4/2/2020
It's Smoothie Time!Through my work with Green our Planet, (Creators of America's Largest School Garden Program), as the Chef Program Manager and Nutrition Chef, I educate students on how to use fresh garden produce and teach them the importance of eating healthy. I teach the students how to make fun and creative recipes, and show them how delicious and easy healthy eating can be! It's amazing to see how many kids love trying the dishes that I create for them. They always ask for second servings and can't wait to make it at home. I do get kids that are hesitant to try vegetables and refuse to try it at all, but a majority of them will try it. Maybe because they were trying things that grew in their school garden, maybe because their friends tried it, or maybe because they know it's good for them...whatever the case, I love inspiring these students. During the COVID-19 pandemic, schools in Las Vegas closed mid-March, and I could no longer deliver my program to the students. Green Our Planet found a solution by creating a Virtual Academy to bring nutrition and garden lessons to students. My kitchen once again became a studio for videos ( I was about due to start making them again)! I can't see the students in person right now, but I can see their smiles in my mind. Of course during this time, I will be experimenting with new recipes and testing them on my own son! I always love teaching students how to make smoothies! They are always surprised at how good kale and spinach can taste! Smoothies are a great way to get so many essential nutrients in! Don't have time for a big breakfast or lunch? Grab a smoothie! Some common items growing in the school gardens are lacinato "dinosaur" kale, spinach, cilantro, mint and chard. That is what inspired me to create this smoothie. The apples, dates and bananas add the perfect sweetness for the greens! This smoothie changes names depending on the season (The Grinch's Smoothie, St. Patrick's Day smoothie, Green Monster Smoothie...you get the idea!) Just always keeping it fun for the students! What would you name this smoothie?
1/15/2020
Cooking with dÅTERRA Essential OilsI was introduced to essential oils many years ago. I love the many amazing benefits that essential oils provide, and that they all come right from nature. Essential oils are extracts from plants and are distilled from the bark, leaves, stems, roots and flowers of different vegetation from all over the world. Essential oils have been used by ancient civilizations across the globe for aromatherapy, personal care, healthcare practices, religious ceremonies, beauty treatments and in food preparation. I recently started incorporating dōTERRA brand essential oils into our family and love this addition to our healthy lifestyle. Every month, I join my good friend and dōTERRA Diamond Wellness Advocate, Natalie and our team, for a dōTERRA product of the month party. We test out new ways to cook with essential oils and infuse our dishes with the oil of the month. Below is my collection of recipes I have created for this series and some of the many benefits of the oils. Product of the Month: Rosemary Most of you know, how much I love making hummus! There are so many different variations! When I found out the product of the month, I was excited to try rosemary in a white bean hummus! What a delicious addition! We also tried rosemary tea using fresh rosemary and added a few drops of rosemary oil. Benefits of Rosemary: Rosemary is commonly used in cooking and has a woodsy aroma. Rosemary also has many internal benefits, such as, supports a healthy digestion; supports respiratory function and helps reduce nervous tension and fatigue. Product of the Month: Clementine One of my favorite childhood drinks was an Orange Julius, which was a blended drink made with orange juice, milk, sugar and vanilla. When I heard this month's Product of the Month, Clementine, I immediately created my new healthy version of an "orange Julius". Benefits of clementine essential oil: The aroma of orange or clementine alone is enough to lift your mood and energize you! When taken internally, clementine supports healthy digestion and metabolism, is cleansing and purifying, and supports a healthy immune system and an inspiring environment. Product of the Month: Grapefruit Grapefruit is one fruit that I don't eat often enough. I was reminded how much I like it when experimenting with a new grapefruit vinaigrette and using fresh grapefruit in this spinach salad. Benefits of grapefruit essential oil: Grapefruit essential oil has a fruity, floral aroma that is energizing and mood uplifting. It is cleansing and purifying, and is frequently used for skin care to improve the appearance of blemishes. Grapefruit essential oil also supports a healthy metabolism. Having fun in the kitchen with DoTERRA! This is my special cooking corner at Natalie's house! Reminding myself to use more grapefruit! Product of the Month: Clove Nothing says the holidays like the delicious taste and smell of clove. I usually use ground cloves in my holiday energy bites recipe, but tried it with a drop of clove essential oil, and it was delicious! It really brought out the clove flavor. These holiday energy bites have other holidays flavors, but feel free to make these any time of year! Benefits of clove essential oil: Clove essential oil has a soothing, warm aroma. When used internally, it has powerful antioxidant benefits. Clove oil also helps clean teeth and gums. Thank you Natalie, Brian and Team Revolution for allowing me to share my passion for healthy eating and for testing my Essential Oil infused recipes. Thank you for sharing your inspiration with so many through your journey with dōTERRA! Want to find out more about dōTERRA or attend a Product of the Month party with us?
Contact me today! Check back often for new recipe additions.
8/2/2019
A Healthy Start With BreakfastDo you start your day with a healthy breakfast ? Or do you rush out of the house in the morning skipping the most important meal of the day? Maybe you aren't a breakfast person, maybe you aren't hungry or don't have time. Whatever the case, read on to find out why breakfast is the most important meal of the day and why you shouldn't skip it! I have also included some healthy breakfast ideas! It's one of my favorite meals of the day with some many delicious choices! Below are some of the top benefits to eating a healthy breakfast EVERY day. Breakfast.....
So, what should you eat for breakfast? For optimal health, choose healthy breakfast foods that are filled with essential nutrients such as, protein, fiber, calcium, fat, vitamins and minerals. Here is a list of some of our quick and easy favorite breakfast items. Also, browse through some of our favorite breakfast ideas here: www.lisacheplak.com/all-recipes/category/breakfast-ideas
A flashback to us enjoying a back to school breakfast with muffins and smoothies!
7/6/2019
Packing a Healthy LunchboxBack to school time is here! While you are preparing your kids for school this year, don’t forget to think about this important question: “What are you going to pack in your child’s lunch?” I thought I would get a little more creative this year instead of the same peanut butter and jelly sandwich day after day (although my son will still be getting this sandwich some days because he loves them). I pack different lunches for myself everyday, so why not make it a little more exciting for my son too (and healthy, of course!) I wanted to share my lunch ideas and recipes with you. These ideas are meat and dairy free and provide many essential nutrients that kids need. I realize that some schools have peanut free policies, so adjust your choices accordingly. Each lunch box should include foods from the categories below:
Box 1 - Peanut Butter & Jelly, pretzels, orange and No Bake Protein Bites Box 2 - Colorful Vegetable Pasta Salad, grapes, flax crackers Box 3 - Black Bean and Corn Salsa Wraps, grapes, tortilla chips, almonds Box 4 - Red Bell Pepper Hummus Wraps, orange, edamame, No Bake Protein Bites Check out our full video below for a demonstration of the four lunch box ideas above. LINK TO VIDEO HERE: youtu.be/IPOtBpzCQ4M When my mom packed my lunch in my early school days, she would always write a short note on the napkin for me. The notes would say things like, “Have a Nice Day, “I Love You”, “You are Great”! I would always look forward to opening my lunch box and seeing my note. My mom put time and effort into our lunches, and the extra touches were so special to me. I want to do the same for my son. Even though my son is old enough to pack his own lunch, I still like to pack it for him. Do what works for you and your family! The photo below is a flashback to my son getting ready for Kindergarten! I always love buying school supplies every year, especially new lunch boxes and containers! Happy Back to School!
5/16/2019
Smart SnackingHow many times this summer do you think you will hear, "I'm hungry mom!", while your kids are constantly looking through the pantry and refrigerator!? How about, "there's nothing to eat"! Here are my tips for healthy snacks and ideas of how you can get kids involved and have plenty of snacks on hand! 1. Create a sandwich bar My son loves going to Subway. We usually always eat at a Subway when traveling, but I love creating our own "Subway" sandwiches at home. Have all the toppings ready to go in the refrigerator such as, chopped lettuce, tomatoes, olives, pickles, jars of peppers and jalapenos, cucumber slices, mustard and other sandwich spreads. Buy some freshly baked baguettes at your local farmers market or bakery. Let your kids make their own sandwich creations. 2. Stock up on smoothie ingredients Smoothies are a great way to get extra nutrients in while enjoying a flavorful, cold treat! Stock up on frozen fruit, coconut water, nut milk, bananas and smoothie boosters like chia seeds and flax seeds. Freeze extra blended smoothies into popsicle molds. I buy extra seasonal fruit at local farms and freeze it to use throughout the summer. 3. Have a salsa party Salsa is the best way to enjoy the fresh flavors of the season! Get creative with different salsa creations like pineapple/mango, tomato, black bean and corn and our favorite watermelon salsa! 4. Stick it Kids love to eat anything on a stick! Set up fruits and vegetables for kids to make their own kabobs such as, salad on a stick, fruit sticks, or grilled kabobs. 5. Veggies & Dip Keep fresh cut vegetable sticks in the refrigerator and have dip on hand such as hummus (try our red pepper, carrot or red beet hummus). Other great dip options are guacamole, bean dip, cashew ranch dip. Veggies and dip make a perfect poolside snack. 6. Wrap it Up Make wraps using tortillas, lettuce, chard or rice paper wraps. Add any favorite toppings, such as hummus salsa, veggies. Check out our veggie pinwheels. Here is list of some other great snack ideas to stock up on:
I hope when you hear the words, "I am hungry, mom", your kids will open the refrigerator to find countless healthy options! Happy summer and happy smart snacking!
3/27/2019
Healthy TravelingSummer is here and I am ready for some road trips! It's not always easy to find the healthiest options when traveling, and it's hard to stick to your regular eating and exercise routine. Read on for some of my tips on how you can stay healthy while traveling. Tip #1: Be Prepared We were on a road trip last summer in the Pacific NW. As we were traveling along the coast, in the middle of nowhere, with no restaurants around, I was happy that I took the time to stop at Trader Joes beforehand to load up on the food I needed for the week. I made this delicious salad that we stopped to eat overlooking this amazing view of the ocean. Being healthy on the road does require a little bit of preparation, but it is so worth it! Find the closest Trader Joes or Whole Foods which usually offer pre-cut veggie and salad packs, hummus and other great snack items. Tip #2: Eat Fresh and In Season
Enjoy all the delicious flavors of the season with corn on the cob, fresh berries, zucchini, cucumbers, tomatoes, fresh green beans, peaches and so much more! Check out local Farmer's Markets or fresh fruit stands, and local orchards to find the freshest options! I can't wait to buy fresh cherries on the way to Mt. Rainier this summer, as well as visit the amazing Farmer’s Markets in that area! Tip #3: Stay active with outdoor activities There are many fun outdoor activities that you can do with your family. Going on a hike and getting out in nature is one of our family favorite activities. Other great options are bike rides, roller blading and swimming. You can also check for local community outdoor yoga and fitness classes. Not only is it great exercise, but it will also create bonding time. Tip #4: Stay Hydrated Heat and sweat can leave your body dehydrated in the hot months ahead! It is important to keep yourself hydrated by drinking at least eight to ten glasses of water a day. Try adding lemon or fruit to your water or making herbal iced sun tea with fresh mint (one of our favorites!) Coconut water is another good option to help stay hydrated. Tip #5: Relax, unwind and disconnect Enjoy all the fun that traveling brings and make sure take time to relax and unwind! Try turning off your phone and other electronics for a couple days. Cherish each moment and enjoy a slower pace. Take some time, for YOU, away from work and other obligations! Have fun and re-energize!
2/23/2019
Meal Planning TipsIt's something we need to think about every single day. What's for breakfast, lunch and dinner? What and when are we going to eat? Staying with a healthy diet could not be possible without planning ahead. With busy schedules and lifestyles, meal planning is definitely a must! Here are some of my tips for meal planning. My weeks are definitely easier when I plan ahead and have quick and easy meals ready to go! 1. Tired of the same old meals? Look through recipes for new ideas. Check out a new cookbook. Browse websites and Pinterest. Make your grocery list off of the new recipes that you want to try. 2. Create a place to save recipes and keep them organized. Make a list of regular items that you make and family favorites and rotate them throughout the month. 3. Ask for input from kids and other family members. If my son complains about having the same thing all of the time, I make sure to ask him what he would like for meals before I go to the grocery store. 4. Have fun cooking seasonally. Visit farmer’s markets, participate in a Community co-op produce basket program. 5. Start a weekly meal planner calendar, wipe board, computer/iPad or on a note pad. Your family will always know "What's for dinner?". 6. Plan themed cuisine nights, such as, Italian Night, Pizza Night, Taco Night. 7. Make a grocery list and choose a convenient shopping day that works best for your schedule. 8. Check what's on sale and plan your meals around those ingredients. 9. Don’t overstuff the refrigerator. Buy what you think you will consume each week so you don't have to throw anything away! 10. Be strategic about freezing leftovers. 11. Keep a well-stocked pantry: beans, grains, canned tomatoes, soup stock. 12. After grocery shopping, spend time prepping meals for the week. Cook once, eat twice. Make double batches for the next day. Pack lunch while making dinner.
2/23/2019
Eat Your GreensYou probably have heard the phrase, “Eat Your Greens”. Greens are a highly nutritious addition to our diet and are they essential for a healthy body and strong immune system. Read on to find out all the benefits of eating greens, types of greens and different ways to "Eat Your Greens".
1. Nutrients in greens include: calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, phosphorous, zinc and vitamins A, C, E and K. Greens are loaded with fiber, folic acid, chlorophyll and many other micronutrients and phytochemicals. In addition, leafy greens are high-alkaline foods which help neutralize the acids in your body. 2. Some of the many health benefits of greens include:
3. Examples of “greens”: Bok choy, cabbage, kale, collards, chard, mustard greens, watercress, arugula, endive, lettuce, wild greens, spinach, beet greens. How do you like to eat your greens? I like to think about getting my greens at each meal. To do this, I would start the morning with some spinach in my smoothie, have a fresh green romaine lettuce salad for lunch and some steamed kale for dinner! It’s as easy as that! Here are some other ways to enjoy them:
Start today by incorporating more GREENS into your diet? What are your favorite ways to eat them?
1/29/2019
10 Ways to Practice Self-LoveSelf-love may be thought of as selfish or narcissistic, but how can we take care of and love others if we can’t love ourselves first? When we love ourselves, we nourish our body, mind and spirit to be the best version of ourselves, and in turn can love and nourish others. Self-love is a defined as having appreciation and regard for one’s own well-being and happiness. Self-love grows from actions that support physical, emotional and spiritual growth. Self-Care and Self-Love go hand in hand. When you take care of yourself, you are loving yourself. There are countless ways to practice self-love, here are 10 ideas on how you can practice loving your amazing Self! 1. Eating healthy is definitely a way of loving yourself and loving your body! By eating nourishing foods, you are providing your body with optimal nutrition!
2. Take time out for yourself for yoga, meditation and relaxation. Calm your mind and stay in tune with yourself and your intentions. 3. Exercise to fuel your body and give you energy. Whether you need a vigorous workout or a walk in the park, move your body! 4. Follow your passions and do what you love. Give your energy to people and things that make you happy. 5. Practice daily gratitude. Create daily rituals to remember all that you are grateful for. 6. Set boundaries, and learn to say no to activities and situations that cause extra stress on you. 7. Forgive yourself. Live in the present and move on from any past mistakes and regrets. 8. Don’t compare yourself to others. Enjoy who you are and your own special gifts. 9. In a negative rut? Make a list of all of your strengths and accomplishments to lift you up! 10. As I learned from Louise Hay’s mirror work for creating self-love, look in the mirror and repeat affirmations, telling yourself how much you love yourself! Why not give it a try! |
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PLEASE NOTE: The information provided throughout my website pertaining to your health or wellness, is not intended to be a substitute for the professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment provided by your own physician or health care provider. It is intended to be provided for informational, educational, and self-empowerment purposes only. This information should not be used to diagnose, treat or cure any illness or health condition. If you have, or suspect that you have a medical problem, contact your physician or health care provider. A Health Coach is defined as a guide and mentor who empowers clients to take responsibility for their own health and supports them to implement and sustain lifestyle and behavior changes that will contribute to the achievement of their personal wellness goals. I became certified as a Health Coach because of my passion for health and wellness, and to work with others on incorporating positive and healthy changes in their lives.
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