HEAVENLY HOLIDAY SERIES: THE SEXY SPILL OF CHOCOLATE SOUP !

There is something to be said about spilling the beans on a healthy chocolate connoisseur!  The craziness of chocolate has gotten the food industry leaders bent over backwards regarding the phenomena of this ever so euphoria filling food! From Godiva Chocolatiers , to Hershey filled food products filling our grocery shelves, to the ever growing numbers of chocolate addicts ,which may be reflection that biting into chocolate really does activate the part of our brain that produces the chemical hormone called oxytocin, which is also produced when you orgasm during sex!  No wonder , foodies can’t keep their hands off any chocolate product, recipe, or can’t get enough of chocolate inspired events! Although the media portrays chocolate commercially as really sexy,  it’s quite the oxymoron because eating too much chocolate with the wrong mix of recipes, food products, and recipes can lead to an unsexy waistline. I’m the first to admit I have a huge weakness for chocolate, and cave in every so often to what I call the sexy spill of chocolate soup!  At #zenonaplate , the sexy spill of chocolate soup is where Sexy and Healthy meet Comfort!  Read on how to make this holiday a sexy spill of chocolate soup…

1)Go for Gluten Free Chocolate desserts which cut out refined flours

2)Create your own chocolate desserts with natural sugars (See nutty brownie recipe, and baked donut recipe)

3)Eat 100% pure dark chocolate in small portions after meals to satisfy sweet cravings

4)Use Unsweetened Organic Cocoa to whole food recipes (See Baked Donut Recipe)

5)Make Whole Food Chocolate Desserts (Avocado Chocolate Pudding see below)

6)Minaturize those unhealthy  Chocolate Desserts

7)Go for protein rich foods with Chocolate  (Chocolate Almonds,-ex)

8)Avoid processed and commercial chocolate junk food (candy bars like Snickers , donuts from Dunkin Donuts, or packaged foods like Hostess- Hos-Hos

9)Define and Balance Chocolate in your life as a Reward and for special occasions: This way you create balance when and how often you have it

10) Go Raw! Always best to have Chocolate or the cocoa bean in it’s purest form. Whether you make chocolate fondue or  dip fruit as a healthy treat, or make  raw chocolate desserts with 100 percent natural and whole ingredients

11) When indulging  in a heavier chocolate dessert focus on balance and be mindfully present.. Add a workout in, eat a healthy portion, and eat clean the rest of the day

#ZENONAPLATE SEXY HOLIDAY CHOCOLATE SPILL OF RECIPES

#SWEET POTATO PUREE CHOCOLATE BAKED GLAZED DONUTS (Gluten Free, and can be made Vegan see the notes)

Prep Time: 10 minutes  Cook Time: 20 Minutes

Nutrition Information :

SERVES 26 MINI DONUTS PER SERVING WITH GLAZE

Calories: 78 , Carbs: 16 ,Fiber: 2 ,Sugar: 6 ,Protein : 3 Fat, : 1 gram

No saturated fat, dairy, flour, or refined sugars

Ingredients

2/3 cup of Sweet Potato Puree

¼ cup of Brown Rice Flour

1 Cup of Oat Flour

3 Egg whites

2 Tablespoons of Flax

1/3 cup of Coconut Milk

½ Cup of Honey

¼ cup of Stevia ( Can use Xylitol, or Coconut Sugar)

½ tsp of Vanilla

1 tsp of baking soda

½ tsp of salt

4 Tablespoons of PB2 (powdered peanut butter)

Glaze

1 cup of dark chocolate chips (Vegan ) Lilly’s Chips or Enjoy

½ cup of unsweetened vanilla almond milk

1 Tablespoon of  Honey

1 Tablespoon of Coconut oil

1 Tablespoon of Coconut Flour to thicken the chocolate

Olive oil or coconut oil for baking tray

Toppings: Dried Fruit of your choice , chips

NOTES: TO MAKE IT VEGAN REPLACE THE EGG WHITS WITH EITHER 3 TALBESPOONS OF CHIA OR FLAX SEED, AND REPLACE THE 1/3 CUP OF COCONUT MILK TO 1/2 CUP OF COCONUT MILK. 

Directions: Preheat Oven to 350 Degrees Fahrenheit.  Mix together the dry ingredients first , and then add the liquid ingredients.  Next, mix together the batter until uniform. Then grease mini donut tray with olive oil or coconut oil. Then use a spoon to scoop out batter and pour in donut cavities. Make sure it’s about ¾ full and evenly spread around.  Then pop in the oven for 12-14 minutes until donuts are set.

Turn burner on to medium, and in pan pour one Tablespoon of Coconut oil, and let it spread. Next pour one cup of chips and let them melt slightly before adding the milk. Add one Tablespoon of Coconut Flour to thicken the chocolate once it’s melted. This will add more thickness to the chocolate glaze.  Then lower the heat slightly and stir the chocolate until it’s melted and uniform. Next, take donuts out and cool for ten -15 minutes. Dip donuts in the glaze and then put your choice of dried fruits or chips.

                                 #ZENONAPLATE  HOLIDAY “NUTTY BROWNIE”

(GLUTEN FREE, DAIRY FREE, AND CAN BE MADE VEGAN IF YOU SEE THE NOTES)

PREP TIME: 15 MINUTES COOK TIME: 45 

Serves 16 :Nutrition Information per Serving

Calories: 152 Carbs: 19 Fiber: 4 Sugar: 8 Grams Protein: 5 Fat: 8.5

This nutrient dense nutty brownie is full of iron, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, Vitamin A, Folate, and Choline

INGREDIENTS

1 Cup of Black Beans (Rinsed and drain the juice)

1 Banana

1 Cup of Sweetened Applesauce

1 Cup of Almond Flour

½ Cup of Unsweetened Cocoa

¼ cup of Pb2

½ cup of unsweetened vanilla almond milk

2 Tablespoons of Flax

½ Tablespoon of Baking Soda

1 Tablespoon of Coconut oil

½ Tablespoon of Vanilla Extract

1 Teaspoon of Salt

¼ cup of xylitol, or stevia

¼ cup  plus one tablespoon of Peanut butter chips (if you are vegan do not use these unless you can find a vegan brand)

2 Tablespoons of Honey

¼ Cup of Dark Chocolate chips (vegan brand type) plus ½ Tablespoon

10- chopped almonds

Toppings

Chocolate Chips, and Peanut Butter Chips, and Chopped Almonds

Directions:

Preheat Oven to 350 Degrees Fahrenheit. In a blender pour the beans, the banana, and the applesauce and blend together until it’s in puree from. Then pour to a medium size-mixing bowl, and add the remaining liquid ingredients, and then add the dry ingredients  except for the chips and honey. Once the dough is consistent add chips and honey. Mix dough until it’s even. Next oil a small square baking pan around the size of 8 by 8 or slightly larger. Then once the tray has been oiled  with coconut or olive spray , then pour the batter into the baking tray. Then place the chopped almonds on top by scattering them in an even pattern on top of the mixture. Place in the oven for 40-45 minutes. I recommend going for 45 minutes for a bit chewier. If you like it a bit more moist then  go for 40 minutes.

NOTES: TO MAKE IT VEGAN DON’T USE THE PEANUT BUTTER CHIPS

                                    #ZENONAPLATE CHOCOLATE AVOCADO PUDDING (GF)

Prep Time: 5 MINUTES

One serving

Nutrition Information

Calories: 320 Calories, Carbs: 34 grams ,Protein: 14 grams Fiber: 11 grams , Sugar: 20 Calories Total Fat: 17 grams

No refined sugars, gluten, and made of whole ingredients and is full of calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, vitamin A, Vitamin K, Folate, and Choline

Ingredients

One Avocado

½ cup of Greek Yogurt

2 Tablespoons of Unsweetened Cocoa

One Tablespoon of Agave

½ tsp of Vanilla

1/8 tsp of Cinnamon

2 Tablespoons of Coconut Milk

1 Tablespoon of Stevia, Monk fruit

Toppings: Dried or raw Bananas, and Dark Chocolate Chips

Directions:

Peel the avocado, and remove pit and skin. Then put the avocado in the blender  and the rest of the ingredients, and blend. Decorate with your choice of dried or raw fruits, and add some dark chocolate chips!

NOTES: TO MAKE VEGAN REPLACE YOGURT WITH COCONUT GREEK STYLE YOGURT 

To find out more go to www.zenonaplate.com

MIND AND BODY CITY SPOTLIGHT: HEALTHY HOLIDAY PROPERTY RETREAT

Besides decadent food, festive celebrations, and of course good company, the one thing the holidays bring is the much-needed retreat!  Whether you are looking for an escape for a little rest and relaxation, or to just get away from the daily stresses of everyday life, the one city that’s a perfect playground for the mind, body, and spirit to escape is Miami!  With an incredible paradise climate including sunshine everyday in amidst of  beautiful lush landscape and the serenity of the ocean make Miami the perfect place to cleanse the mind and body… The great news is that Miami is no longer a place to just party and over indulge, but it’s becoming one of the healthiest and affordable places to live in, retire, or buy a vacation property.

It’s often true, that, “If one treats their body as a temple, then most often they will treat their surrounding like their city as a temple too.” This is the case with Miami Residents, since it’s growing to be one of the healthiest cities to live in America.  Research shows that, “Miami-Dade County ranks No. 1 among Florida counties when it comes to healthy lifestyle choices," the site reports. "The majority of residents get in some kind of daily exercise at least three times a week, which has helped keep the city’s obesity rate under 23 percent. While Miami’s spicy nightlife scene is celebrated and draws thousands of tourists, the majority of residents resist the urge to drink excessively or smoke." 

The “ section is taken  from  (http://www.miaminewtimes.com/news/miami-ranked-fourth-healthiest-city-in-america-7563672 taken from this )

Why Is Miami so Healthy?

The city itself has tons of access to great programs, sports, and food. There is a huge community of health  foodies that are turning the city around from the former nightlife of Miami to a place to rejuvenate the mind and body. From local smoothie shops, to farmers markets, to the growing demand of organic and healthy restaurants, there is something for everyone. When it comes to being physically fit, there is no better place to start then Miami. Forget the excuses, because fitness starts outside. From long walks and jogs on the ocean, endless classes of  beachfront yoga, and to the ever growing tennis and swim leagues, there is a sport for everyone, no matter the age or level.  Even if you are are not a beach goer, there are more than a dozen outdoor parks to take a walk or hike in.

Whether you are in Florida and are looking to make the move to Miami, or are just seeking another property to call a home away from home,

Sunset Harbour, Miami is the quintessential place.  It’s direct waterfront location, make it appealing for boaters  as well as homeowners who want to escape into the breathtaking views of the  Atlantic Ocean. Living in luxury is what Sunset Harbor is all about. Sunset Harbour Drive right on Biscayne Bay in the South Beach area of Miami Beach, just a few steps from the Atlantic Ocean and a few minutes walk to world famous Ocean Drive. The Sunset Harbour condos offer bay and city views and year-round bay and ocean breezes.

The neighborhood adjacent to Sunset Harbour is home to many restaurants, nightclubs and easy access to all the shopping and amenities that South Beach has to offer including a state-of-the-art Publix Supermarket. Around the corner is the world famous Joe Allens restaurant and the Purdy Lounge!

#ZENONAPLATE PROPERTY SPOTLIGHT

HEALTHY HOLIDAY PROPERTY RETREAT

LOCATION: 1701 Sunset Harbour Drive Unit L - 502 - 503

Miami Beach, Fl 33139

SQUARE FOOTAGE: 2900

# Beds: 3

# Baths: 2.5

Double Balcony with ocean views

Price: 2.1 million

FEATURES

 This  property has been recently renovated and is a rare find for the exclusive area of Sunset Harbour. This estate features 20 foot ceilings in a two story loft with 3 king size bedrooms, and 2.5 bathrooms.  There is a double balcony view to Bay and Lincoln Rd. with concrete floors, roof, and Stainless Steel Appliances.  There is a huge laundry Room with separate maids entrance. A huge eat in kitchen with formal dining room and 3 living rooms. 

LOCATION

Walking Distance to Lincoln Road, Publix, and Fresh Market. Best restaurants downstairs, (Sardinia, Joe Allen, La Follie, Burgers and Beer, Pubbelly , Barceloneta, gym, etc)walk across the street to Mega Yacht Marina. 

EXTRA BUYER INFORMATION

This property is really a hidden gem because south of Fifth Street that loft would cost 3 million. It’s practically a deal for the area and size of the unit at 2.1 million.

To see the video

Video Link :http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nj-Yhtl3Gdg&feature=youtu.be

CONTACT INFORMATION FOR MORE DETAILS

Licensed NY Real Estate Agent  at JSF Equities : Michelle Taubman for more details

Broker Firm: JSF Equities

Contact: michelleltaubman@gmail.com or please call 216-410-6164

For more information go to www.zenonaplate.com

HEALTH DRAMA:CRANBERRY AND THE CITY

Say it isn’t so… Can the famous  sitcom Sex and the City be replaced with the new juicy Drama , Cranberry and the City! In the health foodie community, the buzz is all about the Cranberry and the City! Besides the fact that Sex and the City, made the red juice of cranberries popular in the 90’s with the fab four’s favorite cranberry cocktail, the Cosmopolitan, and with the exponentially increasing value of cranberries in the USA being valued at market for hundred millions dollars is enough to move this health drama to the number one slot of your  prime time! Cranberry in the City is fueling so much drama in the world of health, that health connoisseurs such as myself can’t get enough of this fruit and for good reason.  To see why Cranberry in the City is highlighted as the best drama, and one that can significantly improve the drama of your health life read on…

The following information was taken directly from the link below

http://www.care2.com/greenliving/cranberries-little-powerfood-with-a-big-punch.html

Benefits of the Cranberry:

• Cranberries are a rich source of the flavonoid quercetin which can inhibit the development of both breast and colon cancers.
• Preliminary studies show that drinking cranberry juice is good for the health of the heart.
• Research indicates that cranberries are an excellent source of antioxidants which may protect against cancer, heart disease and other diseases.
• Found to decrease production of cavity and plaque producing bacteria in your mouth.
• Also found to reduce the bacteria associated with peptic stomach ulcers.
• In clinical studies, cranberries have been shown to help maintain a healthy urinary tract.
• Cranberries are especially beneficial to the eyes (they significantly improve symptoms of cataracts, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy).
• Evidence on how cranberry juice fights bacteria that cause urinary tract infections.

But…the health benefits of cranberries are almost totally depleted when generous amounts of sugar is added. Thus the cranberry cannot provide you with its full phytonutrient benefits when there has been lots of sugar added.

nextpage Further health explanation of what cranberries do:

Cranberries contains natural chemicals that act as antibacterial agents and preventing E. Coli which is the bacteria largely responsible for urinary tract infections, from sticking to the walls of the urinary tract.

The chemicals in cranberry juice flush the E. Coli from the body during urination thus it is not able to cause an infection.

Cranberries contain quinic acid which prevents calcium and specific phosphate chemicals from binding together. These two binding together is what forms kidney stones thus preventing kidney stones.

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ZENONAPLATE CRANBERRY POMEGRANITE BAKED CHICKEN (GLUTEN FREE, DAIRY FREE)

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 NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION PER SERVING: SERVES FOUR

Prep time: 5 minutes Cook Time: 25 minutes

CALORIES PER SERVING

 Calories: 261 Carbs: 33 Fiber: 4 Protein: 28 grams Fat: 2 grams Sugar: 19 grams

No gluten, no transfat, or refined sugars

INGREDIENTS

4 Pieces of lean natural or organic skinless chicken breasts

salt

Pepper

Coconut Four

Olive oil

Glaze

¾ -1 Can of natural Cranberry Sauce

¼ cup of pomegranate

¼ cup of coconut flour

¼ tsp of Salt

¼ tsp of garlic powder

¼ tsp of pepper

1 lime squeezed of juice

1 Tablespoon of Honey or agave light

2 ½ Tablespoons of fresh basil

Sides :Your choice go for a green and a starchy vegetable if you’re not serving a grain

DIRECTIONS

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Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.  In a separate bowl combine the ingredients for the cranberry glaze and save the coconut flour for the last ingredient to be mixed in. Once you mixed all the ingredients put the coconut flour in to thicken the sauce up.  Start cleaning the chicken and then sprinkle with salt and pepper and coat with coconut flour with a dish as the prep for the chicken. The coconut flour is used to prep the chicken for the sauce.  Then take a baking pan that has been coated with oil and put the chicken on pan and then pour the mixture on top of the chicken pieces and spread evenly. Can add an extra pomegranate seeds. Pop in the oven for around 25 minutes, and then take out and serve with veggies, and garnish with dried cranberries

FIT FOODIE CORNER: POWERHOUSE PLATES OF PASTA

The cold weather and the winter season often bring on cravings of carb filled pasta plates.  If you’re a foodie that often struggles daily with cravings for pasta over yummy protein filled plates then read further. Get ready to finally get your pasta fix solved! Luckily,  at #zenonaplate I’m all about making your favorite meals leaner and meaner, packed with a powerhouse of vitamins and minerals, and of course yummy! That’s why pasta no longer has to be strictly carb-riffic  minus the nutritional value. If you are a bit creative in the kitchen like myself and know about nutrition it can be quite simple.   This easy exclusive #zenonaplate formula can be applied to any pasta in your home or out at a restaurant.  Here it goes.. , and best of all I’m leaving you with an exclusive #zenonaplate blackbean pasta with roasted broccoli and tomatoes with apple blueberry crisp just for you!

#ZENONAPLATE PASTA FORMULA (REFERS TO THE EXAMPLE RECIPE BELOW)

1. GO FOR A GLUTEN FREE NOOLE PACKED WITH FIBER AND PROTEIN: EX: (I USED BLACK BEAN PASTA) RED BEAN PASTA, GREEN LENTIL, BROWN RICE PASTA, QUINOA PASTA, MULTI GRAIN, EDAMAME PASTA, SOY PASTA

2. ADD AT LEAST ONE GREEN VEGGIE THAT HAS ESSENTIAL VITAMINS AND MINERALS (BROCOLLI WAS MY EXAMPLE)

3. ADD EXTRA FIBER THROUGH THE VEGGIE (BROCOLLI)

4.ADD EXTRA PROTEIN (WALNUTS)

5. REPLACE CANNED SAUCES WITH NATURAL MADE SAUCES OR VEGGIE MIXES (ROASTED TOMATO AND BROCOLLI MIX SEE RECIPE BELOW) IF OUT AT DINNER GO FOR OLIVE OIL BASE SAUCES OR VEGGIE BASED LIKE TOMATO OVER CREAM

6. COOK WITH MORE NATURAL ALTERNATIVES: OLIVE OIL, HERBS

7. AVOID CHEESE AND CREAM FILLED PASTA, AND REPLACE WITH NON DAIRY ALTERNATIVES LIKE COCONUT MILK, ALMOND MILK, OR NUTS TO GIVE IT A CHEWY OR CREAMY FEEL FOR THOSE CHEESEY DISHES

8. CHOOSE YOUR FOCUS SWEET OR SAVORY. I DID A SWEET PASTA ( I DID SWEET WITH THE BLUEBERRY GRANOLA AND APPLE SAUCE)

9. THINK WHOLE FOODS WHEN CREATING YOUR PASTA DISH AND AVOID PROCESSED INGREDIENTS, REFINED SUGARS, WHITE CARBS, AND STICK TO HEALTHY PORTIONS

10. CREATE YOUR PASTA DISH WITH FOODS THAT NOURISH THE MIND, BODY, AND SPIRIT

#ZENONAPLATE BLACK BEAN FETTUCCINE WITH ROASTED BROCOLLI AND TOMATOES IN A BLUBERRY APPLE CRISP (VEGAN, GLUTEN FREE)

PREP TIME: 10 MINUTES  COOK TIME: 20 MINUTES TOTAL: 30 MINUTES

SERVES FOUR 

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION PER SERVING

NUTRITION: 437 calories, 67 grams of carb, 18 grams of fiber, 22 grams of protein, 9 grams of fat , Natural Sugars 16 ,

POWERHOUSE PLATE OF NUTRITION

This dish is loaded with calcium 272 mg, Iron 8  mg, Magnesium-12 mg, Phosphorus- 23 mg, Potassium -89 mg, Vitamin A 95 mcg, Vitamin C 26 mg

Vitamin K -1.0 mcg , Folate- 7 mcg, Choline 5 mg

#ZENONAPLATE MACRO BREAKDOWN

CARB:BEAN PASTA, BLUEBERRY GRANOLA

PROTEIN: WALNUTS, BEAN PASTA

GREEN: BROCOLLI

FIBER: BEAN PASTA, BROCOLLI

FAT: OLIVE OIL, WALNUTS

INGREDIENTS

VEGGIE MIX

3 Cups of broccoli florets

1 Tablespoon of Olive oil

3 Tablespoons of balsamic vinegar

½ Tablespoon of date sugar

1/3 cup of gluten free kind vanilla blueberry granola ( can use another flavor to sub if you don’t have this)

1 cup of roasted Tomatoes from Muir Organic Fire Roasted Tomatoes

2 Tablespoons of sundried tomatoes

½ cup of cherry tomatoes

4 oz cup of unsweetened applesauce

¼ tsp of salt

¼ tsp of pepper

7-8 walnuts

1 Packet of Stevia

1 lemon sliced

10-15 sliced black olives

PASTA

Tolerant black bean Fettuccine – 3 ½ servings ( Boil Pasta for 6-8 minutes)

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.  Start cooking noodles according to directions on package. In a bowl mix the first 11 ingredients until evenly. Then on a baking tray spray with olive oil and then put veggie mix on the tray, and pop in the oven for 8-10 minutes. Then take out and cool off . Put the veggie mix back in a bowl and sprinkle date sugar and squeeze half a lemon.  Once your noodles are done pour them in a strainer and run cold water. Then take around a cup of noodles and a cup  or a bit more of veggie mix on a plate and add sliced black olives for garnish and use the rest of the lemon for more flavor and add nutritional yeast.

Notes: You can use any gluten free noodle if you don’t like beans, but go for high protein and fiber noodles.  You can also sub another flavor gluten free granola if you want to mix.

For more information go to www.zenonaplate.com