My beef with commercial “green” smoothies is that they often contain more fruit (sugar) than actual greens. Commercial smoothies can also contain ingredients that sound “healthy”—for example: coconut nectar, agave, mango puree, apple juice or yogurt—but are really hidden sources of sugar that add up to a high-calorie or high-carb load for that smoothie. I […]
Poached Chicken with Scallion Pesto
One of my favorite ways to eat a whole, pasture-raised chicken is to poach it. It’s a two-for-one: not only do you get a delectable, toothsome, easy-to-digest chicken, you also end up with homemade chicken broth that you can use for other dishes or sip daily to boost your immune system. By the way, a […]
Quick and Easy Faux “Pho”
When I came down with the flu earlier this week, I found myself craving pho in a big way. An authentic Vietnamese pho is made with a long-simmered beef marrow bone broth (or oxtail bones), flavored with star anise, ginger, and cloves. Savory additions include rice noodles, thin slices of beef, yellow onions, scallions and […]
Your Healthy Holiday Gift Guide
The idea of giving and/or receiving the “perfect” holiday gift can evolve over time, depending on where we are in life. In my twenties, for example, receiving (or giving) health or wellness-themed gifts were the furthest thing from my mind. I remember eagerly unwrapping the first Christmas gifts from my then-boyfriend of six months. What […]
8 Eating Tips to Ease Allergy Symptoms
If you’re an allergy sufferer—with or without thyroid dysfunction, Hashimoto’s or another autoimmune condition—your immune system is under constant attack. The best defense is a good offense: focus on strengthening your immune system. This also means paying attention to your gut health since roughly 80% of your immune system resides in your digestive tract. The […]
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 […]
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 […]
Detox Marathon Smoothie
Stress, sugar, coffee, alcohol, soda and birth control pills are a few of the things that can deplete our mineral stores. Unfortunately, mineral deficiencies are rampant today, thanks to soil depletion and a process food-driven Standard American Diet (SAD). A common symptom of mineral deficiency is low energy, fatigue and a general loss of vitality. […]
Summer Greens with Broccoli and Avocado
Salad days are upon us now. One big benefit you get from eating a variety of leafy greens? A clear complexion. Leafy greens, especially those that you grow in your own garden or from a local farm, are not only a delicious way to enjoy summer bounty, they’re also an excellent way to detoxify and […]