Avocado Deviled Eggs

        

8 hard-boiled eggs (add some baking soda to the water before boiling to help peel)

1 large ripe avocado

1-2 Tbsp. Dijon mustard

1 medium tomato, chopped

1 garlic clove, chopped

¼ cup chopped white or green onion

¼ cup fresh chopped cilantro or parsley

2 Tbsp of hemp hearts (optional, works fine without if you don’t have any)

1 small lime, juiced, 2 Tbsp. reserved

¼ tsp cayenne

Pinch sea salt

Paprika

 

Remove shells from the hard-boiled eggs and slice lengthwise.  Carefully removing the yolk and place in a small/medium bowl

Add the avocado to the yolks and mash.  Mix in the tomato, onion, cilantro, hemp hearts, and 2 Tbsp. of lime juice, cayenne, and sea salt.  Give a taste test and if needed add a little more lime juice and salt.

Once you have the mixture to your taste, spoon into each egg white half, and sprinkle with paprika.  Serve with a

sprig of fresh cilantro.

Any extra mixture is great on crackers, chips, or as a veggie dip. Super fun for St. Patrick’s Day appetizers!

 

White Bean Chicken Chili

Super easy! Super delicious! You can swap out any type of bean you like. You can also use chicken breast
vs. thighs.

 

SERVES 6 -1 CUP PORTIONS

  • 1 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil

  • 1 Sweet Onion (medium, chopped)

  • 1 Jalapeno Pepper (seeded and chopped)

  • 1 Red Bell Pepper (chopped)

  • 2 Garlic (cloves, minced)

  • 1 1/2 tsps Cumin

  • 1 tbsp Chili Powder

  • 1/2 tsp Sea Salt

  • 3 cups Organic Chicken Broth (divided)

  • 3 cups White Navy Beans (cooked and divided)-may use canned

  • 1 lb Chicken Thighs (boneless, skinless)

  • 1/2 cup Frozen Corn

  • 1/2 cup Fresh Cilantro (chopped)

  • 1 Lime (sliced into wedges)

Optional for the less health conscious guests:
Corn chips, sour cream and/or shredded cheese.
Notes:
Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for later.
May omit the chicken and use extra beans.

 

PUTTING IT TOGETHER:

 

Heat oil in a large pot with a lid over medium-high heat.

Add onion, jalapeno and bell pepper and cook for about 5 minutes or until onion is soft.

Add garlic, cumin, chili powder and salt and cook for another minute until
fragrant.

While vegetables are cooking, add a third of the stock and half of the beans
to a food processor or blender and blend to puree the beans.

Add the remaining stock and pureed beans to the pot and stir to combine.

Place the chicken in the pot, cover with lid and reduce heat to medium-low.

Cook at a slow gentle boil for 20 minutes and the chicken is cooked though.

Remove the cooked chicken thighs from the pot and carefully shred the
chicken with two forks.

Return the chicken and any juices back to the pot with the remaining beans, frozen corn kernels and cilantro. Stir to combine
and season with additional sea salt if needed.  Allow soup to cook for an
additional 5 to 10 minutes.

Divide the chili into bowls and serve with a lime wedge. Enjoy!

 

WELCOME TO 2019!

2019

REALLY??

Are you ready?

LET’S DO THIS!

Did you make a big resolution on January 1st?  Are you already feeling overwhelmed and your commitment sliding, oh so slowly back to what you are comfortable with?

Is this the year, or week that you try it a little differently?  I talk about habits and changing perspective A LOT, I know.  I do it because it is EVERYTHING!

What is it that you want, what do you really desire?  Everything from losing weight to starting or recommitting to a yoga program to running that 5 or 10k or maybe taking that new job that you really want, can be scary.  Change can bring out the fear in our heads.  But a very smart Daoist recently told me:  Fear isn’t real.  Sit with that one.  Is it really just in my head?  Are you still thinking about it?  Did you already decide that that is a bunch of crap?  It isn’t anything you can see or touch, so what is it if it isn’t just in my head.

So, what I have decided is that fear is simply something I can decide.  Something I allow or not. Something I can actually control by how I react to new and uncomfortable things.  I look at it from a place of what is the worst thing that can happen if I …………………?  I list all the worst things I can think of.  You know what?  What I come up with is, ok – so what?  If I fail, then I try something else.

Taking a big risk when what you’re already doing is comfortable or even if you are already “successful” feels super risky.
Work-wise, maybe a lot riskier if you are successful.
That fear based voice inside your head says you’ll lose it all if you take a risk.

No one wants the possible embarrassment of failing at something you really want.

It feels like trying to be one of the cool kids in 7th grade.

When you stand on the edge of the possibility of getting what you want IT. IS. HUGE!

The realness of succeeding at what you’ve hidden from feels attainable, tangible.  You can almost smell it.
The fear of failing at what you truly, secretly desire feels devastating.

So, you know what you want, and you kind of have a plan as to what you need to do to get it

AND……………. you freak out:

OMG, I cannot lose this weight, get the job, keep the job, run a marathon, (insert dreams here)!

What was I thinking????
Why did I start this?
Who encouraged me?
Screw THEM!
Why aren’t they here helping me now, holding my hand?! ARGHHHH

 

Fear can be a curse that keeps us from progressing toward our biggest desires.
It can keep us from moving in new directions, because we are afraid of losing what we already have.  It keeps us in a stagnant (yet comfortable) zone of right where we are.  Let’s face it, we all have things we want to do differently, or be different or better.  It doesn’t matter what your dreams and goals are.

I sometimes feel like I have everything I could want.  Honestly. I am blessed and grateful for so much. BUT I want to do more.  I want to help people more.  But I tend to stop myself from really going for it, from growing my business, changing how I do things, because I am not perfect yet.  Now, I know I will never be perfect, so excuses be gone.

So, I am doing it.

My way.  Since the day I learned to talk, authenticity has been my gift, and sometime according to my Dad a curse.
I promise to continue to be genuine, honest, faithful, stay true to my truth- and to you, my followers and clients.
I will be truthful to you and myself.  Part of my 2019 resolution is to “own my own crap”

Taking my business into more of an internet based, social media scrutinized reality is AMAZING!  But it means that I have to be just as honest and vulnerable in that arena as I am in a face to face encounter.  Yikes.  I don’t want to be judged or criticized anymore than you do.  BUT- in order for me to do the work I need to do with you, for you and for me, I’m there.  I’m 100% there.

 

 

FEAR

Why we keep our dreams to ourselves.
Why we continue to stay stuck in the comfort zone of just OK.
Why we would rather just struggle alone than step up and ask for help.

 

SO……

You don’t have to do it alone.  I am here.  I am offering my professional help in your Nutritional goals. 

You don’t have to struggle alone.  To toot my own horn, I am an amazing cheerleader for you! 

All you have to do is contact me.  Together we will design a one-on-one nutritional program that WILL move you forward, maneuver around the story you have been telling yourself for all these years. 

Most of all you will get to eat!  REAL. WHOLE. DELICIOUS. FOOD. 

Maybe you’re teetering on the edge, having bought a new app, purchased yet another bottle of diet pills, or signed up for the latest craze of processed powders and potions, secretly hoping that this time it will last.  There is a reason that the diet industry is a multi-billion-dollar industry.  Almost every book, plan and potion will work at first.  But if you want HEALTHY, life long nutritional habits, you have to do the work.  You have to make changes.  Yes, it is hard.  YES, IT IS WORTH IT.  No, you don’t have to be perfect.  You just have to start.

Or not?  Maybe you are still figuring out if you REALLY want it.  Figuring out if it is really worth making changes for.  Do you really want it bad enough to make the changes?

Maybe your desire is still your secret and you are waiting for the right time to acknowledge it.  It can be “scary and vulnerable” to say that you want something out loud to another person.  You can say it out loud to me.  I promise your desires are safe here.

 

 

HERE’S YOUR TRUTH:

You are worth achieving your biggest desires.  Your health is everything.  Without it nothing else matters.

You are so successful in many things.

 

Then why is this so hard?

Because you’re likely used to getting things you work for.
And this goal feels like something you’ve already tried over and over.
You don’t want to live your life eating what tastes like cardboard.
You think there isn’t a road map tailored to you as an individual to get you there.

You think you need willpower.

You think you don’t have enough time or the money to be healthy.

You believe if you don’t do it, you will never be happy.
You’ll know that you let yourself down.

You know that not trying at all, is giving up on yourself and THAT is worse than failing.

I’m here to help you remember:

Failure is just an opportunity to learn a lesson about yourself.
Goals rarely come easily in an A-Z straight line.

Each failure is a part of the whole journey to becoming your best self.

You don’t need to do it alone.

You can decide to change your perspective. You can get the fear out of your head and make room for your dreams.  You can create new and better habits.  If nothing else, practice seeing yourself and what holds you back in that way.

Are you ready? Let me know, just say GO!

 

Welcome to your best year yet!

Lisa Turan

 

Healthy Holidays!

Is it just me?  Did the holiday’s used to start just a few weeks before Christmas and end right after the New Year?  Lately if feels like as soon as the Halloween candy is off the store shelves, the Christmas countdown is on!  I love the holiday season, the sights and smells and “doing for others”, but when you add up the indulgent meals, cocktails, parties, the stress of traveling, scheduling as well as the pressures of finding and paying for the perfect gift, it is hard to stay healthy (or sane) during this wonderful season…

So lets talk.  What can we do about it?

Support your immune system.

When our immune systems are challenged, we’re less likely to maintain overall health. Consequently, most of the things we splurge on during the holidays – alcohol, candy, pastries, processed foods, snacking, running around and staying out late – tax our bodies and hinder proper immune system functions.

The immune system is not like an organ that does a certain job. It is a complex series of pieces and parts that have to work together to in order to form your body’s total defense system.  Part of it is the glands in our neck/throat, armpits and all the other “pits” we have.  Part is the lymphatic system that removes toxic wastes (think back to the pits and how they squeeze to move fluids) It works with the veins that deliver oxygen in the blood throughout the body. Another part is in the small intestine, and yet another is in our bones. The thing you need to remember is that we need all of it to be properly nourished and cared for in order for the immune system to do what it is supposed to, support you in times of stress and prevent illness.

 

Common Immune Suppressors

  1. Sugar
  2. Alcohol
  3. Increase in quantity and decrease in quality food
  4. Not enough sleep
  5. Not enough water
  6. Not enough of sunlight
  7. Not enough exercise
  8. Stress

 

 

 

Health-wise, the best defense is a good offense.  Be prepared!

Here are a few ways to offset planned holiday indulgences

 

 

1. GET YOUR SLEEP ON

The late nights are one of the hardest things to deal with during the holiday season because we’re trying to accommodate events that are outside of our normal routine.

  • Make sure to include foods with healthy fats, such as organic nuts/seeds along with their oils, organic ghee or coconut oil, and responsibly sourced cold-water fish. Bonus:  pumpkin seeds are full of magnesium which helps you sleep better.
  • Start mega dosing on your vitamin C. You can take anywhere from 2,000 to 10,000 mcg. Remember to take it in divided doses through the day – vitamin C, and A, D, and K are water soluble, you’ll pee whatever you don’t absorb.
  • Ensure each of your 3 meals include a healthy fat (see above), a clean protein, and fiber (fruit and veggies).

 

2.  WATCH THE SUGAR

  • Be picky and don’t overdo it! Be selective about the sweet treats you indulge in and choose wisely. Choosing meaning ONE. You have my permission that if it doesn’t taste as good as it looks, leave it or toss it. I don’t care if it is any of the big 3 C’s:  Cake, Cookies or Cocktails!

 

  • Make something from scratch and use healthier sweeteners like honey (which has anti-bacterial properties as a bonus)

 

  • Cocktails are always optional. There has been quite a lot of discussion online the last few weeks about holiday events and alcohol. But honestly, you are the one that chooses.  No one cares if you are drinking soda water or champagne.  If someone does, re-evaluate the relationship.  IF you choose to drink, avoid the fancy fruity cocktails and stick with a simple red or white wine.  Alternating with big glasses of water helps to keep hydrated and keeps something in your hands.

 

  • Speaking of water: Drink a lot of it to stay hydrated. Sugar is actually dehydrating and can lead to more cravings. Make it pretty!  I love adding fresh herbs and berries to ice cubes.  Rosemary and cranberries look gorgeous!

 

3.  SHAKE, MOVE, DANCE

With the late nights and extra treats, energy levels drop.  This can make you want to skip your regular yoga class or hike in the mountains.  Don’t do it! Seriously, don’t.  Keep up with your normal

physical activities.  Invite a friend to take that class or join you in a snow shoe trek, or dance in your kitchen like no one is watching! (Yes, I do that?) Now, even if you do stay up too late, and eat too much, your body will stay strong and it will be easier to get back into your regular (or new) healthy routine once the holidays are over.

4.  MANAGE YOUR STRESS

Stress just might have the greatest impact on your health out of everything.

Stress reducing tips:

  • Getting plenty of sleep.
  • Stay in control of your sugar intake
  • Learn to say no to any event that just doesn’t excite you!
  • Take a yoga class regularly
  • Don’t over commit yourself. You don’t have to attend every event you are invited too.
  • Sit quietly and just breathe for 10 minutes (aka meditation)

 

 

5.  KEEP UP YOUR REGULAR ROUTINE.

Don’t through your hands up and make the mistake of ending the year with a crazy, extravagant, do-what-you-please, no matter how bad it will make your feel mantra.  Stay on course.  Eat 3 balanced meals a day.  Plan and prepare your own food as much as you can.

Keep a normal schedule as often as possible.  Wake up, go to bed, eat, work and move like you normally do. Do your best, then let it go.

6.  COOK -YES YOU!

You all know I love to cook.  I think it is fun and extremely satisfying and even a little therapeutic.  I love trying new recipes. When I cook I focus on plant-based foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, gluten-free whole grains, good quality fats along with small portions of clean animal proteins.

The holidays are a great time for you to spend time in the kitchen having fun with the whole family and maybe even teaching the kiddos some new skills that they can use though the year.   Kids love eating what they help prepare.  There are great, healthy recipes available on the web that you can use to replace some less than nutritious holiday favorites.

7.  CONSCIOUS EATING

How we eat is as important as what we eat. when we eat due to stress or boredom, in the car, on the couch, at the desk, or simply not paying attention to what we are putting in our mouth, we’re more likely to overeat and feel awful.  Think about that bag of potato chips that all of a sudden is mysteriously empty….

Conscious eating just takes practice.  Slow down and pay attention to eat bite.  Smell it, taste it, savor it.  Likely you will feel more satisfaction and eat much less when you are aware that you are eating.  The last bite is never as satisfying as the first few.

Take time with your meals and enjoy the food and the company at the table.  Maybe use the holidays as an opportunity to invite your friends over for a homemade treat. The more awareness we bring to the what, where, when and why we are eating, the easier it is to develop life long healthy eating habits.

How to navigate a holiday party:

  • Again, drinking is ALWAYS optional! Cranberry/soda is easy and delicious. Add a sprig of Rosemary to make it festive.  BYOB can be BYO……  Bring what YOU want to drink and bring enough to share with like-minded guests.
  • Often your beverage is more popular than you would expect!
  • You’ve heard it before, I know. But eating a small, healthy snack before the party will help you navigate the party food and choose wisely.
  • Get just one small plate and fill it with a few consciously selected appetizers so you don’t end up grazing for hours on end.
  • Bring a dish you make at home to share.
  • Feel confident in asking what something is, or what it is made of. If it isn’t up to your healthier standards, pass it up or ‘deconstruct’ it before you eat it.  Think removing frosting, or getting the sauce on the side or not at all.
  • Choose the lighter desserts – fruit or a cookie or small piece of one you want to try. Remember you don’t have to eat it all.  A little bite will do ya.
  • Share dessert with a friend, or split an entree.
  • Drink WATER, alone or between alcoholic beverages.
  • Remember that every choice will have a result. Will your choice move you toward or away from your desired result?
  • Cleanliness is so important in staying healthy! Germs spread! Keep your hands washed and away from your face.
  • Rest before the party. When you are tired, you are at risk for getting off the healthy train track.

My easy go-to for healthy recipes is Clean Eating Magazine- online too!

What is your favorite holiday treat?  Want help in cleaning it up?  Drop me a line!

Lisa Turan

NC, CNE, ERYT

970-531-2274

 

THE BEST PICKLES ARE HOMEMADE

Makes a one-liter Mason jar’s worth of pickles

10-12 small organic cucumbers

*1/2 cup onion, sliced thick- optional, but lovely*

1 tsp. caraway seeds

3-5 cloves of garlic (depending on how much you love garlic)

1/2 cup fresh dill

2 Tbsp sea salt

1 Tbsp fresh peppercorns

1 clean Mason jar

2 cups of pure unfiltered water

 

·       Place garlic cloves and ½ of the dill into the jar.

·       Add your cucumbers. Place the remainder of the dill down the sides of the jar.  It helps to fill the jar from the bottom vertically, then place a few horizontally to wedge them in nice and tight. This will help keep them submerged for optimal fermentation.  You can also double, triple, or quadruple the recipe and make a variety of sizes and flavors.  Try slicing the cucumbers thick, and or skipping the caraway, or maybe spice a jar up with some jalapenos or red pepper flakes.  As long as you have the salt/water and dill you won’t mess them up!  The main thing is they need to be packed in and submerged.  The rest is just for looks!

 

·       Add water until you reach the part of the jar that starts to taper in. Again, make sure they are covered.

·       For exact measuring to your jar:  pour the water from the jar into a measuring cup. For every 1 cup of water, add ¾ Tbsp of sea salt per cup of water – you may want less or more depending on your pickle pallet)

·       Stir the sea salt into the water until completely dissolved and then pour back into your jar of cucumbers.

·       Seal the jar and set on counter covered or in a cupboard that is located in a moderate temperature for your home.  You don’t want them in a hot window or in a cold spot either.   Ensure that the cucumbers stay submerged in the brine, no one wants mold! If they keep popping up, you can cover with a heavy leaf of cabbage or a weight on top to keep them under the brine.

·       Let stand for 3-4 days and then move them to your fridge. Open when you’re ready. Always use a clean fork or spoon to prevent contaminating your pickles.  There are no preservatives in this jar.  ENJOY!

Basic Chia Pudding

 

Chia pudding is an easy make ahead choice for breakfast.  The texture is like tapioca pudding. Chia seeds are packed with antioxidants, which support healthy skin. Ounce to ounce, they contain more omega-3’s than salmon. These fatty acids help the body absorb the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K, and studies have shown them to be heart protective by lowering blood pressure and inflammation. Adding variety to your pudding is easy.  Use what you have, play with your spices. Swap the cinnamon and ginger for cacao (not cocoa) powder or vanilla.  You can also add a little Great Lake’s Collagen powder to up the nutritional benefits.

Ingredients to make 4 servings

 

3/4 cup chia seeds

4 cups homemade almond or plant milk

2 tablespoons pure and organic maple syrup

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

1/2 cup dried fruit (optional)

1/2 cup raw unsalted nuts (optional)

1 tbsp. mini chocolate chips (optional)

Sliced banana, kiwi, strawberries, or any fruit of choice for serving

**Single Servings:

3 tablespoons chia seeds

1 cup almond milk

1-2 teaspoons maple syrup

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Pinch of ground ginger

 

Putting it all together:

  1. In a large bowl, whisk the chia seeds, almond milk, maple syrup, cinnamon, and ginger. Add dried fruit and nuts, if you choose. The mixture starts out runny.
  2. Carefully Pour into four (12 ounce) airtight glass mason jars (I always have to wipe down the sides) Put into the fridge for a few hours if you can’t wait, or overnight to allow pudding to thicken. Top with fresh fruit or more nuts and serve cold.

 

Note: Keep refrigerated for about 4 days, but I wouldn’t store it much longer than that, since we made our own almond milk, which will spoil faster without all the chemical preservatives.

 

Magic Green Everything Dip

 

 

 

Ingredients:

 

1 ripe avocado

½ cup pistachios, raw & unsalted

½ cup fresh organic parsley, packed

1 cup fresh organic cilantro, packed

2 cloves garlic, or to taste

¼ cup chopped onion

1 fresh jalapeno, seeds removed

  • Not as good with pickled jalapenos (I tried in a pinch)

1 large fresh lime, juiced

½ cup water

½ cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil

1 tsp. sea salt (I use pink Himalayan)

Fresh cracked black pepper to taste

Options:  Kick up the heat and add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.

Find your inner Italian and add some fresh oregano.

 

Instructions:

Place all ingredients except the nuts into a high-speed food processor, like a Vitamix.  Mix until blended.  Add the pistachios and pulse until you have the consistency you want.  Dips will be thicker, marinades require more water.

Notes:      

Play with your flavors and your spices.  Use your nose, and if it smells good together, it will taste good together. This recipe is easy to “hide” booster foods in, like a bit of turmeric, nutritional yeast, or sea veggies in place of sea salt.

If you cannot find raw shelled pistachios (worth the extra $, I promise) go ahead with the roasted and/or salted, BUT omit the sea salt until you taste it.  You can always add in, but you cannot take it back out! ?

This can be used as a dip, a sauce, a marinade, salad dressing or a spread.  Just add more or less water to the consistency and use you desire.

I have been obsessed with this as a dip for roasted brussel sprouts, and grilled shrimp!!