5 Day Clean Eating Challenge!

It is time again!! 5 Days! All clean foods… awesomely delicious clean foods?

The next Sweet, Simple, Nutritious 5 Day Clean Eating Challenge is starting on Monday the 30th September.

Would you like to feel better, look better, have more energy and get better sleep? Then join us! E-mail agodfrey.wellness@gmail.com

Or message me here to sign up! Or visit

Sweetsimpledelicious.com and go to the shopping page to sign up.

I am also offering the program with foods included!! How easy and exciting is that?? Message me for pricing and to join with foods prepared and delivered to you!!

Basic program info below??

I am looking forward to nourishing, nurturing and thriving with you!

5 Days Clean!

You receive:

~The program via e-mail.

~Daily menu.

~All of the delicious and easy to follow recipes… plus a few bonus recipes!

~Shopping list.

~Daily guided meditation.

~Yoga/exercise recommendations.

~Full support via our private group Facebook page that is only for people who are doing or have done my program!

~Breathing exercises.

You also reap the benefits of doing something so very good for yourself! Look great, feel great, have less bloat and better sleep. Where you give attention you get results!

Are you ready to give yourself a little loving attention in the form of delicious Whole Foods, moving your body and connecting with your inner self? The program (without foods prepared) is $67.00

Message me to join us or email

agodfrey.wellness@gmail.com

I am looking forward to thriving with you!

#reset #reboot #cleanse #vegan #glutenfree #iinhealthcoach #cleaneatingchallenge #feelgreat #lookgreat #nobloat

Vegan Mac and Cheese

With the cooler weather soon to be upon us (I am not rushing it at all!!! I promise!!) I have been thinking about comfort foods and Mac and Cheese ALWAYS pops into my head when I think “comfort foods”! Creamy, delicious, hearty, filling… did I mention delicious… oh! And this version is packed with nutrition!! Woot, woot!

This vegan “cheesy” sauce is amazing used in a gorgeous Mac and Cheese creation and it can also be used on its own as a creamy “cheesy” dip or over vegetables to get all of that extra nutrition.

There are so many nutrients packed into this dish, including the fact that nutritional yeast is a source of a complete plant based protein. Always a big question from my clients about plant based eating… “where is the protein?” Here is it friends!

Imagine! All of these fab ingredients packed into one yummy scrummy sauce?!?

Below is the link to the WTNH segment with the recipe included and below, below is the recipe typed out.

So, click below and check it out!

Note: in the below video I had used Worcestershire sauce which I have taken out of the written recipe. I had the gross oversite that this sauce contains anchovies so is neither vegan nor vegetarian. Please note that if you watch the video. The recipe below that has been amended.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.wtnh.com/on-air/8-minute-meals-vegan-mac-cheese/amp/

And below all of that, just a few extra fun photos ?

Vegan Mac and Cheese

1 cup cashews pre-soaked

3 Tbsp nutritional yeast

2 Tbsp avocado oil

1 tsp apple cider vinegar

1/2 tsp onion powder

1/2 tsp dry mustard powder

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

1-2 cloves of garlic

1/2 sweet potato pre-boiled

1/2 white potato pre-boiled

2 carrots pre-boiled

1/4 cup water

Pasta of your choice

~Cook pasta of your choice according to directions on the package.

~Place all of the ingredients for the sauce in a food processor and blend very very well until very very smooth. If the consistency is too thick add a little water and keep blending.

~Pour vegan “cheesy” goodness over hot pasta and mix well.

~ Enjoy!

*to prepare cashews, simply place into a dish and cover with water, let soak over night. For a quick soak, cover the cashews with boiled water for an hour.

*pre-cook potatoes and carrots :boil for 15 minutes or until tender.

*steamed broccoli is a great addition to this dish!

http://sweetsimpledelicious.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/afcbb148-9f15-46bc-b35d-7b1cf5e88f8c.mov

I hope you love this as much as I do… I have to stop myself from eating the whole pot!! ?

Please let me know what you think!!

Much love,

April

I Am Back! … with granola bars!

Good morning friends!

Well! This last year has been intense to say the least! The last 3 years have been intense! Because of this crazy ride feeling a little overwhelming my Sweet, Simple, Delicious site has taken a back seat. Sadly!

I am going to do a series of quick posts with the link to recipes from the WTNH channel 8 site. Just so I can get these recipes to you and get back in the game.

I am starting with these easy, no bake, super yum granola bars that are perfect to grab and go with on these hot summer days. All of these awesome summer adventures can leave us hungry and these granola bars are packed with the protein and fiber you need to keep you going!

I am excited to share these with you and going forward I am excited to share some of the daily lifestyle and spiritual practices that have gotten me through the last 3 years with 3 major moves, a divorce, having to build my clientele back from scratch (and at my age!!?) all whilst raising, loving, supporting and championing my 2 wee ones! Whew, parenting is no joke! The best job ever but not for the faint of heart! ❤️

Speaking of my sweet littles, they really like these granola bars… so try them! And let me know what you think, of course!

Below is the link and the recipe is right under the photos below the link the link.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.wtnh.com/amp/news/energizing-granola-bars-with-holistic-health-coach-april-godfrey_20190617143105/2081747715

Energy boosting granola bars

1 1/4 cup crispy rice
1 cup gluten free rolled oats
2 Tbsp hulled hemp hearts
2 Tbsp chia seeds
1/4 cup chopped dried apricots 
1/4 cup chopped raw cashews
Sprinkle of cinnamon
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/3 cup brown rice syrup
2 tsp vanilla

~Place all dry ingredients into a large bowl and mix well.

~In a small sauce pan Over low heat, mix together the peanut butter and brown rice syrup, until blended. Remove from heat.

~Mix in vanilla, blend well.

~Pour peanut butter mixture into dry ingredients and mix really well! You may have to get your hands in there!

~Pour into 9×9 parchment paper lined pan and press down mixture firmly.
(Potato masher works great here!)

~Refrigerate for at least an hour before cutting.

~Enjoy!

I will be posting weekly now so watch this space!!

Lots of love,

April ❤️

Apple Pie Over Night Oats!

I love this season! The transition from beaches, BBQ’s and the light and breezy ways of summer (that I will dearly miss but in the spirit of embracing change, will let go of) to county fairs, chunky sweaters, beautiful boots, changing colours and changing cravings…

All of it! I just love all of it! Having lived away from the change of seasons for so many years, I am still as excited as a child for the changing colours of the landscape and a brisk breeze brings a smile to my face, every time!

This season can also be a time of change for us internally as well as the land scape around us changing. A time to reign in our lifestyle choices after a summer of indulgences. A time to set goals, re-evaluate situations, reflect on how we would like to be living and what changes we can make to help that happen.

A time of change and growth.

As a Holistic Health Coach, this is exactly what I help people with. Finding balance. Through nutrition, movement and meditation.

One of the programs that I run monthly, is a 5 day clean eating program which helps with exactly this!

It is 5 days to reset your system. 5 days of clean foods, moving your body and meditation. Reconnecting mind, body and soul to kick start healthier lifestyle choices for long term success!

My program is all online. I send you the program which includes:

    5 day menu
    All recipes needed plus some bonus recipes
    Shopping list
    Full support via our private Facebook page
    Daily guided meditations
    Work out suggestions
    Tips for success to help you on the journey

What you can expect:

  • To feel more energy
  • To sleep better
  • Say good-bye to bloat
  • Find focus and clarity once out of a sugary haze

It is easy and delicious and you are worth it!

Your mind, body and soul will thank you!

Changing the foods we put into our bodies can change everything!

The cost is $57.00 and can be paid via credit card, Venmo or PayPal

E-mail: agodfrey.wellness@gmail.com to sign up! You can also message me here on sweetsimpledelicious.com

The program can be started at any time! Alone or with a group! There is a group program starting Monday 15 October, to join this group, contact me by the 12th so that you can receive the program and allow time for food prep!

The recipes are all whole food plant based, vegan and gluten-free.

Oh! And delicious… of course!

My Apple Pie Over Night Oats are a perfect example of the kinds of foods that will get you back into fighting form.

Packed with plant based protein, loaded with fiber and teaming with vitamins and minerals this super easy, really fast and so nutritious one jar dish is a big win!

The combination of oats, chia seeds and hemp hearts will keep your energy sustained and the fiber from the dates and apples will help to fill you while all those walnut omegas feed your brain!

Big win for long days at work or long work out days!

Not to mention the warming spices cinnamon and nutmeg, so perfect for this season. Warming to the heart and soul. I even start craving these “warmer” sorts of smells this time of year.

https://www.wtnh.com/on-air/good-morning-ct-at-nine/8-minute-meals-apple-pie-overnight-oats/1507309796

☝?Above is the link to the segment on channel 8’s Good Morning Ct at Nine where we put these heart healthy, brain healthy ingredients together and shake it up for a nutritional win!

Apple Pie Over Night Oats

Apple Pie Over Night Oats

1 Cup gluten free rolled oats

2 Cups almond or coconut milk (or combo of both!)

1/4 Cup chia seeds

1 Tbsp hulled hemp hearts

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1/8 tsp nutmeg

1 tsp vanilla

1 1/2 Tbsp pure maple syrup

1/2 – 1 Apple chopped

4 Medjool dates chopped

1/4 Cup chopped walnuts

  • Place all ingredients in a jar, cover and shake, shake, shake!
  • Place in the refrigerator over night.
  • Next day, serve cold or heat. It is great either way!
  • If heating: warm in a sauce pan over medium heat, add extra almond or coconut milk to make creamier and top with an extra sprinkle of cinnamon if you’d like!
  • Enjoy ❤️

Keep me posted on how you like it my friends!!

Much love,

April ❤️

Herbed Quinoa Stuffed Peppers!

Herbed Quinoa Stuffed Peppers

The ingredients:

Plus salt and pepper to taste!

And don’t forget the quinoa…

Herbed Quinoa Stuffed Peppers

1 1/4 Cup cooked quinoa (I like to cook my quinoa in vegetable broth for this one)

1/4 Cup chopped fresh parsley

1 Cup finely chopped kale

2 ounces herbed goat cheese

2-3 Tbsp pesto

2 Tbsp toasted sunflower seeds

Salt and pepper to taste

Mini bell peppers or regular peppers in what ever colour you choose or a mixture of all the colours!

  • Pre-heat oven to 425 degrees.
  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Mix all of the ingredients (except peppers!) together in a mixing bowl. Add salt and pepper to taste.
  • Prepare peppers by cutting in half and taking seeds out.
  • Scoop the herbed quinoa mixture into the pepper halves.
  • Roast in the oven for 10-20 minutes. If you like your peppers to stay a little crunchy, take them out in 10 minutes… a little more roasty, toasty, Smokey… leave them in for 20.

Makes a great vegetarian main dish with a beautiful green salad on the side or as a side dish or even as an appetizer! So many options for all these gorgeous flavours!!

Enjoy!

Thank you for visiting!

xx April

.

Vegan Fudgy Brownie Bites


Just the thing to bring to a picnic, BBQ, friends for tea or a friends for a glass of red!
I wanted to satisfy my chocolate craving sweet tooth without adding too many sugars and processed carbs to my day so I came up with these super scrumptious Vegan Fudgy Brownie Bites! The are thick, rich a very Fudgy which is just what I wanted. Because they are so rich just a couple little “bites” does the trick! 


These sweet bites are made with my fave plant based protein powder, Juice Plus Complete Protein Powder, so they pack a major protein punch and they are sweetened with dates and just a little agave syrup! Awesome right! Plenty of protein and fibre to balance out the natural sugars.

Here is the link to the Juice Plus sight just in case you would like to pick up some of this delicious protein powder!! I use it in a few of my recipes but it is also good as a smoothie as well. Double win!

http://agodfrey.juiceplus.com/
My son loves these little babies and whilst he thinks I am being super cool by giving him brownies in his lunch, I am sitting back with a wee smile on my face for the knowledge that he is also getting protein and fibre along with his lunch table “street cred” for having the mum that gives brownies! (Next to the carrot sticks of course! Ha!)

I will, as always, keep this sweet, simple and deliciously short because as I type this I am also finishing up bath time, putting an enzyme mask on my face, folding laundry and ironing clothes for tomorrow morning’s Good Morning CT at 9 on WTNH Channel 8, doing dishes and packing tomorrows lunch boxes for school! The life of a single Mum! The life of every mum I suppose!;0)

The link to the clip of the show is below! Check it out!

https://www.wtnh.com/on-air/good-morning-ct-at-nine/a-date-with-fudge-brownie-bites/1246437119

Recipe please!


Vegan Fudgy Brownie Bites
20 Medjool dates pitted
1/2 Cup peanut butter or almond butter

(Or sunbutter if nut free option is needed)

1 Tbsp vanilla extract

1 Tbsp agave syrup

1/3 Cup Cocoa powder

1/3 Cup chocolate plant based protein powder

http://agodfrey.juiceplus.com/
Above is the link to my fave plant based protein powder!

1/2 tsp sea salt

2/3 Cup coconut milk or almond milk
1/2 Cup mini chocolate chips or vegan chips
-Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees

-Lightly grease mini muffin baking pans

– Add dates to food processor and blend until smooth.

-Add all other ingredients (except chocolate chips)to the blended dates and process until smooth.

– Add mini chips and pulse just a bit to blend but not purée.

-Fill mini muffin pans to 1/2 in each section.

-Bake for 15 minutes.

-let cool

-Enjoy!
More pics will be added after the show tomorrow as well as the segment video.
Thank you so much for your support!

Sending love,

April

Sweet, Simple, Nutritious Workshop 


Oh my goodness!

I am very excited about this!

How does this sound…

~Meditation

~Healthy plant  based foods to nibble (that you also receive the recipes for!)

~A talk about healthy lifestyle choices, the importance of happiness and how to make healthy changes last, by… me… Holistic Health and Wellness Coach holding a certificate in plant based nutrition from Cornell and creator of healthy recipes for “Meatless Monday” on Good Morning CT at 9 on Channel 8.


~A 45 minute Restorative Practice movement class with Samantha Parsons. Samantha is a Mindful Movement Practitioner, Therapist and Fitness Instructor (and amazing woman!)


Followed by a Happy Hour with complimentary wine, conversation and a few pop-up shops for browsing!

This work shop is designed for healing from within while embracing the now, it is to inspire wellness mind, body and soul!
This grounding and energizing experience is for anyone who feels they could use more balance in their lives, anyone who would like to find more focus and clarity and anyone who wants to spend a few hours in excellent company at a beautiful location finding peace and inspiration!

Saturday 16 June 4-6pm plus a Happy Hour following workshop.

In Guilford CT.

The cost is $60.00 per person.

Payments can be made via PayPal, Venmo or Credit Card.

To book your spot email: 


agodfrey.wellness@gmail.com


The workshop will be outside with views of the sound, it will be under tent in case of sun or rain.
Please bring a yoga mat and dress comfortably for seated  meditation and our 45 minute restorative practice with Samantha.

Meditation will be 10-15 minutes focusing on awareness and letting go of what no longer serves us.


I am so looking forward to working with you! Together, let us Thrive!


Please share! Bring a friend and thrive together!

? See you soon!❤️

~April

Salted Almond Freezer Fudge!


Yay! Something decadent, delicious and a little bit of a better option than most sweet treats.
This recipe is an adaptation of the Oh She Glows recipe for Freezer Fudge.

http://ohsheglows.com/2013/07/31/seductive-raw-chocolate-walnut-fudge/
Above is the link to the Oh She Glows website. If you have not already checked it out, you must!! It is awesome!!

I adapted this to my salty, almondy taste buds and for my Channel 8 Good Morning CT at Nine segment.

I felt I had to break out the “big guns” because last time I was on Good Morning CT at 9 there was a very nice man making some pretty scrumptious smelling wings! I do not eat meat so as much as the flavors smelled amazing, I was not tempted. However, the staff and guests were lined up to try his wings! I thought… hmmm, a few people always come to sample my healthy vegan options but never a line! Why is there not a line for my carrots and hummus?!???

I know! Chocolate! I will woo them with CHOCOLATE!!

Not that I am competitive or anything…

Below is the link to the segment on the show. I LOVE my Monday morning on channel 8. So fun and I love that I get to already the healthy word!

http://www.wtnh.com/on-air/good-morning-ct-at-nine/holistic-health-coach-april-godfrey-makes-salted-almond-freezer-fudge/1135364157

I will fast forward to the recipe.

Remember, this is still a decadent treat so be aware of your portions. The ingredients far surpass those of a traditional highly processed fudge or chocolate dessert but make sure you pack in your greens before indulging!

This Salted Almond Freezer Fudge goes REALLY well with a nice glass of red wine! I’m just sayin’…



Salted Almond Freezer Fudge

1/2 Cup virgin coconut oil (room temp. Liquid form)

1/2 Cup pure maple syrup

1/2 Cup cocoa powder

1/4 Cup almond butter

1 Tbsp vanilla extract

1/2 Cup chopped raw almonds

Coarse sea salt to sprinkle
-In a mixing bowl, whisk together liquid coconut oil, almond butter, maple syrup and vanilla until well blended and creamy.
– Sift in the cocoa powder and mix well.
– Add chopped nuts, mix well.
– Pour into a parchment paper lined 8×8 or 9×9 pan.
– Sprinkle Coarse Sea salt to taste.
– Place in the freezer for at least one hour.
– Cut into desired size pieces and store in the freezer.

At room temperature this little slice of chocolate heaven will get very meaty and messy so be sure to serve straight from the freezer.

– Enjoy! Goes great with a nice glass of Red wine!?

Sassy Spring Rolls with Peanut Sauce


Sassy Spring Rolls with Peanut Sauce


Yum! 8 minute meal for Meatless Monday! Yay! Bring it on!

Refreshing, nourishing, scrumptious and just right for eating healthily when you are in a pinch for time! 

These are total crowd pleasers as well so if you are having company you can “wow” them with these sassy and delicious little gems!

This is an adapted recipe from Sarah Britton. Love her!!

https://www.mynewroots.org/site/2010/04/sexy-spring-rolls-2/
Above is the link to the real deal and below is my altered recipe for a little time saving!! I highly recommend trying the link above if you have extra time! Seriously ah-mazing!!



Recipe:

Fillings:

Anything you would like!! ?

I used:

Julienned  carrots

Julienned cucumbers

Finely sliced peppers of all colours

Spinach

Chopped purple cabbage

Avocado slices

Sesame seeds

  • Prep veggies by dicing, slicing and chopping.
  • Set to the side

The Sassy Peanut Sauce:

1/3 Cup peanut butter

1 Tbsp agave

1 Tbsp tamari

I Clove of garlic

Juice of one lime

1-2 Tbsp filtered water

  • Place all of the ingredients in a food processor and blend away!

Rice wraps!

  • Use rice wraps as directed on package.
  • I use a my fave cutting board, only soak a wrap for about 5 seconds and go from there.
  • I like to layer spinach and then sauce as the spinach creates a barrier so the rice wrap does not get soggy where the sauce is.
  • Layer spinach, sauce and everything else, sprinkle with sesame seeds on top and wrap it up!
  • Serve with additional sauce for dipping.
  • Enjoy!

Saucy Zoodles with Vegan “Parmesan”! Bonus Hummus Recipe at the End!


8 minutes meals, here we come!

This Saucy Zoodles with Vegan Parmesan dish is crazy yummy, crazy easy and crazy quick to make!


I love this vegan Parmesan so much! I actually use it on tons of dishes, including sprinkling it on freshly popped popcorn! My daughter loves it on popcorn as well! But I digress…

On to the dish:

Zucchini noodles: sweet, simple and delicious!


Marinara sauce: Your fave kind will do. Whether it is from a jar or homemade. The twist here is that when you are heating the sauce, you will be adding a couple tablespoons of hummus to it! Whaaat?? Yes! Adding protein and a creamy, garlicky richness.


Vegan “Parmesan”: Yum! Made with Cashews, nutritional yeast, garlic and sea salt. Nutritional yeast is packed with protein! Yay!! Add the protein from the cashews and you are sprinkling a little plant based protein power house of goodness on your meal! Keep the extra in the fridge and sprinkle on soups, salads, popcorn… everything!



I made this dish tonight for this blog posts photos and for tomorrow’s Channel 8’s Good Morning Ct at 9, Meatless Monday. As I was making it I was worrying if it might be a bit boring and maybe I should go with something else…

Then after photos I tasted it… then proceeded to scarf down the entire dish! I had forgotten how much I LOVE this dish!

I hope you like it as well!


The recipe:

Saucy Zoodles with Vegan “Parmesan”

2-3 Fresh zucchini 

1-2 Tsp extra virgin olive oil

A jar of your favourite marinara sauce

2-3 Tbsp hummus

1 Cup raw cashews

4 Tbsp nutritional yeast

1 clove of garlic

1/2 Tsp sea salt

  • Make Vegan “Parmesan” by adding garlic and cashews to the food processor. Pulse until finely ground.
  • Add nutritional yeast and sea salt to cashew mix and pulse again until all finely ground.
  • Set to the side 
  • Use spiraliser to make zucchini noodles.
  • Sautéed zucchini noodles in 1-2 Tsp of olive oil over medium to medium/high heat for 3-4 minutes.
  • Heat marinara sauce in saucepan, add hummus and mix well.
  • Plate up your Zoodles, top with hummus-y marinara sauce and then sprinkle with (ample amounts if you are like me) Vegan “parmesan”.
  • Enjoy and come back for guilt free seconds!! ❤️


Classic Hummus

1 can chic peas drained and very well rinsed

1 clove if garlic

Juice of one lemon

2 Tbsp tahini

3/4- 1 Tsp sea salt

5 Tbsp olive oil (or more for consistency)

  • Place all ingredients in the food processor and blend away.
  • Check for consistency, add more olive oil if necessary.
  • Check flavour, add more salt and or lemon juice to taste.
  • This hummus rocks!

Enjoy!

❤️, April