Weekly Newsletter: Real Food and Lemon Chicken

                                 

Such powerful words! So often we hold ourselves back out of fear. If we remind ourselves that we are important, that our dreams are important than we must take that leap and go for it!

                                                         Health Tip of the Week!

Many times I'm asked this question; "What diet should I follow? There are many diets out there; Paleo, Low-Fat, No-Fat.... the list could go on.  I honestly believe that we need to eat honest, real food. For starters, low-fat/no-fat diets may be low/no fat but what they take away in fat they replace with sugar. An over abundance of sugar is never a good thing.

My answer to this diet question is always a Real Food Diet!  Real foods are foods that are grown, don't come in a box and most often can be eaten raw.  They are naturally good for you because they haven't been altered in any way.  We need to get back to reaching for the fruit or the veggie instead of the boxes of crackers, pretzels, candy etc.  I'm not going to lie, I LOVE my cheese and crackers.  I enjoy pretzels and hummus.  These snacks are a small percentage out of my healthy eating for the day.  I don't believe in depriving ourselves or restricting ourselves from foods that we enjoy; everything in moderation!  I strive to eat healthy 90% of the time and indulge 10% of the time.

So think outside the box and turn try the Real Food Diet.  I know your body and your mind will thank you for it!

Healthy Recipe of the Week!

Lemon Rainbow Chicken

This recipe is a family favorite.  A beautiful dish full of veggies the color of the rainbow.  Plus it's a one pot meal, I love that!

Ingredients

2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

1 onion, chopped

3-4 cloves garlic, crushed

2 cups dry quinoa

4 cups free-range chicken broth

6 chicken thighs or 3 chicken breast (whichever your family prefers)

1/2cup lemon juice (juice of 3 lemons)

Sea salt and pepper to taste

Rainbow of veggies: 3-4 cups of your family's favorites, chopped)

Red: red bell pepper

Orange: shredded carrot

Yellow: yellow bell pepper

Green: kale

Blue: handful of dried blueberries

Purple: purple onion

1 cup finely chopped basil leaves.

Optional Add ins:

1/2 cup slice raw almonds

parmesan cheese, grated

red pepper flakes

In a large pot, heat the oil and saute the onions and garlic.  Add the quinoa, broth and chicken.  Bring to a boil and cover.  Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes.  Add the lemon juice and salt and pepper.  Stir in you rainbow of veggies and the basil.  Replace the lid for a couple of minutes.  Stir in the almonds, parmesan and red pepper if desired.

I hope you all have a wonder week full of love, laughter and real food!

Much Love,

Alyssa

Ox