Broccoli & Mushroom Fried Quinoa

Broccoli & Mushroom Fried Quinoa

by | Aug 13, 2021 | Recipes

Two Glasses with Detox Green Smoothie

This recipe, inspired by your typical fried rice dish, takes things up a notch! This recipes combines whole grain quinoa with nutritious vegetables, oils, and herbs. A quick dish like this can be the meal’s main focus or a flavourful side dish. Either way it is packed with anti-inflammatory foods important for keeping our bodies healthy.

Mushrooms have been used in medicine for centuries. More recently, research into to the compounds contained in mushrooms are revealing their anti-inflammatory properties. Mushrooms contain a number of metabolites, including polysaccharides, terpenoids, peptides, and phenolics, which exhibit anti-inflammatory properties. It is believed that these metabolites reduce the number of messengers in our body that initiate an inflammatory response. (1)

Broccoli is a nutrient-rich vegetable, which also helps our body reduce inflammation. Sulforaphane is one compound within broccoli that is responsible for its anti-inflammatory properties. Research has shown that this compound limits the production of molecules important in the pathway that drives inflammation. (2)

This recipe uses avocado oil to prepare the vegetables. Avocados have recently become known as a superfood, in part, due to their anti-inflammatory properties. Avocados have been shown to modulate the human inflammatory response by blocking activation of key molecules in this process. (3) Additionally, avocados have high levels of carotenoids, a group of pigment molecules, which research shows are reduce inflammation and lower cancer risk. (4)

Lastly, garlic is a widespread favourite spice, adding wonderful flavours and aromas to dishes. Garlic is also associated with reduced inflammation! Research demonstrated that individuals who took garlic supplements showed significantly lower levels of inflammations markers in their blood. (5)

 

  1. Elsayed, E., Enshasy, H., Wadaan, M., & Aziz, R. (2014). Mushrooms: A potential Natural Source of Anti-Inflammatory Compounds for Medical Applications. Mediators of Inflammation, 2014. doi: 10.1155/2014/805841
  2. Hwang, J., & Lim, S. (2014). Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Activities of Broccoli Florets in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 Cells. Preventative Nutrition and Food Science, 19(2), 89-97. doi: 10.3746/pnf.2014.19.2.089
  3. Donnarumma, G., Paoletti, I., Buommino, E., Fusco, A., Baudouin, C., Msika, P., … & Baroni, A. (2011). AV119, a natural sugar from avocado gratissima, modulates the LPS-induced proinflammatory response in human keratinocytes. Inflammation, 34(6), 568-575. doi: 10.1007/s10753-010-9264-6.
  4. Key, T., Appleby, P., Travis, R., Albanes, D., Alberg, A., Barricarte, A., … & Allen, N. (2015). American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 102(5), 1142-1157. doi: 10.3945/ajcn.115.114306
  5. Mirzavandi, F., Mollahosseini, M., Salehi-Abargouei, A., Makiabadi, E., & Mozaffari-Khosravi, H. (2020). Eeffects of garlic supplementation on serum inflammatory markers: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Diabetes and Metabolic Syndrome, 14(5), 1153-1161. doi: 10.1016/j.dsx.2020.06.031 

Broccoli & Mushroom Fried Quinoa

This recipe, inspired by your typical fried rice dish, takes things up a notch! This recipes combines whole grain quinoa with nutritious vegetables, oils, and herbs.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups Quinoa cooked
  • 2 cups Broccoli chopped into small florets
  • 1 tbsp Avocado Oil
  • 2 cups Mushrooms sliced
  • 1 cup Baby Spinach
  • 1 Garlic clove, minced
  • 1 tbsp Coconut Aminos
  • 1 tbsp Onion Powder
  • 1 tsp Sea Salt
  • 3 stalks Green Onion chopped

Instructions
 

  • Cook quinoa according to package directions.
  • Once you have removed quinoa from heat, begin cooking the vegetables. Over medium heat, in a large pan, warm avocado oil. Once the oil is warmed, add in the mushrooms and garlic. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Add the broccoli florets, stirring to combine.
  • Add in the coconut aminos, almonds, onion powder and sea salt. Reduce heat, cover and continue cooking for approximately 2 minutes, until broccoli is bright green.
  • Add quinoa to pan. Stir to combine. Allow to fry approximately 2 more minutes.
  • Remove from heat and add spinach. Stir to combine.
  • Garnish with green onions. Divide onto plates and enjoy!

Notes

Nutritional information per serving:
Calories: 205
Carbs: 32g
Fibre: 7g
Sugar: 5g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 6g

Hazelnut Cocoa Balls

Hazelnut Cocoa Balls

by | Jul 23, 2021 | Recipes

Two Glasses with Detox Green Smoothie

After consulting with a health care professional, such as their family doctor, naturopathic doctor, nutritionist or dietitian, many individuals with symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) turn to a low-FODMAP diet. 

 

This is a specific type of elimination diet, which aims to remove certain small-chain carbohydrates from your diet to reduce IBS symptoms including abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea – with a success rate of up to 86% (1).

A low-FODMAP diet restricts consumption of most grains and dairy, many fruits, and all legumes… so, choosing a healthy snack may seem difficult. But, this hazelnut cocoa bites recipe provides a tasty snack while containing all low-FODMAP ingredients! Plus, the recipe is also paleo and vegan friendly, too!

Hazelnuts are filled with nutrients and antioxidants that support and protect many of our body’s systems. Specifically, hazelnuts are considered to be heart healthy. Studies of individuals with consistent hazelnut consumption show a reduction in their bad cholesterol (LDL) while their good cholesterol (HDL) levels remained the same (2).

Cocoa powder is produced by crushing cocoa beans and removing the fat content. While cocoa powder is most famously associated with the production of chocolate goods, research shows that cocoa powder alone can have a positive impact on blood pressure. Molecules within the cocoa powder react with molecules in the blood to expand blood vessels, ultimately lowering blood pressure (3). These have mainly been studied in healthy adults, and more studies on long-term effects are still needed.

Moderation is key while on a low-FODMAP diet because while many foods, including hazelnuts and maple syrup, are low-FODMAP in small quantities, the amount of FODMAPs gets higher and higher the larger a portion size that’s consumed. So, if you’re on a low-FODMAP diet, be sure to watch the serving size while enjoying this delicious snack!

 

References

  1. Nanayakkara, W., Skidmore, P., O’Brien, L., Wilkinson, T., & Gearry, R. (2016). Efficacy of the low FODMAP diet for treating irritable bowel syndrome: the evidence to date. Clinical and Experimental Gastroenterology, 9, 131-142. doi: 10.2147/CEG.S86798
  2. Orem, A., Yucesan, F., Orem, C., Akcan, B., Kural, B., Alasalvar, C., & Shahidi, F. (2013). Hazelnut-enriched diet improves cardiovascular risk biomarkers beyond a lipid-lowering effect in hypercholesterolemic subjects. Journal of Clinic Lipidology. 7(2), 123-131. doi: 10.1016/j.jacl.2012.10.005
  3. Ried, K., Fakler, P., & Stocks, N. (2017). Effect of cocoa on blood pressure. Cochrane Database System Review. 4(4). doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD008893

 

Hazelnut Cocoa Balls

This Hazelnut Cocoa Balls recipe make for a tasty snack while containing all low-FODMAP ingredients! Chocolate and hazelnut has never been this healthy!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 8 servings

Ingredients
  

  • ¾+¼ cup Hazelnuts use ¼ cup to roll balls in
  • 3 tbsp Hemp Seeds
  • 2 tbsps Cocoa Powder
  • 2 tbsps Maple Syrup
  • ¼ tsp Sea Salt

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 375ºF. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicon baking mat. Spread hazelnuts even on the baking sheet and cook in the oven for approximately 8 to 10 minutes, until lightly toasted and fragrant.
  • Remove hazelnuts from the oven and place in a clean kitchen towel. Rub the hazelnuts with the towel to remove the skins. Place skinned hazelnuts in a food processor and pulse to chop well. On a small plate, reserve a ¼ cup of the chopped hazelnuts.
  • To the food processor add the hemp seeds, cocoa powder, maple syrup and salt to the hazelnuts and pulse until the mixture begins to comes together. You may need to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure it processes evenly.
  • Once the mixture has formed together, scoop the mixture from the bowl of the food processor. Using clean dampened hands, roll the mixture into 1” ball, then roll each ball into the reserved chopped hazelnuts.
  • Place in a covered container in the fridge for approximately 20 minutes to allow the balls to harden slightly. Enjoy!

Notes

Nutritional information per serving:
Calories: 116
Carbs: 7g
Fibre: 2g
Sugar: 4g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 10g

Acai Bowl

Acai Bowl

by | Jul 15, 2021 | Recipes

Two Glasses with Detox Green Smoothie

Acai berries have recently become a popular superfood.

While this berry is small, it is packed with nutrients, antioxidants and many health benefits. This recipe capitalizes on acai’s bold flavour to create a bowl perfect for breakfast or lunch!

Acai berries are high in antioxidants which help prevent the body from free radical damage. Free radicals are made by the body through natural molecular processes and introduced into the body through environmental toxins. If free radicals are not neutralized in the body by antioxidants, they can cause damage and ultimately lead to disease. By neutralizing free radicals due to the high antioxidant content, acai berries help to protect the body against diseases such as cancer and diabetes (1). To learn more about the many benefits of acai berries, check out our acai berry article.

In addition to utilizing acai berry powder, this recipe contains many other healthy fruits. This is helpful as a diet rich in a wide-range of fruits provides a variety of fibres that help diversify the gut microbiome (2).

Kiwi is a particularly important food to highlight when discussing digestive health. Kiwi has been shown to have a positive impact on irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms such as abdominal discomfort and constipation. This ability is attributed to its high-water content and rich fibre content (3). Kiwi also benefits the gut microbiome. It contains the proteolytic enzyme, actinidin, which assists with the digestion of protein (3). 

The fruits in this recipe aren’t the only elements assisting with digestion. The flax seeds and chia seeds are also high in fibre content. The fibre in these seeds simultaneously feed the good bacteria in your gut and add bulk to your stool, helping you easily pass waste (4). 

When a bowl is this colourful, this nutritious, and this easy… it is too good not to try!

 

References:

  1. Florence, T. (1995). The role of free radicals in disease. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Ophthalmology. 23(1), 3-7. doi: 10.1111/j.1442-9071.1995.tb01638.x
  2. Holscher, H. (2017). Dietary fiber and prebiotics and the gastrointestinal microbiota. Gut Microbes. 8(2), 172-184. doi: 10.1080/19490976.2017.1290756
  3. Richardson, D., Ansell, J., & Drummond, L. (2018). The nutritional and health attributes of kiwifruit: a review. European Journal of Nutrition. 57(8), 2659-2676. doi: 10.1007/s00394-018-1627-z
  4. Slavin, J. (2013). Fiber and prebioitics: mechanisms and health benefits. Nutrients. 5(4), 1417-1435. doi: 10.3390/nu5041417

 

Acai Bowl

Acai berries have recently become a popular superfood. While this berry is small, it is packed with nutrients, antioxidants and many health benefits.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 7 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 2 servings

Ingredients
  

  • ¼ cup Oats
  • ¼ cup Almonds crushed
  • 1½ tsps Coconut Oil
  • 1½ tsps Raw Honey
  • 2 Bananas
  • 2 cups Frozen Berries
  • 1 cup Baby Spinach
  • 1 cup Almond Milk unsweetened
  • 2 tbsp Hemp Seeds
  • 1 tbsps Ground Flax Seed
  • 2 tbsps Chia Seeds
  • 2 tbsps Acai Powder
  • 2 tsps Cinnamon
  • ¼ cup Strawberries sliced
  • ¼ cup Blueberries
  • ¼ cup Raspberries
  • 1 Kiwi sliced

Instructions
 

  • In a dry pan toast, over medium-low heat toast the oats and crushed almonds for approximately 5 minutes. Toss frequently to avoid burning.
  • Add coconut oil and honey. Stir regularly for another 2-3 minutes ensuring ingredients are coated evenly. Remove granola mixture from heat and set aside to cool.
  • In a blender combine banana, frozen berries, spinach, almond milk, hemp seeds, ground flax seed, chia seeds, acai powder and cinnamon. Blend until smooth.
  • Divide smoothie mixture evenly into bowls. Top with strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, kiwi, and granola. Enjoy!

Notes

Nutritional information per serving:
Calories: 562
Carbs: 78g
Fibre: 18g
Sugar: 38g
Protein: 13g
Fat: 25g

Blueberry Turkey Breakfast Sausages Patties

Blueberry Turkey Breakfast Sausages Patties

by | Jul 9, 2021 | Recipes

Two Glasses with Detox Green Smoothie

Symptoms including bloating, abdominal pain, constipation and diarrhea are all too familiar to an individual with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

For the management of IBS, a type of elimination diet, called the low-FODMAP diet, has shown success in improving these symptoms.

FODMAP is an acronym for short-chain carbohydrates that the human body has difficulty digesting, and therefore can lead to IBS symptoms. Recent studies suggest that up to 86% of patients find relief from these symptoms on a low-FODMAP diet (1). We’ve written more about the low-FODMAP diet here. Remember, it is important to talk to a health care professional, such as your family doctor or naturopathic doctor to rule out any more serious conditions within your digestive system. 

In the standard American diet (SAD), wheat is the biggest contributor to FODMAPs in the diet (2). It is typical for a SAD breakfast to contain wheat-based items such as cereal, bread, bagels, or baked goods. When these items are eliminated during a low-FODMAP diet, making breakfast can seem challenging. This recipe provides a flavourful, quick, and filling alternative to start your day! Plus, these breakfast sausages can be made in batches and frozen, to be heated in a toaster oven or pan for those on-the-go mornings.

Many fruits are considered high-FODMAP foods because they are high in fructose, a natural sugar. However, blueberries are low in fructose and are therefore safe to eat in moderate quantities on a low-FODMAP diet. Blueberries were also recently listed as one of our Top 10 Brain-Boosting Superfoods!

This recipe includes extra-lean ground turkey which, in addition to being a low-FODMAP food, is considered a heart healthy choice compared to other ground meats. It contains lower levels of saturated fats, which is a known risk factor for cardiac disease (3). Turkey also contains the amino acid tryptophan which is the building block of neurotransmitters that help us feel happy, sleep well, and reduce cravings. 

With garlic and onion both being high-FODMAP foods, it can be difficult to replace the flavour infusion these ingredients provide. Ginger is a wonderful low-FODMAP flavour alternative incorporated into this recipe. Ginger also has the added benefit of having anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties (4), and an affinity for soothing the digestive system.

 

1. Nanayakkara, W., Skidmore, P., O’Brien, L., Wilkinson, T., & Gearry, R. (2016). Efficacy of the low FODMAP diet for treating irritable bowel syndrome: the evidence to date. Clinical and Experimental Gastroenterology, 9, 131-142. doi: 10.2147/CEG.S86798

2. Dunn, S., Datta, A., Kallis, S., Law, E., Myers, C., & Whelan, K. (2010) Validation of a food frequency questionnaire to measure intakes of inulin and oligofructose. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 65(3), 402-408. doi: 10.1038/ejcn.2010.272

3. O’Keefe, J., & DiNicolantonio, J. (2018). Effects of dietary fats on blood lipids: a review of direct comparison trials. Open Heart. 5(2). doi: 10.1136/openhrt-2018-000871

4. Mashhadi, N., Ghiasvand, R., Askari, G., Hariri, M., Darvishi, L., & Mofid, M. (2013). Anti-Oxidative and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Ginger in Health and Physical Activity: Review of Current Evidence. International Journal of Preventative Medicine. 4(1), 36-42. 

 

    Blueberry Turkey Breakfast Sausage Patties

    This recipe includes extra-lean ground turkey which, in addition to being a low-FODMAP food, is considered a heart healthy choice compared to other ground meats.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes
    Cook Time 15 minutes
    Total Time 25 minutes
    Servings 2 Servings (4 patties)
    Calories 211 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 8 ozs Extra Lean Ground Turkey
    • 1½ tsps Italian Seasoning equal parts mixture of dried basil, dried parsley, dried oregano, dried thyme, and dried rosemary, do not use Italian Seasoning mixes with garlic, onion, or other high-FODMAP ingredients if you are on a LOW-FODMAP diet
    • 1 tbsp Maple Syrup
    • ½ tsp Ginger peeled and minced
    • ⅓ tsp Sea Salt
    • 2 tbsp Arrowroot Starch
    • ¼ cup Blueberries fresh, frozen or dried
    • 1½ tsps Coconut Oil

    Instructions
     

    • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, Italian seasoning, maple syrup ginger, salt and arrowroot starch, mixing until well blended.
    • Gently fold blueberries into the turkey mixture.
    • Divide the mixture into 4 equal parts. Using your hands, shape the mixture into patties, approximately 4-inches in diameter. Set aside.
    • Heat the coconut oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat.
    • Once the pan is warmed, cook turkey patties for approximately 4-5 minutes on each side, until the patties are fully cooked through.
    • Serve and enjoy!

    Notes

    Nutritional information per serving:
    Calories: 180
    Carbs: 17g
    Fibre: 1g
    Sugar: 8g
    Protein: 19g
    Fat: 4g

    Quinoa and Kale Fritters

    Quinoa and Kale Fritters

    by | Jun 18, 2021 | Recipes

    Two Glasses with Detox Green Smoothie

    These Quinoa and Kale Fritters are perfect for lunch or dinner. They are delicious served hot off the skillet or frozen and reheated later in the week.

    Plus, these fritters have the perfect brain-boosting ingredients, including kale, eggs, and quinoa to keep your thinking skills sharp!

    Kale is a part of the cruciferous vegetable family which includes broccoli, spinach, and brussels sprouts. These vegetables are known as a strong support for your liver in the detoxification process, but they also contain nutrients that are important for your brain. Vitamin K is one such nutrient, which plays a role in building important fat cells in the brain. These fat cells allow your neurons to communicate with each other more effectively. (1) When our neurons can communicate effectively, we notice the difference in thinking skills such as memory, and attention!

    Eggs are another brain-boosting superfood. Egg yolks are filled with choline, which is used to make the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. This neurotransmitter is known to be important during thinking tasks such as utilizing memory and attention. When choline levels are high, our brain uses it to make acetylcholine which enhances our thinking skills. (2) Studies of individual’s performance on memory tests and choline levels demonstrated that higher choline levels correlated with better cognitive performance. (3)

    While quinoa isn’t the first ingredient that comes to mind as a brain-boosting superfood, it definitely has properties to help support brain health. Quinoa has high levels of amino acids, including tryptophan, which are used to build the neurotransmitters our brain uses to communicate. (4) Quinoa is also high in iron. Iron supports the oxygen-carrying molecules in our blood, helping oxygen reach all of the cells in our body, including brain cells, for top performance. (4)

     

    These fritters are very versatile and can be served as a side dish with a dip of your choice. They are also a nice meatless choice to replace a burger. However you choose to serve them, we hope you enjoy!

     

    1.  Ferland, G. (2012). Vitamin K and the Nervous System: An Overview of its Actions. Advances in Nutrition, 3(2), 204-212. doi: 10.3945/an.111.001784
    2. Haddelmo, M. (2006). The Role of Acetylcholine in Learning and Memory. Current Opinon in Neurobiology, 16(6), 710-715. doi: 10.1016/j.conb.2006.09.002
    3. Nurk, E., Refsum, H., Bjelland, I., Drevon, C., Tell, G., Ueland, P., … & Vollset, S. (2013). Plasma free choline, betaine and cognitive performance: the Hordaland Health Study. The British Journal of Nutrition, 109(3), 511-519. doi: 10.1017/S0007114512001249.
    4. Filho, A., Pirozi, M., Borges, J., Sant’Ana, H., Chaves, J., & Coimbra, J. (2017). Quinoa: Nutritional, functional, and antinutritional aspects. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition. 57(8), 1618-1630. doi: 10.1080/10408398.2014.1001811

    Quinoa and Kale Fritters

    These Quinoa and Kale Fritters are perfect for lunch or dinner. They are delicious served hot off skillet or frozen and reheated later in the week.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes
    Cook Time 40 minutes
    Total Time 45 minutes
    Servings 4 servings

    Ingredients
      

    • ½ cup Quinoa
    • 1 cup Water
    • 1 tbsp Coconut Oil divided
    • 2 Eggs whisked
    • ½ Sweet Onion diced
    • 3 Garlic cloved, minced
    • Sea Salt & Pepper to taste
    • 2 cups Kale Leaves
    • ⅓ cup Flaked Quinoa can substitute rolled oats
    • ⅓ cup Almond Flour

    Instructions
     

    • Cook quinoa according to box directions.
    • While the quinoa is simmering, heat half the coconut oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add onion and sauté for approximately 5 minutes until it begins to caramelize and brown slightly.
    • Add kale to pan and stir for 1-2 minutes until just wilted. Immediately remove from heat and set aside.
    • In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs. Stir quinoa, kale/onion mixture, garlic, salt and pepper into the egg mixture, and combine.
    • Add the flaked quinoa and almond meal to the egg mixture. Stir well to combining.
    • With clean hands, divide the mixture into four even portions. Shape each portion into a patty and place on a piece of parchment paper or silicone mat.
    • In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the remaining coconut oil. Using a spatula carefully transfer the fritters from the parchment paper to the skillet. Fry the fritters for approximately 6 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
    • Enjoy!

    Notes

    Nutritional information per serving:
    Calories: 195
    Carbs: 16g
    Fibre: 3g
    Sugar: 2.8g
    Protein: 8g
    Fat: 11g

    Pesto Baked Egg Cups

    Pesto Baked Egg Cups

    by | Jun 8, 2021 | Recipes

    Two Glasses with Detox Green Smoothie

    This fun breakfast recipe is the perfect way to boost your brain function in the morning. While this breakfast is low in carbohydrates, the eggs and kale are bursting with choline and vitamin K, which are important nutrients to keep your thinking skills sharp. 

    In fact, in our article, Top 10 Brain-Boosting Foods, both eggs and kale were listed as foods beneficial to supporting brain health.

    Egg yolks are a wonderful source of choline, which is a main component of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Neurotransmitters are what our brain cells, neurons, use to communicate with each other. Acetylcholine, specifically, has been shown to play an important role in memory. So, by extension it is important that our body has a sufficient supply of choline to make this neurotransmitter to help us remember all the things we need to! (1)

    Kale is a cruciferous vegetable rich in nutrients! Research has shown that individuals who have higher levels of vitamin K, achieved through consuming their leafy greens, have less memory challenges than those with lower levels of vitamin K. (4)

    Other hidden gems in this recipe include garlic and olive oil, which act as immune system supports and antioxidants, respectively, while adding a delicious flavours!

    For added benefit, try switching your store-bought pesto, for our home-made nutrient dense Holy Basil Pesto. This pesto recipe is loaded with nutrients and antioxidants, which is another great way to support brain health. It also has adaptogenic properties, meaning it helps individuals adapt to stress, which is key whether recovering from a brain injury, or just coping with the challenges of everyday life.

     

    References

    1. Haddelmo, M. (2006). The Role of Acetylcholine in Learning and Memory. Current Opinon in Neurobiology, 16(6), 710-715. doi: 10.1016/j.conb.2006.09.002
    2. Nurk, E., Refsum, H., Bjelland, I., Drevon, C., Tell, G., Ueland, P., … & Vollset, S. (2013). Plasma free choline, betaine and cognitive performance: the Hordaland Health Study. The British Journal of Nutrition, 109(3), 511-519. doi: 10.1017/S0007114512001249.
    3. Ferland, G. (2012). Vitamin K and the Nervous System: An Overview of its Actions. Advances in Nutrition, 3(2), 204-212. doi: 10.3945/an.111.001784
    4. Nurk, E., Refsum, H., Bjelland, I., Drevon, C., Tell, G., Ueland, P., … & Vollset, S. (2013). Plasma free choline, betaine and cognitive performance: the Hordaland Health Study. The British Journal of Nutrition, 109(3), 511-519. doi: 10.1017/S0007114512001249.

     

    Pesto Baked Egg Cups

    The eggs and kale in this recipe are bursting with choline and vitamin K, which are important brain-boosting nutrients to keep your thinking skills sharp.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes
    Cook Time 15 minutes
    Total Time 20 minutes
    Servings 4 servings

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 tbsps Extra Virgin Olive Oil
    • 2 cups Kale Leaves thinly sliced
    • 2 Garlic Cloves
    • ½ tsp Sea Salt
    • 4 Eggs
    • ¼ cup Pesto
    • ¼ cup Cherry Tomatoes
    • Sprouts to garnish

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat oven to 350*F. Arrange 6 oz ramekins on a baking sheet. Pour 1 teaspoon of olive oil into each ramekin and coat the inside of the ramekin with the oil.
    • In a large pan, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Once warmed, add kale, garlic, and sea salt. Cook for approximately 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until kale is wilted and garlic is fragrant.
    • Divide garlic kale evenly between ramekins.
    • Crack 1 egg into each, taking care not to break the yolk.
    • Top with pesto and bake 10-15 minutes, or until the egg is set.
    • Remove from oven, and garnish with sliced tomatoes and sprouts.
    • Enjoy!

    Notes

    Nutritional information per serving:
    Calories: 231
    Carbs: 3g
    Fibre: 1g
    Sugar: 1g
    Protein: 8g
    Fat: 21g