5 EASY SUGAR SWAPS TO REDUCE INFLAMMATION

Melissa had always been a self-confessed sweets fiend. Gummy bears were her stress relief, and weekend mornings weren't complete without a stack of fluffy pancakes dripping in maple syrup. I got to know Melissa when we met after that familiar ache in her knees had become a constant companion. Stairs were a struggle and forget those long walks she used to love. The doctor ran tests, and prescribed medication, but nothing seemed to make a lasting difference. What Melissa didn’t realize then, was there was a direct connection between her aches and pains and the sugary foods she was eating. Here are 5 easy sugar swaps to reduce inflammation! Read More

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Everything you've ever wanted is on the other side of fear

There I was as a young girl, up on the stage about to perform in our grade school production of “The Sound of Music.”  I was "Mother Abbess", about to launch into my solo “Climb Every Mountain.”  I.Was.So.Nervous.  You’ve probably felt that nagging hesitation – the fear of failure, the fear of judgment, the fear of the unknown - at some point in your life. But, behind these fears and perceived obstacles lies the potential for solutions and a renewed sense of beginning. You just need to get to "the other side..." Read More

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My 5 Top Spices for Reducing Inflammation

While salt may be a kitchen staple, there's a whole world of spices waiting to be explored, offering not only taste but also powerful anti-inflammatory benefits! Try using some of these top 5 anti-inflammatory spices instead of reaching for salt the next time you're thinking your dish needs a flavor boost! I'm including a few recipes as well to help you explore their flavors. Read More

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The family "curse"...

A short while ago, I was having a conversation with Sarah.  She was telling me how frustrating it was to be in a family that is "cursed." “Wait, what?”  I said, “you have a family curse?” She laughed, she explained that was the term they jokingly used to talk about arthritis.  It seemed EVERYONE in her family suffered from some sort of joint pain whether in their hands, feet, back, etc.  She laughed, but I could tell she was only half joking and truly believed that achy joints were an inevitable part of future. So, I suggested to her instead of viewing it as a “curse,” she try to recognize it as an opportunity to rewrite the script for future generations. Read More

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The Importance of Mindful Eating and Get More from Your Food

Have you ever wondered just how long-term stress affects our bodies? Recently, I hosted a "mini-retreat" designed to have the group learn to focus inward and help quiet the mind.  We practiced some simple but powerful techniques to manage the stress we all are faced with every day. Here's some of the tips we discussed. Read More

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The Difference Between a Food Allergy and Food Sensitivity

Eileen* was nearing 60 years old when we first met.   She came to me because the pain in her hands was beginning to affect her day-to-day activities. She had always been an avid gardener but was finding it more and more painful to even grip the shovel for planting. She had enjoyed playing guitar but had stopped because her fingers hurt when she gripped the fret and tried to play the cords. She resorted to using over-the-counter pain relievers but was worried about the negative long-term effects they might have.   Her pain was robbing her of her favorite pastimes – small things that used to give her great joy. Read More

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3 Delicious Cookies I'm Making for the Holiday Season!

(Healthy Twists on your Traditional Favorites) As the year is quickly coming to a close, I would like to wish you a very Happy Holiday Season and Happy New Year!  Thank you for letting me share my passion for healthy living and eating with you over the past year ❤️. I look forward to sharing more of what I know with you in the coming year! BUT before we say good-bye to 2023, I wanted to share with you 3 little cookie treats I'm cooking up for my friends, family, and holiday guests! Read More

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Delectable Parsnip, Pear, and Pistachio Soup

I debated whether to send this out again right before the holiday, but it's just too good to pass up and it would make a great addition to your holiday meal! Did I mention it's so easy to make, too? Read More

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7 Foods to Help with Arthritis Pain and Inflammation

Have you ever noticed that some days your body feels achier than others?  One day your hand (or big toe, hip, back - the joint that bothers you the most) feels just fine and the next day it’s bothering you again? There can be many reasons for this.  For instance, a recent injury or overdoing the joint the day before.  Some claim they can even predict the changing weather based on how their big toe feels. (By the way, studies have been done to analyze why this may be true!) But another reason for increased joint pain might be what you ate the day before. Let me explain why. Read More

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10 Top Foods for Glowing Healthy Skin

Summer and hot weather are here!  Which has had me thinking more about my skin lately and how to keep it looking its best since more is exposed.  Our skin is the mirror to our health. If we aren’t eating a healthy diet, it shows in our skin.  Here is a list of some of the best foods to be eating to ensure your skin stays looking its youthful best! Read More

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Superfoods to Alleviate Stress and Boost Your Mood!

 Stress can come from many things in life and sometimes from a lot of things at once.  Stress hits everyone on a daily basis, and most of us can deal with it, but long-term stress is another story.   This is stress that is beyond someone’s control, like long term financial problems or a family crisis.  You may even be experiencing this right now with the Pandemic. This kind of stress can wear a person down both physically and mentally, and over time can take its toll. If you want to get more nutrition into your body while also helping with your mental health, food is an excellent place to start. Here are a few that are especially good for this... Read More

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