Friday, 28 June 2013

Sauce Boss!

One of the hardest things I found about having allergies is the sauces. They are everywhere you go and some days it feels impossible to avoid them! And as bad as they may be, it really kicks a dish; giving it that extra ummphh that everyone enjoys.

As learned from experience, a large majority of them contain my natural born enemies: Gluten, dairy , eggs and corn. Yet , if their were to be a sauce containing none of which, it would make society feel like they are paying a large sum of money for basically water.

That is why, when I stumble across the rare recipe containing none of which, I feel as though I struck gold! Its a bless-id feeling really.

Here are some of my most favorite, and simple substitute sauces.

1) Vegan Donair Sauce

Yes, yes I know. Donair? Those ain't healthy! But shh. Its my rare 'cheat' meal. My one guilty splurge in life. And up until recently, I couldn't have the full package deal. Until I stumbled upon this masterpiece that I feel entitled to share with you all.

Original Source: http://veganvamps.blogspot.ca/2011/09/donair-pizza-hold-bad-karma.html

How I styled it up:
*I halved all this as the original makes around 1 Cup

1 1/2 Cups Soy milk
3 TSP. garlic salt
2/3 Cups. white sugar
8 TSP. white vinegar

1) Combine together the sugar, and garlic salt
2) Pour in the soy milk and stir to dissolve all of the solid contents
3) Teaspoon by teaspoon, slowly add in the vinegar until desired thickness is reached

Alternatives: 1) You can use almond or rice milk, it may just change the flavor and consistency
2) Adding more or less sugar alters the amount of vinegar needed

*Best thing to do is trial and error until you reach YOUR ideal consistency and thickness 

Thursday, 27 June 2013

Nothing cooler than a cinnamon bun.

The best way to start the morning is with a nice, chilly cinnamon bun! Wait- chilly did she say?
Oh yes I did!
This cinnamon bun smoothie will satisfy your sweet craving without breaking your calorie bank! Weighing in at about 150 calories, who could ever pass that up!

On average , the classic cinnamon bun from Cinnabon has a whopping 880 calories, 36 grams of fat and 59 grams of sugar. Ouch!

But with this delicious smoothie recipe, you can still satisfy your sweet tooth with some added health benefits too. Who could go wrong with that?

Original Source: http://www.fitsugar.com/Cinnamon-Bun-Smoothie-Recipe-28387248

                                         

My Style: 

1 Cup. unsweetened almond milk
1 frozen banana
1/2 TSP. cinnamon
1/4 TSP. honey
1/4 TSP. vanilla extract

Blend it all together & enjoy!

Alternatives: 1) You can use any type of milk, just note that it will be higher calories and not vegan!

2) Can all together omit the honey, but I used it for just a touch more of sweetness

Wednesday, 26 June 2013

Secretly Healthy Frosty

Its finally summer- Hurray! At least up here in Canada, its finally starting to feel like summer. After weeks of wind and rain, its the first sunny day in a long time! And what better way to celebrate the warm weather than with a nice chocolate frosty!

Too bad for those who have dairy allergies, or anyone trying to keep that healthy attitude, celebrating is just not an option. Until now!

This frosty here tastes just like the good ol'Wendy's one; but the secret is, that it is healthy! Shhhh.

With a traditional small chocolate frosty weighing in at 300 calories with 42 grams of sugar, I'm sure we all can agree that this one is a much healthier choice.

Original Source: http://rabbitfoodformybunnyteeth.com/frosty-light/

                                                            Frosty Light

Secretly Healthy Frosty (light)

1 Cup. unsweetened almond milk
1 frozen banana (size will just vary the thickness)
1 TBSP. cocoa
1/2 tsp. flaxseed
5-6 ice cubes

Blend all together until smooth & Enjoy!

Alternatives: 1) Can use any type of milk, the almond makes it vegan and ideal for those with dairy allergies

2) The flaxseed can be subbed for chia or deleted all together. I found it gave it that extra health kick I enjoy!

3) Can use more or less ice cubes. Personally I found 5-6 to be the perfect consistency where I could still drink it, or use a spoon if I desire.



Protein Powder Slump?

The dreaded post-workout protein shake got ya down?

I will admit- the first time I had to use my "Complete Green Protein" powder, after using my chocolate soy for so long- I felt sick. Even the smell tastes plant-like. Vanilla Bean? Ha! Not even.

So , I researched. And searched. And searched. Until I came across alternatives to the straight protein powder and water.  From smoothies, to baking , to even just incorporating it into everyday meals.

Here I will post my favorite, delicious protein powder alternatives , my ratings and how I switched it up to make it my own and my preference

Smoothies:

Theses have ought to be the easiest way to incorporate powder into everyday items, but also one of the easiest, cheapest and quickest! Many ingredients you have right in your fridge. Just whip em in your blender and you can be out the door! Perfect for those busy moms, or anyone on the way to work.

The first is a nice "Peanut Butter Smoothie":

Original Source: http://dangshefine.stockphotosweb.com/post/21437142477/muffintop-less-my-peanut-butter-lover-protein


My Style:

1 Scoop Vanilla Bean Protein Powder
2 TBSP. Peanut butter (Just to give it that extra nut butter taste)
1 Cup. unsweetened almond milk
1/2 Frozen banana
3-4 Ice cubes.

Blend all together and enjoy!

Can it get any simpler?!

Alternatives: 1) If peanut butter is a problem, use any other nut butter substitute (Just note it will take on the taste of the butter)

2) Can use any flavour of protein powder, but I found using vanilla as a base was the best way to ensure the peanut butter taste. Others may alter the taste but feel free to use it!

3) Can use any type of milk, almond milk makes it vegan!  I just use it due to allergies.

The next is a "Blue Gone Nuts" Protein smoothie

Original Source:  http://www.michellemariefit.com/a-protein-smoothie-that-helps-reduce-belly-fat


                                                       

How I stir it up:

1 Cup of almond milk (unsweetened)
1/2 Cup blueberries
1/2 frozen bananas
1 TSP. peanut butter
1 scoop Vanilla Protein Powder
1-2 ice cubes (for a thicker consistency)

Blend all together and enjoy!

Alternatives: 1) The original recipe calls for almond butter and sliced almonds on top. I personally prefer the peanut butter taste, but any other nut butters will work out excellent

2) For a thicker consistency, use more ice. For a thinner one, use slightly bit less milk.

3) The vanilla protein powder is a good base, because it has less of a strong flavour. But you can use any of protein powder, just note the taste will change.









Tuesday, 25 June 2013

Who Am I?

Who is the person behind all the advice giving? Recipe trying? Mysterious talking?

Well, I am just your typical teenager who would like to make it big in this world and get the message out about living healthy. I'm your average, go to school, do your homework, eat your breakfast and brush you teeth type of girl. But instead of the extensive partying, eating fast food, and lounging around all day- I believe in respecting my body and making the best of what God has given me.

The reason behind my health fanatics?

Roughly 10 months ago, I found out I had allergies. And oh yes- I wish it was your normal peanuts and pollen! But unfortunately, in a nut shell, I discovered I was allergic to gluten, dairy, eggs, corn and sesame. Oh yes! Quite the list

For the first few months, I fell depressed. But then I discovered the power of the internet! It was like my eyes had opened up to a world full of wonderful recipes.  And as expected, my diet had drastically changed. Thus, my whole attitude toward healthy living.

These days,  I workout 5 times a week, and eat as healthy as can be. But, likes us all, I have my cheat moments! Like for instance now, as indulge in chips and guacamole. But hey ! Nobody is perfect in this world.

So I dedicate this blog towards my healthy aspects of life. Here will be advice, Q&A, and mass lists of wonderful, delicious, and easy recipes that everyone will enjoy!

So, join me as I venture down the road less traveled on into the world of healthy living.