• healthy - recipes

    Rad Recipes: Mediterranean Inspired Dairy-Free Dip (DF, GF, V, VG)

    OMG. The flavors in this gluten free, dairy free dip are outstanding! The combination of sweet red bell pepper and nutty sesame seed from the tahini go great with crunchy crackers and fresh, raw veggie sticks. Consistency is on the thin side, not as thick as hummus or bean dip, so it also works really well as a salad dressing. Mmmmmmmmmm Here’s the super simple recipe: 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 1 tablespoon EVOO 1/3 Cup organic tahini 1 Cup fresh sweet red bell pepper*, seeded and chopped *for a smoother and smokier flavor, try using roasted red peppers from…

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

    #FridayFeels Accomplished 

    On September 1, I started my 30 Day Challenge which included a 10 minute daily walk, daily gratitude journaling, and eliminating certain foods from my daily diet (no sugar, dairy, grains, or alcohol).  Aside from the total of 5 days of planned travel in which I released my food restrictions (4 in NOLA, 1 in Vegas), I was able to stick to my Challenge in all three areas! I’m feeling pretty accomplished and I have to say, pretty darn proud of myself. On this final day of my Challenge, here are my observations: This wasn’t about counting calories or weight…

  • healthy - inspiration - life challenge - self help

    September 30 Day Challenge: Halfway Point Check-in

    Here I am, halfway through my September 30 Day Challenge and I have a few observations to share with you. I’ve broken them down into the three categories of my Challenge: Diet, Exercise, and Gratitude. DIET CHALLENGE: 30 days without consuming any sugar*, grains, dairy, or alcohol. (*No artificial sweeteners too. I do allow honey in my tea and pure maple syrup in my almond butter) Changing the way I eat is actually a lot easier than I thought it would be. I knew I was ready for a change, and I started out with the mindset that this is…

  • 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

    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: Kelly’s Autumn Harvest Salad with Roasted Squash, Brussels Sprouts, Caramelized Onions (GF, V*, VG*)

    My friend Kelly (cupcakekelbel on Instagram) shared this AH-MAH-ZING salad with me to pass along to you. And let me tell you, it’s a beauty! Super hearty and filling without making you feel heavy. You could totally make a meal out of this on it’s own, or serve alongside a lean meat, fish, or pasta dish. It takes a bit of time to prep because you are roasting the veggies, but hey, that glass of Chardonnay isn’t going to drink itself. *For vegetarians and vegans, just leave out the bacon altogether. Adapted from: Kim’s Cravings (2 servings; approximately 780 calories…

  • healthy - recipes

    Rad Recipe: Mikey’s Coco-Nutty Grain-Free Porridge

    My friend Mikey swears by this recipe for a go-to, super easy breakfast fix. It’s the Coco-Nutty Grain Free Porridge from the book Practical Paleo by Diane Sanfilippo. It looks super simple and I have pretty much all of the ingredients on hand in my pantry at any given time, so I’m stoked to give this a try for a weekday breakfast that’s hearty enough to get me through a busy morning without making me late. I think I can push myself past the word “porridge” to give it a try!  😉

  • healthy - recipes

    Rad Recipes: Killer Kale & Quinoa Salad

    I’m always on the lookout for easy, tasty meals that are low-cal but still flavorful & filling. This one is awesome to make ahead and take to work or school for your lunch the next day. There are loads of versions of this Kale & Quinoa salad, so feel free to personalize it and make it your own.  🙂 This one is loaded with protein, iron, & calcium from the quinoa plus Vitamins C, A, and K from the kale, plus the benefits of antioxidants & vitamins from the blueberries and super healthy omega-3 fatty acids from the hemp seed…