Easy Recipe: Healthy Veggie Pasta Dinner

I used to love a big plate full of pasta. Sure, the starch-filled noodles were tasty. But what I came to realize was that the juicy sauces were what made the meal. So, once I learned how-to use a spiralizer, I went to town creating my own veggie pasta dishes.

Now that I’m vegan and eat largely plant-based foods, a veggie pasta meal nightly using different beans, green leafy vegetables and sauces provides a variety of nutrients and dinners. (I use two-zucchinis for each individual dinner.) I feel incredibly full and satisfied without the bloat of heavy carbs. For my family, if I buy an additional six zucchinis, two potatoes and two sweet potatoes, I have side dishes for the entire week. Here’s my favorite recipe for an easy veggie meal or side dish. Enjoy!

Health & Wellness News & Info Recap, Week Ending 3/8

Last week, the world honored Dr. Seuss on his birthday. I was talking to a friend about it, who laughed and asked me if green eggs could be considered a healthy choice. Surely the ones I created in elementary school were not, made with dark-green chemical dyes. Though today’s kids may have created scrambled egg whites with spinach and kale. This March, as the world continues to honor “Nutrition Month,” I suspect we will see more stories about the U.S. Dietary Guidelines proposal, as well as the push for uber-healthy, plant-based, wholesome, unpackaged foods. Below are the wellness stories I found compelling this week.

Healthy Veggie Pasta – How to Use a Spiralizer

I was a huge carb eater. I steered clear of Italian restaurants for years because I was afraid I wouldn’t have willpower when a huge, creamy and savory bowl of pasta was delivered to my seat. Now I love little Italian bistros because they often keep in store many fresh veggies and cook with extra virgin olive oil. In fact, one of my favorite local restaurants makes a special dish of sautéed zucchini pasta with veggies in garlic and oil for me.

Health & Wellness News & Info Recap, Week Ending 3/2

While last week’s stories in the Health & Wellness News & Info recap spoke about non-GMO candy, this roundup includes plant-based foods in the U.S. Dietary Guidelines proposal. In addition, there’s been talk about how cholesterol may not be such a big health issue, as well as how the rise of iPhone and individual devices may be causing hearing risks.

Pretty Wellness on YouTube, Healthy Tip of the Week #1

There are some health tips that are so easy to implement, I’m embarrassed that I didn’t start following them sooner. For this week’s Pretty Wellness on YouTube health minute, I explain the benefits and how to make a warm water and lemon wellness drink. It’s such a simple addition, yet possesses many benefits including boosting immunity, balancing pH, aiding in digestion and rehydrating the body after a night’s sleep. Adding a dash of cayenne pepper or cinnamon also curbs my tweet cravings and provides additional detoxification elements.

Health & Wellness News & Info Recap, Week Ending 2/21

It’s pretty cute that my 6-year old thinks we celebrate Presidents Day to honor the birthdays of all Presidents, including both President Obama as well as the President from Daddy’s work. I love that he got excited and wanted to celebrate all of them this past week. His logic makes sense, though, more birthdays = more festivities = more cake. I’m the girl who acknowledges even the smallest milestones. So, I want my son to partake in the celebrations, but cringe at all the simple sugars and chemical ingredients in many of the party foods. That’s why, of all the wellness news stories I’ve highlighted in the News & Info recaps, this tops my list. Announced Wednesday, Nestle USA will be removing all artificial flavors and colors from their chocolates by the end of the year. This and other weekly wellness news and information around the web are highlighted below.