I'm on Morning News!

Cooking with a BUSY schedule can sometimes be difficult. I share my secrets on healthy QUICK & simple meal options with American Heart Association & LA18 . As promised here's my Zucchini Pasta Recipe! For the full exclusive weight loss transformation interview See Below!

I had such a pleasure being on Halo Halo with Kat Iniba

American Heart Association

Cilantro Cream Zucchini Pasta

Cilantro Cream Zucchini Pasta by Charles Chen 

I love pasta, but not the carbs that come with it. I want to feel more energy after eating so this healthy switch is perfect! Zucchini pasta is a great way to get in more veggies and save on the extra calories, plus you get the added nutrition from the phytonutrients found in raw zucchini! 

INGREDIENTS: 

• 1 Zucchini (Spiralized)
• 1 1/2 Cup of Almonds
• 2 Cups of Almond Milk (No Sugar Added)
• 1/2 Cup of Nutritional Yeast
• 3/4 Cut Cherry Tomatos 
• Bunch of Fresh Cut Basil 
• 1 Tablespoon of Hemp Seeds
• 2 Tablespoon of Neocell Collagen Powder
• 2 Tablespoon of Tamari (Gluten Free Soy Sauce)
• Pinch of Cayenne Pepper 
• 1 Tablespoon of Apple Cider Vinegar 

INSTRUCTIONS: Spiralize Zucchini, Blend Sauce, Top with Hemp Seeds. ENJOY!

Dragonfruit Beauty Smoothie

Dragonfruit Smoothie by Chef Charles Chen 

If any of you know me well, one of my favorite fruits is Dragonfruit. Every time I travel back to Asia I stock up on these babies. Not only is the color so beautiful, they are pack filled with b vitamins. Here is one of my favorite dragronfruit smoothie recipes. ENJOY!

INGREDIENTS: 

• 1 Packet of Frozen Dragonfruit or 1/2 Fresh Dragonfruit
• 3/4 Cup Frozen Pineapples 
• 3/4 Cup Frozen Strawberries
• 1/2 of Lemon Juice 
• 1 Tablespoon of Organic Chia Seeds
• 2 Tablespoon of Organic Goji Berries
• 2 Tablespoon of Neocell Collagen Powder

INSTRUCTIONS: BLEND & GLOW!

Heart Healthy Salad

Avocado Cucumber Salad by Chef Charles Chen 

Want something refreshing and absolutely delicious. I've got just the thing! This is my HEART healthy recipe shared recently on LA 18 Local News in collaboration with American Heart Association.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1/2 Cup Chopped Cucumbers
• 1/2 Cup of Cherry Tomatoes
• 1/2 Cup of Organic Non-GMO Corn
• Handful of Fresh Chopped Basil 
• Pinch of Sea Salt & Cayenne Pepper
• 1 Tablespoon of Grapeseed Oil 
• 1 Whole Avocado Diced 

INSTRUCTIONS:

MIX & ENJOY!

Matcha Energy Truffles

Matcha Truffles by Charles Chen

My favorite time is dessert time! Some people feel like you can't have your cake and eat it too, I'm going to show you how! These are my yummy peanut butter matcha energy truffles!

INGREDIENTS: 

• 2 Tbspoon of Peanut Butter
• 1 Cup of Almond Flour
• 2 Tablespoon of Neocell Collagen Powder

Matcha Dip

• 1/2 Cup of Melted Coconut Oil
• 3 Tablespoon of Matcha Powder 
• 2 Tablespoon of Maple Syrup or Coconut Nectar
• 1 Tablespoon of Cashew Butter

INSTRUCTIONS:  

Mix peanut butter and almond flour, form bite size balls. Mix matcha dip with melted coconut oil. Dip balls into matcha dip and freeze for 5 min. Top with your favorite toppings. ENJOY!

Collagen Mac & Cheese

Who doesn't LOVE Mac & Cheese?  Here is my HEALTHY switch! Made with Cashew Cheese and Gluten Free! So tasty #NomNom

Ingredients:

• 1/2 Cup Cashews
• 4 Tablespoon Nutritional Yeast
• 1/2 Cup Almond Milk 
• 1 Tablespoon of Butternut Squash Puree
• Pinch of Himalayan Sea Salt 
• 1 Tablespoon of Olive Oil
• 2 Tablespoon of Neocell Collagen Powder
• 2 Tablespoon of Gluten Free Soy Sauce
• 1/2 Lemon Juice
• Brown Rice Pasta
• Chili Flakes (Optional)

Instructions: 

Blend Sauce, Cook and Strain Pasta, Mix Sauce Into Pasta. Top with Panko and Hemp Seeds (Optional) Bake at 350 for 10 minutes and serve.

Neocell Collagen
http://Neocell.com

Strawberry Collagen Smoothie!

Superfood Smoothie By Charles Chen

It's Nutrition Month! WOhooo I have teamed up with American Heart Association to share some of my favorite healthy YUMMY recipes. Here's a great way to start your mornings with pack full of nutrition. This is my Strawberry Neocell Collagen Smoothie! Benefits include lots of energy, healthy skin, and heart health! 

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 Cups of Coconut Water
• 1 Cup of Mixed Berries ( Strawberry, Blackberry, Blueberry)
• 2 Tablespoon of Neocell's Super Collagen Powder
• Handful of Goji Berries
• 1 Banana 
• 1/2 of Apple 
• 1/2 Lemon Juice 
• 1 Tsp of Chia Seeds

INSTRUCTIONS: 

BLEND & GLOW!

Blueberry Almond Chia Blaster

Blueberry Chia Smoothie by Charles Chen

Here's a NEW yummy way to start your mornings! I always say start your day with something to be proud of, by eating or drinking something healthy first thing in the morning we set our palettes up for success. Meaning our bodies will crave what we repeatedly put into our mouths, so if we put good in, you will keep craving whole foods nutrition. Try this baby out, I promise it's super nourishing plus scrumptious! 

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 Cups of Almond Milk
• 1/2 Cup of Blueberries
• 2 Tablespoon of Chia Seeds
• 1 Tablespoon of Almond Butter (Optional)
• 1 Banana
• 1 Tablespoon of Flax Seeds
• Pinch of Cinnamon

INSTRUCTIONS: 

BLEND & ENJOY!

Coconut Bacon Bites!

Coconut Bacon by Charles Chen

Who doesn't LOVE Bacon! But it's super high in sodium and saturated fats! Not a problem, I found a HEALTHY SWITCH! Omg WARNING these can be super addicting, but at least they are way healthier. These Coconut Bacon a great to top off salads, and make a healthy snack. (KIDS love em' too!)

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 tablespoons Braggs Liquid Amino’s or gluten free soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon liquid smoke
• 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked cayenne pepper
• 3 1/2 cups large flaked coconut 
• Pinch of pink himalayan sea salt 

INSTRUCTIONS:

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

In a large bowl add coconut flakes, drizzle the wet mixture over top and gently toss making sure to coat each flake well, about 45 seconds or so.

Scoop seasoned coconut flakes and place onto a lightly greased, or parchment paper lined, cookie sheet/s.

Place in oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Remove when coconut has a nice browned and caramelized color. Let cool, it will get crispy as it cools.

Charcoal Lemonade

Charcoal Lemonade by Charles Chen

If you have never tried Activated Charcoal you are in for a treat! This will help you detoxify and get rid all impurities in your body! Taste delicious too, don't let the color fool you! Next level stuff here. My friend recently had food poisoning, this recipe worked like a charm if you ever have any stomach issues. 

INGREDIENTS:

• 16oz Water
• 1 Organic Lemon Juice
• 1-2 Capsule of Activated Charcoal
• 1-2 Tablespoon of Maple Syrup
• Pinch of Cayenne Pepper

INSTRUCTIONS:

Mix, Drink, Share!

Chili Orange Chocolate Mangos

Chili Orange Chocolate Mangos

Perfect for valentines day! These will make your loved ones go crazy for you! Not to mention these are super aphrodisiac snacks that will help keep the blood following. 

INGREDIENTS:

• 1/2 Cup of Melted Coconut Oil
• 1 Tablespoon of Raw Cacao Powder
• 1 Tablespoon of Stevia or Coconut Nectar
• 1 Tsp of Vanilla Bean Extract or Vanilla Bean Powder
• Dried Organic Mangos
• Toppings: Goji Berries, Orange Zest, Cayenne Pepper 

INSTRUCTIONS:

Mix wet ingredients, dip mangos, and top. Freeze in freezer then bring out to set and SHARE!

Top Favorite Healthy Snacks

These are my absolute TOP Favorite Healthy Snacks! Great especially when traveling or if you have a busy schedule. I believe if you always PLAN ahead, you will be able to stay eating HEALTHY anytime! 10% OFF EVERYTHING use Discount Code: "charles" Code will End of Today Don't Miss Out! ENJOY

 http://tinyurl.com/HealthySuperfoodSnacks

Mint Detox Juice

Green Mint Detox Juice

After the super bowl foodie weekend, we all can use a little detox! Here is a super yummy refreshing juice that will help you detoxify and feel your best! Sharing is caring

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 Cucumbers
• 1 Yellow Bell Pepper
• 1/2 of Kale
•  1 Green Apple 
• 1 Lemon

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Juice & ENJOY!

FIDM Healthy Recipes

FIDM Healthy Eating Student Presentation with Whole Foods DTLA

Thank you FIDM Foodies! So amazing connecting with all you beautiful spirits today for our healthy cooking presentation with Whole Foods DTLA. As promised here are the recipes & a extra video I thought you would ENJOY! Do keep in touch, you can stalk me on Instagram I don't mind LOL! 

Green Glowing Smoothie

GREEN GLOWING SMOOTHIE (2 Servings)

·      Handful of Spinach

·      1 Banana

·      2 Cups of Coconut Water

·      1 Tablespoon of Chia Seeds

·      2 Tablespoon of Goji Berries

·      1/2 Cup of Frozen Fruit Mix

·      Top with Mulberries

Zucchini Pasta by Charles Chen

·      1 Zuchinni or Yellow Squash (Spiralized)

·      ½ Cup of Tomato Marinara Sauce

·      ¼ Cup Organic Non-GMO Corn

·      Sprinkle of Hemp Seeds

·      Sprinkle of Coconut Bacon

·      1 Bunch of Fresh Basil

·      ¼ Cup Cherry Tomatos

·      1 Tablespoon of pitted Botija Olives

MATCHA CHIA PUDDING

·      2 Cup of Vanilla Almond Milk

·      Pinch of Cinnamon Powder

·      1/2 Cup of Chia Seeds

·      Top with Fresh Berries

·    2 Tablespoon of  Matcha Powder

CACAO ENERGY SMOOTHIE

This is a great coffee alternative, first thing in the morning. Instead of dehydrating your body, fill your body with yuMMMY sustenance. Cacao is a great source of magnesium and helps increase serotonin. Definitely share this with your friends and family!

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 Cups Vanilla Almond Milk
• 1 Banana
• 1 Mini Orange & Zest of Orange (Optional)
• 1 Tablespoon of Cacao Powder
• 1 Tsp of Chia Seeds
• 1 Tsp of Hemp Seeds
• Pinch of Cacao Nibs ( To Top)

Chocolate Avocado Mousse

Chocolate Avocado Mousse by Charles Chen

You can have your chocolate mousse and eat it too! This one is for all you chocolate lovers! Don't tell anyone you used Avocados until after they tried it! I know it sounds weird, but trust me on this one. Everyone will all be blown away! With healthy fats and amazing source of magnesium, this one is a winner. Perfect for valentines day, make this for your loved ones!

INGREDIENTS: (For 2-3 Servings)

• 2 Ripe Avocados pitted and shelled
• 3-4 Pitted Medjool Dates
• 1 Tsp of Vanilla Extract
• Pinch of cinnamon powder
• 3 Tablespoon of Cacao Powder
• 1 Tsp of Stevia or Honey (Optional)
• Fresh Berries & Cacao Nibs to Top

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Pitt Ripe Avocados and Scoop Out of Shell, Pitt Date, Add into Food Processor or Blender. 
2. Blend, scoop into a ziplock bag, cut and serve into clear glass for presentation. Add berries and cacao nibs. 
3. Serve & ENJOY!

Brussels Sprouts

Brussels Sprouts by Charles Chen

YAY! Brussels Sprouts are in season! This is one of my favorite vegetables to eat, some don't prefer it but that's only because they never had it like this! Cook your next batch of brussels this way, and you will have die heart fans following you around for some more. With the sweet chewy texture of pitted dates, and the citrus note from balsamic vinegar this is a absolute MUST TRY! 

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 1/2 Cup Brussels Sprouts (Cut in Half & Ends Cut Off)
• 3 Tablespoon of Olive Oil
• 1 Tablespoon of Balsamic Vinegar
• Salt & Pepper to Taste
• 3-4 Chopped and pitted Dates
• 1 Clove Chopped Garlic (Optional)
• 2 Twigs of Rosemary & Thyme 
• 2 Tablespoon of Coconut Flakes (Large)

INSTRUCTIONS:

• Prep and cut brussels sprouts 
• Heat skillet on medium heat, add in olive oil and brussels sprouts, herbs, spices except on the coconut flakes.
• Stir-fry for 5-7mins until nice color, add in coconut flakes last.
• Serve and ENJOY!

Orange Vinaigrette Salad

So YUMMY and Truly FARM to TABLE! :) Today I pick FRESH organic veggies from my Dad's farm in Taiwan and make a Orange Vinaigrette Salad. So VIBRANT and DELICIOUS! SHARING is CARING. Enjoy Foodies!

INGREDIENTS:

• 3/4 Cup of Organic Romaine
• 3/4 Cup of Red Leaf Lettuce 
• 3/4 Cup of Green Onions
• 3/4 Cup of Apple 
• 3/4 Cup of Orange 
• 3/4 Cup of Cranberries 
• 3/4 Cup of Cherry Tomatos
• 3/4 Cup of Almonds 
• Pinch of Himalayan Sea Salt, Pepper

ORANGE VINAIGRETTE DRESSING:

• 1 Juice of Whole Orange 
• 1 Tsp of Grated Ginger
• 3 Tablespoon of Olive Oil 
• 1 Tsp of Rice Vinegar or Apple Cider Vinegar
• Pinch of Himalayan Sea Salt, Pepper to taste
• 1 Tsp of Honey or Coconut Nectar (OPTIONAL) 

INSTRUCTIONS: Mix salad dressing, and toss with salad ingredients! ENJOY!

Vegan Party Nachos

Recipe By Charles Chen & Photography By Ryan Domipge

This may be this BEST vegan NACHOS ever!!! Yes the Chiptole Cheese sauce is to LIVE for!!! Perfect for a party or social gathering! Be careful these may run out very quickly! ENJOY & Feel Free to share!

INGREDIENTS: 

Chipotle Cheese

• 2 Cups Diced Potatoes (Steamed)
• 1 Cup Diced Carrots (Steamed)
• 2 Tablespoon of Raw Cashews
• 1/4 Cup of Almond Milk
• 2 Teaspoon of Himalayan Sea Salt 
• 1 Tablespoon of Lemon Juice
• 1/2 Cup of Nutritional Yeast Flakes
• Dash of Cayenne Pepper, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder
• 2 Chipotle Chiles in Adobo to taste

Nachos

• Your favorite organic non-gmo corn chips
• 1/3 Cup Non-Gmo Yellow Corn
• 1/3 Cup Edamame Cooked (Shelled)
• 1/3 Cup Cooked Garbanzo Beans
• 1/3 Cup of Diced Tomatoes
• 2 Chopped Soy or Any Vegan Chorizo Links 
• Sprinkle Hemps Seeds & Chopped Cilantro

INSTRUCTIONS:

Steam Carrots & Potato, and cool blend all sauce ingredients, prep nachos on bowl top with veggies and pour sauce. Top with hemp seeds & cilantro! ENJOY!

Basil Alfredo Pasta

As promised here is my Coconut Basil Alfredo Pasta Recipe. Usually Alfredo sauces are made with butter, and heavy cream. Here is my switch for a healthier and delicious coconut basil alfredo pasta. ENJOY & PLEASE SHARE! :)

INGREDIENTS: (Makes 5-6 Servings)

• 1 Cup of Coconut Milk (Light)
• 1 Cup of Spring Water
• 2 Tablespoon of White Vinegar of Apple Cider Vinegar
• 1 Tsp of Chili Paste (Optional)
• 3/4 Cup of Nutritional Yeast 
• 1/2 Cup of Macadamia Nuts or Cashews 
• Handful of Basil 
• 1 Tsp of Italian Herbs 
• Pinch of Himalayan Salt & Black Pepper 
• Drizzle Olive Oil 
• 1 Package of Brown Rice Pasta
• 1 Tablespoon of Garlic, Ginger, Onion
• 3/4 Cup Mushrooms of Choice 
• 1/4 Cup of Tofu 
• 1/4 Cup of Corn 
• 1/4 Cup of Tomato 

DIRECTIONS: 

1. Prep & Cook Pasta & Cool Down 
2. Add olive oil to pan and stir fry garlic, onions, ginger (vegetables & mushrooms)
3. Blend Alfredo sauce ( Coconut, Water, Basil, Vinegar, Salt, Pepper, Chili, Nuts, Nutritional Yeast) 
4. Add pasta to veggies and on low heat add and stir in sauce. 
5. Serve with sesame seeds & top with fresh greens. ENJOY!