Foodie Friday with Epicure: Carrot Cranberry Muffins #glutenfree #dairyfree #epicure

I have really enjoyed dried cranberries lately, and have been looking to add them to whatever recipe I can.  With my fridge tray full of carrots, I decided to combine both to bake Carrot Cranberry Muffins.  As part of an Eat Clean diet, the challenge is always trying to reduce your sugar intake especially in baking.  Traditionally most muffins, especially store-bought, are high in calories, sugars and fats.  However, most muffin recipes can be adapted to include less of these and still taste delicious.  I also find that my best homemade gluten free muffins are when they include pureed/grated vegetables and fruits to add a bit of moistness.  In addition, I like to use my combination of chickpea and brown rice flours.  Rice flours tend to be a bit drier when baking so chickpea flour adds a bit of moistness (and the brown rice flour offsets the beanie flavour of the chickpeas).   And as always, I love adding Epicure Selections spices such as Ground Allspice!

Ingredients:

1 cup Chickpea Flour
1/2 cup Brown Rice Flour
1 tsp. Baking Powder
1/2 cup Dried Cranberries
1 tsp. Epicure Selections Allspice
1/2 cup Sucanat Sugar
1/2 cup Apple Sauce
1/2 cup Vegan Butter (Earth Balance)
3 1/2 tbsp. Egg White (or use 1 Whole Egg)
1 cup Finely Grated Carrots (**I use my food processor to grate the carrots to fine pieces)

1. Combine dry ingredients together.
2. Combine vegan butter and sucanat sugar together.  Then add apple sauce, egg white and grated carrots.  Stir until well combined.
3. Add dry ingredients to the carrot mixture and combine.
4. Add to a greased muffin tin.
5. Cook at 325 degrees F for 20 minutes.
6. Enjoy!

Spice up your baking with Allspice from Epicure Selections.

For this and other products, contact me to see how you can add this to your kitchen pantry!

 

Thursday Fit Training: What #SweatPink Means To Me #sahm #wahm

Since becoming a Sweat Pink Ambassador, I have been able to be proud in this accomplishment and reflect on this past year.  It was almost a year ago when some of my major health issues started to arise.  After going through a terrible viral and yeast infection, as well as acquiring celiac disease, my body and dietary needs have changed drastically.  It has been very difficult year, especially trying to take care of three young children.
However, the good that has come out from all of this is my reclaim to eating healthy, clean food and exercising regularly.  Through this struggle I have learned to eat foods that are best for my body.  There are times that I wish I could have a bagel or an ice-cream treat, but I know how it will affect my body.  The great part of my diet now is that I have been able to find other gluten free and dairy free foods and recipes that can replace with those other foods.
Another benefit of this year is getting back to exercise.  As a former athlete and fitness enthusiast, not having that in my life over the past few years had been very depressing.  But what has also changed is the type of fitness activities I am able to do now.  Since becoming ill, I have been trying to get back to running again.  However, this seems to be very hard on my body now.  My joints and muscles become very sore for days afterwards as well as nausea.  I have been fighting throughout these past few months because I really want to race the Las Vegas Rock n'Roll Half Marathon in December.  It doesn't look like I will be able to accomplish this goal after talking it through with my naturopathic doctor.  As disappointed as I am, I really need to listen to my body and come to the realization that running may not be the activity for me anymore (or at this time).  My body still seems to be healing.  Instead I have been enjoying other activities such as weight training, yoga, and cardio fitness classes. 
For me, to be a Sweat Pink Ambassador means that I have discovered the best ways to keep my body healthy and happy.  We all have different journeys and struggles in our lives to get to where we are today.  Some of us can relate to each others' stories which is what makes the Sweat Pink Ambassador group so fantastic.  I have learned so much from other ladies in the group and feel honoured to be part of it with them.  I will continue to do my best maintain my new found eat clean, healthy lifestyle.  I am excited for this new part of my life.  I have recently started my Epicure Selections business as an Independent Consultant.  My Open House starts next week.  I can't wait to share with my friends, family and followers how Epicure spices have helped me through this past year with gluten free and dairy free meals.  I hope things will continue to get better!

I love Sweating Pink!!

Please take the time to visit my Epicure Selections personal website

I would love your support or help you cook delicious, healthy recipes such as Steamed Salmon and Asparagus!

If you are from Canada, Epicure Selections is looking for people to join their team.  Contact me through my personal website if you would like some more information.

Slow Cook Roast Chicken with Epicure Seasoning Garlic and Herb Spice #glutenfree #dairyfree #epicure

Looking for an easy and healthy meal option!  Slow Cook Roasted Chicken is one my favourite Sunday night meals.  I love smelling the chicken roasting throughout the day in the slow cooker with the combination of Epicure Selections Herb & Garlic Dip Mix spice!  The garlicky aroma in the house leaves me anxiously awaiting the meal before it comes.  If you are wanting a healthier version of this meal, just peel off the skin before serving.  With the chicken slow cooking along with the spices throughout the whole day, the flavour will seep into the whole bird, so you won't miss out on the delicious spices.

Instructions:

1. Cut-up 1 cup of vegetables (potatoes, sweet potatoes, onions) and place at the bottom of the slow cooker.
2. Place the whole chicken on top of the vegetables.
3. Sprinkle with 1-2 Tbsp. Epicure Selections Herb & Garlic Dip Mix seasoning.
4. Cook on Low for 8-10 hours.
5. Enjoy!

Infuse savoury notes into pasta and mashed potatoes, or add to butter for easy garlic bread. Kosher

Order your Herb & Garlic Dip Mix Today!

Simple Smoothie Wednesday: Strawberry Smoothie With Vega Bodacious Berry #sweatpink #fitfluential

It can be difficult for some, such as myself, to find good food products that are gluten, dairy and soy free.  However, there are products out there but it may take a while for you to find the right one that also doesn't taste too bad. I am also very disappointed to have to switch from my USANA brand protein mixes because they contain soy protein and higher amounts of sugar than I would prefer. I finally found Vega Energizing Smoothie Bodacious Berry Mix at my local grocery store.  It is everything that I need in a protein shake.  Vega Bodacious Berry contains pea, rice and hemp proteins that provides about 10g of protein per serving.  It also contains a green blend (2 serving of veggies), digestive enzymes and Omega-3 blend.  The huge bonus for me is that there is no sugar added and, of course, gluten, dairy, and soy free.
I combined this mix with rice milk, frozen strawberries and extra tablespoon of milled flaxseeds.  It was very delicious as my post-run snack!

Take tea time to a new level! Classically styled tea pot and accessories make a beautiful gift for the tea lover on your list (and you too!). The Brentwood Insulated Tea Pot, Brewing Basket, Christmas Tea, A Perfect Cup of Tea Spoon, Seasonal Gift Bag

Eating Clean with Baked Cranberry and Apple Oatmeal #sweatpink #fitfluential #epicure

I am on a huge Eat-Clean Diet kick at the moment!  I bought a few of Tosca Reno's Eat-Clean Diet recipe books and I am dying to try all that I can!  The Caledon Baked Oatmeal from her Eat-Clean Diet Cookbook caught my eye right away as a great meal for breakfast.  I am huge lover of oatmeal and the recipe combines many more of my favourites, apples and dried cranberries (Epicure Selections Cherries and Berries).  After making the recipe this morning, I was not disappointed!  Best of all for me, it is gluten and dairy free as well as vegan.  In addition, I added some Epicure Selections Pumpkin Pie Spice to give it a little fall zing!

To spice up your morning oatmeal, try Epicure Selections Pumpkin Pie Spice!

Tuesday Half Marathon Training Day 58: Things I Am Thankful For #sweatpink #fitfluential #smgirlfriends

It was Canadian Thanksgiving this past weekend, a time to reflect on things in our lives we are thankful for while surrounded by family.  There is no doubt that I am thankful for the wonderful family I have, my beautiful children and loving husband.  With all of my newly acquired allergies and sensitivities, I definitely very thankful for my health and how it has come along this year.  Though my body still feels that it going through some healing stages, it has improved so much then when I got really sick last year (right around Thanksgiving). 
I am constantly learning about the benefits and harmful effects of food.  I rearrange my diet on an on-going basis.  My naturopath and I recently decided that I should eliminate soy from my diet, to see if things such as my glands and sinuses will improve.  I am currently dairy free and gluten free, so the next step is eliminating this high allergen food to see if this will make some improvements.  This means that I won't be able to perform any more RESETS from USANA for awhile.  Since most of their products contain soy (except for Go Nuts n' Berries Bars) I don't feel it makes sense to promote their products to others if I am not taking them myself.  However, this will help me focus on my current Epicure Selections business as an Independent Consultant, because their products basically saved my life this year while I was on the anti-Candida diet.

With my health improving, I am thankful that I am able to run long distances again!  When you have severe IBS and nausea, running more than a few kilometers is less than ideal.  Now that seems to be healed, I was able to run 12 km on Thanksgiving Monday with ease!  It was a very cool, but beautiful day around the river bank.  I felt so thankful that I was well enough to run on that day.  I feel that I will never look at my health or nutrition the same way again after the struggles this past year.  However, I should be thankful that I have the ability to change and improve my lifestyle choices.  I will never take my health for granted ever again!

Sage & Apple Stuffing Seasoning

This aromatic blend of mellow sage and sweet apple makes a delicious, savoury stuffing that’s perfect for turkey, chicken, and all other roasted meats. One jar seasons 30 cups (7.5 L). Kosher.

$8.99

Monday Madness Epicure Sale: Ginberbread Spice and Baking Tray With Gluten Free Cookie Recipe #glutenfree #dairyfree #recipe

It is that time of year for loads of holiday baking! Epicure Selections is hosting a fantastic sale this month.  The perfect combination for baking your gingerbread cookies: Baking Sheet, Silicone Baking Mat, and Gingerbread Spices!  All for the sale price of $29.99 (Retail $39.87).

For those of us who are gluten-free, dairy-free or following a healthy diet, I have adapted the Classic Holiday Gingerbread Cookies from Epicure Selections.  It is gluten-free, dairy-free and low-cholesterol.  The best part is that each cookie is less than 2 grams of fat!

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups  (375 ml) chickpea flour
• 1 1/2 cups (375 ml) brown rice flour
• 1/2 tsp (2.5 ml) Epicure's Baking Powder
• 1 Tbsp (15 ml) Epicure's Gingerbread Spices
• 1/2 tsp (2.5 ml) salt
• 1/2 cup (125 ml) vegan butter
• 1/2 cup (125 ml) packed succanat brown sugar
• 3 Tbsp. Egg White
• 1/2 cup (125 ml) molasses

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350° F (175° C).
2. Whisk first 4 ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Set aside.
3. Cream vegan butter with sugar in a second mixing bowl until light and fluffy. Beat in egg whites and molasses.
4. Add dry ingredients to creamed mixture and mix until well-combined.
5. Form dough into a ball, cut in half and form each half into a flattened disc. Chill for 30 minutes.
6. Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of 1/8"–1/4" (3–6 mm). Cut into desired shapes and place on Epicure's parchment-lined Baking Sheet.
7. Bake for 10–12 minutes. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.

Enjoy!

Contact Roz Jutras, Epicure Selections Independent Consultant, 

to order your Baking Tray, Silcone Mat, and Gingerbread Spices today to make the best, healthful gingerbread cookies for your family!

MOMFITHORMONES@GMAIL.COM

1-866-515-2321

HTTP://ROZJUTRAS.MYEPICURE.COM

Foodie Friday with Epicure: Mini Egg-White Quiche #sweatpink #fitfluential #glutenfree #smgirlfriends #epicure

The first time I tried mini egg quiches, was a few months ago at a family brunch.  They were so delicious!  The only problem for me is that I didn't like the high cholesterol or fat content.  So I adapted the recipe myself to make them low fat and added a few more veggies for extra antioxidants and fiber!  In addition, I added my favourite Epicure Selections spice mix Cheese, Chives and Bacon to give it some extra zip!

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup Egg Whites
• 1/4 cup Diced Red Pepper
• 1/4 cup Chopped Asparagus
• 1/2 package Frozen Spinach
• 1/2 cup Onion
• 1-2 Tbsp. Cheese, Chives and Bacon Epicure Seasoning

1. Spray muffin tins
2. Thaw and drain spinach.  Pat dry with paper towel to remove excess water.
3. Mix all ingredients together in bowl.
4. Pour in muffin tins.
5. Bake in oven at 350 degrees F for about 20 minutes until cooked.

Enjoy!