The Ultimate Comfort Food Without all the Calories: Hearty Turkey and Veggie Chili

I love making chili :).  It's just the absolute best thing when it's raining outside and you just feel like snuggling up on the couch with a good book (or in our case 10 episodes of 24!).  It's easy and nutritious and only gets better the longer you cook it.  It's also easy to freeze for the perfect mid-week instant meal.  I usually start mine around 2PM and then we eat around 6 or 7.  You don't actually cook it the whole time, but allowing the flavours to meld together on low for a couple of hours is really the trick...at least we think so!  Hope you enjoy it as much as we always do :)

You will need:

1 pound ground turkey (ground chicken is good too, but I prefer the flavour of turkey)
1 can red kidney beans (drained and rinsed well)
1 can chickpeas (drained and rinsed well)
1 can lentils (drained and rinsed well)
4 cups chicken or vegetable stock (Mine is already salted, but be sure to season if you're using unsalted)
1 can plum tomatoes
1 can diced tomatoes
3 small red potatoes, diced
3 large carrots, diced
3 stalks celery, diced
1 large onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
Handful fresh oregano, diced
2 tbsp cajun spice (buy the Dan-d-Pak one that's premixed)
2 tbsp paprika
1 tbsp cumin
Fresh chives (for garnish)
Bio yogurt (for garnish)
1 avocado (for garnish)

In a large stock pot, heat about 2 tbsp of vegetable oil over medium heat.  Add ground turkey and diced onion and stir until turkey is cooked through and a bit brown.  Pour in chicken stock to de-glaze the pot.  Add plum and diced tomatoes, all beans/lentils, carrots, celery, potato and garlic.  Turn heat to medium low, and cover with a lid for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.  Remove lid and add all herbs and spices and turn heat to low, allowing to simmer for as long as you can!  Sometimes I need to add a little extra water at this point depending on how thick the chili has become...it really just depends on your preference of thickness.  Once it looks how you want it, garnish with yogurt, chives and avocado and serve!  Cheddar cheese is also a delicious addition, but not so health conscious if that's what you're going for...Enjoy!

Cleanse Friendly Restaurants in Vancity

I know, I know, any restaurant can make you a chicken breast, veggies and steamed rice.  But it's just so boring and ends up costing as much as a steak dinner.  That's great if you have an unplanned meal out and don't have any other options, but it sucks when you plan an evening with friends and end up at a place that doesn't have any cleanse friendly AND delicious items to choose from.  Just because you are making the commitment to reset your body, doesn't mean your entire life is on hold until its over.  In fact, building better habits while your cleansing can help you maintain a healthier way of eating all of the time, and perhaps prevent you from bingeing on crap the day after you finish the cleanse ( I know I have been guilty of this before!).  So here are a few of my ideas in case you are cleansing and want to head out this weekend with friends:

The Naam http://thenaam.com/
One of Vancouver's only restaurants serving vegan and vegetarian fare with tones of options for people with specific dietary needs or allergies.

Gorilla Foods http://gorillafood.com/
Raw food that is made right before your eyes.  Try the avocado and tomato soup...It's my fave!

Eternal Abundance Cafe and Grocery http://eternalabundance.ca/
A great place to grab a coffee and a snack and a few things to take home with you.

Nuba Cafe http://www.nuba.ca/
Lebanese food with a Euro twist...Just do it.  It's delish.

Indigo Foods http://www.indigofood.org/
Variety of vegan, veggie and gluten free options and a nice vibe.

The Whip http://www.thewhiprestaurant.com/
This is one of my favorite places to go and while they do not advertise as vegan, raw, or gluten free, there are many things on the menu that can satisfy your taste buds without having to resort to a boring salad (For example, try the turkey burger no bun, no mayo and ask for one of their fig entree salads as a side...SO GOOD!)

The Foundation (Main St.at 7th)
Specializing in vegetarian food, there are sure to be many options available.  The atmosphere is great and its super central.

Nirvana http://www.nirvanarestaurant.ca/
I think this is one of the best Indian places in Vancouver, and the people who own it are super nice.  I get "white-girl" spiced since I find it really spicy, so they think it's pretty funny when I order it this way LOL.
***Any Indian place is a good option as long as its good quality and you know what the ingredients are!

Downtown Sushi Bar Japanese Restaurant http://www.yelp.ca/biz/downtown-sushi-bar-japanese-restaurant-vancouver
I love this place for the quality and service, and it's so nice to have the brown rice option.  Try the salmon and avocado roll or the sashimi....SO GOOD!
***Sushi is a great "cheat" food for when you really need something that seems fatty and salty.  If you can, bring your own Braggs brand soy sauce, or just stick to the low-sodium kind at the very least.  We usually order a ton of sashimi (I slather mine with wasabi!), a couple  of rolls (with brown rice only) and some edamame without salt.  It's a filling meal without all the guilt and heaviness of eating a burger.

Best Ever Watermelon "Milkshake"

I think I just died and went to heaven.  This is probably the most satisfying sweet thing I have had on a cleanse and there is absolutely no added sugar.  Just good old fashioned, juicy and delicious watermelon.  I feel like this may become a summer staple in our household!

3 cups cubed watermelon
Juice of 1/2 of a large lemon
1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk

Throw it all in a blender and blend until smooth.  I always keep my watermelon in the fridge so its cold and the coolness of it is definitely what makes this recipe.  Let me know what you think!

Cleanse Friendly Slow Cooker Roasted Chicken

There is nothing easier, and nothing more delicious than this chicken recipe.  I also love it when I forget that I've done it in the morning and walk into a house filled with the warm and comforting aroma of roasted chicken.  All you have to do is throw a salad together, steam some veggies and dinner is ready, just like that. The other thing I love is that on a hot day, you can have delicious roast chicken without turning on your oven and heating up your whole house!

1 whole chicken (non-medicated, free-range organic)
2 stalks celery
3 large carrots
1/2 of a large onion
4 cups stock or water
Tons of fresh herbs
Salt and Pepper to taste

Place chicken into slow cooker and arrange some of the carrots and celery around the chicken.  Place the remaining carrots and celery in the cavity of the bird.  Pour stock or water over the chicken and sprinkle with herbs, salt and pepper.  Turn slow cooker on low and cook for about 4-6 hours (if I am going to be out of the house for longer than that, I leave the lid off just a tiny bit).  Sometimes if I want a little extra treat, I cut off the pieces I want from the chicken and place them in the over to crisp the skin.  Also, make sure you save the juices since it makes the absolute BEST gravy, or you can save it to make stock with the carcass.  Enjoy!

Slow Cooker Oatmeal

After trying this recipe last night I am making a few adjustments.  First of all, my slow cooker is very hot so I think I am going to put it on right before bed and get up early to check on it.  Second, someone accidentally turned mine off last night (not mentioning any names!!!) so I'm still not totally sure of how it will turn out under normal circumstances.  I think I may add a little less liquid though.  Here's hoping for tomorrow!

2 apples

1 cup oats (steel cut/not instant)

3 tbsp cinnamon (I know it sounds like a lot, but cinnamon is extremely good for cleansing and general health)

2 cups almond milk

1 cup water

1 tablespoon chia seeds

Pinch of salt

Chopped almonds (leave aside for garnish)

Shredded coconut

Coat slow cooker with veggie oil.  Cut up apples (keep the skin on for added fiber and nutrition) into the slow cooker and add oats, water, milk, cinnamon, chia seeds and salt.  Stir and cook on low for about 7 hours. I added coconut and almonds which was really tasty.  I might try mixing it with a bit more almond milk after its cooked tomorrow morning.

What NOT to Eat on our 10 Day Cleanse

It's easy...you know what not to eat!!  Sometimes we just need a little reminder to get us back on track and that's why I do cleanses :).  Stick to the plan, read my recipes and have success...way easier than every before!

DO NOT EAT:
Deep fried foods (Duh)
Dairy (except small amounts of butter)
Flour (of any kind)
Tropical fruits (Except bananas. Google it if you're in doubt, but for example, no mangoes, no kiwi etc.)
Sugar (even try and refrain from eating natural sugars like cane, agave, maple syrup etc.-I use honey when I really need a sweetener, but try to abstain!)
Salt (except small amounts of sea salt)
Night shade veggies
Preservatives (this should cut out A LOT for you!)
Vinegar (lemon is a much more delicious option anyway!)
Fruit juice of any kind (unless you are juicing yourself)
Dried fruit

10 Day Cleanse Grocery List

Here is a bare-bones list of the things I always have on hand when I'm cleansing.  Basically, I grocery shop only for things I will be able to eat and eat all of the existing no-no items the weekend before (within reason LOL).  It's really easy to stick to the plan when you don't have anything around to taunt you!  Feel free to add items in the comments section if you have a question or think I've missed something :) While you're shopping, keep in mind that you should mainly be consuming plant based material (PRODUCE) and only small amounts of PROTEIN, DAIRY OR DAIRY SUBSTITUTES and GRAINS.  Buy mostly PRODUCE and you will have a super easy time staying on track and feeling amazing in no time.

PRODUCE:
Greens (kale, spinach, broccoli, romaine, collard greens etc.)
Carrots
Celery
Tomatoes
Yams
Cucumber
Avocado (LOTS!!  This will save you when you're craving cheese or something fatty)
Garlic
Onion
Beets
Turnips
Radishes
Apples
Pears
Bananas
Apricots
Peaches (fresh and frozen)
Berries (fresh and frozen)
Lemons

CANNED/DRY GOODS:
Tomatoes (all kinds)
Beans (all kinds)
Coconut milk (not cream)
Tuna
Dries beans (all kinds)
Brown or wild rice
Quinoa
Chia seeds
Pepitas
Nuts (any kind except peanuts)
Nut butter (any kind except peanut)
Organic apple butter ("Just Apples" brand)
Rice cakes (not rice crackers)
Organic puffed rice
Organic non-GMO puffed corn
Steel cut oats
Flax meal
Olive oil
Coconut oil
Vegetable oil

DAIRY/DAIRY SUBSTITUTES:
Butter
Almond milk (unsweetened)
Soy milk (in great moderation.  Don't drink it if you don't need it)

PROTEIN:
***Fish (as much as you want and anything except shell fish.  Try to find wild if you can!)
**Chicken (non-medicated, free run organic\)
**Turkey (ditto)
*Pork (in great moderation)
*Beef (in great moderation)

HERBS & SPICES:
Curry powder
Curry paste (red or green)
Turmeric
Cayenne
Chili powder
Cinnamon
Paprika
Cumin
Sea salt
Pepper
Rosemary
Basil
Oregano
Thyme
Dill
Chives
Sage
And anything else you want!!

Usually I say experiment with ingredients, but while we're cleansing it's really important you stick to the meal plan and not go outside of the list of groceries and that you do not eat anything on the \DO NOT EAT list! :) You won't regret it...after the 10 days you really will feel great!