iced matcha latte

do you matcha much? pretty new to the green tea powder myself and it’s been a pleasure to experiment with.   literally. due to the increased levels of l-theanine found in matcha leaves. l-theanine is an amino acid that has been shown to increase the production of alpha waves to the brain.   these waves not only induce mental relaxation and reduce stress but they also stimulate an improvement of mood, concentration, and memory.   matcha... Read More

build your own acai bowl

its been noted a number of times that i lean towards simple things and making acai bowls is no different. building your own acai bowl is a fun and exciting way to change up your smoothie game. it’s a healthy, raw vegan, plant-based, nutrient dense form of fuel.   a few weeks ago a friend sent me the downside of smoothies from the new york times. i don’t disagree that smoothies can be overloaded with sugars. and just about anything... Read More

a shot of chlorophyll with a side of pinball

  the second round of the no frills adventure has recently finished up and once again, it was an exceptional group. years before i started teaching yoga and practicing massage therapy, while blogging my days away, i spent my time leading wilderness trips and teaching outdoor education.   now that my focus has shifted to clean eating and healthy living i’ve combined the things i love most to offer these group adventures in an online... Read More

dairy-free vanilla protein smoothie

recently i had the opportunity to lead a small group on a winter adventure. although it was an online group program it reminded me of the wilderness trips i used to lead. it was a top notch group of participants and we had an exciting 7-days without coffee, alcohol or refined sugar. no coffee, sugar, or alcohol? no coffee, sugar, or alcohol and i consider it fun? don’t get me wrong. you know i enjoy my coffee but i also enjoy taking a break... Read More

date donut holes-the variety pack

alright, serious question…who in the world doesn’t like a treat every now and again? i obviously do as evidenced here, here, here and here. we weren’t desert wild at my house growing up but quite often a weekend morning would lend to a handpicked sweet roll plate from the local bakery. we fancied slicing them up for a sample plate and munching on them throughout the morning. these days fried doughy cake isn’t quite as exciting... Read More

not nutella

not nutella is a healthier version of the much loved nutella. it’s dairy-free, raw vegan, and one of my favorite healthy recipe hacks. it’s something i also enjoy packaging up in cute little jars with ribbons and sharing as gifts with family, friends, clients and students come holiday time. it’s a simple recipe (because, in my opinion, simple is always best) requiring 4 ingredients. a food processor, a pinch of patience and a dash... Read More

creamy cashew alfredo sauce with zoodles

recently i had the opportunity to make dinner for a few friends and decided a ‘pasta night’ would be fun. since it has still been fairly warm here dairy-free alfredo zoodles seemed perfect because there’s no need to use the stovetop and even my non-vegan buddies always enjoy this cashew alfredo sauce. so i grabbed a bunch of seasonally appropriate zucchini, pulled out my spiralizer and got to work. what you add to this dish... Read More

creamy chocolate cashew soft serve ice cream

september’s push to preserve summer has been stirred and swirled to create a creamy chocolate cashew soft serve ice cream. it’s healthy enough to eat for breakfast, treat enough for an after dinner desert, and does NOT require an ice cream maker or special blender. what?! and did i mention it only has five ingredients? this dairy and soy free delight can be made vegan or not depending on your sweetener of choice. typically i prefer using... Read More

plant-based walnut tacos

this rawcipe is a plant-based walnut taco building experience. it’s not quite chipotle but, in my opinion, it’s better because you can make it at home. it’s as simple as having seasoned walnut taco meat, great guacamole and a head of purple cabbage on hand. in no way shape or form am i a chipotle hater. it’s a great, mostly healthy, fast food joint that seems to have food morals  i’m happy to support. when i’ve... Read More

my coco cilantro green smoothie

sugar, sugar or honey, honey? sugar and sugar alternatives are all the rage. it’s no secret too much sugar does not do a body good. everyone and their sister would like to knock it out of their diet in every which way, shape and form. however, many struggle before ultimately giving up. been there. done that. and it was a miserable experience. for health purposes there was a period of time i quit consuming sugar in every form. including fruit.... Read More