• healthy - recipes - The Cocoon

    Rad Recipes: Coffee Hacks

    Confession: At one point in my life, I was drinking quite a lot of coffee every day. Like, A LOT. We’re talking all day long, so maybe 8 cups… or more! What’s worse is that I wasn’t even enjoying it (except for the first cup); no, I NEEDED it.  Coffee had become my drug of choice. It didn’t even have to be good coffee, hell, I would reheat a half-finished cup of crappy gas station super sweetened garbage coffee in the microwave and clutch it in my trembling hands like it was The One Ring… my preeeeciousssssssssssss! That, my friends,…

  • healing - healthy - recipes - self help

    Can Certain Foods Help Reduce Pain?

    It’s no big secret that the foods we consume regularly will have an effect on our overall health. And while it’s true that some foods are obviously not helpful in supporting our bodies, there is just a LOT of information out there on the interwebs, bookshelves, and tv talk show circuit that is conflicting and confusing.  Vegan. Paleo. Zone. Gluten-Free. Anti-Inflammatory. Mediterranean. Juicing.  The Latest Magical Cleanse… Cue my emotional response:  *$@#!  It’s overwhelming, just give me a blanket and a damn cookie! So what if I just want to make some healthier food choices, and I’m not in a…

  • healthy - recipes - The Cocoon

    Rad Recipes: Sweet Sunrise Smoothie

    My Sweet Sunrise Smoothie is so good! It’s loaded with natural, whole-food energy to power me through a busy morning, and it’s so easy to prepare (less than 5 minutes!)- this is one of my go-to breakfast choices during the week. 1 ripe banana (lots of spots on the peel) 1-2 small clementines, peeled 3-4 baby carrots (I’m obsessed with the tri-colored ones, but just use whatever you have) 1 oz cold coconut water Blend until smooth-ish and enjoy!   Approx. 138 calories

  • brain training - healing - healthy - inspiration - life challenge - Miscellaneous - self help - The Cocoon

    Emotional Eating & Your Inner Superhero

    Friends, emotional eating (from feeling fearful, sad, angry, or whatever overwhelming thing we are feeling) is something that can be managed and overcome when we learn how to access the tools we need. It definitely takes practice and lots of support to “retrain our brain” but it is TOTALLY doable!  I’ve been actively at work on my own emotional issues and how I can respond to stress differently than I did for so many years. It’s a powerful process, not always easy- but the healing that has taken place and the strategies I’ve gained are worth the effort. I’ve learned…

  • brain training - healing - healthy - inspiration - self help - The Cocoon

    Craving Good Things & The Thing About Emotional Eating

    I was recently visiting with my dear friend Susan, chatting about what we are both up to and chewing on big ideas. I was enjoying a finely crafted unsweetened green tea latte, and we were remarking about how much we actually want to eat healthy foods now (with the exception of delicious, occasional French Fries, obvi)  when something she said struck me like a bolt of lightning: “Bodies don’t crave junk food, emotions do.” Isn’t that just the absolute truth? Think about it- when you are depressed, sad, upset, angry, lonely- what do you reach for for comfort? A stiff…

  • brain training - Friday Feels - healthy - inspiration - life challenge - Miscellaneous - self help - The Cocoon

    Friday Feels: Brave

    Friday Feels: It’s been the kind of week where I am questioning my every decision one minute to pushing my own limits the next. Question. Push. Question. Push. Mild panic. Deeper questions, push back harder. I have a message to share, and it equally emboldens me and terrifies me. It’s the driving force behind my new health and wellness project, The Cocoon – Empowered Transformation, and the reason I have been videoing myself doing a series of workouts- even though I don’t have a model’s face, a trainer’s body, and a studio to produce high-quality videos. It’s just me, my…

  • healthy - recipes

    Rad Recipes: Ch-Ch-Ch-Chia Seed Chocolate Pudding (GF, V, VG, P)

    Sweet Tooth Approved! This chocolatey, tapioca-style pudding is super-simple to make and works well as a dessert, snack, or even a fast & portable breakfast. Oh, and it’s actually GOOD for you too because the chia seeds are rich in omega3 fatty acids, protein, calcium, and antioxidants.  Low in sugar, gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan-friendly. 2 Servings, approx. 245 calories per serving 1 1/4 cup unsweetened non-dairy milk (almond milk or coconut milk work well) 1/4 cup chia seeds 3 tablespoons organic/raw cacao powder or baking cocoa 1 tablespoon organic real maple syrup or raw honey pinch of sea salt pinch…

  • healthy - recipes

    Rad Recipes: Fresh Green Powerhouse Smoothie 

    Loaded with fresh leafy greens & herbs to deliver vitamins & minerals in an antioxidant-rich smoothie. Frozen unsweetened strawberries, fresh green grapes and a fresh clementine add a touch of natural sweetness + citrusy zing. Super low calorie plus high fiber.  Approx. 80 calories Stupidly simple. Handful of fresh spinach leaves 2 fresh kale leaves, stems removed Sprig of fresh parsley 1 fresh clementine, peeled 1/2 cup frozen unsweetened strawberries Small handful of white grapes 1 cup cold water Combine all ingredients in blender until smooth. Pour into your favorite tall glass and enjoy!

  • healthy - recipes

    Rad Recipes: Bright Eyed Breakfast “Ugly Smoothie”

    I want to eat healthier, but I don’t want to spend a bunch of time in the morning fixing something. So, smoothies! This one is so ugly it hurts- but dang, does it taste good. Citrusy and not too sweet. Super easy, under 200 calories, and so dang good for the body. Win! Handful of fresh raw spinach 1 leaf of fresh raw kale, stem removed Cup of frozen, unsweetened blueberries 1-2 mandarins (“cuties”) Cup of water Optional: tsp-tbsp flax seeds Dump it all in the blender, pour in your favorite glass and enjoy! I know I said it was…

  • healthy - recipes

    Rad Recipes: Karen’s Salad w/Shrimp & Avocado + Detox Dressing

    My friend Karen shared this nom-nom worthy salad and dressing that you HAVE to try. So flavorful and refreshing!  You can serve the grilled veggies and shrimp hot or chilled on top of your favorite dark leafy greens like Romaine, spinach, or red-leaf lettuce. “Grill onions, bell peppers (mine were yellow and green that day) in olive oil. Add a handful of toasted pine nuts, Cherry tomatoes, sliced or diced avocado and Grilled Shrimp w/minced garlic. Then my favorite Detox Salad Dressing:1 garlic clove1 Tbsp capers1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice…1 tsp salt1/8 tsp pepper1/3 cup Extra-Virgin…