Mint Matcha Smoothie or what some people like to call, the Shamrock Shake! It’s a creamy, refreshing smoothie you can have for breakfast, pre/post-workout shake, or as a dessert! This smoothie is plant-based, naturally sweetened with bananas, and made with only 6-ingredients!

If you love all things mint, then you will love this smoothie. This recipe uses fresh mint and/or peppermint extract depending on your mint preference. My favorite addition of mint flavor is combining fresh mint leaves and CBD peppermint oil drops - so tasty!

"Everybody's working for the weekend..." Now, every day feels like the weekend! At least working from home it has! On a Saturday, I would spend extra time in the morning to create a nourishing meal as I would lounge around with a cup of coffee in hand. Well, since it is getting warmer here in Kentucky, I’ve been making refreshing smoothie bowls that double as my morning cup of coffee!

Carrot cake has got to be in my top 5 of favorite cakes. From the spices of cinnamon to the crunchy textures of nuts and carrots, there is nothing that will stand in the way of me and carrot cake.

That’s why I love recipe testing with carrot cake ingredients. One of the most popular recipes on the blog are these carrot cake pancakes. The post also includes a fun waffle variation if you are team #waffles.

But this smoothie version really takes the cake! (no pun intended)

What better way to start the new year than with a refreshing chocolate and tropical-inspired smoothie? If I am going to hit the reset button, I’m going to do it this way. There is no...other...way!

Halloween is my Christmas! Hands down! You know that movie, Halloweentown? It is my dream goal to live in Halloween Town where it’s Halloween every day! Wouldn’t that be amazing!?

Any-who, because of my love for Halloween, this recipe was a lot of fun creating!

If you remember anything from my morning green smoothie, this is exactly the same recipe but with fun Halloween garnishes and a small craft project.

Tis the season for #pumpkinspiceeverything! Who is with me!? Sure, fall festivals, wearing flannel, and watching football are all great, but October feels complete to me because I get to enjoy pumpkin spice! Even though I hate to admit it, I am your basic white girl, but I am not complaining because I could literally eat pumpkin every day if I wanted to -- and with this pumpkin pie protein smoothie, that is just what I have been doing!

Everybody needs to have a go-to green smoothie recipe in their repertoire. This recipe I’m about to share with you has been my ol’ faithful since college. When I don’t know what to make in the morning, or if I’m in a rush, all I have to do is pop a few simple ingredients from my freezer into a blender, and voila! I am good to go.

One thing you must know about me, I love spicy food! There is just something about adding a dash of sriracha or hot sauce to a meal that takes it to the next level!

This recipe was inspired by an Instagram post I made a while back with my favorite afternoon snack combo, mango, and chili lime seasoning. This seasoning mix brings out the flavors of the mango while adding the perfect amount of heat to it.

HAPPY NATIONAL PEANUT BUTTER LOVER’S DAY.

Did you know there existed a day just for us peanut butter lovers? I certainly didn’t. There really is a national day for everyone!

In high school, a PB&J sandwich was my go-to meal as that was the only vegetarian option back in the day during lunch. Obviously, I am not a vegetarian anymore, but thinking about peanut butter and jelly sandwiches make me nostalgic and reminisce about the good ol’ days. It’s definitely a classic staple.

When I was in undergrad, I would go to Smoothie King to get the Peanut Power Plus Strawberry smoothie when I needed to satisfy my peanut butter craving. It was quick and convenient, not to mention that it also literally tasted just like a PB&J sandwich!

Does anyone else think it would be great if you could just take all of the pink starbursts and drink them? No? Just me? Well…

This. Smoothie. Literally. Tastes. Like. A. Pink. Starburst!

Muffins are a staple at my house! Not only are they great as a carb source for breakfast, but they are great as a grab and go snack! What I just now realized is that I have more muffin recipes on the blog than anything else! 

Another realization is that I have not one but two banana style recipes. The infamous paleo banana nut bread naturally sweetened with just bananas and 5-ingredient banana bread muffins that is also in the Nourished Cookbook! 

I may be mildly obsessed…

Apple pie granola is naturally sweetened, gluten-free and full of fall flavor! Enjoy with milk, yogurt, kefir, smoothie or just by the handful as a snack!

Summer is over and fall is here so what better way to kick off the fall season than with an apple spice inspired recipe!?

I truly love this recipe as I have made it a few times last year and never came around to posting it - mainly because I couldn’t stop eating it! Haha I was also distracted by how it made my kitchen smell like a freshly baked apple pie!

PB&J Muffins. Need I say more!?

I’m pretty biased when it comes to anything using peanut butter. *Cough Healthy Strawberry Brown Rice Krispie Treats, Healthy Reese’s Peanut Butter Eggs, Peanut Butter & Jelly Protein Smoothie Bowl, Chocolate Peanut Butter Granola and Berry Parfait, Raspberry Almond Thumbprint Cookies, and the list goes on…

If I am going out for breakfast or Sunday brunch, the first thing my eyes search for is the keyword: benedict. I’m obsessed with the concept of having a carb, piece of meat, poached egg, creamy hollandaise sauce, and fun toppings all on one fork and for every bite. Talk about an explosion of flavors!

So why wait for the next brunch invitation when you can make eggs benedict at home! And sure, you can totally make the American classic eggs benedict which consists of two halves of an English muffin, each topped with Canadian bacon, a poached egg, and hollandaise sauce OR… you can make it my way = the spicy, healthy, and fun way!

It’s no secret that I absolutely love banana bread! *Cough Paleo Banana Nut Bread and Brownie Batter Banana Bread Muffins.

WIth that said, I am completely unapologetic as I whipped up yet another banana bread recipe - banana bread muffins!

This was a fun recipe to create as I had my niece and nephews in mind. Like most parents, mornings feel rushed so I wanted to create a recipe that my sister could make ahead of time so that first thing in the morning, she can warm up or serve cold these muffins with a small pad of butter and eggs on the side and serve it to the kiddos!

If you have been following our blood sugar week on Instagram, you might have noticed that my #1 advice when it comes to fighting sugar cravings is creating a well balanced meal! Protein and fat are the most satiating macronutrients, and oftentimes people turn to sugar simply because they’re hungry or it’s readily available.

Protein and fat are the best ways to curb hunger in general, and if you’re full, you are less likely to crave sugar as often. Oftentimes, my clients find that when I tell them to eat more protein and fat during the day (especially at breakfast), they don’t struggle with sugar cravings at night.

Starting your day off with a high-carb meal or a meal that is too low in calories can lead to wanting a big meal at night, late-night sugar cravings, or creating irregular meal patterns.

Is your love language, baking?! Then here’s your opportunity to bake a delicious, gooey, flaky pan of red velvet cinnamon rolls for your significant other, best friend, or for yourself! The person you are baking for is gluten and/or dairy intolerant/allergic? That’s okay, I have provided swaps!

If you are short on time but still love to make homemade delicious treats, then I have provided a way to make them overnight. That way, you can throw them in the oven first thing in the morning, go back to your snuggle sesh, and be woken up by the delicious aroma of cinnamon rolls!

The story behind these bad boys was that I wanted to create a lazy version of apple pie. After all, apple pie should only be eaten if it’s homemade and preferably made by a grandmother. But if you are strapped for time and there’s not a grandma insight, well, sometimes you just have to think outside the box.

During the summertime, I want to eat all the tropical fruits - mango, dragon fruit, coconut, guava, pineapple, you name it!

But one of my favorite tropical fruits that I can’t seem to get enough of these days are papayas! Now, I have noticed that people don’t typically put papaya in their grocery cart. They either have no clue what to do with them or they don’t want to buy a large semi-expensive fruit and worry if they will like the taste or not. Well, I am here to give you the low down on this sweet tropical “nectar of the gods” fruit while providing my favorite go-to breakfast recipe!

Who doesn’t love a fun mashup! *No pun intended! I have combined my two favorites into one magnificent treat, paleo banana bread, and chocolate! And while I may have used different ingredients, these muffins are still paleo-friendly and naturally lower in sugar.

What I love about these muffins, is that they arguably taste like dessert! It’s hard to believe they are nutritious enough to be considered a snack, pre-workout fuel, or a great addition to your morning smoothie!

Foolproof Shakshuka - A classic Middle Eastern dish where poached eggs are nestled in a hearty, spiced tomato sauce. This simple one-pan meal can be made for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner! 

Shakshuka - such a fun word! If you have never heard of it, shakshuka comes from Arabic, meaning, “a haphazard mixture” or “all mixed up.” This delicious Middle Eastern dish is “mixed up” with sauteed vegetables, spices, tomatoes, and poached eggs. 

At first, sweet potato toast was my obsession… now it’s sweet potato in waffle form! When I visited friends and family in Atlanta last month I ate at many burger joints. When ordering a burger, I would have to order it naked (no bun). After the second burger joint, ordering a burger with no bun got boring real fast and I ended up loading on fries because I was so hungry. 

But then I thought, why not combine fries into a bun that can be healthy, gluten-free, and fun?! And here we are ladies and gents… sweet potato waffles!

To be honest, I feel weird adding this recipe to the blog because it is just too easy to make. Made with only two ingredients, you literally can’t go wrong.

Summertime = traveling so let me take you to southern France, the home of the socca bread. While strolling through the markets in France, you will find socca (healthier than pancakes) everywhere. Socca is made with 4 simple ingredients: chickpea flour, water, salt, and olive oil. As you can see, socca is free from gluten, dairy, and grain while being high in fiber and protein. 

Chickpea flour is simply grounded chickpeas and is minimally processed. You can purchase chickpea flour or make your own! If you are making your own chickpea flour, you can boost the nutritional value by using sprouted chickpeas! Like other beans and legumes, soaking and sprouting makes them easier to digest. 

Growing up as a kid, we didn’t eat sweet potatoes often. The few times we did, it was usually in the form of  sweet potato casseroles or sweet potato pie for Thanksgiving. Now that I’m older, I can’t get enough of them.

That’s why, regardless of the weather, I wanted to create a super cozy and comforting sweet potato muffin made with chocolate chips (because why not!?) and chai spice!

If you can’t tell from my Instagram, I use this chai spice seasoning on almost everything. Before diving into this muffin recipe, you should totally whip up this amazing chai spice seasoning if you haven’t done so already, then we can get to cooking!

I will be honest and say that I was somewhat apprehensive about implementing quinoa in my breakfast dishes. I’m just so used to adding quinoa to my buddha bowls or as a dinner side. I never thought you could use it for sweet dishes but once I caved, I’ve never gone back.

Quinoa is an excellent versatile option for breakfast. You can make it sweet, like I have discovered, or you can keep it savory.

This recipe is fun and so easy to incorporate for your breakfast meal prep. You can simply cook up four servings, taking ½ cup from that to do whatever your heart's desire.

If you want to lean towards the savory side of the quinoa breakfast bowl then you can add roasted veggies, greens, a fried egg, half of an avocado, and possibly another protein source.

After seven months of testing out this recipe, I am finally here to say that this is my most favorite gluten-free pancake mix! It’s been a long road but so worth it! You’re probably wondering, why this long!?

Well, I didn’t want to compromise a pancake’s flavor, texture, and simplicity so I basically did everything against that for so long. You see, like the world’s view on nutrition in how it may seem complicated, overly expensive, and trendy, that was the viewpoint I was taking. Strip all that away, and now you’re left with a no-fail, go-to, gluten-free pancake recipe.

Whether you are tired of hearing about pumpkin spice or can’t get enough, this recipe is perfect for both parties! The only reason why I know this is a fact is that my husband says so! Haha.

Usually, after photos have been taken, Michael will stick one ear out of the room to wait for those magic words: “Honey, would you like to eat this?” This time, he ate the entire jar before I could tell him what the special ingredient is in my chia pudding! For the record, he despises pumpkin pie spice everything!

Banana nut bread has been a favorite of mine since childhood. Watching cartoons with my favorite blanket in hand and the smell of banana bread in the air was absolutely comforting! Well, not much has changed because I still love that scenario with the switch from cartoons to Grey’s Anatomy!

While this paleo bread is naturally sweetened, you are not missing out on anything when it comes to flavor. For this recipe, it’s best to use ripened bananas to really encapture the natural sweetness of the bananas into the bread. I only add the maple syrup in case you desire a sweeter banana bread. Coconut and almond flour is used instead of white flour as the flour combination are lower in carbs, higher in fiber and a better option for people with food allergies/paleo friendly.

Breakfast is definitely my favorite meal of the day. The thought of breakfast literally gets me out of the bed in the morning! I leave the house early in the morning so that I can sit down at my desk at work to really enjoy it with a nice cup of coffee. I certainly do my best to find the joy in the little things!

Usually, I am more of a savory breakfast person. I prefer eggs, avocado toast or a breakfast skillet like my sweet potato hash breakfast skillet. Sometimes, though, you need to mix things up! What better way to “mix things up” than with layers of granola, berries, and yogurt?!

I’m not quite sure why I don’t make scones enough. They’re super easy to make, with simple ingredients, and they taste amazing! Let me show you how!

I have tried many lavender baked goods in my time and what I have found is that it is too easy to use too much lavender! It seems as though the flavor is overpowering, “soapy” tasting, or just nonexistent. The best way to use lavender is to use it sparingly so it adds the perfect hint of flavor and aroma. In this recipe, I simply infuse the milk with the dried buds, resulting in just the right amount of the lavender flavor.

I might be a little late on the sweet potato toast (SPT) train but I am so glad I got on! Here is a From the Roots spin on this trendy recipe that is circulating the web.

Sweet potato toast is a great bread substitute to get in the added nutrition of vitamin A and fiber. It’s also nice for people who are gluten intolerant, tired of eating regular toast or wanting a little more fiber in their diet. The sweet potato slices cook evenly in the toaster and can hold up toppings really well. The subtle sweetness in the sweet potato compliments most flavor combinations - like the ones that are featured here!

Carrot cake has got to be in my top 5 favorite cakes.

From the spices of cinnamon and nutmeg to the textures of walnuts and carrots, there is nothing that will stand in the way of me and carrot cake.

Nothing.

Breakfast skillets are my go-to when I’m looking for an easy, early morning meal (or for any time of the day -- I’m a fan of breakfast for dinner!). In this recipe, I use a sweet potato hash that creates a flexible foundation for a breakfast skillet that you can customize to your liking. Whether you need to plan an unexpected breakfast brunch, or just want an easy no-fuss meal, this recipe caters to you! Ingredients in this recipe can easily be changed out with your favorite veggies. Sometimes, I’ll resort to this recipe when I want to clear out my fridge and use leftover ingredients. So, let’s get to cooking!

HAPPY NATIONAL PEANUT BUTTER LOVER’S DAY.

Did you know there existed a day just for us peanut butter lovers? I certainly didn’t. There really is a national day for everyone!

In high school, a PB&J sandwich was my go-to meal as that was the only vegetarian option back in the day during lunch. Obviously, I am not a vegetarian anymore, but thinking about peanut butter and jelly sandwiches make me nostalgic and reminisce about the good ol’ days. It’s definitely a classic staple.

When I was in undergrad, I would go to Smoothie King to get the Peanut Power Plus Strawberry smoothie when I needed to satisfy my peanut butter craving. It was quick and convenient, not to mention that it also literally tasted just like a PB&J sandwich!

Does anyone else think it would be great if you could just take all of the pink starbursts and drink them? No? Just me? Well…

This. Smoothie. Literally. Tastes. Like. A. Pink. Starburst!

Raw carrot salad is one TikTok phenomenon that I can get behind! But it didn’t start there. The original raw carrot salad was developed by Dr. Ray Peat to help support hormonal balance. According to Dr. Peats research, raw carrots contain a unique fiber that binds to endotoxins and excess estrogen to safely eliminate them from the body. 

He found that when his female patients consumed a raw carrot salad once or twice per day, they experienced: less painful menstrual symptoms (heavy periods, cramping, acne, headaches, diarrhea, etc)

As someone who follows more foodie accounts than a normal person should, I usually try to spot major food trends so that I can “beautify” or rather “healthify” for my clients. Hence, healthy crispy chicken salad, crunchwrap supreme, catfish nuggets, and Reese's peanut butter cup to name a few.  

But a recipe trend I want to highlight today is an actual health trend that started in the low fat craze of the 1990’s - the rice cake! 

If you have ever tasted a plain rice cake on its own - there is literally no flavor. Made with puffed rice pressed together into a cake with maybe a hint of salt. That’s it. And since this started in the 90’s, everyone wanted to swap out bread and crackers for this low calorie substitute. 

Confession time: I don’t like figs, there I said it! Dried figs, sure. Fig newtons as a kid when that was the only snack you could find in the pantry, you bet. But fresh - you can forget it!

So when my personal training client handed me a bag of freshly picked figs, I had no idea what to do. But she entrusted me to create a recipe using them and I didn’t want to let her down! So not only does this recipe goes out to my client … you know who you are ;) This fig recipe also goes out to my newfound fresh fig taste buds!

The secret to enjoying fresh figs is wrapping them in prosciutto and roasting or air frying them. Having the addition of goat cheese and pistachio for added creaminess and texture doesn’t hurt either. And to take it to an even magical level, enhance the complexity in sweet, salty, and acid flavors with a drizzle of honey.

So earlier this week, I posted my red curry sauce on the blog. And as I discussed in that post, you can put red curry sauce on just about anything and everything! But today, I wanted to share a fun and crowd-pleasing recipe that will get your weekend starting strong - Curry Chicken Nachos!

If you have been here long enough, you know I love medjool dates! Whether they’re in sweet dishes like chai latte donut holes, matcha and mint chip energy balls, and dark chocolate chip protein bites or in savory dishes like bacon wrapped stuffed dates found on my Instagram, I love them all the same. The main reason I use them in these types of dishes is because dates are a natural sweetener like pure maple syrup ( my second favorite ingredient), coconut sugar, and honey.

As you may have guessed,  dates are a healthier alternative to sugar. Stuffed dates are my ultimate go-to for a pre-workout snack because they’re also great for athletic performance. I would rather have a plant-based food source to naturally energize me than a pre-workout drink that gives me the shakes and keeps me up all night! 

I’m not sure why I waited so long to jump on the “sweet hummus” train. At first, it sounded like a weird concept. Who would add sweet ingredients to chickpeas, olive oil, tahini, and lemon!? But once you take out certain ingredients and replace them with sweet substitutes, you can see how genius this concept actually is!

In the health world, you can find tahini and chickpeas in most vegan desserts. If you follow Ambitious Kitchen, you know she is the #tahiniqueen for all of her most recent desserts like my personal fav grain free tahini brownies.

What’s great about this hummus is…. it’s still hummus! Which means you can eat this as a snack, use as a spread, or for dessert and still feel good about yourself.

I can’t stop staring at this hummus. It is just too beautiful to eat. It almost makes me feel like this isn’t even hummus at all, but rather magical food made for unicorns! But once you take off your rose-colored glasses, you see that this is, in fact, made with beets.

Now, don’t beets have an earthy taste? Yes, they do. However, once you add citrus and umami flavors to this dish you will see their best side and not their dirty, earthy side.

Matcha to me is like a fine wine. I only want to drink it during those special occasions when the timing is just right.  Matcha is also not the cheapest thing in the world so you can probably see where I’m going with this but in all reality, I cherish the benefits and the robust flavor that goes along with it.

You see, matcha comes from the same plant as green tea but since it is made from the entire leaf, it packs in a more concentrated amount of antioxidants and beneficial plant compounds. Matcha powder can stand on its own, but why we can take it up a notch by adding cordyceps mushrooms, ashwagandha, ginger, and wheatgrass.

Starting out as a new blogger, it can be easy to follow seasonal trends. For example, my Instagram feed was filled with pumpkin spice this and pumpkin spice that for a month! Now, in all genuineness, I truly love pumpkin and all things pumpkin spice, but I know not everyone feels the same way!

So I went back to what life was like before pumpkin spice, chai spice! When I was in school, I would have collections of chai teas from coconut chai teas to dark chocolate cayenne chai tea; I was obsessed! Now that I have perfected the chai spice mix, I think this nostalgia will never leave!

In light of the team series and various competitions my CrossFit gym has been doing this past month, I thought it would be fitting to make protein bites. Although I am not competing, I do want to make sure that I have the energy and stamina to complete my workouts successfully. That is why I incorporate this recipe into my weekly meal prep so that I always have a quick go-to snack right before my workout every time.

Breakfast is definitely my favorite meal of the day. The thought of breakfast literally gets me out of the bed in the morning! I leave the house early in the morning so that I can sit down at my desk at work to really enjoy it with a nice cup of coffee. I certainly do my best to find the joy in the little things!

Usually, I am more of a savory breakfast person. I prefer eggs, avocado toast or a breakfast skillet like my sweet potato hash breakfast skillet. Sometimes, though, you need to mix things up! What better way to “mix things up” than with layers of granola, berries, and yogurt?!

They’re perfect for Easter or for an upgraded snack. Sprinkle with chives or dill and smoked paprika for garnish!

Growing up as a child, my mother would make deviled eggs for every occasion; Christmas, Easter, you name it! But since I live in a different state from her, it looks like it's up to me to continue the tradition in my home! This recipe will be similar to my mother’s recipe but tweaked so it’s healthier for you.

I have to be honest - life can be hard and stressful for me at times.

I juggle school, work, this food blog, and my personal life all while searching for grad schools. In everything I do, I strive to be intentional in every moment and hour in my life.For example, if I take a class and pass by the skin of my teeth then what have I gained from the experience? With every new practice, patience and persistence are tested as we don’t always get it right the first time. In the midst of the busy times, I have to continuously remind myself that this is only temporary and that I should be proud of myself for getting this far.

The biggest game changer for this recipe is the crispy chicken! I honestly should make a post on its own because once you master the cooking and preparing method, you will never look at chicken the same!

To make a mouthwatering, juicy chicken:

• Slice the chicken breast halfway through in a crisscross pattern. You can use chopsticks on both sides as a guide to not cut completely through the chicken.

• This allows the chicken to absorb the marinade, sauce, and seasonings when cooking as well as making the chicken get cooked evenly and quickly.

What’s great about this recipe is that it’s super easy to make! If you’ve got boiling water and cooking chicken then you are already ahead of the game! The only components you will need to do for this recipe are pickle grapes for about 10-15 minutes and make pesto sauce using a food processor or mortar and pestle. That’s it.

Speaking of pickling, this meal is considered a six senses nourishing meal as the pickled grapes fit in the probiotics component. The probiotics in unpasteurized red wine vinegar can help to improve the microbiome and our digestive system.

When I was ditching fast food chains out of my vocabulary, Taco Bell was the hardest! Even when I was a vegetarian during high school, I would get two - cheesy, bean and rice burritos every Wednesday for four years! No joke!

Now, it’s seldom that I get “fast food cravings” but when I do, yo quiero Taco Bell!

So when I made the trip back to Georgia, the cravings came wafting back as I passed by the thousands of “Taco Bell” logos on the food interstate exit markers.

Okay, maybe an exaggeration but this was also the same time that food bloggers were recreating the famous “Crunchwrap Supreme”. So with all this taco bell talk, I had to re-create my own!

Not going to lie, this was my first sardine recipe on the blog as well as my first sardine recipe creation to date! I’m not quite sure why it has taken me until now because I love all things fish! The only thing I can come up with is that I think it’s the most underrated fish in the nutrition world and because it’s not the most photogenic thing to shoot. But...that’s just me!

But if you are hesitant about sardines or automatically thinking of another fish to sub out for this recipe, don’t do it!

Flavor-wise - go with smoked sardines as it’s reminiscent of smoked salmon. Hello, bagel and lox or my everything bagel and lox socca pizza!

Healthwise - Heart-healthy benefits including omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B-12, vitamin D, calcium, and minerals like iron, zinc, potassium, and magnesium.

I don’t eat out often, but when I do, I get a poke bowl...and I get ALL THE TOPPINGS! Just like a salad, poke bowls are so versatile. You can create so many fun flavor combinations all by the toppings you choose. And for this recipe, it’s the same way!

So even though I have preferred toppings that were used for this specific meal, feel free to change them out to your liking.

But for this recipe, I give you my classic, go-to way of creating a poke bowl that can also be transformed into a stack (if you want to be fancy!)

If you are wanting something quick and easy to make on your #sundaymealprep days, then look no further! For this recipe, you are simply creating a marinade with ingredients that most would have in their pantry and allow your protein to marinate as you assemble the add-ins for your bowl!

If you notice in the add-in ingredients, there is hardly any prep to this meal! For example, I like to use pre-washed organic spinach, this brand kimchi, and frozen cauliflower rice! That’s pretty much it!

I tried so hard not to create a copycat PF Chang’s lettuce wrap recipe, but in the end, I have done exactly that. I know, sounds cliche and basic, but I can’t hide the truth.

This recipe has a total of just three easy steps and takes less than 30 minutes to make.

Step 1: Brown the ground chicken

Step 2: Prepare a marinade to drizzle over browned chicken and veggies.

Step 3: Make the most delicious almond butter sauce known to man.

If you are concerned with your sodium intake, I have a great alternative -- I use liquid aminos. If you are not familiar with liquid aminos, it’s a vegetable protein from soybeans.

Do you ever get tired of cooking chicken the same way over and over again? As someone who is married to a man that works in the poultry industry BOTH of my hands are up! I would think even someone who develops new recipes every day can fall guilty to this routine.

To get me out of this rut, I often turn to Thai cuisine. One of my favorite thai dishes is Tom Kha Gai soup. If you’ve had this traditional thai soup then you know the flavors of coconut and lime are at the forefront. I’ve taken those components of Tom Kha Gai soup and incorporated it with chicken. So, there you have it -- a delicious Thai-inspired chicken recipe that pairs well with cauliflower rice or sprouted brown basmati rice and broccoli for lunch or dinner!

I was inspired to make a harvest bowl after eating at a sweetgreen for the first time. My husband ordered their famous harvest bowl and absolutely fell in love with it. Now, this doesn’t happen too often where he will love something healthy, so I knew right then that I had to create a recipe similar so that he can continue to enjoy healthy foods like a harvest bowl.

Make your busy life manageable with this quick and healthy classic chicken salad that is sure to fill you up and save you time and money!When I worked at a spa in West Georgia, I would grab lunch at Chicken Salad Chick and get their amazing chicken salad that was quick and super refreshing. Sometimes, I would indulge and get the not-so-healthy chicken salad options. Nonetheless, everything was amazing and I miss it dearly! Now that I live in Kentucky where unfortunately Chicken Salad Chicken does not exist, I make my own chicken salad at home, saving time and money. With this recipe, all is good in the world!

I don't know about you, but I generally have a busy schedule. An everyday schedule looks something like this: wake up at 6:15AM, get ready for work/prepare a smoothie, long commute to work, work all day, chemistry lecture in between, workout, come home, make dinner, study for GRE, work on homework, work on the blog, and go to bed around 11PM. As you can see, there is not much time in my schedule to make a nutritious and filling lunch.

Ladies, I will only say this once! PMS is not required to have a period!

This means that the cramping, headaches, and/or bloating can be prevented!

The most common reason for PMS is due to inadequate production of progesterone. For women, progesterone is important for the regulation of ovulation and menstruation. High levels of stress, such as from a poor diet, low carb/low calorie diet, excessive exercise, anxiety and lack of sleep - all can decrease progesterone levels which creates an imbalance in your hormones.

We are nearing the end of our blood sugar series this week and I just had to save the best for last!

1| BECAUSE WE ARE ENTERING FALL

2| I’M SURE EVERYONE IS TIRED OF THE PUMPKIN SPICE LATTE

And even though I do have a great pumpkin spice latte recipe to share with you guys - this is not the time. Haha.

The time is for the adrenal cocktail - fall version! You heard it right, the traditional adrenal cocktail version that is made with simple ingredients (fresh fruit juice, coconut milk/cream, hydrolyzed collagen powder, and sea salt) has now been transformed into a warm and comforting fall drink. How? Let’s break it down!

If you have been with me long enough, you know tequila-based cocktails are my favorite! Hello, chili lime mango smoothie, the perfect Paloma, and spicy watermelon margarita. But I think this one may be my new favorite!

Why, do you ask? Maybe it’s because coconut is my favorite fruit. Or that the song, Coconut - Harry Nilsson showed me that limes and coconuts should be married. Or that this cocktail literally takes me on a virtual tropical vacation.

And yes, those things are true, but what I love about this recipe is that it’s great as a mocktail. Very similar to the adrenal cocktail, if you add a scoop of collagen to the recipe, you will have an even ratio of fat to protein to carb, making this a great blood sugar stabilizer!

Adrenal Cocktail aka “Orange Creamsicle” - Is a magical elixir that supports hormone balance, HPA axis health, and blood sugar regulation.

The #1 drink recipe I recommend to all my clients: The Adrenal Cocktail, or what I like to call, The Orange Creamsicle.

Fire cider bone broth is so easy to make, you probably have most of the ingredients in your pantry or fridge already! So during the cold winter months, you want to make sure you have this bone broth close by as a preventive measure against the cold and flu.

The basic ingredients are bone broth, apple cider vinegar, turmeric, horseradish, ginger, black peppercorns, honey, lemons, onion, garlic, cayenne pepper and jalapenos. Okay...I know what you are thinking, this combination sounds strange! Just trust me, it’s so tasty! It’s earthy, zingy, sour, heat with a touch of sweet notes that will wake your sinuses up in the best way possible!

Now, I want to preface by saying that these adaptogenic moon milks will not take you out like Benadryl, but it will aid in calming the mind for a blissful lull. These milk are in the business of providing that hygge to your mind if you will! ;)

If you haven’t figured it by now, I am absolutely obsessed with watermelon. If I’m not posting about watermelon on my Instagram, I’m posting watermelon recipes on the blog. There is nothing that stands in the way between me and watermelon...nothing.

With that said, I thought it would be fun to post about the many ways you can use leftover watermelon. Do you find yourself cutting a large watermelon and basically having an entire half watermelon leftover? What do I do with the rest of it?

When I think about the summer, I think about watermelon - lots of it! During the summer, I usually have a watermelon on the kitchen counter, watermelon cubes in the freezer (recipe coming soon), or fresh watermelon juice in the fridge. Can’t get enough of this sweet melon!

So what are ways that you can use watermelon cubes or fresh watermelon juice? Make margaritas, of course! I mean, why wouldn’t you! All you have to do is salt a rim, juice a lime, ice in a glass, and add optional jalapeno slices for the spice factor! How easy is that?

One of the worst parts about staying at home is not being able to visit my local coffee shop. Every Saturday, I would spend my mornings at the coffee shop as I sip away on a delicious hot beverage consisting of either a lavender London fog tea or an Americano with oat milk. So instead of dreaming about our old routines, how about we break out our barista skills and make ourselves a specialty caffeinated beverage!

So what is whipped coffee you ask? Well, to be honest, I never heard about whipped coffee until my Facebook feed exploded with this Dalgona coffee, aka “whipped coffee” that started from a TikTok video. I typically steer away from fads but the word “coffee” got my attention so I had to try it out for myself!

I’m completely over winter! Okay, I’m usually over winter the first day it starts, haha but now I can say that it’s time for a change. So instead of waiting for mother nature to catch up, I will just start without her!

So, in rebel fashion, I am traveling to LA for a few days (travel post soon), eating ceviche till my heart’s content, and drinking these refreshing Paloma cocktails!

I think it’s only fitting to create a signature root veggie juice in honor of our name, don’t ya think!? With that said, this juice couldn’t be more perfect for that title! Roots juice started out as a refreshing drink for my catered events because people wanted something fun yet sweet while staying true to its healthy roots.

Having From the Roots just turned 1 yesterday and the website getting a face-lift, I wanted to celebrate with something, fun, fruity, and flavorful. What better way to celebrate than with a drink?

From the Roots has become way more than I have ever imagined. I started out just posting recipes I have created throughout the years and now it has turned into so much more. Within this year, we have been invited to do pop-up events, catered for parties and grand openings for businesses, collaborated with major health product companies, became a brand ambassador for Further Food, Banza, Manitoba Harvest Hemp Foods, and have connected with so many amazing people - YOU!

I couldn’t have done this without YOU, so thank you so much! Well, I could keep rambling, but let’s get to the recipe! I made this into a mock-tail form originally for a Galentine’s Day event. It was such a big hit! But TBH, it would be an even more hit if you added wine or prosecco to it…  But you can do whatever you like! ;)

I used to be a bartender for a catering company so I’m surprised that this is my first official adult bubbly post. But to be honest, I’m not much of a drinker. I would rather eat my calories than drink them if you know what I’m saying! When I do drink, it’s usually at social gatherings. So, with the holidays in full swing, here is my all-time favorite holiday drink!

Moscow mules are very simple to make. No need to make a fancy simple syrup or use various spirits, all you really need is:

Lime

Ginger beer

Vodka

Ice

To take your moscow mule to a seasonal level, you can add natural fruit juices like pomegranate, cherry, and cranberry. These fruits are great for your health and would be a great healthy addition to your beverage.  I’ve been loving the holiday mule with cherry juice as cherries are great for exercise recovery and muscle soreness. During the holiday season where there is a higher risk of cold and flu, cherry juice can strengthen your immune system.

Sadly, summer is coming to an end, which means my favorite fruit, watermelon, will no longer be in season. Well, instead of being sad about it, I’ve decided I am just going to make strawberry watermelon mint agua frescas until I can’t anymore!

This drink was actually made by mistake as I was creating an agua fresca recipe which is coming to the blog soon!

Here’s the story if you are interested: I only had thirty minutes to make the recipe, take pictures of my lovely creation, and clean up before working out so I had to go fast! My husband helped me out by walking the dogs so that I could focus. As soon as he came back I would be done. It would have been perfect timing!

So before the fall season comes to an end, it’s time to take all the apples from orchard picking or local farmer’s market visits to make a big batch of homemade apple butter!

For this recipe, I visited Mercier Orchards in Blue Ridge, Georgia and chose a combination of Crimson Crisp and Pink Lady for this recipe. If you don’t have an orchard to visit or not sure what type of apple works well for apple butter, you want to look for something sweet, not tart like: gala, jonagold, Mcintosh, honeycrisp, fuji or evercrisp.

I had to make a separate blog post on this sauce because there are just too many ways to use this crack sauce “aka” chamoy sauce.

If you are looking for a dairy-free version of the traditional alfredo sauce then look no further! Made with whole food ingredients that most will have on hand. All you need is a strong blender that will create this creamy velvety sauce texture, that’s it!

Y'all. This sauce is what dreams are made of! As an obsessive curry lover, I’m always on the prowl for a good curry recipe; whether it be from a restaurant or from a blog. Well, low behold, I found the perfect red curry sauce at this local Asian restaurant that used to be but only a block away from me! Needless to say, curry ran through my veins in those four years of living in that area!

It never dawned on me that I needed to make my own chai spice mix until I strolled past every grocery store’s herb and spice section to find no chai mix in sight! Now, sure there is chai spice powder and chai tea but there are times that I would just like to have the seasoning.

Ever since I found out that I was intolerant to dairy, my world crumbled before my eyes (pun intended)! So, you are trying to tell me that I cannot have mac and cheese, cheese on my pizza or queso from Mexican restaurants!? Are you trying to kill me!?

Since then, I have been scouring the web for the best dairy-free alternatives! To be honest, it’s hard finding alternatives that are not overly processed or inexpensive. But even though grocery stores are getting better at providing alternatives, it’s nice to know I can make something quick at home with staple ingredients that are always on hand. And I can do it on the cheap!

When it comes to steak, you want to think of the KISS principle (keep it simple, stupid!). When cooked right, a steak is super juicy and tender on its own with some simple salt and pepper. But to take it to the next level, well, I am all about that! Using marinades is a great way to kick up your steaks just a notch. This simple marinade infuses the steak with tons of flavor. Lime juice is used to break down the toughness of the meat while the garlic brings out the flavor. I highly recommend marinating the steak overnight but if you are pushed for time, 30 minutes should suffice. For this recipe, I used strip steak, but you can also use different cuts of steak like a skirt steak for instance.

Out of any salsa variations, salsa verde is my absolute favorite! There is just something about the winning combination of the tanginess from the tomatillos to the fresh hints of lime and cilantro that really butters my biscuits! Unfortunately, most restaurants and grocery stores do not provide a cleaner version of salsa verde -- they’re usually filled with high amounts of sodium and preservatives. That is why I created this guilt-free salsa verde so I can continue eating as much salsa as my heart desires!

Pesto has got to be my most favorite sauce of all time!

But unfortunately, since I am lactose intolerant, it can be very hard finding a vegan version of pesto in grocery stores and in most restaurants since parmesan plays a major role in the sauce.

Well, what do I do?! What can I do to resolve this issue!?

Create a super easy vegan version of pesto with just 5-ingredients is what I can do! (That’s a mouthful!)

Have you ever tried a walking taco? It's the perfect meal for those who are short on time, love customization, and want to keep it healthy. This meal is perfect for quick lunches, lazy family dinners, or even game night!

When I was a child, my family would make tacos in individual-sized chip bags like Fritos or Doritos. This allowed us to choose our own toppings, while also eating right out of the bag, making it mess-free for our parents. It was a delightful experience!

If you are looking for a super simple weeknight recipe that is healthy, affordable, requires less than 10 ingredients to make, one skillet - all while appeasing every member in the household - then look no further! 

Creamy Tuscan Chicken recipe ticks all those boxes and so much more! 

Members from the Nourished Roots Meal Plan Membership could not believe how easy the recipe came together during our monthly meal prep virtual cooking class calls. 

that can also be served with a side of rice. 

Lamb stew squash bowl has got to be the epitome of winter comfort. There is nothing like spending an hour or two in the kitchen creating a comfort dish and sharing it with your loved ones. Especially when you are using seasonal ingredients that are not only nourishing for the body, but for the soul. 

For this recipe, I used kabocha squash as they are the perfect “bowl” size for this dish but you can also use: pumpkin, acorn, butternut, delicata, or even zucchini. Random thought but if you have a large family or fun gathering, using a large pumpkin for this dish would definitely be the star on the table as well as a crowd pleaser! 

If you are familiar with hunting game or are accustomed to eating game animal, then you will automatically love this recipe. But for those that aren’t familiar or would like to learn more, what is venison?

Although deer comes to mind when referring to venison, the term venison technically refers to the meat from any game animal including caribou, antelope, and elk. The latin word venari, means to hunt or pursue. Portion cuts are similar to beef including steaks, roasts, ground meat and stew meat.

One of my fondest food memories as a child during the summertime was fried catfish! My brothers and uncle would spend the day fishing out on the lake and come home with catfish up to their ears! My mom would deep fry catfish filets and homemade hushpuppies and have coleslaw and tartar sauce on the side. It truly didn’t get any better than that!

My childhood years were really the only time I ate fried catfish. So when I moved back south this past year, not only was I craving fried catfish, but the exact preparation on how my mother used to make it.

Not sure what is wrong with me, but I am JUST now getting on the air fryer train! Maybe it’s because fried foods never did it for me, (hello sweet tooth) but now I am a changed woman.

Veggies, desserts, meats, I put EVERYTHING in my air fryer now!

And since air frying salmon has been the recent craze, I knew that was the first recipe I needed to post because it is quite literally the best cooking method for salmon.

Burger in a bowl - all the amazing components from a barbeque or straight off the grill, but in salad form!

Summertime barbeques are the best! A great time for family and friends to come together, hang out by the pool or grill, and just EAT!

Some of my favorite barbeque dishes are burgers, grilled veggies, fresh fruits and refreshing salads! And if I’m lucky enough, there just might be some leftovers to bring home!

Okay, I know I just posted a cozy stew recipe last week but as I get older, the need for comfort fall foods (soups, stews, chili’s) has increased so sorry, not sorry! I have needs too, haha!

Just like the veggie beef stew, this chili recipe is a simple and easy way to load up on things healthy while being super affordable.

Harvest vegetables like butternut squash, yams, sweet potatoes, onions, garlic, pumpkin while adding a Mexican twist that also includes harvest ingredients like green chilies, poblano peppers, fire roasted tomatoes, beans, and corn - you are truly getting the best of both worlds!

Wouldn’t it be nice to have a fire kindling in the background, snuggled with your dog on the couch with a heavy blanket and warm bowl of stew in hand? Goals, right?

Well, I can’t promise the fire or the dog but what I can promise you is a super easy but satisfying bowl of veggie beef stew. If anything, as you prepare all the ingredients and throw it into an Instant Pot or slow cooker, you can chop up some wood and steal your neighbors dog if you want to get the full ambiance! Haha

Just like the ultimate fall scene, so is this recipe because while it may look rich and hearty (and it is) it’s actually super cheap to make!

Sheet Pans - Without a doubt, the easiest thing to prepare if you fall into the categories of: busy, tired, and bored. Simple as that. All you have to do is cut (or use pre-cut/frozen) your veggies, slice sausage links, and place in the oven until ready to eat. While your meal is cooking, prepare a simple 3 ingredient dressing and that is it!

To save even more time, you can prepare the veggies and dressing the day before so when you are ready to heat up the oven, simply spread the veggies and protein on the sheet pan and let it cook. Come on people, I am just spoon feeding how easy this meal is to you! Haha

Yes, I did in fact, get my peaches from Georgia. Tifton, GA to be exact! As I was driving home from Florida last week, I stopped by the cutest store: The Market at Rutland Farms and picked up a bag of fresh peaches along with assorted fruit preserves to bring back to family. So if you are around the area, you should most definitely stop by!

Peaches are the perfect sweet addition to any summer salad. But let’s not stop there. Let’s crank up the grill and put some nice grill marks on those bad boys.

Did you say steak? Yeah, let’s throw some steaks on the grill as well!

What better way to embrace the first week of summer than by cranking up the grill!? Amiright!?Hopefully these tzatziki dogs will inspire you to do the same! Made with homemade gluten free pita bread, fresh cucumber tomato salad, and a dairy free friendly tzatziki sauce. And who can forget tha MEATS. Applegate hot dogs have:

X: chemical nitrates or nitrites

X: artificial ingredients or preservatives

X: GMO ingredients

√: FTR approved food products!

Believe it or not, I was a vegetarian for four years when I was a teenager! I know, I can’t believe it either! But when I was a vegetarian, tofu stir fry was my jam! It was something that could be made pretty fast, kept me satiated, and burst with amazing flavors.

Within those years, I thought I was being healthy because I eliminated animal proteins from my diet. What I ended up doing was going into refined carb heaven eating all the desserts, pasta, bread, processed soy products, lots of Taco Bell...

Growing up as a kid, salmon patties were my jam! I loved them so much, my mother would make salmon patties, mashed potatoes, and peas as my birthday dinner meal. There just wasn’t anything that could top that meal, haha!

So in honor of my childhood favorite food, I present to you healthier, less oily, and processed salmon patties! These patties are gluten and dairy-free, paleo, and use clean ingredients that can be made in less than 30 minutes.
To turn this into meal prep or a full dinner recipe, I have added a simple lemon dill potato salad (dairy-free) and grilled asparagus. Just simply divide all ingredients into 3-4 servings and it’s great to store in the fridge for up to 3-5 days.

If you are looking for a dairy-free version of the traditional alfredo sauce then look no further! Made with whole food ingredients that most will have on hand. All you need is a strong blender that will create this creamy velvety sauce texture, that’s it!

Y'all. This sauce is what dreams are made of! As an obsessive curry lover, I’m always on the prowl for a good curry recipe; whether it be from a restaurant or from a blog. Well, low behold, I found the perfect red curry sauce at this local Asian restaurant that used to be but only a block away from me! Needless to say, curry ran through my veins in those four years of living in that area!

It’s so easy to forget where we come from. To get lost in our own little world. But sometimes we need to go backward before we can move forward.

I watched an episode of Chef’s Table, Mashama Bailey - Owner of The Grey in Savannah, Georgia, and I came back to my senses. I remembered where I came from. My Roots. I remembered the sound of fried chicken crackling in a cast-iron skillet. The egregious smell of chitlins cooking in a large black pot outside on a hot summer day. The sweet taste of muscadines after picking them straight off the vine.

Butternut Squash, Kale, and White Bean Lasagna Soup - Made with less than 10 ingredients - sure to be a dinner staple during the wintertime. 

Ever since I made Pioneer Woman's lasagna soup ten years ago, I never got back to the normal way of making lasagna. When you find an easier, more efficient way of making something, why turn back? Amiright!? 

So to switch up the classic take on lasagna soup, I made it winter-inspired using butternut squash, kale, and white beans. For this recipe, I used spicy sausage but if you are plant-based, you can simply switch out for vegan sausage or an extra can of white beans. 

This lasagna soup is made with less than 10 ingredients, using one pot, and finished in under 30 minutes! So for my busy mom’s out there, this one's for you! 

‘Tis the season for comfort food, chaotic schedules, and holiday parties. What better dish to appease all three things than a staple braised short rib recipe, amiright?! That’s why I created a dish that requires one pot, very few ingredients (and most you will have on hand), and high-quality meat that is cooked in less time than most short rib recipes.

In my opinion, braising short ribs is the way to go if you want to develop the best flavor!

During the colder months, my mother would make homemade creamy tomato soup with grilled cheese. I’m not much of a soup person, but it was MY FAVORITE! Ever since then, I still drool dream about it to this day! What takes her soup above the rest is love (obviously), fresh herbs, and heavy cream. Well since heavy cream is a no go for this gut, I made a few changes to the recipe. 

It’s a very simple recipe, actually. If you are crunched for time and need to have soup asap, (because don’t we all?) then you will only need five ingredients to make this soup. But, if you really want to make your mom’s old recipe jealous, whip up a quick pesto drizzle as a garnish. Dipping your dairy-free/gluten-free grilled cheese in that winning combination will not disappoint your taste buds, trust me.

Living so close to Nashville, it’s imperative that you get Nashville hot chicken; it’s a cardinal sin if you don’t! As I’m getting older, my body takes a little longer to recover from all the grease and gluten. I mean, YOLO when you can but sometimes it takes a toll on your body!

What’s my solution? I created a healthier twist on the beloved hot chicken. I use coconut oil to decrease the amount of grease. I also chose to bake the chicken. That way, I’m only dying to get seconds and thirds instead of just dying from the grease! So, let’s talk about this chicken!

When I think of spaghetti squash, I think spaghetti = Italian, right? So, that is pretty much all I have done when cooking spaghetti squash. I have made shrimp alfredo, chicken parmesan, and the classic marinara to name a few, but it never occurred to me to use spaghetti squash in a different way. After posting a poll on my IG, it turns out many of you would like to see how spaghetti squash can be used for a Mexican inspired dish!

The grill is my kitchen during the spring and summer seasons. Grilling is a straightforward process -- it’s easy and quick. Plus who wouldn’t want to be outside with sun rays and the amazing aroma of grilled food in the air?

This grilled chicken burrito bowl was inspired by the notable chain restaurants Chipotle and Moe’s. It can be so tempting to go through their lines and simply tell them what you want: Your choice of protein, black or brown beans, white or brown rice, and finish it off with toppings (hello, Pico de Gallo!). Well, this recipe is just like that -- tailor it exactly how you want it, or even add things that Chipotle/Moe’s, etc. may not have! With this recipe, I’m making it with my personal preferences and a special grilled chicken marinade recipe. I’ll even show you how easy it is to make Pico de Gallo.

Ever since Katie Lee from the Kitchen on Food Network made brown sugar spiced salmon, I have been obsessed with the concept! The salmon looks professional and complex yet super easy to make.

The only thing stopping me from eating it so much is that it calls for ½ cup of brown sugar! That’s why I recreated this recipe using coconut sugar instead of brown sugar while also adding pecans for texture and crunch.

When it comes to steak, you want to think of the KISS principle (keep it simple, stupid!). When cooked right, a steak is super juicy and tender on its own with some simple salt and pepper. But to take it to the next level, well, I am all about that! Using marinades is a great way to kick up your steaks just a notch. This simple marinade infuses the steak with tons of flavor. Lime juice is used to break down the toughness of the meat while the garlic brings out the flavor. I highly recommend marinating the steak overnight but if you are pushed for time, 30 minutes should suffice. For this recipe, I used strip steak, but you can also use different cuts of steak like a skirt steak for instance.

In honor of my husband’s favorite, I am sharing the recipe for my slow cooker carne asada tostadas with salsa verde. I have even used his favorite for this recipe -- steak! You can, of course, use whatever protein you desire, but the key ingredients are my homemade salsa verde, onions, garlic, and beef stock. This recipe is super versatile, easy, and delicious.I love this recipe because I get to use my slow cooker, so not only are you getting the juicy and tender meat you are saving time! Sundays are typically designated as my meal prep day so I will start a batch first thing in the morning. By the time dinner comes around, my husband and I will have dinner ready for that night and for the rest of the week!

Raw carrot salad is one TikTok phenomenon that I can get behind! But it didn’t start there. The original raw carrot salad was developed by Dr. Ray Peat to help support hormonal balance. According to Dr. Peats research, raw carrots contain a unique fiber that binds to endotoxins and excess estrogen to safely eliminate them from the body. 

He found that when his female patients consumed a raw carrot salad once or twice per day, they experienced: less painful menstrual symptoms (heavy periods, cramping, acne, headaches, diarrhea, etc)

Need a gastrointestinal support that is affordable, tastes heavenly, and will make your house smell like a freshly baked apple pie? 

Then look no further, because this stewed apple recipe checks all the boxes! 

I can’t take all the credit - this simple recipe that I’m sure you have made before but not realizing it’s magical GI powers, came from Dr. Tom O’Bryan - leading expert on gluten and Autoimmune disease. Essentially, this recipe is applesauce, but cooked in such a way as to really bring out the pectin from the apple skins, which is a wonderful prebiotic, and very nourishing for the microbiome. 

If you are wanting to level up your salad game, then you need to hop on the massaged kale train! This leafy green is absolutely packed with vitamins like A, C, and K, fiber forward, antioxidants and a powerful anti-inflammatory food. But if you are not familiar with eating kale, it can be a tough food to swallow - no pun intended! 

Beets protect liver cells and bile ducts from free radical damage. They are rich in phytonutrients - betaine, which supports detoxification pathways in the body. Their health benefits don’t stop here! They are also rich in fiber, iron, folate and the trifecta of blood pressure lowering minerals: calcium, magnesium, and potassium.

Other supporting roles are:

Carrots - contain detoxifying properties, rich in fiber and carotenoids including beta-carotene which help stimulate bile to flow and remove wastes.

Apples - hydrating and detoxifying, rich in fiber and natural plant polyphenols that protect cells from free radical damage and inflammation.

Sauerkraut does not have to be a daunting task, people! It can actually be pretty fun! Requiring 10-20 minutes of prep time, then letting nature take its course.

There are many sauerkraut flavor variations but for this recipe, we are using red beets, red cabbage, ginger and apple - inspired by my favorite store bought sauerkraut - Wildbrine red beet and cabbage sauerkraut.

Another cornbread recipe!? Yes ma’am! This time, we are just going straight into a muffin tin vs cast iron skillet. Why? Well...I tend to just eat straight out of the skillet in one sitting so individually portioned muffins are what I need in life. Haha

Muffins are fun, in general though! But now that I’m thinking about it, I believe I have more muffin recipes on the blog than anything else! Enough small talk, let’s just dive right into this recipe!

I do have to preface by saying that if you don’t like the taste of pumpkin or team no #psl, then please don’t leave! Haha I want to assure you that these pumpkin cornbread muffins actually don’t taste like pumpkin. If anything, they taste more like a jiffy style cornbread flavor. The sole reason pumpkin puree is used in this recipe is because of texture and nutrients!

Apparently, an Indian-inspired side dish is a perfect addition to an outdoor barbeque because the “barbeque” I went to, as well in fact an outdoor pizza party with hotdogs to cook on the fire. Haha, there was no theme but it did not matter because this side dish ended up being the theme of the night!

And just like the barbeque, there is no rhyme or reason to this recipe other than the fact that it tastes amazing! Who would have ever thought that a yogurt sauce that tastes like a coconut lime margarita could cut through the spicy roasted carrots and a flavor bomb of fluffy quinoa? Topped with the crunchy spicy granola-like mixture and you will find yourself going to flavor town! (I can’t believe I just said that!)

Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Garlic Pesto - The perfect go-to side dish to make for dinner or as a carb source for your weekly lunch meal prep.

I have been making smashed potatoes for years! Why? Because they are just so simple to make!

As someone who doesn’t eat gluten, sweet potatoes are one of my favorite carbohydrate sources. They are great after a hard workout when you need to replenish glycogen stores and nutritionally, are among the best sources of vitamin A along with riboflavin, thiamin, and carotenoids due to their naturally orange color.

This is sad to say, but my first experience eating ceviche was about six months ago when trying out a new Peruvian restaurant with a girlfriend. She ordered ceviche for the table and after having one bite, I was blown away! Why haven’t I had this before!? It seems like I was doing a disservice to my taste buds for not having it sooner!

So instead of dragging her to this restaurant to help translate that, “I need ceviche!”, I just make it at home! And you can, too! Ceviche is actually very easy to make.

During the first few weeks of quarantine, I was a baking machine. I created all the things, paleo banana nut bread, muffins, cookies, sourdough bread, you name it! It was so bad, I had to start freezing the leftovers because my fridge couldn’t handle it!

I was also creating recipes using ingredients from my pantry. Like most, I wasn’t sure if the grocery stores were going to be closed or only provide limited ingredients so I got creative in the fast! But since I’m cooking for one, having a one-pot meal goes a long way!

If you haven’t noticed, there is now a salad recipe for every season.

SPRING - Strawberry Fields Salad

SUMMER - Grilled Shrimp Summer Salad

FALL - Fall Harvest Grain Bowl

WINTER - This one! 

Well, I saved the best for last because this one is mighty tasty! Made with seasonal produce like pears, brussels sprouts, pomegranates, kale, and citrus fruits, it’s like the essence of winter but in the healthy form! 

If you are not on the brown butter train, then you need to hop on board, real fast! The basic technique of melting butter at a certain heating point, not only changes the chemistry but also the flavor and aroma. Preparing butter in this way not only enhances the flavor of whatever you put into it but it also adds a rich nutty taste to the dish.

As we enter spring, I wanted to create a pasta salad that showcases the vibrant colors of green! Not only is this recipe a crowd-pleaser, it’s also highly nutritious. As you may have already guessed, pesto is the star in this dish.

Where are my pesto lovers at!? Pesto is my absolute favorite when it comes to dips, sauces, or just straight out of the bowl. Unfortunately, most restaurants or pizzarias will have pesto that contains dairy. I either bear through it and deal with the repercussions later or just bring my own, lol.

A crostini is a small piece of toasted bread that is best served with toppings. You can really do any toppings for this crostini, but my favorite is with this strawberry basil and goat cheese.

This recipe is similar to bruschetta given the tomatoes, basil, and garlic. However, instead of your regular bruschetta, I’ve added a twist with the strawberries, goat cheese, and balsamic glaze. The tartness in the goat cheese pairs really well with the sweetness of strawberries. What really takes this crostini to the next level is rubbing the toasted bread with garlic. All you have to do is simply cut a garlic clove in half and gently rub the cut side of the garlic clove over the toasted bread. What a game changer!

Let’s be honest, the only time I think about eating sweet potato casserole is during Thanksgiving; amiright?! Like a complete cooked turkey, it seems like sweet potato casserole only falls within a Thanksgiving side dish category.

Maybe after you make this, you can see that this side dish can be made year-round! I’m thankful for that because when recipe testing a month before Thanksgiving, I was glad this could be eaten with most any dishes. For example, we had this casserole with my pecan crusted spiced salmon and broccolini and it was amazing!

Who else is excited for Thanksgiving like me? The food, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade, napping after being full!? Thanksgiving will be here before you know it so if you are hosting Thanksgiving at your house or wondering what you can bring as a side dish, you are probably planning everything now!

A couple of weeks ago, I hosted a summer picnic with my friends Maria, Rebecca, Kayla, and Liz before some of us separated. It was such a fun time enjoying each other's company while eating delicious food! The biggest reason why we were able to enjoy the moment before the big farewell was because it was stress-free!

Now, it seems like it can be tiresome setting a time, location, menu and actually prepping the food but I have some secrets that can make this picnic experience pretty fun and stress-free! If you are wanting to host your first summer picnic, here is what you need to know to make this as stress-free as possible:

KEEP IT SIMPLE

Spring is finally here!

The birds are chirping, the flowers are blooming, and the sunshine lasts longer. I always look forward to the weather becoming warmer and our frozen world coming back to life.  The spring is a gentle reminder that seasons do not last forever and that eventually, flowers will begin to bloom again. How can this reawakening of a flower relate to our story as women? Are you currently stuck in a career that does not allow for growth? Do you want to get your health back on track but don’t know where to start?  Just like a flower emerging from its winter slumber, so can we as women come into a new season of life. It might take some hard work and sacrifice, but with time you will begin to see the fruition of your efforts and fulfillment of your goals.

They’re perfect for Easter or for an upgraded snack. Sprinkle with chives or dill and smoked paprika for garnish!

Growing up as a child, my mother would make deviled eggs for every occasion; Christmas, Easter, you name it! But since I live in a different state from her, it looks like it's up to me to continue the tradition in my home! This recipe will be similar to my mother’s recipe but tweaked so it’s healthier for you.

Cauliflower rice has become the new “it” vegetable. Not a day goes by where I don’t see a new cauliflower rice recipe being passed around by all the low-carb, veggie lovers. Even though it may seem like a trend, I am not so sure it will fade away anytime soon. I believe cauliflower rice is here to stay and I am perfectly okay with that! It has become a staple for my dinners as it lowers my carb intake. I also use cauliflower rice when I batch cook since it is so easy to prepare!

We need to talk about beets.

I was not a fan of them in the beginning. It was so bad that I remember my first time trying them. It was at Jason’s Deli, many moons ago. I was with my health freak friends and they were like, “Oh! You have to add beets to your salad, they’re so good for you!”. I thought to myself, “Sure… If beets can make my entire salad pink then they can’t be that bad!”.

Boy, was I wrong; beets taste just like dirt.

Fun fact about me that not many people know is that I am a pyro! Maybe that is why I am a volunteer firefighter but I just absolutely love fires - campfires, bonfires, having a fake fire scene playing in the background, the sound of fire food crackling … I’m obsessed!

I wanted to squeeze in one late summer recipe before moving on to fall recipes so I thought these white chocolate double strawberry blondies would be the perfect finisher!

When I was in Las Vegas last month for a personal training conference, I so happily indulged in a strawberry shortcake milkshake in between sessions! It was truly amazing! Layers of ice cream, strawberry drizzle, and garnished with an entire slice of strawberry cake and a classic strawberry shortcake ice cream bar - the inner child in me was truly content!

Peach Crisp Skillet For One - Healthy peach crisp that is easy, gluten-free and no leftovers!

Summertime = peach season, here in Georgia and I am HERE. FOR. IT!

My favorite thing to do is turn on the grill to make my favorite go-to summer salad Grilled Peach and Steak Salad and with the leftover peaches, make this single serve peach crisp skillet!

With that being said, this recipe is flexible as you can cook the peach crisp on the grill or in the oven, up to you!

Individually portioned desserts have been my new favorite - especially during the summer time when I don’t want an entire tray of brownies staring me down, begging to be eaten!

When I was in Italy, panna cotta was one of my favorite desserts! And fortunately enough, my body was able to tolerate the luxurious mixture of whole milk and heavy cream. But when ordering panna cotta from an Italian restaurant in the states, it definitely hits me (and my gut!) differently. Lol

So that is why I have created a healthy spin on the traditional panna cotta, using full fat canned coconut milk. Not only is this dessert dairy free, but it’s also free of refined sugar using pure maple syrup as the sweetener.

Hands. Down. My favorite dessert on this blog!

I feel like I always say that but as the stakes get higher, so does the quality of desserts and I’m telling you, this one will be hard to beat!

Honestly, if you just read the tag line and see notes of homemade, soft and chewy, drenched, salted on top of the best dessert words like ice cream, cookie, dark chocolate shell - it’s like my taste buds are crying for joy!

And my taste buds continue to cry as I make this dessert time and time again!

It’s honestly a flawed system because my intentions are to make a big batch, store them in the freezer, so that I can have them longer. But since I know that I have the best dessert ever in my freezer just seconds away from my room, I can’t help but to run straight to the freezer and possibly (cough* eat all of them within days…). Again, as my taste buds scream in delight - sorry, not sorry!

Last week, we had a local event in the area where business fronts downtown Hartwell would open their doors for women to shop, receive discounts in store all while enjoying delicious fall treats! In my office building, the chiropractor made warm apple cider, chocolate hummus, and goat cheese stuffed dates with chopped pistachios. So good!

Running on the apple cider train, I decided in my dreams that I should make some sort of apple cider donut! Haha, I swear, pressure to recipe development is where it’s at for me! As you can tell in the pictures, I have cute mini donuts sprinkled in and that is because my initial thought was to use them as a garnish for the apple cider!

Now, if you decide to use the apple cider churro donuts as a garnish for your apple cider or apple cider mimosas, then please take pictures and share - It would just be the cutest thing!

Mango melon sorbet with chamoy sauce - A popular Mexican condiment that is salty, sour, spicy, and sweet. Paired with the two most favorite summer fruits and sprinkled with chili lime seasoning - it’s the ultimate refreshing summer dessert! Naturally sweetened, dairy free, and bursting with flavor!

It is sad to say that my taste buds have not been in contact with chamoy sauce until two weeks ago! It’s actually embarrassing - just writing it out. I thought, maybe because I just wasn’t exposed to it being that I have lived in the South and Midwest my entire life but it’s not that because out of all the places in the world, I had my first chamoy experience in this small Mexican sorbet shop in Oklahoma!

That day forever changed my taste buds for the good! Literally, if you had chamoy sauce, your mouth is probably drooling at this point - because that is what it does to you!

Chamoy = Salt + Sour + Spicy + Sweet

Not going to lie, recipe tasting this pound cake recipe was hard. Mentally hard. I had to wake up early in the morning so that by the time the pound cake was cooled and glazed, I immediately dropped it off at the office before I could think to take a slice for myself. It’s just that good!

Since I made this recipe close to Mother’s Day, my coworkers alluded to the fact that it’s the perfect Mother’s Day dessert! And, they are right - because what mother doesn’t love moist pound cake and citrus!? If anything, my mother first introduced me to pound cake - lemon pound cake in fact!

The Best Gluten Free Funfetti Cake - Fluffy, tender gluten free cake that reuses layered tops as cake ball garnishes! Includes baking techniques to create that perfect “just came from the bakery funfetti cake.”

I turned the big dirty thirty a couple weeks back (pisces in the house!?) and it feels so good! Ever since I was a kid, I dreamt of this day. For some reason, in my childhood brain, 30 meant that I was going to be a woman. That I would have it all together. That I was going to be successful. And in most ways, it feels that way or at least leading to that prediction.

For so many years, I would let my stomach succumb to a laundry list of ingredients that made me feel like crap for the sake of pleasing coworkers who rarely knew me or family members that “forgot” that I had a gluten and dairy sensitivity. But not this year! This year, I am making my own damn cake! And the cake will have ingredients that I can fully digest and not feel like crap after! Haha

If you find seasonal drinks like Starbucks peppermint mocha or homemade hot cocoa with a peppermint stick intriguing during the holidays then look no further!

I have found a way where you can relive these amazing childhood Christmas moments without crashing from a sugar rush or hurting from tummy woes!

These roll ups are reminiscent of fried cheesecake sans refined sugar, traditional flour, rancid oils, and dairy - all with a seasonal twist! Made with only five natural ingredients, using avocado oil spray instead of deep-frying, and using healthier sugar-laden swaps, not only is this a healthy treat, but it shows you how easy it is to make healthy swaps when it comes to desserts!

When you are stuck at home due to COVID-19, you think of creative ways to pass the time. So for this month, I’m creating recipes based on what is in my pantry.

I assume that most people will have the same ingredients so let’s look inside our pantry to see if we have these ingredients on hand:

can of chickpeas, almond flour, a jar of peanut butter, random ⅓ bag of dark chocolate chips, maple syrup from last week's pancakes, and baking essentials like baking soda, baking powder, salt, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract.

Have all these ingredients? Alright, let’s start baking!

As I was packing food supplies for my winter retreat, I noticed that I didn’t have anything for dessert. Who doesn’t think about packing dessert!? But I didn’t want to bring a lot of ingredients to make something homemade so that’s when I came up with an idea to make “a cookie skillet in a jar”! All the dry ingredients are in a jar. Just bring one egg and coconut oil and you are all set!

No-Bake Paleo Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars - Perfect as a seasonal treat or to make for the holidays. 

I created this recipe using Further Food vanilla collagen peptides. The recipe is on their website or you can get straight from here! 

If you do not have collagen peptide powder or wish to not use it, you can simply sub the powder out with ½ tsp vanilla extract. 

Before summer ends I thought I would share one of my favorite summertime activities... berry picking! Growing up in the South there was never a shortage of blueberry bushes or blackberry vines. In the summers it was always hard going home with a substantial amount of berries because we would end up eating them right off the bush.

After finding out that I was sensitive to gluten, my love for rice krispie treats grew. I know that sounds bad and unhealthy, but hey, at the time, there weren’t too many gluten-free options when it came to desserts!

But within a year of only eating rice krispie treats, I felt like I was done for life. 5 years later, that’s all I crave! So, without further ado, I have made for you a healthier rice krispie treat -- but with a spin.

Growing up as a kid, Reese’s peanut butter eggs were always included in the Easter basket. Of course, there would also be a typical stuffed bunny or chick, a book or cute Easter pencils, and other candy (lots of it!) but the Reese’s eggs were my favorite.

I guess this recipe stems from nostalgia. As adults, we aren’t getting Easter baskets anymore. Instead, we may be the one putting them together! The good news is that I don’t have to wait around like I did as a child because I can now make them at home!

Growing up, brownies were my least favorite dessert. Maybe because the flavors were too rich or the texture was too dry, but nonetheless, I stopped eating them. Of course I would get the judgy looks and sneers but hey, they didn’t taste good to me! That is, until I had a fudgy vegan brownie at this bakery in Atlanta and I was floored! It was like the heavens opened up with arms wide open and sucked me in!

Any sweet tooth's out there?! Me, me, me!! My sweet tooth is bad, especially during the holidays. I’m all about balance and intuitive eating but when it comes to sweets, I have zero control! I work at a university so for the past two weeks there has been at least one sweet item in the break room. When my pants started to feel a little tighter than usual, I decided to put an end to it!

To satisfy my sweet tooth without feeling guilty, I created a superfood dark chocolate bark that is super easy to make and is loaded with all the good things, sans added sugar, dairy, and gluten.

I immediately think of thumbprint cookies when it comes to the holiday season. Thumbprint cookies alway seem to make an appearance around Christmas, and with good reason! The fruit jam on top of a soft, pillowy cookie is all I need to get my gears going for the holidays!  Baking thumbprint cookies can also be a great family activity. The little ones can roll the dough into small balls and press their little thumbs into the dough creating a small well for the fruit preserves or jam.

My favorite organic fruit preserve is raspberry but you can choose any flavor. This recipe in particular is reminiscent of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches thanks to the almond flour, so pairing raspberry, grape, strawberry, blackberry, or blueberry preserve works great. I like using these fruit filling brands: Tiptree and Crofter’s

Breakfast is definitely my favorite meal of the day. The thought of breakfast literally gets me out of the bed in the morning! I leave the house early in the morning so that I can sit down at my desk at work to really enjoy it with a nice cup of coffee. I certainly do my best to find the joy in the little things!

Usually, I am more of a savory breakfast person. I prefer eggs, avocado toast or a breakfast skillet like my sweet potato hash breakfast skillet. Sometimes, though, you need to mix things up! What better way to “mix things up” than with layers of granola, berries, and yogurt?!

What better way to get in that caffeine kick than in cookie form! Yup! You heard me right! These matcha and carob cookies are sure to satisfy that sweet tooth while giving you a boost of energy without the crash!If you are wanting a cookie that is naturally low in sugar then look no further. Carob powder is used in this recipe because of its natural sweetness. In fact, it is often used as a replacement for chocolate.

Valentine’s day is coming up, so truffles are a great safe option to make for that special someone or just for you! Truffles are great to make the day before as the flavor consistency tastes best when chilled overnight. 

As most of you know, a classic chocolate truffle includes a ganache that is composed of heavy cream and bittersweet chocolate. You can dip the truffles in chocolate or dust them off with cocoa powder.