Energize Your Life With Me on Wed, June 12th!

When life starts to feel like this...



But you'd prefer it feel like this...



Join me for a workshop on Eating for Energy next Wednesday, June 12th from 7-8 pm at Freshmade NYC!

I will reveal ALL my energy secrets and when you leave, I promise you'll feel rejuvenated and alive.

Kinda like...



To register, click here:

Can't wait to see your beautiful faces!

Energy Issues?: Don't Let the Dreaded Head Bob Happen To You!

Image via examiner.com

Allow me to set the scene... your alarm goes off. It's early. That horrible sound makes your head throb and your body cringe from head to toe. You slap your phone to "snooze" with an angry determination, milking all you can get out of the next 10 minutes before reality hits.

And hit it does.

Hard.

You barely make it out the door with your teeth brushed, much less having had breakfast. You grab a bagel on the way to work, chug a large coffee from Starbuck's and simultaneously put your mascara on... while driving.

While you may be a superb multitasker, you are also one big whirlwind of exhaustion.

Does it have to be this way? 

Must every morning feel like a scene out of Groundhog Day? 

Do you have to live in fear of the dreaded mid-afternoon head bob as you struggle to stay awake after lunch? 

The answer, my friends, is NO! 

Energy is not as elusive as you may assume. In fact, it's under YOUR control!

Take the first step in silencing exhaustion by signing up for my "Eating for Energy Workshop" next week on Wednesday, June 12th from 7-8 pm at Freshmade NYC! In just one hour, you will learn easy ways to infuse your life with vitality - from the foods you eat to the way you sleep. We'll even get a little messy in the kitchen as we learn how to make quick and easy dishes to fuel your day!

Join me next Wednesday and take a proactive step towards health and happiness!

To sign up, click the "Buy Now" button below. I can't wait to meet you!

Eating for Energy Workshop Registration!

There are only a few more weeks left to sign up for my workshop 'Eating for Energy' in New York City on Wednesday, June 12th! We will be discussing the hidden 'energy zappers' in your life, exploring ways to nourish your body and mind through food (you get to taste test too!) and discussing the minor changes you can make to fuel your busy life! If you are always burning the candle at both ends, this workshop is for you!

WHERE? Freshmade NYC, 636 Broadway (at Bleecker Street), Suite 516

WHEN? Wednesday, June 12th from 7-8 pm

HOW MUCH? $35

Click here to reserve your spot! I can't wait to see you!

Beat Your Fatigue Naturally: Eating for Energy!

Hello, lovely readers! 

I know it's a bit early, but I'm just so excited that I can't keep it to myself. I'd like to invite you to join me for my next workshop, 'Eating for Energy', in New York City this June! If you feel like you're always burning the candle at both ends, I am down on my knees begging you to give this gift to yourself (don't make me beg). We will be discussing the hidden 'energy zappers' in your life, exploring ways to nourish your body and mind through food (you get to taste test too!) and discussing the minor changes you can make to fuel your busy life!

WHERE? Freshmade NYC, 636 Broadway (at Bleecker Street), Suite 516

WHEN? Wednesday, June 12th from 7-8 pm

HOW MUCH? $35

Click here to reserve your spot! I can't wait to see you!

Introducing.... My New Website and Blog Design!

Image via samburke.wordpress.com

I got a makeover, friends! Isn't it just a beauty?

But that's not all... there's more good news to share. I am now open for business! As you may know, I've been studying at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, and starting today, I am available for personal health coaching.

You've never heard of health coaching?

Well, you're in for a treat. Health coaching is a fairly new field that's been gaining lots of attention recently in the media as the newest trend in healthcare. A health coach is a holistic wellness authority who actively helps clients achieve their health (and life) goals by providing coaching, support and resources.

Health coaching is for all types of people, whether you feel healthy or not. It provides a safe place for you to identify your health and life goals and work with someone to achieve those goals. Whether you are dealing with food concerns, weight loss issues, increased stress, lack of sleep, new food allergies, or anything else,  working with a health coach can give you a fresh perspective on your individual situation, as well as unlimited support and attention.

I am providing my services in two ways - either in person in the New York City area OR by phone or Skype. To learn more about health coaching, click here. And if you'd just like to get to know me better, you can read about my journey here!

Oh... and how could I forget? I will be doing a workshop on 'Eating for Energy' in New York City on Tuesday, June 4th from 7-8 pm at Freshmade NYC. If you feel like you are always burning the candle at both ends, this class is for you! I will be sharing simple recipes for increasing your energy, fueling your workouts and ensuring better sleep. To sign up, click here!

Now that we've covered all the bases, take a cruise around the new site! My health coaching site is located at www.strictlynutritious.com, while my blog has moved to www.strictlynutritious.blogspot.com.

And if you're really feeling generous, 'Like' me on Facebook or follow me on Twitter!

Many thanks to my exceptionally talented website designer Sharon over at Redbud Designs and my amazing photographer Linda Peters (@lpetersny). They were both a pleasure to work with and I HIGHLY recommend their services!

Snack Attack: Quinoa Tabbouleh!

Image via examiner.com

Are you ready for this week's installment of the Snack Attack? I'm a big fan of Mediterranean food, and when I think 'Mediterranean', I think tabbouleh! Tabbouleh is a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine. If you've only had tabbouleh at a restaurant or bought it pre-made from the grocery store, then you better sit down because this tabbouleh will blow your mind! 

This recipe for Quinoa Tabbouleh is another one of my favorites from Ella Nemcova's 'Cleanse Cooking Class' at Freshmade NYC. It's great because it has a variety of ingredients that all have excellent nutritional benefits. Here's just a preview of some of the main ingredients...

QUINOA - Quinoa is an excellent source of plant-based protein (and it's a complete protein, meaning it contains ALL 9 essential amino acids!).

TOMATOES - The lycopene in tomatoes acts as an antioxidant in the blood, reducing the risk of heart disease.

CUCUMBERS - The extensive variety of antioxidants in cucumbers fight cancer-causing free radicals, while also fighting inflammation throughout the body.

PARSLEY - The volatile oils in parsley have been shown to inhibit tumor growth in animal studies, especially tumors in the lungs.

MINT - Mint acts as a digestive aid, while also cleansing the blood.

Are you ready to make some tabbouleh? Here we go!

Cook 1 cup of quinoa according to package directions (or check out my instructions here). 

It should look nice and fluffy when you're done. 

While the quinoa is cooking, chop everything else up - 2 large tomatoes (diced), 2 seedless cucumbers (diced), 2 bunches of scallions (chopped), 1 bunch of parsley (chopped), 1/2 cup of fresh mint leaves (chopped), 2 lemons (sliced in half) and...

...1 clove of garlic, crushed or pounded with salt. Sprinkle sea salt on the garlic and use the side of your knife to press down on the garlic repeatedly, creating a paste.

In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked quinoa, tomatoes, cucumbers, scallions, parsley, mint and garlic. Mix in approximately 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil.

Now squeeze the lemons in.

Grab your seasonings... sea salt and black pepper (to taste) and 1 Tbs. dulse flakes (optional). FYI: Dulse is a type of seaweed. Sprinkling the flakes on your food provides you with an additional source of protein, vitamins and minerals. You won't even taste it in this dish!

Mix everything together...

...and serve with your favorite pita chips (or make them homemade with my recipe here).

Snack Attack: Spicy Baked Chickpeas!

Image via flickr.com

In honor of full-disclosure, I should tell you a few things...

1) No matter how health-conscious I become, I will never say 'no' to a good snack.

2) If I ever have the pleasure of being invited to your home, I WILL (no doubt about it) sneak a peek inside your pantry to assess your 'snack factor'. 

3) If your snacks are savory, kiss them goodbye.

4) If they are sweet, breathe a sigh of relief. You're in the clear.

5) I consider a person's 'snack factor' very important when choosing a mate... and you should too!

It's pretty clear I love to snack. I can barely get through the hugs and hello's when I go home to see my parents without making a beeline for the pantry to see what's up. It's shameful but true (right, mom?). So since February is all about the   L-O-V-E and snacks are my one true culinary love, why not spend the month featuring my favorite healthy treats?

Last week, I went back for more of Ella Nemcova's 'Cleanse Cooking Class' at Freshmade NYC. We started things off with her recipe for Spicy Baked Chickpeas. This snack is reminiscent of munching on a handful of your favorite nuts, without the high fat content! Chickpeas (or garbanzo beans) are a great source of protein. Just 1 cup provides you with 30% of your daily requirement! In addition to protein, chickpeas are packed with fiber, antioxidants, potassium (for heart and kidney health) and thiamin (for brain health and mood regulation). Could this snack be any more impressive?!?

The onset of Blizzard Nemo last weekend left me with all the time in the world to try making them on my own. Did I forget to mention that they're SUPER EASY too?

Here's the play-by-play...

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees and arrange a rack in the middle of the oven. You'll need 2 cans of chickpeas (again, chickpeas, garbanzo beans... same thing) and extra-virgin olive oil (try to use the good stuff)!

Drain and rinse your chickpeas well. Then pat them dry with a paper towel or clean dishrag and throw them in a large mixing bowl.

Add 2 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil.

Sprinkle with 1 tsp. ground cumin, 1 tsp. chili powder, 1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper and 1/2 tsp. sea salt. Mix well to evenly coat.

Place the chickpeas in an even layer on an ungreased baking sheet...

...and bake 30-40 minutes until crisp. Just watch carefully at the end so they don't burn!

Look at that beautiful snack! This basic recipe has endless possibilities! Next time I'm making a sweet version!

Snack away, my friends! There's no shame in THIS snack!

Join the Cleanse Cooking Class: This Wednesday, February 6th!

One more thing! If you would like to attend Ella Nemcova's last class of The Ellavation Cleanse Cooking Series this Wednesday, February 6th at 6:30 pm at Freshmade NYC, please call Cara at 212-475-0500 or email info@freshmadenyc.com. There are a few spots left!

This class will cover snacks, smoothies and other gentle sweets you can eat while detoxing!

Ellavation Cleanse recipes are based on the principles of the elimination diet. Ellavation is easy to do; no starvation, no fasting and no gimmicks. The recipes feature only real food, and best of all, these recipes are delicious, so you'll want to incorporate these body-changing secrets into your lifestyle for good.

About Ella: After spending a year traveling to over 30 countries, Ella Nemcova, a Certified Holistic Health Counselor, honed her global palate and paired it with her passion for nutritious foods. The result? Her fabulous plant-strong catering and fine foods company, Regal Vegan Inc., which is currently enjoying success with their signature product: Faux Gras™ and their newest sensation, Basilicotta™ - an herb-infused cashew cheese. Ella is a whiz at finding the magic balance between decadent food and holistic nutrition. Through both her product line and her cooking classes, Ella creates incredible food that delights, heals, and inspires people to live more uncompromisingly healthier lives.

Classes are held at:

Freshmade NYC

636 Broadway, 5th Floor, Suite 516

(btw. Bleecker and Houston)

Plant-Based Protein: Quinoa Aduki Bean Pilaf with Chimichurri Sauce

Image via topics.nytimes.com

How have I never written on quinoa? Who am I? I apologize. It's one of the greatest foods ever! - so much so that even the United Nations has declared 2013 the 'International Year of Quinoa'. You can eat quinoa for breakfast, lunch or dinner... as a savory snack or sweet dessert... on a train, plane, or bus (you get the idea)!

So... if you can find it in your heart to forgive me for withholding such a gem, I will now make it up to you!

Quinoa (pronounced KEEN-wah) originated in the Andes and was domesticated about 4,000 years ago. You might think it's a grain, but don't be fooled. It's actually a chenopod, closely related to spinach and my best friend, the beet. But real identity aside, quinoa makes a great addition to your diet, especially if you're trying to wean yourself off refined grains like white rice OR if you're going gluten-free. Quinoa can easily be substituted in a stir-fry or other exotic dish calling for rice. You can even sprinkle some over your salad or make a breakfast 'oatmeal' with quinoa instead of oats! The options are endless.

Image via esperanca.org

Here's why you should work quinoa into your diet...

PROTEIN - Quinoa is a complete protein, meaning it contains all 9 essential amino acids. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein, which is needed for building and repairing muscles, tissues and organs. Protein is also instrumental for hormone production and fluid balance.

FIBER - Quinoa has almost double the amount of fiber found in grains. Fiber helps regulate blood sugar, reduces blood pressure, lowers cholesterol, aids in digestion and keeps you full longer! If you're trying to lose weight, fiber is your best friend. 

ANTIOXIDANTS - The antioxidants in quinoa work to prevent damage to cell mitochondria during energy production, while also protecting cells from cancer-causing free radicals.

IRON - Looks like red meat's not the only place you can get your iron! Quinoa is right up there too! Iron keeps your red blood cells healthy, supplies your muscles with oxygen and also increases your brain function. 

Last week I dropped in for the third class in a 4-week series on 'Cooking to Cleanse' at Freshmade NYC. During this grains-focused class, Chef Ella taught us simple techniques for cooking grains and incorporating them into our whole foods cleanse. One of my class favorites was the Quinoa Aduki Bean Pilaf with Chimichurri Sauce. While you most frequently find chimichurri topping a big, fat steak, it was surprisingly satisfying on the quinoa! (cross my heart, hope to die... I wouldn't lie to you).

Please note that I added shrimp to mine, but the rest of the recipe is true to the original form. Here's a play-by-play of Ella's recipe...

Grab your chimichurri ingredients: 1 bunch of organic cilantro and 1/2 bunch of organic parsley (washed, de-stemmed and chopped), 1 clove of garlic, 1 lime, 1/4 cup of good quality extra virgin olive oil, and 1/2-1 tsp of sea salt.

Mince the garlic, then lay the knife on top of the garlic and use your fingers to push the knife against the pieces,
making a softer paste or gel.

In a food processor or blender, combine the parsley, cilantro, garlic, and the juice of 1 lime.

Now add the olive oil, salt and 2 Tbs. of water. 

Process until you have a smooth, light green sauce. If it's still chunky, add a bit more water or olive oil to taste.

It should look just like this!

Now grab the rest of your ingredients... organic quinoa, a can of aduki beans, grapeseed oil or olive oil, half a lime, sea salt and shrimp. In a large saucepan, boil 2 cups of water.

In a saucepan over medium heat, toast 1 cup of quinoa (rinsed). This will only take about 3 minutes or so. You'll see the quinoa turn slightly brown as it starts to smell nutty. At this point, add the quinoa to the boiling water and cover. Cook for 15 minutes until the water is absorbed (the trick is to never peak... keep the lid on until your timer goes off).

Meanwhile, saute your shrimp in 1-2 Tbs. of grapeseed or olive oil. As they cook, squeeze the juice of half a lime on top and salt and pepper to taste.

You'll know your quinoa is done when it looks nice and fluffy like this and all the water has been absorbed!

In a large mixing bowl, combine the quinoa, 1 can of aduki beans (drained) and the chimichurri sauce.

Mix well and top with the shrimp. You might even want to grab some hot sauce for your South of the Border fiesta!