This is What My Weekend Tasted Like- No Regrets

January 19, 2015 Miranda Hammer

&nbs… — fresh herbed chickpea falafel salad

For me it's all about balance and compromise. I love eating out, experiencing new restaurants, revisiting old favorites, and reveling in the experience of sharing a meal. But, it is essential to set boundaries within yourself and not let indulges and splurges supersede hard work and dedication. Research shows that people consume at least 200 more calories when eating out. You also lose control over salt and fat intake. In terms of taste, that is not always a bad thing. Waist-line and overall health, on the other hand, can be drastically impacted.

how to live a healthier and a happier life-small shifts for big change

January 19, 2015 Miranda Hammer

Typically, once January 1st rolls around, most people become invigorated about making big substantial change. You try a new workout, do a juice cleanse, cut gluten, but are those changes long lasting? I enlisted Harper Spero, a certified professional coach, and Tracey Lemle, a certified holistic health coach, to provide some simple, yet hearty tips to help you make radical shifts for the most healthiest and happiest year yet!

Friday Favorites

January 16, 2015 Miranda Hammer

Happy three day weekend Friday! Check out a few of my current favorites here.

my favorite way to eat broccoli

January 15, 2015 Miranda Hammer

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.

radish recs: skip the bottle and make your own dressing

January 13, 2015 Miranda Hammer

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.

Did Someone Say Lentil? Smokey Lentil and Kale Soup to Fix your Winter Rut

January 12, 2015 Miranda Hammer

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.

A Soup For The Winter Blues

January 9, 2015 Miranda Hammer

If you happen to be living in Hawaii and nursing the last few drops of that piña colada, then you may have missed the memo. It's freezing here on the East Coast, single digits freezing. The type of bitter cold that makes you want to hibernate until spring, never remove your shearling slippers and cashmere loungewear, and curse that infamous area of a witch.

Crunchy Radish x Birchbox | Best Month Ever

January 5, 2015 Miranda Hammer

Happy January Vegheads! I am excited to be teaming up with Birchbox for their January Birchbox Challenge. Every day this month Birchbox will be sharing thirty-one ways of how to make simple and healthy changes to your day to make 2015 your healthiest and happiest year yet! Check out the challenges here to see what I dare you to do! Let's GO!

rad(ish) reflections on 2014

December 31, 2014 Miranda Hammer

2014 was a substantial year, peppered with highs and lows. It seems like it was just weeks ago that I was doubled over on an ice cold bathroom floor in Paris "coping" with food poisoning, and ringing in 2014. If that was an indicator of the challenges of 2014, then I guess I was forewarned.

my favorite way to eat popcorn

December 30, 2014 Miranda Hammer

Skip the chips and opt for home-popped popcorn that tastes like nachos to satisfy that crunchy craving. Popcorn is loaded with beneficial fiber and is a whole grain that will allow you to feel satiated and keep you full.

Miranda Hammer,

MS, RD, CDN