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Dairy-free Grain-free Vegan Pumpkin Pie

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Being on a dairy-free diet can be a real challenge for most people. It is not as challenging for me, but I have noticed that many of my friends aren’t too comfortable with this idea, and they can not understand my dietary choices.

When you exclude a group of food items from your diet (gluten, dairies, sugar, and so on), and you have to attend a dinner party, you need to make sure you will have a home brought a snack with you, in case there won’t be dishes which suit your diet.

Another thing is that I don’t like to put someone to make some extra effort just to make a particular recipe to eat it. And to be honest, even if they do, sometimes they are not aware that some ingredients aren’t dairy-free or gluten-free. But I understand this because it’s effortless for someone to make a mistake when he is not used to making dairy-free recipes, for example. The most simple and more accessible option is to bring some food with me.

Pumpkin pie is one of my childhood favorite desserts. I am convinced that there is no house where the fragrant pumpkin pie smells during the fall season. So today, I want to share a recipe for pumpkin pie without dairies and grains. I often choose this pie as my home brought dessert for Thanksgiving or other fall celebrations. It’s truly a versatile and delicious pumpkin pie, and even people who usually don’t care too much about what kind of ingredients will love it. It is very fragrant, tasty, and tender.

The best feeling I had was when one of my friends, who doesn’t care too much about healthy eating, asked me to give her this recipe! So, I hope I have convinced you to try this yummy gluten-free and dairy-free pumpkin pie!

Dairy-free Grain-free Vegan Pumpkin Pie

Necessary equipment:

  • two medium bowls
  • a small bowl
  • a food processor
  • a tart pan
  • a rubber spatula
  • plastic wrap

Ingredients:

date paste:

  • 1 cup of pitted Medjool dates
  • filtered water

crust:

  • 2 cups of pecans
  • 1/4 cup of date paste
  • 1/2 cup of almond flour
  • 2 tablespoons of cacao powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt

the filling:

  • 2 cups of cashews
  • 1 ripe banana
  • 1/3 cup of date paste
  • 1 can of unsweetened pumpkin puree
  • 2 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice
  • 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt

topping:

  • 4-5 walnuts, halved

Instructions:

To make the date paste:

  1. Put 1 cup of dates in a medium bowl and cover fully with water. Leave them to soak for at least 5 hours.
  2. Drain the water from the dates and transfer the nuts to a food processor. Pulse until they turn paste-like. Add water if needed. This is your date paste.

Crust:

  1. Add the pecans to the bottom of a food processor. Pulse until they reach a rough powder consistency, but not too fine.
  2. Add in the almond flour, cocoa powder, and sea salt. Pulse until the mixture has a dough-like consistency.
  3. Take the dough out, transfer it to a tart form and press it flatly.

Filling:

  1. Put 2 cups of cashews in a medium bowl and cover thoroughly with water. Leave to soak for about 3 hours.
  2. Drain the water from the cashews.
  3. Add banana to a small bowl and use a fork to mash it.
  4. Put the soaked cashews, date paste, pumpkin puree, mashed banana, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla extract, and sea salt in the food processor. Pulse until the mixture is completely combined and has a smooth consistency. Use a spatula to scrape the sides of the food processor once in a while. Make sure you get all of the ingredients to combine.
  5. Pour the mixture over the pressed crust and top with halved walnuts.
  6. Next, cover the tart pan with plastic wrap and put it in the freezer for at least two hours so that all the ingredients will be set.
  7. Before serving, thaw for 30 minutes and enjoy!

Bean Polenta Cakes with Sides

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Mexican food is far beyond my favorite kind of food!

Authentic Mexican food has an unmistakable flavor. Mexican cuisine is based on local ingredients, cultivated since Aztec times, such as corn, beans, and hot chili peppers. These eventually merged with the diet imposed by the Spaniards during the Conquistador period (the Spaniards are the ones who introduced the consumption of meat from domesticated animals in Mexico and cheeses) and formed what today called Mexican food is.

Polenta is rich in minerals, vitamins, and nutrients that the body needs to function normally. Corn is the main reason why polenta is considered to be so healthy. Like rice and wheat, corn provides the body with the energy needed to function correctly and is abundant in folate, vitamin B6, vitamin C, and vitamin E, thiamine, riboflavin, and niacin.

In addition, maize provides a higher concentration of phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, potassium, copper, selenium, and manganese.

The polenta cakes are made from black beans and are a perfect vegetarian meal. Enjoy it as the main component of a balanced dinner, or pair it with a salad or some other roasted vegetables, and you’ll have a healthy lunch.

Bean Polenta Cakes with Sides

NECESSARY EQUIPMENT

  • a slow cooker
  • a baking tray
  • parchment paper
  • a medium-sized bowl
  • 2 medium-sized pots
  • a whisk
  • a rubber spatula
  • a muffin tin

INGREDIENTS

Slow Cooker Beans:

  • 1 1/2 cup of dry black beans (preferably soaked in water overnight)
  • 3 cups of filtered water
  • 1 jalapeno (minced)
  • 3 garlic cloves
  • 1 teaspoon of cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt

Plantain chips:

  • 1 large plantain
  • 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder
  • a pinch of paprika
  • a pinch of cumin
  • coconut cooking oil spray

Polenta:

  • 4 cups of low-sodium vegetable broth
  • 1 cup of polenta or yellow cornmeal
  • 1 tablespoon of avocado oil

Pickled onions:

  • 1/2 red onion
  • 1/4 cup of filtered water
  • 1/2 cup of red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon of raw honey

Guacamole:

  • 1/2 medium tomato
  • 1/4 onion
  • 2 T. of fresh cilantro
  • 3 garlic cloves
  • 1 jalapeno
  • 2 avocados
  • 3 or 4 tablespoons of lime juice
  • a pinch of cumin
  • sea salt and pepper to taste

INSTRUCTIONS

Black beans:

  1. Put black beans, water, jalapeno, garlic cloves, cumin, black pepper, and salt in a slow cooker.
  2. Cook on a high setting for about 8 hours.

Plantain chips:

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Line a baking tray with parchment paper and spray with cooking oil.
  3. Peel the plantain and use a sharp knife to slice it into chips. You can also use a mandoline.
  4. Spread the chips on prepared parchment paper.
  5. Bake for about 15 minutes. Then, flip on the other side and bake for an additional 10 minutes. If you notice the chips getting brown quickly, you might have to lower the temperature or reduce the baking time.

Polenta cakes:

  1. Pour the vegetable broth into a medium pot and bring to a boil.
  2. Slowly add in the cornmeal or polenta while whisking constantly.
  3. Reduce the heat to low heat and keep whisking so that the polenta thickens.
  4. Once it has thickened, cover the pot with a lid and allow it to cook for about 30-40 minutes. Stir the polenta once every 5 to 10 minutes.
  5. Add in the avocado oil and stir gently to incorporate.
  6. Prepare a muffin tin and spray it with coconut cooking oil.
  7. Transfer the polenta to the pan and allow it to sit in the fridge for at least 20 minutes.

Pickled onions:

  1. Peel and slice the red onion very thinly.
  2. Place the onion slices in a small pot together with water, red wine vinegar, and honey.
  3. Bring the mixture to a boil and then immediately turn off the heat.
  4. Set aside while you prepare other things.

Guacamole:

  1. Dice the tomato and onion very finely.
  2. Chop the fresh cilantro and mince the garlic cloves and jalapeno.
  3. Peel the avocados and dice them roughly. Then transfer them to a bowl and use a fork to mash them into a soft consistency.
  4. Add in chopped vegetables, lime juice, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine.

Assembling:

  1. Place polenta cakes on a serving plate and top each with two tablespoons of cooked black beans.
  2. Complete with pickled red onions and a serving of guacamole with a few plantain chips.
  3. Enjoy this Mexican fiesta!

Meals and snacks for Working Out

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If we want to be in good physical and mental condition, physical activity must become our main ally. Regular exercise helps us tone our muscles, burn fat deposits, thus controlling body weight, and, last but not least, stimulates the production of endorphins, the hormone of “happiness”.

It is known that sport strengthens immunity, improves memory through the supply of oxygen to the brain, and reduces the risk of heart disease. The whole body benefits from physical activity. And to potentiate its effect, it is recommended to harmonize it with a healthy and intelligent diet.

The timing and type of food you eat before and after training can significantly impact how your body reacts to the effort it is subjected to. That’s why we have prepared some suggestions for you to consider when preparing your pre and post-workout meals.

Let’s go over what a perfect mini-meal should contain first:

Pre-workout Meal

Pre-workout food intake largely determines performance. When eating, it is essential what nutrient content it has and whether it is adapted to your type of exercise. One is to want to lose weight and quite another to aim to maintain fitness.

During exercise, you consume fat from adipose tissue and carbohydrates from glycogen stores in muscle and liver. On the other hand, if you have a high-carbohydrate meal before training, you will consume carbohydrates as an energy substrate and less fat.

Pre-exercise meals should contain both protein and carbohydrates. Slow-absorbing carbohydrates (bread, potatoes, rice) will give you a feeling of long-term satiety. On the other hand, fast-absorbing carbohydrates (for example, natural fruit juices) will provide you with more energy, which will be especially useful during your workout.

Post-workout Meal

Effort recovery is an essential section in maintaining performance. Thus, if you recover properly, you can train the next day successfully. Otherwise, you end up with only muscle pain, fatigue, and decreased performance.

Exercise consumes your reserves of muscle carbohydrates (glycogen) and can also be followed by the destruction of muscle fibers, effects that must be remedied by proper recovery and recovery.

If you can’t have a meal right after exercise, you can have a snack containing carbohydrates and protein, such as a banana or protein bar (you can find many ideas on the blog) in the first 30-60 minutes after exercise.

Remember that your meals need to be balanced and varied, so make sure you add fruits and vegetables so you don’t deprive yourself of other essential nutrients.

When considering what to eat before your morning workout, think of three things:

  • How much time do you have before training?
  • What type of movement and intensity do you plan?
  • How long will your training last?

You’ve probably heard all sorts of recommendations about breakfast – and it varies a lot because every person is different. Some people feel weak or lazy if they do not eat a large meal and others swear they have stomach cramps if they eat anything heavy.

When you exercise, your body focuses on feeding the muscles that work instead of concentrating on digestion – so eating a large, heavy meal too close to intense movement can cause you significant stomach pain. The key is to have a healthy fuel intake without overdoing it.

1. How much time do you have before training?
Synchronization matters the most – you don’t want to choose a vast and cumbersome breakfast if you plan to do intense cardio in the next twenty minutes. If possible, try to wake up an hour before your workout to hydrate and introduce some food into your system. If you have two or three hours before going to the gym, you can eat a more substantial meal.

2. What type of movement and intensity do you plan?
A few extremes here can even impact the best type of breakfast – if you plan a long aerobic cardio workout, you will want to focus on high-quality carbs as your leading food group. If you go for a quick weight lifting or HIIT session, it is less important to have long-lasting fuel. Somewhere in the middle? Try different options and discover what makes you feel best.

3. How long will your training last?
If you know, you’ll be in and out of the gym in less than 30 minutes, and you probably won’t need a massive table to support your energy. If you run a long marathon workout, you will need to plan for fuel and DURING your training.

MINI MEAL IDEAS

Considering all the above information, your meals should still combine the three macronutrients – carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. Our muscles primarily use carbohydrates for energy, so they are a group of foods you do not want to go over. Here are some ideas for breakfast meals, from low to high calories, depending on the workout you have planned and the timing.

A full meal (2 or more hours before your workout)

  • Whole grain toast with peanut butter and banana slices, sprinkled with honey
  • Omelet with vegetables
  • Overnight Oats – old-fashioned oats soaked overnight in yogurt or milk with chia seeds and frozen berries

Light meal (1-2 hours before your workout)

  • Whole grain tortilla with an egg omelet and shredded cheese
  • Yogurt with granola and diced apple sprinkled with cinnamon
  • Smoothie with berries, spinach or kale, and hemp powder

Pre-workout snack (1 hour or less before your workout)

  • Banana
  • Half a protein/energy bar

Ricotta Spinach Pasta

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This recipe dish with ricotta and spinach makes a delicious meal, ready in 15 minutes: simple, fresh ingredients, delicious flavors, and minimal effort.

When you think of Italian food, what first comes to mind? Spaghetti is one of the most famous dishes in Italy. However, we find spaghetti recipes, some more Italian, others more adapted to the local culture.

Italians say that pasta is best al dente, so you can feel the texture in the teeth when you taste them, without melting too quickly because they are over-cooked. Housewives in Italy continuously mix the pasta with a wooden fork to boil it evenly and put cold water over the cooked pasta only when served with salads. Italian pasta captures the authentic taste and perfect consistency just by adding flavors and sauces but without exaggeration.

Originally from central and southern Italy, ricotta is one of the freshest Italian cheeses. It is made from cow’s milk whey and has a creamy texture. It is ideal for a balanced diet because ricotta, by its nature, is low in fat, rich in protein and calcium. The name comes from its manufacturing process, namely the heat treatment of whey. After the first boiling is carried out to produce the cheese, a second boiling occurs at 85 ° -90 ° C. Therefore, the whey is refrigerated (“ricotta” in Italian), and the curd obtained is drained before being cooled.

This sauce has become one of my favorites. Mix creamy ricotta, garlic, extra virgin olive oil, and lemon, and your pasta sauce is ready.

If you are a big fan of lemons like me, you will like how their juice turns a simple dish into a spectacular dish. Mmmm… and what about the creamy ricotta? Easy to make, economical, perfect for your carbohydrate cravings!

I usually make this recipe in the spring, when all the fresh ingredients are in season, especially the spinach. Vegetables farmed locally contain more antioxidants and better quality, and besides that, we support local farmers when buying from them.

Ricotta Spinach Pasta

Necessary equipment:

  • a medium pot
  • a medium skillet

Ingredients

4 servings

  • 1 8oz package of whole-grain spaghetti
  • 1 cup Ricotta cheese
  • 2 teaspoons of extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon freshly grated lemon peel
  • 1 teaspoon of oregano
  • 2 or 3 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 cups baby spinach
  • optional: parmesan cheese for topping

Instructions:

  1. Bring a medium pot with water and a pinch of salt to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the instructions. Drain the pasta and set them aside. Reserve a cup of pasta water.
  2. Mix ricotta, olive oil, garlic, lemon peel, oregano, and lemon juice in a medium bowl. Season with salt and a good pinch of freshly ground pepper. Mix well, taste, and make sure you are satisfied with the taste.
  3. Add cooked pasta to a skillet, together with the spinach, and stir gently to combine.
  4. Then add the ricotta mixture, 1-2 tablespoons of pasta water, and mix well if you think it’s too thick. Add more pasta water if necessary to get a smooth and creamy texture.
  5. Serve the pasta with a drizzle of oil and a sprinkle of parmesan if you prefer.

Wild Blueberry Oatmeal with Apples

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I’m a big fan of oatmeal! I could eat oatmeal for breakfast my whole life. It’s so filling and tender as a way to topping that you can’t get bored of it.

I must admit that about 3-4 years ago, I wouldn’t say I liked oatmeal too much; instead, I used to eat a package of cereals full of sugar and other fake flavors in stores. I introduced oatmeal in my diet only after I started paying more attention to all the ingredients and products I ate and researched their benefits on the body. In short, I made healthier choices that had a positive effect on my health.

Going from a slightly messy diet, in which we ate chaotically, to a much cleaner diet, I discovered a lot of delicious recipes, including the common porridge. Over time, I kept trying dozens of variants and combinations until I managed to perfect them. In this way, I set a base, which I use for each recipe, then follow the most exciting part: the topping.

Many people make the mistake of adding sugar, too many sweeteners, or syrups. In this way, oatmeal becomes too high in calories and moves away from the concept of being healthy. To enrich the porridge from a nutritional point of view, add seeds (chia, flax, hemp), oilseeds (nuts, almonds, hazelnuts, cashews), all in small quantities (one or two tablespoons. Do not add sugar at all, but instead sweeten the porridge with a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup, fresh fruits with a low glycemic index (berries, kiwis, apples); you can also add dried fruits but in small quantities.

For today’s recipe, the lucky combination is wild blueberries and apples!

Wild blueberries are much healthier than regular blueberries. It doesn’t mean that you should stop eating regular blueberries, but rather that if you have a choice between the two, go for the wild ones! They have a higher amount of fiber and less sugar, making them a perfect addition to any healthy meal. I love adding them as topping on pancakes or in oatmeal for some additional fruit serving.

Nutritional Information (without toppings):

  • Calories 330
  • Servings: 5
  • Carbohydrate: 56 g
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Added Sugar: 0 g
  • Total Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Protein: 16 g
  • Fiber: 15 g

Wild Blueberry Oatmeal with Apples

Necessary equipment:

  • a medium pot

Ingredients:

5 servings

  • 2 medium apples
  • 2 cups of unsweetened plant-based milk
  • 1 cup of rolled oats
  • 2 tablespoons of chia seeds
  • 2 teaspoons of cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon of powdered ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt
  • 2 cups of frozen wild blueberries
  • optional toppings: natural peanut butter or flaked almonds

Instructions:

  1. Dice the apples.
  2. Place all the ingredients (except wild blueberries) in a glass mixing bowl.
  3. Put all the ingredients listed above in a medium pot, mix and simmer for 3-4 minutes until the oatmeal has absorbed almost all the liquid.
  4. Mix the porridge with a spoon from time to time to prevent it from sticking to the pot.
  5. When the oatmeal has absorbed the liquid, transfer the porridge from the pot into serving bowls.
  6. Enjoy warm and nutritious oatmeal in the morning.

If you are in a hurry in the morning, you can let the oatmeal soak overnight, and in the morning, you can heat the mixture, then add the rest of the ingredients. You will get a good breakfast, which will be rather a delicious dessert.

Sheet Pan Tofu and Veggies

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Sheet pan tofu and veggies are very fast, and it has pleasant textures and fresh and brave flavors. These baked vegetables are extraordinarily easy and quick to prepare and taste fantastic!

Health is always in vogue, and since vegetables should not be missing from a healthy lifestyle, all that remains is to discover how we can integrate more into our daily diet and make them as tasty as possible. Baked vegetables are very delicious and retain many nutrients, which support our immunity and give us enough energy to do everything we want in one day.

Tofu is an ingredient with a neutral taste but extremely sensitive to the flavors of spices. It is incredibly versatile and adapts to many cooking styles, always giving an exceptional taste to the dishes. It is an excellent choice to make up for the lack of protein in meat and has a consistent intake of good fats in the diet.

You can’t imagine how delicious these vegetables are on the tray! Whole garlic cloves, sprinkled over vegetables, give them a subtle flavor. This recipe has no fixed quantities and ingredients. You can juggle them depending on the vegetables available and the number of people. Obviously, in addition to the vegetables I used, others can be successfully included in this combination, for example, peas or mushrooms of all kinds.

And as for a different side, if you need a high calorie intake, I recommend you pair this recipe with brown rice or even quinoa. You can leave it to boil in a pot while the sheet pan tofu is in the oven so you don’t need to spend more time in the kitchen.

Let’s see what’s with the recipe!

Sheet Pan Tofu and Veggies

Necessary equipment:

  • a clean kitchen towel
  • a cutting board
  • a sharp knife
  • a medium mixing bowl
  • a whisk
  • a sheet pan

Ingredients:

6 servings

  • 1 package of firm tofu
  • 1 lb of sweet potatoes
  • 2 medium zucchini
  • 2 medium red bell peppers
  • 1 medium red onion
  • 1 large broccoli head
  • 3 garlic cloves
  • 1/4 cup freshly chopped coriander

For sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons of sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon of organic maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon of powdered ginger
  • a pinch of black pepper

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking tray with parchment paper.
  2. Drain the tofu, and place it on a clean kitchen towel. Fold to remove all the moisture.
  3. Dice the sweet potatoes, zucchini, bell pepper, and onion.
  4. Chop the broccoli and mince the garlic cloves.
  5. Add sesame oil, maple syrup, soy sauce, ginger, black pepper, and whisk to combine in a mixing bowl.
  6. Cut the drained tofu into small cubes.
  7. Place the vegetables and diced tofu onto the prepared baking tray and cover everything with the sauce.
  8. Bake for about 15-20 minutes.
  9. When serving, sprinkle freshly chopped coriander on top. The vegetables are spicy, with a pleasant, slightly crunchy texture, and tofu is fragrant and delicious!

Pasta Salad with Black Beans and Cashews

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Pasta Salad with Black Beans and Cashews can be a quick and tasty solution for dinner, but also for lunch. Beautifully colored, full, spicy, this salad is very tasty!

The salad can be done in about 10 minutes as long as you soak dry beans during the night, which doesn’t require almost any effort. If you are really in a pinch and don’t have any time, canned beans will also work, they will just need to be drained and thoroughly rinsed. All you have to do is just boiling the whole grain pasta, add the cashews, and then combine all the ingredients in a food processor. It is a simple, satisfying, and lightly spicy dish!

Nutrients in this recipe

To start with, a cup of black beans provides 64% of the required amount of daily recommended fiber intake, 42% of the daily requirement of potassium, and also 42% of the required amount of protein. Moreover, black beans are a good source of calcium, magnesium, vitamin B6, and iron. The composition of black beans provides a large amount of protein, making them an excellent choice for people who avoid eating animal products. Black beans contain all 9 essential amino acids in varying amounts – which makes them a complete protein.

Spinach is considered a vital food for the entire digestive tract (stomach, duodenum, small intestine, large intestine). Basically, spinach is the best organic material for cleansing, rebuilding, and regenerating the intestinal tract.
The benefits of spinach are due to the multitude of nutrients it contains minerals, vitamins, pigments, and phytonutrients, including potassium, manganese, zinc, magnesium, iron, and calcium.

Capsaicin is the active ingredient in hot peppers and is the compound that gives them a spicy taste. It is a type of capsaicinoid and is a very strong irritant. However, there are a number of impressive health benefits to using capsaicin. Consumption of peppers and spicy foods is often encouraged for metabolic strength and the immune system.

Coriander leaves are a good source of fiber, calcium, magnesium, manganese, and iron. It also contains 11 components of essential oils and six types of acids, including ascorbic acid or vitamin C, each with several beneficial properties on the body. Coriander seeds are rich in phytonutrients and have a nutritional profile similar to that of coriander leaves.

Corn contains nutrients such as vitamins B and C, fibers, magnesium, and potassium, but also two of the most important antioxidants: zeaxanthin and lutein. Corn provides a large amount of fiber, and it should be noted that it does not contain gluten.

Cherry tomatoes represent the smallest variety of tomatoes, which, as the name suggests, are generally the size of a cherry. They can be round or elongated, black, yellow, red, green, or green with red stripes. Despite their small size, cherry tomatoes are rich in vitamins and minerals. A cup of cherry tomatoes contains 1.3 grams of protein, 1.8 grams of fiber but also a dose of other vitamins and minerals essential for good health, including vitamins E, A, and C, and lycopene, an antioxidant that helps to prevent cancer.

Pasta Salad with Black Beans and Cashews

Necessary equipment:

  • a medium stockpot
  • two small pots
  • a food processor
  • a large bowl

Ingredients:

4 servings

  • 2 cups of whole-grain pasta or plant-based pasta (lentils or chickpea pasta)
  • 1/2 cup of cashews
  • 1 cup of frozen spinach
  • 1 cup of roasted red peppers
  • 3 garlic cloves
  • 1 jalapeno pepper
  • 1/4 cup of freshly chopped cilantro
  • 1/8 teaspoon of sea salt
  • 2 cups of black beans
  • 1/2 can sweet corn, drained and rinsed
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper

Instructions:

  1. Pour water into a stockpot and bring to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions. Drain and set it aside.
  2. In a smaller pot, add 1 cup of water and bring to a boil. Add the cashews and boil for about 10 minutes to soften them up. Drain and set them aside.
  3. In another pot, heat the frozen spinach to quickly thaw it.
  4. Put the drained cashews, red peppers, garlic, jalapeno pepper, cilantro, sea salt, and black pepper in a food processor. Pulse until the mixture is smooth.
  5. Mix the cooked pasta with beans, sweet corn, cherry tomatoes, spinach, and pepper mixture together in a large bowl. Serve while still warm.

Roasted Butternut Squash with Brussels Sprouts and Cranberries

An authentic and fragrant autumn dessert that will warm and sweeten your soul!

It’s all about what kind of food you put on the table and portion control. The recipe I want to share with you below is perfect as a side dish for Thanksgiving. The main ingredient is butternut squash, a true king of fall vegetables. This dish is full of vibrant colors and rich flavors that fill you right up without needless calories from sugar or fat.

Nutrients in This Recipe

Butternut squash is food-specific to autumn, being loved for its sweet taste and because it can be used in the kitchen to prepare various delicious dishes. In addition to these qualities, it is also a rich source of vitamins and nutrients beneficial to health.
Butternut squash is rich in nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin A, zinc, dietary fiber, folate, protein, and potassium. It is an excellent source of antioxidants, being suitable for those who want to have a healthy diet.

Brussels sprouts are a vegetable from the cruciferous family, including broccoli, kale, cauliflower, cabbage, and has a taste that somehow combines the aroma of walnuts with the taste of broccoli, with the difference that the texture is much creamier.
Thanks to the composition’s vitamins, minerals, proteins, and carbohydrates, these mini-cabbages have maxi-beneficial effects on our health and figure.

According to the USDA National Nutrient Database, 1 cup of Brussels sprouts bring only 43 calories, 9 grams of carbohydrates (including 2.2 grams of sugars and 3.8 grams of fiber), and over 3 grams of protein.

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Many people consume large amounts of sugar, probably more than they need. Maple syrup is a sweetener that is an excellent alternative to sugar replacement if consumed in moderation. Unlike white table sugar, maple syrup contains higher beneficial nutrients, antioxidants, and phytochemicals. When consumed in adequate amounts, the benefits of maple syrup are related to reducing inflammation, providing nutrients, and adequately managing blood sugar.

Cranberries contain a huge amount of antioxidants, recognized as defenses of the body in the fight against free radicals, preventing premature aging.

Hemp seeds contain almost as much protein as soybeans. 30 grams of seeds provide the body with 9.46 grams of protein. In their composition are found essential fatty acids Omega-3 Omega-6 fatty acids. Hemp seeds provide Omega-3 and Omega-6 acids in a balanced way; the proportion of the two fatty acids is very important for the body.

Coconut oil, as a food product, has been denigrated in the past because it contains saturated fats. In fact, coconut oil is the richest source of saturated fat known, with almost 90% of its fatty acids being saturated. Recent studies show that these fats are not harmful, but, on the contrary, are very beneficial and promote cardiovascular health, and even help us lose weight.

Roasted Butternut Squash with Brussels Sprouts and Cranberries

Necessary equipment:

  • a spoon to scoop out the seeds
  • a large mixing bowl
  • a large baking dish

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 large butternut squash
  • 2 cups brussels sprouts
  • 1 1/2 cup of fresh cranberries
  • 2 tablespoons of organic maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon of coconut oil
  • 1 tablespoon of hemp seeds
  • a dash of cinnamon powder

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking dish greased with coconut oil.
  2. Wash and cut the butternut squash in half. Use a spoon to remove the seeds and pulp from the middle. Peel the skin off only on one side of the squash.
  3. Dice the squash into small cubes, about 1 inch in length.
  4. Wash, rinse, and dry the brussels sprouts. Cut them in half or even quarters, depending on their size.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed butternut squash, brussels sprouts, and cranberries.
  6. Add the maple syrup and coconut oil. Toss the vegetables to coat them well.
  7. Transfer the vegetables to the prepared baking dish and bake for about 30 to 40 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes to make sure they bake evenly.
  8. Sprinkle hemp seeds and a dash of cinnamon over and serve warm!

Spelt Pumpkin Muffins

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It is becoming an increasing pleasure for me, and it is also a challenge to adapt the classic recipes to the low-carb diet without the traditional white flour and sugar. Because it’s pumpkin season, I made pumpkin muffins using spelt flour and sweetened them naturally with a ripe banana. Thanks to the result, I enjoy a muffin and show it to you below, step by step. Why are rolled oats beneficial for you? First of all, they are rich in fibers, so y you won’t feel hungry for at least 3 or 4 hours. Secondly, you can cook not only porridge but also bake delicious muffins or other sweet treats. And what is the beauty of the pumpkin? It is dietary, low in calories, and contains many valuable vitamins. It serves as a base for many dishes – from pies to garnishes.

Spelt pumpkin muffins will please even those who don’t like rolled oats. They are scented, moist, golden, delicious, and satisfying! You can enjoy them for breakfast or as a light evening snack.

Nutritional Information (without toppings):

  • Serving Size: 1 Muffin
  • Servings Per Recipe: 10
  • Calories: 120
  • Carbohydrate: 23 g
  • Sugar: 4 They have the perfect light and fluffy texture that will bring you some comforting warmth with a rich cinnamon flavor. g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Total Fat: 1.5 g
  • Saturated Fat: <0.5 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
  • Sodium: 125 mg   5 %
  • Potassium: 150 mg 3%
  • Vitamin A: 16 %            Thiamin: 12 %        Riboflavin: 13 %
  • Niacin: 5 %                   Vitamin B6: 4%       Vitamin B12: 3%
  • Folate: 8 %                   Vitamin C: 3 %        Vitamin E: 2 %
  • Calcium: 5 %                Iron: 6 %                 Zinc: 3%
  • Magnesium: 3 %          Phosphorus: 2 %

The percentage sign refers to the daily recommended value. This value may be higher for you if you are an athlete or have a particular nutritional deficiency.

Spelt Pumpkin Muffins

Necessary equipment:

  • a small bowl
  • a medium bowl
  • a large mixing bowl
  • a fork
  • a hand mixer
  • a muffin tin
  • a cooling rack

Ingredients:

10 muffins

  • 1 flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flax seeds mixed with 2 tablespoons of water)
  • 1 large ripe banana
  • 3/4 cup of pumpkin puree
  • 1/2 cup of unsweetened plant-based milk
  • 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
  • 1 cup of dry rolled oats
  • 1 cup of whole-grain spelt flour
  • 2 teaspoons powdered stevia
  • 2 teaspoons of pumpkin spice
  • 1 teaspoon of baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon of cinnamon powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
  • coconut cooking spray oil

optional toppings:

  • 1/4 cup of chopped almonds

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a muffin tin.
  2. Make the flax egg by mixing the flax seeds with water in a small bowl. Let it sit for at least two minutes.
  3. In a medium mixing bowl, mash the ripe banana with a fork as much as you can.
  4. Add the pumpkin puree, milk, flax egg, and vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer to combine all the ingredients thoroughly.
  5. Combine the oats, flour, stevia, pumpkin spice, baking powder, cinnamon, and baking soda in another bowl.
  6. Carefully incorporate the dry mixture into the wet mix.
  7. Mix with a hand mixer but only until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
  8. Spray the muffin tin with cooking spray and pour the batter evenly into each space on the container.
  9. Bake for about 20 minutes. Check with a toothpick to check if they are baked.
  10. Remove from the oven and transfer to a cooling rack. Set aside to cool down for at least 5 minutes.
  11. Sprinkle with chopped almonds on top immediately after.
  12. Serve them while still slightly warm. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.