The Blog
Making Peace with the Pantry
My free eBook and companion eCourse is here to support you on your journey to food freedom
Coconut Berry Sorbet
This Coconut Berry Sorbet is ridiculously easy to make and offers a healthy alternative to ice cream. It is dairy-free and has no added sugar. The creaminess of the coconut milk and the tang of the berries is a refreshing and satisfying combo. It is absolutely perfect for those times that you are craving something creamy and a little bit sweet.
You've Had The Answers All Along My Dear
The desire to heal my relationship with food had me constantly trying to figure myself out. I was always the girl in the book store combing through the diet and self-help sections looking for the newest book that was finally going to fix me.
It took me a long time to understand that I was continuously shooting the arrow at the wrong target. I was always looking outside myself for a solution. Looking to the next diet plan. The next exercise program. A new and improved system that would make everything click.
And with time, I came to realize that I was constantly in a state of seeking something outside of me.
The Answer You Give This Question Has the Power to Shift Everything
One of my weird little quirks is that I like to listen to battle music and write motivational speeches in my head. I do this when I’m at the gym. In the car. Sometimes even while I’m washing dishes or folding laundry. Anyone who has ever taken one of my cycle classes has been on the receiving end of this quirk as these speeches often transpire into my coaching cues.
They usually reflect something that I am working on within myself and serve as a strategy to help me navigate fear and uncertainty. As well as offer a re-frame in those times when I get caught up in my head. Which still happens to be A LOT.
I tell you this because what I want to share with you today stems from one these battle music speeches. And it goes something like this…
Maple Almond Freezer Bites
Keep these freezer bites on hand for whenever a sweet craving strikes. They are perfect for those times when you want to indulge in a treat but don’t want to send your blood sugar soaring. I promise you - they are super satisfying and guaranteed to hit the spot!
The Continual Journey to Heal My Relationship with Food & Where I am Now
I have been in the process of creating my new Eat Happy Group Health Coaching Program and felt it was important to tell you how it all transpired and came into fruition. But I had to summon up all my courage to do it.
'Tis the Season for All Things Pumpkin
Eat more pumpkin! There is good reason to incorporate more pumpkin into your diet. Both the flesh and the seeds are nutritional superstars and boast a pretty impressive nutritional profile. Here are five health-boosting benefits of eating pumpkin and some easy ways to use this seasonal fruit.
Embracing the Not Yet
One of my favorite quotes of all time is Henry Ford's "Either you think you can or you think you can't, either way you are right." But what happens when you can't say the words "I can" with conviction because they don't fully resonate and honor your true feelings? Here’s what to do when the words “I can” feel empty, false, or fake.
Amy's Accidental Hummus
Hummus is one of my all time favorite snacks - it's so creamy and delicious. And because it contains a nice balance of slowly digesting carbohydrates, fats, protein, and fiber - it is also super satisfying and won't send your blood sugar soaring.
I call this my accidental hummus because it was created purely on accident. I went to make one of my go-to southwest hummus recipes* but didn't have some of the required spices so I played around with what I did have. The result turned out to be such a hit with my girls that I thought I would share this kid-approved, healthy snack.
The bonus is that it is ridiculously easy and you can make it in about 5-10 minutes.
What is Juice Plus+? And How Will it Help You?
In my previous "Why You Should Kick Calorie Counting to the Curb" blog post, I shared the results of a new research study that offers strong support that we should move away from counting calories and limiting portion sizes and move toward focusing on adopting a high quality diet.
I would venture to say that you already know the importance of a high quality diet and would wholeheartedly agree that the right fuel makes your body run better. The problem is not the knowing. The problem is often the doing.
It can be really, really hard to consistently eat a high quality diet. After all, you go-go-go from sun up to sun down. You try so hard to fit it all in. To balance healthy eating with everything else on your plate (pun-intended, ha!). But there are only so many hours in a day and something has to give. And that something is often a healthy breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
And this, my sweet friend, is precisely why I am so excited to introduce a simple and easy way to take healthy back. It's called Juice Plus+ and it makes doing what we know we should with our diet actually doable.
Find out more about Juice Plus+ and learn how making this one simple change can be a jump start to better health!
How to Become More Resilient in the Face of Stress and Overwhelm
The last several weeks have been particularly stressful for a variety of reasons. But as I navigate what would have formerly sent me to the pantry for comfort, I can see that things have changed. I no longer need food in times of stress. It's no longer my go-to coping mechanism. And I have been able to take the last few weeks in stride and approach them with relative ease considering the chaos. And this, my friend, is HUGE!!
So what is different?
As I was reflecting on this, I identified 5 things that I do now, which have undoubtedly, helped me consistently manage stress and not be triggered to eat my face off.
Why You Should Kick Calorie Counting to the Curb
The diet and food industry has long sold us the idea that in order to lose weight, we should count calories, limit portions, and exercise more. That maintaining a healthy weight is all about discipline, willpower, and self-control.
But listen up friends. We need to ditch this mentality. Like STAT. We need to stop counting calories (and carbs and fat grams and anything else for that matter!) and switch our focus to consuming whole, real food and to upgrading the QUALITY of our diets. I know counting and measuring can be hard to let go of but a new study that was reported on by the New York Times last week may help you change your mind.
#BeThankful
Learning to embrace struggle and practice gratitude for life's obstacles and challenges.
What You Choose To Focus On, You Get More Of
Have you ever found a four leaf clover? I haven't. But my 8 year old daughter has. In fact, she has found around 20 of them. To be honest, I am not really sure of the total number because I stopped counting after 10.
You might be thinking "wow, she is really lucky!". Or maybe even "you should take that kid to play the lottery!"
I have thought both of these things. But I've actually come to think something else too. That it is a great reminder of something much more powerful and profound. It is the perfect illustration of our internal filtering system. Of the importance of our mindset. And of the power of our perception.
Leigh's Clean And Delicious Stuffed Zucchini
My friend Leigh shared her recipe for Stuffed Zucchini with me right after I published my zucchini post. Leigh told me that her mom used to make this dish to get her to eat more vegetables. I can see how her mother convinced her to do just that with this recipe. She has since upgraded the ingredients to create this clean, delicious, and satisfying version.
Help! My Garden Has Exploded. I Need More Zucchini and Yellow Squash Recipes STAT!
Has your garden exploded with zucchini and yellow squash? Here are 7 ways to use these lovely vegetables while they are in peak season and at their prime.
Renee's Energizing Gluten Free Zucchini Muffins (or Bread)
My friend and yoga extraordinaire Renee shared her favorite Zucchini Muffin recipe with me shortly after I published my "Help! My Garden Has Exploded. I Need More Zucchini and Yellow Squash Recipes STAT!" post. It contains great ingredients and the photo she snapped makes my mouth water. I have this on my to-make list and it is a recipe I will feel really good about feeding my family.
How Do Busy Women Find Time To Workout?
You know the benefits of exercising regularly. You could probably rattle them off in your sleep. Stress relief. Improved mood. More confidence. More energy. Better sleep. Let's not forget increased strength, flexibility, and endurance. And then there's reducing the risk of heart disease and diabetes. I don't need to go on.
You know you should exercise regularly and consistently. You WANT to have a workout routine that you can maintain and sustain.
But then there's...
Work. Kids. Cooking. Cleaning. Laundry. After-School Activities. Usually the last thing on your to-do list is your workout routine. So how do you do it? How do you balance it all?
Social Media...What Happens After The Video Stops Recording
The images you see as you scroll through your newsfeed are not always representative of real life. Here's an example of what your friends aren't posting.
Colorful Egg Scramble
This quick and easy breakfast is sure to get your morning started off right. It contains a great balance of healthy fats, protein and colorful carbohydrates.
An Empowering Mantra For Your Next Workout
Comin' at ya with a little workout motivation and inspiration for you on this Monday morning straight from the mind-body cues that I incorporated into my cycle class this morning. My goal is to help you train your brain to lift you up while you are simultaneously engaging your body in physical movement. Making it a two for one kind of deal. Double win!!