Oil Pulling Challenge

Me and Cinema AND Spice Natasha & Julianna try the #OilPullChallenge you basically put one tablespoon your choice of oil in your mouth and swoosh for up to 20 minutes. This has been a remedy to help with detoxifying the body, whitening teeth, protect your gums, and fighting infections. Its hilarious to do this with friends and see who spits out first! 

Chocolate Mint Brownies

CHOCOLATE MINT BROWNIES

What could possibly make brownies even better? MINT! These chocolate mint brownies are perfect to make and give to someone you love or simply for yourself to indulge on this Valentine's Day. These brownies are made with Medjool dates and coconut milk so don't feel bad if you find yourself eating it all! They're SUPER easy to make so you can always make another batch!

INGREDIENTS:

• For brownies
  • 30 Pitted Medjool Dates
  • 2 Tbsp Water
  • 1/4 Cup Raw Cacao Powder
  • 2 Cups Almond Meal
  • 1/2 Tsp vanilla extract
• For mint topping
  • 1 Cup Full-fat Coconut Milk, chilled (the cream part)
  • 1 Tsp Matcha Powder
  • 1 Tbsp Pure Maple Syrup, Coconut Nectar, or Stevia
  • 1/2 Tsp Pepperming Extract
  • OPTIONAL: 1/2 Cup Dairy-Free Chocolate Chips, melted

INSTRUCTIONS:

Mix Medjool dates, water, and vanilla extract in food processor under high speed. Once you have a paste consistency, add in cacao powder and almond meal and whirl on high until you have a dough consistency. Using a rolling pin, roll out the dough to a 1/2 inch thickness. Set aside.

For the mint topping, place all ingredients in a medium size bowl and mix with a hand mixer for about a minute. Use a spatula and spread the mint topping over the rolled brownie dough. Chill in freezer for about 20 minutes. (OPTIONAL: Drizzle melted dairy-free chocolate chips on top.) For storage, keep in air-tight containers in the fridge or freezer.

WHAT I DRINK POST-WORKOUT

I have been getting really into working out lately, and not just for physical fitness but the benefits for the mind as well. My workouts are not just for building muscles but also for MENTAL Creative Flow. I find myself coming up with the BEST ideas when I am breaking a sweat, it's almost like a form of meditation for me. It calms me down, puts things into perspective, and allows me to tap into my inspired VISION. Studies have shown that working out also releases endorphins which are FEEL GOOD chemicals to help shift our MOOD, releases STRESS hormones, and ultimately improves cognition. I am super excited for all amazing projects in the works, and all the amazing people I am BLESSED to be surrounded by. But I understand in order for me to have ENERGY, I need to make sure I FUEL my body with the correct nutrients. This is why I supplement with superfoods for peak performance. Here is a smoothie I usually drink POST-WORK, it super tasty! 

POST-WORKOUT TURMERIC SMOOTHIE

INGREDIENTS: 

• 2 Cups of Coconut Water 
• ¾  Cup of Pineapples 
• 1 Teaspoon of Turmeric Powder
• 2 Tablespoon of Neocell Super Collagen Powder
• 1 Tablespoon of Chia Seeds
• ½ Banana 
• ½ Lemon Juice
• Top with Coconut Flakes 

INSTRUCTIONS: BLEND. HUSTLE. REPEAT.  #KitchenHustle

People keep asking where I get my superfoods. I found the highest quality for affordable prices here. I have created a Superfood Detox Bundle so you can save time looking all over the place. 10% OFF if you use code: "charles" lowercase. Only this week, don't miss out.

http://tinyurl.com/CharlesSuperfoodBundle

IMPORTANCE of HEALTHY FATS

GOOD MORNING! Lifestyle Coach & Entrepreneur Jairek Robbins Shares with us his Morning Smoothie, and how he FUELS himself first thing in the morning! We do the SMOOTHIE DANCE and talk about his latest book "LIVE IT", how he almost died from Malaria, and how he transformed his MINDSET #KitchenHustle  SEE RECIPE & VIDEO BELOW

JAIREK'S #KitchenHustle SMOOTHIE RECIPE:

• 1 Scoop of Plant Based Almond Protein Powder 
• 1 Banana
• 1/2 of Avocado 
• 1 Tbsp of Almond or Peanut Butter
• 2 Cups of Water or Almond Milk 

If you are a HUSTLER you know we don't have all day to be in the kitchen. Time is money, when we are constantly on the go. We want to FUEL our bodies quickly with the nutrients so we can perform at OPTIMAL LEVELS  This recipe is perfect for pre-workout, and energizes our brains cells. Here is our Avocado Almond Butter Smoothie Shared by Jairek Robbins Today on #KitchenHustle  We talked about the importance of HEALTHY FATS especially to FUEL our brains cells for optimal Neuro functions  By fueling our Neuro cells we improve our motor skills, memory, and ability to have better reflexes

Make Sure You Check Out Jairek's New Book "Live It" Available on Amazon

MATCHA DIPPED STRAWBERRIES

Perfect for Valentine's Day or a Healthy Snack for All! Matcha has fat burning benefits, super high in antioxidants, and it looks absolutely stunning! Bring these to your next potluck and everyone will be in heaven! Sharing is Caring.

INGREDIENTS: (Makes 5-6 Dipped Strawberries)

• 1 Cup of Cashew Butter
• 3 Tablespoon of Coconut Oil (Melted)
• 1 Tsp of Vanilla Extract or Vanilla Powder
• 1 Tablespoon of Matcha Powder or Acai Powder + 1 Tsp of Beet Juice For Pink Color
• 2 Tablespoon of Honey or Coconut Nectar or Stevia
• 5-6 Strawberries (Make Sure You Dry Them After Washing)

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Mix Matcha Dip ingredients and Dipp strawberries, cover with favorite toppings. Place onto non-stick surface and freeze for 5 minutes and ready to eat. Keep refrigerated.

V DAY TRUFFLES

V Day Truffles by Cinema and Spice

These are the PERFECT #ValentinesDay Gift! And it's made with so many YUMMY Superfoods! Chocolate is the way to someone's heart, or at least mine! AHAHA My friends Natasha & Julianna from Cinema & Spice share their Chocolate Truffles Recipe with me! 

Valentine Superfood Truffles

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 Cup Almond Meal
• 1/2 Cup of Cocoa Powder
• 1/2 Cup Coconut Oil
• 1 Tbsp Raw Honey
• Goji Berries
• Caco Nibs
• Bee Pollen
• Coconut Flakes

INSTRUCTIONS:

Melt coconut oil in the microwave. Mix cocoa powder, raw honey, and coconut oil into almond meal. Shape small balls with your hands and dip into the toppings you’d like!

Follow: @CinemaAndSpice  Stalk:  Natasha & Julianna

Chocolate Neocell Collagen Bark

What a better way to start off the Valentine's month then with a little raspberry coconut collagen chocolate bark! This recipe is super easy, and will be melt in your mouth yUMMY!

INGREDIENTS:

• 3 Tablespoon of Cacao Powder

• 3/4 Cup Coconut Oil

• 4 Tablespoon of Maple Syrup or Coconut Nectar 

• Pinch of Vanilla Bean Powder & Himalayan Sea Salt

• 2 Tablespoon of Almond Butter

• 1 Tablespoon of Neocell Super Collagen Powder

• 3 Tablespoon of Almond Meal

• 2 Tablespoon of Dehydrated Raspberries

• 3/4 Cup Dried Large Coconut Flakes

INSTRUCTIONS: 

Make chocolate sauce, then oil up a pyrex, add coconut flakes, then almond meal, pour in chocolate sauce, then almond butter, top with coconut flakes, and freeze for a good 1-2 hours. Cut and serve! ENJOY! :) 

Neocell Collagen Cookout

Had so much fun on our recent Whole Foods Market Cooking Classes! As some of you know I have been traveling all over to different locations hosting cooking classes. See Tour Dates Here Our cooking classes at Whole Foods Tarzana I shared my YUMMY Neocell Collagen Infused Recipes! SEE BELOW

COCONUT BASIL MUSHROOM YELLOW SQUASH PASTA

Ingredients: 

• 2 Cups of Yellow Squash Spiralized ( You can buy this at Whole Foods Prepared Foods Section)
• 1 Cup of Coconut Milk (Full Fat)
• 1/2 Cup of Spring Water 
• 1 Tablespoon of Neocell Super Collagen Powder
• 3/4 Cup Chopped Shitake Mushrooms 
• 2 Tablespoon of Chopped Onions 
• 1/2 Cup of Grilled Organic Corn
• 1 Clove of Minced Ginger 
• 1 Tsp of Fresh Turmeric Minced
• 2-3 Tablespoon of Liquid Aminos
• 1 Tsp of Onion Powder
• 1 Tsp of Cayenne Pepper
• Pinch of Pink Salt and Pepper
• 1 Tablespoon of Green Curry Paste
• 1 Juice of Lime  
• Chopped Fresh Basil 
• Top of Sesame Seeds

Instructions:

Sautee Onions and Garlic, add in corn, curry paste, corn, mushrooms, and lime! Add in coconut milk, water, add spices, and noodles! Top with fresh chopped basil and sesame seeds!

COLLAGEN VEGGIE LENTIL SOUP

INGREDIENTS: 

• 4 Cups of Low Sodium Veggie Broth 
• 2 Cups of Water 
• 1/2 Cup of Organic Corn 
• 1/2 Cup of Tomatoes 
• 3/4 Cup of Potatoes 
• 3/4 Cup of Carrots, Onions, Celery
• 1/2 Cup of Lentils 
• 1 Tablespoon of Neocell Super Collagen Powder
• 3/4 Cup of Butternut Squash
• Handful of Kale 
• 4 Tsp of Pink Himalayan Sea Salt 
• 2 Tsp of Cumin
• 2 Tsp of Garlic Powder 
• 2 Bay Leaves 
• 1 Tablespoon of Apple Cider Vinegar 
• 3 Tablespoon of Liquid Aminos or Low Sodium Soy Sauce
• 1 Clove of Minced Garlic

INSTRUCTIONS: 

Start in pot, high heat drizzle olive oil and place in garlic, onions, carrots, celery. Add in rest of veggies, spices, and put in liquids. Put cap on and let it cook on medium heat for 15 minutes. ENJOY!

VEGAN ALMOND JOY

INGREDIENTS

Coconut Bars

• 1 ½ cups unsweetened coconut flakes
• ¼ cup coconut oil, solid or melted
• pinch of cinnamon
• 1 tsp of vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup or coconut nectar

Chocolate Dip Layer

• ½ cup dairy free chocolate chips
• 1 Tablespoon of Neocell Super Collagen Powder
• 1 teaspoon coconut oil

Add Your Choice of Nuts & Drizzle More Chocolate on Top

1. Line an 8.5x4.5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper or wax paper. 
2. Add coconut flakes, coconut oil and maple syrup. Add cinnamon, vanilla extract
3. Spread coconut mixture into the prepared loaf pan. 
4. Make the Chocolate Dip Layer: Use the double boiler method, melt chocolate add coconut oil
5. Pour melted chocolate over, topped with almonds and drizzle more chocolate.
6. Freeze for 15-20 minutes until harden, take out 5 min before serving! 

BLACK BEAN TACOS

Black Bean Tacos by CharlesChen.tv

It's no secret that I LOVE Tacos! Especially black bean vegan tacos! These are so FREAKING good and EASY! Full Recipe Below

INGREDIENTS:

• Tortillas
• 1 Tbsp of Olive Oil
• 1 Tsp of Soy Sauce or Liquid Aminos (Reduced Sodium)
• 1/2 Tbsp of Honey
• 1/4 Cup of Vegan Mayo
• Pinch of Salt and Pepper
• Handful of Cheese
• 2 Cloves of Garlic, minced
• 1 Lime
• 1 Tsp of Nutritional Yeast
• 1 Tsp of Cumin
• 1 Sweet Potato, diced
• 1 Cup of Black Beans
• 1/4 Cup Pea Protein Crumble
• 1 Tomato, diced
• 1 Avocado, diced
• 1 Onion Julienned
• Handful of Cilantro

INSTRUCTIONS:

On medium-high heat, drizzle olive oil and saute garlic, onions, sweet potato, pea protein crumble and black bean until taco filling is cooked. Season with soy sauce, nutritional yeast, cumin, salt, and pepper. In a bowl, mix tomatoes and avocado with olive oil, cilantro, honey, and lime. On a toasted tortilla, spread vegan mayo and spoon in taco filling. Top with cilantro, cheese, and lime juice. 

YELLOW SQUASH FLATBREAD

Yellow Squash Flatbread by CharlesChen.tv

Seriously the BEST snack ever! I love a nice crispy flatbread! This is so quick and easy, plus filled with so much FLAVOR! 

YELLOW SQUASH FLATBREAD

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 Flatbreads
• 1 Tbsp of Olive Oil
• 1 Tsp of Soy Sauce or Liquid Aminos (Reduced Sodium)
• 1 Tbsp of Carrot Ginger Miso Dressing ( Carrot, Pickled Ginger) 
• 1/2 Tsp of Lemon Juice
• Pinch of Salt and Pepper
• 1/2 Tsp of Chili Flakes
• 1 Tsp of Nutritional Yeast
• 1/2 Cup of Yellow Squash
• 1/2 Cup Organic Mozzarella Cheese (Optional) 
• Handful of Basil Julienned
• 1 Chopped Scallion
• 1 Bell Pepper Diced
• Handful of Chopped Cherry Tomatoes
• Handful of Sprouts (Optional)

INSTRUCTIONS:

Pre-heat oven to 350° F. Toast pine nuts over pan. On medium-high heat, drizzle olive oil and stir fry bell pepper and yellow squash with green onions. Season toppings with soy sauce, nutritional yeast, salt and pepper. Spread carrot ginger miso dressing onto flatbread. Add cheese, cooked toppings and chili flakes. Bake in oven for 15 minutes. When finished, top with cherry tomatoes, basil, and sprouts (optional)!

VEGGIE SESAME WRAPS

If you ever get tired of eating salads this is a perfect trick! Turn your salads into wraps! I found these amazing soy wraps that are low in carbs and gluten free! 

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 Bunch of Kale
• Handful Sunflower Sprouts 
• 2 Tbsp of Cranberries 
• 1 Tbsp of Almonds
• 1/2 Cup of Cooked Quinoa 
• 1 Tsp of Nutritional Yeast
• 1 Tsp of Apple Cider Vinegar
• 1 Tbsp of Olive Oil
• Pinch of Pink Himalayan Sea Salt & Cayenne Pepper
• 2 Tsbp of Cherry Tomatoes 
• Soy Wrappers

What I Learned From My Failures

These are some of the most valuable lessons I learned from my so called failures, now I look at them as blessings in disguise. I go in depth of why I do what I do, my motivation, and also how I broke through and transformed my life! I talk about my childhood, my relationships, and how I tap into my full potential every morning. I share some of my life hacks for staying inspired, surrounding myself with high achievers, and remembering what is important in life. 

• You are what you THINK
• Plant Seeds Everyday
• It's a Marathon Not a Sprint
• You Can't Do Everything Yourself
• Ask How Can I Serve, Rather What I Can Get
• Help Others Whenever You Can
• Create Habits Of a Professional Not an Amateur
• Fuel Your Body For Success
• Get Your Mind Right

GREEN ENERGY SMOOTHIE

PERFECT MORNING PICK ME UP! 

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 Cups of Water
• Handful of Spinach
• 1/2 Avocado
• 1 Apple 
• 1/2 Cucumber  

INSTRUCTIONS:

Blend & GLOW!

Cauliflower Fried Rice

I LOVE fried rice! but sometimes I feel so heavy after eating it! So this time I switched out the white rice for cauliflower rice! This was super yummy!!! definitely recommend trying this!

INGREDIENTS: 

• 2 Cups of Cauliflower Rice 
• 1/2 Cup of Non-Gmo Corn, Edamame
• 1/2 Cup of Shitake Mushrooms Diced
• 1/2 Cup of Diced Bell Peppers, Onions
• 1 Clove of Diced Garlic
• 3 Tsp of Soy Sauce or Liquid Aminos (Reduced Sodium)
• 1 Tsp of Olive Oil or Coconut Oil 
• Handful of Basil Julienned 
• Pink Himalayan Sea Salt 
• 1/2 Tablespoon of White Vinegar 
• Topped with Crushed Almonds

INSTRUCTIONS:

Stir Fry and Eat! Save Basil and Almonds to Top at the End!

If you want to know how to make the cauliflower rice check video below

Homemade Granola Bars

If you LOVE granola bars like me, you are definitely in for a TREAT! This are gluten free, and have no added sugars in them! SO TASTY!

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 1/4 Cup of Gluten Free Oats

• 1/3 Cup Chopped Dates

• 1/3 Cup of Chia + Hemp Seeds

• 1/2 Cup of Peanut Butter

• 2 Ripe Bananas

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Peel and mash bananas

2. Add in peanut butter and rest of dried ingredients and mix throughly 

3. Place into a baking pan with parchment paper and spread mixure onto pan

4. pre-heat oven at 350 and bake for 20-25min depending how crunchy you want! 

5. Take out of oven and cool completely and cut

VIDEO RECIPE:

Basil Corn Zucchini Pasta!

Whenever I am craving a heavy pasta carb dish, I use zucchini noodles! They are so yummy, and filling! This is one of my favorite easy recipes! Super simple, you'll need a spiralizer, trust me it will be the best investment you made for yourself! 

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 Zucchini 

• 1 Yellow Squash

• 2 Cups Favorite Pasta Marinara ( My homemade recipe below)

• 1/2 Cup Organic Non Gmo Corn

• Bunch Chopped Basil

• 3/4 Cup Cherry Tomatos 

DIRECTIONS: 

1. Spiralize your zucchini & squash noodles, add rest of ingredients top with hemp seeds and ENJOY! :) 

Charles' Tomato Marinara Sauce:

• 1 Cup Cherry Tomatoes

• 3-4 Soaked Sundried Tomatos

• 2 Tablespoon of Olive Oil ( Optional)

• 1 Tablespoon of Tomato Paste 

• 1/2 Lemon Juice 

• Salt & Pepper to Taste 

Spiralizers I Used:

http://tinyurl.com/llspkhe

Share This Recipe and Tag Me! :) 

Hands-On Cooking Class

Yay I'm back in LA Teaching a Hands-On Cooking Class Jan 26th Thursday 7-8:30pm at Cisco Pasadena Hosted by Whole Foods Market Pasadena. I will be sharing Healthy On The Go Recipes. Cooking Class will be held at Cisco Home Pasadena 474 S Arroyo Pkwy, Pasadena CA 91105 hosted by Whole Foods Market. This will be a hands on cooking class, tasting included, space is limited to 25 guests. Cooking Station, Ingredients, Knives will be provided. No experience necessary, meet new friends. RSVP TODAY! Feel Free to Bring Your Own Wine

SPACE IS LIMITED, RSVP HERE

$10 OFF Discount Code: "CHARLESCHENTV"

Radiant Skin Juice

Want RADIANT beautiful skin? Try this epic JUICE it will have your skin GLOWING inside out! See below the benefits of TURMERIC, and why it's healthy for your SKIN.

Ingredients:

• 3 Carrots ( Beta Carotene)

• 1 Small Turmeric (Anti-Fungal)

• 1/2 Ginger (Anti-Inflammatory)

• 1 Lemon (Alkaline)

• 3 Orange (Vitamin C)

Directions:

JUICE & ENJOY!

Benefits of Turmeric

Ultimate Quinoa Burger

I grew up eating burgers, unfortunately they were the golden arches. But since then I have created the Ultimate Quinoa Burger that is packed filled with plant based protein, and veggies! I use sweet potatoes, quinoa and flax! See recipe below

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups cooked quinoa

• 2 tablespoons ground flax + 6 tablespoons water

• 1 cup destemmed and finely chopped kale

• 1/2 cup quinoa flour

• 1/2 cup cubed butternut squash or sweet potato 

• 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds

• 2 tablespoons finely diced onion

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon runny tahini paste

• 1 1/2 teaspoons herb de provence mix

• 1 1/2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar

• 1/2 teaspoon fine grain sea salt, or to taste

• pinch of cayenne pepper ginger powder & cumin to taste

BASIL AVOCADO CREAM SAUCE

• 1/2 Avocado

• 1/2 Cup Coconut Milk

• 3/4 Cup Fresh Basil

• 2 Tsp Apple Cider Vinegar

• 1 Tablesppon of White Miso

• Pinch of Salt & Cayenne 

INSTRUCTIONS:

• Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

• Mix the ground flax and water in a small bowl and set aside for 5 minutes or so to thicken.

• Combine all ingredients together in a large bowl, including the flax mixture and the 1.5 cups cooked quinoa. Stir well until the mixture comes together. Don't forget the flour because it helps bind the patties.

• Shape mixture into 1/4-cup patties with wet hands. Pack tightly so they hold together better. Place on baking sheet.

• Bake for 15 minutes, then carefully flip cakes, and bake for another 8-10 minutes until golden and firm.

• Cool for 5 minutes on the sheet and then enjoy!

Turmeric Chia Pudding

Perfect Pre and Post Workout Meal! Feel satiated by Chia seeds and reap the benefits of anti-inflammatory Turmeric. This is a coconut milk base that keeps it super creamy and delicious