Stress + Weight Gain
Stress can cause weight gain due to adrenal insufficiency and also because your stress hormones affect all of your other hormones. Find out how stress affects weight gain or may hinder weight loss.
Stress can cause weight gain due to adrenal insufficiency and also because your stress hormones affect all of your other hormones. Find out how stress affects weight gain or may hinder weight loss.
If you're wondering, "why do I have a slow metabolism?" It could be due to diet, thyroid function, gut health, liver health and/or stress. Find out what contributes to a slow metabolism and what foods help with a slow metabolism.
If you are waking up to anxiety, having anxiety at night, or want to learn how to reduce anxiety, learn 5 holistic tips to ease anxiety by getting to the root cause.
Learn how to have more energy with these energy boosting foods, that boost energy naturally without caffeine. These natural supplements for energy include bee pollen, beets and maca root.
How to reduce period cramps with supplements. Learn why your period cramps are so bad, and how to make period cramps go away.
Find out the best plant based protein sources and hacks to increase your plant based protein intake.
Wondering how to cut out dairy and become dairy free forever? Check out these creamy ideas to help you get over your dairy addiction, once and for all!
Eating more plant based? Make sure you're getting these three essential nutrients.
Fun and effective in-home workout (no equipment required) for the quarantine of 2020
It's estimated that over 60% of our population will get the virus--so while we may not be able to cure it--having a strong immune system and empowering our bodies with a strong defense is definitely a good idea.
Is soy good or bad for you? Can men eat soy? Will soy lower testosterone or affect estrogen levels? Find out the TRUTH, backed by science and research.
Studying with one of the top herbalists in the country, I definitely paid attention when he stressed the importance of liver health as vital to overall well-being. He always called the liver the “EPA” of the body as anything that we eat or drink is filtered through this...
5 Herbs for Weight Loss & Healthy Metabolism - Gymnema, Green Tea, Schizandra, Guayusa PLUS a free hormone balancing guide.
Everything you know about stomach acid is probably wrong. That's a bold statement. But if there is one thing that is more misunderstood with digestion, it's the role of stomach acid and how much you need or have.
(This is part 3 in a 5 part digestive series. Part 1 – The Digestion Matrix, Part 2 – Your Gut’s Best Friends) So now you know digestion basics, as well as all of the fun friends you want to invite to your digestion party....
(This is part 2 in a 5 part digestive series. Find part 1 here.) Now that you understand the basics of digestion, let’s get into what a healthy gut looks like and meet its best friends. What Does Healthy Digestion Look Like? At least 1 solid bowel movement/day...
There aren’t a lot of certainties in health and nutrition. But there is one universal truth that I subscribe to: Digestion. Is. Everything. How your GI (gastrointestinal) tract breaks down food and utilizes it literally affects every other system in your body. Unfortunately, much of...
In this video, I talk about Kelp Noodles. Ever heard of them? If not, then you're in for a treat. I've got a few quick kelp noodle recipes and you'll learn why these sea veggies are detox superstars.
I’ve never liked the word “resolutions,” but I do think it’s important to set intentions that will help shape the direction of our lives. Whatever you want to call them, if you are like most Americans, then re-evaluating your health and nutrition is probably somewhere near the top...
This Tuesday, we are talking about… Aloe Vera Juice! What it is: Aloe is a plant in the succulent family that grows well in the desert climate. The “juice” that I’m referring to comes from the inner part of the leaf. While “whole leaf aloe juice”...
Learn how to make a kale salad…that actually tastes delicious, I promise! Kale is a superfood for good reason. It’s full of chlorophyll which is great for detoxifying as well as many vitamins and minerals including A, K, C, B2, B6, Calcium, Iron and so...
Hit snooze 5 times. Check your phone. Think about the 52 things that need to be done today. Grab a coffee and rush out the door. Sound familiar? In our fast-paced, technologically driven world, this morning routine is pretty common. But what we choose to do first...
Let me make this clear…I don’t believe in diets. I see food as fuel to help us live the life we desire. But over and over I hear the same “rules” for how to accomplish this mythical standard of beauty and health that is plastered all over...
How many times have you gone on a trip only to come back and get sick? I actually have a pretty strong immune system, but when I do get sick…it’s always after traveling. I tend to still eat pretty healthy, but lack of sleep, too many festivities...
This Tuesday we are talking about… Nettles! What it is: Nettles–or “stinging nettles” are plants that grow wild across much of our country. They are similar to spinach but without the oxalates which can inhibit the absorption of minerals. If you are going to pick...
…or anytime really… Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays of the year because it’s all about being grateful for all you have and spending time with the special people in your life. But we can’t forget one of the other highlights of the day…which...
Being the cooking junkie that I am, I feel like a kid at Christmas when I get new kitchen gadgets. I’ve been thinking about getting a mandolin or veggie spiralizer for awhile, and then…the other day I was walking through the Made for TV aisle at Rite Aid (I’m...
I think it’s a requirement to love avocados if you live in San Diego…which is great for me because I eat at least half of one every day and have them on hand at all times. If you’re in other parts of the country, you should hop...
By now it’s almost common knowledge that to live a healthy lifestyle, you should eat more fruits and veggies and in general eat whole, unprocessed foods. But for those of you looking to make a few small changes that will have a big impact, here are...
I used to take a lot of vitamins. Then I started juicing and eating super healthy and stopped. Then I learned about how depleted our food system is and how our food just doesn’t have the nutrients it used to, so now I’m pretty religious...
This Tuesday we are talking about… Spirulina! So what the heck is spirulina you ask? What it is: Spirulina belongs to a group of superfoods known as chlorophylls. In case you can’t remember your grade school science class, chlorophyll is to a plant what blood...
When I first stepped foot in my nutrition class, I was immediately drawn to the energy around me…I was surrrounded by people concerned with bettering the health of themselves and others, who got really excited about things like chia seeds and goji berries (these are...
To start of the new year, I’ve decided to do another 5 day juice cleanse so that I can really let go of all of the physical and emotional toxins of 2013. I am so excited to have so many people joining me in our...
Ok..so it’s pretty much a given that on Thanksgiving and maybe even Christmas, we are very likely to eat & drink too much and overindulge in many ways… but that doesn’t mean we have to completely let ourselves go over the holidays. I don’t know...
My roommate calls it my “ritual”. Every time I go grocery shopping, there is a plethora of fruits and veggies on the counter for a bit before everything finds its place. (…which is never in a plastic bag!!) I find that taking some extra time...
If you can’t tell…I love beets. I grow them, I cook them, I eat them and I share my love of them with others. It’s too bad I can’t get a commission for all of the people who have tried them because of me…I’d have...
As a hormone specialist with a certification in nutrition and herbal medicine, I provide ambitious and stressed out women with the knowledge and tools to recharge their metabolism and have more energy by getting to the root cause and supporting their hormones. I’ve worked with hundreds of women through 1-1 consults, corporate wellness presentations and online programs and am regularly featured on podcasts as a women’s health expert and hormone specialist.
I remember a time when I wasn’t so healthy. I weighed myself constantly and judged my self worth by that number on the scale. I battled with diet pills. I had severe hormonal mood swings, breakouts, and constant bloating that I thought was normal. Worst of all – I just didn’t feel in control of my body.
But once I learned how to support my hormones and metabolism and stopped “dieting”, I felt empowered. Free. Like I finally had control over my health in all facets.
When I’m not in the kitchen, with clients or speaking on podcasts, I love pole dancing/instructing, playing on the aerial hoop, watching live music, hiking, camping and anything outdoors or on the water. Although I work with a lot of mothers, I don’t have kids myself — unless you count my little siamese kitty or my 40+ plant-babies.
I’m over 40, but I feel healthier, stronger and more radiant than I was in my 20’s. And that’s what I want for you…
To become your most radiant self, and truly feel good in your body again.
Get started with a free metabolic breakthrough session, where we can dig into the root cause of your Metabolic Hormone Dysfunction, and lay out a path for you to finally get results.
If you're looking for food to support your hormone imbalance, this trail mix includes essential vitamins and minerals to support your hormones.
This healthy pumpkin dessert recipe is plant-based, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free and refined sugar free, yet still delicious, and ready in 15 minutes!
Veggie fritter recipe made from zucchini, carrots and chickpea flour. Easy to make, plant-based, vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, egg-free and still full of flavor!
Easy to make plant based breakfast recipe. Make a week's worth of carrot cake oatmeal bars with just 15 minutes of prep.
Pantry recipe perfect for the quarantine of 2020 - quick, easy, plant-based and totally adaptable.
Whether you don't eat fish for personal taste, or because of the radiation contaminants and toxins like mercury, this sushi roll made from veggies might be better than the real thing anyways.
The weather outside is cooling off, so I think it's about thyme for some soup, don't you? All bad puns aside, if you're looking for a quick soup (takes less than 15 minutes to make) with fall flavors, this roasted corn and thyme soup will be sure to please.
Whether you are playing hard on or off the field, this healthy chocolate smoothie has everything you need to energize and replenish.
I am a sucker for tofu spring rolls with peanut sauce...unfortunately soy and peanuts are two huge culprits for food sensitivities, so as always, I had to get creative. But man I'm glad I did!
During the holidays I used to be a big fan of having leftover pumpkin pie for breakfast, so in honor of that, I whipped up a yummy pumpkin pie smoothie...same flavor but much healthier!
“Summertime…and the livin’s easy…” The song is blasting, the sun is shining, and I have a cool drink in my hand. The cool drink of choice is my new favorite Watermelon Ginger Cooler…two ingredients, five minutes and boatloads of health benefits. Watermelon is one of the...
On Sunday evenings, I’m a big fan of “family dinners.” I don’t technically have any blood relatives nearby, but my friends have become my family and I love spending time with them over a healthy home-cooked meal as we suck up the last little bit of the weekend. If...
Giving up dairy for me was reeeeeeaaaallly hard. But my body thanks me for it every day. After years of allergy attacks, a cough that wouldn't go away and constant breakouts, I discovered the cause, gave up dairy, and never looked back..
The difference between an average lunch or dinner, and an amazing one, sometimes is as simple as having a good sauce. If you are lucky enough to live in San Diego and get the Bitchin' sauce from the Farmer's market, then you know exactly what I mean.
If you’re like me and skipping the St. Patty’s party but still want to feel festive, then I’ve got a great little healthy green snack that tastes like a dessert, but nutritionally dense enough for a meal. It kinda reminds me of mint-chocolate chip ice...
…or anytime! I’ve been busy with my head in nutrition and herb books lately, so I haven’t had time to perfect a vegan chocolate truffle recipe I’ve been working on, but I wanted to share some other sweet treats from some of my favorite healthy food blogs. It...
Back in the day I used to make a mean macaroni and cheese casserole…I’m talking 4 different kinds of cheese, cream, butter and a ton of pasta. It was the holidays after all, and calories don’t count right? Well…that’s how I used to be, but...
Being the cooking junkie that I am, I feel like a kid at Christmas when I get new kitchen gadgets. I’ve been thinking about getting a mandolin or veggie spiralizer for awhile, and then…the other day I was walking through the Made for TV aisle at Rite Aid (I’m...
Let’s be honest, food isn’t just about eating…food is an experience. It’s an experience that brings us together, helps us connect and nourishes our souls. As the weather cools off, it’s a great time for warm home-cooked meals with those you love….whether that’s your family, or...
Yesterday a photo popped up on Facebook of my friend and what appeared to be a mint-chocolate-chip milkshake. Or maybe I was just craving something minty and chocolatey so that’s what I imagined it was. Either way, I had just gotten a huge bunch of mint from a woman...
This smashed chickpea salad recipe is vegan and can be added to a sandwich or wrap or is great on its own. It's full of nutrients that are essential to healthy hormones.
I’m not sure how it is in the rest of the country, but here in San Diego, if you haven’t heard of acai…you must be living under a rock. This superfood is a small dark purple berry from the Amazon rainforest that is full of antioxidants,...
We had quite the crazy heat wave last week in San Diego, and with summer just around the corner, I’m always looking for interesting new smoothie combos. This recipe tastes like you are sipping a frozen beverage on the beach and will help you keep...
Delicious blueberry smoothie full of superfoods like bee pollen and aloe vera - This particular smoothie is high in anti-oxidants and immune boosting ingredients, but still tastes delicious of course.
Like anyone else, I love comfort food. Unfortunately (or fortunately?), my body doesn’t love it and I feel like crap after eating anything that’s too heavy. But instead of wallowing in my food sorrow, I got creative and tried to create something with the same flavors...
Another kale salad? Oh kale yeah! Excuse my cheesiness, but I can never have enough kale salad recipes. Kale is a powerhouse food that you should incorporate into your diet at least a few times a week, but like anything else, if you don’t mix...
A great twist on green juice…this juice has a nice tartness from the lime that balances perfectly with the sweetness of the apples. This juice is really high in electrolytes from the lime and celery so it’s perfect after a workout, the morning after you...
This recipe has so much beta-carotene, it’ll give you x-ray vision! Ok, not really, but it’s super delicious anyhow. It’s a pretty sweet juice so I don’t make it too often, but sometimes you have to treat yourself, and a juice treat is way better...
Fennel is one of those things that can be a little scary if you’ve never used it. Too much of it in a juice produces a weird licorice taste…but this juice balances out the flavor with pear and orange and the ginger gives it just...
Spaghetti squash is pretty fascinating. It’s like nature’s noodle…you roast it, and all of a sudden it breaks apart into stringy noodles (much less soft than real pasta). However, most of the time I’ve had it served with tomato sauce, and the extra crunch that...
Parsley is such a good blood detoxifier, but I’m not gonna lie, I kinda hated the way it tasted in every juice, so I just kept avoiding it. This morning, I finally created something with parsley that I liked…sweet! This has a bit of a...
If you're looking for a nice refreshing drink after a workout, this is the juice for you. It's also just delicious if you just want something kind of citrusy in the morning.
In the land of green juice, sometimes you want something that’s radically different…and in comes the sweet potato. It seems like a weird thing to juice, but it offers up a sort of creamy texture that most veggies don’t. The chard in this juice adds...
If your holiday meal gatherings are anything like mine, most of the food being made is full of white carbs, heavy dairy, alcohol, sugar, and everything else that will leave you feeling a little run down, dehydrated, malnourished and possibly even feeling under the weather....
The other day, I found myself with a lot of leftover brown rice, and not wanting it to go to waste, I whipped up this recipe (took less than 20 minutes). Another reason why you should make larger batches of grains or legumes early in...
Usually I like to take a day early in the week and cook something that I can eat all week. A few hours one night usually yields lunch for most of the week and I know I won’t have to worry about making unhealthy decisions...
If your holiday season is anything like mine, there are at least a handful of events that require that you bring a dish…and I think I may have just discovered my new “go-to.” I had initially made this for Thanksgiving as an app and due...
Around Thanksgiving, I have definitely eaten pumpkin pie for dessert…more than one day in a row. Eek. But there’s something so comforting about the smell and the flavors…and the whipped cream…yum. As I’m trying to be healthier these days, one of the main things I...
Fall’s in the air, Thanksgiving is on the horizon, and along with that comes a lot of amazing seasonal food. Unfortunately, a lot of the “seasonal” comfort food that’s popular during the holidays is also super unhealthy and heavy. But it doesn’t have to be!...
Persimmons are only in season around the fall so I try to do as much as I can with my favorite fruit in that time. Since I have a little bit of an obsession (as noted by my fruit bowl), I decided to throw a few of them in my juice this morning and see what happened.
As the autumn chill rolls in, it becomes a great time to make soups, unless you live in San Diego. It never fails…the weather starts to cool down…I make soup…and the next day it’s 80 degress. Doh! When it does finally cool down into the...
I eat a LOT of salads…or as I like to refer to them… “bowls of deliciousness”…it just has a better ring than “salad.” And besides, most of the salads I make don’t fall into the standard salad category anyhow- they are full of fun stuff...
I’m a big fan of adding fruit to salads, but you have to be sure to “pear” it right, or it just seems out of place. Ok, bad joke… but good salad. In this recipe you can sub in a pre-made spring mix for the...
One of my favorite things about autumn besides the changing leaves is the cool weather that just begs me to make a hearty soup for the week (ok, I live in San Diego, so the seasons are a bit more subtle, but the feeling is...
Most of us are aware that eggs are a great source of the omega’s but did you know you can also get them from hemp seeds? Hemp seeds are also full of good plant-based protein and they are just one of the superfood ingredients in...
When summertime rolls around, I find myself eating a LOT of salads. When it’s hot outside, the body needs something to keep it cool, and a nice crisp salad does just the trick. This recipe is tasty, but still super healthy… it’s a great source...
This was one of those recipes that came about because I was starving and threw a bunch of things together that I had in the kitchen… “Hey, here’s a head of kale…a few carrots…an onion…and what the heck do I flavor this with? I have...
The best healthy snacks are the ones that are quick and easy, but come from whole foods. This recipe is my “go-to”…multiple times a week. All you need are 3 ingredients, a knife and a fork…doesn’t get much simpler than that. Like what you see?...
I love grapefruits but have failed on many attempts to create something delicious, yet still full of the good green stuff. Well, this morning I hit the jackpot! Tastes like grapefruit…looks like green juice…and is just sweet enough so you don’t make that sour grapefruit...
I love freshly baked beets. I would eat them every day if I could, but the fact that they take an hour to cook can be somewhat of a deterrent. My tip? I usually throw them in the oven right when I get home (from...