Eat Live Thrive Nutrition

Happy Holidays and a Merry Christmas!

New Recipe Alert ! Been a while since I posted a recipe so I thought I would share one of my favourite go to snack right now. Almond Joy Energy Bites ... To me these are reminiscent of Bounty Chocolate Bars as the are deliciously soft and full of chocolate and coconut flavour. These balls are simple and come together easily with a food processor. Dates are a staple in my pantry and are incredible nutrition powerhouses. Here are some ways dates may help boost your health. Lower Cholesterol - dates are high insoluble fiber, increases in soluble fiber intake have been shown to natural lower LDL cholesterol. Relieve Constipation - the high fiber content of dates make them a great choice to relieve constipation a common sign of fiber deficiency in the diet. Good for your Bones - dates contain considerable amounts of trace minerals that are needed to strengthen bones. Dates are rich in calcium and phosphorus which in combination have bone strengthening benefits. Dates contain phytonutrients which are compounds in plants that are beneficial to your health. Phytonutrients can stimulate the immune system, reduce inflammation, prevent DNA damage, and improve hormone regulation. What is your favourite way to enjoy dates? Almond Joy Energy Bites 2 c Mejool dates 2 c Almonds (I like to use unblanched for added fibre) 1/4 c Unsweetened cocoa powder 3/4 c Unsulphered Coconut flakes 1/2 tsp Sea Salt 1/2 tsp Vanilla 1 - 2 tbsp Unsweetened almond milk place 1/2 cup coconut flakes in the food processor and break up flakes slightly (about 1 min) remove flakes and set aside add dates to the food processor and process till they have broken up and come together in a ball break up the dates ball with hands and add the cocoa powder, 1/4 cup coconut flakes sea salt and vanilla process until mixture comes together in a ball, if it does not add 1 - 2 tbsp almond milk remove from food processor and roll into 2 dozen balls about a tbsp size roll in reserved coconut flakes

Self care Sunday and creative nourishment. Started this piece back in May and I am now almost half way through. I have been doing cross stitch since my Nana bought me my first kit when I was about 10. She always encouraged me to not be afraid to try new things.... Over the last few months while I've gone through a major transition allowing myself time for the creative has really been key to helping manage my anxiety. I tend to feel stuck when not nourishing my creative self and its usually a clue of something bigger emotionally going on. Emotions, triggers, thoughts, can all be moved through. They are an energy and energy is constantly in motion if we learn to move that energy. How do you nourish your creative self?

Easy Paleo Tuscan Spaghetti Squash Recipe Below Hands up if you have tried spaghetti squash lately. ... Spaghetti squash is a type of winter squash with a slightly sweet flavour that makes a great alternative to pasta. Spaghetti squash is rich in: Vitamin A (caratenoids) Vitamin C B Vitamins Vitamin K It is a rich source of minerals like manganese that help build strong bones, and also a source of iron, calcium, potassium and zinc. What's your favourite way to eat spaghetti squash? Tuscan Spaghetti Squash 1 small spaghetti squash 2 tbsp olive oil, divided 4 sundried tomatoes, packed in oil, thinly sliced 1.5 oz Swiss Chard, stems removed, roughly chopped (spinach would also be delicious) 1/2 tbsp Ghee (optional) 1/2 coconut milk 2 cloves garlic, chopped 2 tbsp nutritional yeast Sea Salt Pepper preheat oven to 375 cut spaghetti squash in half and remove seeds, coat insides with 1 tbsp olive oil salt and pepper place up side down on a baking dish lined with parchment paper and bake till soft about 25 mins remove from oven and let cool heat a heavy bottom pan over medium low heat and remaining olive oil and ghee, once melted add garlic and cook till fragrant add in sundried tomatoes and Swiss chard, let cook till wilted add spaghetti squash, coconut milk and nutritional yeast to pan season with salt and pepper let cook a few mins for flavors to come together