LUNA'S LOVES: healthy living

Kefir. Don't stay away from this one because you don't know what it is. It's a lot like yogurt- it is a tangy cultured milk that is high in protein, calcium, vitamin D, as well as many other added benefits. Meaning it's actually good for you! This probiotic drink is a great substitute to your standard non-dairy milks or yogurt based ingredients. If you are vegan, Lifeway also has plant based probiotic drinks that are perfect dairy free options. My husband actually decided to try all of them and voted his favorite is the Plantiful Probiotic drink in the tropical fruit flavor. This one can be enjoyed on its own or added to any of your favorite smoothie recipes. Lifeway Kefir products available for purchase at Sprouts Farmers Market, Walmart Supercenter, and Safeway. RUN don't walk!

Ingredients:

Colorful Carrots
1 Cup Lifeway Organic Kefir
Juice of 1/2 Lime
1 Tsp of Chipotle Powder
1 Tsp of Paprika
1/2 Shallots, sliced thin
Handful Pepitas
Garlic Head
Salt & Pepper, to taste
Handful of Parsley

Preheat oven to 400
Take garlic head and peel off outer layer. Cut the top part in half. Coat garlic in olive oil and top with salt and pepper. Cover with aluminum and heat in the oven for 45 minutes.
Take carrots and coat with oil and salt and pepper. Cook until desired softness. Usually about 30-45 minutes.
Take garlic once its cooled off and push out garlic cloves. Mix and mash garlic to where it becomes a paste.
Mix Lifeway Organic Kefir, lime juice, shallots, seasoning, and garlic paste. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Once carrots are done, take the kefir mixture and pour on top of carrots.
Top with pepitas and parsley.
Enjoy!

xx
Luna

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I have a big craving for coconut and lime almost all the time. Even before I was pregnant you could talk me into a coconut and lime combo any day. After drooling over several recipes, I adapted one of my own for a quick and easy meal that seamlessly goes into my meal rotation. This is easily a 30 min meal if you have all the ingredients on hand. It's basically sautéing the veggies, cooking the chicken, and creating the sauce. Plus it's pretty much all in the same pan. Easy and done!

Quick & Easy Coconut Curry

Serves 4, or 2 very hungry people

Ingredients:

2lbs chicken
1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
1/2 onion, chopped
2-3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbs ginger, or ginger paste (it's WAY easier)
2 tbs red Thai curry paste
1 (8oz) can of coconut milk
1 cup of broccoli
2 1/2 tbs curry powder (I use a madras curry, but regular curry is fine)
Garnish: cilantro, green onion, limes, red cabbage
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cub of rice, made in rice cooker

Sauté onions, ginger, garlic with tbs coconut oil or vegetable oil on a medium heat.
Start rice instructions. I use a rice cooker and it's so easy! I recommend a smaller rice cooker because there is really no need to have that much rice. A little goes a long way!
Meanwhile, cut broccoli florets, drizzle with vegetable oil, and top with salt and pepper. Bake at 375 for the remainder of the time (about 15 min).
Add chopped red bell pepper, chicken, curry powder. Cook chicken through.
Add Thai curry paste and mix ingredients. Add more if desired.
Combine can of coconut milk and let boil for a few min before bringing down to a simmer. Add salt if needed.
While the food is simmering, start cutting garnishes: cilantro, green onion, limes, red cabbage
Finally, check on your broccoli to make sure it is cooked. Then add salt and pepper to curry mixture.
Assemble your dish how you like it and enjoy! Personally, I like plenty of lime.

Note: If you want more spice, try adding cayenne pepper. Also, if you don't like broccoli use zucchini or carrots or whatever veggies you do like. Honestly, make it your own!

xx
Luna

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Have you heard of the hemp oil craze? It's like the new coconut oil but better! It also turns out that it is beneficial to helping hormonal acne, it has skin benefits, and other benefits. It's important to get 100% pure organic hemp oil. My favorite is Hempvana. use code UNLOCK10 to get 10% off your order. Because hemp oil is generally newer to the market, most people don't know how to use hemp oil. So to help you out here are some uses for hemp oil.

1. Make up Remover-

In the past people have used coconut oil for this, but coconut oil is actually comedogenic. This just means that it clogs your pores and causes more breakouts. Hemp oil is non-comedogenic, it rates a zero out of 5 on the scale. In fact, it helps skin by unclogging pores and prevents break outs by balancing sebum production, which is commonly found in hormonal acne.

2. Skin & Hair Moisturizer-

Applying hemp oil helps relieve problems like dryness and eczema. It is actually considered a 'dry oil' so instead of making you feel oily it acts more like an astringent. Hemp oil helps to condition the skin and strengthens it to become more resistant to infections. Try this recipe for a skin or hair moisturizer!

1 tbs argan oil
1 tbs hemp oil
6 drops lavender oil
6 drops tea tree oil

3. Eat it-

Hempvana Hemp Oil blends the perfect combo of Omega 3, 6, and 9 fatty acids. It is flavorful with notes of an earthy, nutty taste. It's not recommended to heat hemp oil. When it is cooked it smokes, which causes most of the nutrients to deplete. Instead experiment by adding it to your favorite recipes like salads, dressings, hummus, protein shakes, pesto, or cold soups.

Luna

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About two times a week I make this recipe. It's easy, fast, and delicious. Plus it has avocado in it, and you all know how I feel about those. I think what makes it so easy, is that I always just seem to have these items on hand. I can make lunch real quick and still manage to get ready or clean the house or play with RK. anyway, I make this so much that it ends up on my instagram stories and I figured it was about time that I shared this recipe!

Ingredients:

1 Avocado Sliced
1-2 Eggs
1 Cup of Rice
1 -2 Tsp Red Wine Vinegar
1 Green Onion, thinly sliced
Salt and Pepper to taste
Siracha (optional)
Soy Sauce (optional)
Lime (optional)

Instructions:

Start cooking rice. I have a rice cooker and if I make for one it only requires a 2 to 1 ratio one serving.
Fry your eggs, and season with salt and pepper.
When the rice is almost done, slice green onion and avocado.
When the rice is done, add green onion and red wine vinegar. Mix well.
Place rice in bowl, then avocado, then fried egg. Put siracha, lime, or soy sauce as desired. Enjoy!

xx
Luna

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Honestly, if it wasn't for Andrew I would probably forget to eat the majority of the time. And on most days you can see him in the kitchen making most of our family meals. When I cook, I want it to be fast, delicious, and good for me. This dish checks off all those boxes (and if you are vegan, you can easy make a tofu scramble and do dairy free cheese). The tomatoes add a brightness and sweetness to the dish that compliments well with the quest fresco. For extra kick, I add Tapatio and it's exactly what it needs to finish out strong. Also, there are avocados- who can say no to avocados? Hope you enjoy!

Ingredients: (serves 2, 2 tacos each)

4 eggs
Cherry tomatos
1 Avocado
Queso Fresco
Tortillas
2 tsp Cayenne or more if you like it spicy
2 tsp Garlic power
Salt and pepper to taste
Cilantro (if desired)
Tapatio or salsa

Start cooking eggs. sprinkle cayenne and garlic. Begin to scramble and let cook.
Meanwhile, cut tomatoes in long thin slices, crumble the quest fresco, slice avocado.
Warm up tortillas and assemble taco- eggs, tomato, avocado, quest fresco and top with tapatio.
Enjoy!

xx
Luna

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If I'm honest, I live by an 80/20 rule for my life. 80% of the time I am putting in the work to eat clean, exercise, or check what is in my products. But there are a lot of times where I don't have that luxury or I don't care to care. You know what I mean? Sometimes I what a greasy burger, a fruity cocktail, and desert. Because there's always room in the desert stomach. It's helpful for me to have snacks on hand. So I am sharing this recipe of these Easy Almond Butter Energy Bites. I usually put a few in my purse when I know that I am going to be out and might be hungry. I hope you enjoy!

Easy Almond Butter Energy Bites:

Ingredients

2 Cups Almond Butter
1/4 Cup Honey
3 Cups of Oats
3 Tbs Cacao Powder
1 Tbs Cinnamon
1 Tbs Maca (optional)

Put the almond butter and honey in a bowl and mix together. Slowly stir in 3 cups of oats.
Form mixture into balls that are 1 inch wide.
Mix the cacao and cinnamon together. and coat each ball with the mixture.
Place energy balls on a baking sheet and chill for at least 1 hour.
Enjoy!

xx
Luna

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Beauty again? Yes. Because for me it's a constant process. Cameron Diaz has a quote in one of her books that resonates with me so deeply. She says, "Diet is about deprivation, nutrition is about abundance." I made a list of some of my favorite nutrition products that I have added to my daily routine. Caring for yourself doesn't have to be this hard, complicated thing. The problem I see people have is a lack of knowledge of what they are consuming or maybe even what they could be benefiting from by adding a few simple items to their grocery list.

Turmeric

I have been adding tuner to my daily vitamin routine. Turmeric is a natural decongestant, anti-inflammatory, and is great to help treat clear skin. The reason that I started adding it to my routine, was because I wanted to detox my liver and try to reduce bloat. So far, I am happy with the results.

How to use it? Use it in an exfoliator, food, or simply take turmeric capsules.

Apple Cider Vinegar
ACV is one of those multi-use items. I could try to list them all, but I think we would be here for a long time. I'm currently taking ACV shots with lemon each morning to get my metabolism going and detox the body. It also helps against candida- those little bumps that appear on your skin caused by over production of yeast. There are skin benefits, digestion, weight loss, and much more! Just look it up!

How to use it? As a facial toner, to clean your produce, for stubborn smells, for your hair, or even sunburns.

Maca
Maca is a great antioxidant superfood that helps increase energy. I put a little in my coffee each morning and I immediately noticed a difference when I started adding it to my routine. It has a nutty taste and can be added to different food recipes. Maca improves your immune system, helps build muscle strength, and supports healthy hormone production as well as a variety of other benefits.

How to use it? Add to smoothies, coffee, dietary supplements or food recipes.

Coconut Oil
As well as added Maca to my coffee, I also add coconut oil. Coconut oil is one of those good fats that is extremely beneficial for you. It burns quickly in the body and provides energy and boots metabolism. Coconut oil also boots the absorption of other nutrients, so try it with smoothies!But a little goes a long way, so don't go crazy with this one.

How to use it? To cook with, coffee, or smoothies.

Cacao powder
Not to be confused wit Cocoa powder. Very different. Cacao powder is a superfood and I am down for any super food that helps with beauty. This superfood has a high concentration of antioxidants that help prevent aging by blocking the formation of wrinkles and also protects against UV damage. When you eat cacao, your brain releases serotonin and endorphins which are the the "feel-good" chemicals that help elevate stress or anxiety. These are the same chemicals that are released when you work out

How to use it? Make smoothies, energy snacks, or add it in your oatmeal.

Luna

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The other day, I took my daughter to the library so she could get some wiggles out, and as I am sitting watching her play, this kid's cookbook catches my eye. This cookbook was a raw food diet for kids. First, I have no idea what kid is eating a raw food diet, much less checking books out at the library about raw food. Second, I seriously considered checking out the book for myself. I've made these lettuce wraps twice since looking at that cookbook. It's easy, fast, and extremely delicious! One of the main ingredients is avocados, and who doesn't love avocados?! If you know someone who doesn't, don't trust them. Because if you are lucky enough to attain an avocado. Eat the whole damn thing. Plus, it's paleo friendly, whole30 friendly, and vegan. It basically checks off any box for whatever diet you might be on and it's surprisingly filling.

Easy Avocado & Sun-dried Tomato Lettuce Wraps:

Ingredients

3 Avocados, Mashed
1 Cup of Sun-Dried Tomatos
1/4 Cup Fresh Lemon Juice
1 Large onion, Chopped
1/4 Cup Fresh Parsley
1 1/2 Teaspoon Cumin
2-3 Garlic Cloves, Chopped
1-2 Jalapeño, Chopped (optional)
1 1/2 Teaspoon Sea Salt
Lettuce leaves

Put all the ingredients into a bowl and stir well.
Lay lettuce leaves flat on a plate and place avocado mixture on top. Repeat with remaining lettuce leaves
Enjoy!

If you'd like more spice, try adding cayenne and more jalapeños. You can also add more veggies for an extra crunch like carrots, cucumber, or broccoli.

Luna

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One of my favorite things about being a blogger is introducing my friends to great products. I found Min.Erbs because I was looking for safe, wholesome products to use on my daughter. I guess I became more sensitive about product ingredients once I had Ryan-Kate. I tend to feel drawn to brands that have transparency with their customers. The wonderful ladies behind Min.Erbs make each product, list each ingredient, and -even more important- list what is not in their products: Petroleum or petroleum derivatives, DEET, detergents, mineral oil, parabens or other synthetic preservatives, artificial fragrances and colorants, unnecessary fillers, or animal testing. I have Little Explorer's Dandelion Butter and Little Explorer's Forest Salve. I use Dandelion Butter as a moisturizer after bath time and the Forest Salve is great for bug bites, bruises, and scratches. Min.Erbs is a perfect gift for expecting mothers or maybe just something to add to your own cabinet for young your little. Min.Erbs giving 25% off to all my friends with the code, LUNASLOVES25. Go check them out for yourself!

Outfit Details: Dress- Zara
RK's Outfit: Nel&Witt

XX
Luna

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1 cup strawberries
1 banana
1 cup almond milk
1/2 cup non-fat greek yogurt
3 tbs oats
chia seeds (as desired)
3 ice cubes
2 tbs honey

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Living off of Ramen Noodles and Taco Bell helps for a season, but 15lbs later, a man realizes that he needs to learn how to cook. Until now, he has always relied on his mother to make his food.

Andrew loves to cook, but when he first lived on his own he had to learn how to cook for one. Over the years he has created a few recipes that all guys love. He decided to create a blog for all of those guys (and girls) who are in the bachelor or bachelorette season of their life. You can check it out HERE.

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When I first tackeled smoothie-ing I wouldn't make enough for Andrew and I. I was only mustering up a glass for us to share. Luckily, I learned my lesson. So now, keep in mind that most of my smoothie recipes make two full glasses. You could even add a handful of spinach if thats what you're into. Enjoy!

1-1.5 cup of strawberries
3/4 cup of blueberries
1 peach
1 nectarine
1 banana
3 tbs oats
chia seeds (as desired)
2 tbs coconut oil
1- 1.5 cup of almond milk (sweetened or unsweetened)
1/2 cup of non-fat greek yogurt

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So I am convinced that there is no way to mess up a smoothie. This week, Andrew and I had friends staying with us. This meant that I didn't eat very well. Oh well. I just got to work my butt off this week. For tonights dinner I decided to make myself a quick smoothie from whatever we had in the fridge. I wanted to make up for all the time of bad eating.

Mixed Berry Smoothie:

2 cups sweetened vanilla almond milk
1/2 cup frozen mixed berries
3 strawberries
1/3 cup blueberries
4-6 blackberries
1 banana
1 tbs coconut oil
1tbs honey
3 tbs oats

And voila!

Gosh, it was so delicious. I might have to recycle this recipe again.

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"White people love smoothies!" ....I'm actually not sure where that saying came from, but it's something Andrew always says. ..I think it's a movie reference. Lately, I have been making small changes to my eating habits. I would constantly see instagram posts or food blog recipes that were paleo diets or vegan free, and I thought to myself, "But I don't want to give up meat, bread, and eggs! I love those things!" And I know that many people are on that same boat with me! I want my cake AND I want to eat the crap out of it!

So I decided I would make small choices that would be better for me. It isn't about weight loss or short diets. It is about a lifestyle of healthy living and eating. Our body is a temple and if your physical body keeps you from doing God's work then there is a problem. Now, I am not perfect. I'll have a soda or starchy fries, but everything in moderation, people!

What at are those changes? I'll tell you:

Coconut Oil instead of butter- coconut oil can be used to replace shortening in baking or used to fry food.
More fruits and veggies- greens, greens, greens! Color is important to a balanced meal.
Almond milk- I love milk, but I decided to switch to almond milk because it is a less fat intake.
Smoothies- for breakfast, Andrew and I do smoothies, they are now my favorite!
Portion control- this one is especially hard because FOOD IS SO GOOD. gah...fatty.
Exercise- this is important, but eating right is WAY more important. healthy isn't just exercise!

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