VEGAN/VEGETARIAN
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!
I 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. :)
Sometimes, 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. :)
If 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).
One 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.
Cinnamon 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.
Is 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!
My 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!
This 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.
This 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. ;)
PALEO
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!
I 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.
Here’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.
Cinnamon 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.
Is 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!
These 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!
When 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.
This dish is pure comfort food that still maintains its health appeal. I will be honest - I typically won’t eat chicken thighs. EXCEPT in this dish. The extra fat content really contributes to the flavor, plus the darker meat has a higher iron content. This dish makes excellent leftovers… Cook once, eat all week!
This versatile protein and veggie-packed breakfast is one of my frequent meal-planning go-tos. Minor tweaks can make this recipe keto, paleo and/or vegetarian. To make it as easy as possible, prep all of the ingredients the day/night before so all you have to do is toss them in the pan in the morning. Cook once and enjoy this meal for multiple breakfasts throughout the week!
* For a keto version, add a side of avocado. For a paleo version, leave out the mozzarella. For a vegetarian version, leave out the chicken and/or mozzarella.
This innovative twist on a campfire cooking classic is fun, easy and healthy! Enjoy that S’more for dessert and still feel great because this meal contains only clean protein, lots of colorful vegetables, olive oil, and no processed carbs or grains.
Keto
I 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.
Here’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.
These 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!
When 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.
This dish is pure comfort food that still maintains its health appeal. I will be honest - I typically won’t eat chicken thighs. EXCEPT in this dish. The extra fat content really contributes to the flavor, plus the darker meat has a higher iron content. This dish makes excellent leftovers… Cook once, eat all week!
This versatile protein and veggie-packed breakfast is one of my frequent meal-planning go-tos. Minor tweaks can make this recipe keto, paleo and/or vegetarian. To make it as easy as possible, prep all of the ingredients the day/night before so all you have to do is toss them in the pan in the morning. Cook once and enjoy this meal for multiple breakfasts throughout the week!
* For a keto version, add a side of avocado. For a paleo version, leave out the mozzarella. For a vegetarian version, leave out the chicken and/or mozzarella.
This stir fry is healthy, delicious and checks so many boxes… Veggies. Healthy fats. Organic grass-fed protein. Keto. Paleo. It’s a great addition to a clean diet whether you’re detoxing or enjoying it on the regular.
This light and fresh shrimp salad is perfect for summer. It’s as easy as it is healthy, and it happens to be my husband’s favorite - and most requested - of my recipes. It’s also paleo and keto friendly!
Fresh, simple, easy, fast. These light and healthy turkey lettuce wraps are paleo and keto (minus the vegetable chips) and make an excellent go-to lunch.
Seafood
Here’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.
These 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!
When 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.
This light and fresh shrimp salad is perfect for summer. It’s as easy as it is healthy, and it happens to be my husband’s favorite - and most requested - of my recipes. It’s also paleo and keto friendly!
These tacos are fun, easy and delicious. Be sure to wear gloves while seeding and chopping the poblanos as they can irritate skin!
Poultry
I 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.
This 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.
This dish is pure comfort food that still maintains its health appeal. I will be honest - I typically won’t eat chicken thighs. EXCEPT in this dish. The extra fat content really contributes to the flavor, plus the darker meat has a higher iron content. This dish makes excellent leftovers… Cook once, eat all week!
This versatile protein and veggie-packed breakfast is one of my frequent meal-planning go-tos. Minor tweaks can make this recipe keto, paleo and/or vegetarian. To make it as easy as possible, prep all of the ingredients the day/night before so all you have to do is toss them in the pan in the morning. Cook once and enjoy this meal for multiple breakfasts throughout the week!
* For a keto version, add a side of avocado. For a paleo version, leave out the mozzarella. For a vegetarian version, leave out the chicken and/or mozzarella.
Fresh, simple, easy, fast. These light and healthy turkey lettuce wraps are paleo and keto (minus the vegetable chips) and make an excellent go-to lunch.
BEEF
This innovative twist on a campfire cooking classic is fun, easy and healthy! Enjoy that S’more for dessert and still feel great because this meal contains only clean protein, lots of colorful vegetables, olive oil, and no processed carbs or grains.
This stir fry is healthy, delicious and checks so many boxes… Veggies. Healthy fats. Organic grass-fed protein. Keto. Paleo. It’s a great addition to a clean diet whether you’re detoxing or enjoying it on the regular.