Spring Appetizer

  This is a perfect light, refreshing snack to have during a busy day! Super easy and delicious!

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 Gluten Free Bread Cut Into Four Slices

• 1/2 Cup Your Favorite Marinara Sauce

• 1/2 Cup Fresh Salad Mix (Carrots, Romaine)

• 3/4 Cup Cucumber

• 3/4 Cup Cherry Tomatos

• 3/4 Cup Organic Non-Gmo Corn

• 2 Tablespoon of Olive Oil

• Handful of Favorite Nuts to Top at End ( I use Hazelnuts)

• 1 Tablespoon of Red Wine Vinegrette

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Cut bread into four slices

2. Spread Marinara Sauce On Bread Evenly

3. Mix Spring Salad Mix with Cut Cucumbers and Tomato & Season with Olive Oil, Vinegrette Salt and Pepper! Top onto bread sprinkle corn and extra marinara sauce.

4. Enjoy cold or warm with oven at 275 for 5 mins

FREE COOKING CLASS, SPACE IS LIMITED! RSVP HERE

PONO BURGER: CHICKEN SANDWHICH

This week we visit Chef Makani at PonoBurger. Chef shares with me that "PONO" means to do things with LOVE and INTEGRITY. Chef Makani brings a Japanese and Hawaiian flair to her signature dishes such as the Ginger Ahi Poke, and infamous Chicken Sandwhich. Mekani share with me that a great dish always starts with quality ingredients, she sources LOCAL and knows all her farmers by first name. "It is important for us know to know where our food is coming from". When Chef Makani is not rocking it in the kitchen, she is swimming with dolphins, and foraging vegetables from her home garden. Pono Burger has locations in Santa Monica, Venice, and West Hollywood. For all you vegetarians don't fright, Chef Makani also has a collard wrap made with sweet potatoes that is to die for. I highly recommend Pono Burger, the food was fresh, great ambiance, and always GOOD VIBES.  

Top 5 Favorite Supplements

TOP 5 FAVORITE SUPPLEMENTS

Today, I'm sharing with you all my top 5 favorite supplements in honor of National Nutrition Month. There are a ton of supplements out there and although everyone's needs are different, these 5 supplements are a good base.  These are supplements I actually take personally, some I take daily, others I take on and off. Check out which supplements I picked up at Lassens in La Brea down below! Please advise your health care professional before taking any of these. Is there ONE supplement you take DAILY? Leave in COMMENTS below to WIN $500 worth of prizes.

Natural Vitality Natural Calm

BENEFITS OF MAGNESIUM ( Everyday )

Magnesium is known to reduce muscle tension, lessen pain associated with migraine headaches, improve sleep, and address neurological disorders such as anxiety.

Neocell Super Collagen

BENEFITS OF COLLAGEN ( Everyday )

Collagen is one of the most abundant proteins in the body and it makes up a large part of our skin, hair, nails and joints. Technically a collagen contains a mixture of amino acids like proline and glycine, which are found in all connective tissue within the body including vital organs!

Belle + Bella Probiotics

BENEFITS OF PROBIOTICS ( Everyday )

Probiotics hold the key not just for better health and a stronger immune system, but also for treating digestive issues, mental health illness and neurological disorders. Research continues to prove that probiotics beneficial as a daily supplement.

Health Plus Super Colon Cleanse

BENEFITS OF COLON CLEANSE ( 1 Time a Month for 7 Days)

Helps to release toxic waste, improve digestion, and flush our system of impurities. Fiber rich to push out any excess left over waste. Improves regular bowel movements.

Vega Sport Energizer

BENEFITS OF ENERGIZER ( 5 Days a Week )

Has turmeric for great anti-inflammatory properties, no sugar added, mental clarity, and no crashes. Sustained energy source from Yerba Mate, and naturals ingredients.

Special Thanks to Lassens Natural Foods & Vitamins

DOING A GIVEAWAY!!!

WIN $500 WORTH OF SUPPLEMENTS BELOW

Reduce Inflammation

#KITCHENHUSTLE: Ways to Reduce Inflammation

In honor of National Nutrition Month, we have Andrea Donsky of NaturallySavvy on this week's episode of #KitchenHustle. Since Andrea is the best person to ask about all things health and wellness, I had to have her share her best tips on how to reduce inflammation. Check out her tips below!

Inflammation can be linked to chronic diseases so it's important we keep it down! The causes of inflammation varies but stress, eating habits, smoke, and drinking can all contribute to it.

Foods that can help with reducing inflammation:

• Turmeric
• Ginger
• Olive Oil
• Salmon
• Chia Seeds
• Broccoli
• Cauliflower
• Bok Choy
• Kale
• Blueberries

Kid Approved School Lunches

#KITCHENHUSTLE: KID APPROVED SCHOOL LUNCHES

This week's episode of #KitchenHustle was our first ever KIDS EDITION! I was joined by the amazingly talented Jameson and Bella who shared their favorite lunch recipes. Don't let their age fool you, these kids mean business! No ham sandwiches and chicken tenders here. Jameson is a huge fan of burritos and shared a super easy and PROTEIN PACKED avocado tuna wrap. Bella who loves shrimp shows us how to make her REFRESHING shrimp and cucumber salad. They may be young but there is so much we can learn from them! Check out their recipes below!

JAMESON'S AVOCADO TUNA WRAP

INGREDIENTS:

• Tuna
• 1 Avocado, pitted and peeled
• Salt and Pepper
• Lemon Juice
• Cucumbers, chopped
• Celery, chopped
• Wrap of Your Choice
• Spinach (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS:

In a bowl, mix all ingredients together. Spread on wrap. Roll and enjoy!

BELLA'S SHRIMP AND CUCUMBER SALAD

INGREDIENTS:

• Shrimps, deveined
• Coconut Oil
• Soy Sauce
• Curry Powder
• Salt & Pepper
• Garlic, minced
• Dill leaves
• Sunflower Seed Oil
• Cucumber, diced
• Tomatoes, chopped
• Lemon

INSTRUCTIONS:

In a pan with sunflower seed oil, saute shrimp until done. Set aside. In a bowl, mix cucumbers, tomatoes, shrimp, and lemon juice. Top generously with dill leaves.  Enjoy!

Chocolate Paleo Pancakes

WoHOOO Today is NATIONAL PANCAKE DAY! I'm not sure who created this day, but we are not complaining! I grew up eating pancakes, and always reminds me of HAPPY TIMES. Here is my chocolate coconut paleo pancakes that I know you will just LOVE. ENJOY

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup of almond meal
• 1/2 cup coconut flour
• 1 cup of coconut fat (full fat)
• 1/2 cup of almond milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• pinch of cinnamon powder
• 1 Tablespoon raw cacao powder
• 1/4 teaspoon pink himalayan sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
• 1 Tablespoon of Dairy Free Chocolate Chips ( optional)
• 1 Tablespoon of coconut oil to grease the pan
• 2 Tsp of date crystals or coconut sugar (optional)

Instructions

1. Place all the ingredients in a blender and mix until smooth.

2. Place 1/2 teaspoon of coconut oil in the pan to grease the pan.

3. Use a spoon to help pour out a 4" round. Shake the pan lightly to thin the batter in the pan.

4. Cook on one side for roughly 3 - 4 minutes and flip when the edges turn dark brown.

5. Top with Fruit & Coconut Yogurt & Enjoy.

Dirty Dozen

I know there is a lot of talk about organic this, organic that and it can get overwhelming. It can get confusing about what you need to buy organic and what is okay to buy conventional. Luckily for you, I have a list of 12 vegetables and fruits that you want to buy organic from my visit at Lassen's in La Brea! Check it out below!

ALWAYS BUY ORGANIC

1. Apples
2. Spinach
3. Broccoli
4. Celery
5. Snap Peas
6. Potatoes
7. Kale
8. Bell Peppers
9. Cucumber
10. Cherry Tomatoes
11. Strawberries
12. Beets

OKAY TO NOT BUY ORGANIC

1. Onions
2. Pineapple
3. Mangoes
4. Avocado
5. Kiwi
6. Cantaloupe
7. Eggplant
8. Grapefruit
9. Mushrooms
10. Asparagus

SHOW UP FOR YOURSELF

We are in this TOGETHER I am COMMITTED to showing up for YOU, but you have to SHOW UP for YOURSELF.  I realized we can ONLY provide people with TOOLS, but whether or not they USE it is entirely up to the INDIVIDUAL. Today's Presentation was POWERFUL, here's a SNEAK PEAK of our class. Hope to see you at a upcoming event

"Better Than Bulletproof Coffee" Matcha Latte

I'm sure you all know about bulletproof coffee but today, I'm going to be sharing with you my better-than-Bulletproof-coffee Matcha Latte recipe made with almond milk and ghee. This is perfect for those who don't drink coffee but still want an energizing drink without all the crashing! Check out the recipe below!

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 Cup Almond Milk
• 1 Tbsp of Ghee
• A Few Drops of Stevia (optional)
• 1 Tsp of Honey
• 1 Tsp of Matcha

DIRECTIONS:

On medium-high heat, warm almond milk until a simmer. Add all ingredients in. Stir until everything is dissolved and evenly distributed. Pour in a cup and enjoy hot or cold!

Crosby's Fat Burning Desserts

On this week’s episode of #KitchenHustle, we were joined by model/entrepreneur Crosby Tailor!  Crosby is the CEO of Tailord Life but is also killing it in different fields but today he came to let me try his infamous cookies which contain no sugar, gluten, or grain but were absolutely DELICIOUS! If you ever come across them, be sure to try them. 

Crosby's cookies he made only hours before the shoot

Crosby also shared with us 3 simple bio-hacks:

1. Eat more fat, less sugar
2. Do less
3. Breathe

But most importantly, Crosby's known for the saying: Eat Dessert, Burn Fat. I know you're probably thinking what?! But check out the episode below and find out why Crosby says this is totally possible!

Below is a Sinless Cinnamon Roll recipe from Tailord Life.

INGREDIENTS:

DOUGH

• 1 Pastured Egg or Duck Egg
• 2 Tbsp MCT Oil
• 2 Tsp Vanilla Extract
• 1 1/2 Cups Minus 1 Tbsp Ground Flax Seed Meal
• 2 Tbsp Coconut Flour
• 1 Tsp Baking Soda
• Pinch of Pink Salt
• 2 Tablespoons of Monk Fruit Sweetener 

FILLING

• 4 Tbsp of Protein of Your Choice
• 1 1/2 Tbsp Organic Cinnamon
• Pinch of Pink Salt
• 2 Egg Yolks
• 2 Tbsp Organic Coconut Milk, unsweetened
• 6 Drops Vanilla Extract or English Toffee Stevia

COCONUT ICING

• 4 Tbsp Coconut Milk (Organic, full fat with guar gum)
• 1 Tablespoon of Monk Fruit Sweetener 
• 1/2 Tsp Vanilla Extract
• Pinch of Pink Salt

CROSBY’S PROBIOTIC ICING

• 2 Tbsp Whey Protein
• 2 Tbsp Collagen
• Pinch of Pink Salt
• 2 Tbsp Grass-fed Ghee
• 2-3 Tbsp Probiotic of Your Choice

DIRECTIONS:

For dough, whisk wet ingredients first followed by dry ingredients. Mold into a ball. Place ball onto wax paper. Cover with another sheet of wax paper. Roll out ball over the wax paper to create a long rectangular sheet. Remove the top wax paper.

For filling, add all dry ingredients first into a cup. Then add egg yolks and coconut milk. Stir until there is a thick consistency. Spread filling onto rolled out dough. (Optional: Place dough in fridgeto set before proceeding) Begin rolling dough, without wax paper, into a log shape but be careful to not let the wax paper tear. Cover with wax paper and place in freezer for 20 minutes.

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. Remove cinnamon roll from freezer and cut into 8 slices. Place in a pan covered with ghee and bake for 12 minutes.

While waiting, make the icing to top the rolls. Add dry ingredients of icing in a cup, followed by wet ingredients. Stir and set in fridge until rolls are ready. When rolls are done baking, remove, and eat hot or set in fridge to set. Pipe icing onto cinnamons rolls when ready to eat!

Oscars Beauty Regimen

Here the BEAUTY mask recipe many celebrities use in Hollywood to stay looking flawless, especially during award season. The BEST part about it, is that it has only 3 ingredients, and its completely natural. The Oscars are finally here so I'm sharing this super simple raw honey greek yogurt mask that will leave your skin feeling silky smooth! Make sure you follow up with a moisturizer and you'll be Oscar ready!

INGREDIENTS: 

• 1/4 Cup of Organic Greek Yogurt

Yogurt naturally helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles from forming. The lactic acid in yogurt will help dissolve dead skin and tighten pores. The thick greek yogurt consistency helps it stay on.

• 1 Tbsp of Organic Raw Honey

Honey is naturally antibacterial, so it's great for acne treatment and prevention. Aging: Full of antioxidants, it is great for slowing down aging. Complexion boost: It is extremely moisturizing and soothing, so it helps create a glow.

• Juice of Half a Lemon

Blackhead treatment: It may sound too good to be true, but because lemons are antibacterial, they can help treat acne. Just slice a lemon, and squeeze the juice on face. Skin brightener: Lemons are rich in vitamin C and citric acid, so they can help brighten and lighten your skin when used over time.

• Sheet Mask (Optional)

Post Mask Regimen:

• Daily Moisturizer
• A Drop of Argan Oil 

INSTRUCTIONS: 

Mix ingredients together in a bowl. Slather onto face. (Optional: Place a sheet mask over) Wait for 15 minutes then rinse off. Follow with daily moisturizer mixed with a few drops of argan oil. STAY FLAWLESS!

Collagen Dragonfruit Pineapple Smoothie

COLLAGEN DRAGONFRUIT MANGO SMOOTHIE

Looking for a boost in the morning or after a workout? This dragonfruit pineapple smoothie with Neocell Super Collagen will help you! Not only is it absolutely refreshing, it's also filled with vitamin B and fiber. Just look at that gorgeous purple color!

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 Cups of Coconut Milk or Almond Milk, unsweetened
• 1 Packet of Frozen Dragonfruit
• 1 Tbsp of Neocell Collagen Powder
• 1 Tsp of Chia Seeds
• 3/4 Cup of Pineapple

INSTRUCTIONS:

Blend & GLOW!

7 Ways to Preserve Your Chi Energy

In ancient Chinese practice Qi Gong is the practice of balance your CHI also known as your life force energy. Qi energy comes from the universe, and protects our immune system. Some ways our Qi gets blocked are negative thought patterns, draining your energy with sexual activity that does not align with your energy rather it depletes you of chi. The good thing is that we can all recharge our chi and get rid of blockages that don't serve us. We can create and envision a energetic field that protects us especially when you are in environments with large amounts of people. Chi is similar to Auras, when you can feel someone's energy before meeting them, or feel their energy based on how they speak on the phone. There are also people called energy vampires that are not aware but they drain you when you are around them, the focus on the negative and constantly is in a negative state of mind. Reality shows with gossip and fighting is a perfect example, this distracts your alignment and gets rid of your focus and clarity. Watching too much garbage TV creates turbulence internally and stays in our subconscious which ultimately affects your blueprint. Some ways to increase or restore your chi, eating a well balance diet, mushrooms such as reishi, shilajit, ashwanga, maca, goji Berries, cacao, are all adaptogsns that helps your body rebalance. Exercise, meditate, get enough rest. SUPERFOODS I TAKE

7 WAYS TO INCREASE YOUR CHI:

1. SUPERFOODS
2. MEDITATE
3. FORGIVE 
4. MASSAGE 
5. WORKOUT
6. CHANGE YOUR ENVIRONMENT
7. CRYSTALS

Gluten-Free Rainbow Toast

REFRESHING, GLUTEN-FREE VEGGIE TOPPED TOAST

If you're looking for a snack that is equal parts delicious as it is simple to make, I've got you covered! This gluten-free snack is light, refreshing, and perfect for anyone who is craving something fresh but with a tight schedule. 

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 Slices of Gluten-Free Bread
• 1/2 Cup of Your Favorite Marinara Sauce
• 1/2 Cup of Fresh Salad Mix (Carrots, Romaine, etc.)
• 3/4 Cup of Cucumber
• 3/4 Cup of Cherry Tomatoes
• 3/4 Cup of Organic Non-GMO Corn
• 2 Tbsp of Olive Oil
• 1 Tbsp of Red Wine Vinaigrette 
• Handful of Favorite Nuts
• Salt & Pepper to Taste

INSTRUCTIONS:

Divide each slice of bread into 4 pieces. Spread marinara sauce evenly on bread. Mix salad, cucumber and tomatoes in a bowl with olive oil, red wine vinaigrette, salt and pepper. Top pieces of bread with veggie mix. Sprinkle corn and add a extra dollop of marinara sauce. Add nuts on top for a crunch! Enjoy the toast cold or warm in the oven at 275° for 5 minutes.

Chocolate Avocado Mousse

CHOCOLATE AVOCADO MOUSSE

It may not be Valentine's Day anymore but that doesn't mean we can't continue indulging on chocolate! The only difference is that this chocolate mousse is made with avocados and Medjool dates so you can satisfy your cravings without all that guilt! 

INGREDIENTS:

• 3 Ripe Avocados, peeled and pitted
• 5-6 Medjool Dates, pitted
• 3 Tbsp of Raw Cacao Powder
• 1 Tbsp of Maple Syrup or Coconut Nectar (Low Glycemic)
• 1 Juice of Whole Orange 
• 1 Tsp of Vanilla Extract
• Pinch of Pink Himalayan Salt
• Pinch of Cinnamon
• 1/4 Cup of Gluten-Free Granola (optional) or Top with Orange Zest

INSTRUCTIONS:

In a food processor, blend all ingredients until there is a smooth texture. Spoon into a bowl and enjoy immediately or chill in fridge for about 10 minutes. Top with granola if desired.

Oil Pulling Challenge

Me and Cinema AND Spice Natasha & Julianna try the #OilPullChallenge you basically put one tablespoon your choice of oil in your mouth and swoosh for up to 20 minutes. This has been a remedy to help with detoxifying the body, whitening teeth, protect your gums, and fighting infections. Its hilarious to do this with friends and see who spits out first! 

Chocolate Mint Brownies

CHOCOLATE MINT BROWNIES

What could possibly make brownies even better? MINT! These chocolate mint brownies are perfect to make and give to someone you love or simply for yourself to indulge on this Valentine's Day. These brownies are made with Medjool dates and coconut milk so don't feel bad if you find yourself eating it all! They're SUPER easy to make so you can always make another batch!

INGREDIENTS:

• For brownies
  • 30 Pitted Medjool Dates
  • 2 Tbsp Water
  • 1/4 Cup Raw Cacao Powder
  • 2 Cups Almond Meal
  • 1/2 Tsp vanilla extract
• For mint topping
  • 1 Cup Full-fat Coconut Milk, chilled (the cream part)
  • 1 Tsp Matcha Powder
  • 1 Tbsp Pure Maple Syrup, Coconut Nectar, or Stevia
  • 1/2 Tsp Pepperming Extract
  • OPTIONAL: 1/2 Cup Dairy-Free Chocolate Chips, melted

INSTRUCTIONS:

Mix Medjool dates, water, and vanilla extract in food processor under high speed. Once you have a paste consistency, add in cacao powder and almond meal and whirl on high until you have a dough consistency. Using a rolling pin, roll out the dough to a 1/2 inch thickness. Set aside.

For the mint topping, place all ingredients in a medium size bowl and mix with a hand mixer for about a minute. Use a spatula and spread the mint topping over the rolled brownie dough. Chill in freezer for about 20 minutes. (OPTIONAL: Drizzle melted dairy-free chocolate chips on top.) For storage, keep in air-tight containers in the fridge or freezer.

WHAT I DRINK POST-WORKOUT

I have been getting really into working out lately, and not just for physical fitness but the benefits for the mind as well. My workouts are not just for building muscles but also for MENTAL Creative Flow. I find myself coming up with the BEST ideas when I am breaking a sweat, it's almost like a form of meditation for me. It calms me down, puts things into perspective, and allows me to tap into my inspired VISION. Studies have shown that working out also releases endorphins which are FEEL GOOD chemicals to help shift our MOOD, releases STRESS hormones, and ultimately improves cognition. I am super excited for all amazing projects in the works, and all the amazing people I am BLESSED to be surrounded by. But I understand in order for me to have ENERGY, I need to make sure I FUEL my body with the correct nutrients. This is why I supplement with superfoods for peak performance. Here is a smoothie I usually drink POST-WORK, it super tasty! 

POST-WORKOUT TURMERIC SMOOTHIE

INGREDIENTS: 

• 2 Cups of Coconut Water 
• ¾  Cup of Pineapples 
• 1 Teaspoon of Turmeric Powder
• 2 Tablespoon of Neocell Super Collagen Powder
• 1 Tablespoon of Chia Seeds
• ½ Banana 
• ½ Lemon Juice
• Top with Coconut Flakes 

INSTRUCTIONS: BLEND. HUSTLE. REPEAT.  #KitchenHustle

People keep asking where I get my superfoods. I found the highest quality for affordable prices here. I have created a Superfood Detox Bundle so you can save time looking all over the place. 10% OFF if you use code: "charles" lowercase. Only this week, don't miss out.

http://tinyurl.com/CharlesSuperfoodBundle

IMPORTANCE of HEALTHY FATS

GOOD MORNING! Lifestyle Coach & Entrepreneur Jairek Robbins Shares with us his Morning Smoothie, and how he FUELS himself first thing in the morning! We do the SMOOTHIE DANCE and talk about his latest book "LIVE IT", how he almost died from Malaria, and how he transformed his MINDSET #KitchenHustle  SEE RECIPE & VIDEO BELOW

JAIREK'S #KitchenHustle SMOOTHIE RECIPE:

• 1 Scoop of Plant Based Almond Protein Powder 
• 1 Banana
• 1/2 of Avocado 
• 1 Tbsp of Almond or Peanut Butter
• 2 Cups of Water or Almond Milk 

If you are a HUSTLER you know we don't have all day to be in the kitchen. Time is money, when we are constantly on the go. We want to FUEL our bodies quickly with the nutrients so we can perform at OPTIMAL LEVELS  This recipe is perfect for pre-workout, and energizes our brains cells. Here is our Avocado Almond Butter Smoothie Shared by Jairek Robbins Today on #KitchenHustle  We talked about the importance of HEALTHY FATS especially to FUEL our brains cells for optimal Neuro functions  By fueling our Neuro cells we improve our motor skills, memory, and ability to have better reflexes

Make Sure You Check Out Jairek's New Book "Live It" Available on Amazon

MATCHA DIPPED STRAWBERRIES

Perfect for Valentine's Day or a Healthy Snack for All! Matcha has fat burning benefits, super high in antioxidants, and it looks absolutely stunning! Bring these to your next potluck and everyone will be in heaven! Sharing is Caring.

INGREDIENTS: (Makes 5-6 Dipped Strawberries)

• 1 Cup of Cashew Butter
• 3 Tablespoon of Coconut Oil (Melted)
• 1 Tsp of Vanilla Extract or Vanilla Powder
• 1 Tablespoon of Matcha Powder or Acai Powder + 1 Tsp of Beet Juice For Pink Color
• 2 Tablespoon of Honey or Coconut Nectar or Stevia
• 5-6 Strawberries (Make Sure You Dry Them After Washing)

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Mix Matcha Dip ingredients and Dipp strawberries, cover with favorite toppings. Place onto non-stick surface and freeze for 5 minutes and ready to eat. Keep refrigerated.