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RED PEPPER ROASTED ACORN SQUASH

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RED PEPPER ROASTED ACORN SQUASH

RED PEPPER ROASTED ACORN SQUASH

"FOOD TASTES BETTER WHEN YOU EAT IT WITH YOUR FAMILY"

 

There is nothing better than sharing delicious food with loved ones, which is why Thanksgiving is the absolute best holiday! Whether you spend your Thanksgiving morning watching the Macy's Parade, doing a "Turkey Trot", or even just hang out with your family, you all know the joyful feeling of walking into the kitchen and smelling the amazing Thanksgiving fragrance. 

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If you are a side-dish-lover like myself, then you are going to fill up your plate with this warming and fresh dish!

Ditch the classic sweet potatoes with marshmallows, and substitute it with this healthier sweet squash! This dish encompasses every fall craving from the warm sweet cinnamon flavor to the crunchy cool pomegranate seeds with a light kick of pepper too! 

This easy and delicious dish will have the whole family coming back for seconds!

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PALEO PUMPKIN FIG MUFFINS

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PALEO PUMPKIN FIG MUFFINS

PALEO PUMPKIN FIG MUFFINS

 

Pumpkin season is here! And there are so many ways to incorporate this delicious orange vegetable, and its healthy, crunchy seeds, into your diet.

 

Green pumpkin seeds, or pepitas, are excellent for supporting a happy mood thanks to the tryptophan they contain, plus they're also great for prostate health thanks to their zinc content - so all you men out there should especially eat them up!

 

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These muffins are really low in added sugar.  Bananas, Turkish figs, and a little coconut sugar lend a great balance of natural sweetness, along with lots of minerals.  The almond flour and eggs provide lots of protein to keep you full and energized throughout the day. 

 

Cinnamon, ginger, clove, nutmeg, and allspice lend these muffins a warming, nourishing flavor and scent that will have you loving every bit of Autumn. Click the button below to find the recipe from our team member, Ailsa's, food blog – .Food to Feel Good – Happy eating!

 

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PUMPKIN OAT COOKIES

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PUMPKIN OAT COOKIES

PUMPKIN OAT COOKIES

"Pumpkin kisses and harvest wishes"

These guilt-free delicious cookies satisfy that Halloween-triggered sweet tooth!

Super quick and easy prep! Took about 5-7 minutes for the dough and only 15 minutes in the oven! 

Super quick and easy prep! Took about 5-7 minutes for the dough and only 15 minutes in the oven! 

Some Interesting Pumpkin Health Facts: 

  • Pumpkin is great for your vision with that hearty does of vitamin A (beta carotene). 

  • Health magazine reported the orange color (carotenoids) are great for healthy radiant skin.

  • The fleshy pumpkin is full of a healthy immunity dose of vitamin C. 

As we embrace the beautiful changing fall weather, our bodies naturally crave the seasonal foods associated with this time of year. With the abundance of winter squash, root vegetables, and warming spices, we can attune to the season of fall on a physical and energetic level. 

When the month of October comes around, candy floods the grocery stores. It becomes almost impossible to resist the sweet-tooth temptation within us all. So why resist? Embrace your sweet-tooth! Ditch the candy aisle and head to your kitchen! These pumpkin cookie are the perfect amount of sweet – guilt-free treats. 

 

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MEXICAN CHOCOLATE GREEN SMOOTHIE

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MEXICAN CHOCOLATE GREEN SMOOTHIE

MEXICAN CHOCOLATE GREEN SMOOTHIE

 

 

“Spice your food with love,
and it pleases every palate”
-Plautus

 

“In my family, we always say ‘the spicier the better.’ That’s why we included two of our favorite ingredients in today’s green smoothie. While by now you know we are chocolate lovers, and that there are many medicinal and pleasure based qualities to chocolate, try kicking it up with yet another superfood – cayenne pepper.

 

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My son Elijah used to work for an organic farm where every fall they would harvest their cayenne peppers. One of Elijah’s jobs was to grind the dried peppers down to make them into the spice many of us know and love.  

 

Elijah would come home after long days at the farm working in greenhouse, grinding cayenne pepper, feeling better than ever. He would tell me his sinuses never felt clearer, and he thought of this process as a cleanse for his whole body and mind.  

 

We still have his homegrown cayenne pepper in our spice cupboard, and every time I use it I think of how elevated he felt as he ground it up for our cooking.”        

 

Health Fact: Cayenne pepper has many many health benefits, along with making a lot of foods taste yummy.

 

One of our favorites is how cayenne pepper (capsicum) boosts our metabolism and invigorates our energy. Cayenne pepper also boosts immunity, especially in the lungs and sinuses, making it a great remedy for the common colds and flus.

 

Cayenne is wonderfully detoxifying, good for circulation, and as my dear dad says: “cleans the blood.” Cayenne pepper can be used as a digestive support, including alleviating gas, bloating, and indigestion.



 

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CHOPPED FIESTA SALAD

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CHOPPED FIESTA SALAD

CHOPPED FIESTA SALAD

with Creamy Avocado Lime Dressing

 

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This beautiful dish is a sneak peek into some of the nourishing meals we'll be serving at The Yoga of Eating Retreat this weekend!  It's a fresh, crunchy combination of romaine lettuce, yellow peppers, jicama, and radishes, topped with toasted chipotle pepitas, cilantro, scallions and a creamy avocado dressing.  So good - and so good for you. 

 

 

Fall is upon us! And with it comes amazing seasonal produce, like peppers, radishes, and tomatoes.  

 

 

Peppers are a colorful way to spice up any dish. This recipe uses yellow bell peppers for a pop of color and sweetness.  They're also a great source of Vitamin C and beta-carotene, to support your immune system going into the colder weather.

 

 

Radishes add a different kind of kick, with a refreshing and crisp spiciness to them.  They're full of antioxidants called anthocyanins, which have been found to specifically support the cardiovascular system and reduce inflammation.  Radishes are also a great detox food, as they help purify the blood and eliminate toxins. 

 

 

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We can't forget about the tomatoes this time of year.  These bright orange cherry tomatoes are the perfect sweet addition to this recipe.  Lycopene is a special antioxidant in tomatoes that benefits the eyes and heart while reducing the risk of cancer and orange tomatoes may actually contain more of this nutrient than red ones.

 

 

The Yoga of Eating Retreat is about connecting the gap between your food, mind, body, and spirit.  Meals like this Chopped Fiesta Salad help us do just that.  Get the recipe below and enjoy the rise of fall!

 

 

Recipe and Photos from Ailsa Cowell at Food to Feel Good

 

 

 

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EASY PALEO PEACH PANCAKES

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EASY PALEO PEACH PANCAKES

EASY PALEO PEACH PANCAKES

 

These Paleo Peach Pancakes are the perfect way to wake up and enjoy a weekend morning!  They're grain-free, super easy to whip up, and they embrace the juicy, delicious peaches this season has to offer.

 

 

 

For these pancakes I used the Birch Bender Paleo Pancakes mix, and it could not be simpler!  You just add water, mix them up, and cook them in a dollop of coconut oil until nice and fluffy on the inside and crispy on the outside.  They are really tasty, have a nice amount of protein, and are much healthier than many of the other mixes out there. (you know how I get about balancing blood sugar)

 

 

Coconut flour is an amazing grain-free ingredient to create healthy, low-carb baked goods.  It's full of healthy fats, called medium chain trigylcerides, that your body can quickly and easily use for energy production.

 

 

It's also rich in fiber to support your digestive system, which helps to balance the sugar from the maple syrup in this recipe.

 

 

Peaches are an excellent source of Vitamin C and antioxidants, plus they have a low-glycemic index. 

 

 

These pair perfectly with some raw chopped pecans and a warm cup of morning tea or coffee- enjoy!

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GREEN CURRY CHICKEN DRUMSTICKS

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GREEN CURRY CHICKEN DRUMSTICKS

GREEN CURRY CHICKEN DRUMSTICKS

These savory drumsticks are a delicious, easy meal to whip up for a crowd.  The green curry lends the perfect amount of spices and a little dash of sea salt brings it all together.

It's important to buy free-range or pastured chicken, to ensure the meat you're eating is more nutrient dense and free of harmful toxins, like hormones and antibiotics which are pumped into conventionally raised animals.

Chicken is a wonderful source of complete protein, as well as several B-Vitamins to support your nervous system and adrenal glands.

Chicken drumsticks also provide you with minerals like selenium, an essential antioxidant that benefits thyroid and prostate health.  These drumsticks can be baked or grilled, just serve them up with some fresh veggies and you've got a healthy, balanced meal!

Get the recipe HERE, on my friend, the amazing Ailsa Cowell's healthy food blog, Food to Feel Good.

Hope you enjoy!

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THE PRIESTESS SMOOTHIE

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THE PRIESTESS SMOOTHIE

THE PRIESTESS SMOOTHIE

 

I created this smoothie for many of the women in my private practice to support a healthy menstrual cycle and balance out monthly cycle hormones and energy.  

Many women struggle with menstrual stress, pain, fatigue, cramps, mood challenges.  Some women are even bed ridden, experiencing high levels of suffering and often challenged to have a somewhat normal day.

While there are many causes for menstrual struggles, this recipe addresses a lot of them.  

I chose these ingredients as medicinal foods that are known to help.  Some of these tonics are essential remedies to support a health menstrual cycle (AKA Moon cycle), building blood, relaxing the uterus, and uplifting mood and energy.

 

 

Red Raspberry Leaf:

Raspberry leaf helps with irregular or heavy bleeding while relaxing the uterus. Fragrine, the main component of raspberry leaf, tones the uterus. When the uterus is toned, it is more relaxed and it helps the blood flow smoothly while also reducing cramps.

 

Avocado:

Avocados tend to offer a good amount of healthy fats, while boosting progesterone. Stress and anxiety can lead to progesterone deficiency in women of childbearing years, which is often linked to the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome or PMS.

 

Rose Oil:

One of the best for aromatherapy oils for mood, hormone balancing, and easing the restful time of the moon cycle.

 

Banana:

Bananas are rich in vitamin B6 and potassium, which can stop you from retaining water and feeling bloated. Too little potassium can cause muscle cramping

 

Red Swiss Chard:

We often feel tired and depleted in the waning phase of our moon cycle. Consider eating more blood building foods to support you in replenishing your energy.  Blood building foods include red meat (organic and grass fed), fresh figs, red Swiss chard, beets, and cherries to name a few.

 

Protein:

Often during our cycles we feel a little tired, so be sure to keep up with your proteins, which are rich in vitamin B12, iron, and folic acid and essential for rebuilding blood and energy. For meat eaters, choose grass fed, organic and wild options.  For vegetarians, make sure you eat balanced unrefined proteins such as beans, whey protein, hemp protein, chia seeds, and quinoa. 

 

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SUMMER SPINACH BISQUE

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SUMMER SPINACH BISQUE

SUMMER SPINACH BISQUE

 

 

This creamy soup is a creative, dairy-free way to get more of this season's delicious green offerings in your diet. It's packed with spinach, broccoli, onion, coconut milk, and potato to produce a smooth, satisfying meal that is bursting with nutrients

 

 

 

 

Nutritional Yeast is a great source of B-12, which is especially important for vegans and vegetarians, and it provides a cheesy, nutty flavor. 

 

 

Dark green vegetables like spinach and broccoli are imperative to any balanced healthy diet. They are both great sources of folate, which is vital for a healthy neurological system, and Vitamin A, to support your skin, eyes, and immunity.

 

 

As an added bonus, the good fats from the coconut milk help by assisting in the absorption of the Vitamin A!  These medium-chain fats are also an excellent source of energy and help to make this recipe extra filling.  Check out the recipe below and get the most out of your summer greens!

 

 

 

 

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TOMATO BASIL ZOODLES

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TOMATO BASIL ZOODLES

TOMATO BASIL ZOODLES

 

 

Did you know that zucchini can make the perfect low-carb substitute for pasta?  These zucchini noodles, or "zoodles", topped with tomato sauce, fresh basil, chickpeas, and goat cheese will make you a veggie pasta believer!  Plus they're really easy and fun to make.  Kids love to help spiralize these, so don't be afraid to get creative with your kiddos in the kitchen.

 

 

 

There is so much delicious produce available this time of year.  Zucchini, in particular, is a great vegetable to take advantage of during the summer season.

 

 

It provides you with Vitamin C to nourish your skin and immune system, along with the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin which have potent anti-aging and eyesight benefits. 

 

 

The chickpeas and goat cheese provide this recipe with an extra boost of fiber and protein.  Fresh basil and tomato sauce bring it all together for a classic, fresh flavor.  Make this a new favorite this summer!

 

Recipe credit to Ailsa Cowell from Food to Feel Good.

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SPRING DANDELION PESTO

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SPRING DANDELION PESTO

SPRING DANDELION PESTO

 

Dandelion is one of the most potent cleansing greens during the spring, and how convenient that they are popping up all over the place. Be sure that you know the source and you don’t ingest any pesticides along with your greens. You can also find organic dandelion at the local health food store.

 

 

Dandelion greens are super rich in many nutrients, like calcium, iron, potassium, and Vitamins C, E, and K - among many other impressive compounds.

 

 

The flavonoids in dandelion greens support the removal of toxins from the liver, stimulate bile production to aid in digestion, and also act as a diuretic to cleanse and replenish the kidneys.

 

 

You can add this delicious pesto to anything - soba noodles, zoodles, quinoa, chicken, or even salmon.  Get creative and enjoy this nourishing gift of Spring.

 

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BERRY VANILLA OVERNIGHT OATS

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BERRY VANILLA OVERNIGHT OATS

BERRY VANILLA OVERNIGHT OATS

 

Rolled oats have a wonderful, wholesome flavor and hardy texture.  They provide you with lots of complex carbohydrates, fiber, and even a little protein, so they're sure to satisfy.  Soak them in a bit of almond or coconut milk overnight and you’ll wake up to a delicious, healthy breakfast that is ready to grab-and-go. 

 

 

OATS CONTAIN LOTS OF BENEFICIAL MINERALS, LIKE SELENIUM, A POWERFUL ANTIOXIDANT THAT ALSO PLAYS A REALLY IMPORTANT ROLE IN THYROID HORMONE PRODUCTION.

 

 

Magnesium is another essential mineral found in oats, which is often deficient in the modern diet and vital for hundreds of metabolic reactions throughout the body.  Due to the carbohydrate-rich nature of oats, it’s really important to include some healthy fats with them in order to slow your body’s absorption of these sugars and disperse that energy over a longer period of time.  Almond butter is the perfect way to do that in these overnight oats, adding flavor and heart-healthy mono and poly-unsaturated fats. 

 

 

 

 

Berries are a great topping since they’re overflowing with antioxidants and fiber while adding just the right about of natural sweetness (low glycemic). Blackberries are especially rich in compounds called anthocyanins that have been found to have anticancer and anti-aging effects.

 

Get your recipe for easy Berry Vanilla Overnight Oats and have a happy morning!

 

 

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BLISSFUL ROASTED BEET SALAD

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BLISSFUL ROASTED BEET SALAD

 

BLISSFUL ROASTED GOLDEN BEET SALAD

 

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Golden beets are a tasty, bright, addition to any meal and bring some major nutritional benefits along with them. They are slightly sweeter than red beets with a mellower flavor – not as much of an earthy bite. If you haven’t had them before, it’s definitely worth trying these sunny root vegetables for their delicious taste and satiating texture. They carry various spices well and work in a large variety of recipes, from juices, to stews, to salads.

 

 

Golden beets provide blood nourishing iron and Vitamin C, along with phytonutrients like lycopene, zeaxanthin, and beta-carotene.  

 

 

They’ve got some powerful antioxidant properties, helping to slow the process of aging and reduce the effects of stress, pollution, and toxins.  These sweet yellow beets are also a rich source of potassium, making them a super heart friendly food and a nice source of electrolytes. Another bonus, they encourage blood purification and liver detoxification, so they are a stellar addition to any cleansing program.

Here's a recipe for my easy Blissful Roasted Golden Beet Salad. Enjoy!

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WHITE BEAN PESTO SALAD

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WHITE BEAN PESTO SALAD

 

White Bean and Pesto Salad

 

"Live. Love. Eat."

 

We have been loving this white been salad around here lately.   Cannellini beens (AKA white kidney beans) are full of great dietary fiber and super rich in minerals such as iron, magnesium, and potassium, while also a great source of protein.

 

We also love that these white kidney beans support the kidneys, the dominant organ of winter. White beens are hearty, tasty and just perfect with this delicious pesto tossed in. Serve over a bed of your favorite seared greens and you have yourself a great wintery warm salad.
 

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This salad is the perfect side dish for any kind of meal, and can even be enjoyed as a mid-day snack! 

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7 REASONS TO DRINK BONE BROTH + MY FAVORITE RECIPE

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7 REASONS TO DRINK BONE BROTH + MY FAVORITE RECIPE

The aroma from my crockpot fills the house each Sunday afternoon. Something about my house smelling like home cooked soup takes me back to my childhood. As I wipe down the counters and pour another cup of tea, I carefully lift the lid (again) to have yet another little taste. 


Like many of you, I am a creature of habit. 


I like my daily/weekly rhythm. I enjoy cooking my favorite meals regularly,  hikei my favorite trails in Boulder County often, Jason and I have our favorite restaurants around town, and I try to keep up with my most effective and nourishing self-care practices each week. 



While trying new things is also part of my adventurous personality, I do it in smaller increments these days so I don't throw myself too far off from what I know works and feels good. 



This past year, I have added a weekly broth making routine.  Each Sunday morning I get my trusty crockpot going with some delicious broth ingredients. Sometimes I make an alkalizing veggie broth (more to come on that one) and often times slow cooked bone broth.  I drink it regularly throughout the week and I have noticed some key benefits which I want to share with you today. 



Last week I posted the photo above on my Instagram page. I was pleasantly surprised to find more likes and comments than usual.  Many folks requested the recipe, many folks wanted to know more about bone broth, so as promised, here you are:
 

 

7 REASONS TO DRINK BONE BROTH + MY FAVORITE RECIPE

 

 

While you may have heard a lot about bone broth, tasted it at a local health food store, or from your grandmothers soup pot, you may not realize that not only is it super simple to make, but it is also a medicinal nourishing tonic that can make a really big impact on your health. 

 

Bone broth is becoming so popular amidst recent health and wellness trends for a few very important reasons.

 

 

1.  METABOLIC SUPPORT

 

Bone broth is chock full of gelatin.  There have been many studies on the health benefits of gelatin throughout history showing it's healing power for ailments from ulcers, to diabetes to tuberculosis. In the case of your metabolism, a regular dose of gelatin in your diet, especially from homemade bone broth, has been shown to be extremely satiating and metabolically stimulating, as well as decreasing the need for overall protein and fat in the rest of our diets by up to 50%.  Metabolically speaking, bone broth keeps your blood sugar stable and keeps you in the fat burning zone.  

 

2.  DIGESTION

 

One of the most effective and healing ingredients in bone broth are the amino acids – glutamine and proline. If you suffer from food allergies, leaky gut syndrome, autoimmune symptoms, or IBS, bone broth is for you.  Glutamine is one of my favorite supplements for healing digestion, digestive inflammation while rebuilding and strengthening the digestive wall (which gets thinned during digestive illness).  A regular dose of bone broth will do wonders for your digestion.

 

3. JOINT HEALTH

 

Bone broth is also full of glucosamine and chondroitin.  Both of these nutrients are specifically helpful for joint pain, inflammation, arthritis symptoms, and mobility.

 

4.  IMMUNITY

 

Bone broth is a mineral superfood!  Your immune system functions on minerals.  All of the bone broth minerals specifically feed your immune system for a stronger healthier you.  Who knew our grandmothers' chicken soup really was a cure all!

 

5.  SKIN REPAIR AND HEALTH

 

One of the main ingredients found in bone broth is collagen. The main nutrient we need for healthy skin, hair and nails is collagen. Collagen helps to maintain the skin's natural elasticity (good bye wrinkles) while promoting smooth and supple skin.

 

6.  PROTEIN AND FAT NUTRITION

 

Bone broth is full of assimilatable natural protein and fat.  Glycine, found in the protein of bone broth, stabilizes your blood sugar, boosts energy production, increases satiation and builds muscle mass.  

 

7.  DETOXIFICATION AND CLEANSING

 

While most of us could use a little liver love in the world today, bone broth is an easy tonic to include in your daily regiment to support your liver and kidneys in a gentle yet effective cleansing.  The high amounts of glycine in bone broth are incredibly effective in aiding the body in its natural ability to detoxify regularly.

 

 


 

There are many, many ways to cook bone broth.  Some are plain and simple, while others get more creative and complex.  This favorite of mine is somewhere right in the middle. This one is simple, yet full of some of my favorite spices and flavors.  Try it as a soup, sauce for your favorite stir-fry, or a warming beverage right out of your favorite mug.

 

 

Questions, comments, requests, recipes?  Please tell me all about them in the comments below.  If you know someone who would benefit from this information please feel free to share it with them using the  button below.

 

 

 

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A SOLISTICE RITUAL AND RECIPE

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A SOLISTICE RITUAL AND RECIPE

 The temperature outside has fluctuated to a chilly low in Colorado this week.  I have often been bundled up with blankets by the fire, drinking hot tea and relaxing.  My brisk wintery walks have been invigorating, and my warm soothing baths have been the perfect anecdote for getting cozy.

The winter is definitely upon us.

Both the winter and summer solstice have been my favorite days since I was just a young child.  In northern Canada, where I grew up in my early years, the solstices (winter and summer) were pretty extreme.

The dark nights of winter were very dark, cold and long, and the light days of summer made the days seem to go on forever.  For me, there was an obvious magic to nature and her cycles, even back then.

So today, on one of my most favorite days of the year, I decided to OPEN registration a little early for THE YOGA OF EATING 2017 as well as bring to you my wintery gift – THE SOLSTICE SESSIONS.

For the next few weeks, I will be sharing with you the FREE rich and heartwarming Solstice Sessions.  These are my little whispers of winter’s wisdom, some guidance as we descend into the darkest nights of the year, and some appetizers from my most complete body of work, THE YOGA OF EATING 2017 that begins this January. (registration is open).  I hope you enjoy some of this free content, as much as I love creating it for you.

Because… what I used to consider a cold, stressful and tender time of year has now become a time I cherish.

When I say descend, what I mean is my descent into my inner world - through all her peaks and valleys – where the darkest nights of the year have become a great teacher and chaperon to my own insight and wisdom.

Some would say this descent has been known throughout time, myth, and story as a descent into the underworld.  Others see it as the most potent nights to pray or connect to our higher selves. Often we hone how to vision with clarity and precision for the upcoming New Year.

The dark nights expand to cultures worldwide with unique and diverse wintery wisdoms and rituals.

In today’s Solstice Session you will learn:

  • Learn the biggest challenge women face over the holidays.
  • Some short and sweet solstice rituals begin your own dark night descent – embracing winters wisdoms.
  • How to restore your life force and your energy with my most favorite winter warming smoothie.

Have you been busy bustling and hustling to get ready for your holidays? Amidst all of the gift buying, holiday parties and decorating things can get pretty zany out there.

The most common complaints we all know during the holidays: tired, drained, doing too much, over extended, and trying to please everyone else.

This is the # 1 challenge women face each holiday season.

The energetics of winter remind us to hunker down, slow down, and restore our prana (life force). We benefit from cooking our food slow and long, finding coziness and warmth together in our families and communities, while warming our hearts with connection to ourselves and others we love. Follow these three R’s for some simple reminders and reflections.

RESTORE

This year, turn over a new “snow flake” and give to yourself first. You will have plenty more to give to those you love when you do.

How you might ask?

That is exactly what Solstice Sessions are for. Little winter wisdoms to inspire you and remind you that you can live as your own VIP.

Try these daily practices to stay centered and calm:

  • Create some daily down time – just for you.
  • Go bed a little earlier – winter is a time for rest and restoration.
  • Reflect with your inner self – journal, meditate, listen inward
  • Take warm soothing baths – these will relax you, boost your immune system and help you sleep
  • Bundle up and get outside – the crisp winter days bring energy and vitality
  • Order your gifts online – avoid those lines and the holiday bustle
  • Say NO more often – save your YES's for the important stuff
  • Keep things simple in your celebrations – simple is the new smart

RITUALIZE

The winter solstice is the perfect time to begin a reflection practice for the years end. The darkest night in many cultures has symbolized the new year and returning of the light.  Often winter solstice rituals include candle light, fires and warming foods.

Take some time to look back on your year and enjoy contemplating all the things you have been through (easy or tough), and the life lessons learned in the process, the intentions actualized, and finally bridge some ideas as to where you are heading for the new year to come. (more on the years beginning ritual to come soon)

  • Release the old with reverence
  • Celebrate the small successes and the little things that matter most
  • Relish in the magic of synchronicities, the power of intentions and the opportunities that have come your way.
  • Let go of judgement and self-criticism (pretty please)
  • Most of all…Count your blessings – big and small

Here some ways create a winter solstice ritual moment:

  • Light candles or lanterns and savor the darkness as you take some time in silence to hold your year in a magical embrace.
  • Release the old with a fire ritual – burning a list of the aspects of your year you would like to release or let go of. Be gentle with yourself. Use a fireplace, a fire pit, or even hold the burning paper and flush it.
  • Spend some time writing in your journal reflecting on the past year, who you were when the year began last January, and what you have learned about yourself and life since then.

REPLENISH

Winter eating entails preparing seasonal whole foods that can be stored, canned, or kept for the colder days of winter. Emphasize warming foods that stimulate digestion, circulation, and immunity.  Share food with loved ones, focus on the pleasure of eating and the coming together of love and light.

Here are some good winter foods to explore:

  • Warming soups and stews
  • Root vegetables
  • Beans (especially adzuki and mung beans)
  • Miso and seaweed
  • Garlic and ginger
  • Warming spices like cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg and cloves.

Try this wintery warming smoothie to nourish your body, mind and soul.

smoothie-gingerbread

Recipe by Chef Bailey Ruskus

This is my holiday treat for you this year.  A candlelit path into the darkest nights of the year and some tasters from the The Yoga of Eating 2017Online Course and Community that begins this January – check out all the details below.

The Yoga of Eating 2017: the most in depth and detailed body of work I offer, a way to work with me personally while feeling the support of others on a similar path … to transform your relationship to food and your body.

Many of you have daydreamed of life filled with positive thoughts and habits that support your health and your happiness. If that is the case, The Yoga of Eating is just right for you.

This 6 month online course and community is full of incredible resources, potent international guest teachers, deep and reflective monthly content, guided yoga and meditation practices to enhance your inner journey, a beautiful circle of women from many corners of the world, and age old practices that guide us to deep healing from the inside out.

Click Here to learn all about The Yoga of Eating 2017 … and how this year you can become your own VIP in all things health and happiness.

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FROM MY KITCHEN TO YOURS

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FROM MY KITCHEN TO YOURS

The fall wind has been stirring up the fallen leaves around my neighborhood this past week. I have been enjoying my brisk and invigorating late afternoon walks amidst the crimson and golden trees.

It is such a beautiful time of year here in Boulder.

Each year, as I say goodbye to my summer adventures and play, I find some solace with the inward pull that fall brings.  One of my favorite parts of this magical season is my natural urge to spend time in my kitchen cooking, creating, and reviving my crockpot.

With the cooler weather creeping in, my favorite fall harvest foods (pumpkins, root veggies, and roasted chillies) and the inspiration to increase my self-care and restoration, I turn to my daily practice of nourishment and self-care rituals.

 

Life is most often full, and amidst the fullness, the Fall transition is reminding us to slow down.  

 

This week, I thought I would share with you some of my favorite fall foods and tonics that I have been experimenting with in my kitchen. These are easy, quick, and soothing recipes that I hope you will have fun perusing and experimenting with.

The little things we do for ourselves each day add up.  Everything we do in the name of health, nourishment and self-care – no matter how small – is a win.

I invite you to take some time just for you this weekend. Nourish, rest, reflect and restore.

 

Keep Reading to (and download) some of my FALL FAVORITES from my kitchen to yours

 

Alkaline Broth

This is an age old traditional broth recipe rich with tons of antioxidants, trace minerals, and anti-inflammatory qualities.

Download FULL recipe HERE

 

Golden Milk

This is a super yummy and tasty warming tonic to help you sleep, boost your immune system and decrease any inflammation.

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Download FULL recipe HERE

 

 

Warm Fall Beat Salad

Warming, soothing, and delicious.

Download FULL Recipe HERE

 

 

Pumpkin Spice Paleo Muffins

Hi protein, spicy and tasty little bites of Fall.

Download FULL recipe HERE

 

 

Slow Roasted Colorado Lamb

Nothing like slow cooked meals at this time of year.  This is one of my all-time favorites.

Download FULL recipe HERE

 

About Sue Van Raes...

I'm a Nutritional therapist, food psychology expert and Lifestyle Coach.

My mission is to help heal the feminine through food, mind-body connection and pleasure. Learn more here.

In our work together we will dive into deep healing for the body and soul while I offer you practical, potent teachings that will open your heart to trust, your mind to possibility and your body to its organic wisdom.

I am chock full of resources for you including INSPIRING content and a wide range of support to help you find your way in all things food and body.

Feel free to read more about me and how I can help you HERE

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