All About QUINOA! Pecan Raisin Quinoa Salad: Vegetarian, Vegan

ON A SIDE NOTE, I WOULD LIKE TO MENTION THAT THIS IS MY 100TH BLOG POST!! THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO HAS SUPPORTED ME THE PAST TWO YEARS. 

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO READS CLEAN EATING TEEN!

Hey there Clean Eaters! I apologize for my absence this past week, with the holidays. I hope your Christmas (if you celebrate that) was fun, safe, and joyful.

After these crazy holidays, I'm sure many of you want some time to relax and just detox. I think today's recipe is perfect for that!

I don't know how you chose to balance out the holiday treats. I personally did my best on staying on track during the holidays, making healthy versions of sweets. Thanksgiving I did indulge with a slice of home made coconut cake, but other than that everything had been normal eating for me nutritionally!

Many people over-indulge during the holidays due to the abundance of food, sweets, and alcohol. This is probably why come January 1st, the top item on most resolutions lists is to get healthy!



But like I and anyone else who is participating in the No Excuse November Challenge with me... why start in January when you can start RIGHT NOW? Thanksgiving is over with. Christmas just passed. What is holding you back?

If you remember from my Thanksgiving recap, I posted a picture of my meal.



The above is pictured with some turkey, but the yummy looking stuff underneath is today's recipe!

Let's be honest here. I have a serious love for carbs... at least, the healthy kinds!

I LOVE quinoa. I have used it in previous recipes, it is the star of this one... and I am sure it will be used again soon!

Here are some stats on the super grain:

• Quinoa gives a lot of bang for its buck. For only 222 calories per cup of cooked quinoa, it gives over 8 grams of protein! 
• It actually is not a grain. It is related to dark leafy vegetables such as spinach, and is allowed in most Paleo life styles. 
• It is gluten free.
• It is a complete protein, having all essential amino acids. 
• Quinoa is high in manganese, magnesium, iron, copper and phosphorus. 

Thanks Marks Daily Apple for these facts !

Pecan Raisin Quinoa Salad

Serves 3-5

1/3 cup dry quinoa
3/4 cup+1/2 cup vegetable stock, unsalted
1 small onion, diced
1/3 bell pepper, diced
3/4 cup chopped mushroom
1 stalk celery, chopped
2 small carrots, chopped
1 small sweet potato, chopped and cooked (boiled or roasted) with skin
1/3 cup unsweetened raisins
1/3-1/2 cup shelled pecans (bits and halves)
TBSP coconut oil
1/2 TBSP herbs de province
TSP thyme, dried
2 TSP cumin
2 TSP garlic powder
2 TSP chili powder
pinch of salt

1) Bring 3/4 cups of stock and 1 TSP of cumin, garlic, and chili powder to a low boil. Add the dry quinoa and let it simmer until all the liquid has been absorbed. Set the pot aside.

2) Chop all your veggies, then melt your coconut oil over medium high heat. Saute the veggies (not the sweet potato) for about 3 minutes.

3) Add in the rest of your seasoning, as well as the quinoa and any leftover liquid. Cook for another 1-2 minutes.

4) At this point, toss in your raisins and your pecans. Stir in the rest of the stock.

5) Turn the heat down, and add the sweet potato. Cover the mixture and let the flavors meld together and the liquids to be absorbed for a few minutes.

6) Serve and enjoy!

I ate this salad hot, but it would also be fantastic cold. You could add some wilted spinach or kale if you wanted too!

Try this super detox salad and tell me how you feel after! Even if you aren't really "detoxing" per say, this is still a super easy meal or side dish.

How are you detoxing after the holidays?

Natalie 

Old School Blogging: Holiday Edition!

HAPPY CHRISTMAS EVE EVERYONE!! (Or for those who don't celebrate Christmas, happy December 24th!)

I have recently been seeing this type of post popping up around my favorite blogs! 

I decided to have a little fun and go along with it. Thank you to Cori at Olive to Run  for the inspiration!  

First things first: 1 Holy Night or 8 Crazy Ones? (Do you Celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, both?)

I celebrate Christmas ! 

Peppermint or Chocolate?

I'm gonna say both. Chocolate is nice on its own, but it is even better with peppermint. I don't exactly crave peppermint on it's own... but when it is paired with chocolate, it becomes AMAZING!  

Sing us into the Holiday Season, what is your favorite Carol this time of year?

Aaaaall I want for Chriiiistmaaas... Is Yoooou! 

Image via Google Images 

Haha, even though I have absolutely no singing voice what so ever, I still jam out to Mariah Carey's version of "All I want For Christmas". (Actually, I was listening to it back in July, but we won't get into that.) I also LOVE LOVE LOVE Michael Buble's Christmas album. His voice makes everything sound better. 

Tell us about a Favorite Family or Personal Holiday Tradition?

Things have changed since I was a small girl, but there are a few things I always remember being associated with Christmas...

-If there ever was snow, my mom, sister and I would get into our jackets and make snow angels outside at night. We got soaked and were freezing, but it was always worth it! 

-Staying warm by a REAL FIRE in the fireplace. Sure, the fake ones that are more like heaters still warm you up, but it is NOTHING like sitting by a real fire. 

-Decorating the Christmas tree with my family. When I was little, I used to steal the ornaments off the tree and put them in my room for a few hours before my mom made me put them back on the tree! 

-Not sure if this is really a tradition, or something cute. All my life, we always set out a "stocking" for the pets in my house. Silly, but true! As a little girl I wanted to be sure that Santa gave Lucky the cat a present too. So as the animals have came through our house (dog, cat, rabbit, hamster...), so have the pet stockings! I think my sister is putting a carrot in her rabbit's stocking this year. 

C’mon you remember your favorite  (Christmas, Hanukkah) gift, tell us all about it:

When I was 3-4 years old, I got a Jeep! 

Image via Google Images

Haha, no... not THAT Jeep! I got a small, bright pink Barbie jeep that I adored with every ounce of my being. I rode that thing around the house and outside until the battery finally wore out years later. I felt like the coolest chick in the world, cruising around in that thing! Definitely the best gift EVER.  

That magical moment? (Your favorite scene in a Holiday movie..it’s okay if you have 2)
There has always been the tradition to watch "A Christmas Story" during the holidays. I think it is super cute, but really it is my mom's favorite. There are too many funny scenes to name, but I really think the whole "leg-lamp" thing is hilarious! 

Image via Google Images 

Kissing under the mistletoe? Who do you hope is standing underneath (We know it’s normally your spouse, if it didn’t have to be, who would you choose?)

I couldn't think of anyone else I'd rather have than my awesome boyfriend! <3

But if I had to say someone out of the norm like the question asks, maybe I'd choose Bad Luck Brain. He needs some holiday love. 

Image via Google Images 

Swans a swimming, lords a leaping, golden rings; which gift of the 12 days of Christmas would you like most?

The partridge in a pear tree! I'd have the pear tree (I love pears), and I'd cook up the bird. 

Because I am an awful person inspired chef. 

Play Secret Santa, what inappropriate gift would you love to give this year?

Well, on second thought, maybe I shouldn't give this one out. Would just give people more reasons to insist I am a hippie who does this stuff! (I agree with the hippie part, not the pot head part!)

Martha Stewart or the Grinch? What is your decorating style? 

I actually really love decorating for Christmas. My favorite thing to do are the lights outside... I love white lights, or baby blue lights. To me, it makes the house look magical! I also really think it is fun to make the bathrooms in the house decorative (Christmas towels, hand soaps, ext). Surely I'm not the only one who likes this right?!

What is ONE WORD that defines the holiday season for you? (Examples: Believe/Wonder/Bah Humbug?)

Warming. I can't think of anything else to describe it. I love sitting next to a warm fire, and the feeling I get when everyone exchanges gifts and watches movies in their pajamas all day is simply comforting. 

If Santa could assure its delivery, what’s the first thing on your CHRISTMAS LIST?

My own cooking show! It is a goal of mine to eventually have a show that features holistic and healthy cooking methods as well as some restaurants around the world that also serve food in that manner. So many cooking shows now days only worry about how to make the food taste good (read: lots of processed foods!) or how to make really quick meals. I want to show the world how healthy food can be DELICIOUS and time efficient. Plus I would love to travel to see how other states/nations try to incooperate healthy lifestyles.
Having my own cooking show would be such a blessing. I would not only be living my dream, but I would also be able to make connections with other wonderful people in the same industry. Also, just being realistic, some extra income would be awesome! My mom is a single mother, so helping her out in any way I can is always a priority to me.



My sister and I years ago. I am the ugly duck on the right! :)

I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday, and new year!

What are you doing to celebrate this holiday season?
Do you have any special holiday traditions? 

Natalie 

7 Steps to a HEALTHY Thanksgiving

We are seriously on countdown, Clean Eaters! There is just a matter of days before we are faced with piles of food and desserts, almost none of which really have any nutritional value. It is these times when most people pack on the usual "holiday weight gain"... but it is just that, USUAL. It does not mean you have to fall victim to it!

The main reason I created the No Excuse November Challenge is NOT to deprive yourself over these holiday times. The purpose of the challenge is to ensure that you stay ON TRACK, make HEALTHY decisions, and keep moving and active. Just because it is the holidays, does not mean that we have the right to deprive our bodies of quality nutrients and instead stuff it full of fake sugars, fat, and chemicals.

This post is your guide on how to survive Turkey Day this year! It honestly is quiet easy, and doesn't require you to be giving up much. In fact, leading a healthy holiday can become a new tradition in your family and ensure even easier menu and activity choices in years to come.


(Image via Google Images)

1) If you are planning the menu, do so days (or a week or so) before hand. This way, you have time to find healthy recipes, and ask you friends and family attending what sounds good and if they would be open to the dish. It also gives you the opportunity to make a grocery list, pre-buy and prepare any food that you can ahead of Thursday so that when THE day comes around, you will be planned out and ready for success! This step prevents any last minute dishes, chaotic mornings in the kitchen, and most importantly lets you spend more quality time with those you love.



Make some tasty Pumpkin Walnut Oatmeal Bread for everyone!

2) If you are not planning the whole menu, bring a few of your own healthy dishes. I grew up never having Thanksgiving at my own house. We ALWAYS went over to family's house for the date, where the entire family and our friends congregated and feasted. I completely understand this! It really is SO much easier not having to cook everything and hold the event in your own home.

However, I know from experience (just as I know you do!) that these events almost NEVER include healthy options. Grandma's broccoli casserole is a favorite, sweet potatoes are already buttered and covered in marshmallows, and there's even an entire TABLE dedicated to desserts! It always amazes me, actually, how there can be SO MUCH food, yet almost never is there a simple dish of fresh fruit or vegetables. 

While these home made treats are great to the taste buds and all, they are anything BUT great for your body. Usually they include processed items (pre made crusts, cans of cream of mushroom, sticks of processed margarine or butter, refined sugars and oils, low quality cheeses and dairy) and sometimes are actually store bought all together!

Unless you take the time to make a few dishes at home yourself, I really doubt you can find any dish that is free of processed and low quality items, no matter how "home made" they claim to be. This year, it is perfectly fine (and even fun!) to try something new and be the one who brings that delicious pie, meat, salad, or casserole... the only difference is that you have made it free of processed, unhealthy ingredients. This way, you know for a fact there will be yummy things you can fill you plate with... plus, you will love knowing that you have at least provided one nourishing dish for everyone else's bodies!


(Image via Google Images)

3)Make sure to eat before the dinner! A big mistake many people make is starving themselves all day, trying the "save their calories" or their hunger for the main event. This NEVER, ever works guys! By depriving yourself of food all day, you become ravenous. Your blood sugar drops, and you can even develop a headache. Tell yourself that yes, you WILL eat at dinner... but there is no need to deprive yourself the rest of the day. By eating appropriate amounts before the meal, you will not be as tempted to go overboard and binge during the Thanksgiving feast. You will actually be able to THINK clearly and make responsible food choices instead of stuffing as much into your mouth as you can!


Get moving with this AWESOME at home workout!! 

4) Get ACTIVE! There are tons of ways to ensure activity come Thursday. You can sign up for a Turkey Trot in the morning, which is becoming an increasingly popular trend. Or, if that is not an option, be sure to fit in some sort of workout or movement before the dinner. Try to get even a quick one in, preferably in the morning before things get crazy. Get in an awesome leg workout, or if you don't prefer anything vigorous, even a yoga session will do. Exercising before the dinner can help you stick to your healthy eating routine, rather than completely forget you ever had a health goal to begin with!

Also, it is important to be active AFTER the meal! Grab a frisbee or football and toss it around with your family. Go for a walk around the neighborhood. Heck, even pull out a video game (preferably one you have to move around, such as on the Wii or Kinect) or an interactive board game! Getting your mind off food also helps to not go back for seconds (or thirds...or fourths...)



(Image via Google Images)

5) Pay ATTENTION to how you feel. It is hard to focus on what your hunger cues are telling you when you're faced with mountains of food and a house that smells of turkey, stuffing, and pie. I get it! But in order to ensure that you do not pig out and afterwards feel bloated and gross, it is important to really LISTEN to your body. 

Practicing mindful eating has really helped me control bloating and other stomach pains in my day to day life. Before mindful eating, I would tend to eat more food than I needed, only to feel REALLY full and gross afterwards. The rare times it happens now days, my stomach and body feel "off" for a few days until I can get back on track. It can be hard, I know, but if you can manage to focus on your FOOD and stomach throughout the meal, you will feel satisfied much faster and not have the urge to go back for more and mroe food.

Also, I might want to point out that it is helpful to get AWAY from the buffet area when eating. By seeing the food right in front of you, it is hard to focus on the food on YOUR PLATE. Try moving to the living room or even outside to enjoy the meal. Also, remember to engage with others. After all, talking to people and making memories through conversation is always more important than food.


(Image via Google Images)

6) If all else fails, use moderation. If you want a little bit of everything with no restraints come
Thursday, just be sure to not go overboard and have JUST THAT: a little bit.

The reason I have chose to use this technique last is because, as you know, I am not exactly a follower of the "80/20" rule or any other "moderation is key" term. I am not saying it doesn't work for people, because I know it does for SOME. For me, though, and I know many others too... it really just doesn't make sense. Why on earth would I fill my body with junk "20%" of the time, when I can seriously make that exact same food I am wanting/craving at home in a healthy way?

What I mean is this... sure, a pumpkin pie or a casserole is TRADITIONAL for you to eat on Thanksgiving. But why would you sit there and eat something processed, with no nutritional value when you can make the exact same dish in a healthy way? Remember, the November Challenge ISN'T about deprivation. It is about making smart choices.

(I am not attacking anyone who fallows this rule. If it works for you, awesome! Stick with it and listen to what your body works well with. I am simple stating my stand on the matter.)


And my personal favorite...
7) Don't be shy! The internet is FILLED with yummy, nutritious recipes. While there are many great recipes here on Clean Eating Teen, there are even MORE all around the web! One of my favorite things about reading healthy living blogs are all the RECIPES I find!

Remember how I am also a contributor on Real Food Recipe Roundup? That website is AN awesome source for REAL, nutritious foods. It's kinda like a giant Pinterest for foodies!

Here is a list of some of my favorite bloggers. You can find awesome recipes on their sites! 

ChicaLOVerde 
Yes To Yummy
Meals and Miles 
Peanut Butter Fingers 
The Lean Green Bean
Hungry Hungry Hippie
The Gracious Pantry 
Healthy Happy Life 
Butter Nutrition 
The Soulful Spoon 
PaleOMG 

Please, comment below with what your plans are to have a HEALTHY Thanksgiving! 

Also, what healthy recipes are you wanting to try this Thanksgiving?

Happy Turkey Day!
Natalie

NO EXCUSE November Challenge!

Can you believe that 2013 is nearly at an end? This year has seriously flown by!Since it is November, the start of the holiday season, I thought it would be a great idea to challenge you readers and end this year with a bang.

With the cold winter months creeping up, people often find that their pants get a bit snug... SO much food, sweets, and opportunities to skip a workout are extremely common now that holidays, family get together, and freezing weather is upon us! 

What better time to make a resolution to keep to your health and fitness goals that you made waaay back in January? THIS is the time to stay on track, determined, and focused... not in two months, when resolutions are abound and you think to yourself "Well, maybe this year Ill achieve that!".

Image via Google Images 

 No... these next 60 days, when everyone is stuffing their faces yet still complaining about weight gain, the thought of summer and bikini season, ext... YOU will be the one everyone is in awe of. You will be the one who stays motivated and be the inspiration for your peers to keep healthy even when Christmas cookies and New Years champagne glasses are clinking!  

Now, this challenge is NOT about deprivation. In fact, quiet the contrary... it is obvious that with this time of year, comes varies traditions, foods and opportunities that are not usual the rest of the year. After all, grandmas pumpkin pie is only present at Thanksgiving! 

What this challenge IS about is staying on track with your health. Like I have mentioned and proven in many past posts, I don't fallow the "80/20" rule. To me, it doesn't work, nor does it make much sense. Why put crap in your body for your "20%" when you can make yourself that same thing, but in a healthy way?

Image via Google Images and Fitsugar 

Perhaps YOU can be the one who brings that pumpkin pie this year! Or be the one who makes the stuffing, or the cake, or the turkey... the new twist will be that your food is actually a HEALTHY version of the once nutritionally void one. 

This challenge is also about more than just food. It is also going to be about staying active! 

I know that during the cold days approaching, NOTHING sounds better than getting a few extra hours of sleep in, rather than lacing up your shoes for a run. Or perhaps, with so many parties to go to and family to visit, you just don't feel you have time for a workout. 

Let me set something straight. If you REALLY want something, you will make time for it. You will find a way. If you don't really want it... than you won't. I have written a post about solutions to your "problems", and this was one of those topics. 

Image via Google Images.

One of my favorite quotes ever! 

I know that life happens. People have family, spouses, kids, work, school... but most of the time, we focus more energy on trying to find a way OUT of uncomfortable or inconvenient situations than what time and effort just doing the thing really would have taken! Because COME ON... when is the last time you ever told yourself, "I really regret that workout!" 

Image via Google Images 

So in a nutshell, here is the challenge I present you:

For these next two-three holiday months, you will stay on track with your health, both food and fitness wise. You will not be deprived. You can and will make healthy versions of all your favorites, for you and your family to enjoy.

 

You will also keep active. You will keep with your regular workout schedule, or if you are not currently active, strive to get moving 3-5 days a week for at least 20 minutes. 

NO EXCUSE! ;) 

TO PARTICIPATE...

SHARE this post

COMMENT on how you plan on completing this goal

SUBSCRIBE to Clean Eating Teen to receive all the motivation, recipes, and fun to come with the Challenge!

I don't know about you, but these simple ideas seem pretty easy, and even FUN, to manage! ;)

Share this challenge on any social media sites you can. Spread the word! 

And do not worry... these next few months, I will be featuring posts of holiday recipes, workouts, and ideas and motivation to keep you ON TRACK! 

I also would love to feature some guest posts to anyone who is open to sharing how to plan to accomplish this challenge, or any other challenge they've made this holiday season!

Are you ready for the challenge? 

Natalie 

4th of July FIREWORK Superset Workout!

Happy 4th of July everyone!

I hope that your holiday will be filled with lots of fun, family, grilling out... and FIREWORKS ;)

Which leads me to today's workout! I know that with the hectic schedule coming up, you might have been wondering how you will fit in time to hit the gym. Maybe you even planned on taking the day off all together.

Well, let me tell you... that won't be happening under my watch! This workout uses only body-weight and dumbbells, so for most, this can be done right at home. You do not even need a lot of space!

Okay, before anyone has to shield their eyes due to the quality of this image... I had created it in Office Word, only to later realize I couldn't (or at least do not know how) to save it as a picture rather than a document to download on my blog... so I took a photo of it! If I can figure out a way to make it look better, trust me, this is will updated ASAP.

This is an intense workout that will be a GREAT way to get you pumped up for the day! I suggest to do it first thing in the morning, so that you will have it out of the way and can go about your holiday. :)

You can find most movements on Youtube if you do not know what they are, or feel free to message me and ask! Here are a few descriptions of movements that may be confusing...

Firework Jumps- Otherwise known as Star Jump Squats, Rock star Jumps, ext... Squat down, than explode up in a jump, forming a 'Firework" type look with your limbs (both arms up and out, legs apart). So basically, when you jump in the air, your body should look like an "X"!
DB Step Up- With a chair in front of you, hold a set of dumb bells in your hands. Step up on the chair with your right leg, and push yourself up so that you are standing with one leg on the chair. Lower yourself back to the ground, and repeat on the same leg until you reach the needed reps. Then, do the other leg.
Curtsy Lunge- Basically, think as if you are "curtsying"... it is like a lunge, expect your back foot is farther towards the opposite side. So, when you step back with your right leg, instead of stepping directly back, step farther towards the left.
Bicycles- Bicycle crunches... Lying on your back, lightly place hands behind head. Act as if you are "peddling" your legs, and while doing so, bring your opposite elbow to touch the knee that is "peddling" in.

Boy did I just make that sound really confusing or what?

I figure this workout should take about 40 minutes, depending on your fitness level! Try this out, share it, tell me what you think!

What are your plans for the 4th?
Will YOU be working out?

Natalie

Elf for Health Holiday Challange!

  Hey there guys!
  I know it has been months since I posted last, and I do feel awful for it. I don't really have an excuse other than getting off task even when I promise myself to start up a new post! This aside though... I am determined to start this blog back up!
  Recently I have been very inspired by a challenge I'm participating in, called Elf for Health! Its being ran by two great girls and bloggers, Lindsay and Elle. They've really put together a fantastic activity that helps everyone stay on track through these hectic holidays.
  Basically, you are assigned an 'elf' that you email twice weekly and also can stay connected with through other media sites (I am connected with mine, Kristen, through twitter!). These awesome pals are there to support you and give you someone to exchange recipes, motivation, workout ideas, ext with. You also have your elves to help make sure you are keeping up with the daily Elf for Health challenges!
  Each day, there is an assigned 'challenge' to accomplish- keeping track of fiber intake, taking a few minuets to meditate! They all are super fun, and once you are connected with other elves through Facebook, Twitter , Tumblr , ext, the party really gets going as people are constantly posting motivation, updates and pictures!

Here is a picture I posted of my dinner one night: Lentils with veggies, topped with some cilantro and tomato!

  There are also prizes awarded at the end of each round and a grand prize overall. More information on Elf for Health can be found here along with dates for the next rounds to sign up for if you have not already.
  I really hope that even more people sign up for this event (there's already over 900!) so that they can also share the joy it has brought me to see so many complete strangers connect to one another, being so determined and setting aside time to participate in this. I've been so inspired and have had so much fun, I finally got the nerve again to sit down and start blogging again! With all the new foodies, yogis, and other healthy people I am meeting from Elf for Health, maybe Clean Eating Teen will gain more readership !
   Tell me if you join the challenge, or if you have any questions about what all I've done thus far.
   See you soon,
Natalie