I hope you’re enjoying the last few days of 2017. From my family to yours much love.

As 2017 ends I want to say “THANK YOU for being part of this community. I love this journey we are on together.”

It has been my pleasure to share the foods and practices that bring you nourishment and satisfaction.

My intention is for us to be in alignment. By that, I mean to feel joy and appreciation as much as possible. When we’re in alignment life is delicious. We have access to our brilliance and creativity. We have more to give to others. Our energy makes the world a better place to live.

My biggest awareness this year is to be kinder to myself.

When I’m kinder to myself I’m kinder to others too!

When I find myself out of alignment…

Instead of calling myself wrong, instead of beating myself up, saying things like I should be doing better or I know better, why do I feel like this…

I soothe myself with kindness.

I tell myself I’m doing alright and it’s getting better.
I’m having quite a bit of fun.
I love my life and what I’m doing.
I love and accept myself no matter what.

I realize creating a happy, healthy life is all about controlling my mood. Kindness raises my vibration and improves my mood.

I practice all day long looking for the delicious aspects of what is in front of me.

Every day I’m out there looking for the beauty and magnificence in the world.

Instead of looking for problems, I hunt for blessings.

Even if something isn’t the way I want it to be, I realize everything that is presented in life is a beautiful invitation to expand and make my life more wonderful than it’s been before.

I realize it’s all about loving the journey we’re on. We can’t have a happy ending unless we have a happy journey. I’m looking forward to continuing this wonderful journey with you in 2018.

I am excited to get together again for the seventh year of the Nourishing Foods Cleanses. It’s through these cleanses that we expand our repertoire of foods and practices that keep us in alignment. We connect back to our true self and experience more joy and appreciation every day.

Ridding our body of toxins and supporting our organs to function optimally opens up the channels to greater health. It also provides the right chemistry that naturally makes us happy.

The Nourishing Foods Cleanse is a way to be loving and kind to ourselves. We get back into alignment and make lasting changes in our body, mind and spirit.

The truth is even though I eat a healthy diet most of the time, I am not perfect, I’m human, I believe life is meant to be enjoyed, that includes wine and chocolate. Being healthy isn’t about eating a perfect diet it’s about listening to my body to maintain balance. Cleansing brings me back into alignment with what my body needs to stay healthy and happy.

With each cleanse I discover something new. It enables me to open up to greater love, kindness and understanding of myself. I get healthier and happier.

Cleansing also allows my detox organs to receive the tune-up they need to keep my body clean. When my body has less toxins all my cells are turned on to perform optimally. Cleansing is one of the things I do religiously to ensure my optimal health.

Join us for the Nourishing Foods Winter Adrenal Cleanse. You’ll soothe your overworked, precious little adrenal glands and recover your energy after the holidays.

Whether you join the cleanse or not I look forward to our continued journey together in 2018.

Which leads me to the most loved recipes of the year – all in one place for you.

10 Most Popular Recipes of 2017

Sri Lankan Coconut Dhal Curry

This is my most popular recipe in 2017. It was inspired by my trip to Sri Lanka in 2016. Red lentils or moong dhal is flavored with Indian spices and coconut milk. Incredibly simple, delicious and really healthy.

3 Ingredient Banana Almond Pancakes

Number 2 is an easy 3 ingredient paleo pancake recipe. It’s made in a blender with no grains, no sugar, and lots of healthy protein. My grandson Avery loves it.

Cleansing Turmeric Vegetable Soup

Number 3 is an anti-inflammatory brothy vegetable soup full of healing spices that satisfy your taste buds and restore balance. It contains three powerful ingredients; ginger, turmeric and bone broth.

Peruvian Quinoa Soup

Number 4 is a traditional soup from Peru made with their favorite grain. It’s one of my older recipes that continues to be very popular. Quinoa is a high protein, low glycemic grain which fills you up and gives you energy.

Simple Sauteed Fish with Garlic

Number 5 is a simple sautéed fish dish with a delicious garlic butter sauce, perfect for a busy weeknight.

Sauteed Kale with Mushrooms and Carrots

Number 6 is a dish with only 6 ingredients. That’s funny! Mushrooms give it a woodsy flavor. Sweet carrots and onions balance the bitter greens. Yum!

Paleo Chocolate Chip Cookies

Number Seven is one of the best cookies I’ve ever eaten and they’re gluten free. I just made them for Christmas. Gooey morsels of chocolate and almond buttery dough are baked into a soft and chewy cookie that is gluten free and full of protein from the almond butter.

Paleo Scallion Pancakes

Number 8 is one of my favorite dishes to serve as a light dinner with salad. Paleo Scallion Pancakes are an Asian street food delight I updated to be gluten-free.

Matcha Chia Pudding

Number 9 is a healthy pudding you can enjoy for breakfast, snack or dessert. Matcha has weight loss benefits, antioxidants, energy boosting properties, and so much more.

Cold Sesame Kelp Noodles

Number 10 is an upgrade of one of my favorite Chinese noodle dishes. Instead of regular noodles, I make it with kelp noodles. They are full of minerals and have a light taste and nice springy texture. The sauce is so delicious you’ll never miss the original version.