First thing’s first!
Orders of Business
I am beyond stoked that you all are down for my proposition. I really want all of us to be in this together, showing everyone that the most important part of life is just that – living it to the fullest and finding joy in things great and small! In the interest of the theme (loving life), I was thinking of calling the project J’adore la vie (French for “I love life”). What do you all think? I’d love to hear your input as I continue brainstorming and finalizing everything! In the mean time, start taking photos of yourself when you feel happy. It can be you doing anything and everything that makes you happy! Make it natural, though, with pictures of you when you’re in your element. Remember that food and fitness-related entries are not required but if they happen to be something that makes you genuinely happy, feel free to submit them. You may add quotes or phrases to the pictures, if you’d like! GET GOING!
Speaking of projects, I have a mini one in the works right now that I am dying to tell all of you about! It involves veganism, eating disorders, and inspirational quotes. I know – I’m such a tease – but I promise to give you all of the details once everything is officially etched in stone! 
20-Minute Vegan Alfredo…with Brussels sprouts
Yesterday was a busy day! I worked both of my jobs (the weight loss clinic and my retail job) so there wasn’t much room for down time. Still, I made an effort to pay tribute to Vegan Mac & Cheese Day by making a simple 20-minute meal inspired the classic, childhood favorite. I got the “cheese” part down but skipped the macaroni part. Sue me but I’m not a fan of pasta. It doesn’t fill me up and totally zaps my energy, which I liken to the high glycemic index of most pastas.
I had a package of NaSoya shirataki spaghetti sitting in the fridge, so I decided to work those into the mix. To start, I roasted Brussels sprouts in the oven at 450 degrees for about 15 minutes. While the Brussels sprouts were cooking, I whipped up a batch of my cheeze sauce. To bump up the protein, I added extra nutritional yeast. When the Brussels sprouts and sauce were done cooking, I drained and rinsed the noodles before heating them in the microwave for 1 minute on high. A quick toss of the above ingredients and I had a lovely meal waiting for my tummy!
I’m obsessed with this shirataki spaghetti, made from potato starch, konjac flour, and chickpea flour. FYI: konjac is a plant that looks like a root vegetable. The stem (or corm) is used to make a sturdy flour, which helps the above noodles maintain their shape and texture. The noodles themselves allow for the creation of a healthy, tasty meal in little time and, despite its low nutrient density, they really satisfied me. I’m officially a convert. Props to NaSoya!
Okay, I’m off to work then I have to get busy packing for Matty and I’s getaway to the Hamptons. We leave TOMORROW and we cannot wait! The two of us have massages, a vineyard, and an organic on-site bistro to look forward to. After work, I’ll be heading to Whole Foods to pick up some snacks that we can have on-hand. I’m thinking Kombucha, Pulsin’ bars, Mary’s Gone Crackers, veggies, hummus, and fruit. Have a beautiful Sunday, my dear friends!
Stay lovely,
Heather
Those noodles look amazing! I’m going to be on the lookout for them and when I find them I’m making your recipe! It looks great! Happy Sunday!
Thanks, Danielle! Let me know when you try them. Happy Sunday back to you!
What is your favorite Shirataki noodle? There seems to be more and more on the market (and I love them!)
Hey Kacie! I really like the NaSoya brand. They’re super yummy!
I am totally down to try those noodles because like you said, pasta kinda kills me and makes me feel like I need a big old nap. Same with rice – it’s why I’m not a big fan of pasta or rice based dishes. Can’t wait to hear about the other new project you’ve got brewing!
I’ve picked up those noodles SO many times but always wound up putting them back because I was unsure of whether or not they would taste good. I’m definitely going to try them now that I’ve heard your review- they sound amazing! And the fact that they’re so easy to prepare is just an added bonus. (:
Have fun at Whole Foods this afternoon! I always have to make a specific plan of attack for that store, otherwise I wind up spending a fortune! Haha.
Oh lord yes! A Whole Foods POA is always necessary.
How did I not know that yesterday was Vegan Mac & Cheese Day?
Your Alfredo looks yummy. I don’t have a problem with pasta, but I’m always looking for new things to try, so thanks for the tip on the noodles.
No problem, Debbie! Let me know if you try it.
Holy moly that looks good! Now I want alfredo
Make some, girl!
I’ll skip the tofu noodles and fake cheese sauce, but yes to the brussel sprouts
Hey Bella,
Miss Francophone here!
The correct translation is “J’adore la vie.” The second and third words are not capitalized. Even if it’s a title. French grammar differs from English in this way.
The text you have now translates as “I adore of the live.”
Ahh! Thanks Faye! I’m slightly embarrassed. Changing that now. 
That looks really good, but I hate those noodles haha. They taste like fish to me and I can’t stand the texture. I’m weird. Sauce looks yummy though! And brussels sprouts are my absolute favourite veggie!!! Excited to hear more about your new project!xo
Mmmm yummy in my tummy
Ok, I am beyond excited babe! Seriously – BEYOND excited for the “love life” project!!!!!!!
My girl is a genius 
P.s. I have a recipe post tomorrow that is going to rock your socks
Cannot wait to give this a try! It has all my favorite ingredients that I never thought to put together!