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5.14.15

super simple spinach salad #EatRightForYourSight

Spinach is one of my fave veggies, especially in a salad. While I eat lots of salads, there is something that keeps me coming back to delicate organic baby spinach. The amount of spinach I go through is almost comical. I toss it into smoothies, pasta, vegan creamed spinach, and tons of salads. This is one of my faves – first, because it is so simple, and second because it’s delicious!

sunny vegan spinach salad with apples and walnuts copy

When I was contacted by the American Macular Degeneration Foundation about their #EatRightForYourSight campaign, I was totally in. I truly believe that food has the power to heal or make you sick and focusing on foods hight in antioxidants, omega 3’s and healthy fats can be great for your eyes. Just one cup of spinach has lots of of lutein and zeaxanthin—two nutrients that do wonders for your eyes. Walnuts contain those omega 3’s as well as zinc and the olive oil in the dressing has healthy fats for you too.

I hear all the time that eating healthy is TOO complicated, I don’t have time to prepare fresh food and blah, blah, blah. This salad took less than a minute to make and I’m sure you can spare a minute to improve your health. So eat up my friends!

Ingredients: 4 servings

6 cups organic baby spinach
1 organic fuji apple
1/3 cup organic raw walnuts
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup crumbled extra firm tofu

dressing:

1-2 teaspoon shallots, finely chopped
2 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup olive oil
1-2 teaspoons dijon mustard
salt and pepper to taste

Method:

layer salad ingredients into bowl or onto serving dish. combine dressing ingredients in large bowl and whisk until combined. drizzle over salad mixture and serve immediately.

sunny vegan spinach salad with apples and walnuts recipe #eatrightforyoursight

 

I'm Blogging for Eye Health, #EatRightforYourSight

Filed in: detox | kid friendly | recipe | recipes | salad | side dish
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5.11.15

grilled Gardein teriyaki chick’n skewers #meetchef

sunny vegan gardein grilled teriyaki chick

I’m all about healthy food that tastes delicious, looks gorgeous and is ready in minutes!

When the opportunity to showcase Gardein products AND share a coupon with you came up, I was totally thrilled.
Everyone in my house loves Gardein, from the #meetchef Teriyaki  Chick’n Strips to Fishless Filets, it never occurred to me that you all didn’t already know about this amazing company and their products, so make sure you grab your $1 COUPON and give them a try.

While I am vegan ( ummm- the site is sunny vegan) I hope to let people know that you don’t have to be vegan to make a difference. Did you know that reducing your meat intake just 1 day a week can have a considerable impact on your health. It increases life expectancy while reducing the risk of heart disease, cancer, obesity and diabetes. So why not give meatless Monday, or Thursday, a try and see how you feel?

I’ve never had chicken, but I always thought skewers look so delish, I just had to make my own version with Chick’n Strips. This recipe is so easy, took 6 minutes to cook, it’s now in heavy rotation for a quick weeknight meal. I can’t wait to serve this at summer barbecues too.

 

sunny vegan gardein grilled teriyaki chick

for the skewers-  if using bamboo, soak for 15 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning.
I used a grill pan, no soaking necessary
Ingredients: 3 servings

1 package Gardein Teriyaki Chick’n Strips
1 Tablespoon olive oil
1 1/2 cup pineapple, cut to approximately same thickness as Chick’n Strips
2 green onions, sliced *optional
1/4 cup chopped cilantro *optional
1 Tablespoon sesame seeds *optional

Method:

pre-heat grill or grill pan. thaw Chick’n strips for a few minutes, just until soft enough to insert skewer without it cracking. cut each strip in half, then alternate Chick’n and pineapple until skewers are all full. brush or spray with olive oil and grill each side for 2-3 minutes. drizzle Teriyaki sauce ( included with Gardein ) over chick’n and pineapple, top with optional garnish and serve immediately.

sunny vegan gardein grilled teriyaki chick

for the asian slaw

Ingredients:

salad-
3 cups shredded green cabbage
1 cup shredded purple cabbage
1 cup shredded carrots
1/4 cup green onion, chopped
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
1 Tablespoon sesame seeds

dressing- 
1 glove garlic- minced
1 lime – juiced
1/4 teaspoon lime zest
1 Tablespoon soy sauce
1 Tablespoon rice vinegar
1 Tablespoon agave
2 Tablespoons olive oil
1 Tablespoon sesame oil

Method:

combine all salad ingredients in a large bowl. in a small bowl, combine all dressing ingredients and whisk until combined. pour dressing over salad mixture, stir and allow to stand for 15 minutes. top with sesame seeds and serve.

 

Filed in: misc posts
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May 11, 2015 - 5:22 pm

Debbie - These look delicious! I’m loving checking out all the Gardein posts. So many great recipes!

May 12, 2015 - 8:08 am

Susie @ SuzLyfe - Pineapple, teriyaki, and “chicken” are a match made in heaven!

3.27.15

rosemary lemon sugar scrub – spring shape up!

 

easy rosemary lemon doterra body scrub recipe - sunny vegan

It’s that time again, time to peel off the winter wear and bare those lovely legs and shoulders. Nooooo!
Despite having a mild So-Cal winter, my skin looks like I have been hanging at the north pole for the past 4 months. And we are leaving for spring break to a warmer climate so I will be wearing shorts and tank tops soon. To ensure that I don’t scare the general public with my paper white, dry legs, I need to do something now!
I generally like my Spring shape up time because it forces me to take a little time to take care of myself but I have been super busy and would rather spend money on our vacation than expensive body scrubs, so this quick fix is perfect! Chances are you have the ingredients in your kitchen right now so you too can get your scrub on.

 

Ingredients:

1/2 cup olive oil
1 cup turbinado or brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon lemon zest
1-2 Tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
5-7  drops lemon essential oil- I use doTERRA

Method:

combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix well.

 

Usage Instructions:

in the shower, scoop up a small amount of scrub and rub into skin in a circular motion, paying extra attention to knees and elbows. rinse well and follow with your favorite lotion.
Common Sense Notes- avoid eyes and mucous membranes, use of oil will make your shower or bath slippery so be careful.

Filed in: diy | esssential oils- doterra | spring shape up
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2.24.15

5 tips to drink more water

Most people know they should drink water daily, but how many of us actually do it? The truth is that drinking water is a constant struggle for me, I know I should do it but I am constantly dehydrated!

Why exactly is water important anyway? Well- it helps control calories, energizes your muscles, helps to control body fluid balance and gives you glowing skin.

Here are 5 tips that have helped me to get more water in:

1. track your water.
you can use bracelet beads, a notepad or an app like myfitnesspal or waterlogged, but just track it!

2. use a filter.
filtered water does taste better, so get a filter you will actually use.

3. have a glass (or two) before each meal or snack.
frequently, thirst is confused for hunger so drink a big glass of water before you eat.

4. sneak in extra water with tea, fruits and veggies.
the tea is pretty self explanatory, but remember that fruits and veggies contain water and a fiber bonus.

5. Flavor it!
sometimes I will just add cucumber or a slice of lemon, but this spa water recipe is one of my favorites.

take 5 spa water recipe with watermelon and cucumber recipe via sunny vegan

Ingredients: per 1 serving

2 cups chilled filtered water
1/4 cup cucumber, sliced very thin
1/4 cup watermelon, sliced or cubed

Method:

combine ingredients in glass, allow to stand for 5 minutes.

 

Another problem I have struggled with is keeping feminine pads where they need to be. You know those pads that slip and slide out of place and don’t do their job? Yeah, that can make it very difficult to stay motivated and keep active. Luckily I found  STAYFREE® Ultra Thin® Ultra with Wings. They were inspired by athletic wear and are flexible to move with you during your run, workout or yoga practice.
Not only that, Stayfree® is giving you 30 days of FREE yoga!
They have made it so easy for you too, just go the myyoga.stayfree website where you can look up where to purchase products ( luckily TarJay, I mean Target, has them) upload a copy of your receipt and start 30 days of free yoga with Gaiam. You can read more about it here, but hurry as this offer ends March 12th.

Stayfree Free Yoga

 

I’d love to hear your best water trick or struggle too!

Thanks again to  Stayfree® and Sverve for sponsoring this discussion, as usual, all opinions are my own.

 

Filed in: misc posts
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February 25, 2015 - 12:29 pm

Robert - My best water drinking trick is to strategically place cups around the house. This way, when I see the cup, it reminds me to fill it up with water!

February 27, 2015 - 7:11 pm

Kayla @ TheEclecticElement - I always, ALWAYS forget to drink water during the day. It’s not like I don’t like it, I enjoy it immensely! I just forgot to drink. I also have that issue with eating, too. I love your tips though, they’re all great! I’m going to have to try that recipe for flavored water 🙂

2.19.15

let’s hear it for FREE yoga!

That’s right, free yoga thanks to Stayfree® They have made it so easy for you too, just go the myyoga.stayfree website where you can look up where to purchase products ( luckily TarJay, I mean Target, has them) upload a copy of your receipt and start 30 days of free yoga with Gaiam.Stayfree Free Yoga  As much as I love to go to the studio, there are times that it’s just not possible ( like today while I’m home with a sick kiddo) but that doesn’t mean that my practice has to suffer. I can roll out my mat and get my ohm on at home, and you can too for free. Here is my little home set-up, it looks so much like the one on the site, don’t ya think? Then I can quickly stream classes on my mac or tv.sunny vegan- stayfree giam free yoga space at homefree yoga from Stayfree and Giam tvSince you are going to need feminine products anyway, why not stock up on Stayfree and get some free yoga while you’re at it. I like the Ultra Thin with wings, they stay put and are flexible enough to move with you from sun salutations to warrior pose. But hurry up, this awesome offer ends March 15th! I’ve been using online yoga classes for 2 years now and Gaiam is definitely the best. From complete beginner to seriously advanced, they have it all. Right now, as my life is complete chaos, the I am love  collection has been a huge help. I’m curious to hear, have you ever tried an online yoga class?   Disclaimer, this is a sponsored post on behalf of  Stayfree® and Sverve, as usual, all opinions are my own. 

Filed in: misc posts
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February 24, 2015 - 4:16 pm

Kayla @ TheEclecticElement - I completely agree, a lot of the time due to illness there’s no way I can make it out of the house period let alone to a single yoga class! It looks like you have a gorgeous setup in your own home though; I’m super jealous! 🙂
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