How To Find Your Path & Stick With It

Tree blocking the roadDoes this sound like you?

First of the year, you vowed to lose a few pounds – and transition to a healthier way of eating.

But nine months later, you’re exactly where you were on Day 1.

To make matters worse, you just got back from vacation – and all your health goals seemingly fell by the wayside.

You’re beyond frustrated (yet again) that you ate all this junky food and now feel like crap from the over-indulgence – too many desserts, snack foods, and alcohol.

Now you’re regretting it big-time!

Chances are your digestive system is also out of whack because you’ve been eating things you wouldn’t normally eat. You’re paying for it with daily heartburn, indigestion – and an extra 10 pounds.

All this despite your goal this year, to do at least ONE of the following:

  • Make healthier food choices
  • Transition to an anti-inflammatory diet, by removing gluten & sugar (because you know you’ll feel better)
  • Identify which foods you’re sensitive to – to help calm your immune system
  • Lose weight
  • Mange stress by focusing on self-care (e. all of the above)

[Read more…]

Can It Be Valentine’s Day Without Chocolate?

Valentine2I can’t help but think that Valentine’s Day is synonymous with chocolate.

Wouldn’t you agree?

Of course, there ARE others ways to show people you love and appreciate them, without involving chocolate, or treats of any kind.

Just doing something nice for another person, or spending time together are a couple of things that come to mind.

And of course – it’s just as important to love and appreciate yourself!

In fact, if you’ve resolved to be kinder to themselves this year by eating less sugar – period – chances are you’re scrambling to find a scrumptious special occasion treat that is still good for you.

Is that even possible?

Of course!

This year, I’m planning to bake something decadent from my new “Paleo Chocolate Lovers’ Cookbook”, by Kelly Brozna – founder of The Spunky Coconut. (Even though I do not follow the Paleo diet, I love exploring her recipes, especially the ones that are free of gluten, dairy and eggs.)

Just for the record, I was blown away by the Macadamia Nut Brownies – how can anything so delicious still be good for you?

[Read more…]

How To Have A Healthy Halloween

Halloween cupcakesAre you ready for Halloween?

While I’m not inclined to don a costume, or deck the house out with carved pumpkins and Halloween décor, I do like to prepare a festive sweet or two for the occasion.

(A gal needs to indulge once in a while).

Even so, I try to find healthier alternatives whenever possible – relying mostly on homemade goodies so I can explore different sweeteners and switch out ingredients as needed.

Of course, one could just as easily focus on savory treats the fit the Halloween theme.

How about a “Black and Orange” Salad – using Forbidden Rice and sweet potatoes?

Or, a nourishing bowl of soup served inside a hollowed out pumpkin?

While that’s all well and good, you’ll probably still want a little something sweet for dessert.

I know I would.

With that in mind, here are my suggestions for a healthy Halloween – so you can have your cake and eat it too!

 

Cut Back On Sugar

Sounds like an impossibility, doesn’t it?

And yet, for the unlucky few among us who have tested allergic to sugar (or, are super sensitive), this is an everyday reality – not just during Halloween, but all year long.

As it happens, there are many alternatives to refined sugar – things like honey, agave, coconut sugar, maple syrup, stevia and more.

(Agave, once real popular, has more recently fallen out of favor; you can check out this article to learn more).

[Read more…]

Coffee, Tea or Chocolate?

teaThere’s definitely a nip in the air lately.

With the weather getting cooler, and Halloween just around the corner, I’ve been thinking a lot these days about things like chocolate – and hot drinks, in general.

Depending on my mood, I might opt for a mug of hot chocolate – dairy-free, of course – or a steaming cup of tea.

And while I’ve never been much of a coffee drinker, I do like a good, bracing cup of tea first thing in the morning, preferably a robust variety of green tea such as Hojicha or Gunpowder.

The names alone are part of the experience!

Regardless of whether you’re a tea or coffee drinker, chances are you’ve visited a local Starbuck’s on at least one occasion.

Perhaps it’s a regular part of your daily routine?

Of course, you could just as easily get your tea or coffee fix in the aisles of your local grocery store, which usually offer such a wide assortment of brands and flavors, it can be really hard to decide.

And – if you’re not careful – this is where being gluten-free presents just one more challenge, since any of these flavored brews just might be suspect.

Yes, you read that correctly – tea and coffee may not be gluten-free.

[Read more…]

Happy Valentine’s Day

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, I’m adding another recipe to the files – in case you’re still scrambling to come up with some gluten-free sweets for your sweetie.

Or, you didn’t see the Chocolate Truffles recipe I shared earlier this week.

My good friend Janelle Holden, posted this recipe during the recent holidays, in her blog Mind Body Love – and it’s a perfect cut-out cookie, regardless of the occasion.

In fact, I think that’s the best part about this recipe!

The dough lends itself well to rolling out, and cutting into decorative shapes with your choice of cookie cutter.

I also like that the recipe uses garbanzo bean flour  –  a common ingredient in Middle Eastern baking.

(Ethnic cuisines are often a fabulous source for new ideas).

[Read more…]

Can It Be Valentine’s Day Without Chocolate?

I can’t help but think that Valentine’s Day is synonymous with chocolate.

Wouldn’t you agree?

Of course, there ARE others ways to show people you love and appreciate them, without involving chocolate, or treats of any kind.

Just doing something nice for another person, or spending time together are a couple of things that come to mind.

And of course – it’s just as important to love and appreciate yourself!

In fact, if you’re someone who’s resolved to be kinder to themselves this year by eating less sugar – period – chances are you’re scrambling to find a scrumptious special occasion treat that is still good for you.

Is that even possible?

Of course!

At my house, I’m planning to make this fabulous Chocolate Mousse Pie – courtesy of my good friend Janelle Holden, owner of Body Mind Love.

(I’ve actually had the recipe for several months, and STILL haven’t gotten around to making it).

I may also have on hand some of my favorite Chocolate Truffles – just in case.

[Read more…]

Coffee, Tea & Chocolate!

This trio of warming drinks has been on my mind lately.

And while I’ve never been a coffee drinker myself, I do like a good, bracing cup of tea.

In fact, my morning meal doesn’t seem complete without a big mug of this steaming brew, preferably a robust variety of green tea such as Hojicha or Gunpowder.

The names alone are part of the experience!

Whether a tea or coffee drinker, who among us hasn’t visited their local Starbuck’s on occasion, or made this a regular part of their daily routine?

Not only are there coffee shops on just about every corner, but the coffee and tea aisles in the local grocery store are nearly filled to overflowing with a wide assortment of brands and flavors.

And here is where the gluten-free among us can definitely run into some challenges, since these flavored brews may not be gluten-free.

As always, you need to be diligent about reading labels, and look for words like “natural flavors” listed in the ingredients – which indicates that particular beverage may or may not be suitable.

It isn’t always clear.

If anything sounds the least bit suspect – and the words gluten-free do not appear on the label – my advice to you is to keep looking!

As for chocolate – whether hot chocolate or chocolate candy – the same advice applies, especially if you are looking for suitable Easter candy.

In honor of the Easter holiday – and this trio of beverages – I’m sharing 3 recipes that feature chocolate in one form or another.

This way, you can indulge both your sweet tooth and your chocolate cravings while knowing these treats are absolutely safe for your special diet.

[Read more…]

Love Is In the Air

Valentine’s Day is next week, which means a big focus on  showing the people you care about, how much you love and appreciate them.

A friend of mine pointed out that it is just as important to love and appreciate yourself – and that is so true!

Even better, was a suggestion I heard to give the gift of avoiding any sweets, whatsoever.

Simply because just about every store we walk into says that February 14 is a day for chocolate – is that really a must?

Well, I must admit I gave these suggestions considerable thought.

I’m all for showing myself some extra love and appreciation – along with my spouse.

I think that’s actually a lovely idea.

I also love the suggestion to honor Valentine’s Day some other way, something that does not involve chocolate, or sweets of any kind.

In the end, however, I decided that I’d rather have a little something sweet and chocolaty – in a healthy kind of way, I might add.

So, what will be on the dessert menu in my house?

[Read more…]

Avocados, Chocolate & More

I just had to share an amazing new recipe that I came across, one that features the unusual combination of avocados and chocolate!

The recipe is for an Avocado Chocolate Pudding, created by nutritionist Michelle Babb, of Eat, Play, Be – a Mind-Body nutrition practice located in Seattle.

I made this luscious chocolate pudding earlier today, and I can tell you that the taste is incredible – creamy, chocolaty and velvety-rich, just like you’d expect chocolate pudding to be.

Yes, the ingredients are unconventional.

But that’s what I love about it! Plus, it is sugar-free, relying instead on a sugar substitute such as agave nectar or maple syrup.

I, for one, am trying to cut back on my sugar consumption this holiday season. I’m challenging myself to bake less, and stick with a few favorite recipes that can easily be converted to a gluten-free treat that is also low in sugar.

Of course, you can certainly create a perfectly lovely gluten-free pudding using traditional dairy or cream, and refined sugar.

I’m just saying there are alternatives.

If you’re looking for something a little different to tickle your taste buds, I think this tasty treat will likely satisfy your cravings.

Next week, I promise to share some of my own favorite holiday recipes. Meantime, I’ve been invited to two holiday parties this week alone!

[Read more…]

TRICK OR TREAT

It’s that time of year again, with the holidays fast approaching.  

And with Halloween just around the corner, chocolates and other goodies are definitely on my mind.

Last week, I was in Asheville, NC – taking in an abundance of good food and a stunning array of Fall colors.

I made a point of visiting a local chocolate shop called the French Broad Chocolate Lounge, named for a local river that wends its way through town.

This little chocolate shop is truly a chocolate lovers haven!

The minute you set foot inside the door, you’re immediately greeted by the fragrant, yet subtle scent of chocolate wafting through the air.

As it happens, the entire selection of chocolate truffles is gluten-free – instantly transporting me to chocolate heaven!

What impresses me even more is the selection of vegan truffles, made with coconut cream, instead of the usual dairy. The flavors have exquisite names like Strawberry-Balsamic, Buddha, and Pomegranate.

I highly recommend the Theros Citrus Fennel – the flavor combination is a burst of unexpected decadence.

I literally sat there and swooned – and instantly understood how just one, really, really good piece of quality chocolate can be so utterly satisfying that you’re left wanting nothing more.

Just like one really, really good piece of quality art, or design.

A little voice inside of me was saying:

“This is what it’s all about. Whether food or design, it’s all about surrounding yourself with an abundance of beauty and incredible experiences that nourish the body as well as the soul”.

Of course, there may not be time to place an order from The French Broad Chocolate Shop in time for Halloween. (Yes, they do ship).

But fear not.

Listed below are some suggestions to help you celebrate Halloween in style, without feeling one bit deprived.

 

ALLERGY-FRIENDLY CHOCOLATE SUNBUTTER CUPS 

I made these for Halloween a year ago, and they were so good I plan to make them again. They’re also incredibly easy.

While you could substitute any kind of nut butter, I recommend sticking with Sunflower Butter for a truly allergy-free treat that everyone can enjoy.

[Read more…]