I tried to tell my husband and kids that this dish was a flop, but once they got a whiff of the delicious smell wafting out of the slow cooker, there was no way to fend them off of my precious chili colorado. Drat. Now I have to share. "Colorado" here means red, so essentially this is red chili. Online, you will find plenty of arguments for how to properly make this dish (no tomatoes! hand-ground chiles!). But for me, the … [Read more...] about Chili Colorado For Dinner Perfection
3 Long Term Side Effects of Birth Control Pills Your Doctor Won’t Mention
It probably won't come as surprise to learn that I'm pretty passionate about ways to achieve natural hormone balance. But what do do about contraceptive and the long term side effects of birth control pills? First made available in the 1960's, "the pill" has played an important (though often controversial) role in the women's liberation movement over the decades. These days, most women I know have taken birth control … [Read more...] about 3 Long Term Side Effects of Birth Control Pills Your Doctor Won’t Mention
Mastering Your Thanksgiving Feast
Thanksgiving is right around the corner, which means it's time to plot and plan what you will serve, bring, or simply enjoy. This holiday has had an interesting (if not common) path throughout my life. As a kid, I have fond memories of big family celebrations at Aunt Betty's house. Two turkeys roasting to perfection in the extra basement oven and everyone passing out on sofas after the feast with football playing in the … [Read more...] about Mastering Your Thanksgiving Feast
Classic And Perfect Mashed Potatoes
Confession: While potatoes are easily one of my favorite foods. I secretly love powdered instant mashed potatoes. I know, I know. Gross. I'm simply going to blame this on growing up in Pennsyltucky in the 80's. Come holiday time, my poor grandma had to covertly peel and boil the real potatoes while hiding behind a box of Hungry Jack. And despite her best efforts, she never fooled me. My heart was with the fake … [Read more...] about Classic And Perfect Mashed Potatoes
Gluten Free Tuscan Kale Salad
Food trends come and go, and whether it's a fad or here to stay, these days folks love kale. Kale salads, kale chips, kale stir fries, kale smoothies. You name it, and kale is in it. It's a full-blown kale-bonanza. Naturally a bit fickle, I wasn't fast to jump on the kale-loving band wagon until I tasted the Dr. Weil's Tuscan Kale Salad at his restaurant, True Food Kitchen in LA. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy a nice bowl … [Read more...] about Gluten Free Tuscan Kale Salad
Is Leaky Gut Syndrome Making You Fat, Tired and Sick?
Do you ever just feel ick, blah, BLECH? I know way too many folks who go through their days feeling exhausted and unwell on a regular basis with headaches, mood swings, digestive upset and more. Days like this can snowball, and before you know it, you start to look pudgy and your clothes fit a bit snug. Dark circles appear under your eyes and your skin is just not the same. Ugh. I know how this feels because I've been … [Read more...] about Is Leaky Gut Syndrome Making You Fat, Tired and Sick?
Mediterranean Chocolate Tahini Truffles
Having just disappeared the last of the junky trick-or-treat candy, my sweet tooth is a bit disappointed. So much temptation, but despite the promising brightly wrappers, I find conventional candy to be deeply unsatisfying. Enter these chocolate tahini truffles that I discovered in a brand new cookbook - Mediterranean Paleo Cooking. I just love a dessert that satiates my sweet tooth and chocolate cravings while infusing my … [Read more...] about Mediterranean Chocolate Tahini Truffles
UTI Remedies that Really Work
Few things in life are more annoying, uncomfortable and even painful than a urinary tract infection (UTI). They can also cause some very serious consequences if not promptly treated, such as impaired kidney function or even a life-threatening infection. While antibiotics are sometimes warranted, over-use can often cause more harm than good. It’s important to understand what causes and exacerbates these kinds of infections … [Read more...] about UTI Remedies that Really Work
Why Common Stomach Flu Remedies Can Make Things Worse – and What to do Instead
As a kid, every time I was sick in bed with the stomach flu, I remember sipping ice-cold ginger ale or juice through a straw or slurping on brightly colored popsicles. Unfortunately (and despite my mother's best intentions - thanks, Mom!) these common stomach flu remedies can actually make things worse. Stomach flu remedies - what to avoid For starters, it's important to avoid icy drinks and raw foods when your digestive … [Read more...] about Why Common Stomach Flu Remedies Can Make Things Worse – and What to do Instead
Spaghetti Squash Bolognese (With Liver)
As a kid, I loved spaghetti sandwiches made with jarred sauce and pasta on white "Italian" bread. In high school I probably wolfed them down for dinner five nights out of seven when I'd get home after hours of swim team practice. These days I love to eat spaghetti squash bolognese on true traditional sourdough toast smeared with melting grass-fed butter. And you'd never even know that nutrient-dense grass-fed liver is … [Read more...] about Spaghetti Squash Bolognese (With Liver)
How to Use Diatomaceous Earth to Get Rid of Pests Naturally
This summer the ants came marching one by one all over our house. With our California drought, they seemed to be desperate for moisture, as they'd often march right past a sticky spoonful of honey, heading instead for the nearest half-full water glass. We tried just about everything (both natural and toxic), but still the ants kept coming. Then someone suggested diatomaceous earth. I’d heard of the stuff before, but I … [Read more...] about How to Use Diatomaceous Earth to Get Rid of Pests Naturally
How to Recover from Antibiotics
Despite my crunchy mama tendencies and over a decade working as a holistic health practitioner, I still believe that antibiotics are one of the miracles of modern medicine. I, for one, won't be passing up a chance to heal a life threatening bacterial infection if I need it. The problem is, however, that overuse of antibiotics is a massive problem these days. In my practice my patients often receive scripts for these meds … [Read more...] about How to Recover from Antibiotics