Chicken Sausage Veggie Bowl

chicken sausage veggie bowl {recipe via simplyhappenstance.com} #chickensausage #veggiebowl:: Chicken Sausage Veggie Bowl ::

If you happen to follow Simply Happenstance on Instagram… you may have already seen pictures of my favorite lunch! I’ve showed a couple variations, but haven’t actually shared the recipe on our blog. I thought it was about time to do so! 

A few months ago, I embarked on the Whole30. Basically, it’s an eating plan where you eat primarily lean meats, veggies, fruit, some nuts, and healthy fats. {Are you wondering why I would do such a thing? Ha! To torture myself, of course! No… I’m only kidding! If you have questions about it, just leave a comment below and I’ll gladly get back to you!} 

chicken sausage veggie bowl {simplyhappenstance.com}

While on that particular eating plan, I had to get rather creative for my meals {since typical lunches like sandwiches were out due to the bread, condiments, etc.}. I spent the first couple of weeks eating salads, but found that I needed to add more protein to stay satisfied without snacking. I then came up with this tasty meal! {Although, the Sweet Apple Trader Joe’s sausage I used for this particular recipe is not Whole30 approved… I actually ate the Aidells Chicken and Apple Sausage.} [Read more…]

Energizing Smoothie Bowl

energizing smoothie bowl:: Energizing Smoothie Bowl ::

Hey friends! Let’s talk breakfast… I get stuck in a rut, all too often. How about you? I typically start my day with a protein shake. {Don’t get me wrong… I actually LOVE my morning shake, but sometimes I want a little change!} Since I have a moderate allergy to eggs, that eliminates the morning scramble.

Yesterday morning, Mr. Amazing and I switched it up by making this simple, yet delicious, Smoothie Bowl! It’s honestly the easiest and most versatile breakfast {or mid-day snack}! Just whip up your favorite smoothie… making it extra thick and creamy, and add a variety of your favorite healthy toppings!  [Read more…]

Summer Pasta Salad

Summer Pasta Salad-4

:: Summer Pasta Salad ::

Do you find, in the summer, that you cook less or look for easier recipes? I certainly do! Our days have been filled with outings, lots of outside time playing, and for us… packing up our mountain home in preparation for our upcoming move {not so fun!}.

During the school year, I’m fairly good at sticking to a routine of eating dinner at a reasonable time so that I can get the kids in bed around 8 p.m. In the summertime, that’s not the case! Usually, I’m throwing dinner together on a whim… with little time to spare! This recipe for a chilled Summer Pasta Salad is perfect for nights like that! [Read more…]

Gluten-Free Banana Chocolate Chip Loaf

Gluten-Free Banana Chocolate Chip Loaf

 :: Banana Chocolate Chip Loaf ::

{gluten-free}

Let’s talk about this Banana Chocolate Chip Loaf… Nicole and I have already posted several of our favorite banana muffin and bread recipes; however, this one is PERFECT for those of you on a wheat- or gluten-free diet!

As some of you may already know, I have been experimenting with a wheat-free lifestyle since the beginning of January. I have really noticed a difference in my body and my overall headaches, which is a great breakthrough for me. I have spent the last three months eating primarily wheat-free and then… our trip to Maui happened. I purposely let my eating plan go out the window; embracing the warm sunshine, salty sea air, and banana macadamia nut pancakes topped with fresh whipped cream {Haha}! It was wonderful… but upon coming home, I knew my body needed a little detox from my vacation eating! I chose to start the Whole30 the day after we came home from our trip. Smart? Umm… perhaps not! My poor body was forced to deal with the time difference, high altitude {we live a mile above sea level}, and elimination of carbs AND my beloved morning coffee! Sugar, dairy, grains, lentils/beans, and anything processed was removed abruptly! {Yikes!}

Gluten-Free Banana Chocolate Chip Loaf

Well… as of today, I am 1/3 of the way through my 3o days. I had horrendous headaches day 2 and 3, but have been feeling fairly good and energetic since. I really haven’t had any cravings for sugar or coffee since then, but I will say… it has taken quite a bit of self-control when we are out. Yesterday we went to a minor league baseball game with the kids. I was surrounded by all of that deliciously junky baseball field food! I stuck with a Larabar and water! {Victory!} [Read more…]

Fancy BLT Salad

Fancy BLT Salad {recipe via Simply Happenstance} #paleo #blt #salad

 :: Fancy BLT Salad ::

Nicole and I both have a thing for cookbooks… {Anyone with us, out there?} Although it’s fabulous that nowadays one can go on the internet and search for tasty recipes, I still love thumbing through traditional cookbooks.  I recently bought a new favorite a few weeks ago {which I highly recommend!}… Against All Grain by Danielle Walker. I first found her lovely paleo-friendly blog, and then bought her delectable cookbook. This Fancy BLT Salad was adapted from her Warm Spinach Salad with Bacon and Mushrooms recipe.

Fancy BLT Salad #paleo #blt #salad {via Simply Happenstance}

I am not crazy about two kinds of meat in my meals… so I left out the grilled chicken, but you could easily add that back in. I had leftover turkey bacon from breakfast that I had placed in the refrigerator. {I love being able to use extra ingredients that are already prepared and ready to go! It made this salad recipe so quick to make!} I reheated the bacon pieces in a skillet along with the mushrooms. I then tossed all the ingredients together and drizzled a homemade balsamic dressing over the top! Delicious, my friends… simply delicious!  [Read more…]

Banana Almond Smoothie with Chia Seeds

 

Banana Almond Smoothie with Chia Seeds {via Simply Happenstance} #smoothie #chia #almondbutter #banana.jpg.jpg.jpg:: Banana Almond Smoothie with Chia Seeds ::

{dairy-free + gluten-free}

Chia Seeds…. are you adding them into your smoothies, oatmeal, cereal, and baking recipes? If not… you may want to! These tiny little seeds are packed full of nutrition! I have to admit, I didn’t begin using them until recently, but now that I have… I have been sprinkling them into everything, and can’t imagine a smoothie without them! They don’t have a taste, but they do gel up, a bit like tapioca. They thicken smoothies and puddings nicely, if you allow them to soak for a while. 1 serving of Chia Seeds {1 tablespoon}, contains 6 grams of Fiber, 2.9 grams of Omega 3, and 3 grams of protein! Amazing, right?! Here are some more fantastic facts about Chia Seeds… making them incredibly enticing! 

  • Chia Seeds are gluten-free
  • They contain 20% of your Omega 3’s, making them heart healthy and a great brain food
  • They are quite high in Fiber, aiding in digestion
  • Chia Seeds are made up of 20% Protein
  • They are very high in Antioxidants
  • Chia Seeds help to balance your blood sugar levels {making them especially great for Diabetics}
  • They can be used as an egg replacement in baking recipes [Read more…]