Recent Posts

Work with what you have: Food that supports immune health.

Work with what you have: Food that supports immune health.

I’ve been getting quite a few questions on foods that can support immune health lately (appropriately – given the current situation ?). Honestly, these are foods we should and could be eating all the time! This is awesome – because so many of these foods […]

Your new smoothie go-to: think BEETS

Your new smoothie go-to: think BEETS

I love beets. I just love them. My five-year-old does too – maybe it’s genetic? Anyway, I love the earthy taste. The bright red texture. I loved them baked, sauteed, and pickled. However, I DO NOT LOVE how they stain my white kitchen when I […]

Thoughts from a recovered #caffeineholic…

Thoughts from a recovered #caffeineholic…

Coffee or tea?! Which would you choose? ⠀

Lately, I have been on a tea kick – Green, Hibiscus, Earl Grey – you name it – I’ve probably have been having a cup most days of the week. And really, you can reasonably argue that both have equally positive health benefits. ⠀

Tea, for example, is rich in antioxidants, and in a recent study, it was found that tea drinkers were less likely to develop cardiovascular disease compared to their peers. ⠀

Coffee, on the other hand, has had some promising findings in the area of gut microbiome health – which also can influence your cardiovascular disease risk and your overall immune system health. ⠀

No matter which one you choose – it’s vital to keep in mind HOW MUCH tea and coffee you are consuming every day due to caffeine. Caffeine sensitivity is more common than one might think (estimated to be about 10% of the population), and most people don’t even know they have it – or that it could be the cause a variety of symptoms – like headaches, anxiety or heart palpations. Genetics, medications, and sex can all influence the risk of you being sensitive to caffeine. Besides tea and coffee, caffeine is also found in cacao beans (chocolate- my fav), and kola nuts (the ingredient they use to make cola). ⠀


For me, I found out that I was sensitive to caffeine after I became a mom. I know, tragic. I mean, I use to drink SO MUCH coffee and tea daily just to make it through the day – and I would still feel exhausted most of the time.

However, after my anxiety started to increase, I started having a hard time sleeping, and my heart would sometimes do a “flip-flop,” I started looking for answers. After completing food sensitivity testing (the MRT) and utilizing my mindful eating practices, I began to become more aware of what drinks, foods, and chemicals (like caffeine) I was actually consuming daily and how it was making my body feel. I found that caffeine was the main culprit that affected my energy and my stress level. Over time, I was able to determine a “safe” amount for me to consume – which equals out to be about 1 cup of tea or coffee daily. (continued in comments..)

It’s incredible what our bodies are trying to tell us every day – we just need to learn how to listen!

Why Did You Eat?

Why Did You Eat?

I want you to think about the last time you ate. For me, it was about five minutes ago when I grabbed a few figs and some peanut butter to eat as a late-night snack while writing this post. If I took the time to […]

Turmeric Rice

Turmeric Rice

The cold and flu season has hit our home HARD these last few weeks, and to fight it off, I have been filling up on all things TURMERIC. Yes! This potent, Middle Eastern spice should be a staple in your diet – especially this time […]

Oat & Millet Pancakes

Oat & Millet Pancakes

Gluten-free deliciousness, millet is becoming a staple grain in our household. These fiber and nutrient-packed pancakes are a great start to your morning. Make these ahead of time and keep in the fridge for up to a week. Pop in the microwave and top with your favorite toppings – a quick nutrient-dense breakfast on the go!

Ingredients:

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 cup of Oat Flour
  • 1/2 cup of Millet Flour
  • 1/2 cup of Potato Starch
  • 1 tsp Xanthan Gum
  • 3 tsp Baking Powder (find Corn-Free Baking Powder here)
  • Pinch of Salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 2 large Eggs
  • 1 1/2 Cup Oat milk, Rice Milk or Pea Milk
  • 2 TBS Maple Syrup
  • 1/4 Cup Olive Oil
  • 1 tsp pure Vanilla
My favorite flour and baking products for this recipe. Available at www.thrivemarket.com or check out your local health food store. Click picture for link to buy!

Directions:

  • Mix all dry ingredients in a small bowl and set aside. 
  • Beat eggs, maple syrup, olive oil, and vanilla together in a large bowl using a stand mixer/hand mixer. Set mixer to low/medium speed.
  • Preheat skillet to low/medium heat. Spray with non-cooking spray or olive oil.
  • At a low/medium speed alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk, mixing until it becomes a batter. Do not over mix. The batter will thicken as it sits. 
  • Use a medium-sized ladle or spoon to pour the batter on the heated/oiled skillet. Cook the pancakes for 2 – 5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Tip: when flipping the pancakes, press with the spatula to flatten. 

Makes approximately 10 – 6″ pancakes 

Serve with your favorite toppings! We love either peanut butter or walnuts plus maple syrup! If you are nut-free, try sunflower butter – delicious!