By Joanne Aponte, ND onAugust 28, 2018
A salad dressing or sauce is a great way to create a delicious meal. These are healthier alternatives to store bought dressings which use less healthy oils (canola, sunflower, and soybean oil). Use these on salads, over sautéed veggies, with chicken, over rice or quinoa. Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onAugust 19, 2018
This is one of the easiest and quickest side dishes. I serve it with Coconut Turmeric Crusted Fish as a topping for fish tacos. I like to lightly steam the cabbage as it is easier to digest when cooked. In addition… Read More
By Joanne Aponte, ND onJuly 12, 2018
Here are a couple healthy and delicious recipes to bring to your summer cookouts and picnics. I always brings a vegetable or vegetarian dish to gatherings to counterbalance the typical burgers, hotdogs and buns. This way I know my family will have something healthy to… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onMay 18, 2018
I made these Mini Spinach Quinoa Hemp Bites recently, and they were a hit with my kids. I find my kids like patties or individual “bites”- things they can dip in ketchup really! I’m not a huge fan of ketchup due to the sugar… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onApril 29, 2018
I try to avoid store bought salad dressing. First, they are typically full of inflammatory vegetable oils and sugar. Secondly, they just don’t taste very good. Dress up your salads, roasted or steamed veggies, fish or chicken with this Green Goddess Dressing. It doesn’t… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onApril 20, 2018
This is a quick and easy pancake (or waffle) recipe using Simple Mills Pancake and Waffle mix. My girls love pancakes, but traditional box mixes are full of empty carbs. The Simple Mills box mix is pretty clean but still not enough protein, fiber… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onApril 17, 2018
Arugula is a member of the super-food cruciferous vegetable family. Cruciferous vegetables (think broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and arugula) are among the healthiest vegetables thanks to their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and detoxifying properties. We typically think to eat arugula raw in salads, but it is delicious… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onApril 12, 2018
These make for a quick midday pick-me-up when you are craving something sweet. The collagen powder will help stabilize your blood sugar, keeping you full and energized all afternoon. And not to mention the collagen will do wonders for your hair, skin, and joints. Enjoy!… Read More
By Joanne Aponte, ND onMarch 16, 2018
Prepare this in advance for a quick lunch or dinner. Tastes great served cold. Servings: approx. 4 Gluten free, Vegan Ingredients: 1 cup quinoa 2 cups vegetable broth or water 1 large (or 2 medium tomatoes), chopped small 1 cucumber, chopped 4 scallions chopped 2… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onFebruary 21, 2018
This is a healthy twist on an all-time favorite- Pad Thai. Traditional pad thai is laden with sugar and carbs. This is a guilt-free version that the whole family will enjoy (not spicy so it’s kid-friendly!) Enjoy! Ingredients 4 medium zucchinis, spiralized (time saver-… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onFebruary 11, 2018
To achieve that radiant and youthful glow, try this “Glowing Green Smoothie.” Ingredients: 8-12 oz. Unsweetened coconut or almond milk 1-2 tbsp Collagen powder 1 scoop Plant-based protein powder 2 tsps Matcha green tea powder ½-1 Banana (frozen or fresh) Handful Kale ¼-1/2 Avocado… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onFebruary 11, 2018
This dip is a bright lift to a dark and wintry day. Avocados are a great source of healthy monounsaturated fats as well as vitamin E, one of the most important nutrients for the skin, protecting it from oxidative damage. Vitamin E is a fat-soluble… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJanuary 9, 2018
Try parsnips as a lower carb and more nutrient-dense alternative to potatoes. Parsnips are good source of fiber, folate, potassium and vitamin C. Parsnip Fries with Rosemary Ingredients: 2 pounds of parsnips, cut into 3 inch strips 3 tablespoons of avocado oil… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onNovember 5, 2017
Winter squash and pesto are my favorites and this recipe combines them! This dip has so much flavor. I like to put a dollop on my salad in place of dressing or top it over zucchini noodles or “zoodles.” Or dip raw veggies in it… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onOctober 20, 2017
IN THE PRESS: This recipe was featured in Natural Awakenings Magazine in 2021. Dahl is an Indian lentil soup recipe. This dahl recipe makes for a warming, hearty Autumn meal. Diet is one of the most powerful ways you can reduce… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onSeptember 11, 2017
This veggie side dish is nourishing and cleansing. And it could not be easier! Enjoy! Sauteed Beets, Carrots and Greens ¼ cup coconut oil 1 small onion 2-3 cloves of garlic – pressed or finely chopped Bunch of beets (red… Read More
By Joanne Aponte, ND onJune 26, 2017
Here is a yummy recipe for an anti-inflammatory protein drink. This is one of my favorites. It’s a great breakfast alternative or snack. Best part, it contains several of the most medicinal and anti-inflammatory spices – turmeric, ginger and cinnamon! 2 cups water or nut… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onMay 3, 2017
This is a healthy twist on an all-time favorite- fish sticks! You can use any kind of white fish- halibut, tilapia, cod, sole, or pollock. Buy wild caught if possible! Serve on top of a taco salad or along side this… Read More
By Joanne Aponte, ND onApril 24, 2017
This is a super simple, fast and delicious ethnic meal. Even my children like this one!! Masala Sauce 2 cloves chopped garlic 1 medium chopped onion 1 14 oz can tomato (sauce or diced) 1 can coconut… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onMarch 20, 2017
This pesto is like running a little cellular vacuum through the body to tidy everything up. The parsley and cilantro in particular are excellent detoxifiers; parsley works on the blood and kidneys, while cilantro cleans up the liver. Mint, cumin and paprika make this an… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onFebruary 17, 2017
IN THE PRESS: This recipe was featured in Natural Awakenings Magazine in 2021 This is one of the easiest soups you’ll make. Like most of my soups, I included turmeric and ginger- the two anti-inflammatory super-spices. Soups are a great vehicle to include these… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onNovember 27, 2016
Fall is here, and I am a big fan of Eating with the Seasons. Pumpkin is a seasonal food that can be easily added to baked goods, soups, cookies and smoothies. These Pumpkin Bars are easy and delicious- truly a taste… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onNovember 18, 2016
Think beyond guacamole! The uses for avocado are endless. I’ve made it into chocolate mousse, and I frequently add it to smoothies to make it extra creamy and filling. This smoothie contains not only avocado but also peanut butter. The good fat content… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onNovember 11, 2016
Buckwheat is rich in minerals (particularly magnesium), vitamins, and antioxidants. In fact, when compared to quinoa, buckwheat has almost 10 times more antioxidants. Like quinoa, buckwheat is not actually a true grain, but it is a seed rich in protein. Buckwheat is considered… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJuly 17, 2016
I created this recipe on a whim- you know, one of those “How can I get rid of the remaining items in my fridge” recipes. And it turned out to be so delicious and especially aesthetically pleasing. I love purple cabbage because it contains anthocyanins,… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJuly 9, 2016
If I could only use one herb for the rest of my life, it would be turmeric. It really is a “cure-all.” Turmeric is the spice that gives Indian curry it’s yellow hue. The active ingredient is curcumin, which has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJuly 2, 2016
This is a perfect summer salad. Sometimes I get sick of green salads and need to spice it up. And nutritionally, you cannot go wrong with this salad as it is packed full of cancer-fighting, free radical- scavenging antioxidants. Ingredients 2 tbsp orange juice… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJune 6, 2016
Why not add broccoli to your favorite guac recipe? Broccoli is part of the cruciferous vegetable family and contains potent anti-cancer compounds. It is also a powerful detoxifying food. The fat in the avocados helps with the absorption of many of the vitamins and minerals… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJune 6, 2016
A healthier twist on an old favorite- fried rice! Ingredients 1 head cauliflower, about 2 pounds (or 2 bags of “riced” cauliflower in frozen section at Trader Joe’s) 3 tbsp coconut oil 3 tbsp red curry paste 2 tsps coconut sugar 2 tbsp… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJune 6, 2016
This sauce can be added to anything and everything to boost nutrient density and flavor in your meal. I like to use it on top of fish and chicken, but it also makes for a nice salad dressing. It contains parsley and lemon, both of… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onMay 10, 2016
Eat more greens! This is yet another way to enjoy kale. I use miso paste in the dressing rather than anchovy paste found in traditional Caesar dressing. Miso is equally flavorful, providing that umami flavor that is classic in a Caesar salad. Miso is… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onMay 8, 2016
This pie is for all of you chocolate lovers out there! It is rich in antioxidants thanks to the cacao powder. And the coconut oil lends a rich creamy texture. Enjoy! Chocolate Mocha Pie For Crust: 1 1/4 cups gluten-free oats 3/4 cup… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onMarch 6, 2016
This smoothie is reminiscent of the beloved ice cream flavor, mint chocolate chip. It makes for a perfect dessert, afternoon snack or even breakfast! Instead of chocolate chips, I use cacao nibs, which are crushed cacao beans and in my mind are “nature’s… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onFebruary 28, 2016
When you are sick of salads but yet you still want to consume cleansing green leafies, try this soup! This makes a big batch so you can enjoy during the week for an easy lunch and freeze some for later. Nutrition facts: This soup is… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJanuary 17, 2016
This is a beautiful dish- rich in color and flavor. It is really easy, especially if you already have a pesto handy. I try to keep pesto in the freezer for easy dishes like these. This is a Low-FODMAP diet recipe. Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onNovember 22, 2015
Matcha is a form of green tea made from skillfully cultivated, shade-grown tea leaves that have been meticulously stone-ground into a fine powder. It is concentrated in antioxidants. It also speeds up the metabolism, aiding in weight loss. Morning is the best time to enjoy… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onOctober 25, 2015
As Thanksgiving is approaching, you might consider serving this in place of the traditional (and not so healthy!) green bean casserole. This side dish takes 10 minutes max. The Citrus-Sesame Sauce is good on any veggies, but I particularly like it on green beans. You… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onOctober 2, 2015
A high-protein breakfast can have many benefits to our bodies. Eating a protein-rich breakfast helps you feel full and satisfied longer and keep your blood-sugar levels steady throughout the day. It can also optimize your brain’s ability to send messages to the rest of your… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onAugust 29, 2015
I find it difficult to make a good curry. My ultimate comfort food is Thai take-out- so warming, savory and creamy. I think I have finally mastered a homemade curry. You can make this vegetarian if you like with tofu. Or you can use chicken… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJuly 3, 2015
Not every meal needs to contain meat. I do think “happy meat” (grass-fed, organic) can be included as part of a healthy diet. Eating sustainably-raised, “happy meat” is not likely harmful and can be beneficial by stabilizing blood sugar, increasing HDL (or good cholesterol), decreasing… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJune 27, 2015
Too busy to cook? Dedicate a Sunday to prepare these freezer-friendly, healthy meals in advance. Simply pull them out in the morning of a busy day and allow to thaw on the counter-top. When you get home, you have a fast and easy meal that… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJune 22, 2015
It is officially summer! As the temperature warms up, we tend to gravitate toward fresh, cooling foods, such as salads. This is a new take on a traditional cabbage slaw. Tangy and sweet with lots of crunch. It is a nice way to… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJune 14, 2015
My husband often makes these as a treat in our house. They are delicious and could not be easier. Rather than reach for potato chips when craving something savory, try these Curried Nuts. They are also a great way to incorporate the super-spice, turmeric, in… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJune 14, 2015
For a play on pesto, try this Green Pea Pesto. It is great as a dip for raw veggies. It also works well on top of fish or chicken. Green Pea Pesto Ingredients 1 16 oz bag of organic frozen peas, thawed… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJune 10, 2015
INGREDIENTS 1 ripe avocado ¼ c. cocoa powder ½ c. full-fat coconut milk 3 T. honey or maple syrup 1 t. vanilla pinch salt INSTRUCTIONS 1. Process all the ingredients until very smooth (add in a splash or two more of liquid if needed) 2. Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJune 7, 2015
I love making hemp milk, by blending raw hemp seeds and water. Hemp milk is a fantastic alternative to dairy, soy and nut milks for those people suffering from food sensitivities. Try making it yourself (trust me- it is SO easy) to reduce your consumption… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onMay 9, 2015
Creamy Spinach Salmon Ingredients 1- 16 ounce bag of frozen chopped spinach 1 can coconut milk 3 tbsp Gluten-free soy sauce (Tamari) 2 tsp dijon mustartd 2 tsp Italian blend of herbs- oregano, thyme, basil Salt and pepper to taste… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onMay 1, 2015
This is a regular in my house as it is SO easy and delicious. I often make it on the weekends and freeze half of it for later meals. It is anti-inflammatory due to the turmeric and ginger and SCD-friendly (adheres… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onApril 3, 2015
Spring is a time to enjoy cleansing asparagus. This recipe contains miso, which is a fermented soy paste available at most health food stores. It adds big flavor and boosts the immune system as it contains gut-healthy probiotics and… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onMarch 1, 2015
Cilantro is rich in chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is the “green blood of plants.” Chlorophyll closely resembles a component of our red blood cells, hemoglobin. The hemoglobin in our blood is virtually identical to the molecular structure of chlorophyll. This means that it is a powerful… Read More