Who doesn't love Sunday morning pancakes? More often than not, they leave you unsatisfied, sleepy, and searching for your next hunger fix a mere hour or so after consumption. Refined carbohydrates from white flour and sugary pancake mix typically lack fiber and protein that keep you full and sustain your energy. Don't you worry; we've got your next weekend brekky covered. Try out these gluten-free, protein packed pancakes which will leave you feeling satiated and energized and primed for all of your weekend revelry.
Read moremy favorite way to fuel after a workout
Adequately fueling your body post-workout is essential to replenish used glycogen (stored carbohydrates used for energy) and to restore strained muscles. Carbohydrates, which get absorbed by the muscles first, and protein, which prevents muscle breakdown, are the ideal post-workout nutrient combo. Opting for real, clean sources of protein and carbohydrates is also important to keep in mind as opposed to immediately jumping to processed protein powders or 20-ingredient energy bars.
Read moresay hello to my little friend
The are many reasons why sweet potatoes are rock star tubers. They are versatile, vibrant in color, and pack a serious nutritional punch. Their flexibility is highlighted in this dish, serving as an edible bowl for spicy and flavorful beans. These stuffed spuds could be a great dish at a causal dinner party with a few options of fillings and garnishes to suit your guests taste preferences. Whole roasted sweet potatoes are also a great item to have on hand. They can serve as a blank canvas and are amendable to a multitude of toppings and fillers - especially useful on "clean out the fridge" kind of days.
Read moreNot Your Mama's J-Pen
J-Pen, as I affectionately like to call this soup, or Jewish Penicillin, is the type of recipe that has becomes habitual from years and years of exposure. Somehow, the steps and process permeate my being and, every time an inkling of a cold emerges, J-Pen is the first line of defense. In my family, each generation puts their unique imprint on the soup, but the root of the matter is always the same. For my version, I add extra immune boosters - ginger and turmeric - to add that nutrient oomph. I also take the extra step of browning the chicken, a simple albeit slightly timely step that yields a multitude of value in flavor. Browning the chicken not only locks in the juices and creates a caramelized crust on the meat, but also the browned bits in the pan add a fantastic foundation to the soup, lending depth and flavor. The finishing touch of lime, which is one of my favorite tricks learned from my Mexican co-workers during my restaurant days, provides a refreshing burst of acidity as well as a dose of Vitamin C. Although this soup is not your mother's J-Pen, it for sure will become a staple in your home on frosty nights or "under the weather" days.
Read moreRadish to the Rescue: Potent Party Starter
The husband and I have a ritual where we do not dine out on Valentine's Day. Maybe it is the countless years of working in the service industry, pockmarked with overpriced prix fixes and catering to cranky couples who feel like they MUST dine out on the 14th, that just makes me want to stay in. Instead, we typically grab a great bottle of sparkling and provision a few special ingredients to elevate our evening meal.
Read moreWhat the F is a Mung Bean?
Every year a hot new food item emerges that is touted to make you feel better and look better. But maybe this trend setting food has been around all along. Mung beans have been praised for their nutrient properties by health-minded individuals and holistic practitioners for years and, most recently, they have started making their way into the mainstream dining arena. So what exactly are mung beans, and once you find them, what the heck do you do with them?
Read moremy favorite way to eat spaghetti
Nothing beats incredibly fresh homemade pasta from an amazing restaurant but, since we can't indulge in fresh pasta everyday of the week, my favorite way to eat spaghetti is from a squash! Yup, that yellow oval shaped squash, when sliced in half, roasted, and scraped, produces spaghetti-like strands of significant nutrient density. This yellow-hued veg is rich in vitamin C, potassium, and fiber, is gluten-free, and is the perfect alternative to pasta. Swap out your basic noodles for spaghetti squash in any of your favorite recipes.
Read moremy favorite way to eat broccoli
I lied. This is not MY favorite way...it's my husband's, but I can't blame him. This recipe calls for broccoli florets tossed in lime zest, lime juice, chili powder, and oil, and roasted until crisp. The outcome is the perfect balance of spicy, citrusy, and, of course, crunchy. Get your broccoli fix ASAP with this twist on classic roasted broccoli.
Read moreradish recs: skip the bottle and make your own dressing
For Birchbox's 31-day challenge, I prompted readers to skip the bottle and make their own salad dressing. Pouring on packaged dressings can derail your good intentions for a crunch-fest. Instead of boosting the nutrient level of your greens, you are likely adding sodium, sugar, artificial flavors, and preservatives. Here are three simple dressings that you can make at home to elevate your crunch-munch game.
Read moreDid Someone Say Lentil? Smokey Lentil and Kale Soup to Fix your Winter Rut
This month is all about manifesting my insatiable love for soup. Not only are soups typically forgiving and flexible, they can be quite amenable to augmentation if you happen to run out of a particular spice or herb. A hearty soup or stew can be repurposed for multiple meals throughout the week, alleviating much of the 8pm, just home from work/gym, grab a bag of blue corn chips hangry drama. For my take on lentil soup, I enriched the flavors with smoked paprika, spicy chili powder, and warm and earthy cumin to add a distinct robustness to this hearty winter soup. A handful of baby kale is added right before eating for added nutrient density and a burst of color.
Read more