With this past weekend’s super frigid temperatures (when I pretty much don’t want to leave the house and love hunkering down with some movies), it just screamed comfort food to me.  But instead of reaching for one of my fav comfort foods (like homemade mac and cheese), I was busy creating a comfort food makeover – with a healthy twist.

Check out the ideas I shared on WTNH’s Good Morning Connecticut yesterday for clean eating, cozy comfort foods — Panko-crusted baked chicken (instead of fried), souffled sweet potatoes (light and airy, and oh so delicious instead of mashed potatoes and gravy) and some Hoppin’ John (collard greens and black-eyed peas – a Southern favorite, but without the pork).

Here are the two yummy dishes that I featured which I think you’ll enjoy:

Souffled Sweet Potatoes
(Adapted from Clean Eating Magazine)

I first tried this recipe at Thanksgiving as a savory side dish that was a departure from other sweet potato dishes I’ve made in the past. Sweet potatoes are a great substitution for white potatoes and nutritional powerhouses, full of antioxidants and fiber. This dish is a perfect makeover for traditional mashed potatoes and gravy.

Ingredients:

4 pounds sweet potatoes, well scrubbed
1 head garlic, cloves separated and unpeeled
1/2 cup low sodium vegetable broth
2 tbsp. fresh rosemary, chopped
1/2 tsp. sea salt
1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
3 large egg whites
1/2 tsp. cream of tartar

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place sweet potatoes on a baking sheet, prick each one several times and bake for 45 minutes to an hour, or until soft.
2. Place the garlic gloves in tightly sealed foil and bake on a separate baking sheet for about 30 minutes until tender.
3. Remove potatoes and garlic and let cool.  When cool enough to handle, peel the potatoes, squeeze the garlic from the skins and combine in a bowl with the broth. Mash until smooth and then add the rosemary, salt and pepper.
4. In a separate bowl, combine the egg whites and cream of tartar.  Use an electric mixer on high speed and whip for 2-3 minutes until stiff peaks form. Fold half the egg whites into the potatoes with a rubber spatula and then fold the rest in.
5. Coat a baking dish with cooking spray and transfer the potato mixture. Bake in the oven at for approximately 30 minutes until the top is slightly browned then serve and enjoy!

Savory Collard Greens and Black-Eyed Peas (Hoppin’ John)

I absolutely love collard greens, especially when prepared in this quick and simple fashion without hours of cooking.  Traditional Southern cooking calls for adding pork for flavor, but we can keep this dish happily vegetarian and healthy yet still flavorful. I love adding in the black-eyed peas for a more complete meal which you can serve with a side of brown rice.

Ingredients:
2 bunches collard greens
1 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 15-oz cans black-eyed peas
2 tsp. apple cider or white wine vinegar
salt and pepper taste

Directions:
1. Wash collard greens, cut out stems and stack several leaves on top of each other.  Roll like a cigar and chop collards into small bite size pieces.
2. Heat olive oil in pan, add onion and garlic and saute for a couple of minutes until soft.
3. Add collard greens to pan and saute until bright green. Add a little bit of water if greens start to stick.
4. Add black-eyed peas and cook for a few minutes more until heated through.
5. Season with vinegar, salt and pepper.

What’s your favorite comfort food and what do you do to give it a healthy spin?

One of the principles of clean eating that I often struggle with is drinking enough water.  As I know you know so well, drinking fresh clean water is essential to maintaining a healthy, clean eating  lifestyle. It helps up detox, helps our organs function more efficiently, helps prevent disease, supports weight loss and increases our energy, just to name a few.

I try my best to get ample amounts in, but truth be told, some days I’m a water drinking rock star and other days my efforts leave a lot to be desired but my goal is to become a water drinking rock star every day.

Over the last few months, however, I’ve had a steady increase in my water intake thanks to my trusty Copco cup. I discovered this awesome, reusable cup in September when we were in Maine.  We were in Stonewall Kitchen, one of my favorite gourmet stores, when I saw a large bin with brightly colored cups in hot pink, purple and orange calling my name.  What’s not to love about drinking water from a fun cup?! What I love is that it has a durable straw and a screw on top.  Sure beats wasting paper cups or bringing a glass to work that I sometimes tip over in meetings.

Best thing is water drinking is sooo easy for me with a straw. It just seems like it glides down effortlessly and before I know it, I’ve had lots of water throughout the day.

I bought an orange up when we were at the store that I promptly took to the office.  It’s snap to wash and refill each day.  But then I realized that it would be great if I also had one at home too – perfect for sipping during workouts and leaving on my nightstand.  I walked into Bed, Bath and Beyond and they had a huge bin of brown and pink ones.  I’ve even gone so far as to get a third cup for another office out of which I sometimes work so now I’ve got all my water drinking bases covered.

What’s your favorite strategy to stay hydrated every day? How to you ensure you get enough water in?

Truth be told, I’ve been on an extended hiatus getting healthy.  I spent several months this spring and summer dealing with a cancer scare and then having a hysterectomy which all threw me for a loop.   I’m used to being super healthy and feeling energetic most of the time, so even the threat of having a major health concern had me more than a tad bit scared.  I’m happy to report, however, that after a successful surgery, I got a clean bill of health, no cancer whatsoever! 

I’m convinced that my quick recovery was due in equal parts to a positive mindset, healthy eating before and afterward and an amazing support network of family and friends.   One of the best investments before the surgery, was a trip to my fabulous naturopath, Jennifer Botwick, for a pre-surgical protocol of supplements that got my body ready for surgery.  A helpful guided imagery CD and lots of Buddhist prayers helped me visualize an easy surgery with minimal pain and a fast recovery — that worked wonders!  The day after the surgery I have to admit that I felt better than after any surgery I’ve had before, the pain wasn’t bad at all and no terrible side effects from the anesthesia.  Nice!   Per Jennifer’s suggestion, I started drinking fresh vegetable juice from the health food store chock full of healing greens the very next day.  It was easy to digest and the perfect way to help my body to detox.  Believe it or not, I practiced clean eating even in the hospital!

And if weren’t for my wonderful friends and family, I’m sure I wouldn’t have come through so easily. I’ve learned that it’s important to ask for help when you need it, and ask I did.  From making me healthy, clean eating dishes and coming to visit to bringing me great books to read and lots of phone calls, my posse was right there by my side. Thank you!

I have to admit that taking a break from working so hard felt great. And the more I did it this summer, the more I realized that I was thoroughly enjoying my down time.  I guess I didn’t realize just how much both my body and mind needed some rest and healing.  So what was going to be 6 weeks off easily morphed into four months.

I’m looking forward to reconnecting with all of you and getting back to lots of  blog posts, classes and speaking about creating a clean eating lifestyle.  Stay tuned for lots of fun and inspiring conversations this fall.  And one of these days my new clean eating website will be done, chock full of great, clean eating information.

Here’s to your health and a wonderful , clean eating fall!

For me, that translates into increased awareness about what I’m putting into my body and how I’m taking care of it.  I think before I eat something, weigh whether I want it or need it (seriously, who’s ever needed a cupcake?), and if I do want it and it’s perhaps not such a clean eating food, I weigh what I’m willing to do to balance it out…like more time at the gym.  Simply becoming more self-aware goes a long way toward preventing chronic disease — increased self-knowledge leads to better choices and avoiding unhealthy behaviors.

Having recently lost a friend to pancreatic cancer who was only 50, I regularly think about how fortunate I am to be healthy with no major medical problems.  My friend Pam’s death was such a wake up call.  Before she got sick, she had a healthy lifestyle doing all the right things yet she still got sick.  Really, any of us can be susceptible.  When I step back and get some perspective, my slightly creaky joints, sometimes sore foot from doing too much cardio and little aches and pains are nothing compared to the several friends I have who are currently dealing with cancer or other illnesses, or who have sadly passed away.

I really believe that how we treat ourselves today, especially those of us in or nearing middle age, has everything to do with how our older years will manifest.  Do you want to age vibrantly and be energized or can you see yourself burdened with health problems that cause regret about your past self-care efforts (or lack thereof)?  Needless to say, I’m all about being preventative, eating clean foods, getting plenty of exercise and rest and taking the best care of myself that I can. 

Last week I opened up my friend Ginny’s bi-weekly newsletter and was struck by the content. Ginny, a life coach, is a pro at helping people shift perspective to get new insights into challenges they may be facing.  She mentioned how helpful it is to think about what you’re willing to do to solve a problem and why that’s so important.

I read her newsletter and immediately wrote back and said, “I’m willing to do a strength training workout 3 times per week so I feel great in a bathing suit this summer.”  I was struck by what an easy shift I had when I was able to articulate both what I’d be willing to do and why it was so important.   It’s only mid-April and I’m already focused on a summertime goal and excited about it (especially since I joined a new gym that’s motivating me).  I can already feel how I’ll feel when I’m on the beach this summer and feeling great in my bathing suit and about my body. And truth be told, in the end, it’s less about the physical manifestation (looking great in the suit) and more about how I’m taking care of myself  that really matters.

I find that when there’s a larger reason that’s inspiring me, it’s so much easier to get started on a goal and stick to it.  In fact, it doesn’t have to be so hard at all.

I’m curious to know what you’re willing to do to prevent chronic disease and feel your best as you age.  What’s your spark of inspiration to help you feel your best as your body changes?

Although I’ve been practicing clean eating for quite some time, and find it easy to make the time to plan, shop for and prepare healthy meals made with fresh, whole foods, keeping things organized at home has been another story.   For years, I’ve been in varying levels of disorganization that have left me feeling anxious, overwhelmed and less than healthy.  I would spend my fair share of time thinking about my piles of paper and clutter, I’d obsess over how I could get on top of it once and for all, and I’d easily fall into a state of overwhelm.

I’ve had clients like this before who struggled with eating cleaner foods but found the task so overwhelming that they never progressed very far.  Together, however, we’d find ways to simplify the process and break down the steps to creating a clean eating lifestyle that sticks. 

It was the same thing for me with getting organized. First I had to decide that I was ready, willing and able to make some changes. Then I hired an organizer who helped me create simple systems that work for my life.  And after consulting with someone who built me a proper desk, cabinets and workspace, I’m finally unearthing, throwing away and organizing years worth of  clutter.  This is all about a clean working space that helps me be more productive, focused and ultimately, healthier. What a concept! My whole life feels lighter and less burdened by the combination of clean eating and a clean workspace.

And you know what else? All the worrying and anxiety that kept me focused on what wasn’t working, has freed me up to be a lot more creative in the kitchen.  I’m having big fun creating delicious clean eating recipes that are feeding my body and soul. Who knew that cleaning up one’s space could have such an impact on other parts of one’s life.

What about you, what parallels do you see between clean eating and de-cluttering your own space? How do both of these initiatives help you to create a healthier lifestyle?

You’ve probably seen some of my posts this summer about the fun I’ve been having picking blueberries. They are my #1 favorite all time fruit.  I love how they’re slightly tart sometimes, other times full-on sweet. I love how easy they are to pick and eat. And I love all the powerful antioxidants they contain.

Last week, I shot this video right in the middle of the blueberry patch (thanks to my cameraman and hubby Bruce)!  I was so inspired to be outside, enjoying the weather and empowered by picking my own food. It got me thinking about just how much appreciation I have for clean, local, organic food grown without pesticides. The kind of food that truly supports my health and soul.

Simply put, I get inspired when I’m outside connected to what I’m eating and our summer activities of picking fresh, local food have deepened this appreciation like never before.  To me, it’s such a simple way to eat clean, whole foods.

Check out the video and see what I mean:

What are you doing to deepen your appreciation for your food? How does eating clean, whole foods support your healthy lifestyle?

Even better, we use the farmers’ market for weekly inspiration when it comes to creating healthy, clean meals with limited meat, dairy, gluten and sugar, and focused on fresh local produce. Instead of meal planning in a vacuum, we get creative by discovering what looks fresh and inviting and building our menu around that. I like to mix it up so that our meals don’t get old and boring, eating the same old thing, and with so much variety, that’s hardly a problem.

But the best part of the farmers’ market has got to be the just-picked produce that can’t be beat for flavor and nutritional value.  The corn and greens are picked that day, all the items are in season and they’re grown on farms where they not only don’t use pesticides but have a true appreciation for clean, healthy food.  I don’t mind paying a bit more when I know I’m getting high quality food, grown with care.  In the end, that means we’re paying attention to our health, preventing disease and feeling our best.

How do you keep your eating clean and healthy in the summer? When was the last time you went to a local farmers’ market and how did it inspire you to get busy in the kitchen?

Need some ideas and your own dose of summer meal inspiration? Join me on Tuesday, August 4 at 8 pm ET for my “Simple Summer Eating and Meal Planning” Teleclass! For only $19 I’ll give you the scoop on the healthiest foods to be eating in the summer, what foods are most energizing, and easy and delicious recipe ideas in my summer recipe guide. Register and join us! http://budurl.com/sv6p

So If you’re serious about increasing your energy, preventing chronic disease and learning about simple ways to make that happen through meal planning, you won’t want to miss this information-rich call hosted by Jim Schibly.

Here’s a sampling of what I’ll be sharing:

- How to tune into your own body to improve your health and help prevent disease
- How to create “super health” meals in just minutes that will make you feel like an 18 year old again
- How to eliminate stress, boost energy and lose weight with this secret meal planning process
- 7 proven techniques to help you eat healthier and lose unwanted pounds effortlessly
- Step-by-step details on how to effectively meal plan and stick to it with ease
 
And Much, Much, Much More!!!

All you have to do to register is go to: http://www.expertadvicecentral.com/gethealthy.html.
 
We’ll send you all the call-in details for this awesome call. And even if you can’t be there live, sign up and we’ll send you the
recording.

What better a way to get inspired and into action with your health?!

Remember, sign up by going to: http://www.expertadvicecentral.com/gethealthy.html

In today’s video, we’re making a simple dish that’s so good — the sesame seeds, toasted sesame oil and orange zest give it an amazing lift.

And you know what else? It’s low fat, heart healthy and super flavorful. Give it a try and enjoy!

What’s your favorite simple way to prepare fish? Please share your thoughts and favorite recipe.

Why?  A whole combination of variables have come together to render it a bit lifeless –  too much stress, getting shingles, not feeling my best and taking time to rest, insufficient exercise and a general malaise that’s so unlike me. And given that it’s spring and time for new beginnings, it sure seems appropriate to turn things around.

But here’s the thing — we can get stuck in a de-motivation malaise or we can try to snap out of it in creative ways. To me, so much of getting and staying motivated has to do with my mindset, simply believing I can snap out of it and redirect my energy.  But the question is, where can we turn to for inspiration when we’re not feeling sufficiently inspired?

Enter my friend Denise Hart (in photo at right), aka, the motivation mama! As I was feeling less than my vibrant best, I did a little searching to see what might perk me up and I couldn’t help but get jazzed just my reading Denise’s blog and looking at some of her motivation videos.  What motivates her? Gratitude, sharing successes and being held accountable, just to name a few.  In particular, I love her blog post on accountability is king to keep us motivated. And one of her recent video tips on motivation — the power of positive thinking was right on the mark.  Getting clear about what we deserve and is most important to us, and tuning into those feelings, can get us on track for more motivation and focus.

Watching the video helped me tune into creating some simple affirmations about great health and easing back into exercise. No, it don’t have to go out and run a few miles but I will do some gentle yoga and walking this week, a good start to more healthy activity.

Thanks Denise, this is just what I need to get re-motivated!

What do you do to regain your motivation mojo, especially when it comes to getting and staying healthy?