Detox time

After an amazing, yet tiring week's vacation in Puerto Plata, I'm ready for something that will help me get back on the health wagon. I took yesterday off and did groceries but didn't really plan out any meals for the week. I've decided that soup is on the menu tonight. I'm disappointed that I didn't remember to buy celery, but I'll have to do without. I generally make minestrone soup, but have no beans or regular potatoes. SO, what I've got here is a homemade vegetable soup, chock-full of deliciousness!

Veggie Soup for the "gotta make up for the terrible eating on vacation" Soul

Your shopping list:

1-2 Tbsp Olive oil
1 large onion, diced
4-5 garlic gloves
1 large sweet potato, cut into bite sized pieces
1 med zucchini, chopped
2 med carrots, chopped
1 head of broccoli, chopped
handful of green beans, cut into bite sized pieces
handful of spinach
1 large can diced tomatoes, no salt added
handful of mushrooms, sliced
turmeric, to taste
1 litre chicken broth
salt and pepper, to taste
oregano, to taste
basil, to taste

What to do with it:

1. in a large pot, heat olive oil
2. add onion, garlic and carrots to pot and  cook, stirring often for 5 mins
3. add green beans, zucchini to pot and stir well
4. mix in diced tomatoes, mushrooms and broccoli
5. pour broth into the pot and stir in seasonings
6. simmer for 20-30 mins (or until veggies are cooked enough for you)
7. Enjoy :)

Better than granny's granola

Healthy Start Breakfast

It's easy to claim that you don't have time to eat breakfast and that finding something quick, easy, and healthy is next to impossible. Don't be that person. Instead, be the person who makes a batch of granola on the weekend and has a healthy option on the go.

I modeled this recipe after Dorset Cereals Honey Granola. I've made it twice and this is a rough idea of what to do!

Your Shopping List:

2 cups oats
1/4 cup rye flakes
1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
1/4 cup sunflower seeds
1/2 cup flaked almonds
1/3 cup crushed pecans
Pinch of salt
1 tsp vanilla
2 Tbsp honey
1 Tbsp oil

What to do with it:

1. Preheat oven to 300.
2. Mix all dry ingredients in large bowl.
3. Add vanilla, honey, and oil.
4. Mix well and then spread granola on baking sheets. A thin layer is preferable.
5. Bake for 10 minutes and then stir granola.  Bake for an additional 5 minutes,  or until it looks golden.  Be careful not to overcook it!
6. Let cool and store in airtight container (I like Mason jars).  Serve the granola with plain Greek yogurt and fruit.