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I'm usually down for a good margarita when I am out at a Mexican restaurant or when making Mexican food at home. The thing is - oftentimes they are full of sugar and other additives, they are too sweet, too tart, too lime green, etc. I prefer a fresh margarita. Meaning - nothing weird added, just the ingredients that a margarita SHOULD have. I say that only to follow up with I have recently discovered bourbon margaritas and I believe they are even better than tequila - but, to each their own. Try it both ways and see what you prefer! I created this recipes as I was doing my first virtual cooking class (Taco Party) where we made tacos and white bean guacamole while sipping on margs! Since it was at the beginning of quarantine I emphasized the fact that it is okay to go rogue when following recipes and incorporate the things you have instead of running to the store again for one or two things. For example, we didn't have tequila at home but we had a bunch of bourbon so I gave it a shot...and I am glad I did! I usually host at least one virtual cooking class a month - follow me on Facebook and Instagram for updates! While I'm not going to go as far to say that these are "healthy", they are definitely "less unhealthy" than most other margaritas. Everything in moderation. Enjoy! Photo credit goes to Adrienne Warren who took this during my Taco Party Virtual Cooking Class!  Total Time: 5 minutes
Serves: 1 Ingredients
Directions
Note: These can also be made in a pitcher (on the rocks) or the blender (frozen) for a large batch If you like this recipe, download the Prepear app for more of my recipes (plus thousands of others), meal planning, grocery list creating AND grocery ordering from Walmart!
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One of my favorite brunch items is bagel and lox - or something similar, but as long as it involves salmon, cream cheese and onion, I'm in! I wanted to do a dinner take on that by using the Everything Bagel Seasoning I have in my pantry so I came up with a "deconstructed bagel and lox" salad. At first I thought I would make croutons out of a bagel I but ended up finding these super tiny potatoes and thought they seemed like a more nutritious, filling substitute instead. This was a refreshing, healthy, fun take on bagel and lox and I recommend thinking outside the box when you are cooking. More than likely, you can take something that might not be viewed as the most healthy meal and convert it into something that is more nutritious (or just enjoy it as it is in moderation). Living a healthy, balanced life means thinking outside the box, trying something new, still enjoying your favorites and making modifications when necessary.  Total Time: 40 minutes
Serves: 4 Ingredients
Directions
If you like this recipe, download the Prepear app for more of my recipes (plus thousands of others), meal planning, grocery list creating AND grocery ordering from Walmart!  There is a lot going on in the world right now. So much has dramatically changed in our lives and it has brought us all such uncertainty about the future. The fear of the unknown is lurking all around us. The thing is though, we never know what is going to happen in life. I think we are all just so much more AWARE of that uncertainty right now (more than ever) which is causing anxiety, sadness, anger and fear to rise up within us. It is very stressful to navigate through these times because it is something most of us have never had to deal with before. We just don't know what to do and there doesn't seem to be one trusted resource we can count on (which brings even more stress to the situation). To top it off, it seems like every time you get on social media or watch the news there is some other negative story confirming how 2020 is the "worst year ever". Unfortunately, this all takes a toll and causes us to shift to a more negative mindset. Every little bump in the road has turned into a mountain.
I know there are some really awful things happening and some people are in way worse places than others so I am NOT trying to minimize the impact of everything going on. I am so sorry for all of those who have been/are deeply and closely affected. What I AM trying to do is reach out to the people who need to hear this, right now. Try to stop thinking of this year as a "whole" and instead, break it into little parts, then replace your "why is this happening to me" (victim/negative) mindset into a "what can I do to be in a better place" (creative/positive) mindset. Take each day as it comes. Each event, every thing you hear, take it just as it is. Don't clump it all together as more proof as to why this year sucks. Maybe it does...BUT there is good happening in the world too - and hopefully in your life somewhere as well. Once you are able to separate everything out, you can mentally start to handle it all a little better. It's okay if you didn't know what to do with yourself and have just been trying to get by for the last few months. I think now we all are starting to realize this isn't going to end soon so we are trying to figure out how to adapt. Aim to create your life this second half of the year, instead of letting it happen to you. Yes, there are still going to be a lot of things out of your control, focus on the things you ARE in control of. There are many things you can do right now to help change how the rest of your year is going to look and feel for you, but these are 5 that you can implement and feel the effects from almost instantly. 1. Nutrition. There has never been a more important time to improve your diet. When you eat well, you feel well and hopefully, can stay well. Maybe this is a good time for you to learn how to cook. It can actually be a fun activity by yourself or with the whole family. Aim to increase your intake of fruits and vegetables, lean proteins and complex carbs and drink more water. Join a cooking class as an activity you or your whole family can enjoy! 2. Physical Activity. Getting out of the house (if you can) and getting some fresh air and activity is THE best medicine I can think of. If you can't get outside for your activity, find a way to do it inside! There are so many different options and you really don't need that much space or money. There are thousands of free workout videos and programs online, in magazines and even on TV! Just keep moving. 3. Sleep. Nothing can make you feel better than a full night's sleep. Quality sleep can help boost your immune system, improve mood, increase productivity, help you to feel like you can handle the day and so much more! Who doesn't feel better after getting more sleep? Come up with a bedtime routine to help prepare your body for a restful night's sleep - set a schedule, do something to wind down for a few minutes that does not include electronics of any kind, avoid consuming caffeine in the late afternoon/evening and resist that nightcap. 4. Mental Health. Mental health is so important. It affects our thoughts, behaviors and emotions. Please seek professional help if you think you need it or know someone that does - click here. To improve your mental health you can meditate, avoid excessive alcohol or drug abuse, make time to unwind, connect with others, stay informed by RELIABLE sources, avoid too much exposure to the news and take a break from social media. I believe that everyone probably needs to take a break from social media right now. If you are on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc. and you don't feel uplifted, energized, and positive about the things you see - then why are you even on it? Delete it from your phone, put time limits on it or just cancel your account. Do whatever it takes to prevent yourself from being overwhelmed by negativity and unreliable information every second of the day. 5. Do Things You Enjoy. We don't know how long everything is going to be so different for, it is time we start to adjust our lives. Think about what makes you happy and do more of that! Find ways that you can enjoy your hobbies, spend time with family and friends (at a distance) or household members, start a new creative project, get a pet (or love on yours) and find at least one thing to feel positive or grateful about every day. While we don't know what's going to happen, we CAN control how we respond. Take care of yourself, take care of your community. If you need more help than these tips can offer, please click here for professional help. Please reach out to me if you have any questions or need help. I am always full of ideas. We have stayed busy by cooking A LOT of fun (normally healthy, sometimes not) food, going walks/runs/hikes plus home workouts, working on plenty of house remodel projects, having a weekly socially distant happy hour with our neighbors/friends, video chatting with friends and family, buying a kayak for water adventures and I can't forget, the never-ending yard work. Our newest upcoming project is a fire pit so we can continue to stay socially distant outside with friends and neighbors even once it gets cold. While you should focus more on just enjoying each day, it's also good to think and (somewhat) plan ahead so you can have fun in your own way, even if it is going to look a lot different than normal (like the holidays this year). 
Won't you stand (virtually) banh mi as we make this delicious meal together?
You're going to go coco-nuts for it! Join us on July 25th at 5pm (CDT) via Zoom to make banh mi with a twist! $20 per household (we encourage the whole family to join in)! We will be making: Banh Mi Noodle Bowls (naturally gluten-free and dairy-free) Coconut Mint Fizz (usually made with gin but really any alcohol would work) Banh mi is the Vietnamese word for bread - but it is mainly known as a delicious type of sandwich, AKA my favorite type of sandwich. Ironically, we will be taking the baguette out of the sandwich (I know, crazy right?) and will instead utilize the famous ingredients - pickled radishes, carrots, cilantro, cucumber and pork/chicken (or jackfruit for a vegan option) plus more - in a noodle bowl! After you register, the week before class starts, you will receive an e-mail with a list of ingredients so you can buy your groceries and prepare ahead of time, as well as the Zoom meeting information! See you soon! Register for the class by clicking Buy Now. By clicking Buy Now you agree to the Agreement, Waiver and Release below.
Hold Harmless Agreement, Waiver and Release
In consideration of being permitted by Elena McCown, LLC to participate in a virtual cooking class, I hereby waive, release and discharge any and all claims for damages or personal injury, death, or property damage which I may have or which may hereafter accrue as a result of my participation in said activity. This release is intended to discharge, in advance, Elena McCown, LLC, its officers, directors, members and managers, and all other members of its virtual cooking school staff whether contracted, employed or related, from and against any and all liability arising out of or connected to in any way with any participation in said activity. I understand that the activity that I am participating in may be of a hazardous nature and/or include physical and/or strenuous activity, that serious accidents occasionally occur during the said activity; and that participants in the said activity can occasionally sustain personal injuries as a consequence thereof. I also recognize that all people react to food differently and I will avoid the foods that I know I am allergic to and will ask for substitutions when necessary. Knowing the risks involved, nevertheless, I have voluntarily applied to participate in said activity, and I hereby agree to assume any and all risks of injury or death and to release and hold harmless Elena McCown, LLC, its officers, directors, members and managers, and all other members of its cooking school staff whether contracted or employed, or related, who might otherwise be liable to me. I further understand and agree that this waiver, release and assumption of risks is to be binding on my heirs and assigns. I hereby grant Elena McCown, LLC all rights and consent to copyright, use, re‐use, publish or re‐publish, copy, exhibit or distribute all photographs I have posted of the food I created to be used for Elena McCown, LLC website, social media, and any educational, training or promotional electronic or printed material without restriction as to frequency or duration of usage and without compensation. By agreeing to this waiver by clicking BuyNow, I acknowledge that I have carefully read this Hold Harmless Agreement, Waiver and Release and fully understand its contents. I am aware that this is a release of liability and a contract between myself and Elena McCown, LLC and any staff member of cooking class whether contracted or employed, or related. |
About MeI am a food loving, activity seeking health coach who resides in Franklin, TN with my husband and two sweet dogs (Lola & Penny). AllergiesI believe everyone should eat balanced and not cut food groups if you don't medically need to. All foods can fit in a healthy diet. Unfortunately, I have to avoid gluten and also limit myself with dairy, so my goal is to provide healthy, gluten-free/dairy-free recipes so EVERYONE can enjoy all foods, even if you do have to cut out certain food groups. My recipes are encouraged for everyone to eat, not just for those with sensitivities/allergies! Most of my recipes can be easily converted by using real dairy and whole-wheat in place of my allergy-free substitutes. SearchLooking for something specific? Everything can be found by category under the "Life" and "Recipes" sections on my website or you can search below. Archives
October 2024
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Elena McCown, LLC Health Coach in Georgetown, TX