Healthy Chicks

Winter is in full force, and if you’re like me it’s a time for reflection, slowing down and finding stillness i.e. hibernation mode. With the darkness, we’re able to find peace within. Winter brings themes of inner connection, contemplation and working on our spiritual selves.

Our seasonal self-care challenge starts up again February 12th (just in time for Valentine’s Day) and you are so in for a treat. Think: cooking with Mother Nature’s produce like brussels sprouts, beets and winter squash, an overdose of self-love, and all the feel-good exercises and meditations your little heart desires!

Join myself & fellow Certified Health Coach / Yoga Guru Kelley Abatzis for a 21-day Winter Self Care Challenge focused on putting yourself 100% first for the cozy season ahead.

THE PROGRAM BEGINS MONDAY, FEBRUARY 12th + INCLUDES:

1. Weekly dose of positivity + clear action steps sent straight to your email (even better than your morning latte!) with feel-good action-steps to implement right away throughout the three weeks. Note: You’ll receive emails on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays!

2. Access to our private ‘Soul Sisters’ Facebook group to hold one another accountable – We’re a firm believer that the main reason we don’t follow … Read More!

Happy 2018, friends! I’ve been hanging low these past two weeks in hibernation mode, as my focus this month is slowing down, meditation and nourishment. As someone who likes to get sh*t done, it’s been a valuable lesson in patience and listening to my body.

As you approach the New Year, I encourage you to take a step back and think about how it is you want to feel. Say goodbye to New Year’s resolutions, and get real with what it is you truly want to manifest for yourself this year. How do you want to show up in the world? How do you want to express yourself creatively? What kind of people do you want to connect with? After all, your vibe attracts your tribe.

Speaking of tribe, I love surrounding myself with soulful woman who aren’t afraid to show up in the world as they are! I’m overjoyed to feature the lovely Holly Bellebuono for this week’s Healthy Chicks in the Community, a weekly series highlighting rockstar woman doing their thang in the wellness world.

I especially adore Holly’s concept of “womanifesting” your business, that is thinking about how we women unleash our creativity and … 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

Tis the season of cocktail parties, holiday gatherings and all the comfort food! During this time, it’s quite common to feel like you’re “screwing up your diet” and “being bad” by indulging a little bit more than you’re used to.

Last week after Thanksgiving, I overheard a woman ordering her green juice. She was coming from the gym, and said “I was so bad this weekend. I need to start eating healthy again!”

Sound familiar? I hear you. But if you truly want to feel better after a weekend of indulging, punishing yourself is not the answer.

It’s time to ditch the labeling.

You know what I mean…

“I was so bad this weekend, so I need to eat good.”

“I ate super clean today and had a kale salad so I can cheat and eat a brownie for dessert.”

“I’m being such a fatty today!”

“I need to go on a diet.”  

“I’ll start fresh in the new year.” 

“That’s good/bad/healthy/unhealthy/clean/dirty/detox-friend/fatty.”

Sound familiar? This type of thinking does more harm then good, and in fact instills fear i.e. If I eat bad, I am bad. But here’s the thing: food is 100% neutral, so we must take all the … Read More!

Cold weather calls for cozy meals on the regular. Hubby and I have been enjoying lots of scratch-made recipes at home lately — from casseroles to soups. This easy 20-minute Chicken Pad Thai is perfect for evenings you’re craving authentic Thai food, but it’s too cold to leave the house.

Bust out those chopsticks and enjoy!

20-Minute Gluten Free Chicken Pad Thai

Ingredients:

• 1 box Thai rice noodles (I’m loving Lotus Foods from Thrive Market)
• 1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breast, cut in small chunks
• 1 package bean sprouts (may substitute shredded carrots)
• 1 package sliced shiitake mushrooms
• 3 TB fish sauce
• 2 TB red curry paste
• 1 TB coconut sugar
• 2 TB sweet chili sauce
• 1 bunch scallions
• 3 cloves garlic
• 2 farm-fresh eggs
• large handful cilantro, chopped
• juice of 1 lime
• 1/2 c. chopped peanuts (I use Raw Amazon Jungle Peanuts from Organic Living Superfoods)
• coconut oil

Note: You’ll save lots of time if you prep all of your ingredients ahead of time, like chopping veggies and herbs, and preparing chicken! 

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and I can’t get enough of all the savory, seasonal foods. While my body doesn’t love gluten and dairy, I’m addicted to warm, gooey “cheesy” comfort food.

Appetizers are a fun way to contribute to a holiday party, especially when you’re attending as a guest. These crispy bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers are a big hit, and they’re 100% gluten and dairy free. The secret? Kite Hill’s Cream Cheese Style Spread, which is made from artisanal almond milk. I hope you enjoy them as much as my family…just warning you to make more than you think you need! 😉

Dairy Free Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers

*makes 32 poppers

• 16 jalapeño peppers
• 1 package natural bacon
• 1 container Kite Hill Cream Cheese Style Spread (I’ve made them with plain, chive and jalapeño flavor)

Preheat oven to 425. Slice jalapeño peppers in half lengthwise, and remove seeds. Stuff each half with a dollop of cream cheese. Slice all the bacon in half, and wrap each popper with half of piece of bacon (covering the width of the pepper and arrange on a baking sheet. Bake on 425 for about 20 minutes, or until bacon is crispy. … Read More!

As the holidays approach us and we enter into cold and flu season, it’s more important than ever to keep our immune system in tip-top shape!

What’s the immune system, anyway? Essentially, it’s a network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to defend the body against attacks by “foreign” invaders. Think of it as your own personal body guard, keeping you safe and healthy!

When our immune system is strong, we feel healthy, energized and clear-headed, and when our immune system is compromised, you may notice feeling fatigued, catching frequent colds or not quite feeling yourself.

Below I share some of my favorite ways to naturally boost your immune health. The best part? Many of these techniques can be done on a budget in the comfort of your own home.

11 Ways to Rock Immune Health:

1. Prioritize sleep, and limit distractions and electronics before bed. Need help falling asleep? Try taking a shot of tart cherry juice, which helps stimulate melatonin production.
2. Get yo’ Vitamin C from citrus, frozen berries or even green veggies like broccoli and in-season Brussels sprouts.
3. Go Green. Leafy greens like kale, spinach, collards and chard are naturally good for boosting immune health!