Author: thebalancedmind

Let the Springtime Running Begin!

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The grass might still be yellow, but SUMMER is around the corner!!! Went for my first run outside since fall and it’s safe to say this view certainly doesn’t compare to the wall in front of my treadmill that I’ve been staring at all winter. My legs are definitely going to feel the difference tomorrow, but no pain no gain right! Here are some tips on making the transition from the treadmill to the outdoors: Ease into it. Your body needs time to accommodate to the different terrain There wasn’t any wind or a blazing sun while you ran on the treadmill so don’t expect to be flying down the street just yet Take it slower on the hills, the strain on your quads and knees is higher outside You’ve got all summer to run for miles, take it day by day and have fun! Hope you’ve all been enjoying this gorgeous weather xo

Green Tea Chia Pudding

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The famous chia pudding that everyone knows and loves, but with the addition of green tea! I’m generally not a huge fan of green tea, but I know how great it is so I try and sneak it into my food whenever I can. Paring Green Tea with Almond milk vs. Lactose milk White, green and black tea are powerful sources of antioxidants. A major benefit of green tea is its ability to relax the arteries. This increases blood flow which decreases cardiovascular disease. The European Heart Journal published a study in 2007 showing that its healthy effect is blocked when milk is added to tea. The casein (protein) in lactose milk binds to the catechin (polyphenols – natural antioxidant) found in green tea preventing its antioxidant effect. It has been suggested that casein could also inhibit other beneficial effects found in tea. Almond milk does not contain casein, so adding it to your green tea still lets you get all the health benefits from it! Chia Pudding To make the pudding use 2tbsp. of Chia seeds. Cover them with the combination of green tea …

Raw Chocolate Brownies

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Serving Size: 1-2 Sunday nights are lazy nights and the best part is getting to spend some quality time cuddling with the TV remote… or maybe that’s just me. Regardless, I’m craving something sweet! All you need is 15 minutes and you’ve got yourself chocolate brownies. Feel free to devour them, the remote won’t judge xo Ingredients: 1/2 cup Rolled oats 4 Pitted Dates 7 Almonds 1 tsp. Cacao powder 1/3 cup water Directions: In a food processor blend the almonds till they become a powder consistency. Add the pitted dates, rolled oats and cacao powder into the food processor and blend together. Scoop the mixture out, spread into a pan and place in the freezer for 10 minutes (or just scoop the mixture into a bowl and call it a night). Remove from freezer, cut into small square, and that’s it. You’ve made brownies!! Garnishing: unsweetened coconut flakes PROTEIN PACKED ADDITIONS: add one/some/all of the following as desired: 1 tsp Maca root (energy level booster & contains vitamin B12 which you sweat out during cardio workouts) 1/2 -1 Scoop of chocolate vegan protein …

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  Like a blank canvas, our future unwritten, awaiting the start of what will one day be a work of art. The choices we make cannot be erased, only built upon as each decision leaves a permanent mark along the path. The paintbrush we desperately try to control, altering our destiny.  No direction, no knowledge of the outcome, but hoping that we create something flawless. Each an artist, envisioning our own unique masterpiece. Our creation inevitably on display for the world becomes susceptible to judgment and criticism. We strive for perfection only to realize that the imperfections create the most beautiful paintings. Staring at the world around, comparing our own canvas to another’s, forgetting that we all have a different pallet within our reach. Each riveting colour resembling every concealed emotion. Each jagged and straight line indicating the chosen paths we’ve taken. Every faint stoke, every definite movement all slowly bringing the imperfectly blurred vision from within us of our goals and dreams into the tangible reality of our passion. A masterpiece – like no …

Red Bell Pepper Soup

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Ingredients: 1 Red bell pepper 1/4 cup Cashews 1 cup water Watercress or other leafy greens Directions: Set oven on medium – low; bring water to a boil Blend red pepper and cashews in a food processor Once water is boiling for a couple minutes remove from the oven top and add the red pepper and cashews Let the soup sit for a minute and then transfer to a bowl Garnish with red pepper and watercress

Raspberry Kiwi Brownie Cake

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yields: 8″ cake Ingredients: 3/4 cup Almonds 1 cup Dates 1/4- 1/2 cup Cocoa Powder 1 tsp. Chia seeds 1 cup Raspberries 3 Kiwi’s 1 tsp. Chia seeds Coconut flakes Optional sweetener: 1 tsp honey Instructions:  Blend almonds, dates, cocoa powder, (optional sweetener) in a food processor till brownie consistency forms Scoop the mixture into an 8″ pan and spread evenly Mash the raspberries in a bowl, add chia seeds and pour over the brownie mixture Mash the kiwi’s in another bowl and add on top of raspberry mixture Place in freezer for an hour Before serving place in fridge for 15minutes otherwise keep frozen Sprinkle coconut flakes as garnish