I have always admired Laura Wright from The First Mess for a multitude of reasons. Firstly, her photographs and food styling are absolutely phenomenal and a testament to what food photography can be. Secondly, she has incredibly unique yet approachable plant-based recipes throughout her site and now in a gorgeous book, The First Mess Cookbook. Despite being tempted by every recipe in the book, "Cookies for Breakfast" immediately called to me.
Read moredark cherry maca smoothie
I used to not be a smoothie person, but now most mornings involve "smoothie time." I find it to be a simple and comforting way to integrate antioxidants, immune boosters, fruit, and greens first thing in the morning. Winter smoothies are less appealing than smoothies in the warmer months. Yet, on days where it is not 20 degrees F, I love to start my morning or refuel after a workout with them. I rotate my smoothie concoctions frequently, but this dark cherry maca smoothie has been on repeat for many weeks.
Read moresmoky black bean soup with maple chipotle pumpkin seeds
Black bean soup was one of the first recipes that I experimented with when I started cooking through a plant-based lens. I most likely did not soak my beans, and I remember feeling highly impatient with the unexpectedly long cooking time. I even gave up that evening and finished cooking the soup the following day. Through years of legume cookery and culinary school, I learned that black bean cooking time can be fickle, yet the rewarding taste and texture of dried beans surpasses anything that can come from a can
Read morecrunchy radish clean up: how to sustain your healthy eating all year long
Whether you followed my clean up plan to a " T", or used it as a spring board to set yourself up for success the first week into the New Year, the question of how to sustain the positive momentum is quite valid. Most people give up on their resolutions by mid-January due, in part, to setting severe protocols. If your goal is to work out everyday, abstain from alcohol for a month, or go gluten and dairy-free for life, living in extremes is not sustainable or particularly enjoyable. Life is about balance and being in control of your eating habits.
Read morecrunchy radish clean up: day 7
You made it to day seven. Congratulations! Hopefully you have noticed that eating cleanly and resetting your system does not have to boring, bland, or limiting. Making vegetables and whole grains the primary focus of your plate is a simple and incredibly nourishing way to lead a clean and a balanced diet. Day seven closes out with baked oatmeal, turmeric cauliflower and lentil salad, and carrot noodles with peanut sauce!
Read morecrunchy radish clean up: day 6
Protein + veggies first thing in the morning is a fantastic way to get your day started on a healthified track. Adding in anti-inflammatory turmeric pared with black pepper gives your meal an extra nutritional boost. Starting your morning with a healthy and fortifying meal encourages you to continue making healthy and mindful choices for the rest of your day.
Read morecrunchy radish clean up: day 5
I love dishes that encourage a myriad of interpretations and allow you to utilize what you have on hand. Baked oatmeal is one of those meals. I've made versions of the bake with fresh and frozen berries, depending on seasonality, and have added bananas, apples and pears as well as various types of nuts and unsweetened coconut flakes.
Read morecrunchy radish clean up: day 4
Happy day four! Hopefully you are feeling more balanced and properly nourished from three days of clean eating goodness. Today continues with very veggie turmeric scrambled eggs, followed by immune boosting, anti-inflammatory rich curry ginger carrot soup, and protein-filled adzuki bean stew.
Read morecrunchy radish clean up: day 3
Kick off day three with a nutrient-rich and filling smoothie full of protein and a sneaky handful of greens. Smoothies as opposed to juices contain the whole fruit and vegetable, adding fiber and reducing the amount of waste that is generated from juicing. Continue day three with a menu that leans on your leftovers and includes a creamy nutritious turmeric red lentil soup, crunchy poppers, and gingery stir-fry.
Read morecrunchy radish clean up: day 2
Welcome to day 2! Today's menu starts with another breakfast that you can easily make the night before. Chia pudding, overnight oats, and muesli are all healthy breakfasts that you can make in advance and enjoy in the AM. Taking these simple steps help you get into the habit of setting yourself up for the day ahead.
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