Margaritaville

When I lived in Chicago, I got more exposure to Mexican food and there was this cute Mom and Pop restraunt that served some delicious blended Margaritas. The fact that it was during my College years, they had $15 pitcher specials, and not to mention were conveniently located down the street, my friends and I became weekly regulars. Our favorite selection was a Strawberry Mango concoction that was like drinking a smoothie that left a good buzz. I never felt too guilty about it as I figured I was at least getting a full serving of my daily fruit right? WRONG! Little did I know that those seemingly innocent margaritas had more calories in them than I should have throughout a whole day, not to mention a ridiculous amount of sugar! Luckily I have created a healthier, satisfying, and hang over free selection just in time for a Cino De Mayo celebration. Save some calories, and drink in moderation because you know what they say about Tequila….(it makes your clothes come off)

Recipe:

1 oz Tequila

Soda Water

Splash Pineapple

Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice

Move over Dairy Queen for Holland's Healthy version of the classic parfait

Growing up in Minnesota, dinner was never complete without a pit stop at Dairy Queen on the way home for a ice cream parfait. Little did I know that this habit was costing me unnecessary calories, fat, and sugar in my daily diet. Below is a healthier Hollywood style recipe I came across that is nutritious and delicious.

Greek Yogurt Parfait:

1 Cup Greek Yogurt

1 Cup Chopped Apples and Strawberries

1/4 Cup Chopped Walnuts

1 Tsp Cinnamon

Broccoli Avocado Salad

Living in a fast pace city like LA I am always looking for a healthy meal on the go. A top nutritionist recommended the following quick recipe for a Broccoli Avocado salad:

-1 lb Broccoli

-1 ripe Avocado

-2 Tblsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil

-2 Tblsp Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice

-1 Tblsp grainy Mustard

St.Patrick's Day and Melon Martini's

In spirit of St.Patrick's Day I decided to make my festive green melon martini's. 

The main ingredient happens to be the hottest new Asian liqueurs: Ty Ku (Some of Ty Ku's celebrity following include Jessica Biel, Perez Hilton, Kate Hudson, Jay-Z, Leonardo DiCaprio, etc)

Ty Ku is the worlds only all natural sake based Asian liqueur. The blend of healthy ingredients used to flavor Ty Ku include melon citrus (vitamin C) and antioxidant packed oolong and green tea. The spirit is then sweetened with all natural elderflower which reduces the sugar content associated with most liqueurs. 

Bottoms up!

Ingredients: 

1-2 Oz Ty Ku Liqueur

2 Oz Lemon Juice

Drop of Midori Liqueur

Ice and Shaker

Show Some Gratitude

In a fast paced city like Los Angeles, it is easy to get so caught up with a busy schedule or trying to achieve a higher goal that sometimes we forget to slow down and take time to show gratitude for what we already have.


A new restaurant in LA open for only a week now combines the concept of showing gratitude with healthy eating. Cafe Gratitudes mission is to celebrate our aliveness by loving our life, adoring ourselves, and being generous and grateful everyday.  The menu is 100% organic vegan that specializes in gourmet raw and cooked cuisines.


The atmosphere is hip, warm, and inviting. I literally even made friends while waiting in line for my table.  Celebrity spotting is never uncommon from singers Jason Mraz, Alanis Morisett, and actors Jake Gyllenhaal and Woody Harrelson.


Below are a couple of dishes that are must try's. They were delicious, fulfilling, and left me feeling incredibly healthy and grateful.


"I Am Pure"
Large salad consisting of seaweed, kale, carrots, cucumbers, cilantro, scallions, teriyaki almonds, and ginger sesame dressing.

"I Am Transformed"

Hand made corn tacos with quinoa, black beans, salsa, guacamole, and cashew nacho cheese

"I Am Fortified"

Seasonal vegetables, kale, quinoa, topped with sesame ginger sauce

Don't forget to stop by the Cafe Gratitude gift shop on your way out for:

1) Some amazing gratitude cookbooks

2) A I am grateful T-shirt (Yes I am a sucker for these)

3) I am grateful bowls to remind myself every morning as I eat my oatmeal!

What are you grateful for?

www.cafegratitude.com

MMMM Spaghetti Squash

With my on the go busy lifestyle I have made it a point to stay home at least one night a week and cook up a delicious meal. Over the weekend with all of the Superbowl festivities and grazing I decided it was a good idea to keep it light and simple. I was in the mood for some Italian food sans all the carbs. A great nutritious way to substitute spaghetti noodles is replacing them with spaghetti squash.

What is spaghetti squash??? It is a winter squash with inside flesh that resembles spaghetti.

Here is the delicious recipe I cooked up:

Ingredients

• 1 spaghetti squash, halved lengthwise and seeded
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 1/2 cups chopped tomatoes
• 10-20 cooked shrimp
• 3 tablespoons sliced black olives
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a baking sheet.
2. Place spaghetti squash cut sides down on the prepared baking sheet, and bake 30 minutes in the preheated oven, or until a sharp knife can be inserted with only a little resistance. Remove squash from oven, and set aside to cool enough to be easily handled.
3. Meanwhile, heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Saute onion in oil until tender. Add garlic, and saute for 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in the tomatoes, and cook only until tomatoes are warm.
4. Use a large spoon to scoop the stringy pulp from the squash, and place in a medium bowl. Toss with the sauteed vegetables, feta cheese, olives, and basil. Serve warm.

Keeping it real at Real Food Daily

One of my favorite feel good restaurants in LA is "Real Food Daily."


Real Food Daily is the premiere organic vegan restaurant in Los Angeles. Real Food Daily is the place to be to enjoy delicious, balanced meals made with fresh organic ingredients. RFD attracts the someday to the everyday vegetarian, celebrities and trendsetting young eaters. 


Before coming to RFD, I never thought I could enjoy the taste of vegan or vegetarian food, as I had a pre-conceived notion that the food would be boring and tasteless. To my surprise however, the food at RFD is so delicious and truly makes you feel good after eating it. I love it so much that I bought their cookbook and will try to make some amazing dishes on my own.


I definitely recommend stopping into RFD and definitely try the Salisbury Seitan mmmmm


www.realfood.com

Breakfast of Champions

No matter how early I set my alarm clock it always seems like I am making a mad dash out of the house every morning. I know that breakfast is the most important meal of the day but I just do not have time to sit down and eat let alone cook up some eggs.

Thankfully with the help from a close friend who happens to be a nutritionist and trainer here in LA, we created what I call the "Breakfast of Champions". It is a delicious berry smoothie that has plenty of antioxidants and 20 grams of protein to keep me fully charged and satisfied all morning long.

Combine the following ingredients in a blender, fill in a to go cup and drink it on the go:

Ingredients:

1 Cup Frozen Mixed Berries
1 Cup Unsweetened Almond Milk
1 Tbsp Almond Butter
2 Scoops Vanilla Whey Protein Powder
1 Tsp Cinnamon

Enjoy!

Pomegranate Champagne Punch

I have to admit I am a sucker for sweet, delicious, calorie packed cocktails. Unfortunately, I have learned that they are not good for your waist line nor the headache they bring the next day.

However, there is a way to still get a tasty holiday concoction minus all of the calories.  Here is a recipe to one of my favorite holiday drinks I tried this season which was being served up at a private Christmas event in the Hollywood Hills.

This tasty cocktail contains only 100 calories and contains a healthy dose of antioxidants!


Pomegranate Champagne Punch:

* 2 Cups Champagne
* 1 Cup Pomegranate Juice
* 1 Cup Seltzer
* 1/2 Cup Citrus Vodka
* Lemon Twists for Garnish

**Preparations: Combine Champagne, Pomegranate Juice, Seltzer, and Vodka in a large bowl or pitcher.      
Serve over ice with a Lemon Twist.

Cheers

Easy Appetizers for Entertaining

The holidays are all about entertaining. It is the best time of year to bring people together and throw a get together to spread some holiday cheer. However, like most of us, it also happens to be the busiest time of the year.  Instead of stressing about making over the top, time consuming dishes for your guests why not make a bunch of easy appetizers?
My friend and Chef to the Stars Keven Lee gives me a lesson on how to make Vietnamese Spring Rolls. They are one of the hottest appetizers that his clients such as Paris Hilton are dishing up.