Pumpkin Chili

This is a go-to recipe of mine that's always a hit!

Ingredients: 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 yellow onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, cored, seeded and chopped
2 large carrots, diced
2 jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped (optional, I just use a little hot red pepper flakes)
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 can diced tomatoes, with their liquid
1 can organic pumpkin purée (Trader Joes has this!)
1 cup water (optional veggie or chicken broth)
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
Ground black pepper, to taste
1 BPA-free can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 BPA-free can garbanzo (chick peas), rinsed and drained
1 teaspoon cacao powder (or teaspoon of high quality dark chocolate, grated)

Directions:
Heat oil in a large pot over medium high heat. Add onion, bell pepper, carrots, jalapeños and garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until tender, about 5 minutes. Add tomatoes, pumpkin, water (or broth), chili powder, cumin, cinnamon, cacao powder or grated chocolate, sea salt and pepper and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium low and add beans.
Cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 30 minutes more. Ladle chili into bowls and serve.

I like to serve this with a little quinoa, so I cook some quinoa while the chili is simmering and just add a few tablespoons into the bowl I'm about to eat/serve.  The chocolate and cinnamon adds a bit more depth to the dish.

Simplest Butternut Squash Soup

Naps are Nice

Even though we gained an hour with day light savings recently, I'm all thrown off.  I've been getting to bed even earlier than usual (my bed time is a strict 10pm, no questions!), and have been napping as often as I can.  Unfortunately, I don't have the luxury of napping for long periods of time each day, so even as little as a 15-minute snooze during my day has been a blessing.  I can't believe how invigorated I feel after getting a little shut-eye.  Honor your body this fall.  When it's tired, give it rest.  It's darker our earlier so that we head to bed earlier.  

Faux Candy Apples

Candy apples...sigh.  So good!  Here is a much healthier version of these sweet treats:

Ingredients:

6 crispy organic apples


1/2 cup well-stirred smooth natural peanut butter, at room temperature 

1/2 cup brown rice syrup, at room temperature 

6 skewers 

Parchment or wax paper 

Directions:

 Stick skewers in the bottoms of the apples. Place a piece of parchment paper over a cutting board. Stir peanut butter and brown rice syrup together in a small sauce pan. Gently heat over low heat, stirring constantly with a fork, just until smooth and heated through. If it seems stiff, turn the heat off immediately and add a little extra brown rice syrup, until it’s fluid again. Use a spoon to spread peanut butter caramel over the entire apple. Place apple on the parchment or wax paper and place in fridge.

Sweet Potato Fries

Who can resist sweet potato fries?  Not this girl!  Whenever there is a combo of sweet and salty, I'm eating it.  I love keeping sweet potatoes in the house this time of year to throw in the oven for my version of "fries."  Sometimes I'll even cube them up small and cook them the same way. Either way they're always fantastic.

Ingredients:

1 sweet potato, peeled and cut into thin fry-size pieces

1-2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (or coconut oil)

1 garlic clove, minced

1 tablespoon maple syrup

few dashes of cinnamon, sea salt, pepper, cumin and all spice

Directions: Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  Toss all ingredients together in a large bowl until sweet potatoes are coated.  Scatter onto a cookie sheet and throw into oven.  Check back in 10 minutes and give them a good flip.  Check back in another 10 minutes and flip again.  Check every 5 minutes after this until they are soft enough to stick a fork through, and they should be starting to brown.  If you like they a bit crispier, keep them in a little longer.  (Timing for these totally depends on your oven).  Serve with organic ketchup or your favorite dipping sauce.  ENJOY!

Pumpkin Smoothie

The taste of fall right in your morning smoothie!

Pumpkin puree

Almond butter

Coconut milk

Banana

Cinnamon

Nutmeg

Maple Syrup 

Water

Best part is, this is so decadent that it can actually pass for pumpkin pudding!  Either way, enjoy.

Simple Spaghetti Squash Supper

Need a yummy fall meal?  Click on the spaghetti squash above for directions on how to cook one of these big suckers up in a pinch.  I love tossing mine with a tablespoon of grass-fed butter, sea salt & pepper.  

Figs & Fall

Our neighbors have a gorgeous fig tree in their front yard that they've offered to share with us this season.  Holy heaven!  I've been spoiled with fresh, plump figs all fall and have gotten so creative with them.  Throwing them into my shakes, tossing them into salads, sauteing them up with my greens, or just eating them for a sweet treat.  The other day I sliced them super thin and arranged them onto a gluten free wrap with a nice swipe of almond butter.  I folded it up and cut into wedges.  Party in my mouth!!!

Have you been gettin' your fig on this season?

Healing Kitchari

While staying at the Yoga Institute in Mumbai during my first trip to India some time ago, we were served a yellow, mushy cooked food at each one of our meals.  I had no idea what it was - all I knew was that it was totally delicious.  This began my love affair with kitchari.  On this past trip, the joke between our group was how Lauren would finish off any of the kitchari left at the table!  I swear, I could eat it all day, every day.  

Kitchari means "food of the gods" in Sanskrit.  This hearty, one-pot dish is widely eaten in India, especially by sadhus, who leave it to cook while they are meditating.  It's also served in India's hospitals to children and the elderly since it's an easy-to-digest nourishment.  Therefore this recipe is great for anyone who is recovering from an illness, fatigue, or having digestive problems.  It's excellent for general detox at the change of season, hence the reason why I'm spotlighting it now as we bloom into spring.  Prized as a nourishing and cleansing complete meal in Ayurveda, it has been a staple in my diet when I'm sick, cleansing, or needing to give my system some serious comfort.  

Ghee, spices, rice & beans, veggies all cooking in a pot
= divine kitchari that tastes and feels oh-so-good.

Ingredients: 

1 cup split yellow mung dahl beans (available at health foodstores, Asian or Indian grocery stores)

1/2 cup long grain white basmati rice (feel free to use brown if you've got it, see below why white)

1 tbsp ghee (click here to learn how to make your own - it's so divine and healthy!)

1 tbsp fresh minced ginger root

1 tsp each: black mustard seeds, cumin seeds, turmeric powder

1/2 tsp each: coriander powder, fennel seeds, sea salt

3 cloves

3 bay leaves

1 inch kombu (seaweed)

5 - 6 cups filtered water

1 - 2 cups chopped vegetables (optional, but I love carrots, organic zucchini, spinach)

Directions: 

Wash rice and split mung beans well. 

In a saucepan warm the ghee on medium low heat.  Add all spices (except turmeric, bay leaves and kombu) and saute for one-two minutes until the aroma of spices are released.  Add rice and split beans and saute for another 2-4 minutes, mixing well to coat with the spices.  Stir in turmeric, bay leaves and kombu then add 5 - 6 cups of water, stir, and bring to a boil.  Reduce heat to a simmer and cover.  Cook until rice and beans are tender (approximately 30-45 minutes).  If you're adding veggies, stir in the longer-cooking ones like carrots or zucchini sooner than later, and add the leafy greens towards the end.  Your finished kitchari should be the consistency of a vegetable stew as opposed to a broth.  If you need to add more water you always can.  Taste test to see if it needs a bit more sea salt.  Serve with fresh chopped cilantro on top, or blend together the cilantro chutney below and serve with a generous tablespoon of it.  Either way, slow down and enjoy this uber comforting meal.  

Cilantro Chutney Recipe:

1 bunch fresh chilantro

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

1/4 cup filtered water

1/4 cup shredded coconut

2 tbsp fresh ginger root

1 tsp raw honey

1 tsp sea salt

Directions: Blend ingredients in a Magic Bullet or blender until it's like a paste.  Use a dollop on top of your kitchari to add a zing to it.  This can be stored in the fridge for up to one week.  

Why long grain white rice?  

If you're using kitchari to cleanse, long grain white rice is used because the husk has been milled off to make the rice easier to digest.  While brown rice may be used - and will actually supply more nutrients - the husk makes brown rice much harder to digest (and may irritate the intestinal wall and cause gas or belly pain).  Also, long grain white rice has a lower glycemic index than short grain rice.  Who knew?

Benefits of Kitchari:

Kitchari gives strength and vitality, while playing a key role in nutritional healing.  It's a potent blood purifier.  In Traditional Chinese Medicine, mung beans are used to strip environmental toxins out of the tissues which is especially helpful for the reproductive organs, liver and thyroid gland health. 

Kitchari, being both rice and beans, is a complete protein.  It provides ten essential amino acids.  Animal proteins are "complete" in that they contain all ten essential amino acids, but plant foods need to be combined to make a "complete protein."  Rest assured that this wholesome meal is complete and totally satisfying, no matter what your diet may be.  Give it a try and see for yourself!  

In India, kitchari is often the first food for babies, not only because it is so easy to digest, it also heals and soothes the intestinal wall.  It's also fed to monks and yogis to help create a sense of stillness and deep inner calm to assist in spiritual inquiry and meditation practice.  

Make kitchari when you are sick, when you are sad, when you are cleansing, for others when they are under the weather, when you can't be bothered to cook, when you come back from a long trip, when you need to regain strength, when you need some serious comfort food. 

Apple Sunflower Seed Sandwich

Peanut butter and jelly…you have some competition.

Ingredients:

2 slices of your favorite bread (I love Ezekiel)

½ of your favorite crisp apple, sliced fine

swipe of sunflower seed butter

swipe of apple butter (or your favorite preserve, fig is my fav!)

sprinkle of fresh ground cinnamon

Directions:

Slather on both apple (or preserves) and sunflower seed butter and arrange apple slices on top of one bread slice. Sprinkle with cinnamon. Press bread together and take a bite. Yum!

Benefits of Sunflower Seed Butter:

Sunflower seed butter is one of the alternatives available to the very popular American lunch staple, peanut butter. It is made with oil and ground sunflower seeds. This spreadable food item is rich in unsaturated fats and is an excellent source of many vitamins (especially B), minerals (magnesium, phosphorus) and healthy fats, and is a vegetarian protein food source.




7-Day Ayurvedic Fall Detox

Today marks the end of my 7-day Ayurvedic Fall Detox, and I feel fabulous. This whole foods cleanse was accompanied with yoga practices, pranayama exercises, cleansing tips, reflection and meditation to prepare my body for a winter of health and vitality. Fall, a time when the winds begin to blow and cold starts to settle in, is considered the vata time of year; a time marked by instability and change that can effect our well-being. Cleansing now can help align your body with this changeable season, so you’ll move into winter from a strong base.

I had a full week of slowing down, warm food, and self-care. I've learned quite a few things about myself during the week and will definitely continue some of the practices:

I spent a lot of time in silence. It was beautiful listening to the kids play outside in this sweatshirt weather.

I woke up earlier than normal to get a relaxing yoga practice on, while my morning porridge and tea were warming on the stove.

I stayed in most nights and went to bed at 10pm. I meditated in bed each night before I drifted off.

I journaled a lot (many emotions were coming up but lots of clarity was there as well).

I massaged my whole body with sesame oil before every shower. Such a treat!

I realized how good warm (temperature) foods/drinks feel for my body as the weather changes.

I felt so balanced mentally and physically. Struggled with some food cravings the first few days but was so satisfied from the amazing/healing food I was consuming.

I was overwhelmed with such calmness. It was so beautiful.

Below are my delicious meals and teas that I prepared for myself throughout the week.

I NEVER got sick of them, especially the kitchari!!!!

My kitchen was a mess of Ayurvedic herbs, seasonings, cookbooks and healing goodness all week long!!! Made my first batch of ghee a day before the cleanse began, so fun!

Delicious and ever-so-healing kitchari on the stove. This is a staple dish served at every ashram I've ever been to at each meal. It's my favorite, and now I know how to make it and ALWAYS will! I've put my own twist to this recipe, so stay tuned!

Morning spiced quinoa porridge following my morning yoga and meditation practice. If I didn't spoon this out into a bowl and put it away, I could have easily ate the whole thing...just sayin.'

Lunchtime kitchari with fresh coriander chutney. Lightly steamed veggies on the side with half an avocado sprinkled with some pumpkin and sunflower seeds. Sipping on my fennel/cumin/coriander tea after to help digest, while journaling in silence.

Kitchari dinner with fresh cilantro and a side of steamed veggies on the side. A hearty cup of potassium broth on the side too!

(*Imagine a picture of a crispy, amazing organic apple here, with some almonds next to it*)

Sweet snack was apple slices with almonds. The reason there are no pictures is because as soon as I would cut into an apple it would be gone within a few minutes. SO good that I didn't even have the time to part from it to grab my camera!!!

Vegan Chic - Not Tested On Animals

Early last spring my lovely and talented friend, Harmony, blogged about an outfit I put together on her gorgeous blog, Closet Chic. Shortly after she featured an article of mine on how to throw a chic & healthy potluck soiree. Now it's my turn to feature an article she put together on Vegan Chic! I've been eagerly awaiting her animal-friendly fashion-finds for this fall so that I can feel guilt-free when shopping for my favorite - boots! Enjoy Harmony's chic article below and be sure to check out her blog and follow Closet Chic on Facebook!

Vegan Chic- Not tested on animals.
Fall is my favorite time of the year where the weather cools, leaves change colors, and pumpkin spice coffee is available everywhere. Let’s not forget the most important part of fall is of course your fall wardrobe and the fun of digging through your attic and retrieving all your fabulous lost cowl neck sweaters, cashmere scarfs, and leather boots. Until recently when I was asked to do this vegan piece, I never really thought to myself just how much “animal” we actually wear during the colder months. My task was to find your classic fall staple pieces while making sure they are animal friendly or Eco conscious finds. I think all my vegan and even non-vegan friends will appreciate these great looks that that are animal friendly and will also help to reduce our carbon footprint!
Here are my top tips for your animal friendly fall wardrobe:

1) You can never go wrong with “Leather Inspired” pieces! You get the look and the feel of leather without sacrificing an animal. Free People offers a nice selection of leather inspired vegan pieces.

Nordstrom’s Big Buddha Bag features: A supple faux- leather satchel topped with double rolled handles. The animal-friendly style is also 100% vegan.

2) For those that just have to have leather try opting for a pair of boots that is made partially with leather and 100% recycled components such as lining, buckles, etc. all while being produced in an ethical and environmently friendly manner.
Zappos Features: The Earthkeepers™ collection contains durable, high-quality footwear made in an environmentally-friendly way.

3) Buy Bamboo! As far as clothing goes look for 100% organic cotton or better yet bamboo fibers. Bamboo is a great sustainable and renewable source, which grows faster and stronger than any plant and we most likely will never run out of bamboo EVER!

Revolve Clothing Offers 100% organic and bamboo cotton pieces.

4) Another great way to get your leather fix is to try shopping for great vintage bags or boots. You get to wear leather and one of kind pieces and this way no additional animals are harmed and it’s a great way of recycling and reducing.

Check out these Etsy vintage finds:

A Healthy Fall for All

As the air turns crisp and the kids are headed back to school, take a moment to commit yourself (and your family) to a healthy Fall. Things tend to get a little hectic with the change of season, especially with work and the holidays in the distance, but this is actually the time of year we need to slow down. It is time to gather, store, organize, and wind down from summer's high tempo and the relentless forward momentum that modern living usually demands. As the days grow shorter, it's perfectly okay to allow yourself more time to rest since your circadian rhythm is shifting, along with the earth's. This could mean going to sleep a little earlier, waking up a little later, even taking a catnap in the afternoon. Focus on you and your family’s health, so you can really enjoy the Fall. Try these tips below:

Get it together.

Take a lesson from your kids as they prepare for a fresh new school year with their new outfits, school supplies and excited attitudes. Start fresh like they are this month by recalling back to your new years resolutions, working on that project that you keep putting off or committing yourself to a goal you lost track of. Organize something in your life, whether it is a closet, a cabinet, your desk area, your bathroom, a kitchen pantry, your files, etc.

Schedule in self-care time.

Schedule in at least one hour per week of self-care to focus on yourself and let go. This can be curling up and reading a book, scheduling a massage, treating yourself to a pedicure, taking a long walk outside, journaling, etc. Work on a project that you’ve been putting off, cook a meal to soft music and enjoy it by candlelight. Write in your calendar when you'll do these things or set your phone alarm to remind you so that you don't let them fall to the wayside! You deserve it.

Work it out.

Aim to work out at least 3 times a week (if not more!). Aerobic activity improves the exchange of oxygen in your body to keep your immune system strong and your lungs clear, which is important during this time of year. No matter what your physical activity of choice is, just be sure to do it. Get outside for a nice walk. Crunch those fall leaves under your feet, get a whiff of wood smoke, and watch the colors change!

Enjoy healthy, seasonal foods.

Make an effort to embrace the Fall through all of the abundant seasonal foods. Think of creative ideas for healthy snacks, breakfasts, lunches, dinners and desserts. Dice a crisp apple in the afternoon and toss it with ground cinnamon and nutmeg to satisfy your sweet tooth. Keep a log of any recipes you and your family enjoyed to make again or to share with others. Spread the goodness and healthfully welcome Fall!

Roasted Root Veggies

I love this time of year in the kitchen. Every week I've got a bowl full of root vegetables waiting to be cooked up! I love the warm and sweet smell they create as they roast in my oven. I almost always burn my fingers on them once they are done. I can't help but eat a few before they cool! Below is my super simple (and favorite) recipe for roasting sweet potatoes and beets. I hope you enjoy as much as I do!

Roasted Root Veggies

Ingredients

5-6 medium beets, peeled and cut into chunks

2 1/2 tablespoons olive oil OR coconut oil, divided (see below)

2 medium sweet potatoes, cut into chunks

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

2. In a bowl, toss the beets with 1/2 tablespoon olive oil or coconut oil to coat. Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet.

3. Mix the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil or coconut oil, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and sugar in a something with a top (Tupperware, bowl with lid, Ziploc bag). Place the sweet potatoes into the bowl, Tupperware or whatever you're using, cover and shake to coat vegetables with the oil mixture.

4. Bake beets 15 minutes in the preheated oven. Mix sweet potato mixture with the beets on the baking sheet. Continue baking 45 minutes, stirring after 20 minutes, (until all vegetables are tender enough to stick a fork through). Eat as is or serve with a whole grain such as brown rice. Sprinkle some pumpkin or sunflower seeds on top and enjoy this festive and simple dish!

Benefits of Sweet Potatoes:

Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of dietary fiber, protein, vitamins A & C, iron, carotenoid antioxidants and contain calcium. Among root vegetables, sweet potatoes offer the lowest glycemic index rating, because the sweet potato digests slowly, causing a gradual rise in blood sugar so you feel satisfied longer. It's time to move sweet potatoes to the GOOD carbohydrate list!

Benefits of Beets:

The health benefits of beet include anemia, digestion, constipation, piles, blood circulation, kidney disorders, skin care, dandruff, gall bladder disorders, cancer, and heart diseases. Health benefits of beet roots can be attributed to their richness in nutrients, vitamins and minerals. They are a source of carotenoids and lutein/zeaxanthin. Beets are also rich in dietary fiber, vitamin C, magnesium, iron, copper and phosphorus. Beet is a source of beneficial flavonoids called anthycyanins.