NYE Healthy Apps

It's that time of the year again! The time of the year where many begin prioritizing their resolutions and tons swear the new year will bring nothing but a healthier lifestyle.

Why not kickoff the healthy options early?

Being healthy doesn't have to be bland + boring! Try out some of the options below to start off on the right track! Here's to 2014, you were great! Excited to see what 2015 will bring!

Happy New Year!
XO Cara

Roasted Red Pepper Ricotta Crostini

Avocado Salsa

Zucchini Pizza Bites

Stuffed Mini Peppers

Cucumber Bites with Herb Cream Cheese + Cherry Tomatoes

Caprese bites

Guilt Free Holiday Treats

This time of the year, food and delectable treats are EVERYWHERE! It's almost impossible to stay on track with dieting with these temptations. If you're proactive and want to prepare yourself to end the season holiday on a healthy note, be sure to check out the following recipes! Who says you can't have delicious and healthy alternatives?!

Enjoy + I wish everyone a very happy holiday season!
XO Cara

Cannoli Dip

Frozen Sugar Free Eggnog

Gingerbread Cookie Protein Shake

Healthy Peppermint Bark

Sugar Free Hot Chocolate

Crockpot Pumpkin Spice Latte

Eggcellent Recipes

Photos and ideas courtesy of Buzzfeed.

That's A Wrap!

This week, I decided to switch up my usual lunches with a DIY #powerwrap. This wrap is packed with protein and fills me up until dinner. I try to avoid midday snacking at the office [[since I'm sitting for the majority of the day,]] so this is a good choice that keeps me full and attentive.

I'm also not too big on eating protein so making this wrap with hard boiled eggs and chicken really helps me get the protein I need rather than filling up on unhealthy carbs.

If you'd like to give this meal a try all you'll need to get from the grocery store is: FiberOne Garden Vegetable Wraps, Sabra hummus, avocado, Boars Head Buffalo Chicken, green peppers, cucumbers and hard boiled eggs. If you want to add in sprouts, that's always a good addition as well!

Enjoy!

XO Cara

All About the Brussels Sprout

I had never been interested in trying out a brussels sprout before last spring. However, once I had my first side dish of crispy, lemon garnished brussels sprouts I was hooked. Learning how to make them was also an easy and inexpensive feat! I make these bad boys about once a week since they are so easy and filling, as well as good for you. 

It's truly a win-win-win situation. 

When making a quick and easy version of these crispy sprouts you will need salt, pepper, olive oil, brussels sprouts and balsamic vinaigrette. 

• Preheat your oven to 400 degs
• Cut off the brown ends of the sprouts and pull off any yellow outer leaves. If you do the microwavable bags then just be sure to cut them in half after they've been heated up.
• Put them either in a large Ziploc baggie or bowl and add in the olive oil, salt and pepper. Add in a bit of balsamic as well. Avoid using too much or else they will stick to the tinfoil when baking.
• Put the sprouts on a (tinfoil-ed) sheet pan.
• Let them bake for 35-40 minutes or until they appear crisp on the outside.
• Check on them periodically incase you have to turn them over to the other side to get more crisp. (Just think of this like tanning! You're not only going to tan one side of yourself!)

My mom surprised me with a Brussels Sprouts Gratin recipe ready to go for our Thanksgiving feast. Please visit here for the full list of ingredients and directions. [[They were tasty!]]

Preparing the table for our feast. 

Thanksgiving in New Canaan.

Hope you all had an amazing time of family, friends, good food + fine wine!

XO Cara