It’s a new year and time to press the reset button! I believe that we’re all more than ready to begin 2021 with a clean slate and hope for a better tomorrow. The past year has been challenging for all of us (good riddance 2020!), and nourishing ourselves through the difficult times is absolutely critical.… Read more »
Recipes
Lemony Kale and White Bean Soup
- By Dipika Patel
- November/December 2020
Servings: 4 Ingredients: 30 ounces of cooked cannellini beans (2 cans) 1 ½ cups of chopped kale (remove stems) you can also use spinach, Swiss chard or collard greens 4 cups low sodium vegetable stock (or chicken broth) 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped 3 cloves garlic, finely… Read more »
Healthy Inspiration from My Italian Kitchen
- By Janet Zappala
- September/October 2020
Wellness is our most precious gift, and one of the best ways to ensure good health is to keep our immune systems strong, especially in this age of COVID-19. Eating mindfully is essential for strengthening the immune system and fighting disease. Protect your body by eating fresh produce. Build strong bones with foods like broccoli,… Read more »
Keeping with my low carb meal plan, I would like to share my version of Russian Cabbage Rolls with Cauliflower Caraway Rice. This meal is easy to make, full of flavor and great texture. I call it dee-licious! You can make this recipe with mushrooms in place of any animal protein if desired. Enjoy! I… Read more »
Rosemary and Garlic Flaxseed Loaf
- By Dipika Patel
- July/August 2020
With our current crisis, I have personally chosen to take better care of my overall health. However, it’s difficult to be a foodie and make healthier choices, especially when you’re emotionally governed by the chaos in today’s world. And it seems that during these uncertain times, my need for simple carbs subconsciously increases. If I… Read more »
“Let food be thy medicine.” — Hippocrates, the father of medicine Facing today’s COVID, cold and flu outbreaks, our focus should be shifted to supporting the wonderfully complex immune system that protects us from foreign invaders. The best weapon against any disease is always prevention. To build that weapon, we need to feed our bodies… Read more »
Healthy Peanut Butter Cups
- By Lauren Del Sarto
- May/June 2020
Who doesn’t love chocolate and peanut butter? Back in the day, a king-sized Reese’s didn’t stand a chance around me. Now, with a healthier diet, I have found you don’t have to give up this addictive combo; simply change the ingredients for a guilt-free (and nutritious!) pleasure. These Chocolate Almond Peanut Butter Cups from raw… Read more »
The most challenging part of following a clean diet long term is fighting the idea that we have to give up our favorite foods. Missing the comfort foods that once satisfied our savory, doughy cravings does not have to be the case on a grain-free diet. Today, we have access to so many healthy replacements… Read more »
Healthy Chocolate Pudding
- By Lauren Del Sarto
- March/April 2020
Have you tried avocado pudding yet? It is truly one of the greatest creations I have ever discovered. A friend first served it at a dinner party and I shamelessly devoured the leftovers without sharing. It is THAT GOOD! If you have yet to discover this simple and healthy delicacy, here you go. It’s a… Read more »
If you are looking for a new inspiration this year to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables, consider investing under $40 in a kitchen tool called a “spiralizer.” A spiralizer can make long ribbon shapes from a variety of vegetables that can be cooked or eaten raw. These noodle-like vegetable shapes are great substitutes for… Read more »
Chocolate Chestnut Bars
- By Dipika Patel
- September/October 2019
‘Chestnuts roasting on an open fire’ comes to mind when you hear the word chestnuts, but did you know this seasonal treat also has many health benefits? Chestnuts can help improve digestion, are high in fiber, rich in antioxidants, and high in manganese and several B vitamins supporting heart, bone and brain health. I am… Read more »
Okra Stir Fry
- By Dipika Patel
- July/August 2019
Okra is one of my favorite vegetables. It’s an edible ornamental flowering hibiscus which smells of cloves and looks a little like a cotton plant. This aromatic plant has many uses and is an important crop within the U.S. because its fresh leaves, buds, flowers, pod, stem and seeds all have great value. Okra is… Read more »
Cream of Cashew Asparagus Soup
- By Dipika Patel
- May/June 2019
I am delighted to share my seasonal favorite soup for cleansing, for healing and for warm yummy goodness for spring. What I love about this recipe is that you can substitute any other vegetable you wish. Enjoy ~ Ingredients: 1 onion, finely chopped 1 tbsp olive oil 1 tsp butter or ghee (optional) 32 fl… Read more »
Summer is a time for more simple things in life, especially when it comes to food. On hot desert days we tend to opt for lighter dishes that have minimal preparation, but that doesn’t mean we have to give up flavor. This rich taco skillet recipe is sans meat but if desired, you can add… Read more »
Gotta Love Garbanzo Beans!
- By Dipika Patel
- March/April 2019
Protein-packed garbanzo beans, also known as chickpeas, are a very versatile legume whether cooked, canned, or used as flour. In many countries, they are used not only for food, but also in daily beauty regimes because of their many healing properties. Originating in the Middle East, garbanzos are the oldest consumed crop in the world.… Read more »
Fig & Date Coconut Brownies
- By Dipika Patel
- January/February 2019
Superstar figs are full of vitamins and minerals and packed with antioxidants and fiber, supporting the whole body for anti-aging, helping to fight cancer, and treating common illnesses. Fresh figs last seven to ten days after they’re picked, but you can dry them to extend their shelf life and boost some of their nutrients. They… Read more »
Magical Apples
- By Dipika Patel
- November/December 2018
“An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” Seems there could be some truth to this famous saying due to the apple’s high fiber content which helps in lowering inflammation in the gut and aiding digestion and heart health. This gift from Mother Nature is also high in antioxidants which help combat free radicals and… Read more »
Nuts about (Young) Coconuts!
- By Dipika Patel
- September/October 2018
Phew. It’s been a very hot summer. Personally, I must be mindful of keeping hydrated to maintain a proactive lifestyle in this scorching heat and humidity. What better thing to help with hydration than fresh young coconuts, to help us transition into fall! Coconuts have become all the rage in the wellness industry from the… Read more »
Vegan Snickerdoodle Cookies
- By Gayle Schwartz
- September/October 2018
These dairy-free, egg-free, and soy-free snacks are sure to delight vegan fans! Ingredients: 2 Tbsp. flax meal ½ cup water ½ cup EVO coconut oil 1 cup Zulka Morena sugar* Option: coconut palm sugar 2 Tbsp. nutritional yeast 2 cups unbleached flour 1 Tbsp. baking powder (aluminum-free) ¼ tsp. sea salt 2 tsp. cinnamon *I… Read more »
Summer Watercress Salad
- By Janet Zappala
- July/August 2018
This light salad is simple to throw together and very refreshing on a hot summer day. The addition of blackberries, capers and red onions combine sweet, salty and tart to delight the taste buds and satisfy any craving with a healthy indulgence….just toss, serve, and enjoy! Prep time: 10 minutes Serves: 4 Ingredients: 2-3 bunches… Read more »