20+ healthy spring recipes made with fresh produce

April 9, 2021 5 Comments

Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you buy a product after clicking a link, I may earn a commission off of that purchase.

Spring is in the air, & that means it’s time for delicious spring produce!

Spring is the perfect time to start a healthy lifestyle. While the world outside is beginning to grow once again, you can commit to growth in your own life. With the weather outside getting warmer, there’s no better time to get out & start moving! And there are lots of spring fruits & vegetables that taste delicious & are beneficial for your health.

Look below for over 20 healthy spring recipes that can help you achieve your goals & have fun while doing it!

Breakfast

Berry Chia Overnight Oats

Have you heard of overnight oats? This delicious dish is so easy to make, & it’s prepared the night before, so it’s an easy grab-and-go breakfast for busy mornings! Check out this delicious recipe made with fresh or frozen berries from Pinch of Yum. It has chia seeds for extra fiber, & you can sweeten it with pure maple syrup or another natural sweetener, if needed, to keep it healthy.

Asparagus & Fontina Quiche

Photo by Amy Neunsinger from Magnolia Table

Quiche is my absolute favorite breakfast food. I love the savory taste paired with the perfect cheeses & vegetables, &, of course, the buttery, flakey crust. This quiche recipe from Pure Wow was created by Joanna Gaines, the home improvement guru, & it does not disappoint. However, feel free to play around with the vegetables & cheeses added for different flavors!

One-Pan Eggs with Asparagus & Tomatoes

Photo by Liz Andrew/Styled by Erin McDowell

If you don’t have the energy or time to make a quiche in the morning, try this easy egg dish from Pure Wow that’s made with fresh asparagus & tomatoes. It’s a simple way to get in a balanced breakfast of protein & veggies.

Squash & Squash Blossom Frittata

Photo by Gentl & Hyers from Open Kitchen

For an even healthier, gluten-free alternative to quiche, try this Squash & Squash Blossom Frittata from Pure Wow. It’s a low-carb, high-protein dish made with lots of vegetables, including zucchini, squash blossoms, tomatoes, & scallions.

Honeyed Ricotta Toast with Berries

Last but not least, if you’re in a big rush in the morning, try this easy toast recipe from Breakfast for Dinner that’s both savory & sweet. It has ricotta cheese for some much-needed protein, & it’s topped with delicious, fresh berries & honey to satisfy that sweet tooth.

Lunch

Rainbow Roll-Ups with Peanut Sauce

Are you ready to detox your body after a long winter? Try this delicious Rainbow Roll-Ups recipe from Pinch of Yum. They are packed with fresh vegetables, & the sweet & salty peanut sauce is dreamy & delicious.

Kiwi Strawberry Spring Rolls with Honey Lime Dipping Sauce

This bright & delicious spring roll recipe from A Sweet Pea Chef highlights all of the wonderful fruits of the season. It’s a fun & inventive way to get in your serving of fruits for the day.

Shaved Spring Vegetable & Apple Salad with Ginger-Dijon Dressing

Photo by Kirsten Buck from Buck Naked Kitchen

Salad doesn’t have to be boring. This spring vegetable & apple salad from Pure Wow has tons of fresh vegetables you normally wouldn’t expect to taste raw, but they taste so delicious that way! The ginger-dijon dressing really pulls the dish together with a fun, Asian twist. Leave the recipe vegetarian, or add your favorite protein for a more filling lunch.

Cold Soba Noodle Salad with Strawberries

Put an Asian spin on your traditional pasta salad with this cold soba noodle salad recipe from Pure Wow. It adds a fresh touch of spring by adding cucumber, strawberries, fresh mint, & cilantro. What really makes it pop is the spicy Asian dressing – you’re going to love it!

Asparagus Caesar Salad

Forget boring Caesar salad! Try this fun spring recipe from Pure Wow that uses fresh asparagus in place of the lettuce. That’s right – this recipe has no leafy greens! It’s a fun twist on the traditional salad that is going to delight your taste buds.

Dinner

Salmon Burgers with Slaw

This easy burgers recipe from Pinch of Yum uses canned salmon, eggs, & breadcrumbs (gluten-free alternative here) to create patties that are simple to make but taste delicious. The slaw is made with Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a higher protein & lower fat content than the traditional dish.

Skillet Bruschetta Chicken & Asparagus

If you’re in the mood for some light Italian fare, try this delicious & easy bruschetta chicken recipe from Evolving Table. Instead of putting the tomato mixture on top of bread, it’s served on top of the chicken for a high-protein, zero-carb alternative. The bright asparagus is a delicious finishing touch that helps make this a filling but still low-carb meal.

Seared Ahi Tuna with Sesame Green Beans

This bright & beautiful Asian dish from Jessica Gavin just screams spring. It’s as delightful to the eyes as it is to the taste buds. The ahi tuna is rich in protein & omega-3 fatty acids, & the sesame green beans are fully of nutrients such as Vitamin C, folate, & vitamin K.

Chicken Tacos with Pineapple Salsa

This chicken tacos recipe from Jessica Gavin is a current favorite in my house. The tart & sweet pineapple salsa recipe is so refreshing, & the chicken is cooked to a succulent perfection. Warming the tortillas in the pan at the end is the delicious secret to this tasty, balanced dish.

One Pot 15-Minute Pasta Limone

Sometimes, we all just need some comfort food. If you’re in the need of some pasta, try this Pasta Limone recipe from Pure Wow. Instead of topping the noodles with marinara or Alfredo sauce, it uses fresh lemon & basil. It’s a bright & delicious dish that’s still hits the spot.

Snacks

Fruit Pizza Crackers

If you’re in the mood for something sweet, try these Fruit Pizza Crackers from Homemade Ginger. You can use your favorite crispbread or crackers (use gluten-free if needed), & experiment with your favorite berries or other fruits for different, tasty variations.

Banana Sushi

This Banana Sushi recipe from My Fussy Easter is a super fun snack for kids & adults. Slice your banana to look like little sushi rolls, & then top the slices with your favorite toppings. If you’re looking for something healthier, antioxidant-rich dark chocolate & fiber-rich chia seeds are a great idea, or try nut butter & shredded coconut for some healthy fats & protein.

Desserts

Fruit Pizza

Make fresh spring fruits the star of the show with this Fruit Pizza recipe from Life Made Sweeter. You can top it with the recommended fruits, or use your favorites. The crust is made with oats for a gluten-free & fiber-rich alternative, & the “sauce” is made from Greek yogurt, which adds protein to the dish.

Lemon Cheesecake Bars

I love lemon! I will choose a lemon dessert before anything else on any dessert table – hands down. These Lemon Cheesecake Bars from Spoonful of Flavor are the perfect balance of tart & sweet, & the Greek yogurt & cream cheese filling has extra protein, making this a delicious, healthy dessert.

Strawberry Oatmeal Bars

The first fruit I think of when I think about spring is strawberries. I remember going strawberry picking when I was little & coming home to make delicious cobbler. These Strawberry Oatmeal Bars from Well Plated are made with whole wheat flour & old-fashioned oats for a fiber-rich dessert that’s just as sweet as the one from your childhood. The powdered sugar glaze is completely optional, but you can add it for a sweeter dish.

Lemon & Poppyseed Cake with Blueberry Glaze

Blueberries & lemon are a match made in heaven. This lemon poppyseed cake from Ana’s Baking Chronicles has a delicious, tart, lemon-y punch that’s balanced by the sweet blueberry jam & glaze for a delightfully balanced dessert. It’s the perfect treat for a lovely spring occasion.

No matter where you are in your health journey, I hope you found some recipes that inspired you. Cooking with fresh ingredients is a simple way to get more nutrients into your diet, & it’s a big step towards a healthier lifestyle. The bright & beautiful flavors of spring are a delicious way to eat healthy without even realizing it!

What are some of your favorite spring recipes? Leave me a comment below!

Health, Recipes

15+ delicious & healthy recipes for a joyful Easter

April 2, 2021 6 Comments

Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you buy a product after clicking a link, I may earn a commission off of that purchase.

Lent is over, which means for a lot of people, so is the self-inflicted ban on sugar, & just in time for Easter candy.

Easter is a wonderful time to celebrate new beginnings – why not start fresh with some healthy lifestyle choices as well? There are still plenty of delicious foods to eat that don’t negatively impact our health.

Read below for some healthy brunch, appetizer, dinner, & dessert recipes that will delight your taste buds & help you achieve your wellness goals.

Brunch Recipes

Eggs Benedict Frittata with Hollandaise

No one will know that this classy tasting recipe from Seeking Good Eats was so easy! It’s a low-carb, gluten-free & Keto recipe, & it has plenty of protein to keep you full until dinner.

Keto Pancakes with Almond & Coconut Flour

Pancakes are a great, easy breakfast that everyone loves. This low-carb, Keto, & paleo recipe from Wholesome Yum uses almond & coconut flours to keep the recipe healthy, & you can use any sweetener you like. Check out these Easter-inspired bunny butt & bunny face pancakes to make the dish more festive.

Edible Potato Nests

How cute are these egg nests? They are the perfect festive breakfast for Easter! You can use frozen or fresh shredded potatoes to make the hash brown nests. And the eggs are a perfect way to get in some protein to keep you full until dinner. You can find the full recipe on Kids Cooking Activities.

Appetizer Recipes

Whole30 Deviled Eggs

Deviled eggs are a must-have on Easter. They are delicious, festive, & the perfect way to use up all those dyed eggs. This clean-eating recipe from The Wooden Skillet is just as delicious as the classic one we all love, but it’s paleo & made with all-natural ingredients.

Ham & Cheese Roll-Ups

Between making brunch & dinner, I definitely don’t want to be spending a lot more time in the kitchen making appetizers. These roll-ups recipe from Seeking Good Eats are an easy, low-carb & Keto appetizer recipe that can be made ahead of time. Use fresh ham from the deli for an even better flavor.

Easter Cheese Ball

This recipe from Family Fresh Meals is so cute & the perfect addition to any Easter appetizer table! It’s super easy to make, & it can be made ahead of time, too! Pair it with veggies & gluten-free crackers for a low-carb option.

Dinner Recipes

Salt- & Pepper-Crusted Standing Rib Roast

This classy roast recipe from The Wooden Skillet is perfect for a special occasion. It’s easy to make, which means you can spend more time working on the side dishes & spending time with family.

Sugar-Free Brown Sugar Bourbon Glazed Ham

Ham is a classic main dish on Easter. Make it healthy & give it a fun twist with this hickory-smoked ham recipe from Seeking Good Eats that uses a brown sugar substitute & bourbon to give it the delicious glaze we all love.

Leg of Lamb

Want to try something a little more ambitious & traditional? This leg of lamb recipe from Seeking Good Eats walks you through step-by-step, & it’s actually not as difficult as it sounds!

Healthy Sweet Potato Casserole

When I think of sweet potato casserole, I think of perfectly healthy sweet potatoes laden in sugar & corn syrup. This dairy-free & paleo recipe from The Wooden Skillet uses pure maple syrup instead of sugar to sweeten the potatoes, & the marshmallows on the top are optional (but not really 😉). Look for corn syrup-free marshmallows in the grocery store (or buy them here) for an even healthier but still tasty twist.

Whole30 Scalloped Potatoes

If you’re looking for a more savory potato recipe, try this delicious, Whole30 & paleo scalloped potatoes from Real Food with Jessica. To make it gluten- & dairy-free, the recipe uses cassava flour & unsweetened almond milk, but you can’t even tell. And the fresh rosemary & thyme add a lovely flavor.

Simple Roasted Broccolini

Get some fresh greens on the plate with this delicious & easy roasted broccolini recipe from The Wooden Skillet. All you add is oil & salt, but the roasting brings out such a lovely flavor, you won’t need anything else!

Keto Cauliflower Mac & Cheese

Are you used to having a big bowl of carb-heavy macaroni & cheese on the table? Why not sub it for this low-carb, cauliflower mac & cheese recipe from Seeking Good Eats that doesn’t skimp on the cheese or flavor at all? Trust me – no one will miss the pasta.

Ginger Glazed Carrots

When I think of Easter, I instinctively think of bunnies & carrots. Get these Easter-themed, naturally-sweet vegetable on the table with this delicious ginger-glazed recipe from Gourmande in the Kitchen. Instead of using sugar, the glaze is made with pure maple syrup for a healthier twist.

Dessert Recipes

Copycat Reese’s Peanut Butter Eggs

Make a healthier version of the classic Easter candy with this delicious, copycat recipe from Kale Junkie. It uses natural peanut butter & pure maple syrup instead of sugar to sweeten it, & use you can use dairy-free chocolate chips for a vegan option!

Low-Carb Lemon Curd Tart with Blackberries

I love the bright flavors of spring. This tart recipe from My PCOS Kitchen is the perfect blend of sweet & tart, & it uses the beautiful fruits to do most of the sweetening. Use powdered erythritol for a Keto version.

Keto Maple Carrot Cake with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting

Carrot cake is a classic Easter dessert. This Keto version from All the Nourishing Things uses almond & coconut flour to cut carbs, & it adds maple extract for a surprising, delicious flavor. You can use a sugar replacement or coconut sugar in this recipe.

Happy Easter everyone! As always, remember a holiday is just one day, so if you indulge, enjoy it & the people around you, & then get back on track tomorrow.

Do you have a favorite Easter recipe? Share it with me in the comments below!

Health, Lifestyle

10 seasonal ways to practice self-care this spring

March 26, 2021 4 Comments

Note: This post does contain affiliate links. If you buy a product after clicking a link, I may earn a commission off of that purchase.

Self-care is important any time of year, but spring is the perfect season to take a little extra time for yourself. While the world is waking from its slumber & committing itself to new growth once again, you can do the same.

Spending some time to engage in self-care looks different for everyone. It’s important to match the type of self-care you use with what is actually beneficial & meaningful to you. A bubble bath can be a great way to relax, but if you don’t have a comfortable place to soak, your muscles don’t need to relax, or, even worse, if you don’t even like soaking in baths, this may not be the best way to engage in self-care for you. I find it interesting when people force themselves to do self-care, & they choose an activity that they don’t enjoy & get it done like just any other task on their to-do list. Self-care should be something that you need & that brings relief & relaxation to your life in some way. This means that sometimes it is indulgent, like eating chocolate or bingeing on your favorite Netflix show, but sometimes its actually less glamorous, like cleaning out your closet or spending a day getting all the things done that never make it onto your to-do list. No matter what, at the end of your activity, you should feel some sort of relief & feel better about your current state in life.

With that being said, I love to theme my activities to the season I am in, personally & in the world. Spring is a perfect time for self-care because there are so many things you can do! Listed below are 10 ways you can engage in self-care this spring. As stated above, make sure you choose one that is meaningful to you, & enjoy your self-care time! You deserve it.

1. Go for a walk

Me walking on some railroad tracks in Missouri

The weather has finally gotten warmer, which means it is the perfect time to go for a relaxed walk outdoors & enjoy some fresh air. If you are looking to get your heart & adrenaline pumping a little more, go for a run or bike ride. The clean air & physical activity are good for your mental & physical health.

2. Do some spring cleaning

The time for spring cleaning is here, but this doesn’t have to be treated like just another annoying task you have to complete. Making your environment clean & orderly is beneficial for your mental health. A cluttered space encourages a cluttered mind. Take some time to purge your house of things you no longer need, & then take some time to clean up & maybe even decorate your environment in a new way that brings you joy, not just for the day, but for months to come.

3. Make a healthy meal with ingredients from the farmer’s market

Me & Joseph buying ingredients from the farmer’s market the day he proposed

Healthy food nourishes our body & helps us feel our best. Why not support a local farmer’s market & take some time for yourself by making a gourmet meal with all fresh ingredients? It’s a fun activity, & a healthy way to take to nourish your body.

4. Plan a day-trip

Joseph & me on Strasburg Rail Road in Pennsylvania during our day trip – watch Joseph’s vlog about the trip here

Now that the weather is warmer, it is the perfect time to go for a trip. Plan your itinerary for little getaway in your local tourist spot, or make it more spontaneous & just walk around the area to see what attracts you most. You can do it alone for some quality time with you, or go with your family or a friend for some much-needed social time.

5. Start a new skincare routine

Me using my new Aceology ice globe facial massagers from my Be Kind by Ellen spring subscription box

If you’re anything like me, your skin is feeling a little dry & pale after a long, cold winter. Try out a new skincare routine to help moisturize your cracked skin & give it a fresh glow for the new season.

6. Plant a garden

My brother, Jake, & me collecting the produce from our garden my junior year of high school

It’s good for you, & its good for the environment, too. Spend some time getting in some physical activity by planting a garden, & then reap the benefits for months to come with the fresh, healthy & delicious produce you harvest. Or, plant a flower garden & let the bright colors & lovely scents bring you joy every day.

7. Buy yourself flowers

The beautiful yellow roses Joseph gave me for Valentine’s Day

If you aren’t into gardening, bring spring into your home by buying yourself some fresh flowers. Put them in a lovely vase on your table or wherever you will see them to brighten your space. A little touch of spring indoors is a great way to celebrate the season & show yourself some love.

8. Diffuse spring-themed essential oils

Bring the lovely smells of spring into your home by diffusing spring-themed essential oils, such as lemongrass, lavender, eucalyptus, & citrus scents like lemon & tangerine. Diffusing essential oils can help reduce stress, & different essential oils have additional benefits, such as using lavender to help reduce insomnia or peppermint to relieve headaches.

9. Make a batch of fruit-infused water

Fresh fruits are in abundance, which means it’s the perfect time to make fruit-infused water. If you are terrible at drinking your daily intake of water, or if you just want to switch up the flavor a little bit, try chopping up fresh fruit & putting it in a pitcher of water to infuse. It is a delicious way to hydrate our bodies, which helps our body systems to work as they are supposed to, as well as brightens our skin, gives us more energy, & improves our mood.

10. Start a new hobby

My new favorite crafting hobby is paper crafts with Washi Tape! This is the valentine I made Joseph this year

Spring is the time of new beginnings, so why not try something new? If you want to do something healthy for your body, try a new exercise routine or start cooking more healthy meals at home. If you’re just looking to engage your mind in a new way, why not try a new craft or start doing crossword puzzles. Whatever appeals to you or whatever you have been wanting to try, this is the perfect time to start doing it.

I hope you found a new self-care activity that excites you. Try to give yourself a little time each day, even if it’s just a few minutes, to give yourself a little extra love & care. Your body, mind & soul will thank you.

What’s your favorite way to engage in self-care? Leave me a comment below!

Do you need a little more inspiration? Download my free printable self-care calendar for April! It has a different activity idea for every day, making it the perfect way to remind you to spend some time for yourself daily, as well as try out different self-care activities if you’re not sure what you like best. It helps when we support each other, even with self-care, so stay tuned to my social media next month for my own journey with self-care, using this calendar & article for inspiration.

Free Printable April Self-Care Calendar Download

P.S. Self-care shouldn’t feel like work. Why not get it delivered to your doorstep every month? The Sunshine Box is a personalized self-care subscription box that is filled with items picked out just for you! It’s the perfect way to show yourself a little extra love each month. Learn more & subscribe here.

Health

5 positive affirmations for spring growth

March 22, 2021 2 Comments

Photo by Aniket Bhattacharya on Unsplash

Spring is a time of renewal. It is the season of new life, when the cold & dreariness of winter finally subsides & hopeful little flower buds poke their heads out into the sunlight. What time could be more perfect to leave our old selves behind & start anew?

Positive affirmations are a great way to change our mindset, & therefore, change our entire lives! Our thoughts have such a profound effect on how we perceive the world around us. Just simply changing the words we speak to ourselves can help us to feel happier & more fulfilled.

Below, I have five positive affirmations that can help you renew your mind & soul this spring. All of them have been designed to be the perfect size for your phone’s wallpaper, so you can put them right where you will see them most. Every time you unlock your phone, you will be reminded of these powerful words. We know that repeating affirmations to ourselves throughout the day can be a powerful way to change our thinking patterns, so having this constant reminder right on our phones is a great way to begin this process!

I hope you enjoy these affirmations, & that they bring you a refreshing sense of peace & joy after a long winter. Leave me a comment below letting me know which one is your favorite, or to share the affirmation you most love to repeat to yourself!

Health, Recipes

Healthy recipes to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day

March 15, 2021 4 Comments

Note: This post does contain affiliate links. If you buy a product after clicking a link, I may earn a commission off of that purchase.

St. Patrick’s Day is almost here!

Traditionally, this would be the time for sodium-rich corned beef & cabbage, carb-laden colcannon potatoes, artificially dyed green desserts (see a natural alternative here), & multiple pints of beer. And while this is a perfectly fine way to celebrate on occasion, if you are currently trying to tackle some health & fitness goals for summer, or if you are just looking to make some healthier meals for your family, this may not be the ideal choice.

If you are looking for some healthier but still festive alternatives, check out this round-up of delicious St. Patrick’s-themed recipes, so you can still have fun & feel good.

Breakfast

Green Eggs & Ham Mini Frittatas from Thoughts of a Crafty Mom

Photo from Scattered Thoughts of a Crafty Mom

These mini frittatas are a delicious, high-protein, low-carb choice for breakfast. They are easy to make, & you can use different ingredients to customize them for the flavor you want.

Green Smoothie Bowl from Recipes from a Pantry

Photo from Recipes from a Pantry by Bintu

This vegan smoothie recipe uses matcha to get the desirable green color. Matcha has a number of health benefits – it’s a rich source of antioxidants, & it can promote good heart, brain & liver health. This smoothie recipe is also free of added sugars; it is sweetened with fruit & date syrup, one of my new favorite, natural sweeteners.

Kale Kefir Pancakes from Tin & Thyme

Sneak some veggies into your breakfast with this Kale Kefir Pancake recipe. If you don’t have kefir, substitute buttermilk (you can make your own by adding 1 tbsp lemon juice or white vinegar to a cup of milk & letting it sit for 5 minutes). These pancakes are gluten-free as well – they use buckwheat flour & oats instead of all-purpose flour. This is a savory pancake recipe, but if you want something a little sweeter, take out the turmeric & add in some honey. Or, embrace the savory component & pair this recipe with salsa & eggs.

Lunch

Creamy Broccoli Soup from Hungry Healthy Happy

This soup is so indulgently creamy, but it’s packed with vegetables, making it a delicious but still nutritious choice for lunch. Enjoy it alone for a light meal, or pair it with a small salad and/or crusty bread for a more filling lunch.

St. Patrick’s Day Bento Box from Little Passports

This bento box is too cute, & it has all the healthy foods you need for a balanced meal, plus a fun little treat. Instead of using cream cheese, spread hummus between the spinach tortillas for a higher-protein choice.

Green St. Patrick’s Day Lunch from Stuffed Suitcase

Pair lots of green foods together for an overwhelmingly Irish-themed meal. Dye a hard boiled egg green, serve it with green tortilla chips & guacamole for dipping, & add in some sliced green vegetables & kiwi for snacking.

Snacks

Shamrock Dippers with a Pot of Gold from Super Healthy Kids

This recipe uses real cheese to make the Pot of Gold dip, making it a much healthier choice than traditional queso from the store. The Shamrock Dippers are made from spinach tortillas, making it a simple but festive choice for chips.

St. Patrick’s Day Snack Board from Eating with Elaine

On most holidays, I find what people struggle most with is getting in enough fruits & vegetables. This snack board is absolutely adorable, & it’s packed with healthy fruits & veggies, so you can make sure you are getting in all your necessary servings for the day.

Avocado Deviled Eggs from Little Family Adventure

Instead of using mayonnaise & green food coloring, this deviled eggs recipe gets its creaminess & festive green color from avocados! It’s a recipe packed with protein & healthy fats.

Dinner

Pot o’ Gold Stuffed Peppers from Super Healthy Kids

The whole family is going to love this fun, festive dish. Yellow bell peppers are stuffed with ground turkey, brown rice, & tomatoes & topped with cheddar cheese to make the most delicious pot of gold you have ever seen!

Rainbow Bell Pepper Pizza from Super Healthy Kids

Rainbows are another theme of St. Patrick’s Day, & eating from the rainbow is another way to stay healthy. This Rainbow Bell Pepper Pizza is covered in vegetables, making it a delicious & nutritious choice for celebrating the holiday.

Easy Spinach Pesto from Super Healthy Kids

This pesto is made from fresh spinach, walnuts, & extra-virgin olive oil, making it a great choice of healthy fats & vegetables. Stir it into your favorite pasta (or zucchini pasta to keep the dish extra festive), add in some ground turkey for protein if you like, & pair it with your favorite crusty bread for a delicious meal.

Desserts

Chocolate Matcha Ice Cream Sandwiches from Nadia’s Healthy Kitchen

Matcha steals the show again in this delicious, raw & vegan ice cream sandwich recipe. The ice cream is made from coconut milk & sweetened with pure maple syrup, & the cookies are made from dates, cashews & cocoa powder, making it a delicious, lower-sugar recipe that everyone is sure to enjoy!

Keto St. Patrick’s Day Sugar Cookies from Veg Annie

If you’re trying to keep your dessert low-carb, try these Keto sugar cookies. They are gluten-free & sweetened with sugar-free maple syrup. The green frosting is made from avocado, monk fruit sweetener, & butter. It’s a delicious, simple recipe that you can have fun making with the kids.

Mint Chocolate Chip Brownies from Bakerita

When I think of green desserts, I think of mint. These Mint Chocolate Chip Brownies are paleo & gluten-free, making them a healthy choice for anyone trying to stay away from processed foods. The layers of brownie, mint cream, & chocolate topping make this treat so indulgent, you won’t even miss the traditional sugar.

I hope you all have a fun & festive St. Patrick’s Day! Remember, if the diet breaks for one day, all progress is not lost. Have fun & get back on track tomorrow.

Evolve, Health, My Life

My yoga journey: The powerful lessons I learned on my mat

March 8, 2021 3 Comments

Me in Lotus Pose – Photo by Joseph Mauler

Note: This post does contain affiliate links. If you buy a product after clicking a link, I may earn a commission off of that purchase.

“Yoga is not about touching your toes. It is what you learn on the way down.”
–Jigar Gor

Yoga, for me, has always been a place of learning. On the mat, I learn more about myself than I discover in most other places in my life. I learn of my strength, my will, and my perseverance. I learn about my abilities, my draw to flexibility (both in my life & on the mat), & my limitations. Most importantly, I learn more about who I am, & I learn to love that person more.

Yoga was not always a part of my life. I was not a flexible child. I could not touch my toes if I wanted to. And for a long time, as ironic as it may seem given my current profession as a holistic health practitioner and personal trainer, exercise was not something I normally engaged in nor enjoyed.

However, when I was 13 years old, I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. This diagnosis came after months of widespread pain in my body to the point that it was difficult to get out of bed in the mornings. I was told then that yoga could help me, both in managing my physical pain & in managing my stress, which would, in turn, decrease the amount of pain I experienced.

At first, I was skeptical. Not only was I uninterested in yoga, but I had no confidence that I could do it. As many of my first-time students think, I thought I had to be flexible to do yoga. It never occurred to me that I had it the wrong way – I didn’t need to be flexible to do yoga; yoga would help me to become flexible.

Me doing yoga on the beach in South Carolina – Photo by Kristina Stout

And it helped me with that in more ways than one. When I finally rolled out the mat & slipped back into Downward Dog, I found that yoga was not just for the body; it is for the mind as well.

The yogic lifestyle began to drip into other parts of my life. As someone who was always easily stressed & angered, someone who lived by a rigid & unyielding schedule fueled by anxiety, yoga taught me patience & flexibility. When challenges came my way, I used the strength yoga had taught me as I held Plank Pose for minutes on end. When negative situations threatened my joy, I learned to flip them around & look at them differently, just as I viewed the world from Plow Pose with my feet sitting behind my head & my shoulders supporting my body instead. I learned to meditate on worries when needed, & to let meditation sweep the worries away when they no longer needed to concern my mind. And at the end of my practice, as I laid back during Savasana, I learned that it isn’t necessarily the work, but actually the rest & relaxation that can be the most important part of my life.

Yoga carried me through some of the most difficult moments in my life. It became a regular part of my daily routine. And I always felt better, mentally, physically & spiritually, when I stepped off my mat versus when I had stepped on.

As I got older, I discovered I wanted to share this joy with others, & so I was professionally trained in the art & began teaching my own classes. There is nothing more fulfilling to me than watching a student come into my class, their body held tight with stress, their mind clearly clouded with overwhelming thoughts, & then to watch them leave with a serene expression, their body loose & mind at ease. Through teaching yoga, I learned another important lesson – my life is meant for so much more than my own experiences. I was given a life to give to others.

Me teaching yoga at Stevenson University – Photo by Dannielle Decastro

Yoga is still teaching me every day. I have a stubborn mind, & I often have to be taught the same lessons again, but Yoga is patient with me, & it continues to teach me to have patience with myself. Yoga has helped me to love the body I have been given, to explore the depths of my mind & spirituality, to believe in my own abilities, & to have grace for myself when I fall. Even though I am a yoga teacher, I still often feel like I am the student in my practice, & this, too, has taught me an important lesson: humility, & in turn, compassion & empathy for others.

Yoga is a journey, filled with ups & downs, back-bending difficulties & relaxing tests of patience & flexibility. But, if you are willing to embark upon it, I promise you will discover so much more than you ever knew about the most important subject you have to learn about in this life: Your self.

Namaste.

P.S. I am currently competing to be the Yoga Warrior of 2021! Voting opens March 9. I would be so very appreciative if you would consider voting for me. You can place your vote here.

Evolve, Health

The best yoga products to advance your practice

March 6, 2021 2 Comments

Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase a product after clicking a link, I may earn a commission off of that purchase.

Students often ask me how they can get better at yoga. As a teacher of five years & a practicing yogi for a decade, my first answer is always practice. Almost no one stands perfectly on their shoulders or hands their first time – it takes practice, & quite a few falls, to get there. But the next thing I remind students is there are more tools they can use to enhance their practice than just a good yoga mat.

Whether you are a beginner looking to get more flexible, or a more advanced yogi looking for a challenge or a deeper stretch, these are some of my favorite products to enhance your practice & maybe give you a little motivation to try some new poses. For me, buying a new yoga product excites me to get back on my mat for a little while & play around. And even as a teacher, some of these products still challenge me no matter how much I use them.

Let’s start with the mat. Having a good mat is the first priority. Gaiam yoga ma t s are high-quality & durable, &, let’s face it, they are really pretty, too. No matter what your style is, you can find a Gaiam yoga mat that appeals to you. For ease of going to class, or for taking your mat with you to the beach or wherever you go, you can pair it with a bag – a lot of Gaiam bags have extra pockets to hold your phone, water bottle, or any extra gear you need.

And with that being said, let’s get into some of those extra gear options.

For the Flow

Yoga straps are extremely versatile. Whether you are looking to assist yourself into more complicated stretches, or if you want a deeper stretch in some basic poses, a strap can help you achieve that. You can buy straps that already have loops for you to stick your feet or hands into, or a more basic strap that you can loop yourself. I often teach students to use a strap the first time they are trying Standing Hand-to-Big-Toe Pose so they can reach for their toes without hunching over at their core (see an illustration here). You can also use a strap to pull your core closer to your legs to deepen the stretch during a Forward Bend (see more instructions on that here). You can watch my video on how to use a yoga strap here.

Yoga blocks serve the same purpose. You can make stretches easier & make sure you stay in good form by using your block to shorten your reach, such as during Triangle Pose, so you don’t hunch over in your core (see a video illustration here). Or, you can use the block to deepen your stretches, such as placing it beneath your feet during a Seated Forward Bend & reaching for the end of the block, rather than just for your toes (see how to do it here). You can watch my yoga block routine video here.

A yoga wheel is perfect for the yogi looking to take their practice to the next level. I don’t care how often you practice with a yoga wheel – it never gets easier. It challenges your balance even more than your usual yoga practice, & there are poses you can do with the wheel to increase flexibility as well, such as Bridge Pose with a wheel. If you have Plank Pose down, I challenge you to place your feet on a yoga wheel & try again. You will feel your abs working like you never have before. I will be releasing a video on how to use a yoga wheel this Monday, so stay tuned on my holistic health Instagram page, Evolve.

For Savasana

One of the most important parts of yoga is actually during savasana – the cool down period when you lie back on your mat & let your mind & body relax. For many people, this meditative portion of yoga can be the most challenging. Completely quieting our bodies & minds is never easy. Luckily, there are some products that can help assist us into that elusive meditative state.

First, try some essential oils. Relaxing scents such as lavender & chamomile can help you to reach a more restful state. You can put them in a carrier oil & rub them in your skin, or diffuse them.

Our physical state can distract us from meditation as well. One of the reasons we do yoga is to stretch & relax our muscles so there won’t be any aches, pains or discomforts to distract us during savasana. But, if you’re anything like me, there is another distraction that shows up halfway through savasana – temperature. I’m warm at the end of my yoga practice, but it only takes a few minutes of lying still for my body temperature to drop. If this sounds like you, consider using a yoga blanket or wrap. It will help you to stay in that meditative state when the chills come, rather than becoming distracted just as you were starting to slip away.

Mala beads are another great way to stay focused. If you are familiar with praying a rosary, they work something like that. As you repeat mantras, you move your fingers from one bead to the next to keep track. When you have gone all the way around the string of beads, you are done with your practice. This can be a great tool for someone who is just starting their meditation practice. Rather than trying to clear your head of everything, keeping your mind focused on one thing can be an easier & still useful form of meditation.

Some days, you just can’t get into the meditative state. It happens to us all. When all else fails, I use this acupressure mat & pillow. Sometimes it relaxes me enough to meditate, but normally it just provides a new form of relaxation & gives my body a little extra love so I still get something beneficial out of my savasana period.

For the Traveling Yogi

Me during 4K for Cancer doing tree pose in Nevada

The beauty of yoga is that it can be done anywhere. As I said, one of the greatest ways to enhance your practice is to practice more, & that means consistency is important. If you’re often on the road, consider using one of these products to keep up with your practice.

First, yoga socks & gloves. When I don’t feel like toting around my yoga mat, I use these. It’s no fun slipping & sliding on a floor while you try to hold Downward Dog. These socks & gloves keep you in a stable position as if you were on a mat. They are also a great choice if you happen to be doing yoga in a cold environment.

And, whether you are traveling or not, I definitely recommend this mat wash to keep all of your gear clean. It’s all organic, & the gentle solution won’t harm your mat. It removes sweat, dirt, germs, & anything else you don’t want sinking into your pores during your practice.

So, there you have it – there are all my favorite items to use to advance your yoga practice, no matter where you are or at what your level is. Yoga is for everyone, & with the right tools & a mat with a design that makes you smile, it may just become one of your favorite ways to show your mind & body some love.

Namaste.

P.S. I am currently competing to be the Yoga Warrior of 2021! Voting opens March 9. I would be so very appreciative if you would consider voting for me. You can place your vote here.

Health

Punch Gunk: The anti-inflammatory product revolutionizing pain-management

February 25, 2021 No Comments

Me after running a half-marathon in a snow storm! I definitely needed some Punch Gunk that day.

Note: This article does contain affiliate links. If you purchase a product after clicking a link, I may earn a commission off of that purchase.

Dealing with aches & pains is something everyone is familiar with, but if you are an athlete, or someone dealing with a chronic or acute pain disorder or injury, you know that dealing with regular or severe pain or soreness can greatly detract from performance & quality of life.

One common solution to deal with pain is to take an over-the-counter or prescription pain medication, but in my experience as an athlete with a chronic pain disorder, these pills often don’t work. Not only am I discouraged by the long list of side effects that come with taking an over-the-counter pain reliever regularly, but so often the medications don’t provide any relief, or they focus on relieving some inflammation from all over my body rather than targeting the actual point of pain that is bothering me.

But now, I have Punch Gunk, & I can honestly say it has changed the game in pain management.

Punch Gunk was started by husband & wife team Cameron & Nadene McIntyre, who wanted to create a natural remedy for pain relief for athletes. Their displeasure with current products on the market was that most of them had an unpleasant odor, were greasy, & did not penetrate far enough to get the needed work done. After conducting extensive research with multiple athletes, & through collaboration with chemist Fred Khoury at Above Rinaldi Labs, they created Punch Gunk. It’s an FDA-compliant topical pain reliever made with nine natural extracts, including aloe, witch hazel, licorice root, & tea tree heart. It is anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, & full of antioxidants; it’s designed to help relax sore muscles, reduce inflammation, fight free radicals, detoxify your body’s cells, & moisturize your skin. Their product has been endorsed by a number of high-profile athletes, including Pedro Minc, Kevin Holland, & Jessica “Evil” Eye.

Full disclaimer: This company contacted me on Twitter & sent me a box of their products to try for free. However, everything I am writing here are my own, honest thoughts about this product.

The cream is like nothing I have ever used before. In the past, I have used two creams to help with pain: Icy Hot for athletic soreness, & magnesium lotion for chronic pain. Icy Hot is nice, but it’s a tad intense, & the medicinal smell isn’t always my favorite. Magnesium lotion has by far been my favorite pain relief cream because it does provide relief for chronic pain & it’s made with essential oils & other natural ingredients, so it’s gentle on my skin. However, the pain relief doesn’t last for long – it just doesn’t penetrate deep enough.

Punch Gunk is like a combination of the two, but so much more effective. It had a gentle cooling & heating quality to it, much like Icy Hot but a lot less intense. It smells wonderful, & it’s made with all-natural ingredients. Most importantly, it takes my pain away completely, & the pain stays away for much longer than it does with the magnesium lotion.

What I was most impressed by was the pain it removed in my rib cage. In my junior year of high school, I dislocated three of my ribs, & one of them still pops out of place pretty frequently. The only way I can get it back into place is to see my chiropractor, & when those visits are far apart, it means I have to deal with the pain of a dislocated rib & the associated muscular inflammation for sometimes months at a time. Nothing has ever taken away the pain of my dislocated rib except for a chiropractic adjustment. At least, nothing had taken away the pain until I tried Punch Gunk. By no means did it put my rib back into place, but it provided such exceptional pain relief that I forgot about the injury for hours. That is a huge win for me.

Punch Gunk doesn’t just make pain relief cream. I was also sent a couple bath bombs to try, & I had the same pleasant experience. The bath bomb doesn’t have a strong, perfumed scent; it was much like slipping into a bath filled with epsom salts, but the relaxed sensation I felt in my muscles after my soak was much more enhanced. I felt relaxed all evening, & I slept through the night after my soak, which is another rare feat for me.

I strongly recommend Punch Gunk’s products for anyone. Whether you are dealing with minor aches & pains from sitting at the office all day, or you’re someone who struggles with chronic pain; if you’re an athlete dealing with soreness from an intense workout, or if you are nursing an injury back to health, this product will provide the pain relief you are looking for without any nasty side effects or toxic chemicals. And the pleasant aroma will help you feel relaxed & rejuvenated to tackle whatever you have left in your day.

Punch Gunk’s slogan is “Tough Stuff for the Rough Stuff.” Life can get pretty rough sometimes, but with Punch Gunk, you can tackle all your goals without anything, even pain, holding you back.

Health, Recipes

A healthy hot cocoa recipe for snowy, wintry days

February 10, 2021 2 Comments

Dipping a barkThin into my hot cocoa, because when a recipe is this healthy, you can eat a little extra chocolate 😉

Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase a product after clicking the associated link, I will earn a small commission off of that purchase.

I can’t think of anything more comfy than sitting by a fireplace, snow falling outside the window, with a hot cup of cocoa in my hands.

In honor of all the snow we are supposed to get this week, I thought it would be a good time to share my favorite healthy hot cocoa recipe. While I am for a traditional cup of hot chocolate, when it’s snowing as often as it has been lately, that cannot be a regular drink on the menu if I’m going to keep my health (& waistline) in check.

The secret here is that I whip the milk in a food processor before heating it – this adds a thickened consistency & a nice foam on top of the hot chocolate that adds a richness without adding a lot of sugar or heavy cream. I use almond milk, but any milk will work!

I personally don’t add any sugar to this recipe, but if you aren’t used to using no or only natural sugar, I recommend adding in just a teaspoon at a time until it is at your desired sweetness level. I have found that whipped cream, especially dairy-free whipped cream (such as almond or coconut milk whipped cream) has a natural sweetness to it that gives me the taste I am looking for without adding a lot of sugar or calories.

Check out the recipe below, try it for yourself, & let me know what you think! And if you have a favorite hot cocoa recipe (healthy or not), please share it in the comments – I would love to try it!

Healthy Snow Day Hot Cocoa Recipe

Makes: 1 serving

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups milk of choice (I like unsweetened almond milk)
1 rounded tablespoon dark chocolate unsweetened cocoa powder (such as Hershey’s)
1/4-1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
sweetener of choice, to taste (try pure maple syrup or honey for a healthier, natural sweetener; add 1 teaspoon at a time until you reach your desired level of sweetness)
whipped cream, for topping (I use almond milk whipped cream)
Optional: 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract (use in place of the vanilla extract – this makes a very festive peppermint hot chocolate that I personally love enjoying any time of the year)

Directions:

Combine milk, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, & sweetener of choice in the bowl of your food processor. Pulse for about 30 seconds, or until milk is frothy & thick.
Pour milk into a large mug & microwave for 1 1/2-2 minutes, or until extra frothy & hot. A thick foam should have appeared on top.
Top with whipped cream & enjoy!

That’s seriously it! It is so easy, & so much healthier for you!

Enjoy!

Evolve, Health, Lifestyle

The Sunshine Box: A Revolutionized Self-Care Box Subscription

January 26, 2021 No Comments

The Sunshine Box is not your average self-care box subscription.

We all need more self-care in our lives, but we are terrible at giving it to ourselves. Subscription boxes are a great way to simplify the process – the materials for a perfect self-care date with yourself are sent right to your door! But here’s the problem – self-care is a very personal experience, yet with most subscription boxes, you will be sent a carbon copy of what everyone else (or at least a group of people) are receiving that month.

It’s not the same with the Sunshine Box. By filling out the form below, I get to know you, what you like, & how you actually need to engage in self-care each month. Based on that information, I create a personalized box JUST FOR YOU! It’s a special gift for you every month, & it’s the perfect way to make sure you are making time for self-care in your life.

Learn more about the Sunshine Box & purchase your customized self-care box on the Evolve Wellness website.

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