Alma Schneider, Author at Whole Life Challenge

Cheese-Free Saag Paneer: Spice Up Your Nutrition with this Recipe

Alma Schneider — Thu, 06 Jul 2023 12:01:05 +0000

I love Indian food, but some of the dishes are just not compatible with my approach to healthy eating. Recently, I took my favorite Indian dish, saag paneer, and eliminated the non-compliant cheese. It came out great! I also swapped the traditional spinach for kale and it lost none of the delicious comfort of the original recipe.

If you’re a fan of Indian food (or even if you’re not), give this simple recipe a try and spice up your nutrition!…

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Healthy Thai Butternut Squash Curry

Alma Schneider — Mon, 06 Feb 2023 13:00:55 +0000

Reading Time: 2 minutes

When I first started the Whole Life Challenge, I was concerned I would not get to eat my favorite Thai food — red and green coconut curry. But with just a few substitutions from the original recipe, anyone on the Lifestyle or Kickstart levels can enjoy this blend of sweet, tangy, and healthy ingredients without feeling like you’re bloated and doing wrong by your body.…

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Buttery Spiced Gluten-Free Breaded Chicken Recipe

Alma Schneider — Wed, 25 Jan 2023 10:00:33 +0000

Reading Time: 2 minutes

There is a lot of joy and satisfaction to be found in creating a recipe that not only is deemed healthy in the eyes of the three adults in the house — but also loved by all four of my kids. Who knew that gluten free could be so incredibly delicious?

Try this chicken dish with a nice big salad with nuts, dried currants, olive oil, and lemon, as well as some steamed quinoa, and you will have the tastiest dinner of the week.…

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Morning Nut Milk Latte with Turmeric and Cinnamon

Alma Schneider — Mon, 08 Nov 2021 13:00:00 +0000

Reading Time: 2 minutes

If you’re trying to kick dairy, but are having trouble giving up the milk in your coffee — try getting rid of your coffee instead!

This nourishing morning beverage makes for a tasty alternative to coffee and it’s full of beneficial ingredients. Turmeric and cinnamon are anti-inflammatory, the nut milk has protein, and the coconut oil will give you the feeling of fullness and energy you need to start your day.…

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Super Simple (and Freezable) Chicken Soup

Alma Schneider — Sun, 13 Jan 2019 10:00:08 +0000

Reading Time: 2 minutes

While trying to incorporate new and healthier habits into your lifestyle, it’s always important to have food on hand that is satisfying and comforting. Soup is a great way to feel full — and for you to be full of nutrients, too.

I love making this chicken soup because it simplifies my meals. Once I make a pot, I have something tasty at the ready and it’s freezeable, too.…

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Jackfruit Tuna Salad (With No Tuna)

Alma Schneider — Sun, 02 Dec 2018 10:00:10 +0000

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Jackfruit is the new be all, end all vegan food or meat substitute. That means this jackfruit tuna salad is healthy, low carb, and low calorie — and it can even fool many meat lovers.

This jackfruit tuna salad is compliant on all levels and is really tasty. If you haven’t tried anything jackfruit before, this is a flavorful and simple way to start.…

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Beet, Fennel, Apple, and Carrot Salad

Alma Schneider — Tue, 18 Sep 2018 09:00:59 +0000

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Sometimes it is just too hot to cook a big meal.

Or your main dish is complicated enough that you need something simple to go alongside it that you can prepare ahead of time.

Or you swear you would eat your veggies if only there was something that was both easy-to-make and tasted fun that you could pack in your lunches.…

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Crazy Simple Faux Shrimp Ceviche

Alma Schneider — Thu, 23 Aug 2018 09:00:18 +0000

Reading Time: 2 minutes

This dish is called “faux” shrimp ceviche because, unlike with traditional ceviche, the shrimp in this recipe is already cooked. So, if the idea of “cooking” your shrimp in citrus juices makes you nervous, you can still enjoy ceviche the way I’ve outlined it here.

This shrimp ceviche is a great addition to any barbecue or party where you want to make sure there is something healthy on hand.…

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Coffee Banana Protein Smoothie

Alma Schneider — Wed, 15 Aug 2018 09:00:37 +0000

Reading Time: 2 minutes

A lot of people don’t like drinking hot coffee in the hot weather. Here is an alternative way to get your buzz on with a cold, frothy drink that won’t fill you up with junk like those expensive treats from the coffee shop.

My friend Sheldon gave me a version of this coffee banana protein smoothie recipe years ago, but I modified that recipe some.…

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Jackfruit Crab Cakes (Without Any Crab)

Alma Schneider — Thu, 07 Jun 2018 09:00:52 +0000

Reading Time: 2 minutes

I’ve been trying to cook vegan lately and, let me tell you, it’s not easy! I am already used to planning ahead, but vegan meals take a lot more planning if you don’t want to eat a ton of carbs.

Recently, I found a recipe online for jackfruit crab cakes. This recipe includes no actual crab and the cakes are instead made with this versatile and increasingly popular fruit.…

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Middle Eastern Turkey Meatballs

Alma Schneider — Tue, 29 May 2018 09:00:00 +0000

Reading Time: 2 minutes

I have been enjoying a lot of Middle Eastern-inspired recipes recently. I also prefer to make and eat what I consider to be healthier versions of meatballs, though. So for this recipe, I left out the breadcrumbs, used turkey meat, and combined a few flavors I love to create my gluten-free, Middle Eastern turkey meatballs.

These turkey meatballs can be served for dinner or as an appetizer — or made in bulk and kept in the freezer for an easy snack, lunch, or supper.…

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Za’atar Dip and Crunchy Veggies

Alma Schneider — Wed, 23 May 2018 09:00:52 +0000

Reading Time: 2 minutes

One of my favorite ways to maintain my healthy eating habit is to always have cut up vegetables in my refrigerator so I don’t attack my kids’ starchy carb-loaded snacks in the cabinet if I’m really hungry.

One of the easiest ways I’ve found to dress up my veggies is to create a savory yogurt-based dip — this za’atar dip is my favorite.…

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Ras el Hanout Roasted Cauliflower

Alma Schneider — Wed, 28 Mar 2018 09:00:07 +0000

This roasted cauliflower makes for a spicy and eye-catching dish to serve to your family or guests. If you’re tired of eating steamed cauliflower, then this recipe is a must-try for you.

And thank goodness we are allowed Greek yogurt on the Lifestyle and Kickstart levels of the Whole Life Challenge because it provides a great coating for roasted cauliflower. If you cannot find the Moroccan spice mixture known as ras el hanout, then you can just use any curry powder you can find (or mix up your own ras el hanout).…

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Almond Date Coconut Truffles

Alma Schneider — Tue, 13 Mar 2018 09:00:13 +0000

Reading Time: 2 minutes

It’s completely natural to crave a treat from time to time, and thankfully, these almond coconut truffles can satisfy a sweet-tooth without loading you up with junk. On top of that, they’re easy to make and they freeze well. So, you can make a batch, leave a reasonable number available to snack on and put the rest away in the freezer for another time.…

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Cashew Milk Potato Leek Soup

Alma Schneider — Wed, 10 Jan 2018 10:00:41 +0000

Reading Time: 2 minutes

If you’re looking to make a change in your body composition, then you may be leery of white potatoes. But they can be fine if you eat them in moderation. And if you use nut milks, you can still enjoy a deliciously creamy soup without the downsides of dairy. This potato leek soup uses cashew milk to achieve that satiating and authentic “soup” feeling.…

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Saffron Chicken with Rice (or Quinoa or Amaranth)

Alma Schneider — Mon, 01 Jan 2018 10:00:22 +0000

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Sometimes a single flavoring can transform a simple dish into something really special. That’s how I feel about saffron. Yes, it’s expensive, but you only use a little bit so it goes a long way. And that little bit feels so indulgent — eating saffron-flavored rice makes me feel just like I’m back in Seville.

This saffron chicken dish is great when made with brown or white rice, but you can also get experimental and try making it with quinoa or amaranth.…

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Curried Chicken Salad

Alma Schneider — Wed, 15 Nov 2017 10:00:40 +0000

Reading Time: 2 minutes

When I come home tired after a long day, I thank my day-before-self for roasting a chicken. Having cooked chicken on hand means I can make a quick and healthy chicken salad with the leftovers.

This is when it’s also handy if you keep your pantry stocked with some healthy basics like raisins and nuts. You can throw them into this chicken salad to power up the texture and natural sweetness.…

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Apricot, Almond, and Kale Egg Salad

Alma Schneider — Sun, 03 Sep 2017 09:00:08 +0000

I try to add vegetables to everything I eat — even egg salads. Not only does this practice of eating my vegetables fill me up, but it adds a whole lot of extra nutrients, flavor, and texture to all my meals. It also stretches out the meal so I can serve more people or pack more lunches for the week.

Hard-boiled eggs are a great way to have a healthy protein snack handy, but this egg salad really takes it up a notch.…

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Alma’s Mung Beans and Brown Rice

Alma Schneider — Sun, 06 Aug 2017 09:00:27 +0000

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Imagine you could make a quick and healthy dinner that you could also eat the next day for lunch without even reheating. Wouldn’t that be convenient?

Well, that’s what this sprouted mung beans and rice dish is all about.

If you aren’t familiar with mung beans, this is an opportunity to try something new. You can read about their health benefits here.…

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Fattoush Salad

Alma Schneider — Sun, 09 Jul 2017 09:00:56 +0000

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Now that it’s summer, it is definitely salad season. This fresh tasting fattoush salad recipe was given to me by an Iraqi friend who says this is the staple salad in her country.

Fattoush salad is a great accompaniment to any meal, but can also be made into a meal itself by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or any other protein you like.…

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Chipotle Sunflower Seed Dip

Alma Schneider — Sun, 18 Jun 2017 09:00:53 +0000

Reading Time: 2 minutes

If you’re like me, you need to do a lot of snacking to stave off hunger. And it’s easy to enjoy your snacking habit and still stick to a sensible nutrition plan if you have healthy, flavorful, and accessible options to keep you going.

So many dips start with beans or cheese, but this hearty nut and sunflower seed dip will keep you full and satisfied through to your next meal.…

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Stewed Eggplant and Tomatoes Indian Style

Alma Schneider — Sun, 30 Apr 2017 09:00:09 +0000

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Eggplants are fascinating looking, but what do you do with them? I love to combine stewed eggplant with tomatoes for a simple and flavorful Indian-inspired dish.

Of course, it’s wonderful to make this stewed eggplant dish with freshly picked tomatoes and eggplants from the garden, CSA, or farmer’s market, but you can make this dish year-round by using canned tomatoes and it is just as good.…

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Rich and Creamy (and Healthy) Chocolate Shake

Alma Schneider — Sun, 02 Apr 2017 09:00:29 +0000

When I first participated in the Whole Life Challenge, I had no idea I would be able to indulge in something so decadent that even my junk-food-junkie kids would enjoy it.

This protein-filled chocolate shake is as rich and velvety as it is compliant. Feel free to substitute the peanut butter for almond or sunflower seed butter. You can also add more almond milk if you want it thinner, frozen bananas to make it colder, or pour the mixture into popsicle molds to make it a frozen treat.…

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Dairy Free Potato Corn Chowder

Alma Schneider — Sun, 26 Feb 2017 10:00:41 +0000

Reading Time: 2 minutes

I belong to a local CSA, so each week I receive a lovely box of fresh produce. If you’re not familiar with the concept of CSA, or “community supported agriculture,” you may want to investigate the availability in your area. It’s a great way to get fresh, seasonal produce while also supporting your community. It’s also often a fun way to get to know new fruits and veggies!…

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Hazelnut Parsnip Soup

Alma Schneider — Sun, 15 Jan 2017 10:00:08 +0000

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Winter soups are a fantastic way to feel satisfied and healthy without doing too much work. Unlike many healthy meals, they tend to garner fewer objections from the pickier members of your household. And if you live solo, they’re a great way to spend less time cooking and have plenty of leftovers to reheat.

Winter soups also provide a fantastic opportunity to do a little vegetable exploration.…

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Pumpkin Apple Curry with Shrimp

Alma Schneider — Sun, 01 Jan 2017 10:00:34 +0000

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Nothing says “winter” better than pumpkin. It is delicious and nutritious, and can be blended with other ingredients to make a sumptuous meal — without all the processed carbs.

Pumpkin packs a punch when it comes to vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium, and plenty more. That means it could be good for everything from preventing cancer to preventing heart disease to keeping your skin free of wrinkles.…

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Shrimp, Sausage, and Mushroom Wild Rice Dinner

Alma Schneider — Fri, 16 Dec 2016 10:00:58 +0000

Reading Time: 2 minutes

As I always say, cooking for one is awesome because you can use more expensive ingredients and it won’t cost you a fortune. Eating shrimp always makes me feel pampered — although my wallet doesn’t necessarily enjoy it as much. But when you’re on your own, you can feel free to indulge!

To round out the flavors in this meal, I added chicken sausage, mushrooms, and wild rice.…

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Indian-Inspired Roasted Vegetables with Quinoa

Alma Schneider — Sun, 09 Oct 2016 09:00:09 +0000

Reading Time: 2 minutes

I’m always surprised when people don’t cook for themselves when they live alone or happen to be alone at night. I like to treat myself to a scrumptious meal when I’m alone, especially when I can put leftovers together quickly.

As fall is approaching, I highly recommend making your life easy and delicious by roasting vegetables and preparing grains ahead of time and storing them in the fridge in clear Tupperware or mason jars so you can see what’s in them.…

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Dairy-Free Creamless Mushroom Cream Sauce

Alma Schneider — Mon, 05 Sep 2016 09:00:44 +0000

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Just because we don’t eat cream on the Whole Life Challenge doesn’t mean we can’t find tasty substitutes. Instead, try making cream-like sauces with soaked cashews. In my opinion, it makes for a close second. I put this mushroom cream sauce on rice and it is crazy delicious!

Depending on which level you are playing, you can put this over white rice, brown rice, or sweet potato.…

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Simple and Spicy Pineapple Salsa

Alma Schneider — Sun, 24 Jul 2016 09:00:52 +0000

Reading Time: 2 minutes

For so many of us, cooking in the heat of summer can feel like a real chore, especially when you’re trying to keep it healthy. I suggest prepping as much in the way of fruit and vegetables as you can and storing them in the fridge for easy access to make your life simpler.

To make this pineapple salsa recipe all season long, you can store jalapeños in the freezer after you seed them, keep fresh limes on hand or even juice a bunch and freeze the juice in small amounts, and even make your life easy by using canned pineapple if you don’t have fresh.…

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Date Nut Scones: A Tasty and Easy Ready-to-Go Treat

Alma Schneider — Sun, 10 Jul 2016 09:00:40 +0000

Reading Time: 2 minutes

So many of us struggle with making healthy changes to our diets because we miss the texture of bread, muffins, scones, and other bakery snacks. I am one of those people! I need a bread-y treat once in a while to satisfy me.

Being successful in a new healthy lifestyle is highly dependent on being prepared, so if you have healthy options ready to go, you’ll be more likely to stay the course and make decisions you can feel good about (physically and mentally).…

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Fabulous Fava Bean Dip Recipe

Alma Schneider — Mon, 30 May 2016 09:00:01 +0000

Reading Time: 2 minutes

It’s so important to have healthy snacks at the ready when we are trying to take care of our bodies. If we forget to prepare, it can mean we resort to the Oreos we bought for the kids or a handful of chips.

Set yourself up to succeed, and enjoy this simple and tasty fava bean dip that is protein packed and extremely satisfying.…

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