Thursday, September 18, 2014

GIVEAWAY: Sabra giveaway & back to school nutritious and delicious snacks!


Leaves are falling, the days are brisk & kids are back to school!  After a summer full of treats, temptations and indulgences its time to get back to nutrition & wellness!  Thanks to Sabra Dips Canada its never been easier.  They have a full line of clean and portable dips that the kids will love and parents will feel good packing...

Here are two of my favorite 10 minute or less lunch ideas for even the pickiest of palettes...





Mini Hummus Tacos
(gluten-free)

What you'll need:

4 gluten-free corn tortillas (GMO free)
4 tbsp of Sabra hummus (your favorite flavour)
1 handful or organic sprouts (broccoli or pea)
1 handful fresh parsley (cilantro and basil are great options too)
1 handful fresh kale, chopped finely 
8-10 cremini mushrooms, panseared in olive oil.
1 avocado, sliced and tossed with lemon juice
1 tsp chili powder OR curry powder
Sea salt, a pinch.
Lime wedges.
What to do: 
Two options; pre-made OR make your own (serves two)

Pre-made: Divide and spread hummus on tortillas.  Sprinkle with chili or curry for added zing.  Add mushrooms.  Top with fresh veggies.  Finish with avocado.  Add tuna or leftover grilled chicken for added protein.  Two tacos per lunch,  pack with cucumber slices and radishes.
Make your own: Chop and pack everything in separate glass containers.  Pack into lunch and let the kids make their own at school!
**Use lettuce as an alternative to tortillas for a crunchy spin.

10 minute lunch/snack.

Vegetable Platter and Avocado Hummus


What you'll need:

2-3 cups of organic (if able) fresh vegetables, washed and bite size
Choose: (4-5 to have variety of health properties and colours)
Broccoli, cherry tomatoes, raw zucchini, bell peppers, radishes, radicchio leaves, sprouts, heirloom carrots, cauliflower, blanched beans, blanched asparagus, mushrooms, celery stalks or any favorites I've missed!
1 container of Sabra hummus (classic works best)
1 Avocado, chopped.
1/2 tsp lemon/lime juice
1/2 tsp fresh parsley.

What to do:

Using a bullet/blender mix hummus, avocado, citrus juice and herbs.  Pack into a glass container and finish with extra virgin olive oil.  Makes 4 serving.  Portion vegetables.  Makes a great after school snack too.  No excuse with the vegetables ready to go.
TIPS on getting kids to eat their veggies:
  • Get them involved in the cooking!  Studies have shown that children that are involved in the shopping & cooking are more likely to become adventurous and open minded when it comes to their food & eating habits.
  • Let them choose their favorite vegetables and fruits for an at home garden.  Make a schedule of watering and harvest times.  Brainstorm recipes together too!
  • Have fresh vegetables, dips, fruit and snacks ready to prevent less healthy alternative after school. 
  • Offer alternatives to their less nutrient dense favorites: organic nachos/cucumber slices with Sabra salsa rather than chips & dip.  Dark 70% cacao dipped strawberries/bananas rather than chocolate bars.  Homemade trail mix with more nuts/seeds rather than store bought granola.

SABRA GIVEAWAY

(30$ value)

Includes: Sabra lunch bag & 5 Sabra vouchers to get you started!



How to enter:


Tweet me @rachelbies your favorite way to use Sabra dips!
Email me rachelbiesnutrition@gmail.com with a picture of my recipes OR your own!
Instagram me thehealthybies  with a picture of my recipes OR your own, tag me and use the hashtag #sabrabacktoschool

Enter by September 25th.  Draw date: Saturday September 27th, 2014!  Good Luck

rbn
xox

Email me for more yummy ideas!

Friday, September 12, 2014

This is a FEAST (allergen market & store) steals my heart, a little cookie recipe & a little catch up...

I just put on my first pair of socks and its so nice. For those of you who don't live here,  Toronto has suddenly been hit by fall.  Not gradually, full-on.  Don't get me wrong I love fall, its my jam BUT we weren't expecting this so soon!  I haven't even switched over my wardrobe yet!

Things have been busy and exciting for my company RachelBies Nutrition which is why I've been MIA (again) for my poor neglected blog.  Recently partnered up with the ever so lovely Rachael Hunt -GFTO/GFTW to co-run the next GlutenFreedom Week 2 in November, which is a great project to work on!  (Find out more in our September Newsletter )

And I've rediscovered some old recipes I developed over the years, upside of chilly fall days is warming up in your kitchen...

Easy as always & gluten free.  Start to finish 20 mins.  Kid approved and freezes well.


 Banana Chocolate Cookie Drops

Using dark chocolate chips!




Stuffed bites with choc sunflower butter! Mmmm
\
Thanks this is FEAST! xoxoxo




Here's what you'll need:

4 bananas, ripened and mashed
2 c. gluten free oats.
1/2 - 3/4 c dark chocolate chips, nibbs, or chunks. (optional)

Here's what to do:

Preheat oven to 350.  Mash banana.  Mix in oats.  Add choc.  Using a tbsp, make fairly decent cookie drops.  Optional: Indent and stuff with chocolate, for melty cookies OR use chips and mix into entire batter.  Bake for 15-20 minutes, until firm.  Experiment with nuts and seeds too.  Stuff with raw nut butters too!  



***Thanks to This is a FEAST  for the delicious Chocolate Sunflower Butter - makes a delicious filling for cookies!  If you haven't been yet you must go.  Located across Trinity Bellwoods Park (881 Queen Street), they have housed themselves in a beautiful building, keeping the integrity with natural elements - concrete walls, gorgeous exposed brick and wooden accents.  Don't ask me what my favorite was bc it was all to die for!  Had my first gluten-free pie pocket ~> stuffed with Rowe farms naturally raised beef, parsnips and rosemary.  Sampled sunflower butters that had the perfect hint of smoked salt and finished with melt-in-your-mouth caramels.  There's so much more I need to sample and bring home!  A must on my list & very nutritionist approved!


Something for every one!  Sweet and Savoury TREATS!

Some of OUR favorite gluten-free brands are spotted!
Sneaking a peak into the kitchen!  Thanks Neil & Wendy xoxo

Great view of the city and the park. 

Before I ate everything...

We'll be back soon!!  xoxo


 Hope everyone tries the cookie bites, my clients and friends love them!  Wishing you a happy wknd!

rbn xoxo