For many of us, Labor Day signals the end of summer, an extra day off and one last celebration before the kids go back to school.  The last hurrah, usually involves enjoying the weather, friends, family along with some awesome food and drink!  For Kaia Girls, it also means BRIK is around the corner and the question, “do we indulge or stay true to our fitness and nutrition goals?”  I say both!  

Eating healthy doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy a cookout or gathering with friends and family while still staying true to our goals.  Remember, you just might inspire someone!   Why not start off the holiday with a hike, some SUP or game of tag to get that endorphin boost?  Keep hydrated with delicious infused water – berries & mint, lemon, basil & cucumber or watermelon & rosemary are some favorites around my house.  If you’re choosing to indulge in an adult beverage or two, how about alternating with water, unsweetened ice tea, club soda or a delicious infused water?? 

Give these awesome tried and true veggie burgers from “Oh She Glows” a try.  I like adding chopped jalapeño peppers to spice things up!  These are great to pre-make and just warm up on the grill.    Serve them up plain, on romaine lettuce or on your favorite gluten free bun.  https://ohsheglows.com/2011/07/13/our-perfect-veggie-burger/

How does a grain-free, gluten-free, nut-free, soy and refined sugar free salad sound?  Wait, before you say, ewwww and scroll past, it’s another winner from “Oh She Glows.”  You have to admit an avocado, strawberry caprese salad sound awesome and amazing, right?   It’s easy to make a large batch but it’s best served immediately!  https://ohsheglows.com/2016/06/07/avocado-strawberry-caprese/

Don’t forget to spice things up with simple dippers like our Simple Salsa or a garlicky homemade hummus (both from our Kaia cookbook) with plenty of colorful veggies!

SIMPLE SALSA

INGREDIENTS:

 4 tomatoes (or can diced fire roasted tomatoes)

½  onion, diced

1 tbsp cilantro, minced

2 tbsp lime juice

1 tsp jalapeno, seeded and minced

 ½  tsp garlic, minced

½  tsp sea salt

¼  tsp pepper

¼  tsp chili powder

Pinch of cayenne pepper

DIRECTIONS:  Combine all ingredients in a blender and pulse until the consistency you like. Or hand chop all ingredients.

HUMMUS (W/VARIATIONS)

INGREDIENTS

1 clove garlic, minced

½ lemon, juiced

2 tbsp raw tahini

1 cup garbanzo beans

Salt & pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS: Place garlic, garbanzo beans, and spinach in food processor, blending until finely minced. Add lemon juice and tahini. Process until creamy.

options:

3 cups spinach

roasted garlic

roasted bell peppers