Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Recipe / Brussel Sprouts

All of my friends and family know me as the girl who exists solely on pizza and candy- the most unhealthy Vegetarian that ever was. Since moving to California though, I've been putting more of an effort into eating healthy and incorporating a bit of green crap into my diet. Over the past couple weeks, I've doubled down my efforts and cut out about 95% of my favorite unhealthy foods. (Minus the Diet Coke, of course. I could never give up my DC.) Let me tell you- it has NOT been easy. As a person, I pretty much crave pizza from the second I wake up in the morning until I go to sleep at night- dreaming of dancing pizza topped with crushed red pepper. But just because I want pizza 24/7 doesn't mean I need to indulge in it 24/7. Crazy, right?! It's like this never occurred to me before. So, at 24-years-old, I'm finally trying to eat like an adult. 

My newly revamped diet consists mainly of fruit, veggies, nuts, beans and eggs. Sparingly, I eat whole grains, vegan cheese, vegan yogurt, and almond milk. Also, I'm drinking a CRAP ton of water, and peeing like a racehorse. (Sexy, huh?) The biggest adjustment has been actually cooking most of my meals- breakfast, lunch and dinner nearly every day. It takes a lot of time, but I can already feel a difference in my body. I'm hoping this change can last for a while. Still, that doesn't mean I won't ever have pizza again. I think we all know that's inevitable. But when it becomes a treat instead of a default, pizza actually tastes 100x more delicious. (Who knew that was even possible!?)

For lunch this weekend, I whipped up some super easy and delicious brussel sprouts. I know, I know. Brussel sprouts- delicious?! But it's true!! Green things can be yummy. 

brussel sprouts (I used an entire bag bought at Trader Joe's)
extra virgin olive oil
coconut oil
salt & pepper
red pepper flakes

1. Add a tablespoon of coconut oil to a baking sheet and place in the oven. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees, with the pan in it. 
2. Wash and chop the ends off of the brussel sprouts. Then cut them in half.
3. Drizzle with EVOO, add generous amount of salt and pepper, and sprinkle with red pepper flakes. Mix so everything is coated.
4. Remove the preheated pan from the oven (careful- it will be hot!) and place the brussel sprouts on the pan
5. Cook for 30- 40 minutes. (I like to flip mine halfway through cooking.) The cook time will vary depending on the size of your brussel sprouts, so keep an eye on them. I prefer mine burnt- so good! 

Yum yum yum! Enjoy your greens!


  1. definitely my favourite way to make brussels, especially a little bit burnt!

  2. brussel sprouts dipped in vinegar is my favorite.

  3. These look so good! My friends always think it's crazy, but brussel sprouts have always been one of my favorite veggies. I will gladly chow down on a bowl of them any day! I am going to try this recipe this week. Thanks for posting!

  4. Ii absolutely love brussels sprouts. coming from another unhealthy vegetarian :)

  5. Most people hate brussel spouts but I love them! I never had them with red pepper flakes before - I must try this!

