Cookin Good Lookin Good

After being ceviche obsessed all summer, this recipe is another twist on my Ceviche de Pescado recipe. I replaced the bell peppers with fresh mango, and added coconut milk to give it a silky texture and tropical taste. The result is like a tropical vacation for your taste buds, and is perfect with my plantain chips.

These baked plantain chips are super easy to make, and delicious with ceviche, salsa, and all varieties of dips. I used a mandoline slicer to make these chips super thin and crispy, but it is possible to slice them thin with a knife too.

I am super obsessed with salsa. I cannot get enough of it. If I were stranded on an island and I could only bring three foods, I would bring chips and salsa in a heart beat. I like my salsa extra spicy, so if you don't I would advise removing the seeds before blending. If you like things spicy like I do, add some more jalapeno to the mix and keep the seeds in to up the heat. This recipe would also be perfect with baked plantain chips.

In the dead of summer, it's almost too hot to cook. I'd prefer to just float in the pool or beach and not get out until fall cools things off. For days when it is just too hot, this easy frozen meal does the trick. Full of good for you greens and hydrating fruit, you will feel completely refreshed after this smoothie bowl. Plus it won't wreck your bikini body. And you will need that bikini body if you plan on floating in the water until fall's cooler weather like me. 

This is my all time favorite granola recipe. It's super easy to make, free of refined sugars, and tastes delicious. It also tastes great on its own. I personally like my granola in small clusters to sprinkle on top greek yogurt or smoothie bowls. But if you're like my husband, you can form the granola mixture into a large bar or clump and refrain from stirring while baking. This will give you large bars or slabs with the consistency of a granola bar, rather than the crispy little cereal-like pieces that I prefer.

I have been really into ceviche lately. I can't get enough of it, but every time I order it at a restaurant, it's a little lacking in some way. Either it isn't spicy enough, or it's a teeny tiny portion. I decided to cure my craving by making my own spicy, tropical ceviche. It was ah-maz-ing, and just the right amount. I also found some green plantains on sale at the grocery store the same day I picked up the fish, so I decided to bake my own plantain chips, and it was definitely the perfect accompaniment.

I have to admit, this was the first time I have attempted making any kind of breaded chicken. I typically don't eat much in the way of flour or breadcrumbs, but when I came across this recipe using a small amount of coconut flour, and coconut flakes, I figured I'd give it a try, and I am so glad I did. This recipe was really pretty easy, and still very healthy, and the mango salad on the side was the perfect tropical touch to go with the coconut chicken.

Sometimes you just want dessert, but not one that will mess with your fitness goals. I was craving a rich, filling chocolate dessert and set out to create one that wouldn't wreck my beach body goals, and set out to create just that. This protein pudding is almost mousse-like after blending, and is the perfect base for some fresh berries, toasted coconut, or cacao nibs. At only 195 calories, 14 grams of protein, and 7 grams of fiber (pre-toppings), this dessert will hit the spot without the sugar crash. I blended the chia pudding in order to make the texture more mousse-like, but your could skip this step if you like.

Weeknight dinners should be easy. No one wants to spend hours in the kitchen after a long day. But just because dinner is easy, doesn't mean that it can't be delicious and healthy and pretty to look at too. This dinner checks all of those boxes. It is easy, delicious, and just over 300 calories.

Tuna tartare is one of my favorite healthy recipes. Full of protein and good fats, it will leave you lean and glowing. For special occasions I'll serve this as a first course, and it pairs perfectly with a bit of bubbly. On its own, this is the perfect dish to fill you up, while keeping you beach ready.