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Red White and Blue Berry Chia Parfaits
I am a big fan of holidays, especially the ones where themed foods are encouraged. I can always get down with a reason to create a celebratory treat! Here’s the thing though, holiday or not, I cannot turn off on my strong feelings around seeking healthy options, first.
I am definitely all about indulging every now and again, but I am a firm believer in our healthy choices fueling ongoing healthy habits and a ever present healthy lifestyle, all the rest of the days throughout the year when it isn’t a holiday. This means when it’s time to have fun and let loose, I still inherently find myself seeking an option that won’t make me feel terrible after I eat it or undo all the good I do the rest of the time. For me, it’s all about picking my battles and when possible selecting the right foods, the ones that have the power to heal and nourish my body, while still being fun and kitchy. When there is an option for something delicious, but still good for me, that will always be my first choice. #sorrynotsorry
I’ll just say it, I am slightly creeped out by artificially colored foods. There is something so unnatural about all these patriotic-themed treats I see floating around, loaded with chemicals and dyes, it just doesn’t feel very festive to me.
Mother Nature provides us with so many beautiful, vibrant hues, why not take advantage and celebrate with those instead. The bonus: richly colored plant foods are loaded with phytochemicals. These substances occur naturally only in plants and may provide health benefits beyond those that essential nutrients provide. Consider these phytochemicals, bright little disease fighters! Not only can we not say that about artificial dyes, but I would be we could say the opposite, in fact.
According to information from the Produce for Better Health Foundation (PBH), phytochemicals may act as antioxidants, protect and regenerate essential nutrients, and/or work to deactivate cancer-causing substances. And while research has not yet determined exactly how these substances work together or which combination offers specific benefits, including a rainbow of colored foods in a diet plan ensures a variety of those nutrients and phytochemicals.[1]
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Savor the Summer: Gluten-free 4th of July Picnic Recipes
Schools out for summer! OK, well for some of us, it’s been out for like 10+ years, but whatever – it’s still a time to celebrate!! It’s the best time to focus on enjoying the long days of summer with family and friends. Barefoot temps, trips to the beach and the farmers market, making time for fresh and simple meals and doing as much as possible outdoors… there is just so much that is especially delicious about summer. To me, there is no better word for what it we need to be doing right now – than savoring!!
One of my personal favorite ways to Savor the Summer is with PICNICS!! We love packing up some goodies and heading to the beach, to a local park, farmers market or even just our own backyard for a some good old fashioned – dining al fresco! There truly is no better way to enjoy the flavors of the season than with your feet in the grass, your skin being kissed by the hot summer sun enjoying the freshest food the season has to offer.I am super excited to share with you today a bunch of great naturally-colored red white and blue 4th of July-inspired picnic recipes plus a ton of other summer-worthy recipes!
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Photo Fun Day Friday
Happy Friday!! Hope all of my American readers had a happy, fun and safe 4th of July!! Did you do anything fun yesterday??
We’ve had a great week!! So excited that summer is in full swing and trying to enjoy every moment of it.
I froze some watermelon balls (used a melon baller to scoop out fresh watermelon then put it on a parchment paper lined sheet until they were frozen and they have been delicious in sparkling water.
Seri can always find even the smallest patch of sunlight shining in.
The view from my yoga mat at Wanderlust Yoga in the City. Yoga amongst hundreds of strangers under the hot sun on the Santa Monica Pier. It was perfection.
I am getting really creative with the zucchini around here, since I have so much of it. Look for this recipe later this week.
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No-Bake Vegan “Cheesecake” – Gluten-free + Refined Sugar-free
This week I thought it was appropriate to share a fun patriotic-inspired treat that you could take to any BBQ or picnic on the 4th! Not only is this dessert festive, but it is super simple to make, doesn’t require you to ever heat up the oven and it is sure to please everyone — restricted diets or not.
Since I cut most dairy from diet last year, there are a few things I miss from time to time. A rich and creamy cheesecake is certainly one of them. This “cheesecake” has a smooth and creamy flavor, with a bright tanginess you would find in most traditional cheesecakes. The crust is super simple and compliments the filling perfectly. The best part about this crust is, besides being raw, is how super versatile it can, you can use whatever nuts you have, I went with 1 cup raw macadamia nuts and 1/2 cup raw almonds. Plus it would be great for many other pie recipes, too. Read the rest of this entry »
