Arugula & Basil Whole Wheat Pasta Deliciousness

I was so very happy eating this meal. I think you will be too. It's very simple, and remarkably delicious.

There are a lot of great flavors going on in this dish. It's vegetarian - you can make it vegan (omit the cheese) or gluten free (substitute whole wheat pasta for rice pasta or spaghetti squash). If you haven't noticed, I post really easy recipes. I like to cook, but try to keep it simple in the kitchen. This way, we can eat healthy, and not go crazy with prep time.

This meal has lots of green veggies in it - full of antioxidants and vitamins. Eating green veggies has been linked to better respiration, better mental clarity and better energy. Whenever I can make a recipe that tastes good with leafy greens, I do it.

Grocery List: 

• Whole wheat pasta
• Arugula 
• A high quality cheese - try Italian Pecorino Romano Cheese - it's made with Sheep's Milk in Italy. It was very tasty (though a bit salty). 
• Tomato Sauce with fresh basil leaves (basil is super easy to grow in a garden, or even in a pot if you don't have a garden - fresh makes all the difference compared to dry basil.  (if you can make homemade sauce - it really enhances the flavor. It's really easy. If you need a quick tomato sauce recipe, email me - theplantbasedhealthcoach@gmail.com. Otherwise use your favorite jarred sauce)

Make a big pot of sauce, and then add cooked whole wheat pasta to it, and serve over a big plate of arugula. Grate a little cheese on top. If you use a strong, high quality cheese, you won't need a lot to get a lot of great flavor. Unless you're like me and love cheese, then grate a little more:). It's an indulgence, so enjoy it when you choose to eat it.

Happy health!

Veggie Mexican Bowl

Ok y'all - this is a really good recipe. Promise.

My hubby asked me to make this every week. It's super easy, even he could make it ;)

An added bonus - it's really healthy. Full of fiber, protein, vitamins and nutrients. Great if you are trying to lower cholesterol or lipids.
It's dairy free, gluten free, and vegan. Even though we aren't completely vegan, we try to eat lots of vegan food and mostly avoid dairy and animal products. Try making one of your meals vegetarian every week. I bet you'll end up eating more veggies!

I came up with this because I wanted to eat at Moe's, but I was already at the grocery store, and figured I'd try to make a burrito bowl (minus the tortilla).

Grocery List:

• Brown Rice
• 1 Cucumber (Chopped in small pieces)
• 1 Avocado (Chopped in small pieces)
• 1 Bunch Cilantro (Chopped)
• 1 Can Olives (Chopped)
• 1 Can Black Beans (with or without sauce)
• 1 Jar Salsa

Cook the brown rice. (boil 2 1/4c. water, then add 1 c. brown rice for 30-45 minutes)
Add the brown rice to the bottom of the bowl.
Add your toppings (chopped cucumber, avocado, cilantro, olives, beans and salsa). I used extra, extra cilantro because I love it. Plus, it has some amazing properties - aids in digestion, anti-inflammatory agents, and even reduces mood swings and cramping associated with PMS. Check out more about the amazing power of Cilantro! Here's another article on cilantro and detoxing.

Easy enough?

Happy health!

I ate it with blue corn chips. YUM                            Hubby ate his in about 5 minutes.

Vegan Mexican "Pizza" Rollups

Here's a quick and easy dinner that kids and adults will love... 

Health perks:

• Low fat
• Low cholesterol
• Vegan
• Gluten Free

Grocery list:

Can of refried beans

Organic corn tortillas (I like 365 brand frozen tortillas - no GMO verified)

Can of olives

Avocados

Salsa 

Lettuce

Line a baking sheet with tin foil (for easy cleanup) Place the tortillas and spread the refried beans

Top with sliced olives and bake on 325 for about 10  minutes

Top with salsa (I used a mango salsa from Costco), avocado and lettuce 

Roll them up and eat them! Yum!