Halloween and I have a complicated relationship, at least since I became a mom. Trick-or-treating is a fun tradition, but there aren’t many healthy Halloween treats (or even close to it). Other holidays, like Easter, share the same problem. So what’s a health-conscious mom to do? As I see it, I have a few options: Option #1: Ignore Halloween Completely Yep … I did this! I’ll admit it: when my kids were all really young, I just pretended Halloween didn’t exist. We didn’t do the trick-or-treating thing or the Halloween costume thing. Instead of a Halloween party we usually just…

Our family loves Halloween! It’s true, in the early days we were trick-or-treating holdouts (all that sugary store-bought Halloween candy… shudder!). Now that my kids are older I’ve figured out a healthy balance with these Halloween food ideas. We just buy candy with better ingredients (and make sure to have non-candy treats too). Reinventing our Halloween dinner plan is another way I made peace with this sugar-happy holiday. These festive but healthy Halloween recipes are perfect for a bite to eat before or after trick-or-treating, or just a way to make Halloween fun at home! You can even serve up some of these…

Unsweetened coconut milk is a superfood milk substitute I frequently use in my home. While almond milk and oat milk are good for certain recipes, coconut milk adds a rich creaminess. It also tends to have fewer ingredients in its commercial form. Due to its creamy texture, coconut milk makes an excellent substitute for cow’s milk products like half-and-half and whipped cream. What is Coconut Milk? Coconut milk is made by blending the fresh coconut flesh (or “meat”) of a mature coconut with water. (The brown hairy ones at the grocery store). Then the mixture is put through a filter…

In case you’re wondering if you’ve got the right blog, never fear… no, I don’t think there’s such a thing as healthy candy! By “healthy” I mean “better than the alternatives.” This means they’re made from real food ingredients, without artificial dyes, additives, artificial sweeteners, and all the other junk found in typical candy. Plus you can even make your own “candy” that really is healthier. I still prefer candy-free gifts or experiences whenever possible, even at Halloween. But thanks to companies making candy with better ingredients, our family can take part in neighborhood trick-or-treat festivities (without resorting to handing…

Now that it’s fall it’s officially PSL (pumpkin spice latte) season. And if you live where it’s still 80 degrees in October like I do, a pumpkin smoothie is a more refreshing way to get those fall flavors. Even if you don’t, I still recommend this protein-packed, creamy smoothie. It’s easy enough to make for breakfast and has a nice mix of healthy fats, protein, and a little carbs. Plus with the pumpkin in it, it even has some veggies. You could have it as a post-workout snack or whip some up for dessert. The kids won’t even know it…

I’ve been drinking Himalayan sole water for a few years now and occasionally mention it in my blog posts. People frequently ask me questions about drinking it. One of the most common is “How much sole water should I drink?” Here are my thoughts on sole water and how much to drink based on your situation.  What is Sole Water?  Sole (pronounced “so-lay”) is basically a saltwater solution made with plain water and pink Himalayan salt. Himalayan salt is a high-quality natural salt with a rich mineral content.  While regular table salt is only sodium chloride (NaCl), Himalayan salt may…

Elderberries are one of my most used go-to herbal remedies for cooler months. They’re both immune-boosting and delicious in different recipes. I make DIY elderberry marshmallows, tea, and even kombucha. This easy elderberry syrup recipe is a great way to get all of their benefits! The dried berries of the Sambucus nigra plant are naturally high in antioxidants that help with colds and flu. You can use them in a variety of remedies, and my favorite is this simple elderberry syrup. Elderberry: A Natural Remedy for Colds and Flu? There’s certainly a time and a place for conventional medicine and…