Author: healthbyhaven

August 26, 2023 Entrees, Recipe

Billy’s Asian Veggie & Rice Bowl

I love cooking and creating healthy recipes to share with y’all, but nothing quite beats the feeling of having someone else cook dinner! Sharing this wonderful recipe my sweet husband created and cooks for us on the regular. It just may be your next favorite dinner! 

Ingredients

  • ½ c dry brown rice
  • 1 crown of broccoli
  • 1 zucchini 
  • 1 bell pepper, red or orange
  • Salt, black pepper, garlic powder x3, chili powder, basil x3, ginger, sesame seeds
  • Avocado oil 
  • Soy sauce
  • Green onion 

Directions

  1. Cook rice according to package.
  2. White rice is cooking, clean and chop the veggies.
  3. Cook the broccoli, bell pepper, and zucchini in the spices, avocado oil, and soy sauce for 10 min in a frying pan.
  4. After 10 min put lid on to steam, stir occasionally.
  5. Once the veggies are soft, remove from heat.
  6. Combine with the rice, add more seasoning as desired and top with green onion.
  7. Enjoy!

Pro tip – if you like peanut sauce, stir together peanut butter, soy sauce, and a squeeze of lime to top your bowl with! *chef’s kiss* 

If you like Billy’s Asian Veggie and Rice Bowl, make his day and let him know in the comments below, or message me on Instagram @haven_quinlan. 

August 19, 2023 Article, Fitness, Running

Summer 2023 Running Favorites

If a poor craftsman blames his tools does a slow runner blame their gear? We all know having the latest and greatest gear won’t make us faster runners, but…like… how can we be so sure???

It’s been a while since my last article on my favorite running gear and attire, so with the start of my 2024 Houston Marathon training I figured it was the perfect time for me to update you on what I’ve been loving on the run! 

1. Fast & Free Running Shorts
Okay I used to be a diehard biker shorts on the run gal, but these shorts have totally converted me. I love that they have a side split that allows for a long stride without the leg riding up. Nobody likes chafing. Lululemon for the win.

2. Running Bras
Another point for Lululemon! I’ve been running in their sports bras exclusively. I’ve especially been loving the Energy Long Line Bra. Bonus points for hot pink.

3. Running Shoes
This is a category I haven’t fully made a decision on. I’ve been running in the Mizuno Wave Rider for years and years. I still love them, but I’ve been testing out some other shoes I’m also enjoying. I’ve been liking the extras support of the Mizuno Wave Sky, and I also had a ton of fun demoing the Asics Gel Nimbus recently (talk about cushion!). I’ll probably keep playing around with shoe options before settling on what I’ll be racing in at Houston.

4. SPIbelt
While I really wish I could carry no fuel and magically survive distance training, my belt upgrade to a SPIbelt has been a positive change. It holds my phone, keys and gels and sits relatively comfortably around my waist. 

5. Hair Bands
If you have long hair and you’re a runner, you can commiserate with how horribly tangled your hair gets on the run. I used to braid my hair before my runs, but the layers would stick out every which way by the end of my run and still be pretty hard to brush out. I’ve now swapped out my braid for small, clear hair bands and use four to cinch my hair down my pony tail. Goodbye, hair sticking to my sweat. Goodbye, hair that’s too tangled to brush post-run.

6. Running Hats
I’m becoming a hat person and I’m not mad about it. They’re amazing for keeping the rain out of your eyes when you can’t afford to skip a training run and they’re also perfect for keeping the sun off your face and out of your eyes on a long summer run. Yay skin care! Make sure you invest in a hat made for running, rather than a standard baseball hat. Trust me, the lightweight wicking material will keep you SO much cooler. I’ve been loving running hats from Brooks and Adidas. 

7. Strava
I finally caved a few months ago and created a Strava account. Previously, I always tracked my runs solely on my apple watch/apple health data, but I have to say, using Strava makes me feel like a real runner. Allll the professionals (cool kids) are doing it. Currently I’m on a free trial of the pro plan and I’m really liking the advanced metrics it’s providing. TBD on if I’ll cough up the monthly fee to continue the pro plan or go back to the free version when my trial is up.

Okay enough rambling. I hope you find my updated running favorites helpful! Do you use any of these too? Any good gear I missed? Let me know in the comments below or on Instagram @haven_quinlan.

August 6, 2023 Article, Lifestyle, Uncategorized

Guide to Summertime in NYC

If you know me at all, you know the only city that rivals Paris in my mind is NYC. I love everything about it – the energy, the excitement, the new possibilities, the hustle, the wellness scene, and, of course, the incredible food and drinks!

When Billy and I visited NYC in February 2022, I wrote a Mini Guide to NYC. (You can read it HERE!) Lots of great recs in that article, but I figured I would update it for the summer season! I hope you can put these recommendations to use next time you’re traveling to the City!

Transportation

Billy and I ventured on the subway for the first time this trip. So, so easy. So, so affordable. It’s quicker than Uber/Taxis in most instances, and it’s less sweaty than walking in the summer sun. I would highly recommend using the CityMapper app to help know which line to use. My friend, Georgie, recommended it when I visited her in London last year, and it’s so handy. 

Food

  1. The Butcher’s Daughter – Super cute & delish vegan restaurant that will still appease meat-eaters. We loved the Maple Cacao Latte. Would be a great option for brunch or lunch.
  2. Tavern on the Green – A well-known restaurant in Central Park, for sure, but I’m here to tell you it’s worth the hype! Definitely sit outside. The atmosphere is half of it.
  3. Maman – I mean I can’t visit NYC with out a stop (or two…) at Maman. They have amazing coffees and an afternoon “street cookie,” as we call them, always hits the spot. They have vegan options for all you DF friends.

Drinks at the MET Rooftop

If you know the Quinlans, you know we love a good rooftop cocktail. We somehow always seem to find a rooftop bar when visiting a new city. Well, Billy really came through with his research for this trip! We enjoyed cocktails on the MET rooftop one afternoon and the views were well worth the pricey cocktail! A few tips: 

  1. Unfortunately you do have to purchase a ticket to the MET to visit the rooftop, so I would recommend going early to enjoy the artwork before the rooftop opens. Check the website for hours, as they change.
  2. Get in line to the elevator up about 30 min early – it gets long!

Activities

  1. Broadway! – This one is obvious, but we saw the Lion King on our last trip and the staging and costumes were incredible. 
  2. The Tin Building in the Seaport District – This was another Billy research win. It’s like a really nice food hall/market combo. I would recommend going to grab a quick meal or drink and taking it outside to enjoy the view of the Brooklyn Bridge.
  3. Little Island – This is a super cute park in the Hudson River. I would recommend going early to avoid the sun and the people.
  4. Great Jones Distillery Tour – If you’re looking to enjoy a beverage away from the heat and learn some NYC prohibition history, this is your place. The old fashioned was spectacular and the tour and tasting were really fun!
  5. Runs in Central Park , Duh! – I mean, need I say more? 

Let me know if you use any of these recommendations next time you’re visiting the greatest city on earth! And, please! If I’m missing a spot (or more!) that you recommend, comment below or send me a message on Instagram @haven_quinlan. 



July 8, 2023 Breakfast, Recipe, Smoothies

Mango Berry Smoothie

When it’s summertime and it’s Hot with a capital “H”, all I want is refreshing, cooling foods and drinks. I especially crave fruity smoothies in the summer, which is how this recipe came to be last week. If you’re into mango, you definitely need to give this Mango Berry Smoothie a try!

Ingredients

  • 3/4 c frozen mango
  • 1/4 c frozen strawberries
  • 1/2 c frozen riced cauliflower 
  • 1 c cashew milk (try my super simple Homemade Cashew Milk recipe!)
  • Handful of spinach OR if you don’t have any on hand, a scoop of greens powder. I like Amazing Grass – you can buy it at Whole Foods.
  • 1 goji berry blender bomb (or sub a combo of your favorite seeds, like chia, flax and hemp)

Directions

  1. Add all ingredients to a high power blender.
  2. Blend it all up! Add more liquid if you like your smoothie more drinkable than spoonable. 
  3. Enjoy your refreshing meal or snack!

Let me know what you think of this Mango Berry Smoothie next time you blend it up! Leave me a comment below, or send me a photo of your concoction over on Instagram @haven_quinlan. 

July 2, 2023 Breakfast, Chia Pudding, Recipe

Apple Pie Chia Pudding

What’s more American than apple pie?! If you’re looking for a healthier dessert alternative with the same yummy flavors, or you just want to spice up your holiday breakfast, look no further!

Ingredients

  • 1 can full fat coconut milk
  • 1 c vegan vanilla yogurt
  • 4 – 6 tbs chia seeds
  • 4 tsp cinnamon + more to garnish
  • 2 honeycrisp apples

Directions

  1. Split the canned coconut milk into four glass containers.
  2. Add 1 – 1.5 tbs chia seeds and 1 tsp cinnamon to each container. Mix well.
  3. Pop the containers in the fridge overnight so the chia seeds have time to absorb the liquid and achieve a pudding-like consistency.
  4. In the morning to make the dish more pudding-like, add 1/4 c vegan vanilla yogurt into each container. Stir to combine. 
  5. Chop 1/2 of one honeycrisp apple. You can saute it on the stovetop in cinnamon for a few minutes if you want to soften the apple. If you’re in a rush, toss it in cold.
  6. Top with a sprinkle of cinnamon. Enjoy!

Try this Apple Pie Chia Pudding this week! It’s a super easy way to meal prep incredible, nutritious, filling breakfasts for your work week in less than five minutes. Let me know what you think when you try it out by leaving a comment below or messaging me on Instagram @haven_quinlan. Enjoy! 

July 2, 2023 Entrees, Recipe, Salads

The BEST Greek Salad

I LOVEEE a big, Greek salad. (You just HAD to have the BIG salad!) A quick lunch, a hot summer’s day dinner, it really just always hits the spot. It’s also super easy to make and is a great way to pack in a variety of veggies into one meal. Meal prep for the week or make on the fly. Enjoy!

Ingredients
Serving size: 4

  • 1 container of arugula (roughly 4 c)
  • 1 cucumber, diced 
  • 1 c cherry tomatoes, halved 
  • 1/3 – 1/2 red onion, diced 
  • 1/2 c pickled banana peppers, chopped
  • 1/2 c kalamata olives
  • 1 bag of frozen falafel (or get fancy and make your own! I like the Running on Veggies recipe.)
  • 1/2 c – 1 c hummus (pick your favorite flavor! I think original or garlic are best in this recipe) 
  • 1/2 c vegan greek yogurt
  • 1 package of vegan feta (or sub regular feta if you aren’t sensitive to dairy)
  • Sea salt, black pepper, & dill, to taste

Directions

  1. Wash and dry all your produce. 
  2. Chop the veggies accordingly. 
  3. Fill your bowl with arugula.
  4. Top the arugula with all the veggies.
  5. Add the warm falafel. 
  6. Scoop in the hummus and drizzle the vegan Greek yogurt.
  7. Crumble the feta on top and season with sea salt, black pepper and dill.
  8. Enjoy! 

This is one of the easy go-to meals in the Quinlan household when we want a nourishing meal but don’t want to cook and we don’t want to compromise on the flavor factor. Try it next time you want a quick meal! Let me know what you think in the comments below or over on Instagram @haven_quinlan. 

May 31, 2023 Breakfast, Recipe, Smoothies

PB Banana Bread Smoothie

Billy and I just returned from a mini-beach vacation on Tybee Island. Leave it to me to find the local smoothie shop while traveling, and that I did! I had a smoothie one morning called “Sandy Bottoms” which inspired this recipe. And I have to say, I love this rendition even more! If only I could drink it while watching the waves crash in each morning! 

Ingredients

  • 3/4 c unsweetened cashew milk (try my super easy Homemade Cashew Milk recipe!)
  • 1/4 c unsweetened vegan yogurt 
  • 1 frozen banana
  • 1 c frozen riced cauliflower 
  • 2 heaping tbs peanut butter + more for drizzling the inside of the glass if you’re feeling fancy! 
  • 1 tbs cinnamon 
  • 1 original blender bomb

Directions

  1. Drizzle the inside of your smoothie glass with some extra peanut butter if you’re feeling fancy!
  2. Add all ingredients into a high power blender and blend until smooth. Add more liquid or more frozen fruits and veggies to achieve your desired consistency.
  3. Serve and enjoy!

I hope you enjoy this PB Banana Bread Smoothie as much as I do! Let me know what you think in the comments below or over on Instagram @haven_quinlan!

May 29, 2023 Entrees, Pasta, Recipe

Veggie Pad Thai

Pad Thai, but make it clean and nutritious. 

I loveeee a good Pad Thai dish, but a lot of restaurants cook Pad Thai in low-quality oils that upset my stomach. Enter this Veggie Pad Thai recipe. Swap regular noodles for half brown rice noodles and half spiralized zucchini and carrots. It’s a sneaky way to add more veggies into your day and the flavor of this dish is soooo yummy. If you’re looking for more protein, tofu would go great in this dish. For the meat-eaters out there, it’s simple to add your meat of choice too! 

Ingredients
Serves 2
For the Pad Thai

  • 2 zucchini 
  • 4 large carrots
  • 1/2 box of brown rice Pad Thai noodles
  • 1 small crown of broccoli 
  • 1/2 red bell pepper
  • 1/2 orange bell pepper
  • 1 c multi-colored cherry tomatoes
  • Green onion, to taste
  • Fresh basil, to taste
  • Sea salt & black pepper, to taste
  • 1-2 tbs avocado oil

For the Peanut Sauce

  • 1/2 c peanut butter
  • Juice of 1/2 -1 full lime
  • 2 tbs soy sauce
  • 1-2 tsp pure maple syrup 

Directions 

  1. Blend or vigorously mix the peanut sauce ingredients until smooth. Set aside.
  2. Chop the bell peppers, broccoli, tomatoes and green onion. Set the tomatoes and green onion aside. 
  3. Spiralize the zucchini and carrots. Set aside.
  4. Sautee the bell peppers and broccoli over medium-low heat in avocado oil. When they begin to soften, add the spiralized zucchini and carrots.
  5. While the veggies are cooking, boil water for the Pad Thai noodles. Once the water is boiling, add the noodles and reduce the heat to medium-high.
  6. Cook the veggies for just a few minutes so that they are warm. Be careful not to leave them on the stovetop too long, or the zucchini will get soggy.
  7. Toss the halved tomatoes into the frying pan with the veggies for just a minute or two.
  8. Remove the veggies from heat and drain the Pad Thai noodles.
  9. Add the veggies and noodles to a bowl. Pour the peanut sauce overtop and stir to coat.
  10. Top your bowl with chopped green onion, fresh basil, salt and black pepper, to taste.
  11. Enjoy! 

I hope you enjoyed this Veggie Pad Thai! Let me know in the comments or on Instagram @haven_quinlan if you made any additions or substitutions. I love to see what you do with HxH recipes!

May 28, 2023 Article, Lifestyle

My Travel Non-Negotiables

Ever get back from a trip feeling more sluggish and tired than when you left? Or have you felt like your stomach and sleep are both totally out of whack during and after a trip? I know I have! And I’m here to tell you that it doesn’t have to be that way!! 

After lots of work and personal travel, I decided I am done letting a trip completely throw off my routine and how I feel in my body! Below are my travel non-negotiables to avoid all the out-of-routine, “bleh” feelings. Try them out next time you’re on a trip. I promise you you’ll feel 1000% better! 

1. Move your body in the morning

This is a daily non-negotiable for me, and that doesn’t change during travel! If anything, I find movement even more important while traveling to help keep my body in a routine that feels good. I often feel sluggish and inflamed from long travel days, so movement helps combat those side effects! 

2. Pack healthy snacks

If you know me, you know I don’t go anywhere without snacks! You can’t always guarantee fresh, nourishing options will be available in the airport or on the road, so pack your own delish snacks that will fuel you best and keep your stomach happy. 

3. Bring a large water bottle 

& refill, refill, refill! Hydration is KEY in feeling good while traveling. Nothing worse than dehydration on a work trip or fun vacation! Plus – bringing your own water bottle will save you money (why is airport water basically equivalent to the price of gold?!) and reduces single-use plastic! 

4. Opt for tea over coffee

If you’re an anxious traveler, or if you have a sensitive stomach, coffee on a travel day is not your friend. Trust me, I know that hot coffee before an early morning flight or an afternoon iced coffee pick me up sounds like a good idea when your sleep is off schedule from traveling, but think about how it will make you feel throughout your day. I love coffee, don’t get me wrong, but I find more calm and consistent energy from a matcha latte or herbal tea while traveling.

5. Dress in layers

This one is particularly helpful when traveling via public transit. I am often cold and like to feel cozy on a flight, but nothing irritates me more than being too hot in what can sometimes be a stressful environment. By dressing in layers, I feel prepared for whatever climate the pilot chooses – arctic tundra or sauna. 

6. Wear compression socks

Okay I know this seriously sounds like I’m 1000 years old, but your feet and ankles swell on long travel days – particularly when you climb elevation in a plane or are seated for hours on end in the car or on a train. By wearing compression socks, you keep the blood circulating and keep inflammation down. You don’t have to wear knee high socks – even just ankle compression socks can make a difference! I like the Comrad brand! 

7. Skincare routine applies when traveling 

I’m embarrassed to say it took me wayyy too many years to take skin care seriously. I have a fairly minimal routine, but I at least have a routine! Baby steps, right? I find my skin is more prone to irritation and dryness when flying, so I always have a mini-hand lotion in my bag. I also take my face wash, makeup remover & face oils while traveling. I loveee Cocokind’s brand and products. I use the following products weekly! 

Travel shouldn’t feel rigid when you’re trying to enjoy vacation or a work trip, but your lifestyle shouldn’t be flipped upside down by it either! What are some of your travel non-negotiables? I’d love to know! Leave a comment below or message me on Instagram @haven_quinlan!

April 27, 2023 Breakfast, Chia Pudding, Recipe

Chocolate Chia Pudding Parfait

Another breakfast recipe? Another chocolate recipe? I just can’t help myself! This Chocolate Chia Pudding Parfait is just so dang delish!

It’s full of filling ingredients – like the healthy fats in the coconut milk and the omega 3’s in the chia seeds. Plus, the fiber in the chia seeds and the probiotics in the yogurt are good for your gut and digestive tract! 

Prep this night before or make a big batch at the beginning of the week for an easy grab and go breakfast or snack!

Ingredients
Serving size: 4

Directions 

  1. Separate the can of coconut milk into four glass containers equally for easy future grab and go meals or snacks.
  2. Add 1.5 tbs chia seeds per container and mix well into coconut milk.
  3. Add 1 – 1.5 tbs cacao powder into each container and mix until well combined. Stir it reallllll good!
  4. Store in four air-tight glass containers in the fridge overnight. This will allow the chia seeds to soak up the moisture from the coconut milk to achieve the pudding-like consistency. 
  5. In the morning, add ¼ c vegan yogurt to your chia pudding and mix to combine. This just makes it extra creamy and packs in more protein, fat and probiotics. 
  6. Top with ¼ c blueberries and enjoy!
  7. If you’re a toppings lover, some other great ones to add are unsweetened coconut flakes, cacao nibs, granola, any other berries, chopped apple, cinnamon, and/or a crumbled Blender Bomb.
  8. Bonus points – serve in a parfait glass and layer in the yogurt and toppings if you’re feeling extra fancy!

I hope you enjoy this Chocolate Chia Pudding Parfait as much as I do! Follow me on Instagram @haven_quinlan and subscribe to the Health by Haven newsletter for more delicious, nutritious recipes!