Linda Wagner

NuNaturals Stevia Giveaway!!

Linda — Tue, 10 Nov 2015 15:18:41 +0000

As many of you know, I try to stay as close to sugar-free as possible. Sugar for me has always been a trigger for candida, breakouts, weight gain, and mood swings. You can read more about the negative effects of sugar on the mind and body here. Drastically reducing sugar improved my life in such a huge way many years ago. It’s actually quite easy with the help of NuNaturals, my favorite brand of stevia!

I use it in my coffee, dessert recipes, green juices, smoothies, acai bowls, and a couple drops added to LaCroix is an absolutely lovely and healthy sugar free treat! You can see more of my favorite sugar free recipes at the end of this post!

NuNaturals is my secret weapon that I’ve used for the last 6 years. I’ve tried so many different brands and this is one of the most pure and best tasting!! I’m so excited to be GIVING AWAY this wonderful product to 4 lucky readers!!

Each winner will get:

1 bottle of the Vanilla Stevia Liquid
One 50 pkt box of our NuStevia NO CARBS White Stevia Powder packets
1 bottle of our Cocoa Syrup
1 bottle of new Cocoa Mint Syrup (this is DELICIOUS in your morning coffee!)

All four winners will receive the total package plus a FREE BONUS PACKAGE with a retail value of $70.00.

To enter, simply follow the instructions below. One lucky winner will be announced on Monday, November 16th! This contest is open WORLDWIDE, however, NuNaturals does not ship to PO Box addresses. Good Luck!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Disclaimer: I was given this product for free in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed are sincere and 100% my own.

Here are some of my favorite recipes using NuNaturals!!

Easy Delicious Chocolate Pudding – raw, vegan, sugar free, dairy free.

Goji Detox Tea – tastes great, wonderful for bloating and de-puffing, especially great after indulging over the holidays!

Chocolate, Strawberry Superfood Smoothie – absolutely LOADED with nutrition. A delicious way to boost your immune system, kids love it too!

Acai Bowls – love these as breakfast or a snack. Getting the sugar free packs and using stevia reduces the amount of sugar significantly! A great, healthy food for picky eaters!

Antioxidant Iced Tea – healthy and delicious!

Sugar Free Apple Cider – so yummy, guilt free, and perfect for fall!!

Looking for a fast easy detox plan? I’ve got everything you need to get started! Check out my step by step programs here.

Interested in one-on-one Nutrition & Lifestyle Coaching with Linda? Click here and here for details on how to get started.

For more healthy living tips and recipes please subscribe to this blog, follow me on twitter, LOVE me on facebook, subscribe to my YouTube channel, follow me on Pinterest, OR if you are interested in getting started on your own weight loss journey with a one-on-one consultation, shoot me an email!

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SkinnyPop Popcorn + Austin City Limits Ticket Giveaway!!!

Linda — Tue, 29 Sep 2015 17:34:52 +0000

I’m so excited about today’s giveaway! As many of you know, I’ve taken a little break from blogging this summer and what better way to come back then to be featuring a delicious, healthy snack and offering an absolutely AMAZING GIVEAWAY!!! I think this might be the best giveaway I’ve ever done!!

The kind folks over at SkinnyPop were generous enough to reach out and send me some of their delicious ready-to-eat popcorn to help me prep for the Austin City Limits Music Festival! I have to admit that I’ve never been a huge popcorn fan. I remember all my friends would love to order popcorn at the movies and my mom would made it regularly as a snack, but I was never a huge fan…

I saw SkinnyPop for the first time earlier this year at Costco and after looking at the clean ingredient list: popcorn, sunflower oil, salt, decided to try it. I figured I probably wouldn’t like it, but I actually really enjoyed it! It’s nothing like the artificial stuff I remember growing up. I think what I didn’t like about movie popcorn and microwave popcorn were the weird artificial flavors (remember that bright yellow “butter” sauce?!) and the hard texture. SkinnyPop is genuinely light and fluffy and yummy!

I always tell my clients to pay attention to how they feel after they eat. You should feel good and light and energized by your food and not heavy, tired or weighed down because that’s an indication that your body is having a hard time digesting! My body still feels great after eating SkinnyPop and that’s how I know it’s a good fit for me!

The first weekend of Austin City Limits is this weekend and I always try to get festival-ready by eating clean and getting lots of nutrients because I know that I’m not going to have access to clean, nutritious food at the festival!! The perfect snack for me right now is a green juice (the one pictured is kale, pineapple, cucumber, green apple, spinach, and lemon – so good) and some SkinnyPop popcorn!

During Austin City Limits, SkinnyPop will be offering free pedicab rides around the festival grounds every day from noon – 9PM, so festival-goers can get a lift from one end of the festival to the next (a life saver after all that walking!) and receive a complimentary bag of SkinnyPop!

SkinnyPop is also giving away TWO 3-Day Passes to Weekend 2 of Austin City Limits Music Festival, Oct 9-11th!!!

That’s a $500 value and tickets have already been sold out for quite some time!

To enter, simply follow the instructions below. One lucky winner will be announced on Monday, October 5th! Good Luck!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: I was given this product for free in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed are sincere and 100% my own.

Looking for a fast easy detox plan? I’ve got everything you need to get started! Check out my step by step programs here.

Interested in one-on-one Nutrition & Lifestyle Coaching with Linda? Click here and here for details on how to get started.

Delicious Juice Recipe Using Kitchen Scraps!

Linda — Thu, 09 Jul 2015 20:50:45 +0000

One of my favorite ways to clean out the fridge and use up any extra produce is to juice it! You just need fruit, veg, and lemon/lime to make a delicious combo!

This juice isn’t fancy but it’s delicious, nutritious and loaded with antioxidants! It is super refreshing and will give you a nice little burst of energy after drinking it!

Kitchen Scrap Green Juice

You’ll need:

1 cucumber
2 apples
1 pear
kale stems (I save these after making kale salads)
2 broccoli stalks (these are great for juicing, save these too!)
celery tops, including the leafy part
handful parsley
1 lemon (peeled)
1 lime (peeled)

First wash the skin of your fruits and veggies. I always use this wash.

Then simply run all ingredients through a juicer (I recommend Breville). Makes 32oz.

Feel free to throw in or substitute whatever you have. Grapes, baby carrots, strawberries, even green beans! And, if you have backyard chickens like we do, be sure to give them the leftover pulp. They love it!

You can see all of my juice recipes here. If you are interested in getting started with a juice cleanse start here!

Looking for a fast easy detox plan? I’ve got everything you need to get started! Check out my step by step programs here.

Interested in one-on-one Nutrition & Lifestyle Coaching with Linda? Click here and here for details on how to get started.

Healthy Ice Tea Recipe

Linda — Wed, 10 Jun 2015 15:11:00 +0000

HAPPY NATIONAL ICED TEA DAY!! In honor of one of my favorite beverages, I wanted to share this article, originally posted March 2011. This recipe is BURSTING with antioxidants, is sugar-free, and tastes amazing!! Enjoy!!

Nothing says summer in the South like Sweet Tea. The sun is shining, kids are swimming, birds are chirping, and it’s time to play! Here in Austin, the weather is heating up and spring is officially in full force.

With weather in the upper 80’s today, I was in the mood for something clean, cool, & crisp. The answer, Iced Sweet Tea!! But you know me, always health minded, I decided to forgo the heaps of sugar for a healthier, sugar-free version. I got a little creative and gave my tea a twist by using Harney & Sons Chinese Flower (Green Tea with flowers and lemon). Let me tell you, it is AWESOME as an iced tea!!!

I actually don’t care for the taste of the Chinese Flower Blend as a hot tea but it’s a definite keeper as ICED Tea! I love this brand, they have the cutest tea sachets and come in a really lovely tin. An excellent gift idea…hint, hint!

You can find them @ Amazon, Barnes & Noble or on their website.

[ SOURCE ]

So what’s so great about green tea anyway? Green tea is bursting with antioxidants. Antioxidants help protect your cells from damage caused by unstable molecules known as free radicals. Free radicals are by-products of our normal body functions. They are constantly formed and then destroyed by antioxidants throughout our lifetime.

The problem is, through exposure to things like cigarette smoke, radiation, pesticides, environmental pollution, food additives and even regular household chemicals (like cleaning products, perfumes, paint, out-gassing from carpets, dry cleaning, etc.) free radicals begin to accumulate excessively in the body. Eventually these free radicals will exceed our body’s ability to fight them off. If we don’t have enough antioxidant supply, the extra free radicals will invade the healthy tissues around them and attack healthy cells. As a result, our health will suffer from cancers, cardiovascular diseases, immune deficiencies and other health problems.

So, be a good girl/boy and load up on antioxidants!! The best way is through the diet. Green Tea is a great source as well as all berries (blueberries, cranberries, strawberries, blackberries, cherries etc.), apples (an apple a day keeps the doctor away!), pecans, artichokes, broccoli, & kale just to name a few. Load up with plenty of fruits and vegetables at each meal and you should be covered

To make this fabulous, antioxidant rich Sweet Tea, simply add 4-5 Chinese Flower Tea sachets to about 2 quarts of boiling water. Let steep for 3 mins. Serve chilled over ice with a squeeze of liquid stevia and garnish with sliced lemon.

I always order my stevia through iherb.com they have the absolute best prices!! I like NuNaturals brand alcohol free liquid stevia, it’s the best tasting. Be sure to use my discount code WAG472 to get $5 off your first order!

I hope you enjoy this healthy Iced Sweet Tea and some warm weather to go with it!

Looking for a fast easy detox plan? I’ve got everything you need to get started! Check out my step by step programs here.

Interested in one-on-one Nutrition & Lifestyle Coaching with Linda? Click here and here for details on how to get started.

Monday Motivation

Linda — Mon, 01 Jun 2015 19:55:38 +0000

Move Over, Whole Foods: Costco Is the New King of Organic Groceries. Love Costco!!

How An Elimination Diet Cleared My Skin & Healed My Gut.

Breakfast Foods I Won’t Feed My Kids.

100 Calories of Nuts – this is a wonderful visual as I find that people tent to easily overeat nuts! Nuts are wonderful but the calories can add up very quickly!!

The Right Dose of Exercise for a Longer Life.

15 Eating Habits That Make You Live Longer.

Prescribing Vegetables, Not Pills.

14 Signs You’re Not Drinking Enough Water.

The Best & Worst Protein and Nutrition Bars.

FDA: Don’t use spray sunscreens on children. I use this brand. Works great and smells amazing!! Use WAG472 to get $5-10 off your first order + FREE shipping!

Lack of Exercise Can Disrupt the Body’s Rhythms.

9 Ways Successful People Deal With Anger.

Ingenious Little Fish Helping to Rid the World of Iron Deficiency – love this story!!

The Meditation Generation.

5 natural sleep supplements that actually work. I SWEAR by this melatonin, it’s changed my life!

9 Evidence-Based Health Benefits of Kefir.

7 Daily Habits That Are Totally Sapping Your Energy.

How We Store Food At Home Could Be Linked To How Much We Eat. Interesting!!

24 Inevitable Things That Happen When You Get in Shape.

Why You Should Build Your Salad Like a Plate of Nachos!

See what 200 calories of food looks like.

8 Surprising Secrets To Developing A Killer Attitude.

11 Small Things Anyone (Including You!) Can Do to Make the World Better.

Happy Monday xo

If you’re looking for more great reading you can flip through all my Monday Motivation articles here! Enjoy!!

Did you write or read a great article this week? Please share it in the comments section below!

Looking for a fast easy detox plan? I’ve got everything you need to get started! Check out my step by step programs here.

Interested in one-on-one Nutrition & Lifestyle Coaching with Linda? Click here and here for details on how to get started.

Monday Motivation

Linda — Mon, 11 May 2015 18:12:06 +0000

Why ‘Natural’ Doesn’t Mean Anything Anymore.

See How Much the “Perfect” Female Body Has Changed in 100 Years (It’s Crazy!)

Whole Foods to Launch Lower-Cost Chain for Millennials – The healthy foods seller plans to open a new line of grocery stores offering high-quality, fresh food for shoppers on a budget.

11 Lifestyle Factors That Could Be Making You Anxious.

102 Year Old Sees Herself Dancing On Film For The First Time. This was just so sweet and heartwarming to watch!!

Adidas’ New Running Shoes Could Be Garbage, and That’s a Good Thing.

Running Through Heartbreak: How Running Healed Me.

Easy Dinner Recipe: Baked Fish, Spinach, and Tomatoes in Foil Packets.

A High-Fat Diet Can Torpedo Your Metabolism. Think twice before trying the high-fat diet trend: Just five days of eating fattening foods can seriously screw up the way your body burns calories

Holiday binge really does hit your health: Just five days of extra fatty food ‘affects metabolism’

A diet of 55% fat for 5 days disrupts the way muscles metabolise sugar
Body is 30% muscle and acts as a ‘clearing house’ for sugar in blood
If the muscle metabolism slows, the body’s whole metabolism suffers
Experts: In long term, the changes could lead to weight gain and obesity

Raw-Milk Cheeses Are Packed With Flavor and Have Few Risks.

The Right Dose of Exercise for a Longer Life.

Nutritionists spill their favorite snacks.

These Superfood Salads Will Keep You Going Strong Through The Week.

31 Things You Can Do Instead Of Spending Money.

Food Matters Guide to Mental Health.

What Are The Healthiest Pastas Available?

Why I Failed At Dieting and How I Finally Succeeded At Being Healthy!

Refrigerator Look Book: Katrina Bowden.

5 Ways to Burn 500 Calories in 30 Minutes.

Self control is the most important skill a parent can teach their child, says study.

I always get tons of questions about cellulite this time of year. Here are the two articles I always recommend! Skin Brushing For Cellulite and Detox and

How To Get Rid of Cellulite For Good!

8 Reasons Why People Who Spend Money On Experiences Are Happier.

For Headaches, A Lifestyle Change May Be Better Than A Doctor Visit.

Hehe, 21 Ridiculous Ways We Justify Skipping the Gym.

Nursing home residents are certain this tiny dog is from heaven. After seeing her in action, I agree!

The ‘Taste’ Celebrity Chef Who’s Living on $1.50 a Day.

MIT Researcher: Glyphosate Herbicide will Cause Half of All Children to Have Autism by 2025. This article may be a little sensationalized, but is a good reminder that we really need learn more about the negative effects of all the chemicals that bombard our foodstream.

Adolescents’ Drinking Takes Lasting Toll on Memory. Even moderate drinking by adolescents on a regular basis can cause potentially lasting changes to the brain.

Does Artificial Food Coloring Contribute to ADHD in Children?

Glyphosate is a ‘probably carcinogenic’ pesticide. Why do cities still use it?

Now you can get ready-to-cook vegetable noodles delivered!

Your Sweat Can Spread Happiness—Seriously!

These Time-Lapses Show How Beauty Retouching is Done for High-End Campaigns

Happy Monday xo

If you’re looking for more great reading you can flip through all my Monday Motivation articles here! Enjoy!!

Did you write or read a great article this week? Please share it in the comments section below!

Looking for a fast easy detox plan? I’ve got everything you need to get started! Check out my step by step programs here.

Interested in one-on-one Nutrition & Lifestyle Coaching with Linda? Click here and here for details on how to get started.

5 Min Spinach & Goat Cheese Quesadilla Recipe

Linda — Tue, 28 Apr 2015 16:14:46 +0000

Thank you all for bearing with me while I work on a few other projects I have going on! I apologize for the lack of posts, but I will try to share and blog recipes as much as I can! Since my life has been extremely hectic lately, I’ve really been leaning on 5 Min Meals to stay healthy! I know time is usually a very big obstacle for most people when it comes to maintaining a healthy lifestyle and I want to show you that a healthy, meal can be made in just minutes!!

These 5 Min Spinach & Goat Cheese Quesadillas are easy to make and really delicious! Both kids and adults will love this easy recipe! These quesadillas keep well in the fridge for a few days so feel free to make them ahead of time to take to work or school for lunch.

5 Min Spinach & Goat Cheese Quesadilla Recipe

You’ll need:

2 tortillas – I like using uncooked tortillas, I found Two Tias brand at Costco
1 handful baby spinach
2 Tbs chevre style goat cheese crumbles
1/4 an avocado
salsa

Place one tortilla in a large cast iron skillet over med-high heat. Layer it first with 1 Tbs goat cheese crumbles, then add avocado, fresh spinach leaves, another Tbs of goat cheese, and then finally, top with the second tortilla. Let sit for about 2-3 mins, continuously checking the bottom of the tortilla. Once the tortilla has started to brown. Press down with a spatula and then flip the entire quesadilla over. Let sit for another 2-3 minutes.

Once your tortilla is browned on both sides, remove from skillet and cut into 4 sections with a very sharp knife.

Serve with your favorite salsa and enjoy!

This recipe is really delicious and makes a great meal, snack, or appetizer that everyone will love!

As always, feel free to make substitutions according to your personal taste preferences.

You can see more of my fast easy 5 min meals here, enjoy!!

5 Min Spinach & Goat Cheese Quesadilla Recipe

Cook time

5 mins

Total time

5 mins

Author: Linda Wagner

Serves: 1

Ingredients

You’ll need:
2 tortillas – I like using uncooked tortillas, I found this brand at Costco
1 hadful baby spinach
2 Tbs chevre style goat cheese crumbles
¼ an avocado
salsa

Instructions

Place one tortilla in a large cast iron skillet over med-high heat. Layer it first with 1 Tbs goat cheese crumbles, then add avocado, fresh spinach leaves, another Tbs of goat cheese, and then finally, top with the second tortilla. Let sit for about 2-3 mins, continuously checking the bottom of the tortilla. Once the tortilla has started to brown. Press down with a spatula and then flip the entire quesadilla over. Let sit for another 2-3 minutes.
Once your tortilla is browned on both sides, remove from skillet and cut into 4 sections with a very sharp knife.
Serve with your favorite salsa and enjoy!

Looking for a fast easy detox plan? I’ve got everything you need to get started! Check out my step by step programs here.

Interested in one-on-one Nutrition & Lifestyle Coaching with Linda? Click here and here for details on how to get started.

Spicy Avocado Toast

Linda — Tue, 21 Apr 2015 17:04:09 +0000

Spicy Avocado Toast

Grabbing a quick bite on this busy day! A busy schedule is no excuse to eat poorly, this Spicy Avocado Toast makes a great healthy meal in minutes!

You’ll need:

2 slices Ezekiel bread, toasted
1 small avocado
hot sauce – I love Cholula
sea salt & pepper
1 ripe Roma tomato, cut into slices

Smear one side of each slice of toast with 1/2 avocado. Drizzle with hot sauce and top with tomato slices. Add sea salt and fresh cracked pepper.

Voila! A fast, easy meal in minutes!

*You can add other veggies too, if you like. Spinach, arugula, cucumber slices, shredded carrots, sliced bell pepper, and/or sprouts also make a super yummy open faced sandwich! Kids love it too, you can even have them help build their own

Enjoy!!

5.0 from 1 reviews

Spicy Avocado Toast

Prep time

3 mins

Total time

3 mins

A delicious, healthy meal in 2 minutes!!

Author: Linda Wagner

Serves: 1

Ingredients

2 slices Ezekiel bread, toasted
1 small avocado
hot sauce – I love Cholula
sea salt & pepper
1 ripe Roma tomato, cut into slices

Instructions

Smear one side of each slice of toast with ½ avocado.
Drizzle with hot sauce and top with tomato slices.
Add sea salt and fresh cracked pepper.
*You can add other veggies too, if you like. Spinach, arugula, cucumber slices, shredded carrots, sliced bell pepper, and/or sprouts also make a super yummy open faced sandwich!

You can see more of my fast easy 5 min meals here, enjoy!!

Looking for a fast easy detox plan? I’ve got everything you need to get started! Check out my step by step programs here.

Interested in one-on-one Nutrition & Lifestyle Coaching with Linda? Click here and here for details on how to get started.

Monday Motivation

Linda — Mon, 13 Apr 2015 23:00:11 +0000

Happy Monday everyone!! You have probably noticed that I’ve been posting a little less than usual over the last several months. I have several projects in the works so please bear with me as I juggle this new schedule!

22 Ways To Wake Up And Feel Super Positive For The Day.

The go-to, 10-minute recipes of busy, healthy women.

Diet doesn’t mean better, in most cases it’s actually worse!! What Diet Soda Does to Belly Fat.

Another Deadly Reason Why You Should Stop Drinking Soda.

The Best Foods to Increase Kidney Function.

10 Holistic Treatments to Detox your Lymphatic System! The first one is one of my favorites!

5 Frozen Veggies To Always Have in Your Freezer.

6 recipes that prove bananas make the healthiest frozen desserts.

France wants to ban dangerously thin models and label retouched images. “the bill also sends a positive message to models and young girls. “A person should not be obliged to starve herself in order to work.””

3 things to pack to stay healthy at this season’s music festivals.

5 Tips on How to Meditate for Beginners. I also love this guided relaxation CD. It helps me relax so much that I usually fall asleep!

5 Simple Habits That Help Me Pack a Lunch I Actually Want to Eat.

7 Habits Of People With Remarkable Mental Toughness.

5 Chemicals That Could Be Making You Fat.

6 Reasons Why You’re Gaining The Weight Back.

How One Woman Gained Back All the Weight She Lost—Then Changed Her Mindset to Drop and Keep Off 140 Pounds.

Why You Barely Look Like You Exercise—Even Though You Work Out a Ton. It’s always a good idea to jump start your diet too!

The Post-Workout Advice You Need To Follow.

How to detox your Easter candy Candida. This is also a great article to give you more of a background.

Household Bleach Tied to Respiratory Illness in Children.

How Cloth Napkins Became a Practical Everyday Choice for Me.

Dutch Retirement Home Offers Free Rent to Students in Exchange for Neighborly Interaction. I thought this was so sweet and such a wonderful way to help students who are financially strapped.

Is the Paleo Diet the healthiest diet to hit mainstream?

Why more women are getting colonics…for great skin!

I absolutely LOVED this story!! She Takes Off A Doll’s Face With Nail Polish Remover And Here Is The Result.

Happy Monday xo

If you’re looking for more great reading you can flip through all my Monday Motivation articles here! Enjoy!!

Did you write or read a great article this week? Please share it in the comments section below!

Looking for a fast easy detox plan? I’ve got everything you need to get started! Check out my step by step programs here.

Interested in one-on-one Nutrition & Lifestyle Coaching with Linda? Click here and here for details on how to get started.

5 Minute Chopped Chickpea Salad

Linda — Tue, 31 Mar 2015 22:07:09 +0000

I love this simple Chopped Chickpea Salad. It requires very little prep time and is super healthy!

5 Minute Chopped Chickpea Salad

You’ll need:

two 16 ounce cans of chickpeas, drained
1 medium cucumber, diced
1 green bell pepper, seeded and diced
1/2 white onion, diced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, diced
1 cup parsley, chopped fine
juice of 2 lemons, about 4 Tbs
2 Tbs olive oil
1 tsp sea salt
1 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp smoked paprika blend, I used this one
2 Tbs goat feta cheese

Add all your ingredients to a large mixing bowl and stir with a wooden spoon until all ingredients are combined. Taste and adjust flavors as needed.

That’s it! A simple salad ready in 5 mins!

This is great on it’s own, as a side, on top of a green leafy salad, in pita bread, a cabbage leaf or lettuce leaf as a wrap! I also think it would pair very well as a side to grilled salmon or grilled steak. I hope you enjoy this easy 5 Minute Chopped Chickpea Salad as much as I do! You can see more of my fast easy 5 min meals here!

5 Minute Chopped Chickpea Salad

Prep time

5 mins

Total time

5 mins

Author: Linda Wagner

Recipe type: salad

Cuisine: medeterranian

Serves: 6

Ingredients

two 16 ounce cans of chickpeas, drained
1 medium cucumber, diced
1 green bell pepper, seeded and diced
½ white onion, diced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, diced
1 cup parsley, chopped fine
juice of 2 lemons, about 4 Tbs
2 Tbs olive oil
1 tsp sea salt
1 tsp black pepper
½ tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp smoked paprika blend, I used this one
2 Tbs goat feta cheese

Instructions

Add all your ingredients to a large mixing bowl and stir with a wooden spoon until all ingredients are combined. Taste and adjust flavors as needed.

Looking for a fast easy detox plan? I’ve got everything you need to get started! Check out my step by step programs here.

Interested in one-on-one Nutrition & Lifestyle Coaching with Linda? Click here and here for details on how to get started.

Monday Motivation

Linda — Mon, 30 Mar 2015 19:04:34 +0000

Adorable Bunny Pancakes here and here.

14 Simple, Delicious Recipes With Just 6 Ingredients (Plus Salt).

This woman posted a photoset that reminds all of us that “healthy” does not mean “perfect”.

This Avocado Cheese and Egg Pizza on Bread is genius!!

The Healthy Vegetable You’re Not Using But Should Be. Try this recipe too!

7 Best Foods For Rapid Weight Loss.

35 Clever Food Hacks That Will Change Your Life.

9 ‘Healthy’ Snacks That Really Aren’t Good for You.

The 24 Hour Flat Belly Meal Plan.

How adorable are these Easter Egg Hummus Toasts from Fork & Beans?!

His TEDx Talk Inspired Us To Get Women And Girls To #PoseLikeASuperhero.

This Childhood Favorite Has A Warning Label In Europe – Why Not Here?

Why Kids Need to Move, Touch and Experience to Learn.

Fantastic Freezer Meals to Make Your Life Easier.

I love making my own sprouts at home. It is ridiculously easy and so much cheaper than buying store bought. Here is a great step-by-step tutorial to get you started! You may want to use one of these too!

14 Signs That You Need Detoxification and what you can do about it.

An Emotion That’s Surprisingly Good for You.

Why We’re All Deficient In Magnesium, The Many Signs & What To Do.

Diet May Be As Important To Mental Health As It Is To Physical Health.

Love these Avocado Deviled Eggs for Easter!

7 Almond Flour Desserts That Are Both Healthy And Delicious.

Your Smoothie Is a Sugar Bomb. Here’s How to Make It Healthy.

What’s the Difference Between White & Brown Eggs?

8 Ways To Save At Whole Foods Market.

10 Things Learnt From The Two Roommates Who Saved More Than $55,000 A Year.

The Absurd Psychology of Restaurant Menus.

20 Toxic Things You Probably Use Every Day.

The Very Beginning of Being Sick to Death!

The filmmaker who wants Millennials to start thinking about Alzheimer’s.

Watch Colorblind People See A Sunset For The First Time.

Happy Monday xo

If you’re looking for more great reading you can flip through all my Monday Motivation articles here! Enjoy!!

Did you write or read a great article this week? Please share it in the comments section below!

Looking for a fast easy detox plan? I’ve got everything you need to get started! Check out my step by step programs here.

Interested in one-on-one Nutrition & Lifestyle Coaching with Linda? Click here and here for details on how to get started.

Raw Vegan Rainbow Roll

Linda — Thu, 26 Mar 2015 23:11:54 +0000

Here in Austin, the weather is FINALLY starting to feel like spring! It’s been amazing to see the sun again and get to spend some much needed time outside. With warmer weather I always start to get questions on “how to lose weight and get in shape fast” and I always say my secret weapon is simply raw vegetables. Weather you juice them, blend them, or chew them, raw veggies are an essential part of cleansing and tonifying the body. Raw veggies are also loaded with amazing health benefits that will make you feel amazing from the inside out!

These beautiful Rainbow Rolls are one of my favorite healthy snacks and a great way to boost your raw veggie intake! These rolls are absolutely gorgeous and taste amazing! I admit, I used to be very intimidated with the thought of making any kind of sushi roll, but it’s actually super easy. Give yourself a few practice runs and you’ll get the hang of it in no time!

This roll alone is bursting with nutrients to support cellular detoxification and cleansing:

Cucumber is rich in B vitamins, water, electrolytes, silicon and sulfur to support hydration, liver, kidney, skin, and immune system health.
Carrots provide antioxidants and vitamin A which helps the liver to cleanse toxins out of the body. Carrots also support the skin and help to create that beautiful GLOW.
Green & Purple Cabbage is low in fat, high in fiber, supports healthy blood pressure, and acts as a natural anti-inflammatory. It is rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, B6, manganese, sulfur, and potassium. Cabbage also has well-known cancer preventative compounds lupeol, sinigrin and sulforaphane. They stimulate enzyme activity and inhibit the growth of cancer tumors. A Study on women showed a reduction in breast cancer when cruciferous vegetables like cabbage were added to their diet. (source)
Avocados are rich in vitamin K, folate, vitamin C, potassium, B5, B6, and vitamin E. They also contain high amounts of oleic acid which has been linked to reduced inflammation and been shown to have beneficial effects on genes linked to cancer!
Nori (seaweed) is surprisingly rich in protein – 100 grams of nori contain between 30 and 50 grams of protein, making it one of the plant world’s richest sources of protein! Nori is also naturally high in iron, iodine, vitamin A, vitamin C, thiamine, magnesium, riboflavin, niacin, folate, zinc, and potassium. It supports healthy cholesterol, acts as an anti-cancer agent (due to high amounts of vitamin C), supports healthy thyroid function, eyesight, and clear skin.

Who knew you could get that much nutrition out of a modest little veggie roll?!

Raw Vegan Rainbow Roll

You’ll need:

1 tomato, cut into half moon slices
1/2 a large avocado, cut into slices
1 cucumber, peeled and julienned (I use one of these)
1 large carrot, peeled and julienned (I use one of these)
1 cup green cabbage, shredded (I use a food processor for this)
1 cup purple cabbage, shredded (I use a food processor for this)
2 sheets Nori (you can usually find Nori in the Asian section of you local grocery store)

This will make about 2 rolls, double, triple, quadruple your ingredients as desired!

Place a sheet of nori shiny side down on a cutting board or sushi mat. Note, a sushi mat is extremely helpful but not 100% necessary.

At the bottom edge of your nori, layer on a small amount of each ingredient. Keep in mind, less is more for this step since most people tend to over-stuff. The more volume you have, the harder it is to roll.

Lift up the edge of the sushi mat closest to you with both thumbs then fold it over your ingredients, squeezing slightly to keep all the ingredients inside. Continue to roll your sushi until you get about an inch from the opposite end. Wet your fingers with some water and then wipe the remaining edge of your nori. Then finish rolling. This step ensures that your roll will stick together.

Use a very sharp knife to cut into 1 inch slices.

If you are like me, it’s much easier to learn when you have a great visual so I’ve included this instructional video by my friend Russel James, The Raw Chef, he’s much better at explaining the process than me!

I know it seems intimidating at first, but I promise the process is actually quite easy and once you make a few rolls, you’ll get the hang of it and want to make it all the time!

I used this dressing to dip and it was DELICIOUS!! You could also use a spicy peanut dip if you like something a little thicker. Both are fabulous!

I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do! I’ll be posting more raw food recipes through out the coming weeks. In the mean time, you can see all of my raw food recipes here.

Looking for a fast easy detox plan? I’ve got everything you need to get started! Check out my step by step programs here.

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Easy Indian Curry with Steak and Veggies

Linda — Tue, 24 Mar 2015 21:28:43 +0000

I recently discovered Sharwood brand Indian sauces at my local Costco and I’m in love! I make an effort to have sauces stocked up in my pantry. As long as I have a good sauce: marinara, curry, salsa, etc. I can typically add veggies and protein to whip up a yummy meal in less than 30 minutes. Especially on busy weeknights, Viagra Hapi sauces are my savior!

In typical fashion, this meal is just a combination of ingredients and leftovers that I already had in the fridge: grilled grass-fed flank steak left over from the weekend, shredded carrots, a yellow squash, onion, and one bell pepper.

Easy Indian Curry with Steak and Veggies

You’ll need:

1 lb cooked grass fed beef cut into thin slices then diced
6 cups cooked quinoa
1 yellow onion, diced
1 yellow squash, cubed
1 cup shredded carrots
1 orange bell pepper, cubed
two 14 ounce jars of curry: Tikki Masala or Butter sauces are my favorites! (You can find Indian sauces at most grocery stores, health food stores, Trader Joes, Whole Foods, and even Costco!)
1 cup water
1 Tbs olive oil or avocado oil (I also get my avocado oil at Costco, it’s much cheaper there!)
1 tsp sea salt and pepper
several sprigs fresh cilantro as garnish

In a large skillet over med-high heat (I find cast-iron works best) add a drizzle of oil, diced onions, and salt and pepper and saute until onions for about 2-3 minutes. Then add yellow squash and bell peppers and saute until the onions start to brown at the edges.

Next add shredded carrots, cooked beef, curry sauce and water. A note about adding water: I poured 1/2 a cup of water into each empty jar of curry, put the lid back on and shook, then added that water to the skillet. This way I make sure to get any extra sauce out of the jar as it tends to be thick and sticks to the edges!

Stir at let simmer for about 20 minutes.

To serve, pour over quinoa (or plain zucchini noodles if you want it to be paleo or carb free) and garnish with fresh chopped cilantro. Enjoy!

This is such a fast and easy meal to make anytime. The best thing about this type of recipe is that you can make a million variations using whatever you have at home! I think any of the following would be delicious!

Veggies:

broccoli
zucchini/yellow squash
peas
carrots
mushrooms
bell peppers
cauliflower
green beans
kale
spinach
onions
collard greens

Protein

chicken
chickpeas
lentils
steak
lamb
bison (I’ve made this recipe using ground bison – also grass fed from Costco – and it was delicious!)
ground turkey

I hope this recipe inspires you to stock your pantry with healthy sauces, they really do come in handy!

3.7 from 3 reviews

Easy Indian Curry with Steak and Veggies

Prep time

10 mins

Cook time

30 mins

Total time

40 mins

Author: Linda Wagner

Recipe type: Dinner

Cuisine: Indian

Serves: 6

Ingredients

1 lb cooked grass fed beef cut into 1 inch slices
4 – 6 cups cooked quinoa
1 yellow onion, diced
1 yellow squash, cubed
1 cup shredded carrots
1 orange bell pepper, cubed
two 14 ounce jars of curry: Tikki Masala or Butter sauces are my favorites! (You can find Indian sauces at most grocery stores, health food stores, Trader Joes, Whole Foods, and even Costco!)
1 cup water
1 Tbs olive oil or avocado oil (I also get my avocado oil at Costco, it’s much cheaper there!)
1 tsp sea salt and pepper
several sprigs cilantro as garnish

Instructions

In a large skillet over med-high heat (I find cast-iron works best) add a drizzle of oil, diced onions, and salt and pepper and saute until onions for about 2-3 minutes. Then add yellow squash and bell peppers and saute until the onions start to brown at the edges.
Next add shredded carrots, cooked beef, curry sauce and water. A note about adding water: I poured ½ a cup of water into each empty jar of curry, put the lid back on and shook, then added that water to the skillet. That way I made sure to get any extra sauce out of the jar as it tends to be rather thick and sticks to the edges!
Stir at let simmer for about 20 minutes.
To serve, pour over quinoa (or plain zucchini noodles if you want it to be paleo) and garnish with chopped cilantro. Enjoy!

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Monday Motivation

Linda — Mon, 23 Mar 2015 17:31:38 +0000

How your choices affect your brain’s health. Loved this article!

The Myth of High-Protein Diets “Research shows that animal protein may significantly increase the risk of premature mortality from all causes, among them cardiovascular disease, cancer and Type 2 diabetes. Heavy consumption of saturated fat and trans fats may double the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.” You don’t have to be vegetarian, but it’s important to remember that no matter what diet you are following, you need a large amount of veggies to be healthy!

Your Bra May Be Killing You.

Spirulina Benefits: 10 Proven Reasons to Use This Superfood. I heart spirulina!! Add it to your smoothies, acai bowls, or juices! It can also be taken in capsule form. I especially love it mixed with fresh orange juice!

The Easiest Way to Burn 600 EXTRA Calories a Week.

Letting Go of Unhealthy Relationships and Rediscovering Yourself.

Watch What Could Happen to Your Body If You Drank 10 Cans of Coke a Day.

Chemical Exposure Linked to Billions in Health Care Costs. This is an important article everyone should read. Most people are totally unaware of the toxicity in everyday items.

Mood, Food and Bipolar Disorder: A New Prescription.

Could an at-home IV cure your health issue (or hangover)? Have any of you tried this?!

The new detox: Charcoal.

Busy Is a Sickness.

100 Things You Can Do Instead of Eating Mindlessly.

Research Says Nature Provides Secret Tools For Reducing Stress.

19 Foods That Aren’t Food.

You Deserve to Be Happy Now, Not Just When You Reach Your Goal.

Why This Korean Cleanser Is Selling Out Everywhere – has anyone tried this?!

6 Bold Reasons To Stop Wearing Makeup.

8 Amazing Traits All Introverts Have that They Probably Never Realized.

The healthy habits Victoria’s Secret supermodel Erin Heatherton lives by.

Why I’ll never give up on paper grocery lists. I don’t know about you, but I’m all about the paper list!!

Pesticides in produce – Consumer Reports’ new guidelines show you how to make the best choices for your health—and for the environment.

The Anti-Pollution Documentary That’s Taken China By Storm.

Americans Love K-Cups, but Their Creator Regrets Inventing Them.

8 Totally Honest, No-B.S. Truths About Trying to Lose Weight. Real women opened up about the reality of trying to drop pounds—and their touching quotes will seriously motivate you.

Cut your sugar intake to 25 grams a day if you can, says UN.

5 Things That Happen When You Quit Eating Sugar.

The Behind-The-Scenes Marketing Tricks That Make Food Irresistible (Hint: You Can’t See It!)

Can Family Secrets Make You Sick?

How To Cure Every Food Craving.

How To Become Gluten Intolerant – this is funny!

Happy Monday xo

If you’re looking for more great reading you can flip through all my Monday Motivation articles here! Enjoy!!

Did you write or read a great article this week? Please share it in the comments section below!

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Interested in one-on-one Nutrition & Lifestyle Coaching with Linda? Click here and here for details on how to get started.

Mexican Style Pickled Veggies

Linda — Wed, 18 Mar 2015 21:44:12 +0000

I’ve been researching the health benefits of apple cider vinegar (ACV) and wanted to find a way to reap the benefits without having to do a shot of vinegar or take a bunch of pills. I’ve also been looking for a great recipe for pickled veggies, like the ones I love from my favorite Mexican restaurant in town. After searching for recipes, I had a light bulb moment and realized that I could get the best of both worlds by using ACV to pickle the veggies! Amazing health benefits + delicious flavor = win, win!

The health benefits of apple cider vinegar include:

supports healthy digestion
potent antibacterial and antimicrobial
supports healthy blood sugar levels (2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar before bedtime can reduce fasting blood sugars by 4% (9source)).
supports healthy blood pressure and heart function
supports healthy immune system function
supports weight loss
Contains potassium, phosphorus, natural organic fluorine, silicon, trace minerals, pectin as well as many other powerful nutrients!

This recipe is a delicious way to reap the benefits of ACV and enjoy it!

Mexican Style Pickled Veggies

Adapted from this recipe.

You’ll need:

2 lbs carrots, peeled and cut on the bias
1 yellow onion, sliced into strips
1 bunch of radishes, cut into slices (about 1 cup)
1.5 cups water
2 cups apple cider vinegar
7 ounces whole canned jalapenos with liquid (I cut the jalapenos into long strips)
1/4 cup olive oil or avocado oil
6 cloves garlic
1 Tbs dried oregano
1 Tbs whole black peppercorns
1 Tbs salt
2 bay leaves

In a large pot over high heat, bring water to a boil. Once water is boiling, remove from heat and add carrots. Let them site for about 5 minutes and then add remaining ingredients. Stir to combine and let sit and cool for 1-2 hrs.

Store in glass jars and refrigerate.

You can eat your pickled veggies right away but they are best after a day or two in the fridge!

Notes:

If you don’t like spicy food, you can reduce or omit the jalepeno and/or black pepper.
You can use any crunchy vegetable. Beets, cauliflower, etc. would be lovely addittions!
I think I will omit the oil in my next batch or at least reduce it, I didn’t find it necessary.
If you prefer softer veggies, you can keep the water at a boil for up to 5 minutes after adding the veggies. I personally prefer the crunch!

These pickled veggies are great as a snack, side dish, addition to quinoa bowls, salads, or sandwiches! I can’t wait to make more variations using different veggies! Plus you get all the amazing benefits of apple cider vinegar with every delicious bite!! xo

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Raw Mint Chocolate Chip Smoothie

Linda — Tue, 17 Mar 2015 16:41:20 +0000

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with this AMAZING Mint Chocolate Chip Shake! This is what I love about raw foods, you can have delicious, decadent recipes like this and still be cleansing!!

I LOVED Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream as a kid and it’s still one of my favorite flavors. This shake tastes exactly like to the real thing!!

Raw Mint Chocolate Chip Smoothie

2 frozen bananas
2 bunches fresh mint leaves
1/4 tsp mint extract
2 dropperfulls Cocoa Extract
2 dropperfulls Vanilla Stevia
1 cup Almond Milk
Cacao Nibs as garnish

Blend all ingredients in a high speed blender until smooth. I use VitaMix. You could also add some baby spinach to make it a more green in color and give it a boost in minerals!

This shake is sooooo good!! If you like Mint Chocolate Chip as much as I do, you will really love this recipe! Kids will love it too!

You can get your Vanilla Stevia, Cacao Nibs and Cocoa Extract from iherb.com. They’ve got the best prices and fast shipping – they also ship to over 180 countries, including APO addresses! Feel free to use my discount code WAG472 to get $5 OFF your first order or $10 OFF your first order of $40 or more+ FREE shipping on orders of $20 or more!!

HAPPY ST. PATRICK’S DAY!!

Raw Mint Chocolate Chip Smoothie

Prep time

5 mins

Total time

5 mins

Author: Linda Wagner

Ingredients

2 frozen bananas
2 bunches fresh mint leaves
¼ tsp mint extract
2 dropperfulls Cocoa Extract
2 dropperfulls Vanilla Stevia
1 cup Almond Milk
Cacao Nibs as garnish

Instructions

Blend all ingredients in a high speed blender until smooth. I use VitaMix. You could also add some baby spinach to make it a more green in color and give it a boost in minerals!

You can find more smoothie recipes here. Enjoy!!

Looking for a fast easy detox plan? I’ve got everything you need to get started! Check out my step by step programs here.

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Paleo Kale Cobb Salad

Linda — Thu, 05 Mar 2015 19:01:49 +0000

This is a healthier take on one of my favorite salads, the traditional Cobb. Cobb Salads typically have some not-so-healthy ingredients like bacon and blue cheese which are very acidic to the body. I decided to omit the blue cheese and bacon and substituted some yummy and flavorful cooked veggies in their place.

If there is one thing that I see universally, it’s that most people do not get enough Kartal escort alkalinity from vegetables and greens on a daily basis. By far, as a nation we are overly acidic! As a rule, I always try to have at least 1-2 servings of veggies at each meal. It’s crucial to weight loss and overall health.

I love salads like this during the colder months. It is absolutely FREEZING here in Texas, as it has been in most parts of the country. On these chilly days a raw salad just doesn’t sound appetizing. The roasted and cooked veggies, warm rotisserie chicken and hard boiled eggs in this dish make this salad stick to your ribs and feel more like comfort food!

I tend to be a little lazy with my cooking as many of you know, so even though this dish turned out beautifully, it’s really just a bunch of leftovers! As always, feel free to copy these recipes precisely or use what you already have on hand.

I used a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken from my local health food store. Costs about the same and is SO MUCH easier than doing it yourself!
I made these roasted root veggies earlier in the week according to this recipe and found inspiration on pinterest using this recipe for zucchini and corn (I omitted the cheese and added extra pepper!).
For the hard boiled eggs (which I rarely make because they always come out terribly wrong) I used this recipe from Martha Stewart. And for the first time in my life, they came out perfectly cooked!!

For the base of your Paleo Kale Cobb Salad you can use any greens you like: spinach, romaine, arugula, swiss chard, kale, watercress, you name it!

I used kale and tossed it with my favorite Garlic Expressions salad dressing and a drizzle of siracha for extra kick! Then layered it with chopped grape tomatoes, a sliced hard boiled egg, shredded rotisserie chicken, roasted root veggies, and cooked zucchini with corn.

Healthy meals like this are such a great way to re-purpose your leftovers! Have fun trying different combos and let me know what you come up with!

You can find more paleo recipes here and all of my salad recipes here. Enjoy!!

Looking for a fast easy detox plan? I’ve got everything you need to get started! Check out my step by step programs here.

Interested in one-on-one Nutrition & Lifestyle Coaching with Linda? Click here and here for details on how to get started.

Monday Motivation

Linda — Mon, 02 Mar 2015 19:38:41 +0000

The 2015 list is here: The Dirty Dozen: 12 Foods You Should Always Buy Organic

8 inspiring tricks for becoming a more confident woman

15 Ways to Sleep Better, and Wake up Refreshed – we all need this!!

Is Your Olive Oil Lying About Its Virginity?

7 Ways To Heal IBS Naturally

9 foods for amazing skin!

9 Things Women with Good Skin Always Do

Common Food Additives May Be Making Us Fat

Scientists Officially Link Processed Foods To Autoimmune Disease

This One Simple Trick Makes EVERY Workout Easier

10 Ways To Balance Hormones Naturally

3 surprising, science-backed ways to be happy!

7 Foods that Calm Inflammation and Bring Back the Glow

Why Everyone Should Consider Going “Pegan”

7 Reasons You’re So Sensitive To Caffeine

6 Aphrodisiac Foods To Dial Up The Romance In Your Life

Is your favorite juice brand using HPP?

As you all know I am such a huge animal and dog lover! This story just warms my heart! Struggling Students Read To Therapy Dogs, Find Confidence In Judgment-Free Zone

Here’s What Salad Looks Like Across America

As a person who has struggled with depression & anxiety in the past, I find this incredibly interesting! How Probiotics May Ward Off Depression And Anxiety “Time and time again, we hear from patients that they never felt depressed or anxious until they started experiencing problems with their gut,” Dr. Kirsten Tillisch, the study’s lead author, said in a statement. “Our study shows that the gut–brain connection is a two-way street.”

How I Turned Myself Into an Early Morning Exerciser

How I Save Money on Protein Using My Freezer

Nutrition Q&A: Protein + Plant-Based Diets

This is shocking: At Chipotle, How Many Calories Do People Really Eat?

How Exercise Changes Our DNA

10 Foolproof Tips For Working Out When It’s Cold Outside

Why Focusing on Calories Misses the Bigger Picture for Your Weight and Health

35 Essential Habits of Incredibly Happy People

Happy Monday xo

If you’re looking for more great reading you can flip through all my Monday Motivation articles here! Enjoy!!

Did you write or read a great article this week? Please share it in the comments section below!

Looking for a fast easy detox plan? I’ve got everything you need to get started! Check out my step by step programs here.

Interested in one-on-one Nutrition & Lifestyle Coaching with Linda? Click here and here for details on how to get started.

Quinoa & Black Bean Detox Soup

Linda — Thu, 26 Feb 2015 19:52:12 +0000

Let me start off by saying these photos are very misleading. The soup looks kind of “blah” and uninteresting but I promise it is SOOOO good! Especially with all the cold weather we’ve been having, this is a super healthy soup that’s warming, comforting and good for you!

I also love this soup because it something that you can throw together any night of the week using whatever you already have on hand in your pantry. I know most people usually think of “detoxing” in terms of following some kind complicated meal plan or supplement regimen but I’ve honestly found that eating simply and nutritiously is the BEST way to detox.

Eating an abundance of alkaline rich foods (think vegetables and greens) will detox the body and make you feel and look amazing too!

This soup is loaded with veggies but feel free to modify by using whatever you already have on hand: broccoli, cauliflower, bell peppers, peas, green beans, spinach, kale, and turnips would also be lovely additions to this soup.

5.0 from 1 reviews

Quinoa & Black Bean Detox Soup

Prep time

10 mins

Cook time

30 mins

Total time

40 mins

Author: Linda Wagner

Serves: 7-8

Ingredients

2 quarts chicken stock or bone broth
2 cups water
1 16 ounce can of organic diced tomatoes
1 6 ounce can tomato paste
1 16 ounce can organic black beans, rinsed and drained
2 medium zucchini, cut into slices
2 medium yellow squash, cut into slices
5 large carrots, peeled and into slices
5 stalks celery, diced
1 cup quinoa
1 onion, diced
1 Tbs whole grain mustard
1 Tbs Adobo seasoning
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp minced onion flakes
salt and pepper to taste
1-2 avocados and 3-4 sprigs parsley as garnish

Instructions

Place a large pot or dutch oven over med-high heat. Add a dash of olive oil, diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sprinkle with sea salt and pepper and let cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent (about 5-7 minutes).
Then add zucchini, yellow squash, canned tomatoes, tomato paste, chicken stock, spices, whole grain mustard, and water. Stir, and taste, adding more sea salt as needed.
Next add drained black beans and quinoa. Cover and cook another 20-30 mins or until veggies and quinoa are fully cooked.
Serve piping hot and garnish each bowl with avocado slices and chopped parsley. Serve with toasted Ezekiel bread (you can find it in the freezer section at your local health food store) and viola! A super healthy, low cal, gluten free, dairy free soup that has wonderful flavor and will soothe the soul on a cold winter day.

Enjoy this super healthy and detoxifying soup anytime! Kids and adults both love it and it’s also a great one to freeze for later!

You can also make this paleo friendly by using shredded chicken or cubed beef instead of the beans and quinoa.

You can see all of my healthy soup recipes here and if you would like to try my Soup Diet for Weight Loss, you can check it out here. Enjoy!

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Interested in one-on-one Nutrition & Lifestyle Coaching with Linda? Click here and here for details on how to get started.

Gluten Free Asian Noodle Salad

Linda — Wed, 18 Feb 2015 23:26:41 +0000

This Gluten-Free Asian Noodle Salad instantly became a favorite of mine! It’s an even lighter take on my traditional Chinese Chicken Salad. I’ve added gluten free “rice stick” noodles which give it really nice texture. I found these rice stick noodles at Porno my local health food store (Central Market if you are in Texas) but you can also find them at Asian groceries or online. Here are the ones I used, also known as vermicelli.

The great thing about these noodles is that they are super clean and made of simply rice and water. That’s it! They are very versatile and can be eaten hot or cold and added to soups, salads, and spring rolls.

This awesome recipe takes just minutes to throw together and will fit with almost any dietary needs or restrictions. It’s great for weight loss as well as being:

gluten free
dairy free
low sugar
low cal
low fat
vegan

My mom said that she always used these rice noodles as her secret weapon to lose weight when she was young! These noodle salads taste absolutely amazing while still being filling and satisfying.

Gluten Free Asian Noodle Salad

(printable recipe at the bottom of this post)

For the salad you’ll need:

8 ounces rice stick noodles (also known as vermicelli)
4 cups shredded green and purple cabbage (you can also find pre-shredded slaw mixes in the produce section at your local Whole Foods, Central Market or health food store)
1 zucchini, shredded in the food processor
1 cup shredded carrots (I always just buy a bag of julienne carrots at the grocery store)
1/2 cup chopped cilantro
1 Tbs black sesame seeds as garnish (optional)
1 hot pepper, sliced as garnish (optional) – I used a Fresno chili for the pretty red color but jalapeno would work as well

For the dressing you’ll need:

1/4 cup Tamari (tamari is a gluten free soy sauce), you could also use regular soy sauce
1/4 cup white wine vinegar
3 Tbs finely minced ginger (I peeled fresh ginger and used this hand held food processor to mince – You can also do it by hand but I find this process much faster and easier!)
3 Tbs olive oil
2 Tbs Hoisin sauce (I like this brand best, you can usually find it in the Asian section at your grocery store)
1 Tbs Toasted Sesame Oil
1 tsp Spicy Chili Oil (optional but I had it on hand and knew it would make a great addition!)
1 tsp Sriracha or more if you like it spicy!
1/2 tsp sea salt
5 chopped green onions, green and white parts

*pictured here with Goji Detox Tea

In a small mason jar with lid add tamari, vinegar, minced ginger, olive oil, hoisin sauce, toasted sesame oil, chili oil, sriracha, sea salt and chopped green onions. Secure the lid and shake vigorously. Set aside.

Next, fill a large pot with salted water and bring to a boil. Add rice stick noodles and cook for 3 minutes then drain.

Finally, in a large mixing bowl add cabbage, shredded carrots, shredded zucchini, cilantro, cooked noodles and enough dressing to coat and mix until well incorporated (kitchen tongs work well for this). Taste and adjust amount of dressing as needed.

Garnish with sesame seeds and hot peppers. You can also top with more cilantro and green onion if you like!

Divide into bowls or onto plates and enjoy!! Serves 4.

If you’re getting bored of the same old salads over and over, this one is sure to spice things up! It’s so easy to throw together on a busy weeknight and you can feel great about eating it since it’s dairy free, gluten free, well combined, and vegetarian friendly. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did! Enjoy!!

LET’S WORK TOGETHER!

All of my One-on-One Sessions and Session Packages are 10% off this week!! Let’s get you feeling confident and happy in your skin and ready for swimsuit season! I’ll help you every step of the way and show you how to make healthy eating & weight loss enjoyable and tons of fun!! Use coupon code SPRING10 at checkout! xo

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Gluten Free Asian Noodle Salad

Prep time

12 mins

Cook time

2 mins

Total time

14 mins

This Gluten Free Asian Noodle Salad takes just minutes to make and is gluten free, dairy free, low sugar, low cal, low fat, vegetarian, and vegan friendly!

Author: Linda Wagner

Recipe type: Asian, Gluten free, salad, appetizer, lunch, vegan

Cuisine: Asian

Serves: 4

Ingredients

8 ounces rice stick noodles (also known as vermicelli)
4 cups shredded green and purple cabbage (you can also find pre-shredded slaw mixes in the produce section at your local Whole Foods, Central Market or health food store)
1 zucchini, shredded in the food processor
1 cup shredded carrots (I always just buy a bag of julienne carrots at the grocery store)
½ cup chopped cilantro
1 Tbs black sesame seeds (optional)
1 hot pepper – I used a Fresno chili for the pretty red color but jalapeno would work as well (optional)
¼ cup Tamari (tamari is a gluten free soy sauce), you could also use regular soy sauce
¼ cup white wine vinegar
3 Tbs finely minced ginger (I peeled fresh ginger and used this hand held food processorto mince – You can also do it by hand but I find this process much faster and easier!)
3 Tbs olive oil
2 Tbs Hoisin sauce (I like this brand best, you can usually find it in the Asian section at your grocery store)
1 Tbs Toasted Sesame Oil
1 tsp Spicy Chili Oil (optional but I had it on hand and knew it would make a great addition!)
1 tsp Sriracha or more if you like it spicy!
½ tsp sea salt
5 chopped green onions, green and white parts

Instructions

Fill a large pot with salted water and bring to a boil. Add rice stick noodles and cook for about 3 minutes then drain.
In a small mason jar with lid add tamari, vinegar, minced ginger, olive oil, hoisin sauce, toasted sesame oil, chili oil, sriracha, sea salt and chopped green onions. Secure the lid and shake vigorously. Set aside.
Gluten Free Asian Noodle Salad via Linda Wagner
Next, in a large mixing bowl add cabbage, shredded carrots, cilantro, cooked noodles and enough dressing to coat and mix until well incorporated (kitchen tongs work well for this). Taste and adjust amount of dressing as needed.
Garnish with sesame seeds and hot peppers. You can also add more cilantro and green onion if you like!
Divide into bowls or onto plates and enjoy!!