The Nutrition Mom shares healthy recipes

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- You wouldn't know it, but the woman known as "The Nutrition Mom" wasn't always that way.

"I was a junk food junkie. I grew up on prepackaged food and that was really how I fed my family, too. It was more important to me at that point to get to the next event on time than to have a nutritious meal. I used my microwave a lot. I wasn't very comfortable in the kitchen, and I never shopped in the produce section because that food went bad too fast!" recalls Stephanie Merchant, also known as The Nutrition Mom.

At 40-years-old she found herself more than 50 pounds overweight.

"My father had passed away when he was 39 of heart disease. My mom has high blood pressure and diabetes. Not only at that point was I headed down that same path, that's what I was setting my kids up for," she says.

Knowing that she was the example for her kids, Stephanie took action.

"I really focused on myself at first, and then slowly I made the changes in these household. One step at a time I started to incorporate more things," she says.

As soon as her family was on-board, Stephanie wanted to share her knowledge with others. At the age of 42, she decided to go back to school to become a health coach and "The Nutrition Mom" was born.

Now she offers her services in person or via web cam from anywhere.

"I really meet people where they are. Maybe they have a lifetime of habits behind them. Maybe it's their five year old that's digging in their heels because they only want to eat chicken, macaroni, and cheese. I really work with people on resetting those habits and sharing these quick and easy recipes and showing that it doesn't have to be so difficult," she says.

Stephanie wants to make eating healthy fun, fast, and convenient for others, so she's come up with simple no-cook meals, and all that's needed is a food processor.

Zucchini Pasta with Marinara Sauce (or Spaghetti for the younger crowd)

Pasta:

• 2 -3 large Zucchini

Marinara Sauce:

• 2 1/2 cups tomatoes


• 12 sundried tomatoes, soaked to soften


• 3 dates, pitted and soaked to soften


• 1/4 cup olive oil


• 3 cloves of garlic


• 2 Tbsp parsley


• 1 tsp sea salt


• 1/8 tsp cayenne

Directions:

1. Spiralize the zucchini in a spiral slicer Found in The Nutrition Mom store under the In The Kitchen Tab.


2. Place all of the Marinara Sauce ingredients into a food processor with the S blade and blend until smooth (can leave a little chunky if you prefer).


3. Pour sauce over the pasta and serve. Optional - Garnish with fresh basil or oregano.

Taco Salad with "Sour" Cream

Taco "Meat"

• 1 cup walnuts


• 1 tsp Braggs Liquid Aminos


• 1 Tbsp olive oil


• 2 tsp coriander


• 1 Tbsp cumin


• 1/4 tsp sea salt

Salad

• 1 head romaine


• 1 chopped tomato


• 1 ripe avocado


• black olives

Directions:

1. In a food processor with the S blade, pulse the taco "meat" ingredients until chopped, but still a little chunky.


2. Tear or chop romaine leaves, add the taco "meat" and other salad ingredients above or your favorites.


3. Optional - Top with your favorite salsa and/or cashew "sour" cream.

Cashew "Sour" Cream

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup cashews


• 1/2 cup water


• 1 Tbsp lemon juice


• 1/2 tsp salt

Directions:

1. In a food processor with the S blade, blend all ingredients until smooth.


2. Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Chocolate Banana Softserve "Ice Cream"

Ingredients:

• 2-4 frozen bananas


• Cacao powder


• Strawberries

Directions:

1. Freeze soft banana in advance (great way to use old, brown bananas).


2. Remove bananas from the freezer a few minutes before, then throw them in a food processor and blend until smooth.


3. For chocolate flavor, add cacao. For strawberry flavor, add strawberries. Blend until smooth and serve.