Carbohydrates are an essential part of a healthy and balanced diet. They are the preferred fuel source of the body, providing energy needed to build and repair. Unfortunately we have been very misguided in our understanding of carbohydrates and where we need to get them. Breads, refined flour products, packaged gluten free products are overly processed providing zilch when it comes to nourishing us. I'll go as far as to say they are even harming us. We now have a better understanding of the way in which our body breaks down and uses the nutrients from different food sources and are more aware of the different types of carbohydrates….whole grain is always a better option over processed. Alth

One of my favorite weight loss topics to talk about is fruit infused water. Studies have shown that drinking water naturally boosts metabolism and drinking fruit infused water for weight loss can be an easy way to increase your water intake. These simple water recipes are inexpensive and have almost 0 calories, and taste fabulous! Plus there are additional health benefits, including: Nutrients leak out of the fruit into the water so you get more nutrients in your diet including vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients and antioxidants. Depending on the ingredients used, infused water may lower your risk of diabetes, obesity, cold, flu, and heart disease because the natural compounds in fruit help

Cucumber water has been around for a very long time. It has been served at day spas and in health clubs over the world for decades, even before the fruit infused water craze began. It not only tastes good but has many health benefits. The basic cucumber water recipe is just that, two ingredients; water and cucumber. But don't let it’s simplicity fool you...it tastes great! And as far as the health benefits, where to begin? To start, water helps flush and detox your body and it keeps you feeling more full so you don't eat as much and even helps increase your metabolism. If you're trying to lose weight, drinking water is one of the easiest things you can do to give your efforts a boost. Secon

Ok so these aren't actually healthy, but they're alot healthier than the grocery store varieties you may find. No refined sugar and no colors or additives. Yields: 10 eggs 1/2 cup sunflower seed butter (or other nut/seed butter) 2 1/2 Tbsp coconut flour (may need 1/2 T more depending on your nut butter. Goal is to have your dough ball hold its shape) 2 tbsp maple syrup 1 tsp vanilla 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips 1/2 tbsp coconut oil Mix together sunflower seed butter, coconut flour, maple syrup, and vanilla until well combined. Divide mixture into about 10 equal portions, and use hands to roll each into an egg-like shape. (This is where you may need to add more coconut flour. You w

What's better than chocolate? Chocolate and avocado! Yum!! Serves 1 Blend together: ½ banana ½ avocado 2 Tablespoons raw cacao 1 Tablespoon honey 1 tsp vanilla extract Directions: Refrigerate for 10 minutes to firm up if desired. I love mine straight out of the blender!

Serves 2 Ingredients: 6 very large romaine lettuce leaves 2 ripe tomatoes 1 ripe avocado ½ medium-sized red onion 1/2 bunch of fresh coriander or parsley The juice of 1 lemon 1 pinch of sea salt Squirt Dijon mustard Instructions: Mash the avocado (with a fork in a bowl is fine). Then chop the tomatoes, red onion, coriander and parsley into small pieces. Then squeeze the lemon juice, add the mustard and sprinkle the salt over the avocado and mix in the chopped ingredients. Now prepare the big lettuce leaves by washing them and then patting dry. Divide the mixture up among the leaves, wrap them over and enjoy! Optional to add in some grilled chicken or roasted turkey for my meat eaters

Ingredients: 6 zucchinis 1 large clove garlic, peeled 2 cups loosely packed arugula 1 cup loosely packed basil ¼ cup pine nuts ½ tsp sea salt half ½ tsp freshly ground black black pepper 1 large ripe avocado 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice 3-5 Tbsp water Coconut or olive oil spray Process zucchinis through a spiralizer and set aside. Pulse the garlic in a food processor until finely chopped. Add the arugula, basil, pine nuts, salt and pepper to the food processor and process until finely chopped. Transfer the chopped greens mixture to a large bowl. Add the avocado, lemon juice and 3 tablespoons water to the food processor and blend until smooth. Add the avocado mixture to the bowl with the ch

A tasty salad packed full of skin essentials. Your face will think you got a beauty spa mask. We have kale, packed with every vitamin known to man...high in anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer nutrients. Onions which are high in sulfur, a beautifying mineral which cleanses the liver and skin. Radishes are high in silica, which is necessary for strengthening our hair, skin and nails. Kalamata olives smooth skin and protect against wrinkles. Pumpkin seeds detox the body creating glowing, radiant skin, as well as, combats acne. And sunflower seeds are loaded with vitamin E, and a number of anti-inflammatory properties. Remember, beauty starts from the inside! Serves 1 Ingred

Perfect salad for a winter's day or night. The combination of pear, pistachios, goat cheese, the crunch from the pomegrante and sweetness from the orange vinaigrette...yum! Serves 2-4 Ingredients: 1 ripe pear, diced 1 avocado, diced ⅔ cup shelled pistachios ⅔ cup crumbled raw goat cheese ½ cup diced red onion Seeds from 1 pomegranate 1 head romaine, roughly chopped almost diced (goal is to have all ingredients around the same size) Dressing ingredients: ⅓ cup fresh squeezed OJ ¼ cup balsamic vinegar 1 T honey if desired (test dressing before adding….may be sweet enough for your taste) ½ tsp sea salt ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper ⅓ cup olive oil Directions: Whisk all dressing ingredien