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June 24, 2017

Lemon+Mint Summer Smoothie

Summa summa time! Hands down my favorite time of the year. Everyone relaxes a bit (which I def need to do), the days are longer, and there is a feeling of freedom and adventure in the air. When it’s hot outside and beach days are on the horizon, my go-to snack or meal becomes the smoothie. It’s quick, easy, and oh-so refreshing. Plus, what’s cuter than toting a little mason jar or tumbler to a beach picnic? (Nothing)

Ice cold lemonade, lemon sorbet, or even a little limoncello are all reminiscent of the sunshine days of summer. Add a little mint, and it’s like the cooling cherry on top. In the summer, I love to eat foods that help prevent bloating, keep skin looking fab, and obviously keep you cool in the heat. This smoothie does all three! Time to pull out the umbrella straws!

The way we are using lemon in this recipe might be a littttle unconventional, but hear me out. We use the whole lemon (except for the seeds). I’m talking rind, pith, everything. Why you ask? Well the external parts of the lemon are seriously full of nutrients! Once the lemon is all blended up, you won’t even be able to tell that the whole fruit was used.(No funky texture or bitter aftertaste like you might expect). When life gives you lemons, instead of making lemonade, you should make this smoothie! Let’s break down the benefits below.

Lemon: Crazy-potent source of vitamin C (even more in the peel!) which is great for quenching free radicals and promoting healthy collagen production #foutainofyouth. It contains plant nutrients like quercetin and limonene that act as antioxidants, preventing inflammation. Limonene has also been studied for its anti-cancer properties. Quercetin fights inflammation linked to many chronic diseases, from heart disease to diabetes. Citrus fruits are one of the best sources of quercetin, and most of it is found in the peel and pith. How many times have you squeezed a lemon for its juice then thrown away the peel? Wash it well, go for organic if possible, and then use the whole thang in this recipe!

Blueberries: One of the most potent food sources of antioxidants. Research shows they have anti-cancer properties. Other benefits include memory-boosting, anti-aging, and overall anti-inflammatory goodness. That gorgeous dark color holds powerful polyphenols like anthocyanins, which are great for disease prevention and beautiful skin.

Mint: Freshens breath, soothes the stomach, and promotes digestion. If you have tummy woes, mint is your friend. If you are someone who gets a “gurgly stomach” or nausea, mint is great to incorporate into your diet, and this smoothie is an easy way to do so.

If the body-loving benefits of this smoothie aren’t enough, it just tastes like an indulgent lemon bar or one of those Italian lemon shortbread cookies. So. good. I’m thinking these would make amazing popsicles to enjoy poolside…just sayin’! I would also whip this one up post-workout, and add a little tahini for some healthy fat. How rad that this doubles as post-workout fuel AND dessert?! What more could you ask for?

Lemon+Mint Summer Smoothie

Serves 2

1 cup frozen blueberries

1/2 cup mint leaves, packed

1/2 lemon, seeds removed, skin on

2 scoops protein powder

1 cup flax milk (or other non-dairy milk of choice)

2/3 cup water

Put all ingredients into blender. Blend on high for 30 seconds. Enjoy!! Easy peasy lemon squeezy!

What’s your favorite smoothie combo? What are the foods that you love to have every year that are just the epitome of summer? For me, summer isn’t complete without watermelon, homemade gazpacho, lots of fresh guacamole, plus a little zesty lemon flair on everything. And all the “al fresco” dining of course!!

Talk soon!

XO,

Alexandra

June 8, 2017

On Body Confidence + The Power of a Photo

Hey, hey 🙂

Long time no chat, and I will totally own up to my absence on b&b. We all have those busy seasons where life happens, and I am finally seeing the light at the end of my “first year of grad school” tunnel. Out with the research papers and in with the recipes and all the lovely things!

A lot of changes have happened in the past 5 months, both on an internal and interpersonal level. I have started a new job working as the creative manager for Natiya Guin, of Natiya Guin Photography. Natiya is such a talented photographer, and she took the images of me featured in today’s post! We will be working together as her business expands and flourishes. Lots of exciting new changes are in the works as we prepare to unveil her new business, so stay tuned!!

Without relaying my whole life story on here, I did want to open up and catch up, and I feel like this is a safe space where I can share the good, the bad, and the real. Let’s focus on the good and real today. Also, read til the end for a special on photography sessions that will be live for the next 48 hours!

So, body confidence…what does that mean? I think it means something different for everyone, but for me it is feeling genuinely happy in my skin. I might not feel fabulous every minute of the day, I might have insecurities, but I am thankful for the shell I’m in, and I love it regardless. We ALL have issues and mind games and fluctuations (physically and mentally) that we deal with. In my experience as a dietitian, I see so, so often people who are broken and defeated, and the luster in their eyes has gone away. Negativity is a nasty thing, because it creeps up and consumes you little by little until it is so ingrained in your mind that it becomes a part of how you see yourself.

I’ve been there myself. There was a season where my luster was gone, and my self- worth was diminished. I hid it well, on the outside happy enough, but on the inside scared and insecure. Always beating myself up, feeling stuck in that spiral of negativity. Climbing out of the pit was a series of ups and downs. Steps forward, leaps back. If you are feeling like your in a pit and not on the peak, I’m sharing tips that helped me get to where I am today.

Stop comparing

This was always a major downfall for me, and social media doesn’t help. For my confidence and wellbeing, I stopped following people on social media who left me feeling worse about myself. Don’t feel bad about cutting that ish out, because keeping it around will weigh on you. Also remember that people only show the best moments and not the unfiltered realness. I walk with blinders on, paying no mind to how fit/pretty/successful someone else is, and I focus on how I can improve myself and empower others.

Move

So much of my confidence came flooding over when I starting going to the gym. I’ve always been active, running and doing pilates or HIIT workouts from the comfort of my home. But I was scared to enter the gym space, worried about how other would perceive me. Curiosity and empowerment eventually won- I started going to the gym in January and I’ve never looked back. It’s made me feel strong and powerful. I get in there with my music blaring and block everything out except for paying attention to all the amazing things my body can do. Bottom line: Find the activity lights your fire, and run with it. Take care of your body, and appreciate all that you are capable of.

Content, but Continuing

Content but Continuing: Be happy where you are in the present moment. You are worthy regardless of the outside and you are capable of achieving amazing things. But also, don’t feel bad about wanting to strive for improvement. I call it “content but continuing” because that mindset allows for you to be happy and joyful in the “now” while still pushing forward to achieving new goals. Want to work on toning those abs? Yes, babe, go for it! But guess what? You can eat the cookie, you can have a belly pooch, and you can still be happy (and are still worthy and deserving of a happy life, 6-pack or not!)

Visual Reminders

I am a HIGHLY visual person. I put sticky notes around my house, on my mirrors to remind myself how fab I am, no matter what. It’s all about infusing those messages of positivity, even if it’s subliminally. Another way to capture that confidence and happiness is through photos. Keep photos around your home of times where you were just free, happy, and radiant. That’s why I’m so happy to have just done a photography session with Natiya. It was so fun, and now I have the photographs to remind myself how far I have come. I can see that twinkle restored in my eyes!

To celebrate body confidence and empowerment, Natiya is holding a FLASH SALE on photography sessions for the next 48 hours! Here are the deets:

–Shoot includes two looks/one location- Priced at $200 for b&b readers!!!!

–Must book via paypal or Venmo within 48 hours…

–Can book as far out as 3 months

–For Natiya’s portfolio and more about her, visit natiya.com

If you are interested in booking or have any questions, email me at bouquetsandbaguettes@gmail.com

I would love to get a conversation going around the topic of body confidence. How do you deal?? If you are interested in working with me on any nutrition and wellness goals, email me- I would love to work with you!

XO,

Alexandra

April 23, 2017

Current Obsessions in Natural Skincare

Hey, hey, hey! Currently having a relaxing Sunday night catching up on my DVR (anyone a fan of The Arrangement??). It has been an amazing Earth Day weekend here in San Diego- the weather was flawless. I spent plenty of time enjoying the sunshine and walking barefoot on the beach while watching the sunset. SUCH a rare occurrence for me cuz I’m normally crazy busy, but it was just too perfect outside to do HW indoors.

Now I’m craving summer like crazy! Just gotta get through 2 more months of school. 5 million projects and tests. ahah. I’m fine. (Send help!)

Now let’s talk skincare and makeup. I have shared some of my skincare life savers before, but not all of them were natural. I’ve switched several of the products in my regimen in the past few months, and I have had great results. It is so important to know what ingredients are going on your skin, because many ingredients have a small enough particle size that they can get absorbed and enter the bloodstream. Hence, keep it natural as much as you can. Buh-bye endocrine disruptors and carcinogenic garbage.

It’s easy for me to think very carefully about what I eat to take care of my body, but the world of natural skincare and makeup is another beast. Gotta be honest, sometimes the natural stuff doesn’t work too well. I can think of soooo many times a natural face serum has made my skin worse, or a natural concealer made me look like a pale zombie and then slid right off my face an hour later (no coverage, which is not ideal when the whole point is to conceal!) The struggle is over, though, because I’ve found the ride-or-dies you need in your arsenal of natural skincare and makeup.

Don’t even get me started on natural deodorant. I was convinced that a good, natural deodorant did not exist. Would there ever be one that minimized perspiration and actually kept you smelling fresh through a sweaty workout? The answer is a hallelujah YES!! I found the holy deodorant grail, and I’m sharing that today.

Found this beaut at a boutique in Venice Beach, but you can totally find it online. TMI maybe, but I am a sweat-er. My gym babes can vouch that I sweat, er, sparkle like crazy. I also get nervous for tests. SO between both of these occurrences that happen very often (tests and working out), this deodorant is the only one that has ever held up. I smell amazing alllllll day, and I actually don’t even remember what BO smells like??! GAME CHANGER.

One of my besties introduced me to 100% pure. All of their products are organic and 100% natural, toxin-free, and cruelty free. Love it! This serum contains a stable form of vitamin C and other antioxidants like vitamin E to boost collagen production. I have seen a major improvement in my skin tone and post-acne discoloration from using this. Bonus is that it goes on very light and does not cause breakouts.

Pimples. They are straight up awful . Blackheads. Also straight up awful. I smear a dot of this magic mask and it makes all the woes disappear. I literally threw away all the chemical-filled drugstore spot treatments. No more benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid drying out my skin cuz this stuff works even better. The craziest part is that it’s made from 2 ingredients: rasul clay and distilled water. My theory is that the distilled water comes from a magical well in Sweden with healing properties cuz there is just no scientific explanation to how this works so dang well.

Last, but definitely not least is this little power couple from 100% pure (did I mention I loved this brand). Natural face makeup is notoriously awful at covering up imperfections, evening skin tone, mattifying shine, staying in place, or even just making you look better-HA. After I tried this foundation powder (made from fruit pigments, with SPF nonetheless) and this concealer stick, I was sold. As in tossed-all-the-other-makeup sold. Stays in place, hides what needs to be hidden, and actually makes me look like a better, more flawless version of myself, naturally. #goals.

My whole objective with today’s post was to just share the natural products that I’m obsessed with right now because they work like no other, and they do it without a nasty ingredient list. I’m a picky, picky lady when it comes to skincare and makeup, so I only vouch for the products that work miracles.

What are your holy grail skincare products? Any natural gems I need to check out! Let me know.

Talk soon! XO,

Alexandra

February 24, 2017

Cauliflower Rice Kimchi Bowls

Hey guys! Where did February go?! I feel like I was just celebrating Valentine’s Day and now I’m getting stoked for Spring Break. I don’t have any exciting travel plans yet, but San Diego seems to be a top vacation spot anyway, so do I really need to leave??? Spoiled, I know. If anyone is looking for restaurant recs for a vacay in SD, email me- I have tons of faves!

So even though I’m not jetsetting anywhere this year (unless someone has a surprise plane ticket waiting for me), today’s tasty recipe is my mind’s crazy fusion of some favorite Asian cuisine staples. It’s just a big bowl of yumminess that is perfect for whipping up and chowing down while you catch up on your DVR. Anyone else do this? Just me? It’s the little things in life, like a bowl full of yassss and a DVR full of good shows.

I couldn’t really decide what to call this dish cuz I went all-in with toppings on this bad boy. It’s a mix of everyone’s favorite Chinese fried rice, Korean bibimbap, and Hawaiian/Japanese poke. Ohhhh man do I just drool over a good poke bowl. I never get tired of that one. My favorite thing is going to a poke bar where you can customize it and make your own. DIY is one way to keep it healthy and full of nutrients. Let me explain how I do it when I head to the bar. (The poke bar, that is.)

Building a Better Poke Bowl

–Rice or no rice? This one really depends on your activity levels and health goals. Rice is a dense source of carbs, which are so necessary for your body to function, and unfortunately, they get demonized in mainstream media. If I had a tough workout or need to power through a very active day, I will get a small amount of rice/quinoa (half cup is good for me). Most of the time I skip the rice and do more of a “salad” style and pile up the lettuce.

–Skip the fried and heavy mix-ins – Instead of piling high the fried onion bits or tempura “crunchies”, I like crunch from cucumbers and jalapeños. Keep it fresh not fried. Poke is also notorious for sauces that are mayo-based, which can make the calories add up fast. Try to get fish that is not coated in a mayo sauce (like spicy mayo). For flavor, try cilantro, pickled ginger, or kimchi (helloooo probiotics!). If it’s the creamy factor you’re after, throw on some avocado.

–Sayonara soy sauce– Soy sauce is high in sodium, which can lead to bloat. Not fun. Masago (fish eggs) add a salty, briny flavor and are also packed with omega-3 fatty acids. Try seaweed flakes for a salty and iodine-rich kick. I’m loving dulse flakes lately and just pour that ish on everything!! Missing the “dressing” of soy sauce? Even just a squeeze of citrus and some sesame oil makes a perfect dressing for a poke bowl.

SOOO with this Cauliflower Kimchi Bowl recipe, I really wanted to pack it in with veggies and show a fun way to use cauliflower as rice. Maybe you have seen cauliflower used as rice before, but haven’t tried making it yourself. Don’t be scared!

It’s so simple- you just chop or process the cauli into rice-sized pieces (you can even buy “riced” cauliflower at some grocery stores!). Boom, a low-carb veggie sub for rice. It’s so good and very filling. Plus, cauliflower is a great source of beautifying/oxidative stress-fighting vitamin C and other antioxidants, so get to cooking!

Cauliflower Kimchi Bowl

Makes 2-3 bowls

1 tablespoon coconut oil or ghee

1/2 medium onion, diced

1 inch knob ginger, grated

1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar

2 teaspoons sesame oil

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1 large head of cauliflower, chopped into rice-sized pieces, or one package of “riced” cauliflower

1 1/2 cups shredded carrots

1 cup kale or spinach, roughly chopped

Toppings:

fried eggs, 1 per serving

kimchi- I used this brand

1 tablespoon chopped chives

1 avocado, sliced

dulse seasoning-love this one (optional)

sashimi (optional)

In a large pan or dutch oven, heat coconut oil or ghee over medium-high heat until melted. Add onions and ginger, and sauté until onions are golden and fragrant. To deglaze the pan, add rice wine vinegar and sesame oil. Add salt and pepper, and stir to distribute. Dump in cauliflower, cooking for 5 minutes. Add carrots, cover and cook for about 10 minutes, lifting the lid to stir occasionally. After the 10 minutes, cauliflower should have softened. Remove pan from heat, and stir in kale or spinach, letting the residual heat wilt the greens.

To serve, scoop some of the cauliflower rice mixture into a bowl. Top with a fried egg, kimchi, chives, avocado, pulse, and sashimi, as desired. (or any other toppings you like!) Time to dig in!

Have you tried cauliflower rice before? How do you use it in recipes? Are you a poke/bibimbap fan? I could eat it everyday and be totally happy. #obsessed

Digging into a bowl and catching up on my DVR’d shows as we speak. Who is a This Is Us fan? Ugghhhh that show is amazing. So beautifully written, true-to-life, and definitely pulls at your heart. Keep the tissues handy. 🙂

Let me know if you whip this recipe up for a bangin’ flavorful dinner! Have a fab weekend!

XO,

Alexandra

February 17, 2017

Boujee Olive Tapenade

So today we are talking a super easy, but very classy recipe: tapenade. Tapenade is typically made with black olive varietals, like kalamata olives, along with capers and anchovies. I decided to shake it up and use my fave olive, the castelvetrano.

It is light, buttery, nutty, and almost a bit “green” in flavor. It’s definitely my olive of choice, and quite possibly the up-and-coming “it” olive. We are forgoing the tradish salty capers and ‘chovies, so this tapenade is not a salt-bomb, but really lets the olive flavor shine through.

Castelvetranos make the perfect accompaniment to the secret green ingredient in the tapenade- peppery arugula. So maybe this is kind of like a tapenade/pesto hybrid? IDK, but whatever you decide to call it, you will want to add a dollop to all your favorite dishes to liven them up a bit. Pasta, roasted veggies, frittatas, crostinis, salmon/chicken/filet mignon, are all screaming for this tapenade. Make it rain with the green!!

Here’s a funny (but also a bit embarrassing??) story about how delish this stuff is. I packed it in my lunch one day over some leftover soba noodles. When it came time to eat, I was sitting outside with some friends (shout out if you are reading this and remember that hilarious day lol), and somehow out of sheer clumsiness, I ended up dumping my tupperware of pasta and tapenade into the grass. THE HORROR!! I was so internally conflicted- do I let the tapenade go to waste? Does the 5 second rule apply? Are these people going to be horrified if I eat this?

Needless to say, I was so obsessed with my tapenade, that I could NOT let it go to waste. I asked everyone if they would judge me if I scooped my lunch back up off the ground into my tupperware and ate it… they are true friends cuz they all said “no judgement” and didn’t even bat an eyelash while I finished my dirt-and-grass-covered meal. Probably got an immunity boost from that one- HA! Thankfully I didn’t get sick and we had some major laughs about it. Moral of the story is that this tapenade is so good, you will want to eat it off the ground. (Or at least I would!) #Classy

So why is this tapenade so boujee? Well that would be due to the addition of a few drops of truffle oil. Truffles are one of my deep food obsessions. Right up there with salmon and matcha, truffles make me do a happy dance. That earthy, umami flavor is really hard to describe, but when you taste it, you just know that the flavor is unbeatable. Yes, pricey, but a little goes a long way. Embrace your boujee side and let the truffle oil flow for this one.

Putting on my RDN hat real quick- if you didn’t know, February is National Heart Month. Olives/olive oil are touted for their heart-health properties (Mediterranean Diet, anyone?). Olives and olive oil, which are both in the recipe, are full of monounsaturated fatty acids, specifically oleic acid. Research show MUFAs protect against heart disease and help to lower LDL (bad) cholesterol and blood pressure.

Some antioxidant phytonutrients in olives have anti-inflammatory properties, driving heart disease risk even lower. The takeaway is that olives and olive oil are great sources of fat to include in your diet to really reduce heart disease risk. (Plus, it makes you feel like you are dining on the Amalfi Coast…how boujee.)

Boujee Olive Tapenade

1 1/2 cups castelvatrano olives, pitted

1 cup arugula

1/4 cup olive oil

1/4 teaspoon truffle oil

Easy-Peasy Instructions: Add all ingredients to a high speed blender or food processor and mix until olives and arugula are in small chunks. If the mix isn’t holding together well, you can add a tablespoon of water or extra olive oil to make a smoother consistency. Serve over pasta, veggies, crostini, as a dip- you really can’t go wrong.

How was Valentine’s Day? I had a fun Galentine’s with my sister. We had sushi, enjoyed some chocolate dessert, and danced around in matching jammies. SO fun! Have you tried castelvetrano olives before?? If so, let me know how you cook with em!

XO,

Alexandra

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