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Recipes We Love

Chocolate Covered Strawberry Chia Seed Pudding (Vegan)

2/8/2021

 
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Adapted from Fitliving Eats - Nothing says Valentine's Day or any other special occasion more than a chocolate covered strawberry.  The chia seeds and cacao powder in this recipe amps up the nutrient profile of this healthy treat and unleashes its superfood powers.

INGREDIENTS
  • 1 cup almond milk
  • 4 Tablespoons chia seeds
  • 2–3 Tablespoons cacao or unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 Teaspoon monk fruit sweetener
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
  • Pinch of pink Himalayan salt

Strawberry filling:
  • 3/4 cup strawberries, sliced
  • 1 Teaspoon monk fruit sweetener
  • 1/4 cup sliced almonds

INSTRUCTIONS​
  1. Combine all of the chia seed pudding ingredients in a small mixing bowl and whisk to combine. Pour into a sealed container and place in the fridge overnight, or for at least 3-5 hours until the mixture has thickened to a pudding-like texture.
  2. At the same time, slice the strawberries and toss with monk fruit sweetener to coat. Cover with saran wrap and place in the fridge to macerate (aka get the juices flowing!). Strawberries can be left in the refrigerator until the chia seed pudding is ready to serve.
  3. To assemble: lightly mash the strawberries to resemble a jam-like texture. Pour half of the mashed strawberries in the bottom of 2 serving bowls or jars. Sprinkle with sliced almonds and top with half of the chia seed pudding, distributing evenly. Distribute the remaining mashed strawberries among the 2 jars and top with the remaining sliced almonds and chia seed pudding. Garnish with extra sliced strawberries and almonds. Grab a spoon and enjoy!

Check out Fitliving Eats for more recipes

​​
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Portobello Steaks with Avocado Chimichurri

1/26/2021

 
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Adapted from The Minimalist Baker - Grilled, marinated portobello steaks with a spicy avocado chimichurri sauce! An incredibly hearty and flavourful 30-minute plant-based meal​!

INGREDIENTS

for Mushrooms:
  • 3-4 large portobello mushrooms (stems removed, wiped clean)
  • 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1/4 cup olive oil 
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 Tbsp steak sauce (optional // vegan friendly, like A1)​

for Chimichurri Sauce:
  • 1 1/2 cups parsley (finely chopped // either kind will work, but flat leaf Italian parsley is best)
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 medium shallot (minced)
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flake
  • 3-4 Tbsp olive oil (extra virgin when possible)
  • 3 Tbsp lemon juice (for more traditional chimichurri, sub red or white vinegar)
  • 1/2 tsp each sea salt and black pepper
  • 1 small ripe avocado (cubed // a non-traditional addition, but one that adds healthy fats, fiber, and creaminess!)

INSTRUCTIONS​
  1. Add portobello mushrooms to a shallow baking dish or large freezer bag. Set aside.
  2. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, cumin, black pepper, paprika, garlic, and steak sauce (optional). Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
  3. Add sauce to the mushrooms and use a pastry brush to brush on all sides. Marinate on one side for 5 minutes, then the other side for 5 minutes.
  4. In the meantime, prepare chimichurri by adding parsley, garlic, shallot, red pepper flake, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to a medium mixing bowl and whisking to combine. Taste and adjust flavor as needed, adding more lemon juice for acidity, salt for flavor, or red pepper flake for heat. Add avocado and toss to combine. Set aside.
  5. Heat a grill or a large skillet over medium heat. Cook on each side for 2-3 minutes, or until caramelized and deep golden brown. Brush on any remaining marinade while cooking to infuse more flavor.
  6. To serve, top portobello steaks with avocado chimichurri. This makes a great standalone meal, but would also pair well with my Pecan Apple Salad, Pear Walnut Salad, or Vegan Mashed Potatoes! They would also pair well with grilled asparagus and/or cooked quinoa, millet, or brown rice. Best when fresh.

Check out The Minimalist Baker for more recipes

​​
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Charred Veggie & Fried Goat Cheese Salad

1/19/2021

 
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Adapted from Ruled Me - Not your ordinary salad.  It's hearty & warm, but still gives you the crunch you crave from veggies.  The bite of a slightly charred bell pepper paired with creamy yet tangy hunks of half melted goat cheese is heavenly.
​

INGREDIENTS
  • 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
  • 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
  • 1 teaspoon onion flakes
  • 1 teaspoon garlic flakes
  • 4 ounces goat cheese, cut into 4 ½ in thick medallions
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, seeds removed & cut into 8 pieces
  • ½ cup baby portobello mushrooms, sliced
  • 4 cups arugula, divided between two bowls
  • 1 tablespoon avocado oil
​
INSTRUCTIONS​
  1. Combine the poppy and sesame seeds, onion, and garlic flakes in a small dish.
  2. Coat each piece of goat cheese on both sides. Plate and place in the refrigerator until you are ready to fry the cheese.
  3. ​Prepare a skillet with nonstick spray and heat to medium. Char the peppers and mushrooms on both sides, just until the pieces begin to darken and the pepper softens. Add to the bowls of arugula.  
  4. Place the cold goat cheese in the skillet and fry on each side for about 30 seconds. This melts quickly so be gentle as you flip each piece! 
  5. Add the cheese to the salad and drizzle with avocado oil. Serve warm!

Check out Ruled Me for more recipes

​
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Superfood Breakfast Bowl

1/12/2021

 
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Adapted from Vegetarian Gastronomy - Jump-start your morning with this quick and easy overnight low carb Superfood Breakfast Bowl made with chia seeds, hemp seeds, unsweetened coconut, and berries! It’s vegan and gluten-free, and packed with protein, healthy fats, and fibre! 

INGREDIENTS
  • 1 cup non-dairy milk 
  • 1/4 cup protein powder 
  • 2 tbsp chia seeds
  • .5 tbsp hemp seeds
  • 2 tbsp unsweetened coconut flakes

Additional Mix-ins:
  • mixed berries , blueberries and/or strawberries
  • pecans , chopped
  • walnuts , chopped

INSTRUCTIONS
  1. Add the non-dairy milk, protein powder, chia seeds, hemp seeds, and unsweetened coconut into a jar or container.
  2. Mix/shake well so that the protein powder is fully incorporated with the rest of the ingredients.
  3. Place in the fridge overnight.
  4. Next morning, add in fresh or frozen mixed berries and chopped nuts! Enjoy cold!


Check out Vegetarian Gastronomy for more recipes

​
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Vegan Charcuterie Board

12/22/2020

 
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Adapted from Eating Well - A dairy-free dip sets the tone for this vegan "charcuterie" board. Rainbow carrots and crisp pear slices offer refreshing crunch and visual appeal, while an assortment of seeded crackers and mini toasts make blank canvases for spreads and jams. Blackberries and grapes lend a fresh and fruity finish.

INGREDIENTS
  • 1 recipe Vegan Lemon-Dill Cashew Dip (see associated recipe) or 2 cup prepared vegan dip
  • 6 large rainbow carrots, sliced lengthwise
  • ¼ cup assorted roasted nuts or trail mix
  • ¼ cup red pepper jelly
  • 1 ½ cups berries, such as blackberries or raspberries
  • 2 cups red grapes
  • 1 ½ cups sliced pears or apples
  • 3 sprigs fresh dill
  • 24 seeded flax crackers
  • 8 slices sprouted whole-grain bread, toasted

INSTRUCTIONS
  1. Place dip in a small serving bowl; arrange in the center of the board.
  2. ​Arrange carrots in one corner of the board, allowing them to hang slightly over the edge of the board.
  3. Scatter crackers and slices of bread in three separate sections of the board around the dip.
  4. Scatter a few nuts (or some trail mix) near the dip. Place the remaining nuts (or trail mix) in a small bowl on the opposite side of the dip.
  5. Scoop red pepper jelly into a small glass jar and place it in the third quadrant of the board, creating a triangle with the bowls of dip and nuts.
  6. Scatter berries, grapes and pear (or apple) slices in any open spaces on the board, filling in gaps. Garnish with fresh dill sprigs.


Check out the Eating Well site for more recipes

​
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Low Carb Breakfast Egg Muffins (25 Minutes, Vegetarian)

12/15/2020

 
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Adapted from Hurry the Food up - Delicious and Healthy Breakfast Egg Muffins. Simple recipe, great taste. Low carb and high in protein. Perfect as a full meal or filling snack.

​EQUIPMENT
  • 12 slot muffin tin
  • Muffin cups or baking paper (only if you don't have a nonstick muffin tin

INGREDIENTS
  • 1 bell pepper, red
  • 2 spring onions
  • 6 eggs
  • 1 handful spinach (or any green leaves)
  • ½ cup cheddar cheese (grated; other cheese is fine too)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 4-5 splashes hot sauce (or 1 tsp curry powder)

INSTRUCTIONS
  1. Preheat the oven to 200°C/ 390°F.
  2. Wash and dice the bell pepper and onions. and put them in a large mixing bowl.
  3. Wash the spinach, lightly chop it and add it to the bowl as well.
  4. Add the eggs and salt. Mix well. Pro tip – crack the eggs separately before adding. That way if you get a dodgy one, it won’t ruin the whole meal.
  5. Mix in the cheese to the batter.
  6. Add some hot sauce or curry powder.
  7. Grease the muffin tin with oil and kitchen paper/baking brush and pour the egg mixture evenly into the muffin slots. (If you think they might still stick to the pan use some muffin cups or cut out some baking paper and to use as cups – definitely saves time on doing the washing up 😉
  8. Pop the tray into the oven for 20 minutes or until the tops are firm to the touch.
  9. Bon Appetit!!

COOKING TIME
How do you like your eggs? Rather soft? Stick to 20 minutes baking time. If you like them well done, almost crunchy, go for 25 minutes! But note: the longer you bake them the more easily they stick to the tin!

Check out Hurry the Food up site for more recipes

​
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Jamie Oliver's Baked Squash Recipe

12/8/2020

 
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Adapted from Jamie Oliver - Stuffing and slow-roasting the sweet, versatile squash gives wonderful flavours exchanging in the centre, great textures, and the slices look amazing.  This tasty squash also makes a delicious veggie side dish. 

​INGREDIENTS
  • 1 butternut squash , (1.2kg)
  • olive oil
  • 1 red onion
  • 1 clove of garlic
  • 1 bunch of fresh sage , (30g)
  • 10 sun-dried tomatoes
  • 75 g vac-packed chestnuts
  • 75 g basmati rice
  • 75 g dried cranberries
  • 1 pinch of ground allspice
  • red wine

INSTRUCTIONS
  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/gas 4.
  2. Wash the squash, carefully cut it in half lengthways, then remove and reserve the seeds. Use a spoon to score and scoop some flesh out, making a gully for the stuffing all along the length of the squash.
  3. Finely chop the scooped-out flesh with the seeds and put into a frying pan on a medium heat with 2 tablespoons of oil.
  4. Peel, finely chop and add the onion and garlic, stirring regularly while you pick the sage leaves and finely chop them with the sun-dried tomatoes and chestnuts.
  5. Stir into the pan with the rice, cranberries and allspice, add a good pinch of sea salt and black pepper and a swig of red wine, and mix well. Fry for 10 minutes, or until softened, stirring occasionally.
  6. Pack the mixture tightly into the gully in the two squash halves, then press the halves firmly back together. Rub the skin of the squash with a little oil, salt and pepper, and if you’ve got them, pat on any extra herb leaves you have to hand.
  7. Place the squash in the centre of a double layer of tin foil, then tightly wrap it up. Bake for around 2 hours, or until soft and cooked through.
  8. Once ready, take the squash to the table and open up the foil in front of everyone, then carve into nice thick slices and serve with all the usual trimmings.

​Check out Jamie Oliver's site for more recipes

​
Get a personalized nutrition plan to gain clarity and improve your health

A TARGET Nutrition Plan takes a personalized, evidence-based approach to help you make better choices.  Have our nutritionists assess what you are currently doing and provide you with a personalized plan (including meal plans).  Everything you need to transform your diet.

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Vegan Rice Paper Rolls with Sriracha & Soy Sauce Tofu and Peanut Sauce

11/18/2020

 
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Adapted from I Love Vegan - Roll up & dip these vegan rolls in sweet & spicy peanut sauce.  Eating fresh vegetables has never been so delicious!

​INGREDIENTS

Rice Paper Rolls
  • ½ red pepper, julienned
  • 1 large carrot, julienned
  • ⅓ -½ long English cucumber, julienned
  • 3 green onions, thinly sliced on a diagonal
  • small handful of baby spinach, gently bunched up and sliced thinly
  • ½-1 full recipe of Baked Sriracha & Soy Sauce Tofu (optional: double the marinade), chilled and cut into thin strips
  • sesame seeds
  • 6-9 rice papers (I used 22 cm papers)

Peanut Sauce
  • 2 tbsp (30 ml) soy sauce (or Bragg's Liquid Aminos - GF)
  • 3 tbsp (45 ml) peanut butter
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) sriracha
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) chili garlic sauce (can substitute with 1 more tbsp sriracha)
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) brown sugar (or maple syrup)
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) sesame seeds
  • 2-3 tbsp (30-45ml) water to thin

INSTRUCTIONS

FRESH VEGETABLE CRUNCHY ROLLS WITH SRIRACHA & SOY SAUCE TOFU:
  1. While the tofu is baking you can begin to prepare all of your ingredients. Finely julienne the red pepper, carrot, and cucumber (you can use a julienne peeler for the carrot and cucumber as well) I aim for slices between 4-5 inches long (but this depends on the size of your rice paper, mine are about 8" (20 cm).) Thinly slice the spinach and green onion.
  2. Once the tofu has finished baking, place it in the fridge to chill. In the meantime you can mix up the Spicy-Sweet Peanut Sauce (recipe below.)
  3. Cut your chilled tofu into thin strips.
  4. Prep your area. Find a nice clean space of counter to work on and fill a large bowl or pie plate with HOT water. Grab your sesame seeds and all of your prepped veggies.
ASSEMBLY
  1. Soak a single rice paper in the hot water until it's completely soft and flexible. This could take anywhere from a few seconds to more than 30 seconds depending on the brand/type of rice paper. I have best results soaking them for about 30 seconds.
  2. Gently shake the excess water from the rice paper, lay it straight out onto your work space.
  3. Let it sit for about 30 seconds to absorb any excess water, The papers won't stick together properly if they're really wet.
  4. Sprinkle some sesame seeds in the center of the wrap.
  5. Lay the julienned vegetables down in the middle of the wrap. Use approximately ⅕ of each ingredients per wrap (use a little more or a little less depending on how many wraps you want to make and how big you'd like them to be.) I like to fill mine with a little bit of spinach, lots of cucumber and carrot, a little red pepper, and lots of tofu topped with a sprinkle of green onion.
  6. Try to keep the fillings laid neatly, making sure to leave ample room on each side to easily fold the wrap.

ROLLING:
  1. Lift the side of the rice paper that's closest to you, gently pull it forward (away from you) over the fillings. Hold the wrap firmly while you fold in each end of the wrap. Continue rolling to seal the seam. Refer to the GIF above for a demo.

SPICY-SWEET PEANUT SAUCE:
  1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl and whisk vigorously OR combine all ingredients in food processor and pulse.
  2. Store extra sauce in the fridge. I like to keep mine in a glass salad dressing bottle. It may thicken up when refrigerated, I just run my bottle under hot running tap water until it softens back to a liquid.
  3. Makes approx. ½ cup of sauce.

NOTES
Use a food processor or vegetable slicer/mandolin to make slicing the veggies quick and easy.

​Check out I Love Vegan site for more recipes


​
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Charred Broccoli & Tofu-Stuffed Avocados with Sweet Lemon Curry Sauce

11/6/2020

 
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Adapted from the First Mess
 - 
A delicious way to get your healthy fat, protein & veggies! 

​INGREDIENTS

Charred broccoli, tofu + avocados:
1/4 cup olive oil + extra
1 tbsp dijon or grainy mustard
1 clove of garlic, peeled + sliced (optional!)
2 tbsp chopped chives + blossoms if you’ve got ’em
big pinch chili flakes
5-6 sprigs of thyme, leaves rough chopped
2 tbsp lemon juice + zest
salt + pepper to taste
ground cumin to taste
1 package of extra firm tofu, cut into 1/2 inch slices
2 stalks of broccoli, stems removed
3 firm, but ripe avocados
1-2 barely ripe apricots

Sweet curry lemon sauce:
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 strip of lemon zest
1/2 tbsp dijon OR grainy mustard
1-2 tbsp maple syrup OR agave nectar
1/4 cup diced red onion
fat pinch of mild curry powder
small pinch of ground cumin
splash of filtered water (more or less depending on desired consistency)
salt + pepper
1/2 tsp tamari soy sauce
3 tbsp-1/4 cup olive oil

INSTRUCTIONS

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, mustard, garlic, chives, chili flakes, thyme, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, pepper and cumin. Set aside.

Lay the tofu slices in a large dish and cut the broccoli into florets. Add the broccoli to the dish with the tofu slices. Pour the marinade mix over the tofu and broccoli. Cover and refrigerate, allowing to marinate for at least 1/2 and hour.

While the tofu and broccoli is marinating, make the sweet lemon curry sauce. Combine the lemon juice, lemon zest, mustard, maple syrup, red onion, curry powder, cumin powder, water, salt, pepper, tamari, and oil in a blender and blend on high until you have a completely smooth mixture. Check the sauce for seasoning and place in the fridge while you grill

Preheat your grill to high. Cut the avocados in half, and remove all pits. brush the exposed surfaces with oil and season with salt + pepper. Set aside.

Start laying the tofu and broccoli on the grill. Cook until char marks appear on all surfaces, carefully flipping pieces of tofu and broccoli over here and there for even cooking. Remove all tofu and broccoli once it’s sufficiently cooked/charred. Place avocado halves on the grill and cook until char marks appear. Remove and place on a serving platter.

Chop up the tofu and broccoli into small pieces and toss together in a medium bowl. Dice up the apricots and add to the bowl as well. Toss with some more chopped chives or chive flowers if you want and spoon into the grilled avocado halves. Finish with drizzles of the sweet lemon curry sauce.

Check out the First Mess site for more recipes

Get a personalized nutrition plan to gain clarity and improve your health

A TARGET Nutrition Plan takes a personalized, evidence-based approach to help you make better choices.  Have our nutritionists assess what you are currently doing and provide you with a personalized plan (including meal plans).  Everything you need to transform your diet.

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Pumpkin Hummus

10/19/2020

 
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Adapted from Super Healthy Kids - The perfect fall themed healthy snack– Pumpkin Hummus!  It’s delicious and even looks like a little pumpkin! 

​INGREDIENTS
  • 2 can drained chickpeas (garbanzo beans), canned
  • 15 ounce pumpkin, canned
  • 2 tablespoon Tahini
  • 2 clove garlic
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon cumin, ground
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika

INSTRUCTIONS
  1. Combine all ingredients in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.  Add more olive oil if it’s too thick.
  2. To make it look like a pumpkin, make a green stem using snap peas, cucumbers, lettuce or any other green veggie.  Serve with crackers and vegetable!

Check out the Super Healthy Kids site for more recipes

Get a personalized nutrition plan to gain clarity and improve your health

A TARGET Nutrition Plan takes a personalized, evidence-based approach to help you make better choices.  Have our nutritionists assess what you are currently doing and provide you with a personalized plan (including meal plans).  Everything you need to transform your diet.

Learn More​​
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