Healthy Chicks

Ever since having a baby about two months ago, online grocery shopping has become my new best friend — especially when I’m strapped for time. After all, you never know how long of a window you are going to get before the next poop explosion or crying fit.

The first time I took baby girl to Trader Joe’s, I was in and out of there in record time of about 15 minutes, and religiously stuck to my grocery list. Heck, I even skipped the free sample!

That’s why I love Thrive Market, an online marketplace offering wholesale prices on quality products you can trust. From healthy snacks to natural skincare, Thrive’s my go-to for online shopping.

And I can order all my favorites — one handed, with the push of a finger, while nursing — without even leaving my home. Talk about feeling like a Mom Boss!

Here’s a peek instead my Thrive Market cart, including my favorite gluten-free pantry staples, healthy snacks and beauty essentials. Get 25% off your first Thrive order here!

Pantry Staples

• Coconut Secret Organic Coconut Aminos – delicious gluten-free, soy-free alternative for sauces, “soy sauce” and salad dressings!
• Fourth & Heart Grass Fed

Whether you’re a college student with a jam-packed semester (been there!) or a new mom (there now!), there’s one thing we all have in common: our time is precious.

That’s why I like to keep it simple when it comes to cooking. After all, who has the time or patience to spend hours following 20-ingredient recipes pulled from a glossy cooking magazine? Not this girl!

During the weeks leading up to my due date, I planned ahead because I knew cooking would be the last thing on my mind when I got home from the hospital with baby. Heck, I’d be lucky if I got a shower in!

Here are 7 simple, healthy freezer-friendly meals and snacks you can make ahead in bulk when you’re strapped for time like me. Enjoy!

Crustless Quiche

This is my favorite on-the-go breakfast when you’re looking to squeeze in some extra protein, especially if you crave savory like me! Simply scramble up a dozen eggs, and whisk in your favorite toppings. We did one batch with spinach, feta, shiitake and sun-dried tomatoes and another “Western Style” with ham, peppers, mushrooms and shallots.

Pour into muffin tins, and bake on 350 for about … Read More!

Yesterday,  I went to Trader Joe’s to scoop up some healthy goodies to get me through the 39th week of pregnancy, and to shamelessly try to walk baby girl out. While I’m still very much pregnant today, at least I got a delicious meal out of it!

You’ll love this easy Arugula Quinoa Salad packed with colorful veggies, omega-rich walnuts, tangy feta and a delicious fig balsamic. The best part? Lunch is taken care of for the entire week, or you could serve as a side with dinner alongside protein of your choice.

Arugula Quinoa Salad with Feta & Fig Balsamic

• 1 box organic arugula
• 1 c. quinoa (yields about 3 c. cooked)
• 3 carrots, shredded
• 1 package of cooked & peeled beets, chopped
• 1 c. chopped walnuts
• 1/2 c. feta
• Avocado, sliced
• Olive oil
• Balsamic Vinaigrette (I used a delicious Fig Balsamic Glaze)

Cook quinoa according to directions, and allow to cool. Once cooled, combine with veggies, walnuts and feta. Toss with olive oil and balsamic to taste! … Read More!

As I enter the final few weeks of pregnancy, I’m officially in “nesting” mode as we await baby girl’s arrival. Our woodland-animal themed nursery is set up, the hospital bag is packed and I can’t stop cleaning.

The other day, I even decided to make homemade muffins in the middle of the afternoon…for fun! I’m sure glad I did, as these gluten free gems are definitely a new fave. The best part? You’ll likely have most of the ingredients sitting around in your pantry and fridge, making these delicious muffins as easy as can be.

Gluten Free Blueberry-Banana Muffins

• 2 ripe bananas
• 1 c. fresh or frozen blueberries
• 1 large egg
• 2 TB coconut oil
• 1/4 c. coconut palm sugar or sweetener of choice (optional)
• 1 TB honey
• 2 tsp. baking powder
• 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
• dash of sea salt
• 1/2 c. almond or coconut milk
• 3/4 c. almond meal
• 3/4 c. gluten free baking flour blend (I use Bob’s Red Mill)
• 3/4 c. gluten free oats

1. Preheat oven to 350, and line muffin tin.
2. Mash banana in a large bowl, and whisk in all the ingredients aside from the almond meal, flour, oats and blueberries. Slowly add in almond meal,

Can you believe summer is just a week away? I’m so ready for my favorite season that I’m hosting a special Summer Solstice + Salad celebration at sweetgreen Legacy Place next Tuesday, June 19th. There’s still a few spots open, so Boston area friends get on it!

For me, summer is all about keeping it simple in the kitchen with 10-minute recipes, grilled proteins and veggies and lots of “no cook” meals. This holds especially true being almost 30 weeks pregnant, since I’m trying to stay as cool and stress-free as possible.

Last week, I whipped up a simple Zucchini Noodle recipe with homemade pesto and veggies, and it was a big hit with myself and hubby! This 5-minute meal can be served as is, or with a side of grilled chicken or fish, and is perfect for hot summer nights. Enjoy!

Zucchini Noodles with Pesto + Veggies 

• 2-3 zucchini or package of “zoodles” (already spiralized)
• 1 package cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
• 1 large cucumber, chopped
• 2 cups arugula

For pesto: 

• handful of fresh basil
• ~1/4 c. extra virgin olive oil (plus more for desired consistency)
• 1/2 c. walnuts
• 2 cloves garlic
• squeeze of fresh lemon juice
• salt &

When I moved to the suburbs, one of the things I missed most was walking (or taking public transportation) to my favorite healthy hot-spots. Since that’s no longer an option, I realized I had to get used to driving but taking the trip all the way into Boston isn’t convenient or feasible for me anymore.

That’s why I’m super grateful for Dedham’s Legacy Place, an outdoor shopping plaza with a Whole Foods, boutique clothing stores, restaurants and more! Bonus: It’s just a 25 minute drive from me, and I don’t have to fight for a spot on the T to get there! 😉

Since I’m a foodie at heart, I wanted to share a roundup of my favorite healthy restaurants at Legacy Place — some of my old-time Boston faves and some brand new to me!

sweetgreen

Why I love It

I love that sweetgreen is a scratch-kitchen, changing their menu seasonally and sourcing local as much as possible. In fact, they even have a local list in each store clearly outlining where their food comes from. Can’t get much more transparent than that! You can order one of their signature salads or grain bowls, or craft your own … Read More!

It seems as though right now every fitness and wellness company is pushing detoxes, 6-packs and losing holiday weight gain for the New Year. Um, no thanks. I’m so not a fan of the fear-mongering marketing that makes women feel like they need to lose weight to feel good in their bodies.

Also, why do we have to wait until 2018 to “start fresh,” anyway?

How about feeling good in our bodies right now?

Like, today.

As you know by now, I’m not a fan of dieting at all. In fact, I coach women on how to ditch dieting and discover joy around food and have an e-program coming soon on this very topic. Here’s a hint: it’s 90% mindset.

So, where does that leave us? I think we need to re-think the way we “detox” and instead focus on gently cleansing our body through self-care and foods that nourish our body. Instead of thinking of what you need to take out (deprivation), let’s think about what we can add in. Check out some of my favorite things to ante up your cleanse the feel-good way!

1. Incorporate Bone Broth into Your Diet

If you know me well, you … Read More!

One of my all-time favorite recipes from childhood is my mom’s Chicken Divan. It’s a super simple chicken casserole, but the ultimate comfort food. Think: chicken and broccoli smothered in creamy goodness, cheese and breadcrumbs.

Unfortunately, cheese and gluten don’t really sit well with me anymore, so I’ve been having a blast re-creating my childhood favorites my way. But one thing I’ll never compromise on is the flavor, and I agree — some things just aren’t meant to be gluten free (like homemade bread and brownies).

Fortunately, I was able to give mom’s Chicken Divan a little makeover without compromising on the creamy goodness I always loved. This recipe skips the cheese and canned Cream of Chicken Soup, and replaces is with a homemade creamy concoction made with almond milk, chicken broth, gluten free flour and seasonings.

The best part? It takes just 20 minutes to prep, and then you can pop it in the oven and forget about it!

Gluten & Dairy Free Chicken Divan

Ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 2 bags chopped frozen broccoli (or equivalent fresh)
• 3/4 c. Sir Kensington’s mayonnaise (or mayo of choice)

• juice of 1/2 small lemon
• 3/4 c. gluten free panko