Sunday, February 11, 2024

low carb Tomato, Basil, White Wine, Cod!

Meet your next date night at home dinner! 
Perfect for a special occasion OR a weeknight dinner where you want to spoil yourself. Except this is probably the easiest dinner ever. Utilizing cod and fresh ingredients to create a restaurant quality meal everyone will love!

Tomato Basil Cod- Makes 3 servings

Cod:
1 lb of cod 
1 tbsp olive oil 
salt
pepper
garlic powder
onion powder

Sauce:
2 Tbsp olive oil 
4 garlic cloves
Small pinch of red pepper flakes (optional) 
20 cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
1/3 cup dry white wine 
½ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
3 Tbsp of lemon juice
zest of a lemon, about 1 tsp
1 very small squirt of liquid stevia
salt to taste
pepper to taste

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees
On a baking sheet brush the olive oil on the cod and season the fish with the salt, pepper, garlic and onion powder until the fish is well seasoned. 
Bake for about 20 minutes depending on the thickness of your fish. 

While the fish bakes let's make our sauce. 
Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium high heat. 
Add the garlic to the cold oil with the red pepper flakes (if you are using) and allow to heat together for 1 minute until fragrant. 
Then, add in the cherry tomatoes and allow to warm through and begin to soften, about 4-5 minutes. 
Add in the white wine to deglaze and stir. Wine will begin to reduce and simmer. 
Next, add in the basil, lemon zest, lemon juice, and liquid stevia. Turn heat down to medium low. 
Allow this to cook together for about 2 minutes.
Taste for seasoning and add in salt and pepper. 

Once the cod is finished plate it up and top with the sauce from the pan. 
*I like to serve this with roasted radishes (they mimic potatoes) and asparagus. 
OR cauliflower mash and asparagus or broccoli.

Nutritional Facts 
Per Serving
408 calories
6.6g carbs
0.9g fiber
5.7 net carbs
28g protein 






Tuesday, November 14, 2023

2023 Holiday Gift Guide!

 I have put together a healthy lifestyle gift guide to inspire your holiday wish list! 
Whether you're cooking in the kitchen, looking to get some steps, or relaxing after a long day- there is something on here for everyone on your list and maybe for your list as well!
Watch my full YouTube video showcasing each product below by clicking HERE!


1. Caraway Pan Set
I've proclaimed these as the best pans ever! I have been using them daily for almost 3 years now and I recommend them to everyone I know! They are nonstick perfection, even after almost 3 years! Which means I use less butter and oil to cook. I did a full review video on these pans which you can watch HERE! 
My 2 favorite things about Carraway- they have tons of color and hardware options to choose from to fit any home aesthetic and each set comes with it's own storage. 
(You might even see some more Carraway on my list...!)
The once a year sale is going on right now, click my link to get up to 20% off!

2. Caraway Bakeware
I told you there would be more Carraway on this list! This bakeware is perfection! Anyone on your list would be thrilled to receive these bakeware pans. In the full set you have everything you need in kitchen whether it's cake pans, bread pans, a square brownie pan (as I like to call it) or 2 different size baking sheets- you get it ALL. Plus you get the organizers included and can choose from so many color options! I was tired of my cakes sticking to the pan. Trying to fix them with the icing. Imagine all your baked goods came sliding out of the non stick pans! Save yourself the aggravation and upgrade your bakeware today! You will love it!
Once a year sale is going on NOW! Get up to 20% off with delivery before the holidays (and before the most popular items sell out!)



3. Power XL Air fryer
Another item I have had for years and use every single day! This air fryer heats all my food evenly and is super easy to clean. Everything I make turns out delicious! Perfect for leftovers, side dishes, or the main course. I love cooking salmon in here for date night with my husband or reheating chicken fingers for the kids. Every house needs one of these! This is the perfect gift for ANYone on your list!



4. Fast Boil Kettle
Anytime I need boiling water I grab my fast boil kettle. Water heats in less than 2 minutes and it's super easy to clean. Whether I'm drinking tea, LMNT chocolate or instant low carb Raman I grab this kettle so I can enjoy it faster!
Every kitchen needs one. It's one of those products you don't realize you needed so badly until you actually get it. The perfect gift!

5. Wooden Tea Organizer
Once the weather turns cold I turn into a tea girl. Once I started stacking my tea boxes I knew I needed something to organize them all. This box is gorgeous enough to leave out on your counter and practical enough to organize so many different tea varieties. Plus the clear window allows me to see all the options I have when I'm ready for that cup to warm me up! Such a unique and beautiful gift at an affordable price point! Package it up with some of your favorite tea for anyone on your list!


6. Nespresso
Best tasting coffee ever! The perfect gift for the coffee lover in your life. I've had my Nespresso machine for years and use it daily and love it! On the Nespresso app you can find loads of coffee strengths and flavors to fit everyone's taste pallet. 
If your coffee maker needs an upgrade this is what you need!

7. Silpat
The culinary stocking stuffer!
If you're not ready to upgrade your bakeware BUT you still want to make amazing food that doesn't stick to your pans- you need the Silpat! It turns any pan into a nonstick surface. Perfect for anyone on your list who likes to bake or cook. Roll it up, tie a ribbon on it and place in the stocking or under the tree!




8. 2-In-1 Walking Pad 
Not sure if you want to commit to a walking pad OR a full size treadmill? 
You don't have to! With the DeerRun 2-in-1 you can have BOTH. An easy to read screen is at your feet and a convenient stand for your phone, iPad or book is at the perfect level. No assembly required, all you need to do is plug it in. 
Also links to an app for easy tracking of your workouts and steps. 
Perfect for anyone on your list who wants the convenience of a treadmill but with the easy movability of a walking pad!
*Multiple colors to choose from!*

9. Sketchers Sneakers
My absolute favorite walking shoe. These shoes single handedly allow me to get over 10K steps per day. They are light as a feather and feel like you're walking on a cloud. Anyone on your list looking to upgrade their footwear needs these sneakers! They also come in a variety of colors to fit every personality! Anyone on your list who loves comfort and style, needs these!

10. The 100 Book 
The low carb lifestyle explained! I recommend this book to everyone because it works. If you've been serous about the low carb lifestyle OR need a meal plan to follow for fast weight loss- this book is it! Anyone wanting to get their health in order after the holidays will love this book!

Stocking Stuffers!

Lineage Lip Mask 
This time of the year has my lips DRYYYY. This lip mask hydrates them fully every night! I got this as teachers gifts this year and I cant wait to gift them each one! Apply each night and hydrate as you sleep. Many flavors to choose from, the PERFECT stocking stuffer!



Heat Holders Socks
The warmest socks on the planet! AND with so many colors and designs to choose from you'll find a pair for every single person on your list. Don't go for the knock off brands- I only trust Heat Holders! 



Salt Stone Deodorant
About 11 years ago I went through an embarrassing situation with deodorant. They ALL stopped working for me and made me smell horrible. I knew I needed to clean it the products I was using but this situation MADE me do it. I went on the search for a natural deodorant and I found it! This salt stone is ONE ingredient and all natural. I have never looked back. $6 each and lasts 4 months- YES PLEASE! The perfect stocking stuffer for anyone on your list suffering like I was or wanting to clean up the products they use. 

Thursday, August 17, 2023

Creamy Cucumber Salad

 Perfect for a picnic or your weeknight table! This low carb salad combined crunchy cucumbers with a tangy sauce to become the perfect Summer side dish. Feel free to play around with the sauce ingredients until they taste good to you. I love a tangy, acidic sauce to compliment the mellow cucumbers. 


Creamy Cucumber Salad- Serves 4 (as a side dish)

3 English cucumbers, sliced thin
sea salt

1/2 small red onion, sliced thin

Sauce:
3/4 cup sour cream
4 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
1/2 tsp garlic powder
3/4 tsp pepper
squeeze of liquid stevia (I use this one)

Slice and place your cucumber in a single layer on a paper towel.
Sprinkle with sea salt. 
Allow to sit for 20-30 minutes to draw out the moisture.
Then, pay dry to remove all the moisture and residual salt (watch video above for clarity on this process).

Slice your onion and set aside. 

Combine all of the sauce ingredients in a large bowl and mix until well combined. 
Taste for seasoning and feel free to make this sauce your own!

Add the cucumber and onion to the sauce and fold together until everything is combined. 
Refrigerate for 1-2 hours or serve immediately. 
I have found this doesn't keep well in the fridge for more
than a day or so. 
ENJOY!

Wednesday, June 28, 2023

Low Carb Chicken Sausage Pasta

Watch me make this dish in the video above!

When I found the low carb pasta from Kaizen I was definitely skeptical but living a low carb lifestyle always has me on the hunt for low carb products that taste like the real thing. This pasta did not disappoint. This is not a sponsored post this is just an honest review and a passing along of a great company that I love to support. Plus the pasta is only 2g net carbs per serving and it tastes just like the real thing! You can also sub in your favorite low carb pasta- zucchini noodles, spaghetti squash, heart of palm, black bean spaghetti... the list goes on. Make this recipe your own by switching out the pasta or the veggies. Whatever you do- just make it! 


Low Carb Chicken Sausage Pasta- Serves 3 

4oz red bell pepper, chopped
8oz zucchini, chopped
4oz baby Bella mushroom, chopped
1/4 cup chopped onion
4 links of chicken sausage
2 Tbsp parmesan cheese
1/3 cup basil pesto
2 Tbsp of butter
1 tablespoon of olive oil
1 Tbsp balsamic glaze
2 servings of Kaizen 2g net carb pasta, 112g (found at shredhappens.com)
Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Air fry the sausage links for 18 minutes at 395 degrees F.
Boil water and cook the pasta in salted water. 
While the sausage is cooking, warm up the oil and 1 tbsp of butter in a large skillet over medium high heat. 
Add in the onion, zucchini, bell pepper and mushrooms. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. 
Saute until the veggies are cooked through and getting browned edges. 
Once the chicken sausage is done, slice it up and add it to the veggies. Then add in the cooked pasta. 
Sprinkle with parmesan cheese and add in the pesto. Mix thoroughly. 
Add in the other tablespoon of butter, allow to melt and mix well. 
Serve with fresh chopped basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. 
ENJOY!

Nutritional Facts Per Serving*
700 Calories
16g Net Carbs
40g protein 

*Nutritional info is calculated using the exact ingredients I used. 
The macros will changed based on your ingredients. 

Wednesday, June 7, 2023

The BEST Chicken Marinade EVER! Great for meal prep!


 Let's make the BEST chicken ever. It's the best because it is a super quick marinade. 2 hour minimum marinate time but you can also let it sit in the marinade in the fridge for up to 2 days. It's also super juicy and flavorful. But the best part is- it's super versatile. You can add this chicken to salads, make a grilled chicken sandwich, nourish bowls, make chicken salad out of it, buffalo chicken wraps, caesar salad topper, the list goes on and on. I make this chicken every week for a reason: simple, fast, and delicious. 

The best chicken marinade ever:
1.5 lb of boneless, skinless chicken breast
2 Tbsp olive oil, divided
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp dried oregano OR Italian Seasoning
1 tsp paprika


Trim your chicken and halve lengthwise any extra thick pieces to ensure even cooking. 
In a resealable plastic bag (or a large bowl) add in 1 tbsp of olive oil. Add in your chicken, turning to coat. Then add in the other 1 tbsp of olive oil and coat the chicken as evenly as you can.  In a small bowl mix together all of your dried spices and the salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly until they are well combined. Add half the spice mixture to the chicken and mix well coating the chicken. Then add in the rest of the spice mixture and mix to coat. 
Marinate in the fridge 2 hours or up to 2 days. Then, cook however you choose. Bake it, grill it, pan fry it, air fry it, grill pan it, the sky is the limit. 
Enjoy! 

Watch me make this recipe int he video below!