A Common Food Additive You Should Avoid
Carboxymethylcellulose An emulsifier found in numerous food products has been identified as a significant contributor to causing alterations in the gut microbiome. Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) is a synthetic emulsifier used to enhance the mouthfeel of beverages and...
What You Don’t Know About Magnesium Can Hurt You
The Role of Magnesium Did you know that more than 300 enzyme systems are directly correlated with magnesium that regulates hundreds of reactions in your body? We are talking about protein synthesis, blood pressure regulation, muscle and nerve function, and...
Easy Basil Pesto Recipe
Easy Basil Pesto Every year there comes a realization that I planted too much basil. You would think I would learn, but NOOOO.. They start out so little, and God forbid I don't have enough basil. What would I do? How would I cope? So, yes, I get a little...
How to Make Your Own Italian Seasoning
This Article, How to make your own Italian seasoning, contains: Ingredients | Preparation | Customization | Gifting Homeade Italian Seasoning Making your own Italian seasoning is sooooo simple. Why buy it when you can...
Plant Protein Sources
Healthy Cooking Oils 101
Healthy Fats 101
Protein 101
Carbs 101
Diet is the Number One Cause of Death in America
Diet is the number one cause of death in America! According to the World Health Organization, the US is ranked as one of the highest with risks of death due to chronic disease(aka, poor diet, and a sedentary lifestyle). Can't find the US on the chart below?...
Spinach Salad with Apples, Walnuts, Cranberries, and Feta Cheese
This spinach salad made with apples, walnuts, cranberries, and feta cheese is not only a powerhouse of nutrients, it is also exploding with flavor. And... it is beautiful! This is a great salad to eat on a hot summer day but just think how gorgeous this would be...
The Health Benefits of Walnuts
Walnuts Have Amazing Health Benefits - Here is what you should know. Did you ever notice the similarity in the appearance of a walnut and a brain? I think it's nature's way of telling us that it is "smart" to eat them. (not brains, nuts- just to be clear.) Here...
Slow Cooker Chicken and Vegetable Stew
Looking for a healthy slow cooker meal that tastes like true comfort food? This recipe also has a DIY meal kit option so preparing it for a weeknight meal is a breeze. Slow Cooker Chicken and Vegetable Stew This recipe makes a great meal kit for an easy weeknight...
High Protein Pancakes with Almond Caramel and Blueberry Sauce
Who says clean eating can't be decadent? I have always thought of pancakes as a heavy, bready, empty-calorie kind of breakfast. This recipe has changed my view. They are decadent, moist, full of nutrition, and contains a whopping 24 grams of protein. These high...
Kale and Green Apple Salad with Carrots and Cheddar Cheese
Kale and Green Apple Salad with Carrots and Cheddar Cheese A healthy salad that tastes great? Yup! I am not a huge fan of raw kale but this salad tastes so good that I have actually been craving it. I have had it for breakfast the last two days. I know it is a salad...
Grilled Shrimp Salad
Grilled Shrimp Salad is perfect light summer meal. Salads are easy. Easy to make, easy on the waistline, and easy to clean up. Try this light yet satisfying salad with some crusty bread and a cold glass of chardonnay. The avocado, lime, and cilantro dressing is so...
Avocado, Lime, and Cilantro Salad Dressing
In this article: Ingredients | Preparation | Customization | TipsThis avocado, lime, and cilantro dressing is the bomb! This is a dressing that can be used for just about anything. Well, I wouldn't put it on a pancake but there are many other options. See tips below...
Green Beans with Tofu & Roasted Peanuts
Green Beans with Tofu & Roasted Peanuts A plant-based diet offers many health benefits. Whether you don't eat meat or just looking to cut back and add more veggies you will love this dish. It offers plenty of protein, is quick, easy, and tastes awesome. Green...
Chicken and Zucchini Green Curry
Chicken and Zucchini Curry Wondering what do with all that zucchini exploding in the garden? This dish is packed with superfoods to provide incredible health benefits and has incredible immune-boosting properties. Download my free immunity support pack. It comes...
Tuna & Immune Boosting Broccoli Salad with Honey Vinaigrette
Tuna & Broccoli Salad with Honey Vinaigrette We have the power to unleash our immune system and protect ourselves against invading viruses and bacteria. There is some evidence that deficiencies in certain nutrients can affect the health of our immune...
What is Matcha and What are the Health Benefits?
The Power of Matcha Matcha means “powdered tea”. Finely ground green tea leaves to be exact. What makes matcha so special is that you are not just getting health benefits from the steeped green tea leaves you are drinking the entire leaves because they have...
Matcha Overnight Oats
Matcha Overnight Oats The power of matcha in a delicious overnight oat recipe. You will be so glad to learn about this one. Read all about it here. This is a power-packed breakfast that you will want to try. Oats, chia seeds, yogurt, and of course the addition...
Caprese Salad
Simple, yet elegant. This would impress your family or friends and get you out of the kitchen so you can spend more time with them. Serve as a side or an appetizer. Caprese Salad 1 tbsp. parsley (finely chopped) ¼ tsp. oregano (dried) 1 tbsp. capers (drained) 1 clove...
Blueberry Frozen Yogurt
Have you read the label on your favorite icecream? The majority are filled with all sorts of crap you can't even pronounce let alone know what it is. For a clean healthy dessert try this blueberry frozen yogurt. Only 4 ingredients that you whip up in your blender or...
Egg and Avocado Breakfast Salad
Salad for breakfast? Why not? I mean, who made the rules anyway? Who says you have to have pancakes or cereal? Do you think the breakfast food police are going to get you? One of my favorite breakfast foods is soup and I am also known for eating leftover dinner foods...
Sheet Pan Garlic Shrimp and Asparagus
This sheet pan meal is super simple. Everything cooks at exactly the same time. Fresh, vibrant, crisp, and exploding with flavor. Want to create your own sheet pan meals? Click here to download my Sheet Pan Roasting Guide or check out some other sheet pan meals. Who...
Diet vs Disease
Diet Vs. Disease Have you heard of "the frog in the frying pan" syndrome? If you put a frog in a hot frying pan it will immediately jump out but put a frog in a cold frying pan and slowly increase the temperature, eventually, you will have a cooked and very...
Foundational Principles of Meal Planning
Meal planning is the key to ensuring you and your family can eat clean and healthy while saving time, stress, and money. I understand though how overwhelming it can feel. I have worked on this most of my adult life. It takes too long. It is complicated. It is...
Sheet Pan Boneless Pork Chops with Peaches
Juicy summer peaches with savory pork highlighted with Rosemary and Thyme and drizzled with a balsamic reduction glaze. The Best part? All on one pan. Oh yeah!! Sheet Pan Boneless Pork Chops with Peaches Two boneless pork chops (about 3/4 - 1 inch thick) 1 large or 2...
How to Organize a Deep Pantry
The Deep Pantry Having a deep pantry is one of the ways that will save you time, money, and stress. There is nothing worse than finding out you are missing a key ingredient just as you start to prepare a meal. A deep pantry will also provide comfort knowing you have...
Top Ten Tips to Eating Clean and Healthy in Less Time
Having a successful career does not mean you have to sacrifice your health or the health of your family. Using time-saving strategies like these can help. Top 10 Tips #1. Pre-planning. I plan all my meals for the week Saturday morning. I list out all the...
The Dirty Dozen and the Clean 15
Clean Eating Does Not Include Consuming Pesticides The dirty dozen and the clean 15 is a list developed by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), www.ewg.org and Food News, www.foodnews.org. It highlights the produce that is most effected by pesticides and chemicals...
The Scoop on Clean Sweeteners
In the US, added sugars account for up to 17% of the total calorie intake of adults and up to 14% for children Many experts believe sugar consumption to be the major cause of obesity and many chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes. Just because a sweetener is...
Clean Fats and Oils
Clean Fats and Oils Fat is an important element to include in our diets. Not so very long ago doctors and nutritionists demonized all fat as bad. Now the tables have turned and they are recognizing that some fats are very beneficial to our bodies. Our body needs fat....
Clean Dairy
Dairy or Non - Dairy. That is the question. There are a lot of differing views regarding dairy. Some believe dairy is necessary to deliver calcium to our bones. Some believe that if it isn’t our mothers’ milk it isn’t our milk. There are many other sources of calcium...
Oven Roasted Mustard Turmeric Veggies
Oven Roasted Mustard Turmeric Veggies Turmeric is a powerful anti-inflammatory spice with many other potential health benefits. These veggies are easy and versatile. You can use summer veggies or root vegetables or a combination. Whatever you have on hand which makes...
Cucumber Riata
Creamy, cool, fresh. A wonderful addition to roasted veggies. Goes especially nice with Indian food or drizzled on roasted veggies and grilled meats. Try with my Mustard Turmeric Oven Roasted Veggies. Cucumber Raita Think of an Indian version of Tzatziki sauce. A cool...
10 Amazing Health Benefits of Carrots
5 Minute Pumpkin Soup
5 Minute Pumpkin Soup For a quick and easy pumpkin soup recipe, you will definitely want to try this one. Pair it with this kale and green apple salad with carrots and cheddar cheese for a perfect weeknight fall meal. 5 Minute Pumpkin Soup Using canned pumpkin allows...
Honey Glazed Carrots with Sunflower Seeds
Honey Glazed Carrots with Sunflower Seeds These Carrots are simmered in broth so they have even more depth of flavor along with the sweetness from glazing and a little crunch and added nutrition from the sunflower seeds. 2 lbs carrots Peeled1 cup chicken broth (low...
Carrot Apricot Ginger Juice
If you love juicing you are going to want to try this amazing recipe for carrot, apricot, and ginger juice. The health benefits from the carrots, apricots, and ginger are numerous. You will forget it is healthy though when you try it. Read more about the amazing...
Garlic Butter Herb Cod
Garlic Herb Butter Cod Adding some olive oil to the butter cuts back on saturated fat but still provides a buttery rich flavor along with the fresh herbs.. 3 tbsp unsalted butter2 tbsp olive oil (extra virgin)2 tsp garlic (finely mined)1 tbsp fresh parsley...
10 Amazing Health Benefits of Eating Beets You Never Knew
I love beets. They are sweet, beautiful, and sexy. What??? Yes, I am sorry but that amazing bright red color just ignites my passion for eating, creating, and for my health. Let me explain why. There are not a lot of veggies in this part of the food rainbow. Red...
Why You SHOULD be Eating Carbs!
How many of you are old enough to remember being told dietary fat was bad? All the hype was about eliminating as much fat in our diets as possible. The ads were promoting low fat or fat free and the shelves were lined with these “healthy” items. Doctors were telling...
Smoky Flavorful Tex-Mex Chicken
Tex-Mex Chicken This healthy entrée features economical chicken tenders and plenty of fresh vegetables, rather than large amounts of more expensive meat. It can be enjoyed on its own or served over a bed of cauliflower rice to absorb the...
Roasted Tomato and Fennel Soup
Roasted Tomato and Fennel Soup This healthy, dairy-free roasted vegetable soup really hits the spot on a cold or chilly day. As an added bonus, it tastes even better the next day, so consider making a double or triple batch. It will...
Marinated Flank Steak with Chimichurri Sauce
In this article: Ingredients | Preparation | Customization | TipsSometimes it is all about the sauce. Chimichurri sauce is one of those that you can't go wrong with. It brings any dish to a whole new level! This marinated flank steak with chimichurri sauce is a...
One-Skillet Mozzarella Chicken Thighs
One-Skillet Mozzarella Chicken Thighs Everything goes in one pan. Clean simple ingredients but wow, cheesy succulent goodness. 3 T. extra virgin olive oil (divided)2 lbs. boneless (skinless chicken thighs)1½ T. Italian seasoning (divided)Sea...
Creamy Turkey Mushroom Soup
In this article: Ingredients | Preparation | Customization | TipsMake this creamy turkey mushroom soup in the summer or in the fall. It is a nice light meal with a side salad in the summer and great on a chilly evening with some warm crusty bread. It looks and...
Arugula, Portobello, & Feta Frittata
In this article: Ingredients | Preparation | Customization | TipsArugula, portobello mushroom, and feta cheese are a perfect combination when making a fritatta. This recipe is perfect for breakfast or lunch and leftovers can be reheated in the microwave. I love the...
Spicy Sweet Potato Wedges with Herbed Coconut Yogurt Dip
In this article: Ingredients | Preparation | Customization | TipsThese spicy sweet potato wedges really hit the spot when you are craving something salty and fried but unlike the French fries at Micky D's these little nuggets are baked. Not fried.... The spices in...
Pickle Braised Chicken Thighs with Cauliflower Rice
The dill pickle juice adds a wonderful briny flavor to this recipe. Pickle Braised Chicken Thighs with Cauliflower Rice 2 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil3-4 cloves Fresh garlic, minced8 Bone-in chicken thighs (approximately 3 lbs)Freshly ground black pepper, to taste1/2...
Pan-Roasted Brussels Sprouts & Bacon
In this article: Ingredients | Preparation | Customization | TipsThis delicious pan roasted brussels sprouts and bacon side dish is full of caramelized flavor punctuated by tasty bits of bacon and crispy goodness. Pair this dish with pork chops or roasted chicken...
Refreshing Mixed Berry Salad with Raspberry Vinaigrette
In this article: Ingredients | Preparation | Customization | TipsFresh seasonal berries and mint give this vibrant salad a refreshing burst of flavor. That is why I call it refreshing mixed berry salad with raspberry vinaigrette. Try serving it as a side to this...
Lemon and Dill Salmon with Herb Salad
In this article: Ingredients | Preparation | Customization | TipsThe ingredients in this recipe are very simple but go together so well. You don't have to have 20 ingredients and a complicated process to have a wonderful go to meal. This lemom dill salmon with herb...
Cauliflower & Goat Cheese Soup
Cauliflower & Goat Cheese Soup One of the great things about cauliflower is how well it takes on the flavors of other ingredients. In this case, the more pungent goat cheese adds an interesting and delicious dimension to the finished result. If you want...
Apple and Rosemary Pork Chops
Apple and Rosemary Stuffed Pork Chops These delicious stuffed pork chops pack incredible flavor into every bite. The fresh lemon zest helps pull all the flavors together, while adding an unexpected bright note. The result? A thoroughly enjoyable and healthy...
Mayo-Free Broccoli Bacon Salad with Toasted Pumpkin Seeds
Broccoli salad If you like broccoli you will love this salad. If you love broccoli salad you will love this even more. It is mayonnaise-free and the fresh lemon juice and zest adds a boost of bright flavor, while the crisp-tender...
This is why you should be shrubbing!! Aka Drinking Vinegars..
No, we are not talking landscaping here. We are talking about a refreshing, tangy, healthy alternative to soda or other beverages. We are talking about a grown up, sophisticated, cultured, edgy, beverage that is going to stick around for a while. We are talking about...
The Mediterranean Diet Revisited
The Mediterranean Diet Revisited Looking for an anti-inflammatory? Weight loss? Anti-aging? Diabetic? Cardiac? and brain health diet? You have found the right diet plan and it has been right in front of you all along. The Mediterranean diet is...
Super Anti-inflammatory Golden Milk
Super Anti-inflammatory Golden Milk For centuries turmeric has been used by many cultures for medicinal and preventative reasons. It is now being taken seriously by our western scientists and there is some hefty research to show...
Put Eggshells in Your Bone Broth to Boost Your Health to a New Level
The Health Benefits of Eggshell Bone Broth The Health benefits of bone broth are numerous. Adding eggshells to your recipe just makes the list of health attributes even larger. This addition is a game-changer and makes perfect sense. Let me explain. First of all,...
Gluten Free Zucchini Brownies That Taste Great!
In this article: Ingredients | Preparation | Customization | TipsGluten free zucchini brownies that actually taste good? Not only good but awesome! They are moist, chewy, rich, and decadent. And yet..... The are gluten free and healthy. How is this possible you ask?...
10 Amazing Health Benefits of Eating Green Apples You Never Knew
I love Granny Smith Apples! They are crisp, tart, and juicy. If you think they are just for apple pies you might want to reconsider. In this article, we are going to review 10 amazing health benefits of including these little green gems in your diet. The potential...
Fluoride. Friend or Foe?
If you knew someone gave you a "drug" without your consent would you be angry? What if you found out that this "drug" could potentially cause abnormal health outcomes? And what if you found out you have been taking this "drug" for most of...
Everyone Needs to Know About Gut Microbiome and How to Perfect it
In this article we will be addressing how to create a healthy gut microbiome also called colonic microbiota. We will also address risk factors associated with an unhealthy microbiome and its impact on overall health. When I was about 25 years of age I started having...