To those it may concern:

I thought I would clarify something... I do not condone any sort of eating disorder. I thought that would be a given---given that my blog is about eating FOOD. However, there seems to be some confusion. Yes, i do believe that if you are eating healthy and exercising a HEALTHY amount that you could be thinner by consequence. However, there is a point when eating too healthy and working out too much can make you UNHEALTHY... you can easily calculate this by googling, 'BMI Calculator'.

I believe that if you are ingesting healthy foods 80% of the time you won't have to feel guilty about what you are eating 20% of the time.  You won't have to go to the gym late at night because you feel 'bad'. Which is another thing...When did it ever become a bad thing to indulge? When did we deem eating something 'being bad'? It happened when we repeated this repeatedly throughout the day for the last 20 years. However, you should never feel 'bad' about indulging in something once a day (you're only human). Trust your body, if you resume a healthy diet at your next meal, it will be okay.

I don't believe in exercising till you can't walk or eating less than 1,000 calories a day. This is NOT healthy, do NOT do it.

Be happy with yourself no matter what size you are. Take CARE of yourself. I'm here to help you find ways to make yourself feel better through healthy food, exercise, and simple beauty regimens---not to make you feel guilty or 'bad' about yourself.

You are perfect just the way you are but it doesn't mean you can't surprise yourself and feel better with a stronger body on the inside and out. You deserve to be your healthiest and possibly happiest. That is why I have this blog about healthy eating. I believe in this. I want you to too.

Thanks for taking the time to read this,
xoxo,

Larisa

P.s. I'm eating Banana Bread and i feel great. 

Black Bean Burgers. Happy 4th! (re-do)

Adapted from SkinnyTaste

Happy 4th of July!! I wish it was happier for those in my hometown of Alpine, Utah. I hope the fire subsides soon and residents can return home :(. Anyway, tonight I will be munching on Spicy Black Bean Burgers with Chipotle Mayo. They're 362 calories for the Patty, Bun, and Mayo... um, score? I'm feeling a Meatless Monday on a Wednesday. My B.

 Thanks to the Grienkes for letting us 'chill' for an hour to witness this.

talk about beautiful

They serve these burgers at "Johns Garden" in Malibu. It's our favorite lunch spot for the winter months. Miss it. enjoy.

Okay, these burgers really deserve a picture...  They're so yummy! However, you're going to have to forgive the picture... i was so hungry. Also... if you serve these with sprouts its just divine... my grocery store is lame and doesn't carry them due to the past recall. Darn.

 I didn't have buns so i used mini pita pockets that i cut in half... I'm sure yours will look much nicer!

SpicyBlackBeanBurgers

with Chipotle Mayo

Adapted from SkinnyTaste
Ingredients:

For the Spicy Chipotle Mayo:

• 3 1/2 tbsp light mayo (Or Greek Yogurt if you wish!)
• 1 tbsp canned chipotle in adobo sauce

For the Black Bean Burgers:

• 16 oz can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1/2 red bell pepper, cut into 2 inch pieces
• 1/2 cup chopped scallions
• 3 tbsp chopped cilantro
• 3 cloves garlic, peeled
• 1 jumbo egg
• 1 tbsp cumin
• 1/4 to 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp hot sauce
• 1/2 cup quick oats (use gf oats for gluten free)

• 4 whole wheat 100 calorie buns (Martin's)*
• 1 small hass avocado, sliced thin

Directions

1. In a medium bowl, mash black beans with a fork until thick and pasty.
2. In a food processor, finely chop bell pepper, onion, and garlic. Add the egg, chili powder, cumin, chili sauce, and oats. Then stir into mashed beans.
3. The mixture will be wet. If its too wet ad another tablespoon of oats or refrigerate for 30 minutes.
4. Divide the mixture into four patties and place on wax paper. 
5. Refrigerate for 2 hours or until more or less frozen. (This is very important since they are so wet. 
6. Prepare the Chipotle Mayo by combing the mayo and chipotle peppers with adobo. This will be very spicy so decrease if you  can't take much heat. (however, the avocado will help to cool your mouth).
7. When patties are frozen: If grilling, preheat an outdoor grill for high heat, and lightly oil a sheet of aluminum foil. If baking, preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C), and lightly oil a baking sheet.
8. If grilling, place patties on foil, and grill about 8 minutes on each side. If baking, place patties on baking sheet, and bake about 10 minutes on each side.