What is Your Microbiome and Why Should You Care

Thank you for your response to my “Ask the Health Coach!” email.  I got this great question from Tonja Hall (actually she had two questions but I thought I would leave the other for a later date!)   “There is a lot of discussion about microbiome and the health of our gut. How does one know the best probiotic to buy for my gut flora and is there a test to let me know the makeup of my microbiome?”   Great question, Tonja!  There is a lot of research and discussion going on in this area of health and nutrition. New information is coming out almost daily and it can be confusing. Read on to find out more. Read More

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The Secret to Crunchy Roasted Chickpeas

Have you heard about these wonderful crunchy bits called Roasted Chickpeas?  They make a great snack, especially as we head into the cooler weather of fall.  I love to make them when I have a hankering for something crunchy, and since they're packed with nutrition, they make an excellent satisfying snack. You can make them with cooked garbanzo beans, but they also are delicious using canned beans.  If you would like to use dried beans, I have included a recipe below.     This is an easy-to-make snack that is delightfully crunchy, IF you make them with this simple tip. Read More

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Garlicky Kale Chips

It's National Kale Chip Day, October 2, 2019! In honor of the day I thought I would post one of my favorite kale recipes, my Garlicky Kale Chips.  They are a fun go-to snack or make a great appetizer when you are entertaining. I  make mine in my dehydrator, but you can also pop them into the oven for a crispy, yummy treat.  The red bell peppers and cashews lend a slight sweetness to the dish. So why does kale get a day of its own? Read More

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Can Being Bad, Be Good?

Confession: I made a last minute change to this month’s blog.  I was all set to write about a featured seasonal food, but something important came up – a beautiful summer day, the wonderful sunny kind that just begs to be enjoyed.  So instead of staying indoors, I did a little gardening and then reconnected with a dear friend to go bicycling.    I am so glad I did too!  Here’s what I learned. Read More

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8 Reasons Walking Might Be a Good Exercise Option for You

How much walking do you really need to maintain a basic level of fitness? And is walking better for you than a strenuous workout at the gym? The answers depend on how fit you are to start with and what your fitness goals are.  For instance, are you trying to get back in shape, lose weight, or improve your health? Here are some factors to help you decide if walking is the ideal exercise program for you. Read More

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Are White Veggies Good for Us?

“Why bother using white onions or cauliflower?” That is the question I have gotten from some of my clients when I explain the importance of eating a variety of colorful vegetables and fruits every day. If the color in our produce signifies health benefits for us, what could these colorless vegetables possibly offer us? Turns out a lot! Read More

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Healthier Holiday Eating with Self Compassion

The holiday season is full of opportunities to reconnect with friends and family.  For many of us that involves festive get-togethers with tempting holiday food and drink.  One of the hardest things this time of year is feeling you have to “deny” yourself in order to “be good” when it comes to healthy eating and drinking. So, what can we do to ensure we don’t go “overboard” with eating this time of year? Read More

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Almond Psyllium Bread: My new favorite!

About 7 years ago, for health reasons, I eliminated processed wheat breads from my diet.  I wanted to avoid gluten, highly processed finely-ground flours, and other added chemicals that can sometimes be found in these products. Instead I satisfied my carbohydrate cravings by adding in beneficial vegetables and fruits to my diet.  Today I can say that I feel so much better; I have more energy, and rarely, if ever, suffer from the nagging joint pain that used to accompany the inflammation in my joints.  I am not looking to take a mid-afternoon nap either.  Nor am I having those late night cravings for something sweet. BUT EVERY NOW AND THEN I CRAVE... Read More

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A Perfect Day with Your Recommended Amount of Veggies and Fruit

Are you one of the many that are a little overwhelmed with all the fresh veggies and fruits available in the summer?  Do you find you tend to buy the same vegetable or fruit because it is familiar and easy to prepare?  Let’s take a quick look at how much we should be eating of these healthy foods each day.  I will even supply two examples of daily menus that include the recommended amount by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) AND include recipes that use seasonal vegetables and fruit, ensuring you are getting the maximum variety and nutrition in your summertime meals! Read More

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Three Bright Summer Sauces for You to Try

Lemony Mustard Green Pesto with Horseradish Carrot Top Pesto with Cashew and Mint Chimichurri with Cilantro and Mint   I love finding creative ways to “add-in” more good foods into my diet. That way I am full and satisfied and less likely to reach for tempting, but less healthy foods.    Summer sauces are a great way to pack in more nutrient dense green veggies in a fun, flavorful way!   These 3 recipes will encourage you to use some less common greens that are abundant right now.  Read More

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Got Sunscreen? Tips for Staying Healthy in the Sun

It’s that time of year again. The weather is warming up, and with it (hopefully) there will be more sunshine. Soon we will all be itching to be outside basking in its warmth. Time to get out the sunscreen, right? Well, maybe. Depends on what’s in your sunscreen brand. But sunscreen is not the only answer, so next month we will be looking at how to develop sun protection from the inside out! (That’s right, food that provides natural skin protection!) There has been a lot in the news lately about the safety of sunscreen. Read More

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What I Do When I Have a Cold

I felt it last week. That tickle at the back of my throat when I woke up in the morning. Before I knew it I had a full-blown, head-stuffing cold. The kind where you can’t smell or taste anything, and you can’t stop blowing your nose. Yep, that was me. Four or 5 years ago, I would probably popped a severe cold and flu capsule everyday and night until this passed. Now I take a different more holistic (and kind to my body) approach. And, surprise, instead of being out of commission for several days, I was feeling myself in just a day and a half. Here’s my routine for when I am feeling under the weather. Hint: a chicken soup recipe is involved. Read More

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