ROASTED FIG AND ARUGULA SALAD

"COOKING IS LOVE MADE VISIBLE"

This time of year gets me back into the kitchen roasting. A nice merge of roasted figs over a fresh bed of arugula with a garnish or toasted pine nuts and goat cheese is a gentle ease into the flavors of fall.  Deeelicious!

Did you know that fig leaves were made into clothing for Adam and Eve in the story of the Garden of Eden?  Not only that, historically figs have been considered a potent aphrodisiac.  

I don't know about you, but I'll take some! Part of the mulberry family, these succulent little fruits are full of a healthy sweet flavor full of good fiber and trace minerals such as magnesium, copper, potassium and calcium.  

Also, take note:  Figs get more nutritionally dense when dried (say what?). Feel free to snack on them dried with your favorite nut or seed.

Enjoy this delicious late summer salad.

HARVEST STYLE ZUCCHINI BOATS

HELLO LATE SUMMER HARVEST!

Now you have another yummy recipe to eat up all those garden zucchinis. This one is a fun compilation of spicy Mexican flavors meets vegan cheese sauce. Even if you are friendly with dairy, trust me this nutritional yeast based delight is worth checking out. (So good!)
 

A wonderful source of vitamin B12, Nutritional yeast is a deactivated yeast (often a strain of saccharomyces cerevisiae) that makes a great sprinkle on any meal, a topping on your bowl of popcorn or a delicious cheesy sauce.  

This recipe blends delicious roasted chilies, peppers, black beans and zucchini all tied together with a tasty sauce.

Recipe Credit :: Boulder Nutrition Team Member Alana Quatro
Photo Credit :: Boulder Team Member Kristine Mahan

MELT IN YOUR MOUTH MATCHA-ROONS

These nutritious and delicious cookies make for a perfect treat to enjoy at any time of day! 

With the perfect balance of coconut and matcha (powdered unoxidized green tea leaves) along with a satisfyingly crunchy texture, these are sure to fill all your sweet tooth cravings!

FUN FACT: Matcha is packed with antioxidants, boosts your metabolism, detoxifies your body, and relaxes your mind! It is delicious made in tea and many foods! 

This quick and easy recipe will provide a yummy snack for everyone to enjoy! 

{GRAIN-FREE} HEMP HEART TABBOULEH

This dish could not be more simple to throw together for a deliciously filling side or snack. 

Grain-free and healthful, your body will happily digest every nutrient packed into this appetizing tabbouleh! 

Most tabbouleh recipe's are made with a base of bulgur wheat, but swapping that grain for hemp hearts adds protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and lots of fiber to this yummy dish! 

Next time you are looking for a creative new side dish to accompany a meal, search no further than this easy and satisfying tabbouleh! 

KALE PESTO CAULIFLOWER PIZZA

"If cauliflower can somehow become pizza... you, my friend can do anything"
 

 

WANT TO MIX THINGS UP A LITTLE? try mixing things up with a pizza night! 

Guilt free cauliflower pizza is always a fan favorite! Everyone can choose their favorite toppings, and make individual pizzas, or share with friends! 

Grab some pre-made cauliflower crusts (our favorites are TraderJoe's brand, also available on Amazon), plenty of your favorite seasonal veggies, and any other fun toppings! 

Whether you are making these pizzas with a crowd or just to enjoy alone, this meal is sure to be a big hit!

{Paleo, ketogenic and plant-based and vegan friendly.}

ZUCCHINI COLLAGEN JOHNNYCAKES

"If you have a garden, you have a library of everything you need."

Oh those summer garden zucchinis can be just so yummy in so many different ways...but wait until you try these!!  Savory, scrumptious and so full of goodness. A little extra collagen peptides added in to these delicious cakes and your skin, nails and digestion will thank you. 

Zucchini is a nutrient dense, hydrating and versatile veggie that is chock full of potassium, vitamin C,  manganese and many other phytonutrients and antioxidant. Zucchini is also low glycemic and highly anti-inflammatory.  Add a little collagen powder (available at your local health food store) and you are gearing up for a great dish!

SPRING SUN-SATIONAL SALAD WITH CREAMY BEET DRESSING

This deliciously vibrant beet dressing is the ideal topping to any salad!

An exciting new dressing is the best way to spice up your basic everyday salad! With a perfectly creamy consistency that everyone can love, enjoy this a big beautiful salad with any meal! 

Fun fact: Eating more beets is a great way to boost your immune system, and antioxidant levels while maintaining healthy blood pressure, nerve and muscle function! 

Brighten up your salads with these colorful, healthful, and perfectly textured ingredients.

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY HUMMUS

No matter what your Memorial Day weekend plans are, this hummus is bound to be a hit with any crowd! 

Memorial Day weekend is usually spent basking in the healing summer sunshine. Whoever you decide to spend this holiday with, there will surely be a need for plenty of snacks to enjoy outdoors. This perfectly creamy and filling hummus is the ideal snack to dig in with everyone! 

Chickpeas are a great source of plant based protein. Matched with healthy fats from the oil, nutritious garlic, and loads of vitamin C from lemon, this hummus is the perfectly nourishing and yummy spread that everyone can relish. 

Be sure to take note of our special secret ingredient: chickpea water! This liquid, also known as aquafaba, is the upcoming trend especially in the vegan community. It is commonly used as a binder substitute for eggs in baking. It is the perfect ingredient to make this hummus as creamy as desired. 

No need to stress over what food to bring to your weekend get together! Look no further than this delicious dip that is sure to be a hit! 

LAVENDER LEMONADE {MONKFRUIT} MOCKTAIL

Not all summer drinks have to be filled with processed sugary sweeteners! Mix up your basic refreshers with this low-glycemic and delicious lavender infused mocktail! 

This drink utilizes the natural sweetness of monk fruit rather than refined sugar!

Fun fact: Monk fruit is about 300 times sweeter than normal cane sugar, but ZERO glycemic index – no negative effects on blood sugar. Monk fruit is a tropical melon that was first used by the Buddhist monks in the 13th century, hence the name. It's easy to use, just start slow as it is much sweeter than sugar.

You can find Monk fruit at your local health food store in a granular form (or on Amazon).

The natural sweetness from the monk fruit mixed with the tart lemons and soothing lavender creates a refreshingly perfect drink to enjoy during any summer activity! 

Savor this fresh cooling drink in the warm summer sun, or even add your favorite alcoholic beverage if you are in the mood for a sunshine pick-me-up! No matter how you decide to make it, this drink will not disappoint! 

DETOX DANDELION AVOCADO TOAST

Tired of your basic, boring avocado toast? Try incorporating some springtime flavors in your next batch of this classic snack! 

Dandelions greens, typically associated with spring, are a fantastic way to spice up any recipe!

With a slightly bitter taste and leafy texture, they add great flavor to any kind of meal. Combined with the satisfying crunch of radish and sharp essence of onion, these Spring veggies make the perfect avocado toast topping! 

Health Fact: Dandelion has been shown to improve liver function by removing toxins and reestablishing hydration and electrolyte balance. It also increases the release of bile. Dandelion contains essential fatty acids, antioxidants, and phytonutrients that all reduce inflammation throughout the body. This can relieve pain and swelling.

*You can get dandelion greens at your local health food store when they are in season, or pick them from your yard (be sure they are free from sprays and animal contaminants)

SPRING ASPARAGUS AND PEA POTAGE

Get in the spring spirit with this deliciously creamy and healthy soup! 

Asparagus, native to springtime, is the perfect vegetable to add to any springtime recipe! A good source of Vitamin K, fiber, and a natural diuretic, asparagus bring a delicious nutrient-dense flavor. 

Fun Fact: After eating asparagus, you may have noticed an informally dubbed "asparagus pee" smell in your urine. This is due to asparagusic acid from the stalks that digests to create a unique odor.

Asparagus emits a sulfurous odor similar to cooked cabbage. If you have never noticed this, don't be worried, you probably lack the gene to smell such odors, which is common in many humans (over 50%)!

Don't let this fun fact deter you from enjoying this delicious Spring veggie for all its flavor and health benefits! 

No matter your asparagus odor smelling abilities, this delicious and flavorful soup is sure to fill you up, and bring you right into the brightness Spring! 

TRIPLE CHOCOLATE AVOCADO {PALEO} BITES

TRIPLE CHOCOLATE AVOCADO {PALEO} BITES

"THERE IS NOTHING BETTER THAN A GOOD FRIEND, UNLESS THAT FRIEND HAS CHOCOLATE"

Get ready of a little slice of guilt free heaven. In just one batch of these there is an entire avocado, a big dollop of coconut oil, and a few scoops of raw cacao powder. You can thank me later when you have pampered your palate and powered up your spring energy!!  

If you are a chocolate lover like me, this will surely do the trick.  These little bites of pleasure are very chocolaty.  With all the good fat, high quality coconut flour, and pure raw cacao you will feel balanced, energized and satiated.  I like to make mine in those mini muffin tins.  

Pure raw cacao is not only a great antioxidant, aphrodisiac and energy boost, but it was also considered food for the Gods (and goddesses).  So, why not eat like the goddess you are?  I say go for it!

*RECIPE INSPIRED BY FIT MITTEN KITCHEN

LEMON CHICKEN & CAULIFLOWER RICE HEALING SOUP

LEMON CHICKEN & CAULIFLOWER RICE HEALING SOUP

 

"SOUP IS THE CUISINE'S KINDEST COURSE"

Bone broth soups are my absolute favorite. They are so healing for the gut and microbiome, easy to digest, full of good fat, nutrients, veggies and the little squeeze of lemon in here really adds a nice spring flare. I eat mine for breakfast.

Some of the amazing healing qualities about bone broth can be found on my previous blog dedicated to it HERE

I keep a big pot of this in my fridge and it last me for a few good days.  Left overs?  Stick them in the freezer.  Your future self will thank you!!

KALE PESTO WITH {CAPPELLOS} GRAIN FREE PALEO PASTA

KALE PESTO WITH {CAPPELLOS} GRAIN FREE PALEO PASTA

"MEET KALE. YOUR NEW FRIEND WITH BENEFITS"

Okay people!  You are not going to want to cruise past this one.  It takes about 10 minutes total to create this fantastic and delicious meal.  It is paleo, gluten free, dairy free and vegan (not always easy to please everyone!!)

If you know me, you know I throw me a handful of kale into most things, but I have to say that this one takes the cake (ask my son Ari - he LOVES this meal)

And Cappello’s:  A wonderful company found in the fridge or freezer section at most health food stores, with a few options in the grain free – paleo realm. For those of you who keep your refined carbs down to a minimum this is totally guilt free – all made fresh with almond flour. This meal is super high in protein, nutritionist approved and an awesome texture (for those of you who are pasta connoisseurs). 

If you can't find them near you, they do sell them on good ol' Amazon.com.

Be prepared to be in pesto pasta heaven and of course share your palate pleasures below in the comments (we love to hear how our recipes turn out).

CHOCOLATE ALMOND BUTTER BARS

CHOCOLATE ALMOND BUTTER BARS

A LITTLE SLICE OF HEAVEN

Look no further. With minimal ingredients, these guilt-free bars are quick and easy to whip up, and will make for the BEST sweet for you or those you love! Naturally sweet, full of power packed ingredients, and easy for on the go boosts of energy!!  {Gluten free, dairy free, vegan and paleo friendly - YES!}

Indulging in a sensorial exploration of pleasure is a wonderful gift you can give to yourself. Taking time to awaken your senses (the vehicles of pleasure) is a delightful and ever evolving practice.  

Have fun and be sure to enjoy!!

HOMEMADE COCONUT {SOAKED} GRANOLA

HOMEMADE COCONUT (SOAKED) GRANOLA

With the first signs of fall, I am immediately drawn into my kitchen.  Roasting is one of the cooking styles I often associate with the weather changing and first signs of autumn.  

This particular recipe is just delicious with late summer peaches and strawberries on top, or even the early signs of apple season.

Why soaked?  When we soak our grains and nuts, it breaks down the enzyme inhibitors that tend to make digestion a bit more work on the body (great if you are healing your digestion) and in this particular recipe, the oats are soaked in a mix of yogurt and coconut oil which also begins the fermentation of the grain, adding in the potent probiotics that aid in digestion, boost the nutrient density of our food and build immunity for the coming season change.

The nuts in this particular recipe are also soaked and roasted (play with which nuts you want to include), which is optional but well worth the effort.  You can find out how to soak and roast your nuts HERE.

The extra little bit of sea salt mixed with the sweet flavors of raw honey and cinnamon are such a favorite combination of mine. I hope you enjoy this yummy recipe as much as I do.  

Try it with any variety of milk, or yogurt, or just as an on the go snack.

FESTIVE GINGERBREAD GREEN SMOOTHIE

 

Festive Gingerbread Green Smoothie

 

"HOLIDAY WISHES MADE WITH GINGERBREAD HUGS AND PEPERMINT KISSES"

Need something a little festive this winter season?  Try our delicious gingerbread green smoothie.  

Full of fresh ginger and all the warming winter spices you can imagine, lots of immune boosting greens, minus all the sugar. Enjoy this holiday drink that's vegan, gluten-free, Paleo-friendly, nutrient dense and absolutely delicious!

These warming spices boost your metabolism, warm up your digestions, and balance your blood sugar.  You will love how you feel after this festive boost.

GOLDEN MILK COCONUT BISQUE

GOLDEN MILK COCONUT BISQUE

 

“Live your life not to win gold medals, but to win golden hearts”
-Mehmet Ildan

This creamy, comforting soup not only warms your heart and soul during this chilly time of year, but it also provides tons of health benefits in a delicious, golden package. Yellow beets, cauliflower, and coconut milk are blended together with sweet and savory spices to create this extremely nourishing Vegan dish.

The beautiful color of this soup comes from turmeric, An INdian spice used in traditional cooking that reduces inflammation, enhances vitality and cognition, and supplies your body with potent antioxidants.

Black pepper and healthy saturated fat from coconut oil boost the absorption of turmeric's active therapeutic compounds, and a scoop of ginger adds an extra bit of spice with additional anti-inflammatory benefits.

Cauliflower has powerful cancer-fighting properties and also provides B-Vitamins and Vitamin K (needed for bone health and blood clotting).

It's extremely versatile and roasting it with the golden beets and then blending with coconut milk helps products a very satiating, dense, creamy bisque without any dairy.

Check out the recipe on Boulder Nutrition team member Ailsa Cowell's food blog, Food to Feel Good, and enjoy this comforting dish!

PUMPKIN PIE GREEN SMOOTHIE

 

PUMPKIN PIE GREEN SMOOTHIE

 

"LET THERE BE PUMPKIN SPICE"

For years, I have used the same pumpkin pie recipe.  I have modified, tweaked, and fine tuned many variations over time until finally one day, as I dipped into the blender for a final taste, I realized: "This would make an amazing green smoothie". So here you go...  

This seasonal green smoothie is a tasty and nourishing way to fuel your body during the festive week ahead.

With all the warming pumpkin pie spices, a big handful of greens and all that delicious pumpkin flesh I hope you will love this easy to make, delicious and energizing smoothie as much as I do.

To make this into your pumpkin pie filling simply add 2 eggs, and bake at 425, and bake for 15 min.  Then reduce heat to 350 and bake 45 min more until set.  Let sit for approximately 1 hour and serve.

ROASTED BRUSSELS WITH BALSAMIC GLAZE & TOASTED PINE NUTS

Roasted brussels with balsamic glaze & toasted pine nuts

"SMALL CHEER AND GREAT WELCOME MAKE A MERRY FEAST"

 

There is nothing like roasted veggies and nuts at this time of year.  To me they make up the perfect side dish to any festive holiday meal.

Once you get the hang of veggie roasting, you too will see that with just a few ingredients and a little time, you can create delicious, warming, and nutrient dense additions to any meal.

• Brussels sprouts are part of the brassica family, closely related to cabbage, kale and mustard greens, known for their highly medicinal properties. 

• Brussels are very high in fiber, vegetable protein, and alpha-lipoid acid – an antioxidant that has been show to support insulin and blood sugar stabilization.

• Brussels are also very high in vitamin K, making them great for bone health an calcium absorption.  

• Brussels sprouts are one of the best veggie sources for omega-3 fatty acids.

Warm and crispy roasted brussels are one of my favorite parts of any Thanksgiving feast.