It's the peak of summer, and produce is at an all time high - along with the temperature. Summer salads are the perfect way to maximize your nutritional intake with fresh and crunchy foods and minimize your oven usage. When making salads as mains, I always try to ensure that protein, fat, and fiber are utilized to provide satiation, optimal nutrition, and a range of textures and flavors. For this summertime salad, toasted pecans, feta, and farro are the sources of protein. Farro, along with all the vegetables and cherries, contain fiber, and the nuts, cheese, and olive oil provide fat to keep you full and to assist in the absorption of the fat soluble vitamins. Keep cool and calm with this peppery arugula, farro, and dark cherry summertime salad.
Read morepowerhouse pancakes
Who doesn't love pancakes? What I don't love about a typical pancake is the crash that you may often get after eating a hefty stack and the hunger that quickly arrives an hour or so after eating. What if you can have your pancakes and still feel great afterward? Enter the fully loaded powerhouse pancakes full of Greek yogurt, chia seeds, eggs, and oats!
Read moreArugula pesto pasta with roasted tomatoes, zucchini, and summer peas
If you are up to your ears this summer in zucchini, tomatoes, basil, and shelling peas, not only am I really happy for you, but I've got the perfect summer pasta dish for you too. Seamlessly and simply integrate your summer produce loot into a delicious and crowd pleasing dish that is loaded to the brim with veggies.
Read morerefresh, refuel, recharge with me - a day of wellbeing at the william vale hotel
Join me for a day of wellbeing at The William Vale Hotel in Williamsburg! On Saturday July 29th take a much-needed pause during the peak of summer to recharge and reconnect. The day will feature yoga, meditation, and a bountiful lunch from yours truly. After lunch guests will have their choice of one-on-one sessions including: a nutrition consultation, reiki , massage, psychic, and more; after appointments guests are welcome to take a dip in Vale Pool. At the conclusion of the day, guests will receive a goodie bag to bring their wellbeing into the rest of the week. To purchase your tickets RSVP here .
Read morewild salmon + arugula fennel salad with tarragon yogurt dressing
In the midst of summer, the last thing you want to do is blast your oven for long periods of time. Summertime dietary habits transition to lighter, easier fare, but ensuring that you are getting an optimal balance of nutrients is key. Summer salads loaded with crunchy green goodness and protein are an ideal way to stay nourished and fortified while keeping cool and calm in the kitchen.
Read moremy top 5 healthy breakfasts
Breakfast is probably my favorite meal of the day. I often go to sleep thinking about what I will have in the AM. I strongly believe that eating breakfast is essential to boosting your metabolism, improving cognition and mental clarity and, if you start your day on a nutritious note, you are more inclined to continue making healthy choices throughout the day. That being said, I do not like to overcomplicate things in the morning and tend to veer toward simple, streamlined, and quick breakfasts. Here are my current top 5 healthy ways that I start my day!
Read moresummer picnic staples: chickpea salad + the house guacamole and a giveaway!
Summertime is all about enjoying the outdoors and eating great food - a very accessible combination. Taking long walks in the park followed by a picnic with a few of my favorite foods is my "go-to" summer activity. I like to keep my picnic items simple, durable, and light, so the items are not too heavy to carry, preparation is seamless, and the snacks can withstand a long walk. I also like to make items that are crowd pleasers and not too specific to a certain type of palate - sometimes less is more. Bean salads, guacamole, salsa, plenty of fresh veggies, and crunchy chips are my post-hike picnic staples.
Read moreMy top 5 summer snacks
Just like your wardrobe, your diet changes with the seasons. My summer snacks tend to be lighter, juicier, and crunchier. Here are my top 5 summer snacks that I will be munching on all season long.
Read moresummer reset - ginger turmeric pineapple smoothie time
The official start of summer is almost here, yet it already feels like the season is in full swing. Cool off, refresh, and get your day started off right with a cleansing and delicious ginger turmeric and pineapple smoothie.
Read moresummer reset - green gazpacho
It has been a steamy few days here on the east coast. Cool off with this super refreshing and, easy to make chilled soup - which also happens to be a clean and simple way to continue resetting for the summer season.
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