Simple Mango Salsa

My mom and dad grew up in the Midwest, so they know what quality Mexican food is. I grew up eating fajitas, mom's famous guacamole, fajitas and so many more of Mexicos greatest meals. I have yet to find great Mexican food in New York City, so I have to improvise. My favorite thing about this recipe is that it's so fresh, and my second favorite thing is that it doesn't require any cooking and it's so so simple. 

Time Needed: 3 mins or less

Serving Size: Can feed about 4 people as an appetizer or side

Ingredients:

-2 Tomatoes

-1/2 Bell Pepper (color of choice)

-1/2 Mango

-6 Stems of Cilantro (just the leaves)

-2 tsp Olive Oil

-Salt

Step 1: Chop all the fruit & vegetable, size depends on how chunky you want your salsa

Step 2: Add all of the ingredients into one bowl, mix in the olive il, & sprinkle with salt

Step 3: Throw a fiesta and enjoy!

Simple Breakfast: Ch-Ch-Ch-Chia Seed Pudding

As a college student, I want to sleep in as long as possible. I have found that one way to make this happen is to have simple premade breakfasts ready to go in the morning. Not to mention, they need to be healthy so that you have enough energy to get through a day of class, work, endless reading, and studying.

For this healthy recipe, you combine all of the ingredients the night before, stick it in the fridge, and it will be ready when you wake up. Amazing.

Chia seeds may not be the most flavorful food, but they have many benefits for your health. Here are my top seven reasons for you to incorporate chia seeds into your diet:

1. They're loaded with antioxidants
2. High fiber, so hello smooth digestion
3. Protein, protein, protein
4. Contain Omega-3, yay for healthy fat
5. Great for bone health, thanks to calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and protein
6. Basically tasteless
7. When added to water they turn into a gel and can be used to replace ingredients, such as eggs

Ingredients:
-2 Heaping Tbsp of Chia Seeds
-1 C Almond Milk
-2 Tsp Coconut Sugar

Step 1: Combine all ingredients into a container and cover with a lid

Step 2: Place in fridge for at least 5 hours

Step 3: Top with your favorite fruit

Step 4: Enjoy!

Simple Protein: Prosciutto Wrapped Shrimp Recipe

I think that the two main reasons that I couldn't be a vegan are 1) shrimp and 2) prosciutto. Shrimp is a lean and healthy source of protein, not to mention it's relatively simple and quick to cook.

The first tie that I went to Italy I discovered "prosciutto e melone." I had it for almost every meal. It sparked my love for prosciutto. However, when I lived in Saudi Arabia pork was banned from the country and I had some withdrawals. Now that I'm back in NYC, I incorporate it into my meals at least a couple times per week. Here's one of my favourite combinations:

Ingredients:

-A Few Slices of Prosciutto

-2/3 Cup Shrimp 

-1 Tsp Olive oil

Step 1: Place oiled pan on low heat

Step 2: Peal prosciutto strips into smaller strips and wrap each shrimp

Step 3: Place shrimp in the pan and cook until edges are browned (approximately 5 minutes)

Step 5: Enjoy!

I usually prefer to pair this with some roasted brussels sprouts.

Simple Stir-Fry

This weekend, my roommate, Rebekah, went on a retreat with our college. They were served nothing but rice and beans.  However, as one of the leaders, her and the team went out to eat every chance they got. She is still feeling the effects of her 4am Denny’s run. The second thing she said to me this morning was, “I need to eat something healthy after this weekend. I need a cleanse.”

Rebekah is studying Philosophy, Politics, and Economics. I am not. Rebekah has lots of papers due this week. I do not. I decided to take Rebekah's health into my own hands and show her just how simply she could eat a wholesome and healthy meal that will get her back on track with her usual “diet” and still have time to submit well-written essays.  

This is a super simple recipe to make ahead for the week or you can adjust the amount of veggies used to make enough for one or share with many.

Ingredients:

- 2 Tbsp Olive Oil

- At least 4 vegetables of choice

- Garlic Salt

Step 1: Clean and cut vegetables into bite-sized pieces

Step 2: Place large pan on medium heat and add olive oil

Step 3: Once heated place vegetables in pan

Step 4: Cover for about five minutes, then continue to sauté for about 30 minutes or when vegetables are golden brown around the edges

Step 5: Enjoy!