THE ANTIDOTE TO YOUR SELF SUFFICIENCY SYNDROME

"BEHIND EVERY SUCCESSFUL WOMAN IS A TRIBE OF OTHER SUCCESSFUL WOMEN WHO HAVE HER BACK." 
 

Do you have a weekly to-do list?

I have a gargantuan appreciation for mine: it forges my path for the week; it keeps me focussed; it holds me accountable.

So when something on my to-do list isn't getting done, I have a few questions I like to ask myself:


Am I procrastinating?

Am I resistant to something?

Am I uninspired?

Is the timing not right?


So, when I told my mastermind group that I wanted to create a new program during our final meeting of 2017, I was expecting things move along as they usually would.  

With the new year ahead, I felt inspired. 

However, for a reason unbeknownst to me, the months kept passing and this program was not getting it's weekly check off my to-do list and I could not figure out what was holding me back.

A couple months later, my business coach and I sat at my kitchen table over a cup of yerba mate and some spring tulips. She had come over to interview me for her podcast on women entrepreneurs and motherhood.

During the recording she asked: "Aren't you about to launch a new program?".  Although I still felt somewhat wobbly on when, I quickly responded with a definitive "YES! Yes I am." 

This was my faith it till you make it moment.

Finally, this summer I hunkered down for a 15 hour plane ride home from Bali. Somewhere between Guam and Hawaii, whilst the plane was dark and sleepy, it came to me––a new (and improved) version of this program.

Sometimes, we have to trust the process. 

Last week I wrote to you about an epidemic I call "Self Sufficiency Syndrome" (Read part 1 here: Are You Part Of The Epedemic?), and today I am thrilled to be fulfilling this personal and professional mission in announcing The Antidote To YOUR Self Sufficiency Syndrome:

LOTUS LEADERSHIP
A YEAR-LONG HOLISTIC LEADERSHIP MENTORING PROGRAM
 

I created my business, Boulder Nutrition, over 15 years ago from the ground up. Since then I have grown a successful and sustainable business and I have lead over 20 local and international retreats. I am excited to share what I have learned in holistic business and leadership with you!

Lotus Leadership is a soulful, empowered, nourishing and supportive approach to business, leadership, aligned action and self-care.

Through our private coaching and masterminding Lotus Leadershipwill offer you a road map that guides you to rise in your leadership and create a sustainable business and life you are passionate about. Through this program you will learn to:
 

• Develop and focus your attention and energy on the mission of your business and leadership.

• Create a healthy rhythm, map your goals and navigate your time and energy sustainably.

• Align your core values with your business and leadership.  

• Elevate yourself and others to rise in full potential.

...and so much more!

{BONUS: The first 10 women to join will also receive access to The Yoga Of Eating Online Program f ($597 value) and a discount to one of my international retreats ($200 value).}

You don't have to do this alone. I am thrilled to share this journey with you.

With love...

 

Photo :: Om Light Photography

ARE YOU PART OF THE EPIDEMIC?

"ONE WOMAN CAN CHANGE ANYTHING. MANY WOMEN CAN CHANGE EVERYTHING."
 

I have a Q for you to A...

 

Do you ever feel like you do it all yourself?


Whether it be running your household, taking care of your kids, managing your business or taking care of everybody else but yourself (or all of the above), you are likely part of a major epedemic..


I call it self sufficiency syndrome (SSS).


The reason I want to talk to you about this is simple: I too, am in full SSS recovery and oh boy, it's a doozy. 


For many, H E L P is a four letter word.

 

You know you have SSS if:

• You have a hard time asking for help
• You would rather do everything yourself so that it gets done "right"
• You are an inherent people pleaser to your core
• You chronically find yourself exhausted with too much on your plate

While you may be thinking "I can't always control my life circumstances," what I want to tell you today is that what you can control is how you respond to them.


You can do anything, if you stop trying to do everything.


Asking for help, delegating and leaning in to support and trust have been a challenging yet monumental practice for me in my personal and professional life. As with any of my deep internal work, I have learned so much about myself in the process. 


I have also felt uncomfortable, tentative and extremely vulnerable.


Don't get me wrong, self-sufficiency can be a blessing––but not when we are left burnt out, fried, overwhelmed and exhausted.


Gathering support, in whatever form we need, is an important ingredient for our health and our happiness.  


So today, I want to introduce you to some of the pinacle support in my life: the wonderful, innovative, smart and savvy women, who have joined forces with me, so that I can stop trying to do everything by myself


...because I have learned, it takes a tribe.


You may have seen them if you follow me on Instagram, as they have been doing some fun and informative #instatakeovers. You may have met them if you have joined (or will be joining) me on any of my local or international retreats. You may have even tried out one of their recipe creations from the Boulder Nutrition recipe page.


Either way, each of these three women have become an integral part of my business and I am incredibly grateful for the work we are creating together. 

MEET THE BOULDER NUTRITION TEAM:

Alana Quattro :: Retreat Assistant

Alana is a student at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, a yoga instructor and natural baker.  Alana's passion lies in the combination of yoga and nutrition to help women heal negative body image and disordered eating. She brings a bright light and loving heart to many of our retreats.  
(@alanarenewellness)

 

Kristine Mahan :: Assistant Program Coordinator

Kristine is in school for her Master Nutrition Therapist degree in Denver. She’s an advocate for functional health care and believes that your whole history is part of your health story. In practice, she wants to specialize in gut health while teaching others the importance of agricultural sustainability and how to properly prepare food for optimal nutrition.
(@kristinemahan)


 

Olivia Hagen :: Recipe Manager

Olivia is a science student at CU, with a passion for healthy food and movement, on the path to her masters degree in Holistic Nutrition. She comes from a huge family of foodies and loves to create and test the Boulder Nutrition recipes
(@mama_alis_cookin)

Back to you!

 

If you want to create a healthy and happy life, you need support too. 

Here are a few questions for you to ponder:
 

...Where do you feel supported in your life?

...Where are you overwhelmed, exhausted or feeling alone?

...What is one baby step you can take this week to build your tribe?

I would love to hear your responses. Scroll down to comment section and join the conversation.
 

---

Photo :: Om Light Photography

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. 

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!

LET'S MAKE IT SUN-SATIONAL

 

"EVERY SUMMER HAS IT'S OWN STORY"

 

Are you ready for 3 months of BBQ's, fresh garden salads, summery adventures and pool time?  


For me... a wholehearted YES!!! 🙋‍♀️


Memorial Day weekend is the kick-off to summer for many of us. One of the beauties I love about this time of year is the simplicity of the food we can eat. Summery meals are often lighter, fresher and more colorful as well as easier to prepare. Picking a fresh salad from the garden or exploring the local farmer’s market to find seasonal produce can inspire a simple and ‘localicious’ meal to share with loved ones.
 

If you want to stay ahead of the game this holiday weekend (and not feel lethargic and icky come Tuesday) check out some of our favorite tips and treats... 

1.  Prioritize Your Preparation:

Having what we need and want in our kitchens, to feel aligned with our eating, is what I consider the secret to success. When we are surrounded by food we are avoiding, we get into a battle with our will power and our cravings.  

Research now shows that creating healthy habits and positive automatic behaviors will lead us to much better results.  On any given day our will power can be anywhere from a 0-10 in strength –depending on our sleep, stress, hormones, and self-care. Our will power changes day-to-day – not the best thing to rely on. 

What works much better is being surrounded by what we want, and getting into regular routines and rhythms that support our choices.  This way, we can rely less on will power and more on our daily routines.

 

2.   Substitute Smart:  

Feeling deprived is not going to be sustainable for most of us. Enjoying our food and our lives is something that is born from deep within our human consciousness.  Rather than making unattainable goals for ourselves, why not try smart substituting?  

Guilt free comfort food is what we call it! Between Amazon.com, health food stores like Whole Foods, and Google, it is not hard to find substitutions for our cooking, baking, and summer time festivities that are still tasty and delicious (Pinterest is my favorite for this purpose).

Check out some of our favorite guilt free comfort food recipes HERE.

3. Watch Your Whites: 

White sugar, white flour, white rice and all those high-glycemic ingredients that sneak into so many foods will reek havoc on our blood sugar, our digestive tracts and send us into a moody madhouse. 

Rather, try eating a more whole food based diet, (including those smart substitutions), use more natural sweeteners, add lots of fresh seasonal fruits and veggies.

Enjoy the full flavors of natural food.

4. Get Outside: 

There is nothing like getting outside and moving our bodies in the sunshine to helps us get a clear perspective, increase our feel good neurotransmitters, and help us embody our health.  

I consider movement and nature one of our primary foods. When our primary foods (all the other ways we nourish ourselves, along with our eating) are happening, we are surely to make better food choices.  The good feeds the good.

Give yourself some fun in the sun this holiday weekend. Take a walk in the woods or get out and dance to your favorite summertime outdoor music at your local Memorial Day festivities. 

(I will be enjoying some great music down at The Boulder Creek Festival).

5. Make Pleasure Your Practice: 

Most of you know I have your and my pleasure in mind and I surely don't want you to miss out on any of the holiday goodies, so try finding your middle ground in the process. 

In my opinion, restriction is never the answer, but knowing your limit, how YOU best stay in balance, and what you want for yourself (crystal clear) should help to inform your choices.

Take things slow. Bring mindfulness and intention to your eating. Make peace with your plate.

---

What are your tried and true tips?  Tell us in the comments below…

Happy Memorial Day!!

SPRING SUN-SATIONAL SALAD WITH CREAMY BEET DRESSING

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

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.

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY HUMMUS

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

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! 

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! 

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! 

THE ONE THING ALL WOMEN HAVE IN COMMON

FIND WHAT MAKES YOUR HEART SING AND CREATE YOUR OWN MUSIC

MAC ANDERSON

In the spirit of Mother's Day weekend I have a question for you:  When was the last time you were exhausted, overwhelmed, stressed out or totally fried?

(Raise your hand if it was just the other day!)

I talk to women (and men) everyday who feel like they are simply juggling too many things, doing too much, or trying to please too many people. Somedays, I too am one of those women. 

It's an epidemic of our time.

Most women (and men) have a very hard time carving out time for themselves: for downtime, for rest, for passion and play.

Mother's Day is a very interesting day for many of us. Some of us feel celebratory, some of us feel alone, some of us have lost our mothers, some of us have always wanted to become a mother. Some of us have lost a child. 

While I could write to you about all the gestures you could fashion for your mother this year, or all the recipes you could prepare for Mother's Day brunch, I feel I would be glossing over the pain, grief and even exhaustion that many of us feel.

Here's what I am more curious about this year:
 

HOW DO YOU 'MOTHER' YOURSELF THROUGH IT ALL?

While most of us (whether we are mothers or not) tend to take care of everyone else first – our families, our pets, our jobs, our friends – are you willing to dedicate some time just for YOU this Mother's Day (even if it feels uncomfortable and a tad selfish)?

... If you experience something challenging around Mother's Day, this is especially for you.
 

WHAT DO YOU NEED TO DO TO TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF?
 

Mothering ourselves can look like many, many things:

Taking a personal day
Saying "NO"
Taking long walks to smell the spring flowers
Getting body work done
Going on a retreat (Join Us HERE)
Napping
Getting your nails done
Asking for help
Forest bathing
Making your favorite food
Getting your house cleaned
Taking long aromatherapy baths
Buying fresh spring flowers for yourself
Drinking tea in a garden
Buying a new outfit
Going out on a girl's night
Creating art
Journaling
Meditation
Listening to your heart

...the list goes on.


Take a moment.  Contemplate.  Ask your heart and soul.  

WHAT CAN YOU DO FOR YOURSELF THIS MOTHER'S DAY? (DON'T BE SHY)
 

Just for fun I thought I would include my most favorite mother yourself meditation. This piece has touched me so deeply and brought me to tears over and over again these past 20 years or so.  Today, I am excited to share it with you! (click below to listen)

With warmest spring wishes for you and yours...

Photo by @the_sunkissed_kitchen

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!!

KALE PESTO WITH {CAPPELLOS} GRAIN FREE PALEO PASTA

KALE PESTO WITH {CAPPELLOS} GRAIN FREE PALEO PASTA

"MEET KALE. YOUR NEW FRIEND WITH BENEFITS"

Okay people!  You are not going to want to cruise past this one.  It takes about 10 minutes total to create this fantastic and delicious meal.  It is paleo, gluten free, dairy free and vegan (not always easy to please everyone!!)

If you know me, you know I throw me a handful of kale into most things, but I have to say that this one takes the cake (ask my son Ari - he LOVES this meal)

And Cappello’s:  A wonderful company found in the fridge or freezer section at most health food stores, with a few options in the grain free – paleo realm. For those of you who keep your refined carbs down to a minimum this is totally guilt free – all made fresh with almond flour. This meal is super high in protein, nutritionist approved and an awesome texture (for those of you who are pasta connoisseurs). 

If you can't find them near you, they do sell them on good ol' Amazon.com.

Be prepared to be in pesto pasta heaven and of course share your palate pleasures below in the comments (we love to hear how our recipes turn out).

HOMEMADE COCONUT {SOAKED} GRANOLA

HOMEMADE COCONUT (SOAKED) GRANOLA

With the first signs of fall, I am immediately drawn into my kitchen.  Roasting is one of the cooking styles I often associate with the weather changing and first signs of autumn.  

This particular recipe is just delicious with late summer peaches and strawberries on top, or even the early signs of apple season.

Why soaked?  When we soak our grains and nuts, it breaks down the enzyme inhibitors that tend to make digestion a bit more work on the body (great if you are healing your digestion) and in this particular recipe, the oats are soaked in a mix of yogurt and coconut oil which also begins the fermentation of the grain, adding in the potent probiotics that aid in digestion, boost the nutrient density of our food and build immunity for the coming season change.

The nuts in this particular recipe are also soaked and roasted (play with which nuts you want to include), which is optional but well worth the effort.  You can find out how to soak and roast your nuts HERE.

The extra little bit of sea salt mixed with the sweet flavors of raw honey and cinnamon are such a favorite combination of mine. I hope you enjoy this yummy recipe as much as I do.  

Try it with any variety of milk, or yogurt, or just as an on the go snack.

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.

GOLDEN MILK COCONUT BISQUE

GOLDEN MILK COCONUT BISQUE

 

“Live your life not to win gold medals, but to win golden hearts”
-Mehmet Ildan

This creamy, comforting soup not only warms your heart and soul during this chilly time of year, but it also provides tons of health benefits in a delicious, golden package. Yellow beets, cauliflower, and coconut milk are blended together with sweet and savory spices to create this extremely nourishing Vegan dish.

The beautiful color of this soup comes from turmeric, An INdian spice used in traditional cooking that reduces inflammation, enhances vitality and cognition, and supplies your body with potent antioxidants.

Black pepper and healthy saturated fat from coconut oil boost the absorption of turmeric's active therapeutic compounds, and a scoop of ginger adds an extra bit of spice with additional anti-inflammatory benefits.

Cauliflower has powerful cancer-fighting properties and also provides B-Vitamins and Vitamin K (needed for bone health and blood clotting).

It's extremely versatile and roasting it with the golden beets and then blending with coconut milk helps products a very satiating, dense, creamy bisque without any dairy.

Check out the recipe on Boulder Nutrition team member Ailsa Cowell's food blog, Food to Feel Good, and enjoy this comforting dish!

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.

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. 

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!

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!

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!

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! 

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. 

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.

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.

CHOPPED FIESTA SALAD

CHOPPED FIESTA SALAD

with Creamy Avocado Lime Dressing

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. 

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

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!