Eating Healthy: Q&A With A Local Cookbook Author

 Go Clean, Sexy You is a book beyond the recipes. In addition to over 100+ seasonal, whole food recipes that taste amazing, this book offers a holistic approach on how to live a healthier life—choosing whole foods, detoxing every season to regularly cleanse your system, associating with those who fuel you, and managing stress with activities that bring you back to balance.

 My clients. I actually always dreamed of writing a book, even documented this goal in a journal from 1998, but always thought it would be a children’s book (since I was a teacher in my former life). But after starting my business, Whole Health Designs, and working with clients pertaining to detox and eating clean, I was asked time and time again to write a cookbook because the recipes were delicious and I had tons of recipes! I wanted to put my collection of recipes in a book so I can help even more achieve their health goals.

 

 I mainly hit up my local Whole Foods since it is convenient plus I can find everything I need and the staff is so helpful. I also go to Trader Joe’s  and any natural market I can find. Most of the foods, however, can be found at any grocery store, just ask for organic brands and produce.  I tend to do 2 shops a week since my family eats a lot… having tweens in the house calls for extra food!  I do my main grocery shopping outing on Sundays and then by Thursday, I do a mini-shop for any basics we ran out of (such as nut butters, lunch snacks,etc…).

 

It’s a rather boring one, but the biggest suggestion would be to drink water. I know, boring. BUT water can jump start all sorts of healthy shifts in your body. For example, many times when we get those hunger pangs, we are actually dehydrated. So reaching for a glass of water can help curb cravings and also minimize mindless eating. Carrying around a water bottle like it’s your right hand can do wonders for your health; clear skin, feeling lighter, energized and hydrated so your organs and cells work at optimal levels.

 

Burritos.. I use gmo-free corn tortillas, black beans, salsa, red peppers,etc… the works. I dig anything Mexican for dinner.

The easiest snacks to pack are apple slices with almond/peanut butter and veggies with hummus. Do some quick prepping either the night before you will be out or on the weekends and pack in your small cooler or lunch bag. I always have a stash of these snacks with me. And if you want something packaged, Trader Joe’s has individual-sized packs of raw nuts (almonds are my go-to’s) and trail mix bags you can have with you at all times to keep you fueled and satisfied during a busy day.

 

I try to take a “kid-friendly food” and make it healthier so my kids really dig my pita pizzas. Get a pita, add some sauce and toppings, put in over for 10 minutes, and voila. Another quick idea is to make the kids Power Balls. They are like cookies and so easy to make.  (recipe is in Go Clean, Sexy You cookbook). You can add chocolate chips, coconut flakes, anything your heart wants. They taste like a candy bar but with a healthy twist.

 

Smoothies are hands down the easiest and quickest “fast food” you can eat. They are also perfect for kids. Throw together ingredients such as bananas, frozen fruit, almond or coconut milk, and even something green (yes, kale or spinach!). You can add protein powder for an extra boost to keep you and the kids going until lunch time. You can even make smoothie jars the night before and stick them in the fridge.  My family loves them for breakfast!