Tag Archives: healthy

  1. Grilled Peanut Butter and Jelly Chicken Wings {gluten-free}

    This post is sponsored by the National Peanut Board. I received compensation, but all opinions and content are my own.

    These delicious, grilled chicken wings take the classic flavors of peanut butter and jelly and elevate it to another level. This recipe is the perfect way to make your summer BBQ a legend.

    Grilled Peanut Butter and Jelly Chicken Wings

    Grilled Peanut Butter and Jelly Chicken Wings

    Peanut butter and jelly is a classic combination that I think we can all agree reminds us of childhood. From picnic lunches to after school snacks – it was a staple for so many of us. Budget-friendly eats at their finest, there is something so comforting about peanut butter.

    Why leave that PB&J deliciousness in our past? I am bringing you a fun, new, delicious summertime recipe that brings this classic, tasty goodness into adulthood. These Grilled Peanut Butter and Jelly Wings are the perfect summer food. They will wow the pants off of your BBQ guests, and they are so simple to make.

    Grilled Peanut Butter and Jelly Chicken Wings

    I would LOVE to take credit for these wings, but the original idea comes from my cousin Dave, back home in Buffalo, NY. He is always coming up with unique flavor ideas for his pizzeria, from unique pizzas to fun and funky chicken wings. How very Buffalo of him, I know. His rendition is quite different than mine, without the grilling and only getting sauced after they’ve been deep fried, they are sticky and saucy and far more sweet than mine. For my chicken wing preferences, I want a little char on my wings, and I want less saucy, more savory and definitely more crispy.

    Grilled Peanut Butter and Jelly Chicken Wings

    Using our famous indirect method for grilled chicken wings, these wings get grilled till they are golden brown and crispy, they take a bath in sauce made from the creamy peanut butter and the sweet grape jelly, with a little garlic in there to keep in on the savory side and back onto the grill they go! This is KEY for getting a little crispy and some crunch and for making these wings the stars that they are!

    You can use your favorite peanut butter in this recipe. I opt for creamy, but crunchy would absolutely work here, too! I personally find the flavor of a classic, high quality concord grape jelly to work best here. I offer a range of 1/3 – 1/2 cup, because everyone is different with their preferred levels of sweet. Use your best judgement, taste and adjust as you go. You can use homemade sugar-free or lightly honey-sweetened jelly, if you prefer.

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  2. Five Tips for Mindful Eating and Why it Matters {+ Video}

    Mindfulness isn’t just yoga and meditation, burning sage and sitting on a meditation cushion chanting ‘OM’. Mindfulness can extend into all aspects of our lives with just a little conscious awareness and minimal effort. Mindfulness is derivative of a “monastic” practice, meaning it was originally made for monks. It utilizes deliberate focus to increase your consciousness and appreciation of the present moment.

    One of my favorite methods for incorporating mindfulness with my clients is to do so at mealtime. When we aren’t totally present at meal time, if we aren’t eating mindfully, it can be a disaster for our digestion, for our stress levels, for our moods and many times we can end up accidentally overeating. Often the opposite of eating mindfully is eating mindlessly, and we all know how that goes for us.

    The practice of mindful eating is all about learning to pay attention. It can be a form of meditation, almost. Instead of mindlessly shoveling food into your mouth almost unconsciously, not even tasting the food you’re eating, I want to teach you how to slow down and savor your meals. With mindful eating we take the time to pause, to notice thoughts, feelings, and sensations surrounding our meals and to truly taste each bite. I have found this practice be vital to eating intuitively and finding a lifestyle that is appropriate for the individual.

    Not only will this make meals more pleasurable and delightful to ALL our senses, but it’s also better for our digestion and it keeps us from overeating.

    When our body is in a chronic state of stress, our nervous system will actually shut down our digestion system, as a protection mechanism. This is why one of my all time favorite tips for folks deal with digestive issues to take a look at the stress in their life and even more specifically the stress around meal times. 

    As well, when we are stressed or not paying attention it’s hard to truly understand and realize the need to stop when we are satisfied, we cannot do any of this if we are on autopilot, shoveling food into our faces.  

    As far as I am concerned, if you’re not truly tasting and enjoying your food – that’s a problem. How can you ever expect to be able to listen to your body’s subtle cues, to tap into your intuition and 

    Mindful eating is not a quick fix, but very often it is a very valuable solution, of course it’s also FREE and like most important things in life, it takes practice. 

    Before we get into the mindful eating tips, I wanted to very quickly explain some of the important things you NEED to know about digestion and why mindful eating can help.

    Read the rest of this entry »

  3. Sheet Pan Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Veggies {Paleo, Keto, Whole30}

    This easy Sheet Pan Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Veggies is truly a delicious, one-dish meal packed so much flavor and it’s so simple and fuss-free. With lots of different options it’s easy to make it work for you and your family. It’s one of our favorites and I know you are going to love it, too! 

    Sheet Pan Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Veggies {Paleo, Keto, Whole30}

    Sheet Pan Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Veggies {Paleo, Keto, Whole30}

    I am a sucker for a sheet pan meal, but as the snobby, recipe-developer / food lover I don’t love the sloppy, unfocused sheet pan meals, like a good part, I believe a good sheet pan meal should have a solid theme!!

    This is maybe my favorite sheet pan meal, to date. Greek Souvlaki Chicken and veggies, is, in my opinion, the perfect culmination of the food I grew up on. Fuss-free. No need to get the grill going, no standing over the stove top, just toss it together and throw it into the oven. That sounds aggressive, be gentle, no one wants chicken marinade on the ceiling.

    As per usual, with most recipes here on Tasty Yummies, we’ve got lots of options for you with this Sheet Pan Greek Chicken Souvlaki, you can opt for bone-in or boneless chicken. Get a whole chicken and break it down into parts (though, I do recommend halving the breasts the short way, if you are cooking the various parts, so the pieces are similarly sized). You can even make this with wings and drumsticks. It’s so versatile and this way you can make it to your liking.

    Sheet Pan Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Veggies {Paleo, Keto, Whole30}

    If you are doing the keto or low carb thing, this go with cauliflower or go half and half if you’ve got a fam and they’ll some want potatoes. I do this often at our house. I have also made this with white sweet potatoes and it’s amazing, too. For dairy-free, paleo or Whole30, simply leave off the feta cheese (or check out this amazing dairy-free feta recipe from my friend Brittany) and opt for a dairy-free tzatziki sauce.

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  4. Low Carb Dark Chocolate Mint Chip Cookie Dough Bites {keto, paleo, vegan}

    These delicious Low-Carb Mint Chip Cookie Dough Bites take a bath in rich, silky dark chocolate for an easy, fun and super tasty sweet treat! So easy to put together and you can sweeten  to your liking. These Cookie Dough Bites are low carb, keto-friendly, paleo, vegan.

    Low Carb Dark Chocolate Mint Chip Cookie Dough Bites {keto, paleo, vegan}

    Low Carb Dark Chocolate Mint Chip Cookie Dough Bites {keto, paleo, vegan}

    These grain-free, dairy-free bites get an added boost thanks to REBBL’s brand new Mint Chip Super Herb Elixir, you get a little plant based protein and some healthy fats, along with some super herbs! Everything you could want in a yummy, bite-sized snack. If you can’t get your hands on the new Mint Chip Super Herb Elixir, TRY HARDER, just kidding, you can make these with your favorite non-dairy milk, too.

    These Low Carb Mint Chip Cookie Dough Bites are so much more than the straight-up cookie dough bites you’ve all seen before. With a subtle hint of mint and little crunchy cacao nibs, the mint chip taste really comes through in these truffle-like treats for a fun and unique bite. Best part, these delightful little bites are low carb and keto-friendly. As always, like most recipes you will find here on Tasty Yummies, the way and how much you sweeten your low carb cookie dough bites are totally up to you and your taste buds.

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  5. Lemon Basil Vinaigrette {paleo, keto, vegan, AIP, Whole30}

    This Lemon Basil Vinaigrette is the key to take any dish from ‘meh’ to “HELL YEAH”!  This aromatic, bright, fresh dressing is super versatile, it’s keto, paleo, vegan, Whole30 and AIP compliant and a must to have on hand!

    Lemon Basil Vinaigrette {paleo, keto, vegan, AIP, Whole30}

    Lemon Basil Vinaigrette {paleo, keto, vegan, AIP, Whole30}

    The secret to tasty home cooking is little more than understanding how to properly and season even the most basic foods. Salt and pepper, garlic and acid, fresh herbs – it’s all so simple and so impactful. This simple vinaigrette combines all of that into one tasty dressing, sauce or finishing move!

    To know me is to know that I live for a daily Big F*ckin’ Salad and roasted veggies are my favorite thing ever. This Lemon Basil Vinaigrette is perfect on these, drizzled over cauliflower rice, on top of roasted chicken or steak, drizzled over a frittata or eggs, over your favorite fish and so much more.

    This recipe was originally shared as part of this delicious Mixed Green Salad with Steam Fried Veggies and has since turned into a staple around here. It’s like a chimichurri of sorts.

    This Lemon Basil Vinaigrette comes together in just about 5 minutes and you can store it for up to 7 days in the refrigerator, but I promise it won’t last that long.

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  6. The Benefits of Probiotics and How To Choose

    The Benefits of Probiotics and How To Choose – When it comes to gut health, probiotics will forever be a hot topic, and with good reason. The right probiotics can help to nourish and support your gut bacteria.* The word probiotic actually means “for life” because these live microbial organisms provide both physical and mental health benefits, and experts have well researched the direct and indirect effects on the physiology of the body.

    This post and video are sponsored by MegaFood®

    The Benefits of Probiotics and How To Choose

     

    Why a Healthy Gut Matters.

    A healthy gut is paramount to a healthy body.* Our health begins in the gut! A large majority of the important cells, responsible for the regulation and efficacy of our immune system can be found in our gut 1https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2515351/ (some research estimates between possibly as much 60 and 80% of our immune cells can be found there)2https://www.physiology.org/doi/full/10.1152/ajpgi.1999.277.5.G922. Additionally, many of the chemicals responsible for regulating moods, neurotransmitters such as serotonin, are actually made in our gut 3https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5772764/. Some estimate that as much as 90% of the body’s serotonin, which influences both mood and GI activity, is produced by the gut bacteria in the digestive tract. From a properly functioning digestive system to maintaining a strong immune system and well functioning brain – our gut is the foundation of our vitality.*

    Not only is it important to ensure our digestion is functioning properly so we can feel our very best, but healthy digestive function is also crucial as it allows us to be able to absorb and utilize all the amazing nutrients we consume in our nutrient-dense, whole foods focused diet.

    Poor eating habits, stress, and antibiotic use can all throw off the balance of our gut microbiome. When you experience occasional digestive issues like gas, bloating, diarrhea, or constipation, you may need some extra digestive health support. To maintain optimal gut health, we want to strive for a symbiotic GI tract full of beneficial bacteria.

     

     

    The Benefits of Probiotics // How Probiotics Can Help

    When you take probiotics you are re-introducing good bacteria to your gut environment by populating your GI tract with as much of the beneficial stuff as possible. Studies have shown that probiotics may prevent adhesion and interaction of unwanted bacteria with our gut epithelial cells.* 4Gerritsen, J. et al., Intestinal microbiota in human health and disease: the impact of probiotics, Genes Nutr. 2011 August; 6(3): 209–240 Some research has also shown that administration of probiotics can have a direct effect on the tight junctions between enterocytes in the gut—resulting in decreased intestinal permeability 5Corridoni D, et al., Probiotic bacteria regulate intestinal epithelial permeability in experimental ileitis by a TNF-dependent mechanism, PLoS One. 2012;7(7):e42067. These are just some of the ways probiotics may help to restore gut health.*

    Probiotics are present in unpasteurized fermented foods but you can also ingest them through supplementation. So how can we be sure which is the right method, how much and how often we should take probiotics and why should we want to?

    One very important thing to note here is that for probiotics to do their job effectively, you must have optimal conditions for “good” bacteria to live and flourish. This starts with nourishing your microbiome with nutrient-dense real food and eliminating foods (temporarily or permanently) that can cause inflammation and microbiome imbalance.

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    References   [ + ]

    1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2515351/
    2. https://www.physiology.org/doi/full/10.1152/ajpgi.1999.277.5.G922
    3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5772764/
    4. Gerritsen, J. et al., Intestinal microbiota in human health and disease: the impact of probiotics, Genes Nutr. 2011 August; 6(3): 209–240
    5. Corridoni D, et al., Probiotic bacteria regulate intestinal epithelial permeability in experimental ileitis by a TNF-dependent mechanism, PLoS One. 2012;7(7):e42067
  7. How to Make Hemp Milk +Video {Keto, Paleo, Vegan, Nut-free, Whole30}

    How to Make Hemp Milk. Today I am teaching you to make my super simple homemade hemp milk. No need for soaking or straining, no planning ahead, just two ingredients to super easy homemade non-dairy milk. Plus, a few of my favorite flavor variations, Creamy Strawberry Vanilla Bean and Rich Chocolate Hemp Milks.

    How to Make Hemp Milk {paleo, vegan, keto, whole30, nut-free}

    How to Make Hemp Milk {paleo, vegan, keto, whole30, nut-free}

    I am excited to show you how to make Easy Homemade Hemp Milk. It’s one of my favorite meal prep recipes and it’s great when you are in a pinch. Whether avoiding dairy milk is a priority, preference or necessity, I find homemade non-dairy milks to be the best for taste and cost as well as knowing exactly what is in there.

    There are so many reasons to make your own non-dairy milks at home, but if I am being honest, often the time and the planning ahead becomes a big reason why I just don’t do it. I forget to plan ahead to soak the nuts or seeds, then I don’t want to fuss with straining the milk. 

    This homemade hemp milk is a favorite of mine for those last minute moments when I realize I have nothing on hand and I just want a quick smoothie, post-workout shake or even a tasty latte. Unlike most homemade nut milks or non-dairy milks, there’s no soaking overnight and no straining after you blend, so it’s ready whenever you are. You just need a high speed blender, like a Vitamix and about 2 minutes of your time! That’s literally it. 

    By not straining your homemade hemp milk, you maximize the nutritional benefits of the hemp seeds (hemp hearts) along with the extra fiber.

    You can strain if you want it to be more like commercial non-dairy milks, it’s super easy, with a nut milk bag or cheesecloth, but the best part about not straining, you retain all the amazing benefits of the hemp hearts.

    NO SOAKING NECESSARY

    Hemp seeds contain no phytic acid, the mineral-binding antinutrient common to most nuts, seeds, grains, and legumes (which we talk about at length in my nut milk how to post and this sprouting tutorial for nuts, seeds, grains and beans).

    How to Make Hemp Milk {paleo, vegan, keto, whole30, nut-free}

    Nutritional Benefits of Hemp Seeds (Why I Don’t Strain my Hemp Milk)

    Hemp seeds (or hemp hearts) are a great source of vitamins, minerals, and they are rich in plant-based essential fatty acids, omega 3s, omega 6s, plus due to the optional ratio of these two EFAs in hemp seeds, it’s a great option for reducing inflammation. Hemp also contains including GLA, Gamma-Linolenic acid (GLA), a necessary building block for some prostaglandins that has been shown to support hormone balance, inflammation and more.

    Hemp seeds are also rich in vitamin E which is great for your immune function. As far as minerals, hemp is a great source of manganese and magnesium, potassium, phosphorous, zinc, among others. Most excitingly, hemp seeds are a quality complete plant based protein, with all 20 amino acids present, including the 9 essential amino acids our bodies cannot produce – this is CRAZY rare in the plant kingdom, this is part of why I never bother straining them out.  Per a 30 gram serving of hemp hearts, (approx. 2 heaping tablespoons) you get 10 grams of protein and 10 grams of Omega 3 + 6s. Hemp seeds are also rich in fiber, which is one of the other reasons why I prefer to leave the whole seeds in my homemade hemp milk.

     

    My Blender of Choice + A Special Offer:

    All you need is a good blender! That’s it. I recommend a high speed blender for the very best results for super creamy Homemade Hemp Milk. Vitamix is my preferred high speed blender. Using this link, you, the Tasty Yummies community receives $20 off of your first purchase of an Ascent Series product (featured above) plus FREE SHIPPING.

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  8. Easy No-Strain Cashew Milk {+ Video} + bonus flavor ideas

    Are you curious how-to make delicious cashew milk? While nut milks and other non-dairy milks can seem intimidating and like far more work than they are worth, this definitely doesn’t apply to my Easy No-Strain Cashew Milk. Just two ingredients, a minute or two of blending and that’s it you’re done! Be sure to scroll down for my tasty chocolate cashew milk recipe along with a few other super tasty, fun flavor ideas.

    Easy No-Strain Cashew Milk

    Easy No-Strain Cashew Milk

    In typical “food blogger” fashion, by way of photos and personal anecdotes it make appear that this recipe is far more complicated than what it actually is. Don’t get it twisted, this is THE MOST simple recipe I may have ever posted. Spoiler alert: to make cashew milk, you need raw cashews and filtered water. THAT’S ABOUT IT! I generally prefer to add a pinch of quality sea salt, sometimes I will sweeten it or add vanilla and I really love my homemade Chocolate Cashew Milk – but in all it’s simple glory you just need water and raw cashews.

    I particularly love this cashew milk recipe, because it’s no-strain! No need to fuss with filtered or straining, no nut milk bags. Just blend and enjoy. It’s creamy, rich, silky and super versatile.

    You all have known for years that I generally prefer to avoid dairy, I don’t have an intolerance or allergy, I simply feel much better without it. I do OK with some cheeses in small amounts, along with sheep and goat’s milk from time to time, but there is nothing in me that ever feels a desire to sit down with a glass of cold dairy milk. We were never allowed to drink milk as children. My mom was ahead of her time. She knew that dairy can be inflammatory, that the lactose can be troublesome for most folk’s digestion and it can also exasperate respiratory issues.

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  9. Keto Chocolate Avocado Pudding {Paleo, Vegan}

    This rich, decadent, smooth Keto Chocolate Avocado Pudding has become a favorite treat around our house. It’s decadent, creamy and so so easy. Ready in just a few minutes, with just 5-ingredients!

    Keto Chocolate Avocado Pudding {Paleo, Vegan}

    Keto Chocolate Avocado Pudding {Paleo, Vegan}

    You all know from following me, I am not a big treats and sweets gal. I just don’t crave sweets these days and I generally prefer to avoid the keto-fied treats loaded with suspect sweeteners. I generally just stick to my daily dark chocolate. A square or two of 85-100% dark chocolate and I am a very happy girl. Chocolate truly is my love language.

    Hubby is a little bit different than me. The man grew up on sweets. The really sweet sweets! They are his comfort food, so I am always looking for ways to please both our palates.

    Keto Chocolate Avocado Pudding {Paleo, Vegan}

    This Keto Chocolate Avocado Pudding is a creamy, whipped mousse-like dessert that comes together quickly and it really hits the spot. The best part, as like most recipes you’ll find here on Tasty Yummies, SO many fun flavor options. Add in a little nut butter and some sea salt and it’s delightful. Bump up the coconut flavor with shredded coconut, toasted coconut flakes or maybe a little coconut extract. Mint Chocolate pudding is nice, add a little mint extract and/or fresh mint leaves. Try adding some cinnamon and a pinch of cayenne for a spicy Mexican Chocolate pudding. Lastly a little espresso powder is also really really nice. Read the rest of this entry »

  10. Easy Sheet Pan Keto Beef and Broccoli (w/ Stovetop option) {Paleo, Whole30}

    This Easy Sheet Pan Keto Beef and Broccoli takes a classic dish and makes it even easier. Cooked on one sheet pan it’s ready in about 15 minutes. Keto, paleo and whole30-friendly it’s a delicious, healthy weeknight meal that is worth adding to the meal plan every week!  

    Easy Sheet Pan Keto Beef and Broccoli (w/ Stovetop option) {Paleo, Whole30}

    Easy Sheet Pan Keto Beef and Broccoli (w/ Stovetop option) {Paleo, Whole30}

    With the start of the new year, comes the back-to-reality moments. Back to the easy weeknight meals, meal prepping, batch cooking and coming up with quick and simple ways to make sure you are prepared and ready.

    I am a big fan of one pot and one pan meals, recipes I can add to the Instant Pot or Crock Pot. I love meals that come together in 30 minutes. In the cooler months I am especially fond of sheet pan meals. If I can toss everything together on one pan and toss it into the oven, there’s minimal cleanup, little babysitting and I can get dinner on the table in a jiffy. Perfect for those busy weeknights.

    Easy Sheet Pan Keto Beef and Broccoli (w/ Stovetop option) {Paleo, Whole30}

    This particular recipe, my Easy Sheet Pan Keto Beef and Broccoli, actually evolved from a stove top meal I had been making the last several months, a product of what I had on hand and what we love the most, flavor wise. I don’t know if you are like me, but I tend to find a dish I love and continuously make it so many times until I basically don’t actually want to see it again for 6 months. Then we begin again.

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  11. 5 Tips for Your Sugar Detox: How to Fight the Cravings, Stay Sane and Feel Free.

    Whether or not you have committed to a structured sugar detox or you are simply looking to cut your intake of sweets and manage the cravings – today, I am sharing my 5 simple tips for your sugar detox. It’s not about dieting or crazy rules or restrictive eating as punishment, it’s just about being smart, prioritizing your health and feeling in control of the cravings!

    5 Tips for Your Sugar Detox: How to Fight the Cravings, Stay Sane and Feel Free.

    Hey Sweet Thing! Are you addicted to sugar? Do you feel trapped by your constant cravings for something sweet? If you want to break the addictive cycle to sugar, it’s totally possible, it’s not actually as bad (or as hard) as it seems and feeling like you are in control of your cravings – is truly priceless!! Trust me. Removing the addiction to sugar isn’t about extreme restrictions forever or never ever having a sweet again, rather this is about loving your body and your health enough to want to feel your bet, to get yourself out of the constant blood sugar roller coaster and to break free of the sugar cravings that hold you hostage!

    I know pretty much all of us can relate and have been there, but I find it’s especially challenging for folks after the holidays. Whether or not you have committed to a structured sugar detox or you are simply looking to cut your intake of sweets and manage the cravings – today, I am sharing my 5 tips to drop the sugar – cuz friends, you are sweet enough already – haha!

    Why Cut Back on Sugar?

    Sugar at it’s best lights us up, it gives us pleasure in times of stress, depression and pain, but we all know those feelings are short-lived. At it’s worst, sugar in excess can make you feel sluggish, bloated, anxious and crabby – so why do you still crave it? Because it’s addicting. It triggers the same reward and pleasure centers in the brain, that some narcotics do. It’s addicting. Is sugar as bad for us as cocaine? NO – I am certainly not implying that, but I think it’s important to recognize that sugar definitely has the ability to have a very strong hold on us and it’s not our fault.

    Excessive Sugar Can:

    • raise our blood sugar (blood glucose), which requires our body to constantly be releasing insulin to manage, then we have the crash – it’s highly taxing to the body to be in this constant blood sugar roller coaster of up and down and it can affect other systems of the body, as a result.
    • lead to weight gain from overeating, along with elevated triglycerides, insulin resistance, and other indicators of metabolic syndrome. Refined sugar has also been shown to reduce immune system efficiency.1https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/4748178, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0271531784800573.
    • cause elevated blood glucose levels which has been shown to promote cancer growth 2https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/0006291X85919308.
    • feed bad gut bacteria. When we eat a high-sugar diet, the undesirable bacteria thrive and start to grow out of control, causing a waterfall of health issues, while our beneficial bacteria dwindle in number.
    • cause inflammation which can affects our entire body, but very specifically our immune system and our digestion.

    Does this mean we can’t have ANY sugar ever, nope! I am not insinuating that extreme, unattainable level of perfection with our eating, but of all the foods available to us, I would argue that sugar is the most pleasure-enducing and therefore the hardest to moderate. Limiting yourself around the sweets isn’t a problem with you or your willpower, it’s a problem with the sweets! They are hyper palatable and designed to make you want more. So, what can we do to break the addiction to sugar and begin to feel like we are the ones in control, rather than the sugar?!

    Read the rest of this entry »

    References   [ + ]

    1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/4748178, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0271531784800573
    2. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/0006291X85919308
  12. Herb Roasted Turkey Breast {Gluten-free, Paleo, Keto, Whole30}

    Got a small gathering planned? This Herb Roasted Turkey Breast is a simple and easy way to enjoy the flavors of Thanksgiving without slaving over a HUGE turkey. The skin gets beautiful crisped and golden browned and the herbed butter (or olive oil) brings a beautiful flavor to the whole breast. Gluten-freepaleo, keto, whole30 – friendly.

     

    Gluten-free Thanksgiving for Two

    Roast turkey breast is a really great alternative to roasting a whole turkey. Not only is it less work, it’s less time, too, which leaves the oven open for making some of the must-have sides, ahem – I am looking at you stuffing and roasted Brussels sprouts. A four- to five-pound turkey breast will feed six to eight people, it’s a cinch to carve, and it’s perfect for making those tasty leftover sandwiches or salads or a delicious soup the next day.

    Gluten-free Thanksgiving for Two

    Enjoy this easy Herb Roasted Turkey Breast recipe for Thanksgiving or Christmas. Or really, you can make it any other time of the year; the leftovers are fabulous! I especially love that without fussing with a whole bird, all the cook time and the carving time, you get more time to spend with your loved ones, because that’s what it’s all about, am I right?

    This turkey breast is tender, juicy and it’s delicious served alongside your favorite stuffing, cranberry sauce and some mashed potatoes 0r cauliflower mash and definitely some green beans. Don’t forget a pie for dessert.

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  13. 100+ Low Carb Keto Thanksgiving Recipes

     

    There is absolutely no need to feel deprived or left out on Thanksgiving, just because you are following a low carb, keto approach to your eating.  Here are 100+ low carb keto Thanksgiving recipes, from drinks and apps to sides, sugar-free desserts and everything in between. 

     

    100+ Low Carb Keto Thanksgiving Recipes

    Dietary Legend
    Absolutely ALL of the below recipes are gluten-free!
    Some are vegan, almost all are paleo and dairy-free, etc. Use this key to easily select the recipes that will work for you:

    V – Vegan

    Veg – Vegetarian

    P – Paleo

    DF – Dairy-free

    NF – Nut-free

    Read the rest of this entry »

  14. 11 Natural Ways to Boost Your Immune System

    A healthy body is dependent on a strong immune system. Rather than just strengthening our immune system we want to train our immune system to do it’s job correctly. Today I am sharing just some of my favorite natural tips for supporting and building a strong immune system that have worked for me. Here are 11 Natural Ways to Boost Your Immune System…

    11 Simple and Holistic Ways to Naturally Boost Your Immune System to Avoid Getting Sick (+ Tips for If You Do)

    11 Natural Tips to Boost Your Immune System

    Simple, holistic tips to fight illness and strengthen your immunity PLUS what you can do if you do get sick, to fight it quickly.

     

    Go With Your Gut

    I can tell you from personal experience that the very best way to ward off chronic illness, colds, flus, infections, allergies, food sensitivities and controlling / avoiding autoimmune disease is to heal and strengthen the gut! With 70-80% of our immune system’s cells occupying our gut, this is home base for our vitality and wellness. Our gut bacteria helps the immune system’s T cells develop—teaching them the difference between a foreign substance and the body’s own tissues. Without these important immune soldiers doing their job to protect us, the nasties get in, they slip by the troops, invade, wage war, take over and it’s not fun!

    With years of comprised digestion, intestinal bacterial overgrowth and finally being diagnosed with a parasite, I personally spent a solid decade to 15 years, getting terrible sinus infections, several times a year, every year, most times it then eventually evolved into bronchitis and upper respiratory infections. I got every single strain of every cold, flu and stomach bug that passed through town – I even battled the Swine Flu when that was a thing. On top of all of that, I suffered for many, many years with a variety of environmental allergies – ALL of this stopped when I finally healed my gut and prioritized proper digestion. It’s magical really. But, it’s not. It’s simple.

    As you’ll hear echoed many times throughout this article, and if you spend more than about 5 minutes chatting with me at any given time, our gut is vital to our immune health and it’s the control center for our bodies to decide what is friend and what is foe. I highly encourage you to prioritize optimizing your gut, both for the cold and flu season ahead, as well as the future of your overall health and wellness. If you want to learn more about how to heal your gut – GRAB THE FREE GUT HEALTH 101 GUIDE BOOK

    Along with tips for strengthening and healing your gut, here are some tips to Naturally Boost Your Immune System:

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  15. Between Meals Podcast // Bites Episode 07: How Do You Get Started?

     

    Between Meals // Bites Episode 07 is the final in the 3-part series all about Motivation, Priorities and Small Steps. Based on your feedback and requests on these topics, we pulled together this series that I am so excited to share with you all.

    In the first episode we talked specifically about motivation, what exactly that means and some ideas on how to critically investigate what you are doing that IS working and what you are doing that IS NOT working, so you can have some clarity in the process of getting to whatever it is that you seek for yourself and have an understanding of what exactly is acting as a barrier. In the second episode we talk all about priorities and making time so there is less pressure on seeking external motivation and needing willpower and there is more focus on creating systems and a process. It’s about creating habits that can one day be effortless, no negotiations needed.

    After the checks and balances of the first two episodes, in this final episode we are chatting all about small steps and just diving in and getting started! All it takes is one small step. One step is action and action is momentum and this is what creates movement, shifts and change.

    We are talking about the small steps, just doing a little something. Not always focusing on results or goals and instead creating habits.

     

    ARE YOU READY TO COMMIT TO A FEW SMALL STEPS?

    WHAT IS ONE SMALL STEP YOU CAN TAKE TODAY?

     

    Don’t forget, be sure to listen to the first two part in this series Part One: How Do You Stay Motivated? and Part Two: How Do You Make Time for It? and head back to the archives, for more conversations similar to this, like Episode 02 we talk about finding our WHY, Bites Episode 04 we talk about Shoulding All over Yourself and even within the Bites Business Mastermind Series we have plenty of discussions surrounding perfectionism and comparison that pertains to this conversation, too.

    Mark’s Podcast Episode: My Greatest Tip for Productivity

     

    LISTEN NOW ON ITUNES


    (listen on iTunes)

     

    You can now subscribe to Between Meals on iTunes or Soundcloud.

    THANK YOU FOR LISTENING:

    Since we are still pretty new on iTunes, please do us a solid and SUBSCRIBE and of course, we would be honored if you took the time to rate and review the show, this will help more people find us and help the show to grow!  If you liked this episode or others, please share on social media and tag us, share with friends and family, etc – this means the world!

     

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  16. How To Make Cashew Cream {+ Video}

    Dairy-free, vegan cashew cream is so wildly versatile, you are gonna love it. Sweet or savory, it’s perfect as a finishing sauce, a dip or even stirred into soups, stews and sauces. Learn how easy it is to make plus grab some of my most favorite cashew cream flavor variations, including a lightly sweetened vanilla bean and a smoky, cheezy, dairy-free chipotle cashew cream and LOADS of recipe ideas. Paleo, keto and Whole30-friendly.

    How To Make Cashew Cream

    How To Make Cashew Cream

    If you’ve been reading Tasty Yummies for some time now, you know my love affair of cashews runs many, many years deep. It all started with a vegan cashew cheesecake I made, probably for the first time, like 10 years ago now and then finally shared here on the website in 2013 and it’s just exploded from there (see the bottom of the post for lots of recipes).  Considering I exist somewhere between totally dairy-free and mostly dairy-free, cashews are absolutely heaven sent when it comes to recreating that creamy texture you get from dairy. From sauces to cheesecakes and even an amazing keto nut butter – I am continuously amazed at what I can create with cashews.

    While I have LOADS of cashew cream based recipes from the past almost 9 years on Tasty Yummies, I am finally sharing my basic Cashew Cream recipe along with two additional flavor variations that I LOVE and make often. There really are an unending amount of variations of cashew cream depending on how you plan to use it and your taste and you can adjust the thickness and consistency by adding more or less water, plus there are also so many options for other ingredients you can add to adjust the flavors. But, I wanted to give you the basics so you could be on your way to create your own variations, too.

    I have made versions of this cashew cream of mine so many times over the years from cooking demos at Whole Foods to private cooking lessons with dairy-free folks and EVERY SINGLE TIME, without fail, people refuse to believe that it’s cashews!!

     

    Cashew cream has a really mild flavor, which I find allows it to be added to just about any type of cuisine or dish. Be sure to use raw unsalted cashews, not roasted, to yield the best texture and flavor. You can find raw organic cashews in the bulk aisle of most grocery stores or online with places like nuts.com, etc.

    Be sure to scroll all the way through to get ALL of the many options for flavor options, ideas for how to use your cashew cream, along with some of my favorite cashew cream recipes plus I answer a few Cashew Cream FAQs!

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  17. Kale Salad with Roasted Salmon and Warm Blueberry Balsamic Vinaigrette {paleo, keto, gluten-free}

    Kale Salad with Roasted Salmon and Warm Blueberry Balsamic Vinaigrette. I am SO excited to share this delicious recipe inspired by my recent travels with The Feedfeed to Cascadian Farm’s home farm in Skagit County, Washington. Plus, I am sharing all of the incredible stuff I learned about their organic farming practices, from their commitment to regenerative agriculture, to the importance of crop rotation, cover crops, pollinator fields, soil health and so much more! We are also talking about this brain-boosting, nutrient-packed Kale Salad with Roasted Salmon and Warm Blueberry Balsamic Vinaigrette, why frozen can sometimes actually be better than fresh and lots more! 

    Kale Salad with Roasted Salmon and Warm Blueberry Balsamic Vinaigrette {Paleo, Keto, Gluten-free}

    Kale Salad with Roasted Salmon and Warm Blueberry Balsamic Vinaigrette {Paleo, Keto, Gluten-free}

    You may remember a while back in my Kimchi Cauliflower Fried Rice Post where I shared that I would be heading to the Pacific Northwest with Cascadian Farm and The Feedfeed – hopefully you caught our amazing adventures over on Instagram in real time (and if not, you can still see the trip in my Highlights).

    To fill you in on that magical trip, we spent the entire day on Cascadian Farm’s home farm in Skagit County, Washington. This USDA certified organic farm, set on 90 acres of land, was the most picturesque and inspiring backdrop, perfect for learning all about their farming practices, their approach to organics, sustainability, regenerative agriculture and more. The Cascadian Farm home farm is actually a testing ground for organic and regenerative agricultural practices, the results of which help inform best practices across our partner farm network of suppliers.

    We had the opportunity to get our hands dirty in the soil that they work so hard to manage, protect and improve, for us, the land, their farmers and their community, we ate wild berries we picked straight from the vines. I played with friends, old and new, making gorgeous fall-inspired wreaths from flowers we picked from the pollinator fields and we finished the day enjoying the most incredible locally-sourced and seasonally inspired meal right there in the fields on the farm, the majestic mountains towering over us.

    Most importantly, I got to have the conversations that I love to have, chatting about regenerative agriculture and why it’s SO vital we nourish and give back to our land and soil, we learned more about Cascadian Farm’s commitment to these practices – that at this point, in my mind, is absolutely non-negotiable when we are talking about the future of our planet and our food!

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  18. How-to Stock a Healthy Keto Pantry

    How-to Stock a Healthy Keto Pantry

    Today we are chatting all about how to stock a healthy keto pantry and just a little spoiler alert for you…. these pantry staples are NOT exclusive to those eating low carb or taking a keto-focused approach to their diet, truly this pantry list is all about a focus on real food, healthy fats, smarter snacks and foods that will support your vibrant well being!

    If you aren’t stocked with the right foods, if you don’t have the healthful options easily accessible to you, it’s really hard to make the right decisions for your health.  I’m sharing some of my favorite keto pantry must-haves along with the best and most affordable ways to stay stocked up! So this way your pantry will be full and your wallet won’t be empty.

    Keep this list of healthy keto pantry staples handy, this is the list I share with all my nutrition clients looking to have a well-stocked pantry with the best-of-the-best real food basics!

    Most importantly, I want to show you that eating healthy and eating well doesn’t have to bankrupt you. We know the cost of health foods is an investment in our future and our health, but sometimes if feels like we need a second job just to pay for it all. But, by planning ahead and having a system in place to stock your healthy pantry, you can keep these healthy foods on hand, and keep your costs down.

    I am partnering with Thrive Market to show you in my latest video, how I stock my healthy keto pantry, sharing my actual most recent order to stock-up, PLUS we have a special deal for the Tasty Yummies community, where you can save an additional 25% off your first order, a FREE 30 day trial membership, plus FREE shipping on orders over $49. This is all on top of their already discounted prices of 25 – 50% off standard retail.

    HOW-TO STOCK A HEALTHY KETO PANTRY:

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  19. Cast Iron Skillet Crispy Kale

    Cast Iron Skillet Crispy Kale is a favorite easy weeknight side dish for us. Cast Iron Skillet Crispy Kale is ready in under 10 minutes, under 5 if you are in a rush and don’t care about the crispiness factor. Best part, kale is one of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet, so this Cast Iron Skillet Crispy Kale tastes great and it’s great for you, too! WIN WIN!

    Cast Iron Skillet Crispy Kale

    Cast Iron Skillet Crispy Kale

    I am all about the simple, easy, weeknight dishes but I especially love nutrient-dense, brain-boosting foods that are easy to prepare and include in the weekly repertoire.

    One of the world’s most nutrient dense foods, kale is an inexpensive way to load up on important vitamins, minerals and other nutrients.  Kale is incredibly rich in Vitamin C (more than 4.5 times what you can find in spinach and 1 cup of raw kale has more vitamins C than a whole orange). Kale is also one of the world’s best sources of Vitamin K, with 1 cup of raw kale containing more than 7 times the recommended daily amount, Vitamin K is an important nutrient involved in blood clotting.

    Kale is also a great source of B6 and other B Vitamins. Kale like other leafy greens is a rich source of antioxidants, specifically Beta-Cerotene, an antioxidant the body can turn into Vitamin A, along with various polyphenols and flavonoids, including two flavonoids, quercetin and kaempferol known for being heart protective, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral and so much more. Kale actually contains over 45 different flavonoids! WOAH!

    Lutein and zeaxanthin, catenoid antioxidants these are the nutrients that give kale its deep, dark green coloring and they are  protective against macular degeneration and cataracts.  Kale is also high in many minerals people are often deficient in, some of the minerals found in kale include calcium, magnesium, manganese, potassium, phosphorus, zinc, copper, iron, to name a few.

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  20. Chocolate Smarter Smoothie {Keto, Paleo, Vegan-option} + Video

    My Chocolate Smarter Smoothie is my most favorite, most often made smoothie. Loaded with flavor and a thick, rich and creamy texture, this blood sugar balancing meal replacement shake gives you enough protein, fat and fiber to keep you full for hours on end and it’s loaded with so much goodness.

    Chocolate Smarter Smoothie {Keto, Paleo, Vegan-option} + Video

    Chocolate Smarter Smoothie {Keto, Paleo, Vegan-option} + Video

    In case you missed it over on Instagram, I am calling this week Smoothtember Week and it’s a full week all about the Smarter Smoothies. In addition to sharing the brand new video for my Smarter Smoothies formula, this week I will be sharing three of my personal, MOST favorite Smarter Smoothie recipes. These are my classic go-to smarter smoothies then I come back to, time and time again!

    Today, I am sharing my most favorite of all smoothies EVER my Chocolate Smarter Smoothie. As a chocolate lover, through and through, this is one of my absolute favorites. It’s rich, creamy, it has so much flavor and despite tasting like a dream, I don’t have to be worried about consuming a candy-bar worth of sugar at my first meal. This is great when I am looking for a quick and easy post-workout meal or often I will use as my afternoon meal, if I am not looking for a larger meal.

    This Chocolate Smarter Smoothie skips out on the fruit and the sweet stuff, so you’ve got all the flavor of a chocolate shake, without a ton of sugar. This recipe uses cauliflower rice to create a delicious creamy texture, but you can also use frozen zucchini If you want additional greens add some baby spinach. If you are looking to add some carbs, try a little frozen butternut squash or a fruit that you love, strawberries or raspberries pair really nice with the chocolate.

    Finally, chocolate is an amazing superfood loaded with antioxidants, polyphenol and many minerals, it has been shown to be anti-inflammatory and to support lowering insulin resistance. Read more about the benefits of chocolate here.

    As always, this smoothie is creating my Smarter Smoothies formula. If every meal-replacement smoothie that you create has adequate protein, fat and fiber, if you make sure you are getting loads of nutrients from leafy greens, veggies and/or  herbs and you add those crunchies on top, so your digestion is working at it’s full potential – you will always be getting everything you need! The fruit and those bonuses/boosts we talk about in the Smarter Smoothies post, those are extras – have fun with those, but don’t make the sugary fruits the shining star!

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  21. Golden Spiced Smarter Smoothie {Keto, Paleo, Vegan-option} + Video

    My Golden Spiced Smarter Smoothie is my go-to smoothie when I am looking for a post-workout complete meal and it’s perfect for the fall and winter months, in all it’s cozy aromatic spices. This blood sugar balancing meal replacement shake gives you enough protein, fat and fiber to keep you full for hours on end and it’s loaded with so much goodness.

    Golden Spiced Smarter Smoothie {Paleo, Vegan-option} + Video

    Golden Spiced Smarter Smoothie {Paleo, Vegan-option} + Video

    In case you missed it over on Instagram, I am calling this week Smoothtember Week and it’s a full week all about the Smarter Smoothies. In addition to sharing the brand new video for my Smarter Smoothies formula, this week I will be sharing three of my personal, MOST favorite Smarter Smoothie recipes. These are my classic go-to smarter smoothies!

    Next up, I am sharing my Golden Spiced Smarter Smoothie. This smoothie is one of my absolute favorites, when I am looking for a quick and easy post-workout meal, with flavor, vibrant color and lots of healing benefits!

    This Golden Spiced Smarter Smoothie is loaded with so much good stuff, it’s crazy! The reason I particularly love this smoothie post workout is the carbohydrates from the butternut squash, while it’s under 12 net carbs (less if you make this two servings), it’s still a bit more than my traditional smoothies, since they tend to be quite low carb. It’s a nice way to replenish, without the crash of many other carbohydrates, it’s especially great after a more intense workout, I will actually add more like 3/4 to 1 cup of the squash if it’s more of a carb-up meal or if I am making servings for two.

    The ground turmeric is also a nice addition as it’s a powerful anti-inflammatory that is wonderful for supporting your muscles and joints after a workout – read more about the benefits of turmeric here, (this is the already boosted turmeric powder I use, most times). Obviously more or less turmeric will change the golden color of the smoothie, I recommend going with 1 – 2 teaspoons, based on what you prefer taste wise. But please BE CAREFUL, turmeric will stain your hands, clothes and basically anything it touches. Of course, we are also getting amazing benefits for our muscles and our recovery with the high-quality full amino acid profile protein by way of the grass-fed beef isolate protein (this is the one I prefer), a high-quality protein is necessary for repairing and rebuilding your muscles.

    I prefer to use Ceylon cinnamon in my pumpkin pie spice blend, because Ceylon cinnamon has been shown to lower fasting blood glucose levels. Is a little cinnamon in your smoothie gonna cure your diabetes, nuh uh, but it you are in the prediabetic range, adding a little Ceylon cinnamon to your diet every day, may offer some help in your blood sugar management.

    Our fat is working to keep us full and satiated, it helps to mitigate blood sugar spikes, and when using MCT oil, you get an easy-to-burn fuel source that brings a nice hit of energy. Of course, the fiber, as usual is great for keeping you full and satiated, as well as feeding your healthy gut microbiome.

    As always, this smoothie is creating my Smarter Smoothies formula. If every meal-replacement smoothie that you create has adequate protein, fat and fiber, if you make sure you are getting loads of nutrients from leafy greens, veggies and/or  herbs and you add those crunchies on top, so your digestion is working at it’s full potential – you will always be getting everything you need! The fruit and those bonuses/boosts we talk about in the Smarter Smoothies post, those are extras – have fun with those, but don’t make the sugary fruits the shining star!

     

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