BACADO CASSEROLE (that's bacon, cheese, avocado)

*Paid partnership with Daiya, all opinions are my own

Growing up there was this place called The Good Egg in Scottsdale, Az that my mom and I would always go to after hiking together on the weekends.

We both always ordered the "Bacado" omelette and would typically gossip about whatever we had just read in the latest tabloid magazines. While there is nothing nostalgic for me about that last part (tabloids contributed to my ED. See episode #1), the combination of bacon, cheese and avocado that made up the omelette absolutely is.

It's a classic combination that showcases just how delicious food is when it is rich with ingredients high in fat. And what better fat is there then that from an avocado? lol.

The cheese and the bacon bits are plant-based but you wouldn't know it from the flavor. Daiya Foods does an incredible job with satisfying this girls cheese cravings since real dairy cheese doesn't work well for my body.

That said, you could throw in some real bacon if that's your thing!

Aside from the fact that this is freaking delicious, it comes together in less than 25 minutes which is perfect for a weeknight or a cozy Sunday meal that everyone will love.

And I am not kidding when I say it's freaking delicious, I literally could not get over how good it was! You will love it.

BACADO CASSEROLE (that's bacon, cheese, avocado)

Ingredients:

• 2 boxes Daiya Deluxe Cheezy Mac in Cheddar Style & Bacon Flavored Bits

• 1 medium sized yellow or white onion, finely diced

• 6 cups fresh spinach

• 1 cup Daiya Mozzarella Shreds

• 1 green onion, thinly sliced

• 1/2 cup cilantro, rough chop

• 1/2-1 ripe avocado, sliced

• salt, pepper, garlic powder to taste

Directions:

Pre-heat oven to 350F

Bring water to a boil and cook the Daiya noodles to the box directions. Drain the water, add the cheese and 1 packet of the two bacon bitz.

Meanwhile, heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until translucent. Add salt and stir again. Once cooked lower heat to low and then add in the spinach, stir often until fully wilted. Add in black pepper, garlic powder and salt to taste.

Spoon the spinach mixture in the to mac and cheese mixture. Stir to combine.

Transfer everything to a casserole dish. 6x10 is the ideal size for this much mac and cheese.

Sprinkle the mozzarella on top and half of the remaining bacon bits (reserve the rest for topping)

Bake on covered for 10-13 minutes, until cheese is melted.

Then layer on avocado, cilantro, green onion and remaining bacon bits. Serve immediately or store in the fridge for left overs.

ALSO, if you have been loving my recipes then you I am so excited to share that my first ever cookbook Vegan Buddha Bowls is now available for order.

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DO YOU "EARN" OR "MAKE UP FOR" YOUR FOOD? READ THIS.

All too often in life, but especially around the holidays, we feel the need to earn or make up for the food we eat.

Be it Halloween candy, Thanksgiving stuffing, or Christmas cookies.

Perhaps you feel like you have to work out extra hard to “burn off” the candy or…,

Skip breakfast and lunch before Thanksgiving to earn the extra stuffing you plan to eat at dinner or…,

You plan to remove carbs after Thanksgiving to make up for the pie and mashed potatoes or….,

You plan to go on a crazy diet and set the New Years Resolution to lose 30 lbs.

But thinking that you need to earn or make up for your food has serious implications for binge eating.

While it may not be a conscious thought, intentionally skipping meals leading up to a meal or planning to only “eat clean” afterwards sets the precedent that you know you are going to binge eat, to over do it.

Having the thought of “I must earn my food” implies “I know I am going to eat all the things and then some.”

Just like planning to “make up for my food” implies “I am going to eat wayyyyy to much but it's okay, I’ll just eat less later.”

The implication is “I know I am going to binge.”

It’s basically creating a self-fulfilling prophecy. By planning on it happening, you are creating the space for it to happen.

The act of "earning" or "making up for" food is riding the Restrict-Binge Pendulum swing.

Stop trying to earn or make up for your food and watch your eating slide into balance.

CHRONICALLY WEIGHING YOURSELF? I'VE BEEN THERE! [PODCAST] Love Your Bod Pod Episode 9

It was just like any other morning.

I woke up, brushed my teeth, washed my face and walked over to the scale with hesitation, in fear of what the damage might be after a binge. I stood there for a second looking at it. While I was afraid to see the number, I also felt compelled to know.

It was like I had to know.

The scale would hold me accountable, I thought. If I knew how much weight I had gained, then I would know how strict I’d have to be with my diet and how intensely I’d have to work out.

It would be just the motivation I needed to get back on the wagon and stay on it this time. For good.

I lifted my right foot on to the scale, and then my left. I watched the needle jump a little bit before slowing down to a stop.

My heart sank.

I had gained a few pounds over night. Shit.

I immediately felt bad about myself. “You’re so out of control around food, you’re fat and ugly. You need to get rid of this extra weight.”

In just a matter of seconds my mood had completely changed.

I felt ashamed yet panic.

I started making plans for that day…, coffee and an apple for breakfast. Lunch will be a salad no croutons or dressing and maybe I’d have some chicken for dinner or just skip it all together.

And I was going on a run after school.

I felt more at peace just knowing that today I would use my willpower and control to finally get it right.

I came home and jumped on the scale again without even thinking about it. It was a habit at this point, to micromanage my weight constantly.

And I could hold out on my plan for a short amount of time, but like clockwork, I always fell off the wagon eventually and always getting on the scale. Reliving this experience as if I was rehearsing a scene for movie.

Except that it was my life.

And maybe you can relate. Maybe you occasionally or chronically weight yourself, too. Perhaps it effects your mood and influences the food you eat and how you move your body.

Today on the podcast I talk about the scale and how it contributes to a disordered relationship with food and further disconnects us from our Body Wisdom.

If you’re someone who feels like you must weigh yourself or maybe you even want to weigh yourself for various reasons, I encourage you to take a listen.

Xo C