• 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…

  • blessings - healing - healthy - inspiration - life challenge - self help - The Cocoon

    It’s NOT Too Late! Start Your 10 Day Free Trial Membership to The Cocoon

    I opened The Cocoon – Empowered Transformation last week on Wednesday, and the people in the group are already enjoying the first steps on their journey to improved health – mentally, physically, and spiritually. It’s a small, active, engaged group who are looking for gentle, simple workouts, easy, healthy recipes, and lots of love and encouragement along the way. I would LOVE for you to join us!  If you decide to join today, you can have a FREE 10-day trial membership. If you like it, you will automatically be registered as an Annual Member (just $120 per year!). And, if…

  • healthy

    Free Download: My Meal Plan Guide

    My Meal Plan Guide is ridiculously simple and has helped me to actually be MORE creative with the foods I choose to eat. It’s just a basic guideline, not a strict regimen (because let’s be honest, that just doesn’t work for me). If you would like a free copy of My Meal Plan Guide along with a free copy of my Create Your Happy, Healthy Plate guide, just complete the contact form and I’ll email it to you.  That’s all!

  • 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…

  • blessings - healing - healthy - inspiration - life challenge - self help - The Cocoon

    FLASH SALE- Get a Lifetime Membership to The Cocoon for just $75! This Weekend ONLY!

    Opening Session for The Cocoon – Empowered Transformation begins March 30!  Right now I am offering the limited time option to join as a Lifetime Member with a one-time-only payment of just $75!  (Regularly $120) ***Click Here to Register Now*** This special FLASH SALE is only available this weekend, March 19 & 20.  Don’t miss it!

  • 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…

  • 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!