Let’s be honest. There are so many different things we love about the summer that we wish could go year round. Unfortunately, not everyone can live in California where it’s summer year round. How do you cope with the loss of some of your favorite summer pastimes? Well with the help of new technology it allows us to keep one of my favorite things to do in the summer going, Grilling! With the popularity of indoor grilling steadily on the rise it would be silly of me not to provide you with quick, healthy meals you can grill indoors. Here is the best part, this amazing recipe will also help give your immune system the extra boost it needs! That doesn’t mean you have to grab pizza that is chock full of hormones and chemicals. Pizza and be good for you when done right. 

The 365 Days of Summer!

I love pizza, however, as I got older it seemed to be that pizza no longer loved me. As a by product I stopped eating pizza all together. It turns out my body could no longer tolerate gluten or traditional dairy, and who wants to order gluten free, dairy free, no pork, pizza? I was crushed (not as much as I was to lose the dairy I love ice cream). That was, until I found ways to enjoy my favorite foods again. Turns out there are tons of different gluten free pizza crusts that taste great! Such as, sweet potato, cauliflower, zucchini, quinoa, gluten free dough, and even broccoli! Not to mention have you had vegan cheese before? 

Eat Healthy Everyday!

Okay, hear me out. The first time I had vegan cheese I was about 15 or 16 years old it was soy based and disgusting. Needless to say it made a lasting impression. Luckily, I was willing to give it another go and it was amazing. To be honest I like vegan cheese more than I like regular cheese. I do still enjoy the occasional goat or sheep cheese. The taste is more prominent and the nutritional benefits are far greater than that of traditional dairy (cow) cheese. Just how much better for you is it?

What’s Got Your Goat?

Goat cheese is higher in calcium than regular cheese and is higher in protein. Not only is goat cheese easier to digest than regular cheese it is also lower in fat. Goat cheese has also been shown to improve the nervous system. It also reduces sugar cravings, has high levels of phosphorus, vitamin A and B. Goat cheese also contains high levels of vitamin K2 which has been shown to be important for maintaining a healthy heart and arteries. It also contains iodine which helps promote growth development, reproduction, and metabolism regulation through thyroid health. All of these reasons made it an ideal choice for this indoor grilled pizza recipe. Goat cheese tends to produce a tangy flavor which is why it pairs great with something sweet like our old friend honey and it’s amazing antibacterial properties.

A Great Pear!

Another great flavor to pair with goat cheese and honey just so happens to be pears! Pears make a great addition to almost every dish. Not only are they one of the most hypoallergenic fruits out there they are sweet without being overly sweet. Not to mention they have tons of health benefits making them a must for your family nutrition. Did you know pears are one of the highest fiber containing fruits? They also have anti-inflammatory properties.

Fiber Rich

 Pears are great for aiding in weight loss, relieving constipation, and boost your immune system. They also help promote heart health while reducing blood pressure. Looking to improve your hair and skin health, that’s right, better reach for more pears! Pears help reduce bad cholesterol, boost energy levels, are high in antioxidants, low in acid, and a great source of potassium (that’s right move over banana). In fact, according to the American Heart Association eating one pear a day can reduce the risk of a stroke by as much as 52%. Apparently the saying should be an apple and pear a day keeps the doctor at bay.

High In Nutrients & Flavor!

Now, while we could stop there what is a pizza without a little textural differences? That’s right bland at best. To add some additional nutrition, flavor, and you guessed it texture we are mixing things up with walnuts and arugula. Now, I have already covered just how amazing walnuts can be for your health. However, as a little refresher they are: high in magnesium (great for mood & health), potassium (blood health & prevention of dehydration), fiber (aid with weight loss), folate (great for blood health), omega 3 (great for a LOT of things), antioxidants (slow down aging), and low in sodium (aid in heart health). 

Where Is The Nutrition!

Arugula, however, is a new subject that needs to be addressed! Arugula contains alpha-lipoic acid which helps increase insulin sensitivity and reduces glucose levels naturally (that means it aids in the regulation of insulin). It contains low levels of oxalate which allows the increased absorption of minerals and vitamin K which promotes healthy bones. Arugula contains vitamin A which promotes eye health. It contains vitamin B-complex which improves the metabolism by aiding in energy production, fat synthesis and red blood cell production. Arugula is high in Zinc which aids in hair, skin, nails, digestive health, and the promotion of blood flow. It also reduces the secretion of stomach-acid and regulates gastric wall protecting hormones. Are you ready to make this nutrient dense and great tasting meal?

Grilled Pear & Honey whipped Goat Cheese Pizza

Gluten Free Vegetarian (serves 4)

• Cauliflower pizza crust (or gluten free option of your choice)
• ½ Cup Arugula
• ¼ Cup Onions
• 1 Ripe Pear
• ¼ Cup Walnuts (coarsely chopped)
• 1 Cup of Marinated in Olive Oil & Garlic Goat Cheese Separated
• 2 ½ TBSP of the Marinating Oil from the Goat Cheese (trust me!)
• 4 TBSP Raw Honey
• 1 TBSP Thyme Leaves

Directions:

On grill start to cook the dough. I normally do around 1-2 minutes each side. Remove from the grill and baste with marinated oil. In the blender combine goat cheese and honey with 1-2 TBSPs of the marinated oil. You do not want to over mix them, the mixture should be similar to that of whipped cream cheese. Spread the whipped cheese onto the crust and add pears, onions (I like to use sweeter onions), and walnuts. Place back onto the grill and cook for another 5-10 minutes depending on heat level. Add greens 2-3 minutes prior to removal. Remove after pizza becomes a light golden brown. Serve hot and make plenty. Great for parties!

Need a Helping Hand?

A happy and healthy life is closer than you may think. Our health is something that we all have to deal with daily, and when we don’t feel our best, it shows. If you are tired of just making it through your day then you NEED to start investing in your health today! You are not alone on this journey. If you ever need any help I am always here to do just that. Even if it is something as small as just acting as a sounding board. Do you have any questions or concerns I can help you with? Feel free to contact me directly at [email protected] or you can even book a one-on-one call with me. Be sure to subscribe to gain access to tons of free goodies and check back daily for more great recipes and information!