This salad is so light, simple and refreshing. It’s deliciously crisp and pairs excellently with my Easy Oven-Baked Chicken Shawarma and Homemade Whole Wheat Pita Chips. I’m a big fan of exploring other cultures and incorporating international flavors and dishes into my family’s meal rotation. I hope you’ll enjoy my take on this common Middle Eastern accompaniment as much as we do!
Read MoreI think the reason I love food so much is because of all of the wonderful memories it evokes. From my international travels to special times in my past, food is a deliciously sensual reminder of so many of my most cherished experiences. This sandwich hails back to the era of my first boyfriend (and first love). I think of being 19 years old, attending college in Denver during the fall, the scent of dry leaves and stargazer lilies, clear blue skies, cool air, and and warm sunshine. My boyfriend worked as a sous chef in a high-end restaurant, and he introduced me to this sandwich - including how to prepare it - so I can’t really take full credit. I was even resistant at first! Now, i enjoy it as a hearty and tasty vegetarian lunch paired with a side of roasted asparagus - or on occasion, some Terra Blues or Mediterranean vegetable chips. I hope you grow as fond of this recipe as I have, and that it earns a special place in your heart, too. :)
Read MoreSometimes, you’ve just gotta go in for a craving. I’m certainly not one to advocate for being super strict to the point of deprivation. While I generally avoid gluten and grains, if I do get a craving, the last thing I want to eat is highly processed packaged snacks made with inflammatory oils. So… I make my own whole wheat pita chips on occasion. And trust me, they’re wayyyyy better than anything you can get at the grocery store. Think warm and fresh from the oven with fresh aromatic herbs and spices. I hope you enjoy my healthy(er) version of this popular snack whenever the inclination strikes for a little well-deserved indulgence. :)
Read MoreI LOVE some really good chicken shawarma, but I’m rarely interested in eating it unless I make it myself. My chicken shawarma recipe uses organic chicken breast, so I know I’m consuming quality meat (not unethical and unhealthy factory farmed meat). The spice mixture in this recipe is sooooo yummy… It’s seriously addictive. It’s also really good for you. It’s packed with all kinds of antioxidants and beneficial compounds, including metabolic-enhancing cayenne pepper (if you choose to use it). I like to make a large batch to mix and match with different Middle Eastern-inspired meals or just eat straight from the fridge as a quick protein packed snack.
Read MoreIf you’re looking for an easy way to enjoy a grain/gluten free lunch, look no further. :) This wrap uses a collard leaf as a fresh and delicious replacement for a tortilla. You can really wrap any ingredients you want, but this recipe is my favorite combination inspired by a wrap once made for me by my friend Nixie of the Nu Earth Podcast and Claryti Cleaning Products (both resources I highly recommend checking out).
Read MoreOne of my favorite mementos from my world travels is coming home with recipes that remind me of the amazing countries and cultures I’ve encountered. Koshari is a traditional Egyptian dish, and a supreme comfort food. It’s also vegan. This version incorporates gluten-free, grain-free or whole-wheat pasta varieties (according to your dietary goals), and I also add fresh chopped baby spinach to the sauce to up the veggie and nutrient content of the dish.
Read MoreHere’s a fresh and easy fish dish when you want a healthy meal without a lot of hassle. Pair it with some crispy potatoes or a side of brown, black or wild rice and a green vegetable of your choice for a nutritious and well-balanced dinner that will leave you feeling light, satisfied and refreshed.
Read MoreCinnamon is a natural adaptogen, meaning that your body uses it in whatever way your body most needs. It has anti-inflammatory properties, may improve insulin sensitivity, and may reduce risk factors for heart disease. Cinnamon is a primary ingredient in this recipe, and I can’t think of a more appropriate dish for fall, winter, and the holiday season. This recipe makes a fun and festive side to accompany a turkey dinner, and I also love combining it with some roasted asparagus and chickpea dal for a delicious vegetarian lunch. This recipe can be prepared with zero sugar (I find it sweet enough on its own), but you can also add a pinch of brown sugar to sweeten it slightly if desired.
Read MoreIs it possible to be addicted to Brussels sprouts? Because… Confession… This recipe has me hooked! These slightly sweet and deliciously crispy Brussels sprouts make a fantastic side for all kinds of meals and mains. They’re gone in a flash in our house!
Read MoreThis meal makes super scrumptious leftovers, so in our house, we make a lot and enjoy eating it all week. For a healthier alternative - and to simplify the recipe - skip the egg/flour coating on the chicken. You can replace the flour mixture with 1/2 Tbsp corn starch in step 10 if you prefer.
Read MoreThese salmon/cucumber rounds make a great hors d'oeuvre to serve at a party. They also pair well with my Lemon Mint Avocado Toast or some Crispy Brussels Sprouts and a bowl of miso soup to make a healthy lunch!
Read MoreMy husband loves a good bowl of ramen, and I love serving our family this health-conscious and super delicious version! This meal has become a regular staple in our rotation. It’s warm, comforting, yummy and… Quite easy!
Read MoreThis gluten-free snack is delicious and perfect for fall! I like to enjoy a slice with an easy almond milk chai latte on a crisp fall afternoon.
Read MoreThis breakfast is an every-once-in-awhile meal, not a regular part of my rotation, but as a weekend treat it’s quite fun, kind of fancy, and definitely delicious. The crepes themselves are gluten, grain, and sugar free. The hazelnut cacao spread has a bit of sugar, and when the coconut yogurt is added in, there is even more. So - if you decide to indulge - I recommend making sure lunch and dinner are protein and vegetable dishes (my Rosemary Mustard Salmon, Turkey Lettuce Wraps, Vegetable Beef Stir Fry and Fiesta Fresh Shrimp Salad recipes are good examples) with minimal grains, sugar and carbs. Just to balance things out. ;)
Read MoreWhen it comes to preparing salmon, this simple and quick recipe is one of my top favs. Wild salmon has tons of healthy Omega-3 fats and is relatively low in mercury, making it a great food to include in a healthy diet. I love to make a couple of extra pieces and then either crumble them in a salad or eat them as easy leftovers throughout the rest of the week.
Read MoreThis delicious hot breakfast cereal is not only gluten-free but actually completely grain-free (buckwheat is actually a seed). You can mix and match to come up with your favorite toppings, but here I’ve shared my favorite way to prepare this comforting morning dish.
Read MoreOne of my favorite things to bring back with me from world travels is recipes of amazing dishes I enjoyed in the countries I visited. On a sensory level, it’s like revisiting the place again and again. This particular dish holds fond memories for me. I had been biking through Kyoto, Japan on a cold, rainy winter day. My boyfriend and I stopped at a little restaurant. I ordered what looked like a delicious hot buckwheat noodle dish. My boyfriend ordered this. My dish came out cold and utterly disappointing, but my boyfriend’s dish was warm, delicious and totally hit the spot. He shared his with me and ordered another, and I came home and figured out how to invent my own version. I hope you enjoy!
Read MoreThis dish is definitely not an every day indulgence, but for those times when you want to add in some healthy carbs, this is one of my favorite treats. As far as carbs (and potatoes) go, sweet potatoes and purple potatoes tend to impact the body more favorably due to their high polyphenol and antioxidant concentrations. I recommend using avocado oil because it has a high smoke point which makes it ideal for cooking at higher temperatures. EVOO also works well for its flavor profile, but may lose some of its health benefits due to the healthy monounsaturated fats it contains breaking down at higher temperatures.
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