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WHY PRACTICE GRATITUDE?

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WHY PRACTICE GRATITUDE?

THE BEST WAY TO EXPRESS YOUR GRATITUDE IS TO ENJOY ALL THAT LIFE GIVES YOU.



About 25 years ago I was gifted a Tarot deck while I was backpacking around Central America. 


You may laugh, but have kept this same deck nearby since then.


The above quote was written on one of those Tarot cards, the very one I pulled out of my tattered old Tarot deck just a few years ago on Thanksgiving day.


Since then, I have consciously been practicing enjoying what I have with more intent. In the process, I’ve noticed a few things that perhaps you can to relate to:


... At times I have felt guilty for taking pleasure in the successes and the luxuries that I do have.

... Often, my mind has automatically turned toward self-criticism, imperfection and focussed on the negative, rather than celebrating my health, abundance and joy.

... Once in a while, I've noticed when I receive a compliment or an acknowledgement, I have a hard time taking it in, but rather brush it off as not true or an exageration.




For many of us, receiving pleasure and celebrating the good in our lives is takes practice.


But, I’ve also noticed that elevating daily gratitude and pleasure gets easier with time, practice, frequency and focus. 


While the Thanksgiving holiday accentuates gratitude, the science behind gratitude has many diverse and positive effects that go far beyond Thanksgiving.


Here are a few of my favorites:

  • Gratitude Improves Our Patience: Research shows that practicing gratitude can increase your internal well of patience and keep you more calm and centered in yourself.

  • Gratitude Improves Our Eating: Gratitude is a positive state of mind. Gratitude fills your body with loving thoughts, positive intentions, and reverses judgment and criticism (of self or others). Gratitude not only makes us happier, but healthier as well.

  • Gratitude Improves Our Self-Care: Gratitude is the perfect ingredient to boost wellness-based activities and self-care. One study found a positive correlation between practicing gratitude and focusing on healthy behaviors such as diet and exercise.  




Back to you! What are you most grateful for? How are you enjoying these elements in your life?


I’d love to hear your response!  Tell me in the comments below…


Eat well and happy Thanksgiving!


Be sure to check out our Thanksgiving gratitude goodies HERE


P.S. Calling all Coloradoans! I just opened registration for a local day retreat this December - ENVISION - for those of you who want to consciously create your 2019.  Join me December 30th, right here in my home town of Boulder, Colorado. Find out more HERE!

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CHARRED BEANS AND BEETS

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CHARRED BEANS AND BEETS

Known for their health-promoting benefits and astonishing nutrient profile, beets have been revered as a healing and anti-aging food in both Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine for centuries.

This one-pan dish is perfect addition to any Thanksgiving feast.

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Not only are beets full of health promoting antioxidants and trace minerals, they are also loaded with dietary nitrates––a naturally occurring inorganic compound––that convert to nitric oxide in the body.


Beetroot directly support heart health, lowers blood pressure, enhance physical performance, and protects brain cells keeping you feeling healthy and vital. If you like these earthly sweet roots, be sure to add them to your anti-aging diet!

 


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CELERIAC MASH UP

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CELERIAC MASH UP

You may know celery as a popular addition to soups, stews, and salads. You may not, however, be as familiar with the form of celery (the root) known as celeriac.
 
Don’t let the gnarly and peculiar appearance of celeriac fool you. Celeriac is full of flavor, and a tasty addition to your fall vegetable repertoire. Try these tasty mashers this Thanksgiving (and beyond).

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Celeriac is rich in minerals such as potassium and phosphorus, which research shows supports healthy bone density. Celeriac is also full of vitamin C, K and B6 making it a nutrient-dense choice with many health benefits including fighting free radical damage––diminishing the damage caused to our cells from sources of toxicity and stress.

Plus, let me remind you they are so tasty! My very favorite root vegetable!!



 

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GRATEFUL CRANBERRY SAUCE

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GRATEFUL CRANBERRY SAUCE


Did you know cranberries are often referred to as a superfood?


While we tend to hear a lot about cranberries, we sadly don't the rest of the year. This naturally sweetened zesty version of traditional cranberry sauce highlights the health benefits of cranberries without all of the added sugar.

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This delicious fall flavored rendition of cranberry sauce has a lot to offer your palate and your health!

Cranberries are known to decrease inflammation, prevent UTI’s, protect against cancer, improve cardiovascular health…the list goes on!

Enjoy these healthy and delicious treats this holiday season or really anytime at all!


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COCONUT {GRAIN FREE} SHORTBREADS

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COCONUT {GRAIN FREE} SHORTBREADS

I am a big fan of baking with alternative flours. These coconut flour treats topped with oh-so-yummy coconut butter are the perfect variation for the healthy and balanced sweet flavor. 

Plus, coconut! Health benefits galore! These healthy treats are rich in coconut and coconut oil.

There are few substances on the planet that stand up to coconut. This versatile superfood has beneficial uses that span skin care, hair health, and anti-inflammatory properties—benefitting you inside and out. Coconut oil is antibacterial and antimicrobial, making it a wonderful addition to your menu (and to your bathroom cabinet).

Notably, research shows  that eating coconut oil regularly can support and heal your digestion as it positively influences the delicate balance of good and bad flora, making the plethora of antioxidant-rich foods you eat easier to absorb.

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ROASTED ROOTS ROUNDUP

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ROASTED ROOTS ROUNDUP

Tis the season of root veggies and squash. This medley is simple, quick and full of the diverse flavors of fall. Roast a big pan and keep for munching all week!

Let’s talk Delicata squash for a minute:

An heirloom variety of hard-shell squash that is known for its smooth, buttery, and nutty flavor, delicata squash is also low in sugars and high in fiber. Delicata’s unique yellow shell with green stripes makes it easy to recognize alongside its cousins acorn squash, butternut squash and spaghetti squash. Similar to other hard-shell squashes, delicata squash is high in vitamin C, vitamin A, calcium, and iron. Eat it often for a healthy immune system, strong bones, and as anemia prevention (preventing low levels of iron in your blood, which can leave you feeling weak).

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ZUCCHINI COLLAGEN JOHNNYCAKES

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ZUCCHINI COLLAGEN JOHNNYCAKES

"If you have a garden, you have a library of everything you need."

 

Oh those summer garden zucchinis can be just so yummy in so many different ways...but wait until you try these!!  Savory, scrumptious and so full of goodness. A little extra collagen peptides added in to these delicious cakes and your skin, nails and digestion will thank you. 

 

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Zucchini is a nutrient dense, hydrating and versatile veggie that is chock full of potassium, vitamin C,  manganese and many other phytonutrients and antioxidant. Zucchini is also low glycemic and highly anti-inflammatory.  Add a little collagen powder (available at your local health food store) and you are gearing up for a great dish!

 

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SPRING SUN-SATIONAL SALAD WITH CREAMY BEET DRESSING

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SPRING SUN-SATIONAL SALAD WITH CREAMY BEET DRESSING

This deliciously vibrant beet dressing is the ideal topping to any salad!

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An exciting new dressing is the best way to spice up your basic everyday salad! With a perfectly creamy consistency that everyone can love, enjoy this a big beautiful salad with any meal! 

Fun fact: Eating more beets is a great way to boost your immune system, and antioxidant levels while maintaining healthy blood pressure, nerve and muscle function! 

Brighten up your salads with these colorful, healthful, and perfectly textured ingredients.

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HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY HUMMUS

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HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY HUMMUS

No matter what your Memorial Day weekend plans are, this hummus is bound to be a hit with any crowd! 

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Memorial Day weekend is usually spent basking in the healing summer sunshine. Whoever you decide to spend this holiday with, there will surely be a need for plenty of snacks to enjoy outdoors. This perfectly creamy and filling hummus is the ideal snack to dig in with everyone! 

Chickpeas are a great source of plant based protein. Matched with healthy fats from the oil, nutritious garlic, and loads of vitamin C from lemon, this hummus is the perfectly nourishing and yummy spread that everyone can relish. 

Be sure to take note of our special secret ingredient: chickpea water! This liquid, also known as aquafaba, is the upcoming trend especially in the vegan community. It is commonly used as a binder substitute for eggs in baking. It is the perfect ingredient to make this hummus as creamy as desired. 

No need to stress over what food to bring to your weekend get together! Look no further than this delicious dip that is sure to be a hit! 

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LAVENDER LEMONADE {MONKFRUIT} MOCKTAIL

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LAVENDER LEMONADE {MONKFRUIT} MOCKTAIL

Not all summer drinks have to be filled with processed sugary sweeteners! Mix up your basic refreshers with this low-glycemic and delicious lavender infused mocktail! 

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This drink utilizes the natural sweetness of monk fruit rather than refined sugar!

Fun fact: Monk fruit is about 300 times sweeter than normal cane sugar, but ZERO glycemic index – no negative effects on blood sugar. Monk fruit is a tropical melon that was first used by the Buddhist monks in the 13th century, hence the name. It's easy to use, just start slow as it is much sweeter than sugar.

You can find Monk fruit at your local health food store in a granular form (or on Amazon).

The natural sweetness from the monk fruit mixed with the tart lemons and soothing lavender creates a refreshingly perfect drink to enjoy during any summer activity! 

Savor this fresh cooling drink in the warm summer sun, or even add your favorite alcoholic beverage if you are in the mood for a sunshine pick-me-up! No matter how you decide to make it, this drink will not disappoint! 

 

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LEMON CHICKEN & CAULIFLOWER RICE HEALING SOUP

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LEMON CHICKEN & CAULIFLOWER RICE HEALING SOUP

LEMON CHICKEN & CAULIFLOWER RICE HEALING SOUP

 

"SOUP IS THE CUISINE'S KINDEST COURSE"

 

Bone broth soups are my absolute favorite. They are so healing for the gut and microbiome, easy to digest, full of good fat, nutrients, veggies and the little squeeze of lemon in here really adds a nice spring flare. I eat mine for breakfast.

Some of the amazing healing qualities about bone broth can be found on my previous blog dedicated to it HERE

I keep a big pot of this in my fridge and it last me for a few good days.  Left overs?  Stick them in the freezer.  Your future self will thank you!!

 

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CRUNCHY BLUEBERRY CABBAGE SALAD

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CRUNCHY BLUEBERRY CABBAGE SALAD

CRUNCHY BLUEBERRY CABBAGE SALAD

 

 

This salad is such a colorful, nourishing dish - filled with purple and green cabbage, red leaf lettuce, carrots, blueberries, and pepitas.  It's topped with a super simple red wine vinaigrette so you can easily whip up this healthy meal when you're short on time!

 

 

 

Cabbage is a really filling and crunchy way to get some high quality produce variation in your diet.  It's packed with fiber, Vitamin C, and compounds that support your body's cancer-fighting abilities and natural detoxification processes.

 

 

Some other benefits of cabbage are its price; even organic cabbage is very affordable plus it holds up really well in the fridge- so you can create one big bowl of this salad to snack off of all week long.

 

 

Blueberries are an ultimate superfood.  They are overflowing with antioxidants, helping to reduce the effects of toxins and inflammation on your body, while also providing a mild sweetness without any negative effects on your blood sugar.  I love the bright blue color they add to this dish. 

 

 

Eat the rainbow and make this beautiful salad tonight, get the recipe by hitting the button below!

 

 

 

Recipe and photo credit: Ailsa Cowell at Food to Feel Good.

 

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FESTIVE GINGERBREAD GREEN SMOOTHIE

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FESTIVE GINGERBREAD GREEN SMOOTHIE

 

Festive Gingerbread Green Smoothie

 

"HOLIDAY WISHES MADE WITH GINGERBREAD HUGS AND PEPERMINT KISSES"

 

 

Need something a little festive this winter season?  Try our delicious gingerbread green smoothie.  

 

Full of fresh ginger and all the warming winter spices you can imagine, lots of immune boosting greens, minus all the sugar. Enjoy this holiday drink that's vegan, gluten-free, Paleo-friendly, nutrient dense and absolutely delicious!

 

These warming spices boost your metabolism, warm up your digestions, and balance your blood sugar.  You will love how you feel after this festive boost.

 

 

 

 

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 PUMPKIN PIE GREEN SMOOTHIE

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PUMPKIN PIE GREEN SMOOTHIE

 

PUMPKIN PIE GREEN SMOOTHIE

 

"LET THERE BE PUMPKIN SPICE"

 

For years, I have used the same pumpkin pie recipe.  I have modified, tweaked, and fine tuned many variations over time until finally one day, as I dipped into the blender for a final taste, I realized: "This would make an amazing green smoothie". So here you go...  

 

This seasonal green smoothie is a tasty and nourishing way to fuel your body during the festive week ahead.

 

With all the warming pumpkin pie spices, a big handful of greens and all that delicious pumpkin flesh I hope you will love this easy to make, delicious and energizing smoothie as much as I do.

 

 

 

To make this into your pumpkin pie filling simply add 2 eggs, and bake at 425, and bake for 15 min.  Then reduce heat to 350 and bake 45 min more until set.  Let sit for approximately 1 hour and serve.

 

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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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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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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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