Staying Positive!

Today can be a day to cozy up inside and I am doing just that! Even though I am in need of some warm sunny weather, I have plenty of things to do on my list! As some of you may have noticed I was following a cleanse (The Elimination Diet) and decided to move it along at a quicker pace. The diet is 28 days long and involves eliminating everything that could irritate ones system and then slowly adding it back in to see if one has any allergies or intolerance. To say the least, my body didn't like it. Having a clean organic diet free of milk, meat and eggs I found I was taking away all of the vital nutrients it needed. I can see and recommend this cleanse to someone who is heavily dependent on processed sugary foods, meat and dairy! I did come up with some tasty recipes which I will share with you over the next few weeks!

I must admit it cut down on my love for trying new recipes so I apologise for my absence! I spent more of my time working on my first ever garden! (check out the organic gardening tab to see more) I am so excited to share this recipe because I picked the fresh basil from my new plants!

Before I give you the amazing recipe I want to share some of my learning's from school! (Institute for Integrative Nutrition)

Health is more than just eating well.
Below you will find lifestyle suggestions designed to help you live a healthy, happy life!
How many can you fill your life with this week?!

1.) Give generously of yourself to others

2.) View everything and everyone you meet with gratitude

3.) Live each day happily without FOCUSING on your problems

4.) Hum or sing a happy song everyday

5.) Foster a sense of humor

6.) Treat yourself to regular daily quiet time - study, pray, meditate - RECHARGE YOURSELF!

7.) Include exercise as part of your daily life. Try something new!

8.) Keep your home in good order. You are your home!

9.) Offer thanks before/after meals

10.) Do your best to be on good terms with people, especially those closest to you.

Most of all, create a positive attitude and wonderful environment around you, and enjoy the process of becoming healthier and happier every step of the way!

Okay...so here it is! The recipe I have been searching for!!! As a vegetarian I have had to give up some things I adore, or my pallette adores. Yogurt, ice cream (that contains milk) cheese...and my favorite, Alfredo pasta!!! I have eaten these, don't get me wrong, but I do my best to avoid them. Not only for environmental/inhumane reasons, but because my body does not do well with them. I feel heavy, bloated, sluggish, BAD.

So when I came across this recipe on my FAV blog I new I had to make it! Even better I had fresh basil outside in my garden calling my name.

Creamy Avocado Alfredo Pasta

Ingredients

1 box of spaghetti pasta (choose your serving)

1 ripe avocado

2 tbsp olive oil

1/2 lemon juice (fresh lemon)

3 cloves of garlic

Fresh Basil (at least 1/4 cup)

*1 cup of mushrooms (Optional. The recipe didn't call for this but I added it in there!)

This recipe is SOO easy and burst with flavor! It is very garlicky so if you desire it not to be add less, maybe one clove.

1.) Cook pasta according to directions (About 10 minutes) Drain and set aside. If adding mushrooms, saute in olive oil 3-6 minutes. Set aside.

2.) In the meantime, add in garlic and oil to a food processor and blend until garlic is chopped. (Mine didn't mix too well)

3.) Add in avocado, juice of 1/2 a lemon and fresh basil. Process until creamy!

4.) Pour the sauce over the pasta and mix well. This sauce is very think so you have to work it into the pasta!

5.) Serve immediately and enjoy!

My fresh basil plant, organic!

Fresh picked basil, lavender and parsley. Time to cook!

Olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, avocado and basil. How much more flavor can you get?!

I added some cashews for an added crunch!

This dish was hands down incredible! I do not eat pasta very much because it makes me feel heavy and it definitely did the trick, but it was evening and the perfect time to eat a meal that is heavy and filling. The avocado was so creamy and delicious I will be making this again very soon! Enjoy!