Spicy Kale & Shrimp Stir-fry

The spicy cravings during this pregnancy have continued and this dish satisfied the need for spicy yet is packed will vitamins with ingredients like kale, veggies and sweet potatoes. Sautéed shrimp was the perfect touch to this non-traditional stir fry.

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Ingredients
– 1 cup Quinoa
– 2 cups kale
– 1 large sweet potato
– 10 oz shrimp (peeled and tailed)
– 2 tsp coconut oil
– 1/4 tsp hot sauce

Directions
Cook 1/2 cup quinoa as directed. In a large pan over medium-high heat, heat 1 tsp coconut oil and cook 10 oz peeled, shrimp until done and set aside. Return pan to medium-high and add 1 tsp coconut oil and chopped cooked sweet potato and kale. Add remaining quinoa and shrimp to the pan, along with 1/4 tsp hot sauce. Cook, stirring, until hot, 3 minutes. Enjoy!

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Gluten-free Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies

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As some of you know, I recently went gluten-free due to a thyroid condition and I must say, it has been helping my energy level. I am less tired and feel like I have more energy. I had a Memorial Day picnic to go to and made these babies and they went faster than the regular cookies I made!  The raw cookie dough was amazing; I couldn’t help myself taste as I was mixing all the ingredients together!

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Ingredients:

  • 2 cups coconut flour (I used Bob’s Red Mill)
  • 1 banana (very ripe)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2/3 cup coconut oil, melted and cooled
  • 1 1/4 cups dark brown sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla
  • 1 cup chocolate chips (I used dark chocolate)
  • coarse sea salt, for sprinkling

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 Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. In large bowl whisk together all ingredients until smooth and creamy. Slowly add in chocolate chips
3.Roll dough into 2 inch balls and place on cookie sheet leaving 2 inches apart. Bake 8-11 minutes or until edges just being to turn a golden brown.
4. Remove from oven and let cool at least 5 minutes on baking sheet. Enjoy these guilt-free delicious treats!

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Feel Good|Look Good

“Take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live.” Jim Rohn

I am a true believe that if you put on the right pair of shoes and the right clothes, you will somehow feel empowered. With that said, if you don’t feel good, not even a Christian Louboutin high will last long enough!

I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s disease last year and I know what it’s like to not feel good.  After months of exhaustion, fatigue and weight gain for no apparent reason, I talked to my Dr. and he did a simple blood test and found out it was hypothyroidism caused by Hashimoto’s disease.  After a few Doctor’s visits and medication as well as a more strict diet, I am feeling a million times better and know that when you are feeling good, it makes the world of a difference in your work, relationships, and overall happiness!

I try to make a constant effort in making healthy choices such as choosing fruit over potato chips or taking the stairs instead of the elevator.  Depriving ourselves is not the answer but it is important to make conscious healthy choices.  Because of my thyroid, I am prone to easy weight gain so here are my go-to snacks that are satisfying and easy on the calories.  Even if you do not have to lose weight or do not have a thyroid issue, they are healthy for everyone so I wanted to share!

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{Dark chocolate frozen banana bites: Cut bananas into bite size pieces, melt 60% or more cocoa dark chocolate, dip banana bites one by one in dark chocolate and place on tray. Put in freezer for at least 1/2 hour!}

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{Sweet potato fries: Pre-heat oven to 450, wash and peel 5-6 sweet potatoes, cute into shoe strings, mix with olive oil, rosemary, salt & pepper.  Bake for 30 minutes!}

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{Roasted chickpeas: 3 cups cooked chickpeas, Preheat oven to 400, toss chickpeas with garlic, salt, oil and preferred spices.  Put them on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for about 30-40 minutes until golden brown}