Inside and Out

A while ago, my dad gave me a hard-drive that contained some old files of me and my sister. I decided to look through it and toss what I no longer need. But while looking through it, I came across all these old pictures of me, my sister, our family and our friends.

It was so strange seeing myself. I remember once, a few years ago, some of my college friends and I were looking at pictures of us through the years. And if there’s one thing that stood out, it’s how much I changed every single year.

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Creamy Italian-style Quinoa Salad

I always bring my own lunch to work. It’s cheaper , better for your health and more delicious. I usually always take the same thing; deliciously ella’s cucumber-hazelnut quinoa or a salad. But a little while ago I felt like trying something different. Something new. I came up with this recipe on a whim but it tastes so good I’ve made it several times, since. It’s fresh, filling, creamy and full of healthy ingredients. This recipe is perfect as a to-go-lunch (make this batch the day before and you can bring it as a lunch for the next two days). I imagine this recipe will be a great addition when you’ve got a summer barbeque.

Vegan Spanish Paella

Paella: Delicious. Filling. Full of veggies and doused in summer-vibes.

Now that spring is here and sunlight and warmth are becoming more and more regular it’s time to bring out the delicious summer recipes, and Spanish food is a summer-must.

5 things to keep in mind when going (back) to the gym

I’m going to the gym again. A lot.

I used to go every day when I was living in New Orleans, and for some reason when I came back, I just stopped. It’s been almost two years, but I’m back.
In order to make sure I do everything right I asked for help from a good friend of mine. She’s studying to get a trainer certificate and helped me make sure my posture/exercises are safe and set up a plan.

But now that I’ve been going for a couple of weeks there are a few things I’ve noticed. Things we all need to keep in mind when getting back into old habits (or when we’re just starting new ones). I think these tips are applicable to any new healthy habits you’re trying to adopt. So be sure to use them in any way you want or that suits your current situation, whether you’re going to the gym, eating healthier or trying to adopt a positive mindset.

Flavorful seaweed pasta with cauliflower, tempeh and carrot

Lately, I’ve been on a health streak. I’ve never been able to keep that going for this long. The reason I manage to keep eating healthy is because I make every meal delicious. I’ve been experimenting with new recipes and “tickle my taste-buds” (anyone get the reference?) in order to keep this healthy lifestyle exciting.
One of the ingredients I am loving, at the moment, is Seamore I sea pasta. This pasta (made of just seaweed) is delicious, light and flavorful. You can use it in Asian or Mediterranean dishes, it always works. Fun fact: Seamore pasta is a great source of Iodine – something that isn’t easy to get in on a vegan diet.

Anything

I’m bored.

There’s no other way to say it. I’m bored. I need something new in my life. Something that makes me feel warm and tingly inside. That feeling that you get when you know you’re going to do something with no clue how it will end. It’s the feeling you have when you’re traveling; every day when you wake up. Anything can happen.

Quick and Simple Peanut Butter Cups

I used to love peanut butter cups when I was living in New Orleans. Justin’s dark chocolate were my favorite vegan ones and the fact that they sold them at Starbucks on campus made my coffee fix better every time.

Peanut butter cups aren’t really a thing in the Netherlands so I decided to make my own. These are quick, simple, easy and only require 5 ingredients! You can always add some other ingredients; maca powder, other nut butter, sprinkles on top before you freeze them. Whatever you like.

Vegan Turmeric Spelt Waffles with Baked Apple and Peanut Butter

These waffles are great for a weekend breakfast or brunch. They’re flavorful, healthy and easy to make.

A few days ago my friend Coco came over. She told me how she’s been reading “How Not To Die” and about turmeric. Apparently, turmeric (or otherwise known by it’s active compound curcumin) is a great spice to add to your food.

Vegan Cranberry-Pistachio Christmas Cake

I love Christmas. People who know me, know this. I love the lights, the music and the ridiculous, yet delightful movies. I also like all the food. Christmas is a food-related holiday, if ever there were any. During December I take full advantage of the freedom to bake and cook Christmas recipes to share with friends, colleagues and family and to practice for Christmas.

Vegan Chickpea Scramble

This dish is something I’ve been thinking of for a while but I never got the chance to actually make it. And somehow, online, I wasn’t able to find anything that was really like my idea. So this Sunday, I finally tried out my own spin on chickpea scramble. A vegan alternative for scrambled eggs.

I had this dish for breakfast but it’s also great for lunch (or a lazy dinner). It’s healthy, chock full of protein and customizable to your personal preference. I hope you enjoy!