Over the course of 2019, I spent approximately 800 hours in the kitchen and about the same amount of time eating. That being said, a good portion of my life (about 18%) revolves around food, and that’s not even counting the time I spend thinking…
My family used Hello Fresh for about a year, and this Mediterranean couscous recipe was a unanimous favorite. That’s saying quite a bit, because we all have extremely different tastes! Now, it’s made it’s way into my regular dinner schedule. Although it’s not a completely…
For every lazy day, busy day, chilly day, and any day in between, this chili is perfect. My (mostly plant-based) family even made it for Thanksgiving! Nutritious and flavorful, it’s easier than easy to make. Simply let it simmer while the veggies get tender and…
Thinking of hot cocoa brings back such fond memories. My sister and I had quite a tradition of running inside to make hot chocolate once our fingers nearly turned to icicles and we were finally finished playing outside in the snow. We would recklessly stomp…
In this grain bowl, a tasty and exotic blend of fruits and vegetables is served over a nutritious base of farro, sweet potatoes, and kale. The flavor complexity and multitude of texture bring a wow factor to the dish. It’s filled with healthy carbohydrates to…
Mornings are so much better when you have a cute and delicious parfait to enjoy – starting your day fresh with a vibrant and healthy jar of goodness just feels so good. With plenty of textures to enjoy, this berry pomegranate chia parfait is so…
On top of the regulating health benefits of SWEET CHI by aha Pure Foods, this curry is a balanced meal in itself! It has plenty of whole grains, healthy carbohydrates, fiber, and plant-based protein to make for a satisfying and nutritious meal. The chickpeas and…
Whenever I fail to plan dinner, or I am a bit short on time, I find myself cooking up a good old grain bowl. To be honest, I probably have a mixture of grains, veggies, and beans all mixed together with some sort of yummy…
This toast is totally loaded and absolutely delicious. The recipe starts with a simple piece of bread, but you’ll end up with a peachy, nutty, cinnamon-y, and naturally sweet breakfast feast. My mouth is watering just thinking about it! Chia seeds, granola, and berries make…
These black bean burgers are healthy, delicious, and a tad bit spicy. They are great with the simple sauce included in the recipe, but are delicious (and vegan) on their own as well. I love making a big batch and freezing them for later use. …
Red bell peppers create a vibrant base, the quinoa adds a hearty fluffiness to the dish, and the chickpeas provide a great source of plant-based protein. Meanwhile, scallions, dried apricots, and a Middle Eastern inspired spice blend add an incredible depth of flavor to this…
Cherry season is coming up, and that means it’s time for some cherry creations! I was inspired by my love of chocolate covered cherries and my regular parfait regimen to create something like this: a parfait complete with loads of cocoa, chia seeds, yogurt, and…
Sydney Offering coffee and a variety of food options, Basket Brothers seems like any other Sydney café at first glance. However, the freshness and quality of the food, as well as the friendly service, set it apart from the rest. The coffeehouse, bar, and…
There were two good things that came out of a tiring 46 hour travel “day” from Australia: I adjusted very quickly to the Eastern time zone, and I got inspiration for these egg bites. After three flights and 36 hours of being in planes and…
My three favorite grab-and-go breakfasts – chia seed pudding, smoothies, and yogurt parfaits – all rolled into one! Here’s a healthy, balanced meal or snack that could easily be mistaken for dessert any day. With the texture of pudding and a creamy, fruity flavor, this parfait…
Spring always calls for fresh greens, and this dish complements the season perfectly! With vibrant berries and a bit of goat cheese, there is a great balance of sweet and tangy. However, the real star is these sweet curry roasted chickpeas! With an Indian inspired…
Roasted chickpeas are one of my favorite snacks because they are just so healthy and delicious! With an abundance of spices to choose from, you can flavor them however you would like. This particular version is inspired by Indian food, but has a cinnamon kick. …
Switch up your breakfast or snack with this super easy chia seed pudding parfait! Perfect for a pre/post-workout snack, chia seeds offer many benefits such as omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants. In addition, the chia seed pudding parfait is vegan, dairy free, paleo, and gluten…
Ahhh – the green smoothie. The first time I saw my health focused coach drinking one several years back, I was appalled. Why would someone want to drink something green? I thought green was for vegetables, not a smoothie. When I finally tried one, much…
It was a chilly December day in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Snowflakes were falling, and my stomach was growling. It was the morning after a gymnastics competition, and my family was speed walking through the cold to a local breakfast restaurant. Once we settled inside, pulled…
I’m not sure I have met a smoothie bowl I don’t like, but this one is definitely my favorite. I eat this after almost every hard workout for recovery, and I never seem to get tired of it. There is something about berries and banana that…
A little story about this French toast… I woke up Monday morning feeling revitalized after a rough weekend. I had come down with a bug on Saturday, and it forced me to miss my team’s competition. I watched what turned out to be the last…
I make this salad every time I have any leftover sweet potatoes, without fail! I’ve even roasted some sweet potatoes just to make this salad. It has become one of my favorites, due to its balanced nature and sweet flavor. Overall, this vegan meal is delightful, colorful, and…
Writing something like this is never easy. Unfortunately, my team had a rough end to our season, as it was cut short before we could fight for our ultimate goal: winning the NCAA National Championships. We had been pushing and pushing, committing everything we had…
Are healthy peanut butter cups a thing? Probably not, but these energy balls come really close. I mean, memories of Reese’s instantly popped in my mind when I tried the first bite. With only 5 simple ingredients, they come together in a flash. It’s almost…
Iceberg lettuce was the only kind of lettuce I would eat when I was younger. I loved the crunch of the white part, even though it had virtually no flavor. Things have completely changed now, as I usually opt for more leafy greens, thanks to…
One of my favorite things about energy bites is how many flavors you can create… and these coconut chocolate ones certainly do not disappoint. Thanks to the dates and cocoa powder, they are a healthy snack that tastes like dessert! With only a few ingredients,…
Although I love making more extravagant dishes, I usually have minimal time to spend cooking dinner (or I’m hungry right away). Reality is, I often opt for quick and easy dinners, and this is one of my go-to meals. In 15 minutes flat, you can…
“Be the energy that you want to attract” I came across this quote the other day. Although it may seem commonplace, it is oh-so true. Plus, it relates to these cranberry almond energy bites! Energy is contagious, both positive and negative. How many times have…
This warming noodle bowl will soothe your mind and body while exciting your taste buds. The recipe stars the lucky bones soup blend from Aha Pure Foods, a natural, plant-based soup company. It has rosemary, bok choy, and great gut-cleansing properties. Get yours here. …
This post spotlights Aha Pure Foods, a local soup company whose values really resonate with me. Their mission to bring plant-based, organic ingredients with powerful medicinal properties into peoples’ diets is inspiring, and they have four delightful soup blends. I can say first hand they…
Cinnamon apples have always been one of my favorite breakfast sides. On french toast mornings, my mom would peel a few apples, cook them on a skillet, sprinkle a load of cinnamon on both sides, and place the whole bunch in a bowl in the…
A little story on this healthy treat: Last weekend, I decided to turn my favorite protein smoothie into a nice cream sundae. I stood on the counter to grab my food processor from the top shelf (short people problems), and took out my ever growing…
This wholesome dinner is a lot easier to put together than it looks. In about 30 minutes, you can be enjoying a Mediterranean inspired dish complete with homemade falafel and a fiery blend of roasted vegetables. Satisfying and nutritious, it’s packed with plant-based protein, whole…
Peanut butter banana toast is such a simple, delicious, and balanced breakfast! It is definitely one of my go-to dishes when I am pressed for time. However, this version elevates the flavors and textures past the basic three ingredients by adding chia seeds, cinnamon, granola,…
I’m sure a lot of people would agree that granola is a total pantry staple. It certainly is for me! As one of my favorite toppings on oatmeal, chia seed pudding, and Greek yogurt parfaits, it is rare I go a day without eating some…
This dish pairs all the goodness and flavor of aha Pure Food’s LION’S MANE soup with a hearty texture from cauliflower rice. The best part, however, is the simplicity. It requires only two ingredients, LION’S MANE and cauliflower, and takes less than 10 minutes to…
This vibrant dish has a unique flavor combination that will bring a party to your taste buds! It is vegan, gluten-free, and takes only about 10 minutes to prepare. Besides being totally delicious, it is also quite nutrient dense. Here is what each ingredient brings…
These pancakes are sure to bring a bright start to your morning, especially since this recipe is a healthy twist on classic blueberry pancakes. These blueberry banana pancakes are just so energizing and nutritious! From oats to banana, Greek yogurt, and eggs – they’ve got…
For those times when life gets hectic, make this vegan recipe a go-to. It’s an ultimate winter comfort meal! With plenty of protein and healthy carbs from the beans, a hearty chew from the rice, and a strong balance of vegetables, this soup is quite…
These apple pie energy balls are great for a sweet pick me up, and they are super good for you! Healthy and delicious, this recipe comes together in just five minutes. A total win-win-win if you ask me! Simply combine all of the wholesome ingredients in…
My kitchen gadget inventory grew recently when I picked up a mini food processor, and I could not wait to use it! The next day, while getting distracted at the grocery store (like I often do), I found myself looking at the different types of…
Avocado toast is certainly toward the top of my “best breakfasts” lists. Why? It’s healthy, delicious, and so simple to prepare! This version adds goat cheese and black beans for a scrumptious twist on the trendy toast. A good source of healthy fats and a…
This warm farrow salad makes for a healthy, balanced meal without requiring much time and effort. Full of flavor and texture, this dish is a perfect weekday lunch or dinner! The chickpeas are vital, but feel free to play with the other vegetables in the…
Energy bites are a popular homemade snack for a reason – they are super easy to make, delicious, and energizing! You can find so many variations on the internet, from brownie flavored protein balls to salted caramel, matcha, and even key lime – the possibilities…
Elevate your lunch regimen with this nutritious salad! Combining pineapple and balsamic creates a perfect balance of sweet and tangy, and the farro adds a lovely chew, not to mention whole grains. The goat cheese provides some tartness, and the walnuts add earthiness and texture. …
This is another wonderful fall treat that will warm your heart and your taste buds. It is naturally sweet with the maple syrup and apples, hearty thanks to the brown rice, and has a lovely cinnamon spice twist.
Full of antioxidants and healthy fats, this champion snack mix is well balanced and ideal for munching. I am a firm believer you cannot go wrong with fruit, nuts, and chocolate… and when those delicious components come together with spiced chickpeas, it certainly brings the wow…
Let’s get one thing straight: you simply HAVE to make these pumpkin spice pancakes. I promise you won’t regret it! Breakfast for dinner, or breakfast for breakfast, they are the perfect fall treat. They smell amazing, they taste even better, and they are good for…
These granola balls are such a yummy and healthy grab-and-go snack. Fruity, nutty, and chewy, they are so much better than standard granola bars you find in a grocery store. For one, they are cute and bite sized, so you can just pop a few…
