Strawberry Field Chia Pudding with Marine Collagen

Let's be real, we all want to look and feel younger and have youthful skin, indefinitely. A while back, I had contacted my Naturopath to learn more how to get a better glow to my skin, and help with the aging process and found out that the answer: Collagen + Vitamin C.

I’ve talked before about collagen being part of my daily wellness routine and how to sneak more of it into your diet. But here’s the quick rundown. Collagen is a naturally occurring protein and an essential building block for the body, especially for healthy skin, hair, and nails, making up approximately 30% of our bodies’ protein. Think of it as an amino acid chain that strengthens the body, especially our skin, bones, joints, and muscles.

Unfortunately, collagen diminishes with age and is likely impacted by today’s diet and environmental influences. That’s why I’m such a proponent of supplementing with collagen peptides, which are a bioavailable form of collagen. And when it's combined with vitamin C, it helps reverses the harmful effects of UV exposure on the skin by neutralizing free radicals.

Interestingly though, vitamin C is essential for the synthesis of collagen. Taking a collagen supplement, without vitamin C, won't have the same impact. So I searched for the best collagen on the market and have been a fan-girl of Nordic Naturals Marine Collagen.. especially this strawberry flavor!

You’ll love that it is non-GMO-certified—no artificial flavors, colors or preservatives. It’s also made from 4200mg bioactive collagen peptides from sustainable, wild-caught Arctic cod. The best part is that it's blended with natural vitamin C to aid our body’s normal formation and provide antioxidant support.

Aside from the Nordic Naturals Marine Collagen Strawberry flavor being a great addition to smoothies, chia puddings, and warm nut milks, it's a company you can stand behind proudly! For 23 years, they've sourced fish from the cleanest waters to create a fantastic line of marine-based supplements.

I always find it a bit difficult to find a collagen that doesn’t have an fishy or animal aftertaste to it, until I discovered Nordic Naturals! It is virtually flavorless, with the exception of the light, and refreshing strawberry scent and taste. They recommend mixing in 2 teaspoons of marine collagen powder with 5 oz. warm or cold liquids once daily.

One of the ways I've been enjoying this refreshing and nourishing Nordic Naturals Marine Collagen is with this Strawberry Fields Chia Pudding. All of the ingredients are good-for-your-skin! The fresh strawberries and goji berries help boost the already natural strawberry flavor of the marine collagen, and satisfies all your sweet cravings all with a health boost of collagen peptides. With just 8 simple ingredients you’re sure to make this healthy breakfast or treat again and again as part of your wellness routine.

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Strawberry Field Chia Pudding with Marine Collagen

Recipe makes 1-2 servings.

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What You'll Need

3 tbsp chia seeds

8 oz cashew milk

2 medium strawberries

1 tbsp goji berries

1 tbsp coconut flakes

2-3 drop stevia (or 1 tbsp honey)

1 tbsp Nordic Naturals Marine Collagen (Strawberry)

1 tbsp hemp seeds

What You'll Need

In a high-speed blender, add in 8 oz cashew milk, 2 medium strawberries, 1 tbsp goji berries, 2-3 drop stevia (or 1 tbsp honey), 1 tbsp Nordic Naturals Marine Collagen (Strawberry). Blend for about 60-90 seconds.

In a mason jar, add in chia seeds, hemp seeds, and coconut flakes. Pour mixture, stir and let it sit for about 2 hours.

Optional: Top with bee pollen, coconut flakes, and a sliced strawberry.

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Thank you to Nordic Naturals for sponsoring this post. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own. 

Tuscan Kale Chopped Salad

Kalen' it with this Chopped salad.

Sheets of hand-torn pasta woven through luscious bolognese and the perfection of a scoop of nutella gelato dripping down your chin as you sit on the Spanish Steps contemplating runaway to this moment. This is my Italy.

I've been lucky enough to have travelled quite a bit. And yet, I know that it is barely scratching the surface. The yearning and the itch to travel, got me searching for flights, daydreaming of frolicking the cobblestone streets of some charming Italian town. Then it got me thinking about a salad I once enjoyed in the Tuscan countryside. This Tuscan Kale Chopped Salad is an ode to it.

Italian cooking is all about using the best, freshest and local ingredients. The blend of that philosophy, ingredients sourced locally here in the Pacific Northwest and the basil vinaigrette tie it all together.

Tuscan Kale Chopped Salad

Makes 2 servings

What You’ll Need

Salad

4-5 Tuscan kale leaves, washed and chopped

1 Medium Zucchini, spiralized

1 cup Brussel sprouts, sliced and steamed

1/4 cup kalamata olives

1/4 cup sundried tomatoes

2 tbsp pumpkin seeds (I used this brand - Skout Backcountry)

1/2 cup italian salami (I used Olympia Provisions Cacciatore)

1/4 cup Parmigiano Reggiano

Basil Lemon Vinaigrette

1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice

1/4 cup olive oil

3 garlic clove

1/2 shallot

6 large basil leaves, very finely diced

Freshly ground salt and black pepper, to taste

Tools

Spiralizer

What You’ll Need To Know

Basil Lemon Vinaigrette

Add all ingredients to a high-speed blender and blend for 15 seconds bowl and add to a mason jar or air tight container If using a mason jar, you can simply put the lid on and shake the jar until well combined.

This dressing will stay good in an airtight container or mason jar for up to 1 week.

Salad

Steam brussel sprouts.

Spiralize zucchini with a spiralizer into noodles and slice into 3” and add to a bowl along with the rest of the salad ingredients.

Add in 4 tbsp of the Basil Lemon Vinaigrette and toss together.

Plate, garnish with Parmigiano Reggiano and enjoy!

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Avocado Quesadilla (Keto-Friendly Recipe)

I'll be very honest, I was stumped at what to call this recipe.

Tortilla-free quesadilla?

Keto-dilla?

Low Carb Dilla?

Tortilla or not, quesadillas are the perfect quick hot lunch at home – and they make great appetizers, too!

According to Wikipedia, a quesadilla is: A quesadilla is a flour or corn tortilla filled with a savory mixture containing cheese, other ingredients, and/or vegetables, then folded in half to form a half-moon shape. It is usually cooked on a griddle – although I use a frying pan – until the tortillas are crispy but not burnt.

There is no denying that they are darn delicious. A perfect, quick and easy meal to grab-n-go. Growing up in a Mexican household, quesadilla's were something that popped up throughout the week... filled with cheese, potatoes, beans, or avocado and queso cotija. The combinations were endless.

So, the other day while I was thinking of what to make for lunch, I had a craving for one. More specifically the ooey-gooey cheese in a slightly greasy flour tortilla. After searching Pinterest for a gluten-free version, no luck. But, I did come across plenty of low-crab versions. Which lead me to this. It was inspired by Officially Gluten-Free's Keto Chicken Quesadilla recipe. In my lacking of parchment paper, and pure laziness of making my way a few blocks down to the grocery store, I opted for a non-stick. I know, not the best. I improvised with what I had, and the ingredients in my fridge. The result? Pure deliciousness.

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Avocado Quesadilla (Keto-Friendly Recipe)

Recipe Makes 2 Servings

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What You'll Need

½ Cup Mozzarella Cheese

½ Cups Cheddar Cheese

1 tbs Taco Seasoning (see recipe below)

1 small avocado, sliced

Ranch or sour cream (I used this brand)

Optional: hot sauce for dipping

What You'll Need To Know

In a bowl, mix together the two cheeses.

On a stovetop, heat a non-stick frying pan on medium heat. Sprinkle in 1/2 cup of cheese mixture evenly into a circle, season with Taco Seasoning, and let it cook for about 4-5 minutes. The cheese should be crispy on the bottom and melted on top.

Add in the Just Mayo Ranch, Ranch, or sour cream on one side and top with avocado. With a spatula, fold over the other half, press it firmly and plate.

If desired, garnish with chopped fresh cilantro.

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Taco Seasoning

What You'll Need

1 tsp chili powder

¼ tsp garlic powder

¼ tsp onion powder

¼ tsp dried oregano

½ tsp paprika

1½ tsp ground cumin

1/2 tsp red pepper flake

1 tsp salt

1 tsp black pepper

What You'll Need To Know

Mix together in a mixing bowl, and store in an airtight container.

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