Happy #MindRightMonday, beautiful friends!
It’s Valentine’s Week which means we have the perfect excuse to show extra love to others and be an example of Jesus’ love; be intentional about spreading love, encouragement, and blessings as much as you can. Let's also take time to love our bodies, a beautiful gift, in honor of Valentine's Day!
The verse below is what the Lord thinks about YOU. He has created you exactly as you are, for a purpose. You are so beautiful and perfectly made in His sight!
Take just a moment to reflect and dwell on this truth:
Recipes
Now we know many of you will be spending Valentine's Day with your families so we wanted to share a few of our favorite, healthy Valentine's Day recipes! We guarantee these will satisfy your sweet tooth, without compromising your nutrition goals! Remember, everything in moderation!
Walnut-Crusted Pork Tenderloin
Ingredients:
1 whole pork tenderloin
1 tbsp smoked paprika
1 tbsp garlic powder
1 tbsp onion powder
1 1/2 mustard powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 cup of chopped walnuts
Directions:
30 minutes before cooking, remove the (defrosted) pork tenderloin from the fridge and pat it dry with a paper towel. Preheat the over to 375F. Mix all dry ingredients together in a bowl. Evenly rub the dry spices/flavoring onto the meat, making sure it is fully covered. Place pork tenderloin on a lined baking sheet and roast for 25 minutes. Once the internal temperature reaches 145F, take it out and let it rest for 10 minutes.
Berry Lovely Salad
Ingredients:
1 (454g) container of mixed greens
1/3 cup of slivered almonds
1 cup of halved strawberries
1 cups of raspberries
1/3 cup of goat cheese
Dressing Ingredients:
4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1/2 cup of mashed/pureed raspberries
1/2 tbsp of honey
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
Throw greens into a large bowl. Evenly spread each ingredient over salad.
Combine dressing ingredients into a mason jar and shake for 15 seconds. Pour desired amount over salad. Toss.
Strawberries Dipped in Chocolate Love
Ingredients:
8oz of washed strawberries
3oz of 70%+ dark chocolate — look for HU Kitchen, Taza, Pure 7, or Pascha Organic bars!
1 tsp avocado oil
Directions:
Wash the chilled strawberries and pat dry with a paper towel. Break the chocolate bar into small chunks, place in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave in 30-second increments, stirring after each microwave session. Add the avocado oil into the chocolate. Dip each strawberry into the melted chocolate. Lift and twist around to get rid of any excess chocolate. Place chocolate-covered strawberries on a lined tray or plate. Chill the strawberries in the fridge for 4 minutes before serving.
Heart-Healthy Foods
Hemp Hearts are the "heart" of a shelled hemp seed. They are rich in protein and have the almost highest balance of proteins, fats, vitamins, and enzymes. They have been shown to decrease blood pressure, as well as lower the risks of colon and prostate cancer. Sprinkle hemp hearts on your salad, yogurt, or smoothie.
Berries are a source of micronutrients and fiber. They support your heart through decreased activity of carbohydrate digestive enzymes and inhibit inflammatory gene expression and foam cell formation. Raspberries are the highest in fiber, lowest in sugar fruit! Enjoy!
Leafy Greens contain nitrate content. This nitrate content allows the heart to pump blood more efficiently and allows for overall better blood flow.
Avocado is full of healthy fats and contains many vital nutrients and fibers that your body and heart need. Avocado offers nutrients so that you can have a healthy heart!
Beets are full of healthy nutrients, like calcium, iron, potassium, and protein. Beets contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents which have shown to reduce the risk of some cancers. Drinking beet juice has also shown to improve cardiorespiratory endurance and increases overall efficiency so this will help you get through your workouts!
Tomatoes have nutrients that are found to help prevent cardiovascular disease. Additionally, tomatoes have nutrients that can protect and reduce cholesterol and blood pressure.
