Can you guess which nutrient your heart loves—and absolutely needs? If you guessed “chocolate”, you’re close…but no cigar! It’s the mineral, magnesium, of which dark chocolate (with at least 70% cacao content) contains an abundance. Why is magnesium so vital for heart health? Magnesium works synergistically with other important nutrients that support heart health, including […]
Banana-Cacao Green Smoothie
This delicious green smoothie is packed with fiber and flavor. It is also chockfull of the mineral, magnesium, from 3 sources: the banana, raw cacao nibs and raw greens. I favor using wild arugula in this smoothie, which gives this smoothie a unique but flavorful slightly bitter edge. I usually don’t add a Medjool date, […]
Sweet Pleasure: Paleo Vanilla Cupcakes with Chocolate Frosting
Making healthy shifts—especially when it comes to sweet treats that give you pleasure—is key to making healthy eating deliciously sustainable. I know it was for me… Take these delicious Paleo vanilla cupcakes with chocolate frosting, for example. (By the way, this classic “yellow cake-chocolate frosting” combo has been a winner with everyone who has sampled […]
Why Self-Care is the New Health Care
Although “losing weight” is a top New Year’s resolution, why not make self-care—taking better care of yourself—a priority in 2018? After all, a lack of self-care is often what leads to weight gain in the first place. And, in an era of medical insurance with high deductibles…NOT making the time to care for yourself can […]
Avocado-Spinach Dip
Rich. Buttery. Smooth. Fresh. “Healthy” never tastes boring when there is avocado in the mix! When I crave a fatty, feel-good food, avocado is my go-to nosh. This easy-to-make avocado-spinach dip is one of the many ways I enjoy avocado (and an easy way to eat spinach). It’s also a crowd pleaser. Fresh basil leaves […]
Baked Kale-Coconut Chips
We all know that kale is one of those foods that we should like. This cruciferous leafy green is a nutritional powerhouse: an excellent source of vitamins K, A and C; B vitamins; and minerals (manganese, calcium, potassium, iron). Kale also contains a high amount of antioxidants. Two, in particular, lutein and beta-carotene, are carotenoids […]
Healthy Holiday Gift Guide
Ahhh…December. Rather than think of this month as an “ending” of a year; think of it as the perfect time to plan for a fresh start. In the spirit of the season, give the gift of better health to yourself or to someone you love. One of the most effective gateways to better health is […]
8 Ways to Have a Healthier, Stress-Less Thanksgiving (and Beyond)
As Thanksgiving draws closer…are you feeling stressed? Do you feel challenged to be 100% present when you’re with family and friends? Have you been so preoccupied that you have been ignoring your own health? If so, you’re not alone. A survey conducted by the American Psychological Association (APA), published earlier this month, shows that the […]
9 Fall Detox Tips to Boost Immunity
Fall is officially here. As we transition deeper into the season, our “back-to-school” schedule quickly fills with projects, people and places. How can we keep pace with our work and social obligations without falling prey to long-lingering colds or the flu this fall? By doing an autumn detox. If you’ve been experiencing post-nasal drip, crusty […]
Carb-licious Comfort Food: Apple Butternut Squash Soup
Turn around cravings for processed white carbs—bread, pasta, potatoes, rice, baked goods—by incorporating more starchy orange carbs, like this naturally sweet and satisfying apple butternut squash soup. This smart carb combination marries immune-boosting butternut squash, apples and parsley. The good news: making this soup yourself requires very little “cooking” skills. Yes, you’ll do some prep […]