Foil Baked Halibut

If you are like me, you may not be the biggest fan of fish. I want to love it, I really do. I keep trying! And then I keep not liking it as I had hoped for. Well, this recipe changed my mind! I think it could for you too!

I have been wanting to incorporate more wild caught fish into our lives. You know, best way to get more of those healthy omega-3 fatty acids. And for some variety in our diet. I'll never get on Master Chef not knowing how to cook fish!  

My son has a fascination with seafood and requests it constantly. So, I decided to make a foil wrapped fish for a few reasons. 

1. I don't know how to cook fish! At all.
2. No mess! You stick everything in parchment and foil and literally no clean up!
3. No fishy smells in the house from cooking it.

What a delicious surprise this was! I loved it! My son ate all of his, part of mine and part of his dads! And, my husband loved it. This recipe is now on my monthly list! So easy to vary up as well!

If you make this, please let me know how you liked it in the comments!

Dinner for 2 (Or 3 if you have a little one too.)

Ingredients:

• 2 healthy servings of fresh wild caught Halibut (no skin)
• 2 red potatoes thinly sliced
• 12 asparagus spears 
• 2 garlic cloves diced
• 4 TBS of grass-fed butter
• Pink Himalayan salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• 1/4 tsp dried Parsley

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 350 degree.
• Place 2 large sheets of foil or parchment on flat baking pan.
• In a small pan, melt butter, garlic cloves and salt
• Layer potatoes in the middle of foil
• Layer asparagus on top of potatoes

• Spoon half of butter over vegetables
• Season with salt and pepper
• Layer Halibut onto of seasoned veggies
• Spoon remaining butter onto of fish

• Add pepper and parsley to fish
• Wrap all sides of foil around fish

• Bake for 30 minutes or until internal temp is about 145 degrees and WALLAH.

So good you will forget to take a picture before devouring it all!

OOPS!

If you like this recipe, make sure you are on my email list.  No spam just me! ADD EMAIL

Follow me on Facebook and Instagram too!

Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies- Healthified

I'm sure you have seen the 3 ingredient cookie recipe going around. Well, of course I had  to try it and then make it my own with all the things I love. And guess what? 

They are FANFREAKINGTASTIC!

Super moist, super healthy and super yummy. My kid loves them! My husband loves them! And I love them! Total hit!

My goal was to make something sweet and treat-like without adding ANY extra sugars. This was it! Look no further my friends. I did splurge on last batch and add Vegan Dark Chocolate chips. Which put them over the top!

Recipe makes about 1.5 dozen

Ingredients:

• 3 ripe bananas mashed
• 1 1/4 cup gf instant oats
• 1/4 cups shredded unsweetened coconut flakes
• 1/4 cup raisins
• 1 scoop or serving of vegan chocolate protein powder (I use Shakeology well, because it's the best!)
• 1/4 cup unsweetened coconut milk
• *Optional-2 oz mini vegan chocolate chips (I use Enjoy Life)
• *Optional-2 tbs natural peanut butter

Directions:

• Heat oven to 350 degrees.
• Mash bananas in large bowl. 
• Add oats, coconut, raisins, chocolate chips, protein powder and mix well. 
• Add coconut milk and any other options you desire like nuts, pb, or dried fruit. 
• *(The more ingredients you add, you may need to add more coconut milk.)
• Scoop 1 large TBS on silpat matt cookie sheet. 
• Bake at 350 for about 12-15 minutes. 

• Remove from oven, let cool for 5 minutes and DEVOUR!

Refrigerate left over cookies in an air tight container for the rest of the week. These are a great treat, snack or even a quick breakfast bite! 

ENJOY!

*Don't miss a recipe or post! Make sure you are on my email list. ADD EMAIL

Frozen yogurt dots

I don't know about you, but desert has become a THING with my kid! 

It's requested and thought about all the time. Sweets this and sweets that! We are bombarded with treats everywhere. Its at home, restaurants, schools, TV commercials, grocery check out stands. Total craziness. We had to eliminate deserts from our vocabulary Sunday - Thursday. No one gets desert in our house on these nights. For us, desert meant a piece of chocolate, or a piece of left over Easter treats. Minimal but still pure sugar that isn't needed. I don't want this habit started at 6 yrs old. It's a weekend thing only now. Special treats. So to try to help my plea, I have started making these frozen yogurt dots that my son now calls desert. LOL. Yes, they still have sugar, but not nearly as much as the usual choices. And because it's yogurt, I secretly feel a little better letting him have one after dinner. Go figure.

Super easy, super fast and a healthier option. Fun for summer! Every kid love ice cream like treats.

 You can make these even cooler by adding a wooden candy stick before freezing, making them frozen yogurt pops. Or leave as is. Small little yumminess bites.

Makes 6 dots

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup plain greek yogurt. If you choose, you can buy 1  5oz carton of a pre-made flavor. More sugar but minimal for 1 dot.
• 1 Tbs honey. (Only if you are not using pre-flavored yogurt.)
• 6 blueberries
• 2 Tbs granola of choice.
• 1 Tbs low sugar jam or jelly. (Again, only if you are not using pre-flavored yogurt.)

Equipment:

•  Silicon non stick mini muffin pan
•  Wooden candy sticks
•  1 sheet of cling wrap

Directions:

• Mix yogurt and honey in small bowl.
• Add tsp of yogurt mixture to 6 mini muffins
• Add 1 spoon of granola and 1 blueberry in the middle of each yogurt filled muffin 

• Add remaining yogurt mixture on top of blueberries
• Cover pan with cling wrap
• If you are using candy stick, insert one candy stick through cling wrap into each muffin

• Place in freezer for at least 2 hrs.
• Remove from pan and devour!
• Any remaining dots can be stored in a freezer container or plastic bag for a month.

ENJOY!

*Don't miss a recipe or post! Make sure you are on my email list. ADD EMAIL

  

Dill Pickles

While doing my studies with the Institute of Integrative Nutrition, I started experimenting with fermenting my own foods. 

Pickles of course were the families FAVORITE! 

My 6 yr old LOVED them! My husband wanted me to start selling jars at Farmers Markets! You get where I am going.

Tasty!!

Better than any store bought pickle. Easy to make! Flavor to your personal taste. And best of all, so very healthy for you! 

Why is this salty deliciousness good for you? Because fermented foods are high probiotic foods. Most of us would benefit tremendously by eating small amounts of fermented foods each day. Healing your gut is must for optimum health. Feeding the microbes in your gut (the good bacteria) can improve digestion, boost immunity and maybe, just maybe help you get leaner. Either way, health starts in your gut believe it or not. That is for another discussion all together, which I would LOVE to have.

Anywho, if you are a pickle lover like us, making your own is a must try!

Ingredients:

• 5-8 small pickling cucumbers or 4-6 small regular cucumbers
• 1 quart filtered, spring, or distilled water
• 2 tbsp Pink Himalayan salt (be generous)
• 1-2 garlic cloves, chopped
• 1-2 tsp dill seed
• 1/4 cup fresh dill or
• 1 tbsp dried dill leaf
• 1 Tsp whole peppercorns

Directions:

• Soak cucumbers in ice water for an hour to enliven them.
• Place leaves, garlic, and spices in the bottom of a quart jar. 
• Don't do this and add them to the top... They MUST be at the bottom and covered entirely in water. I learned the hard way! Stinky! LOL
• Add the cucumbers into the jar, packing them in tightly. I have discovered whole cucumbers taste the best! Crispier and more flavor.
• Dissolve salt in water and pour over the cucumbers. Like I mentioned, make sure the cucumbers are completely submerged in the water, add extra salt and water to cover them if they are not.
•  Leave at least 1 inch space between the top of the water and the top of the jar and cover loosely with a light kitchen towel or cheesecloth and secure with rubber band.
•  Leave on the counter in a cool place for 3-7 days. Checking daily. The liquid will begin to get cloudy and slightly bubbly.
• When pickles reach desired taste, cover and refrigerate.

 ENJOY!

*Don't miss a recipe or post! Make sure you are on my email list. ADD EMAIL

April Special

HEY THERE!

A little late in the game but I decided to be better and regularly communicating with everyone about what the monthly specials and sales are in my fitness world as well as what groups I’m running so you know there’s always something happening that can help you get to your goals.

I figured this would be PERFECT place, for those who are not part of my health and fitness email list yet, to give you this info. So, without further ado,

Here is what's going on in APRIL!

22 Minute Hard Corpse — The brand new program by the legendary trainer Tony Horton. My current "Soul" program!  Loving this one! It is a challenging, but simple-to-follow workout program inspired by training techniques used by the military. Each workout is a quick—and intense—calorie-blasting drill designed to get you “Boot camp fit” in just 8 weeks. You just show up, keep up, and get in shape! We all have 22 minutes to spare right? You can get the specially priced challenge pack two ways:

 With Shakeology HERE
 With Beachbody Performance Preworkout & Recovery (amazing and will really increase your stamina and results) HERE

Masters Hammer & Chisel –  A fun killer new program! Weights focused with alternating days working with Autumn Calabrese (21 day fix) and Sagi Kalev (Body Beast).  This program uses the 21 day fix containers and portion system (comes with a set of containers) and is a 60 day program.  These are intermediate to advanced workouts but feature a modifier in each workout.

You can get the specially priced challenge pack two ways:
 With Shakeology HERE
 With Beachbody Performance Preworkout & Recovery HERE


Another great deal this month – 

The Club Challenge Pack.  The Club packages each include 90 days of Beachbody on Demand which gives you access to dozens of full workout programs so you can choose from any of these that fit your goal (drop me an email and I’ll help you determine what is a fit for you) plus a number of supplement options to choose from at a discounted package price:

 CLUB + a full month of Shakeology HERE
 CLUB Kickstart includes Shakeology and the awesome 3-day cleanse program “3 Day Refresh” (I’ve lost 5-9 lbs each time I do it!) HERE
 CLUB Performance – including Pre-workout and Recovery HERE
*Or you can try 30 days of the Club/Beachbody on Demand for free!! HERE

Lastly, the 21-day detox program The Ultimate Reset is on sale this month with Shakeology HERE .

This is MY FAVORITE guide to shed the unwanted bloat and feel better! I love this program and can’t say enough about it! It is a more in depth cleanse program. It’s a bigger commitment but it’s a wonderful break for your body and you still get to eat a lot of great food. In fact I have incorporated many of the recipes into my families diet to this day. 

MONTHLY CHALLENGE GROUPS

For those who are really committed to their weight loss and want a long term plan, my 30 day Weight Loss Support group starts on April 25^th.  This is for clients who will commit to a workout program and Shakeology for at least 30 days.  This month’s group will focus on 22 Minutes Hard Corps, Masters Hammer & Chisel, but also 21 Day Fixers (for more beginner to intermediate levels who want great results but need to work up to MHC.) 

Also if you are at all interested in learning what I do as a coach, and how I am able to run my coaching business from home, my team and I have an online “sneak peek” this month where we go in depth about what  we do and will help you determine if it’s something for you.  Send me an email back so we can connect on facebbok and I’ll invite you (April 18th).
​
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me if you have any questions about your own goals, or need help with a Beachbody program you already own. I am your coach and I’m here for you regardless of if you purchase anything. But I can’t help if we don’t chat.  I’d love to hear from you! I’d also love to connect on FB through my personal page or you can follow me at The Hippie City Chick on Facebook.

Here’s to a great spring! Health and happiness to you all!

All the best,

Moksha

*Don't miss a recipe or post! Make sure you are on my email list. ADD EMAIL

Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Muffins

Today at my sons school, it is "Teacher appreciation breakfast" day. And being the over achiever MOM that I am, I had to make something instead of save tons of time and buy something. LOL! At least we have extra goodies for us now. YUM!

This recipe came from my friend Domenica Morello-Cresta AKA project mama. You rule mama!!! I revised it just a touch. These scrumptious muffins are perfect with some tea or coffee for breakfast, for snacking, or even a healthier desert choice. They are chock full of fiber and antioxidants, (I keep telling myself this as I eat them!) and then a lil bit of refined sugar to splurge.  

This recipe is definitely worth a share! Plus too many friends are asking for it.  

ENJOY!

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 1/2 cups oats old fashion
• 1 cup of white flour
•  1 & 2/3 cups whole wheat flour
• 2/3 cup sugar
• 1 oz of brown sugar
• 4 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk or whole coconut milk
• 1/2 cup melted coconut oil
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 6 ounces chocolate chips 

DIRECTIONS:

Combine the dry ingredients in a large bowl. Stir to blend. In a separate small bowl, mix the eggs, milk, vanilla and oil.

Stir the wet mixture into the dry mixture until moistened. Add the chocolate chips and blend thorough.

Fill lined muffin cups full with batter. Bake at 400 degrees for 16-18 minutes, or until tops are light golden.

Makes approximately 16 muffins.

*Don't miss a recipe or post! Make sure you are on my email list. ADD EMAIL

Being the only one...

My son has been so amazing with the obstacle of cutting out all artificial food dye from his diet. This is no easy task! It's in everything! At school, when they hand out something for special occasions like gold fish for Dr Seuss Day, or fruit loops for 100th day of school, or donuts and cupcakes for someones birthday. He will not eat them JUST incase they have the "bad food dye". At Birthday parties he will not eat cake if it is colored. He will either eat around it or I will bring something for him per his request. This is now all on his own without me reminding or stopping him. 

I think his body knows it's no good and he's much better off without it. I have to tell you, it's not easy being the ONLY kid at school or even with friends being on this diet of no artificial food dye. But he's been a CHAMP! I'm so proud of my lil 6 yr old!

Today I gave him the gold fish. They have natural food coloring and he was so happy! I am amazed by him and his ability to stick with this change even when I am not there. I can see that he is proud of himself as well. 

My strong willed kid!

- PB with coconut, banana and dried cranberries on a sourdough star (I cover this with wax paper before I close the box so it doesn't smudge everywhere)
- Blueberries
- Dye free Goldfish
- His favorite greens, Seaweed
- Banana chips

*Don't miss a recipe or post! Make sure you are on my email list. ADD EMAIL

Gluten Free BanAppBerry muffins

When you discover a recipe that is SUPER easy to make, totally healthy, with no sugar added, and that the whole family loves... YOU SHARE IT!

These muffins were inspired by Autumn Calabrese cookbook, "Fixate". I love this book btw, so many awesome recipes! You can check out and purchase the book here. 

I still can't get over that they are gluten free,sugar free and YUMMY! That my 6 yr old & husband like them so much one batch is gone in 2 days. But...… they are. And you need to try these!

Perfect for breakfast, snacking or desert. You choose!

Ingredients:

• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 2 mashed medium ripe bananas
• 1 Tbsp grass-fed butter, melted
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 1/2 cups almond flower
• 3/4 Tsp baking soda
• 1 dash pink salt
• 1 dash turmeric powder
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon 
• 3/4 cup chopped apple
• 3/4 cup blueberries

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• Prepare 9 muffin cups, coat with butter or spray.
• Combine eggs, banana, vanilla and melted butter in small bowl; mix well.
• Combine flour, baking soda, turmeric, cinnamon, salt in a medium bowl; mix well.
• Add egg mixture to meal mixture;mix until blended.
• Add apples and blueberry and mix until blended.
• Divide batter evenly between the 9 muffin cups.
• Back 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into center comes out clean.

• Let cool for about 5 minutes and ENJOY! 

You can store these in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Yummy warm or cold. I hope you enjoy them as much as we do! Let me know when you do!

*Don't miss a recipe or post! Make sure you are on my email list. ADD EMAIL

Lunchbox heaven

Monday through Friday I take a picture of what I make my Kindergartener for lunch. I started doing this for me, to see what works, what he likes and dislikes. Once I started sharing the lunches I got a lot of questions from other parents for help and ideas on what to pack their kids for lunch. Keep them on the healthy trail. Keep them eating.

 I'm not going to lie. It takes effort. But our kids are worth it right? Fortunately I do not have a picky eater. I have always just made him what I make for myself. I have never made separate meals for him. Luckily he will try anything. If he doesn't like it, I will not make him eat it. This has made sure meal time is never a fight. And his palate has grown. Forget about kids meals he shares my meal at restaurants no matter what it is. He actually ENJOYS having a big fat salad for dinner. He LOVES stinky delicious cheeses, trying new veggies and fruits that he's never seen from the grocery store. His favorite meal is Bratwurst, roasted Broccoli with brown rice. I am truly lucky I know.  He also loves to watch Chopped and Master Chef. Which makes my heart happy! My little foodie in the making. 

However, I am a true believer that if you start out feeding them healthy, they will enjoy healthy foods. If you start out giving them hot dogs and mac and cheese, while you eat your veggies and fish, well, that's what their taste buds will gravitate to. Not that we don't enjoy some Mac and cheese now an again. I mean come on! We live it up to and don't restrict anything. Well, food dye! We do restrict all food dye. But that's another post.

I also believe that variety is the spice of life. Which may have bit me in the butt a little? Now, if I only have 2 things on his plate for any meal he will ask me, "M-o-m.... Is this it? I want a side".  So, you know, the expectations are now already set in his head. Just like if he was only feed a certain type of food his whole life. But again, I know I'm so very lucky that he is not a picky eater.

Here are a few of our favorite lunches. The lunchbox is the bomb! Planet Box is Eco friendly, and lives up to the price tag! It's the best one out there by far in my opinion. (I really need to get a commission for referrals!)   :) 

I hope you enjoy and find some ideas that your kids will like. With a little effort and time, we all can keep our kids on the healthy trail at school.

For daily food inspiration, follow me on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest. 

*Don't miss a recipe or post! Make sure you are on my email list. ADD EMAIL

No Bake Power Bites

Do you have a snack that totally saves you? That curbs your sweet tooth and give you the energy to keep going. Totally Satisfies you? Well, this is it for me! No Bake EASY PEASY power bites. My family has requested I make these each week. No more late night snacking on cheese, crackers or cookies. No more grabbing a packaged bar for a snack. 

THIS, just this!

Have I ever steered you wrong? Trust me, you won't be sorry!

Total Time: 15 min
Prep Time: 15 min.
Cooking Time: None
Makes about 10 servings, 1 each

Ingredients:

• ½ cup finely chopped raw mixed nuts
• ½ cup Chocolate Vegan Shakeology
• ½ cup organic old-fashioned rolled oats
• ½ cup all-natural creamy peanut butter
• 1 Tbs maca powder
• 3 Tbs shredded unsweetened coconut
• 3 Tbs raw honey

*I use Vegan Chocolate Shakeology because I have found this is the ONE and ONLY for me. All the good stuff my body needs and NO artificial junk. However, you can give it a try with other protein powders. I stand by this recipes with the ingredients given only as I know the goodness. If you want to give Shakeogoly a try, check it out here.  I highly recommend having it daily. *

Preparation:

1. Place nut in large baggy and smash until they are finely chopped.

2. Combine nuts, Shakeology, maca, coconut and oats in a medium bowl; mix well.

3. Add pb and honey; mix well with a rubber spatula or just get your clean hands dirty!

4. Roll in balls about the size of a ping pong ball.

*If you need more moist to mix into balls, add a little more pb.

Refrigerate covered up to 1 week.

 ENJOY! These are amazeballs!!

*Don't miss a recipe or post! Make sure you are on my email list. ADD EMAIL

Ingredients: