A Starbucks recently opened 5 minutes from my house and I'm beginning to think I should just start signing my paycheck over to them with the amount of time and money I've been spending there. My Christmas gift cards didn't make it past the second week of January. This new Stabucks location has been a great retreat from the toddler chaos in my house and is also a wonderful spot to meet clients. However, I needed to devise a plan quickly for how to order my drinks in order to avoid breaking my calorie bank. My current go-to beverage is the blonde pour-over roast. It's a light, mellow roast with great flavor. I always ask for room for cream and then flavor it with my own discretion of half and

This is a super simple recipe that is great for when you need to throw dinner together quickly. I combine all of the ingredients in a bowl and then pour them over the chicken in a ziploc bag. Then, I marinate it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes (or more if you have the time). I usually double this recipe so that I can have lots of leftovers for a quick protein option on hand. Enjoy! INGREDIENTS​: 2 lbs. organic chicken thighs 2 tbsp paprika 1 tbsp garlic powder 2 tsps cayenne power 2 tsp salt 1 tsp ground pepper Zest and juice of one lemon ¼ cup organic olive oil INSTRUCTIONS: In a bowl, mix paprika, garlic powder, cayenne powder, salt and pepper. Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and oliv

This vegetarian salad provides quick fuel for those looking for something on-the-go. It's made in one pot and the flavors blend beautifully together to compliment one another. If you're looking to go meatless a night or two during the week, this would be a great dinner option. Enjoy! INGREDIENTS​: ½ tablespoon coconut oil 1 medium yellow onion, diced 1 teaspoon ground turmeric ½ teaspoon cumin ½ teaspoon cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste Freshly ground black pepper 1 cup uncooked quinoa 2 cups vegetarian broth (or water) 1 (15 ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained ⅔ cup dried cranberries ⅓ cup finely diced flat leaf parsley ½ cup sliced toasted almonds INSTRUCTIONS: Add cocon

Mexican is MY FAV. Finding this easy, weeknight recipe was the ultimate jackpot for me. We all need something easy to prepare after a long day of work or day with the kids. I whipped this up in less than 20 minutes! Also, using only one pan makes the clean-up easy as well. Pair it with cauliflower rice to limit carbs or enjoy in a whole-wheat tortilla for something a bit more filling. I suggest swapping the packaged taco seasoning for the blend I've listed below (less additives and Whole30 approved). Enjoy! INGREDIENTS​: 1 small green pepper 1 small red pepper 1 small yellow pepper 1/2 medium onion, thinly slices 1/4 cup avocado or olive oil, divided Salt and pepper 1 1/2 to 2 lbs boneless,

Desserts are a big part of my life and something I enjoy on a consistent basis. I have completed two Whole30s and have done fasts from sweets altogether for 30+ days, and yet, my sweet tooth remains! I've decided to embrace it as part of my God-given wiring and use whole, real foods to create tasty treats that I can enjoy in moderation. Many desserts are made from ingredients that do not promote health within our bodies. Instead, they cause inflammation, disrupted digestion, brain fog, and elevated blood sugar levels. When we choose real foods that fuel our bodies, we do not experience these things, but instead enjoy guilt-free satisfaction. Throughout the years, I have discovered several h

I made these for the first time this weekend and they were delish! They remind me of the Girl Scouts Thin Mint cookies, yet they are comprised of all REAL FOODS! (Paleo-approved!) The chocolate layer pairs beautifully with the chewy, mint bottom. I cut mine into 16 squares, which made them only 193 calories/square! These babies are free of: egg, grain, gluten, dairy, and refined sugar! Enjoy! MINT LAYER INGREDIENTS​: 1 Hass avocado 1/4 c. honey 6 T. coconut oil, melted 1 1/2 c. shredded unsweetened coconut 3/8 t. mint extract, or a drop or two of food-grade peppermint essential oil dash of salt CHOCOLATE LAYER INGREDIENTS​: 1/4 c. coconut oil 2 T. honey 1/4 c. cocoa powder 1/4 t. vanilla ext

Brew pubs, taprooms, biergartens, and breweries seem to be popping up everywhere. These places are so much fun to visit and many even are even dog and child-friendly. (Something this mama appreciates!) However, it can be challenging to decipher the healthiest choices to make when visiting one of these establishments. So here's a few tips for the next time you visit one of my favorite places: Maybank or Coleman Public Houses, Bohemian Bull, Low Tide Brewery...or a favorite spot near you! Brew Pub Food Tips: Burgers/Chicken Sandwich: 1. Go for the bunless burger (or bunless chicken breast if that's your preference). By skipping the bread, you're avoiding many carbs that will be turned to sugar