Each new Spring I take a moment to remind myself to focus on growth. As the natural world begins to change and flourish, I ask myself, what am I doing to make sure I'm growing, as a person? There are a lot of elements that go into this: volunteering more, being kind and positive, tackling new challenges, and setting aside time to be creative...And then there's food. Food plays a huge role in how we feel day to day, how much energy we have to achieve our goals, and how capable we feel of giving back to the people around us. So this season, with growth in mind, I've put together a list of 5 foods I want to eat more of this Spring, because growth starts with the smallest choices, just as a flower begins with a seed!​

Think getting your greens is hard? Maybe it's just time to rethink your moves!

Here's the real deal: Greens go with everything. 

Also the CDC says only 27 percent of you are getting your greens and I care about you, okay? Eat ALL the spinach!



The Green Smoothie
It’s quick, it’s fuss-free and totally easy to prep ahead of time if that's your thing. Simply add your greens, a little fruit, some kefir, and whatever else you love to put in your smoothie into a container or reusable ziplock bag and freeze. Add to your blender with a little extra liquid when it’s smoothie time! If you're throwing together your smoothie in real time, just toss greens into whatever you would have made. It's so easy, you might just forget they're in there.

Green Juice
Juicing is one of the quickest ways to nourish your body with easy to absorb nutrients. Plus it’s portable! If you don’t have time to make a green juice, you could buy one from a juice bar.


Steamed or Sauteed Greens
Many leafy greens contain fat-soluble vitamins, so to best absorb these, we need to eat our greens with a little fat! Lightly sauteeing your greens or steaming them for a few minutes and serving them with avocado will help to make sure you’re getting the most out of your greens! Plus, it's an incredibly easy way to cook your crew's seasonal favorites. Check out one of my favorite recipes here! RECIPE


Salads
A super simple way to get more greens into your diet is to enjoy a salad. But to prevent boredom from eating the same salads day in, day out, switch things up! Why not try this Chopped Salad Recipe that I just can't get enough of? RECIPE


Lettuce Cups/Wraps
Want an easy way to make tacos, burritos, or rice paper rolls? Use leafy greens instead! Collard greens, silverbeet, cos lettuce, swiss chard and even cabbage all make great cups or wraps and help boost your nutrient intake of these alkalizing foods! Looking for dinner inspiration? I'll confess, sometimes I tweak this family favorite and replace the daikon radishes with some fluffy greens. RECIPE

A few weeks ago, my family and I rented some top-notch bikes and took off on a mountainous adventure through the rolling hills of the Ozarks. We spent quite a few days there, taking in the sun soaked-blue skies and the endless forests. It was a reminder, as most outdoor adventures are, not to discount the importance of nature in our busy, technology driven lives. 

I never get over how lucky I am to get to be active with my family and friends. I know no better than feeling than sharing these types of spectacular moments with my son, as he appreciates what a wonderful thing it is to be alive. 

It was a camping trip, so of course I had the requisite cup-a-noodles! But hey, if I eat spinach with this, it's totally better for me, right? ​

I won't belabor the description of how to do a proper wall-sit. You sit! Like you're in an imaginary chair with your back straight against the wall. The most important part is to make sure that your legs are bent at a clean, 90 degree angle. No knees hanging out over your toes! 

Start out holding your plank for how ever long you can and work up from there. Ideally, you'll be able to hold the pose for at least two minutes - That's when you start to get into really good muscle building territory. If you can hold your wall-sit for longer, that's even better. Do however many reps it takes you to get to 12 minutes each day. 

If you're up for it, there are lots of ways to tone your arms while doing a wall-sit as well. Hold your arms up overhead, add in some light hand weights and do curls or straight arm lifts, or simply press your hands together like I am in this picture, applying a constant force. There are endless combinations of ways to tone your arms while you're working your legs. 

Every once in a while, I like to invite the whole crew over for brunch. It's a fun weekend tradition that brings my family together, including my older children and some of my nieces and nephews. As you can imagine, we get quite a few different eaters in the room! So when I'm looking for a recipe that's simple, quick, and sure to satisfy even the pickiest of our crew, this is what I usually turn to! The cook time is so short that I usually start the meal as everyone crowds into the kitchen for coffee, and it's usually done by the time everyone finishes that leisurely first cup. This dish is also perfect because it's so healthy and easy to customize. I can add or leave out parts of the meal without having to change the recipe for everyone else! This weekend I threw this dish together to serve 8 happy eaters, and we were all so satisfied! The recipe below serves 4, but you can double it or tweak it easily. If you've got a hungry teenage boy (I do!) then you might add an extra egg or cook up another portion size. This breakfast is guaranteed to be fast, packed with good nutrition, and terribly delicious. 

INGREDIENTS
10 oz bag of shredded red cabbage (approx. 3 cups packed full)
1 C. chopped Kale
1 sliced Avocado
1 sliced Onion
Large non-stick skillet with snug fitting lid
2 T. Water
2-4 Tbsp Balsalmic Vinegar
4 Large or Medium fresh eggs (the older an egg gets the more likely the white will be watery and the yolk will break)
1 tsp Black Pepper (season to taste)
1 tsp Sea Salt (season to taste)
1 package Extra-Lean Ground Sausage (can be turkey!)

DIRECTIONS

1. Heat the water in the skillet over med-high heat, then add the bag of cabbage and greens if you are adding. Sprinkle the top of the cabbage with 2-4 Tbsp of flavored balsamic vinegar.  I love white balsamic with pear or raspberry!  Place the lid on and let steam 2-3 minutes while you get the eggs.
2. Turn the heat down to low, remove the lid, and carefully crack and place 4 eggs on top of the cabbage and kale. You are trying to keep them from spreading out too much, so keep the shell close to the surface and slide the egg out.  Leave some space between the eggs, and the edge of the pan.
3. Put the lid back on and let the eggs steam poach for 4 - 8 minutes, depending on how firm you like your egg yolks. The whites need to get fully cooked though before you turn the heat off.
4. Remove from the heat, let the steam dissipate by taking the lid off.  Serves 4 portions of cabbage and 1 egg each, or you can double up on the eggs and cabbage depending on your needs and hunger.
5. Plate your meal! Pair with extra-lean sausage patties (cooked in skillet), sliced avocado, sea salt and black pepper, sautéed onion, and extra greens! If you're looking to make this meal extra fun, I sometimes add little parfait cups of fresh, sliced fruit in greek yogurt sprinkled with a few sun flower seeds! It's SO good.  

There's something so soothing about whipping up a delicious confection or baked treat - The smell, the ritual...it's addicting before you even get to eating the food! And then there's the tradition: Baking brings the family together. So, in effort to keep your baking fun, warm, and guilt-free, here are my favorite healthy secrets for making any baked-good recipe a little better for you. 

Step 1: Add Some Fruit

One incredibly easy way to cut down on the sugar in a baking recipe is just to add in some fruit. The frozen blueberries that I tossed into these muffins pack a sweet and tangy punch. As a result, I just don't have to use as much sugar to make them incredibly satisfying. Another fun swap that I use is actually ditching the processed white sugar altogether. I use natural honey if my recipe still needs a sweet kick. If you can afford it, use honey that's sourced locally (it will help make your body less vulnerable to seasonal allergens). Farmer's Market, anyone? 

Step 2: Switch Up Your Grains

Let's just say it: That ultra-processed, bleached white flour isn't doing anything for you. I recommend using a combination of whole wheat flour and old fashioned or rolled oats! The oats are my favorite, because they add great texture and have way more fiber. No one wants to eat a muffin and still feel like they're starving, so make your baked good more satisfying by swapping out some flour for oats.

Step 3: Go For Yogurt

Alright, this one is actually brilliant. Got a recipe that calls for sour cream, milk, an oil? Of course you do! Almost every baked good calls for at least one of these ingredients. Ditch it and just supplement the same amount of unsweetened greek yogurt or plain kefir, mixed with water. Most muffin recipes call for milk and oil, but the ones I baked this morning were just my trusty combination of kefir whisked with a little water until it had about the same thickness as regular milk. I'm serious, just put a little bit of yogurt in a glass measuring cup, add water until you've reached whatever liquid amount you're replacing, whisk together, and voilá. Adding a little greek yogurt or kefir will make your recipe light, moist, and give it a boost in protein! If you want, you're the only one who needs to know. Making this change shouldn't affect the flavor of your recipe. 

Have fun baking all your favorites with your new set of healthy swaps! Do you have your own healthy hack we all should know? Tell us about it in the comments! I'm always excited to hear about new ways to make our favorite activities healthy and stress-free! 

You've probably heard of Matcha by now, and if you haven't, welcome to the in-crowd - It's hip, it's trendy! Matcha is the powdered green tea that's taken the world by storm, and for good reason. When I'm in need of an afternoon pick-me-up, it's not coffee I turn to. Don't get me wrong, I love a good cup of coffee - alway will! - but here are the 4 reasons Matcha just might be better than your average cup of joe. ​
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1. Matcha has a better caffeine high: By “better” I mean that coffee’s caffeine high wreaks more havoc on the body. It starts off with a blast and ends in a crash. Coffee causes spikes in adrenaline glucose and insulin levels, which in turn create jitteriness, nervousness, and every once in a while, crazy hunger pangs. In contrast, Matcha is known for having a "calming" energy. At about half the caffeine level of coffee, the powdered tea hits that sweet spot for me between being too hyped and being unable to give the attention I need to a new project.
2. Matcha helps you burn calories: Drinking Matcha green tea has been shown to increase metabolism and help the body burn fat about four times faster than average. Matcha avoids negative side-effects such as increased heart rate and high blood pressure.​​

     3.   Matcha boosts memory and concentration: Matcha powder contains the amino                         acid L-Theanine, which has been shown to increase the production of dopamine and                   serotonin. These two chemicals serve to enhance mood, improve memory, and promote               better concentration – something I'm always in search of during my workday! ​
     4.   Matcha has more antioxidants: Matcha is ridiculously full of catechins, flavonoids,                   and polyphenols, especially the mighty epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which has                     been linked to so many health benefits and has therapeutic applications to the                               treatment of so many disorders, including cancer.

I think one of the best parts of this green wonder is how easy it is to find! Maybe you haven't tried Matcha yet, but your opportunity is just around the corner! Seriously, you can order this drink at any Starbucks, or you can find the powder at almost any natural foods retailer or Walmart. If you decide to order your first drink, just be sure to watch out for all the heavy add-ins. This tea is so good it doesn't need cream or tons of added sugar. 

When you have to decide between hitting the pavement or heading into the woods, it might be worth it to get a little off the beaten path. Here's why! 


TRAIL RUN­NING WORKS A WIDER RANGE OF MUS­CLES
A trail is innately more bumpy than the perfectly-flat road and it's commonly spot­ted with tree roots and rocks, so you’ve got to watch your step. More sig­nif­i­cantly, you’ve got to bal­ance your body as you run over and around these obsta­cles, caus­ing you to use all of those smaller, quick reflex mus­cles in your legs (as well as core and arms). While the ter­rain of any trail can dif­fer, most often the sur­face of the trail is sig­nif­i­cantly softer than con­crete or asphalt, mean­ing that your step depresses a bit each time, requir­ing you to lift your leg and use more mus­cle each time you take a stride. 

YOUR JOINTS WILL TAKE LESS OF A HIT ON THE TRAIL
Run­ning on the trail will give your body a relief from the hard, unfor­giv­ing pave­ment. Trails take away a lot of stress from the impact that you’d nor­mally get run­ning on harder sur­faces. Some of the forces that would nor­mally be trans­mit­ted from the pave­ment up to the ankles, knees, shins, and hips are dis­si­pated when the foot hits the ground on the trails, because there’s some give there.

THE FRESH AIR IS GOOD FOR YOU AND YOUR LUNGS
One of the best rea­sons to run on the trail is to get some fresh air—literally. Road run­ners in rural areas may have less traf­fic to grap­ple with than those who run on urban ter­ri­tory, but for both groups, get­ting out into the woods for a run is bet­ter for the lungs.

YOU CAN’T ZONE OUT, BUT YOU CAN GET IN THE ZONE
Trail run­ning requires intense focus. Even if you’ve hit the same six-mile path for years on end, it ’s going to require that you watch where you’re going care­fully. This kind of focus is exhil­a­rat­ing and ener­giz­ing. What’s more, the trail doesn’t have all of the road­blocks, stop lights and cars to watch out for, mak­ing it eas­ier to get in the zone and enjoy a more stream­lined run. You may even hit a new PR. 

BEING IN NATURE IS GOOD FOR YOU
Trail run­ning takes us up the moun­tain, over the river and through the woods, and that often gives us a much more scenic view than we could ever hope for on an urban jaunt on the road. And if the scenery isn’t enough to sway you to the side of trail run­ners, per­haps the fact that nature is good for the emo­tional and men­tal well being of all humans will be. Stud­ies have shown that just five min­utes of green exer­cise resulted in improve­ments in self-esteem and mood.

IT’S QUI­ETER AND CALMER
Get­ting exer­cise is not only good for your heart, it pro­duces nat­ural endor­phins that leave you feel­ing hap­pier and calmer. But the calm of a good run can eas­ily be snuffed out by the stress you feel in dodg­ing cars or hear­ing the jar­ring sounds of con­struc­tion. Trail run­ning offers unmatched reprieve for those seek­ing asy­lum from the every­day urban sounds. 

There's an emotional connection between how we feel and what we eat. Most of us are familiar with the idea. We find it in terms like "comfort food." Food can make us feel better; it can be a reward; and it can be a source of stress relief. But inevitably, letting your mood control your food has some drawbacks. So here are some great ways to recognize the emotional patterns we create around our eating, and to make those patterns a little healthier! 

 What You Crave: SUGAR
Many of us grew up with sweets being presented as a reward. The very anticipation of a reward triggers the neurotransmitter dopamine in our brain, releasing the ‘feel-good’ chemical, which is very addictive. Can you relate? From a young age, many of us come to associate celebrations with sweets, from cake at birthday parties to being treated with dessert after finishing our veggies. This is part of what makes sugar so comforting.

Change What You Crave: Become aware of the sweets-reward connection from your childhood to understand where this craving comes from, as well as the circumstances surrounding the craving. Establish a new goal or hobby that is healthy that will produce these “feel-good” feelings. Replace sugar as your vehicle to happiness.


What You Crave: DAIRY
Find yourself hankering for a cheesy slice of pizza or a creamy milkshake? Cheese contains the stimulant tyramine and milk contains L-tryptophan — which triggers the release of another “feel-good chemical," serotonin — as well as choline, which has soothing properties. The creamy texture of dairy is also often associated with comfort.

Change What You Crave: Reach for a banana or avocado for the creamy texture, plus a natural energy and mood boost. Then, engage in mood-boosting activities (anything you enjoy!), which will release endorphins and can also be soothing for the body.


What You Crave: CARBS
The urge to eat pasta, bread, and cookies tends to really kick in when we’re stressed or sad. Not only do these “comfort foods” have mood-boosting properties and provide a short-term energy boost, but we often associate them with comfort from an early age. Think: Chocolate chip cookies served up by mom when you had a hard day or the comforting smell of your grandma’s freshly baked bread. When you’re feeling agitated or upset, you may subconsciously be turning to carbs for comfort.
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Change What You Crave: Get creative with veggies to recreate the textures you crave. Incorporate whole, unrefined carbs like quinoa, sweet potatoes, and squash into your diet. Notice when stressful situations arise and stop to take a breath and calm down.

I read a book recently called A Tale For The Time Being. First of all, it's great. One of the characters is a 104-year-old buddhist nun, and during the course of the book, she tries to teach her granddaughter how to meditate. In doing so, she tells the girl, she will discover her "SUPAPOWER." Wouldn't that be nice, I thought, to be able to discover your personal superpower?

​Except, unlike every Marvel movie, our superpowers aren't shooting webs or flying through the air. No, these superpowers are dealing with stress, feeling happier, and being kinder and more compassionate to the people around us. That's the kind of superpower we need in 2018. 

So what is meditation? And what on earth does it have to do with your superpower?

Meditation can be an intimidating term. For years, I thought this activity wasn’t for me. Mostly, I was deterred by the idea that I needed to make my mind blank. “A blank mind?” I thought. It sounded impossible, and when I tried it, I found that I wasn’t too successful. As much as I wanted to, there just wasn’t a strategy that helped me find the off switch.
 
It wasn’t until a little while later that I made an important discovery: My mind didn’t have to be blank after all. The other myth I busted? I didn’t have to steer clear of my technology to protect my mental health. Sure, if you’re constantly being bombarded by work emails and texts, you should find a way to get some distance from those. But when I was trying to get started with meditation, my smart phone ended up being a great tool.
 
There were a few apps that I found that helped me get a handle on meditation, but one of the first and best, I think, for those starting out, is Headspace.
 
Headspace is a free app available for any smartphone. If you want to use it regularly, you can upgrade to the paid version.  I’m in no way sponsored by them, by the way, so you’re getting an honest opinion here. Headspace markets itself for people trying meditation for the first time. They emphasize the fact that your mind can still be active, and that you aren't trying to get away from something.

Done well, meditation is about understanding the mind and coming to know our emotions and stressors from a different perspective.  It’s about learning how to let thoughts pass without dwelling on them—not about shutting down your brain completely. Most of all, meditation is about freeing yourself up to experience things differently.

When we're all trying to get happier and healthier, it turns out that a few minutes can make the difference. If you're curious, give meditation a shot this month. A little mental care goes a long way toward your physical and emotional health. Plus, it's the way to find your SUPAPOWER!
 

Starting out on a new fitness goal this 2018? Don't let the winter cold derail you! Most athletes are familiar with the impact winter weather can have on training plans. As the days get colder, it's harder to stay on track with our exercise. The good news is, it doesn't have to be that way. Here are some simple tips to keep you prepared all winter long. 


​Outsmarting the Cold

1. Don't Wear Cotton
This fabric holds water and will chill your core.

2. Stop The Wind
Stopping the wind is essential, so opt for products that advertise wind stopping material. 

​3. Stay Dry 
This step is so crucial. Choose fabrics that offer sweat wicking protection or plan to head home early. 

4. Don't Be Afraid to Double Up, Even on Your Socks
Adding an extra layer might just be your best option.

5. Get Some Good Gear, Keep It Clean, and Air Dry It
Protect your gear. Good winter weather items are costly, and unless you're planning to spend a fortune, it pays to take extra good care of yours. Let these items air dry, wash them on the recommended setting, and store them well. When next winter rolls around, you'll be ready to get out there again. 

When in doubt, keep those 5 basic rules in mind. It's also important to remember that the cold weather brings with it an extra set of challenges. The extreme temps will force your body to work harder, often causing your paces to slow. That's okay. Additionally, there are just some times when it's flat out unsafe to workout outdoors. Be aware of sidewalk and road conditions, and use your best judgement!

The first inklings of an illness can be a warning signal for many of us, an alarm that sends us scurrying through the vitamin section of our local drugstores, all the while downing Emergen-C packets like they’re our morning coffee. While it’s good to take those first steps when you feel your symptoms coming on, it’s even better to avoid those feelings all together. Here are four immune boosting foods to incorporate into your diet so you can fight illness all year long—no icky symptoms required.


1.     Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds are full of zinc, which helps white blood cells fight off illness. With Halloween right around the corner, it may be a good time to repurpose your decorative seasonal vegetables! There are a lot of great recipes for pumpkin seeds, but my personal favorite is to bake them in the oven until crispy with a small amount of olive oil and salt. They make for a tasty, healthy treat!


2.   Sweet Potatoes
Can't get enough sweet potatoes this time of year? That's a good thing: Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamin A, which fights free radicals that could weaken your immune system. Just remember to hold the brown sugar and marshmallows!


3.     Yogurt
The probiotics, found in yogurt and other naturally fermented foods, such as cold culture sauerkraut, kimchee, and kefir, help your body maintain a healthy and strong immune system. The all contain good bacteria that improves your gut health and will help fight off infections. Pick yogurts that are low in sugar and free of artificial sweeteners.


4.     Bone Broth
Bone broth has been heralded a superfood thanks to the high concentration of minerals. While there are many health benefits of the broth, the bone marrow has been shown to help strengthen your immune system. A Harvard study even indicated that some people with auto-immune disorders experienced a relief of symptoms when drinking bone broth, with some achieving a complete remission. Check out our Bone Broth recipe of the month!


Already Sick?
Sometimes all of our best-laid plans aren’t enough, and illness finds us after all. When that happens, it’s time to break out the chicken soup – really! Studies have shown that there are illness fighting properties to this time honored, grandmothers’ favorite.
First off, we should clarify that we’re talking about homemade (read, unprocessed) chicken soup with vegetables. This soup will contain lots of healthy nutrients, increase hydration, and taste good, too! The chicken in this soothing concoction contains a natural amino acid called cysteine, which can thin the mucus in your lungs and make it less sticky so you can expel it more easily. The hot steam from the soup will open up your nasal passageways, and the minerals contained in the broth and veggies will be easy for your body to absorb and process. Chicken soup really may be your ticket to wellness!

DAY 1! Let's get started on this fun December challenge together! Invite your friends, family, even your co-workers to do this with you! Bodies in motion keep us healthy, happy, and motivated. Remember that no matter when you get started, you can join in on this challenge. All that's required is that you do the moves consistently for 7 days. You choose what day you begin. Looking forward to a week of fitness with you all. It's going to one full Santa's hat worth of fun. Let's go! ​

CASSAVA TORTILLAS
Recipe for 16 tortillas (approx. 4” in diameter)     
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1.5 Cups Natural Cassava Flour (Anthony’s Premium or Otto’s preferred)
½ tsp Fine Sea Salt
Mix together in a medium size bowl, using a fork. 
Add 4 Tbsp. of Olive Oil to the bowl, and mix lightly with the fork
Measure 2/3 C. Warm Water, add gradually to the flour/oil mixture.
Turning the bowl while gently mixing in with the fork.  The dough should begin to stick together, and all of the dry flour mixture should be easily combining into the dough.  If  the dough is dry and crumbly, add up to 1/3 C. more of warm water, adding a little at a time.
When dough begins to clump together, remove the fork, and finish mixing with your hands.  Make sure the dry flour gets mixed in well to the dough.  Form a Ball and let rest in the bowl.

Lightly coat the inside of large cast iron skillet or griddle with olive oil, wiping out excess with a paper towel. Heat the skillet or griddle to medium heat level, just before the oil would begin to smoke.  If it gets to smoking, turn the temperature down just a bit. 
When the skillet is hot, form a ball of dough about the size of a golf ball, flatten slightly between your palms.  Place between two 8” pieces of parchment paper.  Roll out to a 4 inch circle, rotating the paper so that you always roll from the center out to the edge.  Strive for fairly even thickness throughout the tortilla.

Place the flattened circle in the hot skillet, and move on to making another tortilla.  Usually the first is ready to flip when you have the second one done, (~1.5-2 minutes) if the skillet is hot enough.  The underside should get lightly browned in spots, and the top will look a little puffy when it is ready to flip.
 
Nutrition: 1/16 of recipe = 1 tortilla = approx. 70 calories total, with 30 calories of fat (3.4 gm) and 40 calories of carbohydrate (10 gm).  Each tortilla is approx. 1 gm of fiber and 5% of your iron rda.
 

There's still time over the next few weeks to make a visit to your local Farmer's Market. I've been kicking off the fall season with a bounty of fresh vegetables! Last week I returned home with my little re-usable tote bag stocked with baby bok choy, green beans, and red and white radishes. 

I had an incredible time turning these fall veggie staples into a delicious dinner for me and my family. Of course, step one was laying these beauties out on the cutting board...

Step two was diving into the actual prep. As a kid, I used to spend time in the kitchen with my mom, helping her prepare dinner for my dad and my six siblings. We grew green beans in our garden each year, and they were a staple of many of my mother's dishes. I have a lot of memories of snapping beans while she handled the more major tasks. So, while we have a slightly smaller crowd to cook for, I asked my youngest son to help me out by snapping the ends off of the green beans and slicing up a few of the radishes. Making our dinners a family affair makes the prep go quicker and turns a necessary activity into a chance for us to spend time together. Plus, the kids get to learn valuable skills along the way! 

Deciding what to cook was a cinch, because I knew I wanted to incorporate all the veggies we'd picked up, and to have a little protein and fresh fruit in there to boot! 

After we had everything chopped and ready to go, we got to work. For me, fall is the season of skillet cooking! I started off by taking my baby bok choy and placing them in a hot skillet sprayed with sesame seed oil. The sesame seed oil gives veggies a rich, nutty flavor, without adding a lot of sodium or extra calories. I quickly pan seared my bok choy, and then placed them, along with the green beans I'd just finished steaming, together on a baking sheet. I put the oven at 375 degrees and roasted both vegetables until they were crispy and tender.
The final piece of the puzzle was my fresh fruit! To add some extra sweetness and tang to this dish, I grabbed a bag of frozen mango.

Frozen mango is like a cook's secret weapon. It's delicious on any dish, and catapults your meal to the next level. To complete this dish, I pan cooked the mango, sautéing the frozen cubes with a little bit of balsamic vinegar. This trick brings out the flavor of the mango, and creates a delicious sauce that you can drizzle over the rest of the meal for an added zing.

When this step was done, I put everything together in a bowl with some baked chicken. It was easy, fun, and absolutely delicious. Because my family is crazy for radishes, we sliced those up and munched on them raw with our meal. But, if you're a little less eccentric, those can be cooked right alongside everything else. 

The whole cooking process, from tote-bag to dinner table, took about half an hour. ​

Watermelon contains about 92 percent water per volume. Researchers have found that eating a serving of watermelon after a workout may help you hydrate twice as effectively as a glass of water. This is because the water-rich fruit also packs natural sugars, amino acids, mineral salts and vitamins that are lost in exercise.

Peaches hit the scale with about 88 percent water per volume, and they have the added benefit of being exceedingly portable. It's not hard to throw a peach in with your lunch and much on it at the office. Just be sure to bring a napkin! Peaches pack many of the same benefits as watermelon and grapefruit. Their high water content makes them low in calories but high in terms of the "feeling of fullness" that they provide. Even better, peaches are chock full of vitamin C and nutrients that promote healthy skin and reduce anxiety. In fact, peaches are often known as "the fruit of calmness."

​TIPS: Looking for a few more water-packed options? Check out strawberries and cantaloupe!

Cucumbers hold an impressive 96 percent water per volume. If you're really looking to bump up your hydration, consider putting this vegetable together with a high-water content fruit. Cucumbers and watermelon make the ultimate hydration power couple. 

​Celery is the often touted veggie when it comes to minimal calories, but it might be more appropriately known as the rehydrator. Celery is composed of roughly 95 percent water, filling you up without weighing you down. A serving of celery (bonus: you can pretty much eat as much as you want here) can get your body's water systems moving again. Not a fan of celery? You can swap this veggie out for zucchini instead. Both have equal water contents, and their own unique health benefits. 

​Radishes also bring an impressive 95 percent water per volume to the table. On top of that, these veggies boost the immune system, support the health of connective tissue, blood vessels, and teeth, and protect against cancer. If you're worried about the spiciness of radishes, fear not. All you need to do is place these beauties on the grill, roast them in the oven, or add them to a soup. Cooking radishes brings out the texture and the nuttiness of the vegetable. Check out our recipe from this week here!
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TIPS: Still not seeing something that wows? Go for lettuce, green and red cabbage, cauliflower, eggplant, peppers, spinach, or broccoli. All of these veggies are high in water and filled with good-for-you nutrients. 

When I'm grilling vegetables, I like to keep it simple. You'll see a lot of recipes out there that favor heavy spices or lots of oil, but by the time you've applied all that, you've almost completely lost the flavor of the original produce. To add a little zing to my meal, I add a splash of balsamic vinaigrette, and a bit of salt and pepper sprinkled over the top. Sometimes less really is more. Here are a few extra tips to get you going in the grilled-veggie department. 

1. Grilled Asparagus 
Look for fat spears to put on the grill—their meatiness works well with grilling and they're easier to manage on the grate (and less likely to fall through!). Grill until tender with grill marks, 8 to 10 minutes total.

2. Grilled Beets 
Yes, you can grill beets! The hot fire of the grill brings out the earthy sweetness of beets with an added hint of smoky flavor and an almost candied coating. Slice the beets. In general, creating more surface area will help speed along the grilling process. Leave over heat until tender. 

3. Grilled Cabbage
Cabbage is delicious grilled! The sweetness of the vegetable is drawn out, and the crispy, blackened edges give your meal a soft, crunchy texture. Cut the cabbage into wedges and either place them on skewers, or just directly on top of the grill. Cook for 10 to 15 min. 

What can't you grill, really? Some of my other favorites include tomatoes, eggplant, zucchini, green beans, spring onions, and certainly peppers! Any veggie you can imagine, it's probably delicious fresh off the grill. Just follow a few simple tips:

• Grill at high heat
• Slice or chop to create extra surface area for a reduced cooking time. There are only a few exceptions to this. You wouldn't slice Okra before putting it on the grill, for example.
• Grill until tender. A few pokes or a chef's sample can usually help you figure this out.
• Go easy on the oils and spices.

Otherwise, load up the grill with confidence, and when the veggies come off, just enjoy! 


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This delicious recipe includes one of our favorite, hydrating veggies. Not only do these pink-tinted beauties pack a zing, they fight free-radicals, reduce inflammation, and boost your immune system. You couldn't ask for much more from a dinner. Roast, eat, enjoy! 
 
·       1 ½ pounds radishes, trimmed, scrubbed, and halved
·       2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
·       2 tablespoons red or white wine vinegar
·       1-2 Tbsp Fresh Lime juice
·       1 tablespoon snipped fresh chives
·       ½ teaspoon Dijon-style mustard
·       ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
·       Pinch of sea salt
Directions
1.   Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. In a medium bowl toss radishes with 1 tablespoon of the olive oil.        Place the radishes in a 15x10x1-inch baking pan or a pre-heated cast iron skillet. Roast, uncovered,      for 30 to 35 minutes or until tender and lightly browned, stirring once.
2.  For chive vinaigrette, in a screw-top jar combine the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, the wine            vinegar, chives, mustard, pepper, and salt. Drizzle vinaigrette over radishes; toss to coat.

A breakthrough is an incredible thing. For your health, it means discovering something new about yourself, finding a habit that works, or making some startling realization about how you interact with nutrition and fitness in your daily life. A breakthrough signals a change for the better. Now, let’s talk about how you get there, because it’s not just a matter of time; it’s a matter of effort.

1. Work Small
The first step to finding your breakthrough is realizing that it doesn’t have to be big. In fact, a breakthrough can be a small thing that only matters to you – Cut out your nightly glass of wine. Kick your addiction to diet soda. Get in the habit of using online grocery ordering and pick up in time management. Find a little change that works for you and be proud of it. Before long, those little changes start to add up into one big one, and that's a phenomenal feeling.

2. Embrace the Uncomfortable
To find your breakthrough, before anything else, you have to be in the market, and that means getting out of your comfort zone. If you’re in your comfort zone, you’re not going to have a breakthrough. Breakthroughs happen when you change your habits, try something new, or push your personal boundaries. If you're looking for a breakthrough, start by making a change.

3. Be Willing to Fail
In order to succeed, it helps to be willing to fail. As with any attempt worth making, you have to push through the hard to get to the good. I spent hundreds of hours in the water, painstakingly trying out new techniques to make the time pass before I ever found a strategy that worked for me. So in addition to being willing to be uncomfortable, be willing to fail. Try new things until you get it right, and eventually, you WILL get it right. 

4. Be Persistent
Last, and most importantly, don't give up. You'll be uncomfortable; you will fail, but it you keep going, you'll succeed. You really will find your breakthrough. Keep swimming; keep running; keep looking for new ways to improve your eating habits. A breakthrough may feel like a moment, but it's days, weeks, even years in the making. Work for it, and never give up.

• Deanna is an accomplished athlete, marathon runner, cyclist, and swimmer. Through all her many races, she has maintained a focus on sustainable training and healthy nutrition. 

“I’ve experienced many breakthroughs in my health and fitness, but one of the biggest had to do with my nutrition. I learned that I could train, I could go all day long, but unless I had the proper nutrition, I wasn’t going to improve like I wanted to, and I wasn’t going to feel very good.
 
They say in a marathon you’re going to hit a wall at mile 20. The thing is, I don’t believe that wall exists. What I have found is that you just have to make a decision, ‘I’m going to give it all I’ve got.’ What you’ll often find is that you could do it, and you did.
 
Look outside the box. Do something different. Even with food, things that I said ‘oh my gosh, I would never like that,’ those foods often turned out to be the tastiest thing ever. High in fat foods taint your palate. Now, I find healthy foods taste wonderful, fresh and clean. That’s a breakthrough.
 
Get out of your comfort zone. Goodness knows I had never done a polar plunge, but the first time I did, I loved it. Be creative. You can be disciplined, but don’t let those boundaries mean too much. Lastly, remember that there’s no time limitation on a breakthrough. Every day is a new day, so start out fresh each morning.”

This easy, delicious recipe is done in a flash and serves four hungry breakfast eaters! 

INGREDIENTS
10 oz bag of shredded red cabbage (approx. 3 cups packed full)
1 C. chopped cilantro or parsley (optional)
Large non-stick skillet with snug fitting lid
2 T. Water
2-4 Tbsp Basalmic Vinegar
4 Large or Medium fresh eggs (the older an egg gets the more likely the white will be watery and the yolk will break)

DIRECTIONS
Heat the water in the skillet over med-high heat, then add the bag of cabbage and greens if you are adding. Sprinkle the top of the cabbage with 2-4 Tbsp of flavored balsamic vinegar.  I love white balsamic with pear or raspberry!  Place the lid on and let steam 2-3 minutes while you get the eggs.
Turn the heat down to low, remove the lid, and carefully crack and place 4 eggs on top of the cabbage.  You are trying to keep them from spreading out too much, so keep the shell close to the surface and slide the egg out.  Leave some space between the eggs, and the edge of the pan.
Put the lid back on and let the eggs steam poach for 4- 8 minutes depending on how firm you like your egg yolks.  The whites need to get fully cooked though before you turn the heat off.
Remove from the heat, let the steam dissipate by taking the lid off.  Serves 4 portions of cabbage and 1 egg each, or you can double up on the eggs and cabbage depending on your needs and hunger.
Makes for a complete meal if you plate with some greek yogurt and fruit of choice.

This spaghetti squash boat is delicious and saves the dishes! Give it a try the next time you're cooking a healthy dinner for two! 


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Ingredients for 2-3 Servings
· 1 small spaghetti squash (approx. 5-6” long)
· 1 teaspoon olive oil
· 1/2 medium yellow onion, diced (celery is a sub for the onions)
· 1/2 medium red bell pepper, diced
· 1 tablespoon minced garlic or mince a fresh pepper or ginger
· 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasonings
· 1 cup sliced mushrooms
· 1 cup broccoli florets
· 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
· 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese or sub in fresh cubed avocado
· Salt and pepper to taste
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Directions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
Cut spaghetti squash in half from top to bottom. Scoop out seeds and place flesh side down in large microwave safe bowl. Microwave for 7-8 minutes; allow to cool.
Meanwhile, heat olive oil in cast iron skillet and sauté onions, peppers, garlic, and mushrooms together until softened. Season to taste with salt, pepper, and Italian seasonings.
Stir in broccoli and cook for a few minutes to brighten green in color.
Stir in black beans; remove from heat.
Once spaghetti squash is cool enough to touch, carefully use a fork to scrape out spaghetti squash
strands and transfer to a bowl.
Toss spaghetti squash with cooked veggies and 1/4 cup cheddar cheese.
Pour spaghetti squash mixture into spaghetti squash skins and top with remaining cheese.
Bake in the oven at 375 degrees F for 8-10 minutes until cheese melts.

Nutrition Information
Serving Size: 1 boat
Per serving:
Calories: 370; Total Fat: 12g; Saturated Fat: 7g; Monounsaturated Fat: 2g; Cholesterol: 25mg; Sodium: 395mg; Carbohydrate: 52g; Dietary Fiber: 10g; Sugar: 4g; Protein: 19g
Nutrition Bonus:
Potassium: 994mg; Iron: 20%; Vitamin A: 16%; Vitamin C: 130%;
Calcium: 33%