Quinoa Caprese Casserole

I can't believe I haven't posted this recipe before. It's my absolute favorite quinoa recipe and I've made it many times or a family member has made it and we've split the recipe. Have you ever done that before? It is really helpful with food prep and keeps your meals more diverse. 

The recipe calls for:

olive oil

1 lb ground turkey

1/2 onion, chopped

red pepper flakes

8 oz frozen spinach

garlic, minced (I use quite a bit)

4 tomatoes, sliced

1/4 white wine

2 cups cooked quinoa

a bunch of fresh basil

fresh mozzarella, sliced or cubed

parmesan cheese

A substitute for the white wine could be chicken broth, you can also use the broth when cooking the quinoa instead of water for more flavor.

Another option is ground chicken or lean ground beef if you prefer.

-- Preheat over to 400 degrees. Spray a 9 x 13" baking dish or one a similar size with coconut oil.

-- Heat some olive oil in a pan. Add the ground meat, red pepper flakes and onion. Cook fully.

-- Add the garlic, white wine or broth and spinach (cooked/defrosted). Cook for a minute then add the cooked quinoa. Mix it all up.

-- Pour the mixture into your baking dish. Top with sliced tomatoes, slice mozzarella cheese and pieces of basil. Sprinkle some olive oil and parmesan cheese on top.

-- Bake in the oven for about 15 minutes.

I like to freeze leftovers into small containers and it's a convinent easy lunch to bring during the week.

Enjoy!

Dear 2016, you rock!

I've been skinnier, a lot skinner. I've been stronger, more athletic. All these things are in the past though. Where they belong. Right now I say screw all those things I used to be because now in this moment there's one thing I have never been and that is prouder. I can't remember a time in my life that I have felt this empowered and motivated.

I told myself this year would be my year and I am making that happen. Feeling great, losing weight, strengthening my body, learning, growing. What could be better?

I love squats. Like LOVE them. Who would've thought, certainly not me. My 1 1/2 year old son even does them sometimes now. Monkey see, monkey do. The first time I saw him squat with me I smiled so big. I was so proud. I was being the example I wanted to be. Again, what could be better?

Tricep body dips make me feel pumped up, upping the weight on my dumbbells and barbell makes me feel strong.

I am committed to this new journey. I have even worked out on my lunch break. I keep up with posts of inspiring fit women and moms, I have found yet another way to connect with my best friend in the world by being swole sisters and I have even been reading an actual book for more than a day. It's about  nutrition, fitness and the mind. I am still on the nutrition part of it but excited to get to the rest. It's called The Body Book by Cameron Diaz. Check it out! Because if it's a book I read daily it has to be winner.

One month into this new lifestyle and I couldn't be happier. I can't wait to see what all the days to come have to offer.

Good vibes,

Jenn