Living Happy Living Strong

This is officially my favorite pasta to make. It is super yummy and very hearty. GLUTEN-FREE, DAIRY/LACTOSE-FREE, and VEGETARIAN. It is also free of all the foods and ingredients that can disturb your stomach or digestive system with bloating and inflammation. Chickpea Rotini Pasta Recipe Yield: 2 servings     Cook time: 15 minutes    NO PREP!!!    Health Rate: A * = Optional Ingredients: - 2 cups spinach - 2 tomatoes - chickpea pasta - dried basil (to taste) - garlic powder (to taste) - water  - *red pepper flakes - dried oregano (to taste) - oregano powder (to taste) - salt and pepper (to taste) - *drizzle of EVOO How to get the perfect pasta from these ingredients: 1. Thinly slice the tomatoes and lay them evenly across a skillet (on medium heat) with basil, garlic powder, dried oregano, oregano powder, salt, and pepper.  2. Meanwhile, the tomatoes are cooking, boil the pasta in water until soft and tender. 3. Add the spinach to your skillet with tomatoes and slightly mash for a sau

Summer is here! I am so excited to share these super-hydrating foods and refreshments to enjoy! Water is SUPER important, but sometimes it's fun to spice it up! I will also include some recipes for some summer refreshers.

Every morning, I take a cup/glass of lemon water.  Here's the recipe...

Who loves acai as much as I do?! Here's my recipe that will give you the healthiest and yummiest version of the fruit! I bet you already know what acai bowls are from social media (probably because they are so pretty!), but did you know that there are many health benefits to them? When you buy acai berries from the grocery store, they are typically juiced and frozen into packs. You can find my personal favorite ones  here . Studies show that these berries contain more antioxidants than cranberries, blackberries, strawberries, and blueberries! You can definitely find tons of studies throughout the web, but I will simplify them here.  Here are the top 5 health benefits of Acai... 1. Acai reduces high cholesterol  According to  theculturetrip.com , "acai contains  two essential fatty acids known as omega-6 and omega-9." These fatty acids are proven to maintain AND reduce cholesterol levels.  2. Improves immune system  Acai contains certain compounds, including the  polyphe

Happy Memorial Day! Days like these tend to leave us craving for those celebration treats, but here I am to straighten you out! Just kidding. Of course, it's alright to treat yourself and it's never ok to deprive yourself of those yummy foods, but there can always be alternatives! So let's get to it. Today, I am giving you a mouth-watering smoothie that you won't even recognize is healthy! Red, White, and Blue Protein Smoothie Ingredients: - 6 strawberries (frozen) - 1 banana (frozen and sliced) - 3 tbs chia seeds - 2 tbs hemp seeds - 6oz or 3/4 cup milk (plant-based or dairy) - 1/2 cup blueberries (frozen) - 3 Medjool dates (pitted) - 1 scoop protein powder (i used vanilla so there would be no effect on the color) - 1/2 cup spinach           My Protein Powder - organic food dye (OPTIONAL) Tools: - Blender - Measuring cups - Bowls (for prepping) Steps: 1. Prep your ingredients. Starting with the WHITE layer, pour i