Tips For Eating and Living Well
It’s November, which means it’s time to start thinking about the people on your holiday gift list! To help you out, I decided to create a gift guide full of products I love and recommend. If there’s anyone on your list who is a foodie or simply wants to be healthier in 2021, keep scrolling! As always, nothing in this post is sponsored.…
I’ve gotten a few requests by friends to create a post about how to become a plant-based eater — specifically how to transform your kitchen so you’re ready to make a few meals in a pinch. We’ve been snowed in the past few days, so I used my free time to compile a list of basic pantry staples (and fridge/freezer staples) that I pretty much always have on hand. And as a bonus, I’ll share with you some of the meals you can make on the days you don’t feel like going to the grocery store for extra ingredients. …
School started back a few weeks ago, which means moms are happy, leaves have started falling from the trees, and germs are spreading. Abby has already come home from school with a runny nose, so my husband and I are doing everything we can to boost our immune systems and stay healthy — from going to bed early to taking turmeric ginger shots.
There is no magic pill you can take to prevent illness, but there are certain measures you can take to greatly reduce your chances of getting sick and/or shorten the duration of illness. Below is a compilation of science-backed ways to boost your immune system….
It’s been way too long since I’ve created a DIY post, so I’m super excited to share the recipe for this Sunburn Spray! Last week my family went to Amelia Island for a conference, so I made up this spray to test before posting it. I know that no matter how many times I apply sunscreen, I always get burned at the beach. And, what do ya know, I burned the backs of my knees during a surfing lesson on the first day. OUCH.
On the plus side, I was able to try out my sunburn spray! And I must say, this spray saved the trip! I actually looked forward to using it because it soothed my burned skin, moisturized, and smelled so good! I basically sprayed it on my legs every time I was in my hotel room, and especially before I went to bed. Ahhhhhhh . . . …
Now that it’s May, I hope you’re taking advantage of the fresh, local spring vegetables — asparagus, radishes, and peas. I love to use produce that’s in season, so I came up with this roasted spring vegetable salad that’s simple, bursting with flavor, and of course, incredibly nutritious!…
Can you believe it’s already December???
I used to roll my eyes whenever another mom bragged that all of her Christmas shopping was complete before most of us had even started, but I now realize that the only way to truly enjoy December in the midst of all of the American consumerism is to get it done early. I hate how Christmas gift giving has become an expectation rather than a pleasant surprise, but what can you do? I just try to get people gifts that are thoughtful and useful, then move on with my life.
For example, I love giving books and kitchen tools. They’re practical and equip people to cook for themselves, thus improving their health. And what better gift is there than good health?…
If you’re like me, you grew up in a typical American household in which the answer to the question, “What’s for dinner?” was always some kind of meat — meatloaf, Parmesan chicken, roast beef. That’s because we are used to meals in which the meat is the star of the show and the sides are mere decoration. Just look at a restaurant menu if you don’t believe me.
But let’s say you’ve watched “Forks Over Knives” and read How Not to Die and are ready to switch to a whole foods, plant-based diet. Where do you begin? How do you feed yourself and your family without leaving everyone dissatisfied or hungry an hour later? How do you make sure everyone is getting the nutrients they need?…
If you live in the Southeast and aren’t doing any gardening this summer, you’re really missing out! We’ve had afternoon rain showers almost daily, which have kept my vegetable garden quite happy. I planted my garden late this year because we had our garden boxes rebuilt and more organic soil brought in, delaying everything. But for whatever reason, the plants love the new soil and the weeds don’t. I’m so happy! …
A question I’m often asked is, “If you suddenly didn’t have lupus anymore, would you go back to eating the way you used to (as in, eating a standard American diet)?” My answer: absolutely not. The purpose of that question is of course to determine whether a plant-based diet is “worth it” for a seemingly healthy person, or if I regularly choke down my vegetable dinner then go to my room to cry over how much I miss chicken fingers and baked brie. Trust me, it’s so worth it….
Last weekend was the third annual Plant-based for Prevention of Disease conference, hosted by NC State in Raleigh. I attended last year and was blown away by the number of doctors (M.D. and Ph.D), dietitians, and researchers who spoke about the many benefits of a plant-based diet. It was also a great opportunity to commune with like-minded people and discuss the challenges of convincing people to change their diets….
I often find myself asking my friends, “Have you tried ______ yet? I’m obsessed with it!” And since lists of current obsessions are quite common in the blogging world, I thought I’d share mine with you in this fun little post. …
I can’t tell you how many strangers have come up to us in restaurants and told us they were amazed by what our toddler was eating — whether it was Brussels sprouts, broccoli, tofu, etc. Abby, now two years old, loves to eat. And even though I’d like to take all of the credit for her great diet, I know that parents have to work with the cards they are dealt. Some kids are naturally picky eaters, and there isn’t much parents can do about it….
