I have a LOT of gadgets in my kitchen. I was really skeptical about adding yet another device to my countertop, especially one that I couldn’t quite put my finger on my reason for needing it. I just knew that I did, and now I don’t know what I’d do without it. If you’re thinking about purchasing an air fryer such as the T-fal Actifry for yourself or for a loved one this holiday season, here are a few reasons to go for it.
So... I was planning to run a Tough Mudder race with a group of my girlfriends this weekend, BUT with 110 degree temps in the forecast, these very wise women voted to change our registration date to the next event, in October (actually, it will be on my birthday!).
Now instead, this weekend I'll be hiding out in the AC, keeping cool, not running, and NOT cooking!
To make sure I still get my greens in on these super hot days, I pulled out some of my favorite refreshing and nutrient-rich smoothie recipes and thought you might like them too.
Blueberry-Cardamom Smoothie. Cardamom is naturally cooling and adds a yummy flavor to this smoothie.
For 21-Day Sugar Detox: Omit blueberries and use a whole (green-tipped) banana if desired.
Anti-Inflammatory Smoothie. Contains anti-inflammatory spices such as ginger and turmeric that are more warming, so they are perfect if you're indoors in the AC all day.
For 21-Day Sugar Detox: Use a green-tipped banana.
Chocolate Collagen Smoothie. You can also use spinach in this one, but the romaine is a nice change of pace so if you have some, try it!
For 21-Day Sugar Detox: Omit the strawberries and use a whole (green-tipped) banana if desired.
Glowing Green Mango Energy Smoothie. Super refreshing with lemon, lime and cucumber!
For 21-Day Sugar Detox: Omit the mango. Replace the apple with 1/2 of a green apple, and add 1/2 green-tipped frozen banana.
At the end of my workout class yesterday, the instructor called out, "Have you been working on your resolutions? The year is almost over! You know, only 9% of people keep their resolutions all year! If your resolutions have anything to do with diet and exercise, you HAVE to be that 9% and you need to STICK WITH IT!"
I know that she had the best of intentions for motivating us, but I found that somewhat depressing. I walked away from the class wondering if anyone would take on the challenge, or would they decide to give up on their goals before they even start. I mean with those odds, why bother trying?
After following a Paleo diet for the past 4 years, I've been eating relatively low-carb, but with all the buzz about the even lower-carb Ketogenic diet, I wanted to give it a try. I followed the program for about 10 days, and I learned a few interesting things about myself and my habits along the way:
1) Less carbs made me feel less hungry. I have to admit, I was pleasantly surprised when I actually didn't NEED any snacks between meals, even when eating later than usual.
2) I'm not great at tracking my food. WOW, some of you guys are amazing at this, and I truly give you a ton of credit. It wasn't easy to track every bite of food that I ate, which is why I found it much easier to stick to a plan as written so I didn't have to count macros! That being said, I'm not exactly sure what my carb counts were each day, but I know they were far lower than usual. Before the keto challenge, I normally would eat a banana in the morning and a paleo protein bar in the afternoon - and those add up to more than an entire day's worth of carbs on a keto program!
3) I felt much more clear headed, but my workouts weren't as strong until the last few days. This is a true testament to the fact that Keto is NOT a quick fix program. It's a lifestyle that requires a bit of effort, but when you stick with it and your body adjusts, you will see results.
4) Last but not least, I lost 5 pounds, which brought me back to what I consider to be my "ideal" weight. It's interesting to notice what foods move the scale as I add back some additional carbs, and it's helping me to assess what foods I will keep out of my diet for good.
If you're looking to create some new habits in the New Year, to cut sugar and carbs to reduce inflammation to look and feel your best, now's the time to secure your spot in the next 21-Day Sugar Detox with Julie!
The 21-Day Sugar Detox has several similarities to a Keto protocol, but with a bit more flexibility. There's no counting or tracking of macros (and it allows for more healthy carbs than keto). I've completed the 21-Day Sugar Detox several times on my own, and have led hundreds of others through their own journey, with consistently successful results. Participants report eliminating or dramatically reducing sugar cravings, improving energy, reducing joint pain, and learning how to eat just REAL FOOD. If you know you're likely to indulge a bit over the holidays and want to lock in your commitment now for a reset, you don't want to miss this PRESALE opportunity! READ PARTICIPANT FEEDBACK ABOUT THE 21DSD
I’m currently obsessed with the new mint sencha green tea from @piquetea. 🍵 💚 These teas are #organic, have no added sugars or preservatives, and best of all don’t require seeping a tea bag! The crystals dissolve instantly in cold or hot water which makes it so convenient. I’m sensitive to caffeine and the green tea doesn’t give me the shakes like coffee or other teas often do... just a sort of clean boost of energy like the matcha I love so much. They have caffeine free options too. Oh and yes they are compliant with the #21DSD. CLICK HERE TO ORDER
I'm somewhat obsessed with my crock pot. I have a fancier 6-in-one type of pot too, but somehow I always make my way back to my tried and true, 5.5 -quart ceramic Crock Pot. I use it for bone broth, chili, and a variety of chicken and meat dishes, but far and away the recipe that gets made the most often in my house is this slow cooked salsa verde chicken from Diane Sanfilippo's Practical Paleo 2nd edition.
I often get asked about my favorite take-along snacks, and while there are many healthy packaged options out there these days, nothing beats a homemade treat. This is a collection of some of the gluten-free, protein packed snacks that are easy to make ahead for any time you need a quick pick me up! Not all are paleo, as a few include oats or beans, but all are gluten-free, healthy and delicious.
Back in 2010, I spent a long weekend with my family in California, mostly enjoying the outdoors with picnics of fruit and cheese with loads of crackers and cookies (this was in my pre-paleo days) and wine tasting at vineyards in Napa Valley. As you can imagine, with all that gluten, sugar, and alcohol in my system, I felt like crap. I was so bloated that my clothes hardly fit, and when I finished my migraine medication (usually enough for a month) by the third day, I knew something had to change.
It seems like everyone I talk to this week is struggling with some sort of cold, flu, or some other icky ailment that is getting in the way of their daily life. If this sounds like you (or someone you know that's keeping you up at night!), and you are ready to do whatever it takes to get rid of that awful cold, read on...
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