Diet Diva Dishes

National Blood Pressure Month

8.05.2015
|

May is National Blood Pressure Month—a topic that I feel should be addressed. According to the American Heart Association, 80 million adults have high blood pressure in the U.S. That is a ridiculously high number! Having high blood pressure should not be a “common” thing we eventually, inevitably get. It’s extremely risky and dangerous—it’s time to get it together people!

Having high blood pressure increases your chances of having overstretched and injured arterial walls, having a heart attack, stroke, heart failure, kidney failure, peripheral vascular disease, and reduces the supply of oxygen-rich blood to […]

40 and Fabulous

4.05.2015
|

The number doesn’t thrill me, but everything else about being 40 is actually fabulous. I have so much in my life to be thankful for, and I have never felt better.
 

I turned 40 back in November, and while I can’t say I dreaded it, I wasn’t exactly thrilled. I distinctly remember when my dad turned 40 and the surprise birthday bash my mom sprung on him, and it was mind boggling that I was that old now, too.

The number doesn’t thrill me, but everything else about being 40 is actually fabulous. I have […]

5 Reasons to Love Avocados

1.05.2015
|

Avocados! Where does one even begin to describe such an amazing fruit? This is definitely a staple in my diet and I am so excited that avocado season is officially here! To celebrate, I’ve narrowed down my love for them into 5 reasons (harder than you think).

Loaded with healthy fats

Avocados are a great source of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, both of which improve and regulate cell and hormone function and reduce the risk of heart disease.

Increases nutrient absorption from plant based sources

Many antioxidants and vitamins obtained from fruits and veggies are […]

Oatmeal Raisin Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

30.04.2015
|

Because it’s oatmeal cookie and raisin day, I thought I would share with you my Oatmeal Raisin Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies! A perfectly sweet treat with a salty contrast! 

Oatmeal Raisin Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients

3/4 stick butter, softened
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup peanut butter
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup flour
1 1/4 cup old fashioned rolled oats
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup chocolate chips

Directions

Line a cookie sheet with […]

Big Sur Marathon Race Report

28.04.2015
|

 Last summer I made the decision to sign up for the Big Sur Full Marathon. I had always had it on my bucket list of marathons, and figured there was no better time than the present to make it a reality. 
 
I went to the Monterey/Carmel/Big Sur area back in the early 90’s when I was a teenager on a Girl Scout Wider Opportunity trip to learn about photography and John Steinbeck. I immediately fell in love way back then with the gorgeous California coast about an hour and a half south of San Francisco. For me […]

Earth Day Through the Eyes of a Vegan

22.04.2015
|

Happy Earth Day people! How cool is it that there is a day dedicated to celebrating and acknowledging how incredible the earth is? Without it, we, and many other beautiful creations, would not be.

One of the main reasons I went vegan was for the earth and the environment. I had no idea how much raising livestock damages the earth. Making the choice to live a vegan lifestyle, I feel like I automatically became a spokesperson to where part of my “job” is to raise awareness and educate. So in honor of this Earth day, I would like to present […]

Keeping Sane During Injury

21.04.2015
|

Instead of getting depressed and angry about my lack of movement, I tried to look on the positive side. 
 

About a year and a half ago I fracture my pelvis.  The doctor didn’t even need to order an MRI to see that big crack on the Xray.  It didn’t happen with a fall–it just happened.  Looking back on it, I was running too much, putting too many miles on my body without proper recovery, and I was too thin.  I was less than a year out from losing my late husband to cancer, and I was […]

Foods That Fight Stress

20.04.2015
|

Just like there are foods that make you feel bad, what if I told you there are also foods that make you feel good…and may even relieve stress?
 

Whenever you’re having a really bad, stressful day do you every just want to go home and stuff your face with some junk? Do you ever succumb to that desire and end up feeling worse after? Well, there’s a reason for that!

The reason we seek out foods we consider to be ‘junk’ when we’re stressed is because they are high in fat, sugars, and […]

Mushroom Burger

17.04.2015
|

This Mushroom Burger is juicy and packed with lean protein. The mushrooms take this burger up a notch making it more juicy and a unique flavor profile. Top with sautéed mushrooms for extra mushroom goodness.

Mushroom Burger
Ingredients
-1lb ground sirloin beef
-1/2 cup minced mushrooms
-1 tsp. garlic
-1/4 cup minced red onion
-1 tsp. worcestershire sauce

Directions
1. Combine all ingredients into a large bowl.
2. Form into 4 patties and grill to desired doneness […]

Mushroom Marvel

16.04.2015
|

As obsessed as I am with the texture and taste, there is one thing that trumps them both, my absolute favorite thing about mushrooms: they are the only vegan, plant-based, unfortified source of vitamin D!
There seems to be a national day for just about every food out there, and today happens to be National Mushroom Day! I am personally very excited because mushrooms are one of my favorite plants to eat. I used to hate them…like, absolutely hate them but now I loveee them. I’ve read (and experienced) that transitioning to a clean, plant-based diet […]