I am really excited to share with you today an amazing Dairy-Free Cookbook and Guidebook, Go Dairy Free, by Alisa Fleming! The fantastic nacho sauce recipe below comes from this book. I am also giving away a copy of the book, which will be sent to you directly from the author. Details at the bottom of the post.
I am really excited to share with you today an amazing Dairy-Free Cookbook and Guidebook, Go Dairy Free, by Alisa Fleming!
This simple grain salad is something I like to make when I cook a whole chicken for soup. I will save some of the breast meat for enchiladas or salads like this one. Now, if you are vegan please read on to see what I do to make this salad sans meat.
This simple grain salad is something I like to make when I cook a whole chicken for soup. I will save some of the breast meat for enchiladas or salads like this one. Now, if you are vegan please read on to see what I do to make this salad sans meat.
While we were in Hawaii we lived off of papayas. Papayas with lime for breakfast, papayas in green smoothies, and fresh papaya salsa. We packed rice, quinoa, and pink beans with us. I found it very easy to make a large pot of pink beans, cooked with cumin and onions, to have on hand for quick lunches and dinners.
In preparing for Easter, I decided to make my own sugar-free candy (healthy treats) this year. The kids usually get a variety of raw nuts and dried fruits hiding inside those little plastic Easter eggs. That Easter bunny is just too darn healthy! Sometimes he leaves jelly beans and a lollipop too. Since chocolate can strongly affect some children, I'd recommend wrapping only one of these chocolate clusters up in a small square of parchment paper, tied up with a pretty ribbon, for your child. I have no doubt that the adults in the house will munch the rest.
In preparing for Easter, I decided to make my own sugar-free candy (healthy treats) this year. The kids usually get a variety of raw nuts and dried fruits hiding inside those little plastic Easter eggs. That Easter bunny is just too darn healthy! Sometimes he leaves jelly beans and a lollipop too.
Beets, beets, I know, either you love them or have awful memories of eating canned or pickled beets as a child. Luckily I didn't have any memories of eating beets as a child, so when I first tried them I fell in love. I began making fresh beet juice in my juicer, using them in cultured vegetables, roasting them with salt, pepper and olive oil, or using raw grated beets in salads.
Beets, beets, I know, either you love them or have awful memories of eating canned or pickled beets as a child. Luckily I didn't have any memories of eating beets as a child, so when I first tried them I fell in love.
Today I thought I would share something simple. A salad dressing recipe made from fresh spearmint and black peppercorns. Hence the name, Pepper-Mint (not to be confused with peppermint). Use it on your favorite salad or use it to marinate chicken or fish. This dressing is vinegar-free and fits right into our guidelines for Phase 3 of the Elimination Diet.
I have a very simple nourishing recipe for you today. Anyone remember cream of broccoli soup from your childhood? I do. My mom used to make a cheesy cream of broccoli soup that I don't remember being too fond of. Well, this one is delicious and naturally gluten-free and dairy-free. It can also be used during Phase 3 of the Elimination Diet for testing nuts/almonds.
I have a very simple nourishing recipe for you today. Anyone remember cream of broccoli soup from your childhood? I do. My mom used to make a cheesy cream of broccoli soup that I don't remember being too fond of. Well, this one is delicious and naturally gluten-free and dairy-free.
If you’ve ever struggled with chronic symptoms—digestive discomfort, brain fog, fatigue, joint pain, skin issues, or any number of persistent health concerns—you may have wondered whether the foods you eat are playing a role. The truth is, what you put on your plate can either nourish your body or contribute to inflammation and imbalance. This is where an elimination diet becomes a powerful tool for self-discovery and transformation. Embarking on an elimination diet can feel overwhelming at first—figuring out what to eat, ensuring balanced nutrition, and staying motivated are all key factors in success. This is where Nourishing Meals® becomes an invaluable tool in your journey.
If you’ve ever struggled with chronic symptoms—digestive discomfort, brain fog, fatigue, joint pain, skin issues, or any number of persistent health concerns—you may have wondered whether the foods you eat are playing a role. The truth is, what you put on your plate can either nourish your body or contribute to inflammation and imbalance. This is where an elimination diet becomes a powerful tool for self-discovery and transformation. Embarking on an elimination diet can feel overwhelming at first—figuring out what to eat, ensuring balanced nutrition, and staying motivated are all key factors in success. This is where Nourishing Meals® becomes an invaluable tool in your journey.
I just couldn't let Valentine's Day go by this year without making heart cut-out cookies with my children. I did it every year with my mom and have made it a tradition with my children now as well. This year I created a new cut-out cookie recipe—a delicious, gluten-free and egg-free cookie made from rolled oats. This is a no-fail cookie recipe! No matter how much the dough is handled by little hands, the cookies are still perfect. As you can see below, the little hands really like to help......
I just couldn't let Valentine's Day go by this year without making heart cut-out cookies with my children. I did it every year with my mom and have made it a tradition with my children now as well. This year I created a new cut-out cookie recipe—a delicious, gluten-free and egg-free cookie made from rolled oats.
I know Valentine's day is right around the corner, but instead of adding to the plethora of chocolate recipes floating around in cyber-space, I thought I would share a non-caffeinated dessert suitable for little children. This recipe also happens to be in compliance with the Phase 2 guidelines for the Elimination Diet.
I know Valentine's day is right around the corner, but instead of adding to the plethora of chocolate recipes floating around in cyber-space, I thought I would share a non-caffeinated dessert suitable for little children.
The most powerful step you can take toward transforming your health and unlocking vitality is removing highly processed foods from your diet. These foods are loaded with artificial ingredients, preservatives, and inflammatory compounds that burden the body and interfere with natural healing processes. When the body is constantly exposed to these harmful substances, it struggles to function optimally, leading to imbalances that contribute to chronic disease, low energy, and poor digestion. Over time, this toxic overload weakens the body's ability to repair and regenerate, making it harder to achieve true wellness.
“A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.” ~Lao Tzu
Research has shown that more than 80% of chronic diseases can be prevented through simple lifestyle changes. Yet, in the U.S., over 50% of all calories consumed come from ultra-processed foods. These foods are engineered for overconsumption, packed with excessive sugar, unhealthy fats, and refined carbohydrates that trigger cravings and disrupt metabolism. They promote inflammation, which is a root cause of many modern health conditions, including obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and autoimmune disorders. Breaking free from these addictive foods is one of the most important things you can do for your long-term well-being.
Highly processed foods don’t just harm our physical health—they also disconnect us from our real bodily and nutrient needs, trapping us in cycles of craving, depletion, and imbalance. These foods are designed to hijack our brain’s reward system, making us reach for more despite never truly feeling nourished. They disrupt hunger and satiety signals, leading to overeating while leaving us undernourished. Over time, this disconnect weakens our ability to trust our own bodies, making it harder to recognize what we truly need—deep, lasting nourishment from real, whole foods. Instead, we become stuck in patterns of quick fixes that leave us exhausted, inflamed, and unfulfilled. This cycle not only fuels chronic disease but also affects our mental and emotional well-being, contributing to mood swings, anxiety, and fatigue. Reclaiming your health starts with breaking free from these addictive patterns and tuning back into the wisdom of your body. When you nourish yourself with real food, your body begins to heal, your cravings shift, and your natural energy and clarity return.
While eliminating processed foods may seem overwhelming at first, the key is to start small and focus on what you can add rather than just what you need to remove. Instead of feeling deprived, reframe this as an opportunity to explore a variety of nutrient-dense foods—fresh vegetables, quality proteins, healthy fats, and fiber-rich carbohydrates that provide the nourishment your body truly craves. A great place to begin is with breakfast, as the first meal of the day sets the tone for your metabolism and energy levels. Rather than reaching for sugary cereals, processed pastries, or artificial creamers, choose a meal rich in protein, fiber, and healthy fats. Making these small but meaningful shifts allows your body to gradually adjust, reducing cravings and increasing satiety so that healthier choices become second nature. Over time, you’ll find yourself naturally drawn to foods that make you feel energized, clear-headed, and strong. Instead of struggling with willpower, your body will begin to crave nourishment that supports your highest well-being.
Every intentional choice you make adds up, and your body will begin to thank you with increased vitality, improved digestion, and greater mental clarity. By gradually reducing your intake of processed foods and replacing them with real, whole foods, you’ll create a sustainable foundation for long-term health. This is not about restriction or perfection—it’s about empowerment and reconnection. When you nourish yourself with real food, you reclaim your energy, well-being, and inner balance. You begin to experience food as it was meant to be—something that heals, energizes, and sustains you rather than something that leaves you feeling depleted. With each meal, you are making a choice to honor and support your body.
Imagine starting each day with renewed energy, a clear mind, and a body that feels strong and resilient. The 12 Gifts of Health is a transformative, step-by-step journey designed to help you resolve health concerns, enhance longevity, and lay the foundation for lasting vitality. True change isn’t about quick fixes—it’s about releasing what no longer serves you and embracing habits that nourish and restore. This journey is an opportunity to discover what truly supports your well-being and empowers you to thrive. Lasting health isn't achieved overnight; it’s built through gradual, meaningful changes. To transform your health and unlock vitality, the most crucial step is removing highly processed foods from your diet. True healing can't occur when the body is overloaded with artificial ingredients, preservatives, and inflammatory compounds.
If you could make one dietary change to set yourself onto a new trajectory of health, it would be to consume a nutrient dense breakfast consisting of high-quality protein, fiber, and healthy fats. A nutrient-dense, high-protein and fiber-rich breakfast will help you curb cravings for foods you are working to stay away from, boost your metabolism, balance your blood sugar, help regulate your circadian rhythms, keep your mind sharp during the day, and increase satiety. Setting achievable goals that you can build upon sets you up for the most success as it gives your body and brain time to rewire. Dietary change quite literally creates new biochemistry in your body that takes time to get used to. Creating this nutritional memory starts with removing processed foods from your diet. Too many changes at once can overwhelm the brain and nervous system, making the new diet or lifestyle modifications unrealistic to maintain.
The definition of the word whole is “a thing that is complete in itself.” When we eat foods in their whole form we get all nutrients, carbohydrates, proteins, and fats in perfect balance. These compounds act synergistically to orchestrate all reactions in our bodies. When some nutrients are missing, the body cannot function properly, and when many nutrients are missing for an extended period of time, the body can become diseased. Obesity, chronic inflammation, food allergies, infertility, and many other diseases stem from the body being starved of essential nutrients lacking in a processed foods diet. The chemical composition of food, its vitamins and phytonutrients, sends signals to our cells designating how the genes will express themselves; this means that every time we eat we tell our bodies which genes to turn on, and which genes to turn off. Did you know that there is more gene expression within two hours after eating than any other time of the day?
Your body is composed of over 30 trillion cells, each of which is continually listening and responding to environmental signals. Your cells have antennas embedded in their cellular membranes. This is how your cells listen, relay messages to your DNA, and respond to your environment by activating biochemical processes. The food you eat carries information, which the antennas sense, and then tell your cells how to behave. You either turn on your anti-aging, disease-prevention, and anti-inflammatory pathways or you turn on your inflammatory, aging, and disease pathways with every bite of food.
When embarking on any new diet plan, it's essential to organize your kitchen with several key pieces of kitchen equipment. These items will make meal preparation go smoothly and help you have success on your diet. Many of the recipes in our membership portal utilize a food processor, high-powered blender, and Instant Pot to cut down on time spent in the kitchen and assist you in making delicious, nourishing meals. Additionally, having several high-quality knives will make all of the chopping and slicing much more enjoyable! In this post, you'll find key pieces of equipment to prioritize adding to your kitchen to make meal preparation more efficient and enjoyable.
What is one way to decrease inflammation, improve gut health, upregulate detoxification, and increase insulin sensitivity? It is to consume more brightly colored fruits and vegetables daily! Sometimes the busyness of life prevents us from adding in the recommended number of servings of fresh fruits and vegetables we need each day. That's where smoothies come in. Adding everything to a high-powered blender makes it much easier to consume what you need in a delicious way! This red antioxidant smoothie is something I make several times per week. The smoothie contains raw red cabbage, several different types of low-glycemic frozen berries, avocado, citrus, and a red polyphenol powder to help boost the overall phytonutrient content.
Join Nourishing Meals® today to get access to over 1800 nutrient-dense member-only recipes and our easy-to-use meal planning tools. Get inspired to cook again and take control of your health using the power of real food! Add meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, or use our system to only plan your evening meals. It is completely customizable to your unique needs!
The second foundational step to transforming your health and vitality is embracing a whole foods diet—one centered on real, unprocessed foods. The more you remove what’s harming your body and replace it with nutrient-dense, healing foods, the more profound the shifts in your health will be over time. If you want to naturally regulate blood sugar, activate anti-aging genes for longevity, lower disease risk, boost energy, improve sleep, reduce inflammation, and enhance detoxification, it all starts with what you put on your plate.
“Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.” ~Robert Collier
Whole foods are the foundation of vibrant health, providing your body with the essential nutrients it needs to function optimally. Unlike processed foods, which are stripped of their natural vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants, whole foods offer a full spectrum of nourishment that supports digestion, immunity, and cellular repair. Every meal made with fresh, real ingredients is an opportunity to fuel your body with life-giving nutrients, reducing inflammation and enhancing your body’s ability to heal itself. By choosing whole foods, you aren’t just preventing disease—you’re actively supporting longevity, vitality, and resilience.
One of the most powerful benefits of a whole foods diet is its ability to stabilize blood sugar and metabolism. Processed foods—laden with refined sugars, unhealthy fats, and artificial additives—spike blood sugar levels, leading to energy crashes, cravings, and hormonal imbalances. In contrast, whole foods like leafy greens, lean proteins, healthy fats, and fiber-rich carbohydrates provide steady, sustained energy while keeping blood sugar levels balanced. Over time, this shift helps to reduce the risk of insulin resistance, weight gain, and metabolic disorders, setting the stage for long-term health and vitality. Eating a diverse range of whole foods and cooking most of your meals at home allows your body to heal and thrive, giving you the energy and clarity to live your life’s purpose.
Transitioning to a whole foods lifestyle doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start by making small, intentional swaps—replace processed snacks with fresh fruit and nuts, opt for homemade meals instead of takeout, and prioritize quality ingredients like organic produce, pastured meats, and wild-caught fish. Instead of focusing on what you need to eliminate, shift your mindset to abundance and nourishment. Experiment with new recipes, explore seasonal ingredients, and reconnect with the joy of cooking. As your taste buds adjust, processed foods will lose their appeal, and you’ll naturally crave the deep, satisfying flavors of real food.
Eating a whole foods diet is more than just a nutritional choice—it’s a way to reclaim your health, energy, and connection to the natural rhythms of your body. As you nourish yourself with real, unprocessed foods, you’ll notice profound changes in how you feel—better digestion, clearer skin, balanced moods, and a renewed sense of well-being. Every meal is an opportunity to build a healthier, more vibrant future. By choosing whole foods, you are making a powerful commitment to your body, your longevity, and the life you truly want to live. To get started, try a Clean Eating Diet, Mediterranean Diet, or the IFM Core Food Plan.
Meal planning is one of the most powerful steps you can take toward reclaiming your health and well-being. Without a plan in place, it becomes easy to fall back into known habits and routines. Each new meal you prepare begins to create a foundation for lasting health, shaping your future self. Whether you plan every meal in advance or leave space for spontaneity, having some sort of plan in place reduces stress, minimizes reliance on processed and inflammatory foods, and allows you to stay aligned with your health goals. This simple yet transformative practice allows you to shift gradually, stacking small, sustainable changes that ultimately lead to profound shifts in how you feel and function. Meal planning can sometimes feel overwhelming, but with a little strategy, you can create delicious, well-balanced meals starting with ingredients you already have.
This Mediterranean Sheet Pan Chicken Dinner is a perfect fit for the Clean Eating Diet or Mediterranean Diet, offering a simple, nutrient-dense meal with minimal effort. With just a few fresh ingredients, quick prep, and one pan, you can have a flavorful, balanced dinner ready in no time! Whether you're juggling work, kids, or a packed schedule, meals like this make healthy eating doable! Plus, it's incredibly versatile—swap in different vegetables to suit your family's preferences or dietary needs, making it a meal that can be enjoyed again and again. Try this Mediterranean Sheet Pan Chicken Dinner on your next busy night—it might just become a go-to favorite!
The Mediterranean diet has gained global recognition as one of the healthiest eating patterns, consistently ranked among the best diets for overall health, longevity, and disease prevention. Rooted in the traditional cuisines of countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea—such as Greece, Italy, and Spain—this diet emphasizes whole, nutrient-dense foods, including fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, lean proteins, and heart-healthy fats like extra virgin olive oil. Decades of research have shown that the Mediterranean diet is linked to a lower risk of chronic diseases, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and cognitive decline. Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant-rich food choices help protect against oxidative stress, support brain function, and promote gut health.
The clean eating diet offers a simple, sustainable approach to nutrition that prioritizes real, whole foods and encourages a deeper awareness of what you’re putting into your body. Whether you’re aiming to reduce inflammation, maintain a healthy weight, improve digestion, or simply feel more energized, adopting a clean eating lifestyle can help you reach your goals. And the best part? It’s not about strict dieting, calorie counting, or deprivation—it’s about making conscious food choices that support your overall well-being. This guide will break down the fundamentals of clean eating and provide practical, easy-to-follow tips to help you transition seamlessly into a healthier way of living.
Food is powerful medicine for anti-aging and disease prevention because it directly influences cellular pathways that regulate health and longevity. Nutrient-dense foods provide bioactive compounds that reduce oxidative stress, inflammation, and metabolic dysfunction—key drivers of aging. Polyphenols and omega-3s activate sirtuins and AMPK, enhancing cellular repair and autophagy. Phytonutrients also combat DNA damage and epigenetic aging, helping to extend both lifespan and healthspan while reducing the risk of chronic disease.
Transitioning to a new way of eating—whether to manage food sensitivities, support gut health, or reduce inflammation—requires careful consideration of ingredients and meal structure. Planning ahead ensures you have the right foods on hand, making it easier to stick to your dietary guidelines without feeling overwhelmed or tempted by off-diet options. It also allows you to experiment with new recipes, find enjoyable alternatives to familiar dishes, and create a sense of stability during a period of change. By mapping out meals in advance, you can set yourself up for success, making healing and nourishment both achievable and sustainable. For those undergoing dietary changes or using food as a tool for healing, meal planning becomes even more essential.
Chia pudding made with real food ingredients is a powerhouse of nutrients—especially important for growing, active children! This nut- and dairy-free pudding recipe is rich in polyphenols, protein, healthy fats, fiber, complex carbohydrates, calcium, and magnesium. In fact, one serving contains over 13 grams of protein, 29 grams of healthy fats, 31 grams of carbohydrates, 10 grams of fiber, and over 230mg of calcium! Chia seeds also have a high antioxidant activity due to their high levels of various polyphenols. Not only can this lower inflammation throughout the body by reducing free radicals, but polyphenols also act as pre-biotics in the gut, promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria!
I love super easy meals on busy weekday evenings, don't you? This recipe (including the variations below) is one of my go-to weeknight meals. I wanted to share it with you because we all could use more ideas on how to create doable, nourishing family dinners. I love to serve this baked chicken and potato dish with a big green salad or some sort of raw kale salad. I know potatoes have received a bad rap for years, but did you know that potatoes contain high levels of potent antioxidants similar to levels found in dark cherries, strawberries, plums, and apples? In fact, the darker colored potatoes like the purple varieties contain the highest level of antioxidants....not surprisingly!
Even though it may be winter, you can still eat the colors of the rainbow and give yourself a hearty dose of powerful phytonutrients! Consuming these deep red, magenta, and orange colors you see in this salad means that you are flooding your body with plant chemicals that prevent DNA damage, stimulate the immune system, reduce inflammation, block substances we ingest from becoming carcinogens, and of course mop up free radicals. If you haven't worked with fennel before then you are in for a treat. This delicious vegetable adds complex flavors to this salad. I love eating it raw but it's also delicious braised or roasted!
Roasted root vegetables make the most quintessential side dish to a holiday meal, however, with the addition of a brightly flavored, antioxidant-rich parsley-basil pesto, the root vegetables are elevated to the next level! Celeriac (celery root), carrots, parsnips, and yellow potatoes form the base of this recipe. After they are cooked, the roasted vegetables are tossed with a flavorful dairy-free pesto. Did you know that by consuming flavonoid-rich herbs, such as parsley and basil, you help to regulate your blood sugar, reduce inflammation, and balance your immune system? Fresh herbs, such as parsley, are concentrated sources of powerful flavonoids. Flavonoids are a class of potent phytonutrients (phyto = plant).
Flaxseeds are a powerhouse of nutrients and fiber that help feed your beneficial gut microbes, reduce inflammation, regulate your digestive system, improve cardiovascular health, and help normalize blood sugar levels. This healthy muffin recipe uses 1 ½ cups of flaxseed meal, in addition to a small amount of oat flour and a cup of wild blueberries to pack in the nutrients! The soluble fiber found in plant-based foods is essential for increasing gut health and longevity.
Panang curry is one of my favorite types of Thai curries. It is deeply flavored with spicy chili paste, hints of lime, and a nutty richness from the peanut butter. It is best to find a good quality panang curry paste for this recipe. Look for one at your local food co-op or health food store. Panang curry paste is typically made from Thai red chilies, shallots, lemongrass, garlic, coriander, galangal (Thai ginger), kaffir lime peel, cumin, and sea salt. If you would like more protein, feel free to add some cubed tofu, cooked chickpeas, or cubed halibut to the curry. If adding fish, add it when you add the broccoli and zucchini as it only takes a few minutes to cook.
Full body health begins with the little things we do every day. Did you know that incorporating fresh herbs and spices into your meals adds thousands of flavonoid compounds that benefit your health and the health of your microbiome? Flavonoids from plant foods have been found to possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, are protective against neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration, and help prevent a wide range of cancers. Fresh basil, cilantro, mint, parsley, rosemary, thyme garlic, turmeric, and ginger are herbs and spices that can easily be incorporated into your daily meals. Not only do these herbs brighten the flavors of the final dish, but they add an abundance of phytonutrients that reduce inflammation and prevent disease!
I really love being able to toss ingredients into my slow cooker in the morning in order to have a meal ready to go later in the day, don't you? There's just so much less stress, and I feel so organized, with a clean kitchen going into dinnertime! This recipe for tomato-free, paleo slow cooked beef can be used in a multitude of ways. If you don't want to stuff it into baked sweet potatoes then you could use it as a taco filling for corn tortillas, Brown Rice Flour Tortillas, or simply served with sautéed kale and cabbage!
Looking for an easy, nutrient-dense meal you can make at the end of a long day? This simple sheet pan meal uses garden vegetables and wild salmon, and it can be prepped and cooked in under 30 minutes! Salmon is a rich source of a carotenoid called astaxanthin. This potent compound is also found in crab, shrimp, lobster, krill, and salmon eggs (roe), however, wild salmon contains the highest concentration of this potent anti-inflammatory compound.
Join Nourishing Meals® today to get access to over 1800 nutrient-dense member-only recipes and our easy-to-use meal planning tools. Get inspired to cook again and take control of your health using the power of real food! Add meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, or use our system to only plan your evening meals. It is completely customizable to your unique needs!
What would be nice to warm up with on a chilly winter day? Spicy, hot peppers, ginger, and garlic! I created this vegetarian burger recipe to test for nightshades during Phase 3 of the Elimination Diet, though everyone can enjoy this flavor-packed recipe! When I first made them, Tom said "Wow Al, these are amazing!" I enticed him with a taste while he was working in the home office. Not soon after, he was in the kitchen scrambling around for more.
What would be nice to warm up with on a chilly winter day? Spicy, hot peppers, ginger, and garlic! I created this vegetarian burger recipe to test for nightshades during Phase 3 of the Elimination Diet, though everyone can enjoy this flavor-packed recipe!
The foods we eat have a profound impact on our health, but not all foods nourish each of us the same way. Many people unknowingly consume foods that trigger an immune response, leading to chronic inflammation, digestive issues, fatigue, and other persistent health concerns. By identifying and eliminating these reactive foods, you create the space your body needs to heal, reset, and thrive. Removing food sensitivities isn’t about restriction—it’s about discovering what truly nourishes you and supports your long-term well-being. When you free your body from the burden of inflammatory foods, you open the door to more energy, mental clarity, and a deeper connection to your own health.
“The food you eat can be either the safest and most powerful form of medicine, or the slowest form of poison.” ~Ann Wigmore
The third foundational step in the Remove and Replace phase of healing is to eliminate foods that trigger an immune response in your body. Just as your immune system reacts to viruses and bacteria, it can also respond to certain foods, leading to food hypersensitivities. A food that is nourishing for one person may be a major source of inflammation for another, creating an ongoing immune reaction that fuels brain fog, depression, blood sugar imbalances, chronic fatigue, hormonal disruptions, joint pain, skin issues, and even autoimmune conditions. When consumed regularly, these immune-triggering foods keep inflammation levels high, making true healing nearly impossible. Identifying and removing these reactive foods allows your body to reset, reduce inflammation, and restore balance.
The signs of food sensitivities can be subtle and often mistaken for unrelated health issues, making them difficult to pinpoint. Unlike immediate food allergies, which cause an obvious and severe reaction, food sensitivities can create low-grade, chronic inflammation that wears down the body over time. You might experience bloating, migraines, joint pain, anxiety, acne, chronic fatigue, ringing in the ears, or even trouble sleeping without realizing that certain foods are the underlying cause. Because these symptoms can take hours or even days to appear, eliminating and reintroducing foods systematically is the most effective way to uncover hidden triggers.
The best way to determine your personal food sensitivities is through an elimination diet, which removes common inflammatory foods for a set period before carefully reintroducing them one at a time. This process allows you to listen to your body’s signals and identify which foods promote healing and which ones create inflammation. Whether you start with a Basic Elimination Diet, Full Elimination Diet, or an Anti-Inflammatory Diet, this step empowers you to take control of your health, reduce unwanted symptoms, and experience newfound energy and clarity.
Eliminating food sensitivities isn’t just about what you remove—it’s also about what you add back in to support healing. As you remove inflammatory foods, it’s essential to nourish your body with anti-inflammatory, nutrient-dense options that promote gut healing and immune balance. Think colorful vegetables, high-quality proteins, healthy fats, and gut-supportive foods like bone broth, fermented vegetables, and omega-3-rich sources. This intentional approach helps rebuild your microbiome, strengthen digestion, and enhance your body's ability to process foods efficiently.
As inflammation decreases, digestion improves, and energy levels rise, you’ll begin to experience food as true nourishment rather than a source of discomfort or depletion. An elimination diet can be a powerful step in your healing journey, bringing in more self-awareness and discovering the foods that truly nourish you.
The Elimination Diet is a foundational Functional Medicine tool to help you learn, through a process of elimination and reintroduction, which foods are behind your nagging health symptoms. All potentially irritating foods are removed from the diet for a period of time and replaced with nutrient-dense anti-inflammatory foods until symptoms go away. Then certain foods or food groups are slowly reintroduced for a period of three days each. Symptom return is monitored and journaled, and trigger foods are once again removed from the diet. Finding the foods that work for you is one of the fastest ways you can regain your health and vitality!
Have you ever wondered if gluten could be silently sabotaging your health—affecting your digestion, brain, skin, hormones, or immune system—even if you’ve never been diagnosed with celiac disease? You’re not alone. More and more people are waking up to the realization that their daily discomforts—like bloating, fatigue, brain fog, anxiety, joint pain, migraines, or stubborn skin issues—might not be random…but rather connected to something as simple and foundational as what’s on their plate. Gluten is often viewed as harmless unless you have a medical diagnosis. But emerging research—and the powerful healing stories of those who’ve removed it—tell a different story. For some, gluten is just another protein. But for others, it’s a daily trigger for immune disruption, systemic inflammation, and a slow, quiet breakdown of the gut lining.
Food is more than just fuel—it’s emotional, cultural, and deeply tied to our daily habits. But for many, it also becomes a source of addiction, keeping us stuck in negative cycles of cravings, energy crashes, and emotional eating. Processed foods, high in sugar, unhealthy fats, and artificial additives, are designed to hijack our brain’s reward system, triggering dopamine releases that make us reach for more, even when we know they’re harming our health. Letting go of food addictions isn’t just about willpower—it’s about breaking free from old patterns and stepping into alignment with your future self. Over the years, one of the biggest struggles I’ve seen during the elimination diet process is the difficulty of letting go of foods that have been part of one’s daily diet for years—or even decades. The cravings for sugar, gluten, dairy, and processed foods can feel overwhelming, and ironically, they often get stronger when we try to break away from them.
Embarking on an elimination diet can be a transformative journey toward better health, helping you identify food sensitivities, reduce inflammation, and improve digestion, energy levels, and overall well-being. But for many, the biggest challenge isn’t deciding to start—it’s knowing how to stick with it. Success with an elimination diet isn’t just about what you remove; it’s also about having a solid plan in place so that nourishing meals are always within reach. Without structure, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, unprepared, or tempted to fall back into old habits. But with the right meal planning strategies, you can set yourself up for a smooth and sustainable experience, allowing you to focus on the healing process. In this guide, I’ll walk through the essential steps to help you navigate meal planning for any type of elimination diet.
If you’ve ever struggled with chronic symptoms—digestive discomfort, brain fog, fatigue, joint pain, skin issues, or any number of persistent health concerns—you may have wondered whether the foods you eat are playing a role. The truth is, what you put on your plate can either nourish your body or contribute to inflammation and imbalance. This is where an elimination diet becomes a powerful tool for self-discovery and transformation. Embarking on an elimination diet can feel overwhelming at first—figuring out what to eat, ensuring balanced nutrition, and staying motivated are all key factors in success. This is where Nourishing Meals® becomes an invaluable tool in your journey.
Autoimmune diseases are on the rise, affecting millions of people worldwide and leaving many struggling with unexplained symptoms, chronic pain, and fatigue. While genetics play a role, emerging research highlights the profound influence of environmental factors—especially diet—on the development and progression of autoimmunity. The foods we eat can either calm inflammation and support immune balance or trigger immune overactivity, leading the body to mistakenly attack its own tissues. This means that every meal is either contributing to healing or fueling disease. The connection between food and autoimmunity is powerful, and for those suffering from conditions like Hashimoto’s, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or inflammatory bowel disease, dietary changes can be life-changing.
Food has a profound impact on our health, influencing everything from digestion and inflammation to energy levels and mental clarity. But for many, certain foods can trigger unwanted symptoms without them even realizing it. An Elimination Diet is a structured approach to identifying food sensitivities and intolerances by removing common trigger foods for a period of time, then systematically reintroducing them to observe how the body reacts. Unlike food allergies, which cause an immediate immune reaction, food sensitivities often create delayed or chronic symptoms that can be difficult to pinpoint. These reactions may manifest as digestive distress, fatigue, joint pain, brain fog, migraines, skin conditions, sinus congestion, or autoimmune flare-ups.
Starting an elimination diet requires careful planning and consistency. It can feel overwhelming at first, but with the right tools and guidance, it becomes so much easier to stay on track and enjoy the journey. With a Nourishing Meals® membership, you’ll gain access to hundreds of elimination diet-friendly recipes, pre-made meal plans, shopping lists, and meal planning tools designed to take the stress out of doing an elimination diet.
Making your own gluten-free brown rice flour tortillas is so simple! With just a few ingredients you can make healthier tortillas at home. My recipe is egg-free and xanthan gum-free as well. I use a cast iron tortilla press to quickly press all of the tortillas, and then I cook them in a hot cast iron skillet on my stovetop.
I've got an easy, nourishing main dish recipe for you today! These Nightshade-Free Chicken Tacos are super easy to prepare and perfect if you are following an elimination diet, nightshade-free diet, or another special diet such as an autoimmune diet. My children also love this recipe!
This flavorful green soup uses simple ingredients to create a nourishing meal that can help support natural detoxification. It is designed for Phase 1 of our Elimination Diet, but of course is a wonderful addition to your weekly meal planning even if you are not on the elimination diet!
I'm going to take another quick break from posting Elimination Diet recipes and share a favorite gluten-free, dairy-free pancake recipe with you. You all probably know how much I adore teff, right? I have many teff recipes on this blog that you can browse through. This lovely, warming pancake recipe is a spin off my vegan Teff Banana Pancakes.
I'm going to take another quick break from posting Elimination Diet recipes and share a favorite gluten-free, dairy-free pancake recipe with you. You all probably know how much I adore teff, right?
Food is more than just fuel—it’s emotional, cultural, and deeply tied to our daily habits. But for many, it also becomes a source of addiction, keeping us stuck in negative cycles of cravings, energy crashes, and emotional eating. Processed foods, high in sugar, unhealthy fats, and artificial additives, are designed to hijack our brain’s reward system, triggering dopamine releases that make us reach for more, even when we know they’re harming our health. Letting go of food addictions isn’t just about willpower—it’s about breaking free from old patterns and stepping into alignment with your future self. Over the years, one of the biggest struggles I’ve seen during the elimination diet process is the difficulty of letting go of foods that have been part of one’s daily diet for years—or even decades. The cravings for sugar, gluten, dairy, and processed foods can feel overwhelming, and ironically, they often get stronger when we try to break away from them.
Food is more than just fuel—it’s emotional, cultural, and deeply tied to our daily habits. But for many, it also becomes a source of addiction, keeping us stuck in negative cycles of cravings, energy crashes, and emotional eating. Processed foods, high in sugar, unhealthy fats, and artificial additives, are designed to hijack our brain’s reward system, triggering dopamine releases that make us reach for more, even when we know they’re harming our health. Letting go of food addictions isn’t just about willpower—it’s about breaking free from old patterns and stepping into alignment with your future self. Over the years, one of the biggest struggles I’ve seen during the elimination diet process is the difficulty of letting go of foods that have been part of one’s daily diet for years—or even decades. The cravings for sugar, gluten, dairy, and processed foods can feel overwhelming, and ironically, they often get stronger when we try to break away from them.
Embarking on an elimination diet can be a transformative journey toward better health, helping you identify food sensitivities, reduce inflammation, and improve digestion, energy levels, and overall well-being. But for many, the biggest challenge isn’t deciding to start—it’s knowing how to stick with it. Success with an elimination diet isn’t just about what you remove; it’s also about having a solid plan in place so that nourishing meals are always within reach. Without structure, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, unprepared, or tempted to fall back into old habits. But with the right meal planning strategies, you can set yourself up for a smooth and sustainable experience, allowing you to focus on the healing process. In this guide, I’ll walk through the essential steps to help you navigate meal planning for any type of elimination diet.
Embarking on an elimination diet can be a transformative journey toward better health, helping you identify food sensitivities, reduce inflammation, and improve digestion, energy levels, and overall well-being. But for many, the biggest challenge isn’t deciding to start—it’s knowing how to stick with it. Success with an elimination diet isn’t just about what you remove; it’s also about having a solid plan in place so that nourishing meals are always within reach. Without structure, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, unprepared, or tempted to fall back into old habits. But with the right meal planning strategies, you can set yourself up for a smooth and sustainable experience, allowing you to focus on the healing process. In this guide, I’ll walk through the essential steps to help you navigate meal planning for any type of elimination diet.
A few months ago I soaked a bowlful of sunflower seeds overnight with the intention of creating some sort of yummy pate to be wrapped up in a collard green. I wasn't quite sure how it would evolve but I trusted it would be, at the very least, edible. After rinsing and draining the soaked seeds I pulled out nearly every ingredient imaginable from the refrigerator. Now time has taught me to not go overboard and to just stick with a few ingredients when creating recipes.
A few months ago I soaked a bowlful of sunflower seeds overnight with the intention of creating some sort of yummy pate to be wrapped up in a collard green. I wasn't quite sure how it would evolve but I trusted it would be, at the very least, edible.
We're back with fabulous elimination diet recipes. Oh, how I adore the lovely lemon! I can't tell you how excited I was to taste lemon juice once again. This flavorful dark leafy green salad is a staple in our house this time of year. It utilizes hardy and super nutritious greens such as kale and collards. The lemon and salt help to break down the green's tough fibers creating an easy to chew raw salad.
We're back with fabulous elimination diet recipes. Oh, how I adore the lovely lemon! I can't tell you how excited I was to taste lemon juice once again. This flavorful dark leafy green salad is a staple in our house this time of year. It utilizes hardy and super nutritious greens such as kale and collards.
This beautiful and deeply flavorful red lentil dal is a nourishing staple you’ll want to make again and again. Serve it with cooked rice, warm flatbreads, and a spoonful of zesty cilantro chutney for a complete, comforting meal. The standout ingredient in this dish is Kashmiri chili powder, a traditional Indian spice that adds a rich, full-bodied flavor and a beautiful red hue—with just a hint of gentle heat. Perfect for cozy weeknights or when you're craving something grounding and soul-satisfying.
These gluten-free Indian flatbreads are soft, flavorful, and beautifully spiced with whole cumin seeds for an earthy, aromatic touch. Naturally vegan and nut-free, they pair perfectly with red lentil dal, curries, or any of your favorite Indian-inspired dishes. They also double as the perfect wrap—spread with a layer of hummus and filled with fresh veggies, herbs, or your favorite protein for a quick and nourishing meal.
I think I'd be missing the blogging boat if I didn't post a stuffed squash recipe this Autumn! This recipe veers away from the usual wild rice or quinoa mixed with nuts, cranberries, apples, and herbs. Not that those combinations aren't perfectly comforting and festive this time of year....but I was thinking of something a little spicier.
I think I'd be missing the blogging boat if I didn't post a stuffed squash recipe this Autumn! This recipe veers away from the usual wild rice or quinoa mixed with nuts, cranberries, apples, and herbs. Not that those combinations aren't perfectly comforting and festive this time of year....but I was thinking of something a little spicier.
This nourishing cake recipe is a wholesome twist on a classic dessert—gluten-free, dairy-free, and sweetened naturally with maple syrup. Made with simple, nutrient-dense ingredients, it's rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats from the olive oil and avocados. The silky chocolate avocado frosting brings a luscious, decadent finish—without the need for refined sugar or heavy saturated fats.
Happy Autumnal Equinox! As the evenings become as crisp as the apples, darkness begins to triumph over light. Today we celebrate the closure of summer, the dying of the light, and prepare ourselves for a new season. Autumn. As the trees shed their leaves and the plants die back, shedding old beliefs or thought patterns and going inward to feel our roots, our connection with the earth, can be quite powerful at this time.
Happy Autumnal Equinox! As the evenings become as crisp as the apples, darkness begins to triumph over light. Today we celebrate the closure of summer, the dying of the light, and prepare ourselves for a new season. Autumn.
These gingered beef, rice, and cucumber bowls are a quick, nourishing, and low-oxalate meal bursting with fresh, Thai-inspired flavors. Tender ground beef is sautéed with ginger and garlic, then simmered in a sweet and spicy soy-free sauce. Served over warm rice and topped with crisp cucumbers, creamy mango slices, and fresh herbs, these vibrant bowls come together in under 30 minutes—perfect for a simple, satisfying weeknight dinner!
With school starting and all of the after-school activities that go with it, our schedules have been very full lately. Posting to my blog seems to be on the back burner for now. Though I recently created this very easy salad recipe that I wanted to share with you. The soy-free dressing is scrumptious and the salad can be prepared in a snap. It actually stores well in the fridge in separate containers ready to go for a quick lunch!
With school starting and all of the after-school activities that go with it, our schedules have been very full lately. Posting to my blog seems to be on the back burner for now. Though I recently created this very easy salad recipe that I wanted to share with you. The soy-free dressing is scrumptious and the salad can be prepared in a snap.
Well, September is here, school is beginning and it is time for packing lunches once again! The above lunch was made by my 8 year old daughter. It is composed of a quesadilla made with refried beans and two brown rice tortillas, blackberries and sliced nectarines, sliced carrots and cucumbers, raw cashews, almonds, and chocolate chips. As you can see, very simple and nutritious, full of key nutrients for a growing and developing brain.
Well, September is here, school is beginning and it is time for packing lunches once again! The above lunch was made by my 8 year old daughter. It is composed of a quesadilla made with refried beans and two brown rice tortillas, blackberries and sliced nectarines, sliced carrots and cucumbers, raw cashews, almonds, and chocolate chips.
This beautiful beet, radicchio, and fennel slaw is packed with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant-rich ingredients to support gut health and overall vitality. Shredded beets and crisp fennel provide powerful phytonutrients with anti-aging benefits, while radicchio offers a bold, bitter flavor that naturally stimulates digestion. Thinly sliced apple adds a hint of sweetness and a dose of pectin, a prebiotic fiber that feeds your beneficial gut bacteria.
Well, it's August. Harvest time. I've been busy picking berries, peaches, and apples as of late. Jam-making is in full swing, our gardens are overflowing, and the energy of summer is winding down into Autumn. You can feel it in the air here.
Well, it's August. Harvest time. I've been busy picking berries, peaches, and apples as of late. Jam-making is in full swing, our gardens are overflowing, and the energy of summer is winding down into Autumn. You can feel it in the air here.
Have you ever wondered if gluten could be silently sabotaging your health—affecting your digestion, brain, skin, hormones, or immune system—even if you’ve never been diagnosed with celiac disease? You’re not alone. More and more people are waking up to the realization that their daily discomforts—like bloating, fatigue, brain fog, anxiety, joint pain, migraines, or stubborn skin issues—might not be random…but rather connected to something as simple and foundational as what’s on their plate. Gluten is often viewed as harmless unless you have a medical diagnosis. But emerging research—and the powerful healing stories of those who’ve removed it—tell a different story. For some, gluten is just another protein. But for others, it’s a daily trigger for immune disruption, systemic inflammation, and a slow, quiet breakdown of the gut lining.
Have you ever wondered if gluten could be silently sabotaging your health—affecting your digestion, brain, skin, hormones, or immune system—even if you’ve never been diagnosed with celiac disease? You’re not alone. More and more people are waking up to the realization that their daily discomforts—like bloating, fatigue, brain fog, anxiety, joint pain, migraines, or stubborn skin issues—might not be random…but rather connected to something as simple and foundational as what’s on their plate. Gluten is often viewed as harmless unless you have a medical diagnosis. But emerging research—and the powerful healing stories of those who’ve removed it—tell a different story. For some, gluten is just another protein. But for others, it’s a daily trigger for immune disruption, systemic inflammation, and a slow, quiet breakdown of the gut lining.
Sometimes the deepest healing doesn’t come from adding more—but from letting go. When we release what no longer serves us, we create the space our body needs to restore balance and begin to heal. The remove phase of the elimination diet process invites us into a rare and sacred moment: a pause. Not just from inflammatory foods, but from the unconscious patterns and loops that have kept our bodies in distress and our minds disconnected from our inner knowing. This isn't about lack or restriction. It’s about reverence. The kind that allows us to create space for healing, listening, and nourishing ourselves on every level. Letting go can stir up more than just cravings. It can awaken grief, uncertainty, even identity questions. You may find yourself asking: Who am I without my morning coffee? Without that glass of wine to unwind? Without the comforting foods I reach for when life feels overwhelming?
Sometimes the deepest healing doesn’t come from adding more—but from letting go. When we release what no longer serves us, we create the space our body needs to restore balance and begin to heal. The remove phase of the elimination diet process invites us into a rare and sacred moment: a pause. Not just from inflammatory foods, but from the unconscious patterns and loops that have kept our bodies in distress and our minds disconnected from our inner knowing. This isn't about lack or restriction. It’s about reverence. The kind that allows us to create space for healing, listening, and nourishing ourselves on every level. Letting go can stir up more than just cravings. It can awaken grief, uncertainty, even identity questions. You may find yourself asking: Who am I without my morning coffee? Without that glass of wine to unwind? Without the comforting foods I reach for when life feels overwhelming?
One of my favorite things to cook is Indian food. We recently had a large family reunion with over 60 people. Each night a family hosted a dinner with a different theme. Our night was Indian night. Along with the contributions of a few of my cousins, we made Indian Chicken Curry, Lentil Spinach Dal, Saag Paneer, Rice with Potatoes and Saffron, Raw Cilantro Lime Chutney, and this very spicy and easy Peach Chutney; all to feed 60 people.
One of my favorite things to cook is Indian food. We recently had a large family reunion with over 60 people. Each night a family hosted a dinner with a different theme. Our night was Indian night.
Once you've identified and removed inflammatory foods, the next step is to intentionally replace them with whole-food alternatives that truly nourish and support healing. This phase isn’t about relying on processed substitutes—it’s about choosing clean, nutrient-dense ingredients that align with your body’s needs. When you build your meals around real, healing foods, transitioning to a gluten-free, dairy-free, or allergen-free lifestyle becomes not only sustainable but deeply satisfying. By making thoughtful swaps, you reduce inflammation, restore balance, and create a nourishing foundation for long-term vitality.
“The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be.” ~Ralph Waldo Emerson
The fourth foundational step in the Remove and Replace phase of healing is to swap out foods that trigger inflammation with nutrient-rich alternatives that support repair, resilience, and vitality. This is not about replacing gluten with ultra-processed gluten-free substitutes or turning to packaged dairy-free snacks. Instead, this phase is about embracing whole, unprocessed foods that work in harmony with your body’s healing needs. Removing a food sensitivity is just the beginning. It's what you add in is what builds strength and transformation.
When you replace inflammatory foods with nutrient-dense options, you begin to shift your biochemistry in powerful ways. You're not only turning down inflammatory pathways; you're also activating your body’s anti-aging and longevity genes, reducing oxidative stress, and helping restore immune and hormonal balance. These daily choices—like using homemade nut milk instead of dairy, or gluten-free flatbreads instead of wheat—are simple, yet profoundly healing. With every nourishing swap, you’re telling your body: I am choosing to heal.
Making consistent, healing food choices becomes much easier when your kitchen is set up to support your goals. Your kitchen isn’t just a place to cook—it becomes the epicenter of your wellness journey. Stocking your pantry with clean ingredients, and using safe, non-toxic tools like cast iron, glass, stainless steel, and wood, sets the foundation for success. A little intention and organization at the beginning can yield life-changing results. If you haven’t yet, take time to clear out old cooking tools and create a space that feels aligned with the way you want to feel in your body.
Once your kitchen environment is aligned with your health goals, the process of replacing inflammatory foods becomes more intuitive and enjoyable. Start by identifying the most common sensitivities in your diet—such as gluten, dairy, soy, corn, or eggs—and explore whole-food alternatives that bring both comfort and deep nourishment. Ingredients like cashew milk or coconut milk, roasted vegetables, gut-healing broths, poached wild fish, anti-inflammatory slaws, and dairy-free sauces not only reduce inflammation, they help rebuild and restore your body from the inside out.
Starting an elimination diet requires careful planning and consistency. It can feel overwhelming at first, but with the right tools and guidance, it becomes so much easier to stay on track and enjoy the journey. With a Nourishing Meals® membership, you’ll gain access to hundreds of elimination diet-friendly recipes, pre-made meal plans, shopping lists, and meal planning tools designed to take the stress out of doing an elimination diet.
Are you working to eliminate dairy from your diet and in need of a creamy "milk" to add to your morning coffee or tea? I've been making this dairy-free cashew creamer for over a decade and never get tired of it! I don't drink coffee but like to add it to turmeric-ginger spice tea, Dandelion Root Chai, roasted dandelion root tea, matcha lattes, and sometimes a maca hot chocolate drink I make.
You’ll love this simple, gluten-free flatbread recipe so much it will likely become a staple in your home! It is made entirely from soaked gluten-free whole grains....no flours! The grains are soaked overnight, which increases their digestibility and nutritional profile, blended, and then POURED onto hot baking stones or cast iron skillets. No more wrestling with sticky dough or batter! This recipe makes two flatbreads.
Looking for an easy, nutrient-dense meal you can make at the end of a long day? This simple sheet pan meal uses garden vegetables and wild salmon, and it can be prepped and cooked in under 30 minutes! Salmon is a rich source of a carotenoid called astaxanthin. This potent compound is also found in crab, shrimp, lobster, krill, and salmon eggs (roe), however, wild salmon contains the highest concentration of this potent anti-inflammatory compound.
This flavorful green soup uses simple ingredients to create a nourishing meal that can help support natural detoxification. It is designed for Phase 1 of our Elimination Diet, but of course is a wonderful addition to your weekly meal planning even if you are not on the elimination diet!
Making your own gluten-free brown rice flour tortillas is so simple! With just a few ingredients you can make healthier tortillas at home. My recipe is egg-free and xanthan gum-free as well. I use a cast iron tortilla press to quickly press all of the tortillas, and then I cook them in a hot cast iron skillet on my stovetop.
I love curry dishes, but curry powder typically contains chili peppers (a nightshade vegetable). If you are following the Elimination Diet and craving curry, try this stew! It's warming, though not as spicy as a typical curry would be.
Elimination diet cookies made from plantains! You'll love these chewy spice cookies if you are following our Elimination Diet or another special diet such as an autoimmune diet, gluten-free diet, paleo diet, or vegan diet! They are also a perfect treat to introduce to older babies and toddlers. Once your baby is okay chewing soft foods then try making these cookies.
I'm excited to be sharing this amazing apple crisp recipe with you today. It's made with prebiotic-rich tigernut flour, which is a healthy, grain-free, nut-free, gluten-free flour. Going on an elimination diet can be challenging sometimes, especially during the holidays and family gatherings where food plays such an integral role in the celebration. Having alternatives that are just as tasty as your old favorites can make it much easier to stick to your new diet.
We have a garden full of tender fresh collard greens right now which is what inspired me to create these nourishing raw wraps! My children even love them. Well, my 8-year old thinks they are just okay, and the littlest one can only really eat the pâté and cucumber strips, but the rest of the gang enjoys them!
Blueberries and cucumbers are in season right now and with these hot sunny days, a light, refreshing smoothie is simply delightful. Sometimes I like to add everything but the kitchen sink to my smoothies, but a friend of mine who was recently visiting suggested these ingredients and urged me to keep it simple. So, reluctantly, I added just 3 ingredients. Now this is one of our favorite summertime smoothies. Cucumbers are naturally cooling and blueberries are very high in antioxidants, helping to protect our bodies from the damaging effect of the sun's rays.
Blueberries and cucumbers are in season right now and with these hot sunny days, a light, refreshing smoothie is simply delightful. Sometimes I like to add everything but the kitchen sink to my smoothies, but a friend of mine who was recently visiting suggested these ingredients and urged me to keep it simple.
Since it is grilling season, I thought it would be fitting to offer an easy, crowd-pleasing recipe for these sultry summer evenings. Our garden is overflowing with fresh mint and zucchini right now and I'm imagining that these ingredients are readily available for you too right now. Of course most fresh garden veggies would do well here. Think cherry tomatoes, peppers, and chunks of red onions.
Since it is grilling season, I thought it would be fitting to offer an easy, crowd-pleasing recipe for these sultry summer evenings. Our garden is overflowing with fresh mint and zucchini right now and I'm imagining that these ingredients are readily available for you too right now. Of course most fresh garden veggies would do well here.
Homemade jam is usually so full of sugar, but it doesn't have to be! Using Pomona's Pectin, one can make a low-sugar, honey-sweetened, or fruit juice-sweetened homemade jam. This particular pectin comes from citrus peel. The jelling is activated by calcium water (mono calcium phosphate) which comes with the pectin. It is so easy to make jam from all of your freshly picked fruit of the season.
Homemade jam is usually so full of sugar, but it doesn't have to be!
It is still strawberry season here in the Pacific Northwest. The other day I picked about five pounds of those tasty, sweet early summer morsels right from our backyard patch. If you have extra berries I suggest hulling them and freezing them on a cookie sheet to use for smoothies or strawberry lemonade throughout the summer. If you have a surplus of strawberries then making jam might be a good thing. A honey-sweetened strawberry jam recipe will be up on the blog soon!
It is still strawberry season here in the Pacific Northwest. The other day I picked about five pounds of those tasty, sweet early summer morsels right from our backyard patch. If you have extra berries I suggest hulling them and freezing them on a cookie sheet to use for smoothies or strawberry lemonade throughout the summer.
Today was the first really warm day we have had this year! Beautiful and sunny. A perfect day for a light vegetable salad. Blanched green beans, lemon zest, a dash of olive oil, and roasted walnuts create this refreshing summer salad, perfect for picnics in the park or summer barbecues.
Today was the first really warm day we have had this year! Beautiful and sunny. A perfect day for a light vegetable salad. Blanched green beans, lemon zest, a dash of olive oil, and roasted walnuts create this refreshing summer salad, perfect for picnics in the park or summer barbecues.
Well, it finally feels like summer here today in the Pacific Northwest. We actually turned the heat on a few days ago because it was so chilly and rainy here! School is out, the sun is out and it is time for frozen treats....popsicles and fudgesicles!
Well, it finally feels like summer here today in the Pacific Northwest. We actually turned the heat on a few days ago because it was so chilly and rainy here! School is out, the sun is out and it is time for frozen treats....popsicles and fudgesicles!
We love curries around here. Our children have had the opportunity to enjoy a variety of curried dishes from a young age. Their taste buds know the flavors well. I made this recipe for dinner tonight and there was very little conversation during mealtime. A sign of a good meal!
I've been very busy lately with my garden projects. I'll post photos to my blog soon! I also recently took a solo trip for six days to Breitenbush Hot Springs and the Oregon Coast. It was so lovely to get away and relax for a while!
We love curries around here. Our children have had the opportunity to enjoy a variety of curried dishes from a young age. Their taste buds know the flavors well. I made this recipe for dinner tonight and there was very little conversation during mealtime. A sign of a good meal!
