU are divine.

Peace, love and juice!

Guramrit Khalsa

P.S. Want a little guidance with your health, diet and lifestyle? Schedule a FREE health consultation with me by emailing: khalsa.guramrit@gmail.com

From Sunday Funday Dinner to Super Leftover Meatless Monday

February 26, 2013Leave a comment

After a beautiful Sunday service at Unity of New York I began to crave something new. Yes, this is possible. I wanted to create something I haven’t created before (and add my own spin of course). After much contemplation I decided to make a veggie paella. Traditionally paella is made with seafood and poultry or other meat products but it is chock full of veggies and made with smoked paprika, short grained rice and saffron. I found a fabulous recipe on Tienda.com which I ultimately revamped and made my own to cater to the picky-ness of my household. Here is this delectable recipe:

What you need:
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 large Vidalia onion, chopped
5 cloves of garlic, smashed and minced (a lot of garlic but I LOVE GARLIC)
1 large yellow bell pepper (or any other color)
2 tablespoons of smoked paprika (or regular if you can’t find smoked)
2 zucchini, cubed
4 large ripe tomatoes, chopped (I didn’t seed or peel, I love the liquid)
1 cup chopped Tuscan kale
2 cups frozen peas
3 cups of vegetable broth/stock (keep warm)
1 cup chopped cilantro
Juice of one lemon
5-10 strands of saffron
1 1/2 cups of short grained rice (you can use arborio, bomba, brown, or calaspara rice)
Salt and pepper to taste

How you make it:
1. In a large pan (if you have a rice pan, use that) heat the oil over medium high heat. Add onion and garlic and bell pepper. Reduce heat to medium low and cook until translucent (or tender). Add smoked paprika, saffron, zucchini and tomatoes and simmer for 10 minutes (raise heat to medium for this).

2. Stir in rice and stock and bring to a boil. Lower heat back to medium low and simmer for 15-20 minutes.

3. Once most of the liquid is absorbed toss in the kale, peas, half of the cilantro and stir.

4. The paella is ready when the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender. If you like the crunchy rice at the bottom, turn up the heat to high for just about a minute. Once you smell the toasting of the rice, shut the heat, add the lemon juice and serve.

I ate this for dinner last night and tonight! I served it with fresh tomatoes and avocado today. Delish!

This is the perfect meal for Meatless Mondays!

That’s all for now lovers!

Peace, love and veggie paella,

Guramrit

Making Positive Investments

February 15, 2013November 13, 2014Leave a comment

“Everything we do is an investment of who we think we are.” These words strongly resonated with me as listened to the minister at Unity of New York speak this past Sunday. I got lost in this one sentence (literally got lost because I was completely absorbed into this thought provoking statement). As I thought on the things I do, what I spend money on and who I spent time with, I wondered how that reflected my vision of who I am.

As you all know I’m an advocate for organic, whole, healthy and nutritious living. Part of living a whole and healthy life is taking care of you besides those foods you put on your plate. There are multiple sources of energy and nourishment besides those which modern nutrition provides. This is what Integrative Nutrition calls: Primary Food. Each element, each part of our lives are interconnected. It truly is a great circle of life. Everything we do impacts another aspect of our life determining where and how we seek out nourishment. For example: If there is discontent in our home life or relationships we may seek to find nourishment (for that which is lacking) through food (emotional eating). I know I literally feel “sick to my stomach” if I am overcome with negative emotion. Taking a moment to focus on spirituality, relationships and the things I invest in provides a grand perspective.

After Sunday’s service I really have stopped to think about the things I devote my time and energy to. I think on those moments when I spend precious energy on being angry or negative (which is rare, since I try to be as optimistic and positive as possible). So does the energy I waste on negativity reflect a negative view of myself? I find myself to be a pretty positive person. I must admit acknowledging that where I devote my energy reflects who I think I am, made me a little upset. I wanted to avoid thinking that the vision of myself isn’t always reflected through the things I invest in. But we are all victim to succumbing to those moments of darkness. It doesn’t mean we will get stuck there. Or at least I don’t allow myself to get stuck there. I know that I value myself highly enough to remove myself from a faulty investment.

Think of your life as a stock market and you are a trader or a business woman/man. Everything in life is a stock. There are many options from who you choose to be friends with, the restaurants you go out to eat at, your hobbies, your attitudes and feelings. Whatever you invest in either brings you great benefit or can ultimately lead in a crash. Your life is a reflection of your choices. Sure, there are many things out of our control, part of the journey’s we decided to embark upon prior to being born. Yet there are SO many things within our grasp that are waiting to be chosen. I have chosen an organic, wholesome and clean lifestyle with a vegan diet. I value myself and my body so I only invest in what makes me feel the best. Why treat yourself or make investments in things that won’t uplift or empower you? I make a conscious effort to take care of myself and put the most productive and supportive investments first. In my weakest moments and my moments of shadow, I hope to choose only those things which uplift my vision of myself.

I wish you choose similarly for yourself. Choose the most productive investments. Let your life reflect a pure, wholesome, happy and healthy life.

Fab Dinner Ideas for Busy People

February 11, 2013Leave a comment

Hey there lovely readers!

I hope my fellow Northeast peeps are safe and warm from this past weekends snow storm. Luckily the Bronx did not get too effected. I have definitely dealt with worse in Syracuse. I remember tropping it to class in nearly 5 feet of snow. Now just imagine my 5 foot 2 inch self walking in snow nearly as tall as I am. Crazy right?

As I sit here on this lovely Sunday evening I have become inspired to leave you lovely peeps with some potential dinner recipes for the week! These are super easy and delish. You can whip these up in NO time.

Recipe 1: Veggie Pasta Salad with garlic & olive oil sautéed asparagus and bruschetta.

What you need:
(For Pasta Salad)
1 bag of vegetable pasta (available at Trader Joes), cooked to al dente and cooled. Set aside.
1 cup cooked broccoli (I prefer to sauté with garlic & olive oil until tender but with a nice bite to it)
1 cup sautéed spinach (sauté with broccoli)
1 cup sautéed kale
1 vine ripe tomato, diced (or a handful of baby heirloom tomatoes cut in half)
1/4 cup sundried tomatoes (NOT in oil. You can get them in a bag from Trader Joes!)
1/2 cup frozen peas, defrosted
2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons of Italian dressing
Salt and pepper to taste

(For sautéed asparagus)
1 bunch of asparagus, stems trimmed
1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil
2 cloves of garlic, smashed and chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

(For Bruschetta)
1 French baguette (or ciabatta bread), cut into one inch slices at an angle
2 tablespoons Extra virgin olive oil (plus more to add to drizzle on bread)
2 cloves of garlic (for rubbing on hot bread)
2 large beefsteak tomatoes (I used multiple colors for visual pleasure)
1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar
1/2 cup freshly chopped basil

How to make it:
1. Combine all ingredients for pasta salad. Set in fridge until serving time to allow for flavors to combine. Feel free to use any extra fresh basil as garnish.

2. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. On a baking sheet, place slices of baguette. Drizzle olive oil and sprinkle salt and pepper. Put in oven for 8 minutes or until slightly brown. Let cool for a few minutes before rubbing garlic cloves on the bread.

3. Prepare tomato mixture. Combine tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, vinegar and salt and pepper. Toss in basil. Let sit aside until bread has cooled completely. (Note: sometimes I just LOVE adding diced shallot into this. Not very traditional but I love the extra crunch component).

4. Sauté asparagus in a skillet. Sauté until bright green. Do not over cook. The crunch really makes asparagus fab!

Recipe 2: Baked Purple Potatoes with roasted Brussel sprouts and Gardein Vegan Chicken Patties

What you need:
4 purple potatoes (or any other potato you like)
1 bag of Brussel sprouts, halved (the steam in a bag sprouts work great)
1/2 cup unsweetened dried cranberries
2 tablespoons grade A/B pure maple syrup
1/2 cup slivered chopped almonds
1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil
1 bag Gardein zesty marinara vegan chicken cutlets (prepare according to package)
**Tip: prepare vegan chicken in a skillet with two teaspoons of olive oil. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder and any dried herbs for extra flavor and a crunchy exterior**
Vegan butter, sea salt, pepper for flavor

How you make it:
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In the mean time prep your veggies. Wash the purple potatoes. Drizzle olive oil or rub vegan butter on the potatoes and sprinkle sea salt on the potatoes. Wrap potatoes individually in aluminum foil. Place in oven and cook until you can poke a fork in the potatoes.

2. On a baking sheet, arrange Brussel sprouts and drizzle olive oil and sprinkle with a small amount of sea salt. Place in oven when potatoes are half way done (after about 10-15 minutes). After about 5-8 minutes, remove baking sheet, drizzle maple syrup and scatter the cranberries. Cook until golden and slightly tender. NOTE: Do NOT over cook these. That’s what gives the sprouts an awful smell. After about 5-6 more minutes of cooking they should be done but this depends on your oven. Eyeball them.

3.Once golden, let Brussel sprouts cool and toss almonds with the sprouts and cranberries.

4. Prepare Gardein patties according to package instructions and my yummy tip. 😉

Recipe 3: Vegan Taco Tuesday/Thursday/Any ol’ day

What you need:
1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 leek, washed and sliced
2 cloves of garlic
Extra virgin olive oil
Cumin, garlic powder, sea salt and pepper to taste
Homemade guacamole (see my recipe here: http://goo.gl/PvxEX)
Your favorite salsa (I love Trader Joes Pico De Gallo)
Spinach, Tomatoes, Jalapeños, Red Onion diced (all your choice)
Whole wheat whole grain tortillas

How you make it:
1. In a sauce pan, over medium heat, sauté leeks with olive oil and garlic. Let leeks become translucent. Once translucent add black beans. Season with cumin, black pepper, sea salt and more garlic (if you’re a garlic lover like I am). Turn heat to low and let cook for 5 more minutes.

2. While beans are cooking, prepare guacamole, chop other veggies for taco assembly and set aside.

3. Warm tortillas in a skillet. Remove warm tortilla and place on plate and begin assembling tacos!