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Celebration Desserts
Part of the Food Talk series Let’s talk about celebration desserts… From weddings and birthdays to anniversaries and christenings, dessert often marks the joyful finale of life’s most meaningful celebrations. It’s the sweet punctuation that brings the gathering to a delicious close. These celebrations of life’s moments are so very important. I believe there are ways…
Peanut Butter Miso Skillet Cookies
These Peanut Butter Miso Skillet Cookies bring together the savory depth of white miso with the creamy richness of peanut butter for a cookie that’s out of the ordinary. Made with buckwheat and whole wheat pastry flour and just a touch of coconut sugar, they’re naturally low in added sugar and full of satisfying flavor….
Skillet Chicken Stew
This Skillet Chicken Stew is a hearty, yet healthy, dish that’s rich, creamy, and packed with tender chicken and vibrant veggies. A velvety sauce made with bone broth, milk, cream, and a touch of nutmeg brings everything together for a comforting dish perfect any night of the week.
Classic Hummus Board
This Classic Hummus Board brings together homemade hummus with bright, crisp veggies and a variety of flavorful accompaniments. A simple diced veggie salad adds freshness, while cubes of feta, toasted nuts, and warm whole grain pita provide the perfect balance of texture and taste. Whether served as an appetizer or a light meal, this yummy…
Asian Slaw
Packed with color, texture, and bright flavors, this Asian slaw is a delicious mix of crisp cabbage, sweet carrots, and nutty sesame seeds, all tossed in a sesame-honey dressing. The toasted almonds add a satisfying crunch, while fresh cilantro and green onions bring a burst of flavor. It’s a versatile dish that works as a…
Asian Chicken Burgers
with Thai Peanut Sauce and Asian Slaw These Asian Chicken Burgers bring bold flavors and irresistible textures to your plate, combining tender chicken with aromatic ginger, garlic, and a hint of chili. Topped with a vibrant Asian slaw, creamy avocado, and a luscious Thai peanut sauce, every bite is a perfect balance of savory, tangy,…
Mexican Black bean Breakfast Bowls
Kickstart your morning with these Mexican Black Bean Breakfast Bowls, a hearty and flavorful dish featuring spiced black beans, fresh spinach and cilantro, and an array of vibrant toppings like chili crunch sauce, toasted pumpkin seeds, and avocado. Rich in protein, fiber, and bold flavors, this bowl is both nourishing and satisfying. Customize it with your favorite egg style and…
Mushroom & Brie Flatbreads
These Mushroom & Brie Flatbreads feature a crispy, tender homemade flatbread generously layered with caramelized mushrooms, creamy brie, crunchy pecans, and a savory garlic-thyme sauce for a dish that feels refined yet comforting.
Flatbreads
These tender, delicious Flatbreads may be the easiest bread you’ve ever made!
Dark chocolate Orange Coconut Custards
Indulge in these rich and creamy Dark Chocolate Orange Coconut Custards. Velvety chocolate meets bright citrus and shredded coconut for an irresistible yet healthier treat. Low in added sugar and made with minimally processed ingredients, these perfectly portioned custards offer a more balanced way to enjoy dessert.
Roasted Chickpeas
These Roasted Chickpeas make a delicious snack or topping for salads and bowls.
Tahini Caesar Veggie Bowls
with Lentils and Wild Rice These Tahini Caesar Veggie bowls are nutritious, filling, and delicious!
Healthy Happy Life Hacks
Quick, easy tips to make living a healthy lifestyle simpler and sustainable over time. #1 What You Can, When You Can When life gets in the way of your Healthy Habits and routines, instead of scrapping, them do what you can, when you can. This video shares the basic principle of this Healthy Happy Life…
Ginger Sesame Salmon
with Forbidden Rice, Broccoli, Carrots, and Mushrooms This Ginger Sesame Salmon is a flavorful, nutritious dish featuring sesame-crusted salmon, forbidden rice, and sautéed broccoli, carrots, onions, and mushrooms, all tied together with a savory ginger sesame sauce.
Mushrooms
Part of the Food Talk series Let’s talk about mushrooms… Mushrooms are a staple in my fridge for their ability to add flavor and texture to a dish and for their nutritional value. They come in so many different varieties and offer a multitude of health benefits. Even the common white button mushroom can transform…
Fennel, Crispy kale, and Spinach Salad
with Sherry Vinaigrette and Goat Cheese This Fennel, Crispy Kale, and Spinach Salad is layered with so many delicious and healthy flavors!
Mushroom Bolognese
I love the process of making a homemade tomato sauce, and this Mushroom Bolognese is one of my favorites! It’s a nutritious way to satisfy your Italian craving.
30 Plants A Week
Increasing Variety in Your Diet Part of the Healthy Habits series Let’s talk about eating 30 plants a week… You may have heard about the trend of eating 30 different plants per week. Unlike some fleeting fads, this one aligns with one of my guiding food principles: ‘Eat Variety.’ Plus, it’s backed by research.
Noting How You Feel After Eating
Part of the Healthy Habits series Let’s talk about noting how you feel after eating… Have you ever stopped to think about how you feel after eating certain foods? It might seem simple, but taking a moment to notice the connection between what you eat and how you feel could be a powerful tool in…
Carrot Ginger Miso Soup
with roasted shallots Cozy up with a bowl of this vibrant Carrot Ginger Miso Soup that’s as nourishing as it is delicious.
Carrots are In Season
Part of the In Season series It’s carrot season… Carrots are in season here in Georgia from October to June. This may vary a bit for you depending on where you live. Carrots have been cultivated for a very long time with possible evidence found in ancient Roman and Greek texts.
Hot Chicken Spice Blend
This Hot Chicken Spice Blend was originally developed for Nashville hot chicken but is equally delicious on potatoes, veggies, fish, and popcorn!
“Out with the Old” Blood Orange Mocktail
This Blood Orange Mocktail will have you celebrating now and in the morning!
Hot Chicken New Year’s Bowls
This Hot Chicken Bowl is a fresh take on the traditional Southern New Year’s Day meal.
Healthier Baking Substitutions
Part of the Cheat Sheet series Let’s talk about healthier baking substitutions… Baking usually involves some combination of flour, sugar, and fat. Knowing how to make healthier substitutions for these three basic components can help you enjoy these treats (in reasonable portions) without sabotaging your health goals. When I bake at home, I want my…
Minestrone Soup with Sweet Potatoes & Lentils
This Minestrone Soup gets a protein boost from lentils and bone broth and is jam-packed with plant-based variety to get you well on your way to your weekly 30 plant goal!
Thick and Creamy Hot Chocolate
This Thick and Creamy Hot Chocolate tastes decadent and can be made with milk, nut milk, or a combination of the two making it great even for those who don’t eat dairy. It is the perfect cold weather treat!
Hot Chocolate Spice Blend
This Hot Chocolate Spice Blend was originally developed for hot chocolate but is equally delicious in cookies, brownies, granola, and spiced nuts.
Brussels Sprouts are In Season
Part of the In Season series It’s Brussels sprouts season… Brussels sprouts are in season here in Georgia from November to February. This may vary a bit for you depending on where you live. Brussels sprouts have been grown in Belgium for 500 years or more and may have originated in Ancient Rome.
Pan Seared Brussels Sprouts with Spicy Honey Balsamic Dressing
These Pan Seared Brussels Sprouts are quick, easy, and divine!
Legumes and Pulses: Beans, Peas, and Lentils
Part of the Food Talk series Let’s talk about legumes and pulses… Beans, peas, and lentils, known as legumes and pulses, are staples in my kitchen. I love how they add texture and color to meals, are a great source of plant-based protein, and are packed with healthy benefits.
Reimagining traditions to fit your healthy lifestyle
Part of the Healthy Habits series Let’s talk about reimagining traditions…. I’ve never liked the idea of throwing away healthy lifestyle changes during the time between Thanksgiving and New Year’s only to restart them with fervor in January. I’ve found that starting over in January feels like taking two steps forward and three steps back.
Spicy Mango Vegetable Chili
This light, meatless Spicy Mango Vegetable Chili still has all the bold flavors you crave!
Roux
Roux is a basic recipe to add to your cooking repertoire. It adds depth to soups, stews, and sauces, and can be used to thicken as well.
Corn Muffins and Cornbread Croutons
Warm Corn Muffins are one of life’s simple joys. Make a batch today, and share them with those you love! Make sure to scroll down to see how to turn them into Cornbread Croutons.
Hearty Chili with Chorizo Spice
This Hearty Chili is delicious, nutritious, and perfect for a cold evening!
Changing Your Perspective on healthy Eating
Part of the Food Talk series Let’s talk about changing your perspective on healthy eating… It’s time to rethink healthy eating. Instead of viewing it as a form of restriction or denial, let’s focus on the abundance of delicious foods available to us and how good they make us feel.
How to Make Bone Broth
Let me show you how to make bone broth. I love how this process fills the kitchen with amazing aromas throughout the day as the broth cooks down. There’s something so relaxing about this that I find it almost meditative. I never use a recipe for this but just go on experience and intuition. The…
2024 Fantasy Thanksgiving Menu
A Special Edition of the Food Talk series Every year, I plan a fantasy Thanksgiving menu where the dishes all complement each other and the meal is decadent but healthy and balanced. Below the menu, you’ll find a link to all the recipes. Wishing you a healthy, happy Thanksgiving! 2024 Fantasy Thanksgiving Menu Appetizer White…
How to Deal With Halloween Candy (or Christmas Stocking or Easter Basket Candy)
Part of the Cheat Sheet series Let’s talk about How to Deal with Halloween Candy… Do you have a weakness for the leftover Halloween (Christmas, Easter, – fill in any holiday that applies) candy? Can you just hear the peanut butter cups calling your name when you walk by. Do you not really truly enjoy…
Bok Choy is In Season
Part of the In Season series It’s bok choy season… Bok choy is in season here in Georgia from October to June. This may vary a bit for you depending on where you live. Bok Choy is in the cabbage family and has been grown in China for more than 6,000 years.
Moroccan Spiced Salad
This Moroccan Spiced Salad is anything but ordinary. It’s a feast for your senses!
Planning Ahead for Healthy Holiday Meals
Part of the Healthy Habits series Let’s talk about healthy holiday meals… Holiday meals are something to look forward to, and the traditions that surround them root us to our family and community. With some prior planning, you can enjoy that holiday meal without worrying about getting off track with your health goals. You can…
Pecan-Crusted Halibut
This Pecan-Crusted Halibut with spicy maple butter sauce, butternut squash, and collard greens is filled with warm fall flavors.
Roasted Carrots with Ghee, Honey, and Black Garlic
These simple and easy Roasted Carrots taste indulgent, but won’t sabotage your health goals
Mini Wheat Rolls with Whipped Maple Butter
These Mini Wheat Rolls are a Thanksgiving tradition in my house. While special enough for the holidays, they are the perfect addition to any meal.
Moroccan Roasted Chicken with Walnut Gravy
This Moroccan Roasted Chicken with Walnut Gravy is exploding with flavor!
White Bean Spread
This spread is super quick and makes a great appetizer.
Pumpkin Pie/ Butternut Squash Pie
This is a healthier more delicious take on traditional pumpkin pie.
Butternut Squash Puree and Pie Filling
This Butternut Squash Puree and Pie Filling makes a great side, replacement for canned pumpkin in pie, or as a base for soup.
Spicy Roasted Cauliflower
This Spicy Roasted Cauliflower is the perfect side or appetizer with a bold kick.
Microgreens
Part of the Food Talk series Let’s talk about microgreens… I love multi-tasking ingredients, and microgreens are definitely one of those versatile gems. They add incredible flavor, make your dish look stunning, and are packed with micronutrients. Plus, they’re easy to grow at home with a variety of options to keep things interesting.
Roasted Butternut Curry Soup
This Butternut Curry Soup is filled with warm fall flavors that will leave you feeling cozy!
Sessions Stand & Brasserie
Local Places Sessions Stand and Brasserie is a Marietta Gem Walk up to Sessions Stand & Brasserie on any given day, and you’ll find children playing in the green space while their moms catch up over a cup of coffee, people sipping lattes and nibbling pastries while “working from home” (out in their community rather…
Walking After Meals
Part of the Healthy Habits series Let’s talk about walking after meals… Walking after meals, even for a short time, can have positive health impacts.
Glucose Revolution: The Life-Changing Power of Balancing Your Blood Sugar
by Jessie Inchaspé (The Glucose Goddess) Part of the Books I Love series In the Books I Love series, I’ll share with you some of my favorite books. These will usually be nutrition books, but from time-to-time, you’ll find lifestyle books and novels within the theme of food and healthy living. I’ll be keeping the…
Fancy Guacamole
Up your guacamole game with this Fancy Guacamole!
Pickled Shallots (or Cucumbers)
These quick Pickled Shallots are the perfect topping for so many dishes!
Roasted Sweet Potatoes
These simple and easy Roasted Sweet Potatoes make a perfect side.
Sweet Potatoes are In Season
Part of the In Season series It’s sweet potato season… Sweet potatoes are in season here in Georgia from July to November. This may vary a bit for you depending on where you live. These earthy, sweet-flavored roots herald the arrival of fall and offer not just taste but a plethora of health benefits.
Sautéed Kale with Pecorino, Balsamic, and Pine Nuts
This Sautéed Kale is a crowd-pleaser!
Mini Pumpkin Muffins with Buttered Walnut Topping
These Mini Pumpkin Muffins are a perfectly portioned delicious little treat!
Mexican Sheet Pan Bake
Craving Mexican? My Mexican Sheet Pan Bake has all the flavors you’re craving and fuels your body!
Date Paste
This Date Paste is one of the basic building block recipes I regularly use in my personal kitchen.
Tea Time
Part of the Food Talk series Let’s talk about tea time… My daily habit of tea time started several years ago as a means to reduce my snacking. Initially, it was simply a designated moment in the afternoon when I would have a snack rather than grazing throughout the day. Over time, it has evolved into…
Hazelnut Cookies
Can a cookie fuel your body? These Hazelnut Cookies can!
Adding More Physical Activity
Part of the Cheat Sheet series Let’s talk about easy ways to add more physical activity… Physical activity is linked to decreased cancer rates, increased longevity, better sleep, lower blood pressure, and better mental well-being. Yet, we all know how hard it can be to fit exercise into our busy lives. That’s why I created…
Cabbage Pancakes with Sriracha Yogurt Sauce
These Cabbage Pancakes with Sriracha Yogurt Sauce make the perfect appetizer, breakfast, or side dish!
Starting Where You Are
Part of the Healthy Habits series Let’s talk about starting where you are… Comparing your starting point with where someone else is often hampers you from doing the things needed to get started. It’s important to remember the very simple truth that you can only start where you are right now. So that fact alone…
Lavender Lime Iced Green Tea
This iced green tea is filled with refreshing summertime goodness!
Cutting out Soda
Part of the Healthy Habits series Let’s talk about cutting out soda… We all know cutting out soda is something we should do. Whether diet or regular, soda is filled with ingredients that aren’t doing our health any benefit. It has no nutritional value. When my kids were small I decided I wouldn’t bring soda…
Zucchini is in Season
Part of the In Season series It’s zucchini season… Zucchini is in season here in Georgia from late April to November, but this may vary a bit for you depending on where you live. It is particularly abundant this time of year and has so many culinary uses!
The Blue Zones: 9 Lessons for Living Longer from the People Who’ve Lived the Longest
by Dan Buettner Part of the Books I Love series In the Books I Love series, I’ll share with you some of my favorite books. These will usually be nutrition books, but from time-to-time, you’ll find lifestyle books and novels within the theme of food and healthy living. I’ll be keeping the format short and…
Oven Roasted Broccoli with Cheese Fondue Sauce
This oven roasted broccoli makes a simple, easy, and delicious appetizer or side.
Smokey Red pepper Walnut Spread
This Smokey Red Pepper Walnut Spread is a vegetable appetizer they’ll keep coming back for!
Veggie Appetizers
Part of the Healthy Habits series Let’s talk about veggie appetizers… I have been doing veggie appetizers for several years now to curb my own snacking and encourage vegetable eating in my house. Recently, I learned that this habit is also a scientifically-backed way to help with glucose spikes when I heard the Glucose Goddess…
Leafy Greens
Part of the Food Talk series Let’s talk about leafy greens… Leafy greens are part of my daily eating and something I make sure are included when doing my weekly meal planning. They are also a staple of Blue Zone diets. When a food, like leafy greens, is part of the diet regularly consumed by…
Polenta Bowls
These Polenta Bowls are quick, easy, versatile, and delicious – this could be your new favorite comfort food!
Pesto Chicken Barley Bowls
These balanced Pesto Chicken Barley Bowls will leave you satisfied!
Meal Builder: Make it Simple
Part of the Cheat Sheet series Let’s talk about a simple way to build meals… This meal builder is all about helping you simplify your goal of eating healthy. You simply pick the specified number of items from each category and put your meal together. I envision the final products as bowls, but you can…
Make it Simple
Part of the Healthy Habits series Let’s talk about making it simple… If a health goal seems too complicated or difficult to put into practice try simplifying. Ask yourself “how can I make this as easy for myself to accomplish as possible?” Try to make your health goals intuitive and part of your normal routine…
Okra is in Season
Part of the In Season series It’s okra season… Okra is in season here in Georgia from May to October, but this may vary a bit for you depending on where you live. It is one of my favorite summer veggies – I just love how they roast up crisp on the outside and tender…
Oven Roasted Okra with Ranch Dressing
This oven roasted okra with ranch is simple and easy to make and yummy to eat!
Good Kitchen and Market
Local Places It’s all good at Good Kitchen and Market One of my favorite local places for dining out while supporting healthy eating habits is Good Kitchen & Market. If you are in or near the downtown Marietta or Smyrna area, you must check out Good Kitchen. The owners Peter and Veronica Tompkins are lovely people….
Dining Out
Part of the Cheat Sheet series Let’s talk about dining out… Is dining out derailing your health goals? While home-cooked meals are great for staying on track, we all deserve a break now and then. And let’s face it, sometimes eating out is just inevitable. It can be hard to stay on track when eating…
Dates
Part of the Food Talk series Let’s talk about dates… To me dates are like food magic. Eaten whole, they taste like caramel candy, but are filled with all the good things. Blend them up with a little water, and you get an amazing caramel puree that can be used as a spread or a…
Tea Time Bars
Craving something sweet, but want it to fuel your body? These divinely delicious Tea Time Bars fit the bill.
Reducing Sugar Consumption & Cutting Out heavily Processed Sugars
Part of the Healthy Habits series Let’s talk about reducing sugar consumption… Reducing overall sugar consumption and replacing it in smaller amounts with more natural sugars is beneficial to our health, but it can be extremely difficult. I have found that sugar is addictive for me – the more I eat, the more I want.
Sriracha Yogurt Sauce
This spicy Sriracha Yogurt Sauce pairs perfectly with so many dishes!
Black Garlic
Part of the Food Talk series Let’s talk about black garlic… I love discovering new healthy ingredients. Before I first read Dr. William Li’s Eat to Beat Disease a couple of years ago, I hadn’t heard of black garlic. Now I see it popping up on menus, in recipes, and news articles. Reading that book…
Eat to Beat Disease: The New Science of How the body Can Heal itself
by William W. Li, MD Part of the Books I Love series In the Books I Love series, I’ll share with you some of my favorite books. These will usually be nutrition books, but from time-to-time, you’ll find lifestyle books and novels within the theme of food and healthy living. I’ll be keeping the format…
Black Garlic Yogurt Bowls
These delicious Black Garlic Yogurt Bowls are filled with everything you need for a healthy balanced dinner!
How to Start a Healthy Habit
Part of the Cheat Sheet series Let’s talk about how to start a healthy habit… Figuring out how to start a healthy habit can be overwhelming, and knowing how to do it in a way that makes long-term success more likely isn’t always clear. In this cheat sheet, I’ve provided you with my top seven…
Meal Planning Cheat Sheet
Part of the Cheat Sheet series Let’s talk about meal planning… Meal planning is one habit you can add that will help you meet your nutrition goals. Having a plan for the week makes it easier to stay on track and anticipate potential problems before they become nutrition sabatogers. You should tailor your specific plan to…
Blueberries are In Season
Part of the In Season series It’s blueberry season… Blueberries are in season here in Georgia from June to August. This may vary a bit for you depending on where you live, but no matter where you are blueberries are the perfect summertime treat! I just love how each one bursts with a sweet, yet…
Cornmeal Olive Oil Cake with Blueberries in Rosemary, Mint, Vanilla Bean Honey
This company-worthy dessert is absolutely bursting with summertime flavor!
Chili Crunch Sauce
You’ll want to drizzle this on everything! Plus, this delicious take on chili crunch sauce uses heart-healthy avocado oil.
Forbidden Rice Coconut Bowls
Creamy forbidden rice, crunchy veggies, and a spicy coconut milk sauce combine to create this delicious plant-based dish!
Tahini Caesar Dressing
This Tahini Caesar Dressing is delicious tossed into salad or as a sauce for veggie-filled bowls.
Guiding Food Principles: How I eat in Light of Constantly Changing Recommendations
Part of the Food Talk series Let’s talk about how I eat… Food recommendations are continually shifting. What is considered “healthy” today may be on the naughty list tomorrow and then back again in a few years. That’s why it’s important to have unchanging guiding food principles.
A Healthy Breakfast
Part of the Healthy Habits series Let’s talk about breakfast… Breakfast eaters tend to consume less calories throughout the day and have a better-quality diet than non-breakfast eaters, but the typical American breakfast is often filled with sugar, highly processed, and lacking in quality protein, good fats, and fiber. Let’s face it, our bodies could…
Breakfast Bowls with Roasted Veggies and Sriracha Yogurt Spread
You’re going to love these breakfast bowls filled with Brussels sprouts, carrots, and broccoli and made perfectly delicious with a spicy creamy yogurt spread.
Thai Peanut Sauce
This Thai Peanut Sauce is delicious on veggie bowls and chicken dishes alike!
Ginger Sesame Sauce
This Ginger Sesame Sauce is a delicious addition to vegetable or rice-based dishes.
Pesto Sauce
This pesto sauce is simple to make and bursting with fresh basil flavor!
Chorizo Spice Blend
This Chorizo Spice Blend is delicious in chili and any dish with a Mexican vibe.
Moroccan Spice Blend
This Moroccan Spice Blend is delicious on roasted veggies, chicken, and so many other dishes!
Mexican Turkey Burgers with Jalapeño Black Garlic Aioli
These are Mexican turkey burgers you’ll crave! Plus you’ll love knowing that it is filled with things that are not only super delicious but fuel your body as well.
Roasted Rosemary Lemon Chicken, Zucchini, and Tomatoes with Garlic White bean Spread
This Roasted Rosemary Lemon Chicken is a hearty, healthy take on summer.
Raw Veggie Quinoa Salad with Thai Peanut Sauce
Raw Veggie Quinoa Salad with Thai Peanut Sauce is perfect for any meal – including breakfast! It also makes a delicious, healthy addition to a potluck.