Category Archives: holidays

January Kitchen Cleanout

If you're like me the thought of a new year brings hopes for shiny and new beginnings. Part of that includes the kitchen. After all it really is the heart of the home. But the kitchen and pantry tend to get cluttered over time. The disorganization and clutter happens slowly. We become so accustomed to it that we don't even realize how out of order things have become. Disorganization makes it overwhelming when you're trying to cook or meal plan.

A fresh start

With the beginning of a new year is a great time to make a fresh start. Time to get rid of everything that's getting in the way of your organized, healthy kitchen. Once it's cleaned out, you'll find it easier to make wonderful, healthy meals to feed yourself and those you love. I love cleaning out my kitchen and always set aside some time in the first week of the year to get things back on track. After all of these years I've gotten to a point where it's quick and super easy. In order to help you enjoy a sparkly fresh start with your kitchen I've made this handout. With just 15 items it's a simple and easy to understand way to get your fridge, freezer, pantry, and kitchen ready to go for the year ahead.

A kitchen cleanout can seem a bit overwhelming if you've never done it before. Break the task list down to make it easier on yourself. Set your timer for 30 minutes and go down the list. At the end of 30 minutes you're done for today (or do another 30 minutes if you're feeling motivated). With just a few cleanout sessions you'll be amazed at how organized your kitchen is. Before you know it you're ready for the year ahead.

You can get free copy of this printable here.

Word Of The Year: Mindfulness

by Mirahabits, holidays, meditation, Uncategorized

Over the years I've developed a habit of choosing a word to serve as my intention for the year. This year the word is mindfulness. As I go through each year I reflect frequently on my word and see if I am meeting my reasons for having chosen it.

Choosing a Word

In past years it has sometimes been a struggle to come up with a word. There are so many to choose from! And finding just the right one that resonates is not as easy as you might think. Usually I wind up taking the time from Christmas until somewhere after the New Year to identify a word.

This year, as I worked on my new book on meditation I kept coming back to the word and it really resonated with me. Each time I thought about it, wrote about it, saw it on my desk or my computer it caught my attention and made me stop for a moment.

I realized that it flows well from my previous word of Focus.

The dictionary defines mindfulness as

noun

1. the state or quality of being mindful or aware of something.

2. Psychology.

a technique in which one focuses one's full attention only on the present, experiencing thoughts, feelings, and sensations but not judging them:
The practice of mindfulness can reduce stress and physical pain.
the mental state maintained by the use of this technique

Benefits of Mindfulness

One of the things that appeals to me about choosing this word is how much it resonates with our need for self care. When I work with clients I encourage them to be more mindful about their eating which, of course, has an impact on health. I encourage some sort of self care practice, breathing, meditation, yoga, all of which require a degree of mindfulness.

Moving forward into the new year there will be more of that. Both for them and for me. While I am a holistic health practitioner and I support others to achieve their wellness goals, I know I benefit from these practices as well.

The truth is that mindfulness is a very supportive piece of our overall health and wellness. Studies have shown that it can help lower stress and reduce blood pressure. This, in turn, is good for heart health. [1] Mindfulness can also help with nutrition, satiety, and even weight loss. There are a number of studies about this and even a book on the subject

Savor: Mindful Eating, Mindful Life

In the year ahead I'm looking forward to deepening my own sense of mindfulness. And I'm excited to share with others, supporting them to develop their own mindfulness practices as part of their wellness plan.

Words From Past Years

If you're interested these are the words that I've chosen in the past. I find it fascinating to look back at previous years, at the reasons I chose certain words and reflecting on the growth that brought to my life.

I'd like to encourage you to pick a word of your own. It's an interesting exercise and can have some amazing results. If you want to take it one step further you can even go to OneWord365 and put it out there into the universe.

Homemade Gifts For The Holidays

by MiraGifts, holidays

The holidays are just around the corner! Hanukkah, Winter Solstice, Christmas, Kwanzaa whatever you celebrate, the winter season of gift giving is here. People love to get, and gift, food gifts. One of the challenges with food gifts, however, is that many of the pre-made options come with ingredients that are not all that great for our health.

Making homemade foodie treats is one great way around that issue. When you make food you're the one in control of the ingredients. And there's really something special about a homemade gift that makes both the giver and the recipient happy. As a matter of fact it turns out that baking for other people is good for our mental health.

If you're looking for last-minute gift ideas here are some great suggestions for tasty treats. Packed up in a jar with a pretty ribbon, in a special tin, or simply in a basket covered with some decorative fabric these are gifts that allow you to share the love with a healthy and delicious treat.

Gift ideas

Granola in a Jar

Granola or Muesli are great choices. Because you can flavor it any way you like you can make a wide variety based on just this simple recipe. Put in a jar with a pretty ribbon or a decorative piece of fabric on top it can make a simple, healthy holiday treat.

There's still enough time to make a batch of vanilla. While it won't be ready right away it will still be delicious and they'll think of you every time they use it all year long.

You can also make vanilla sugar by placing opened vanilla beans into evaporated cane juice crystals and letting it infuse for some time before removing the vanilla bean and packaging up the sugar. And in a similar vein, but with a twist, why not make flavored salt. I got the idea for this after seeing all the different bottles at the grocery store. They're rather pricey and yet so simple to make at home.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

4 C. flaked grains – oats, quinoa, your preference
1 C. raw, unsalted nuts, chopped – my favorites are pecans or almonds
1/4 C. flax seed, ground
1/4 C. sesame seeds
1/4 C. raw, unsalted sunflower seeds
1/4 C. raw, unsalted pumpkin seeds

Instructions

Mix ingredients together well

Notes

Store in an airtight container

Tasty Seasoned Salt

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Ingredients

1/2 cup coarse grind sea salt
1 teaspoon celery seed
1 teaspoon dried onion
1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
generous pinch dried thyme
fresh ground black pepper

Instructions

Place all ingredients into a mortar or a coffee grinder and pulse until blended. Delicious for soups, salads, and on the table as seasoned salt.
note: I have a coffee grinder clearly marked Not For Coffee and use it for grinding all my herbs and seeds

Coffee Seasoned Salt

note: for this one I use the coffee grinder that actually IS for coffee

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Ingredients

1/4 cup coarse grind sea salt
1 teaspoon espresso powder
generous pinch vanilla powder

Instructions

Place all ingredients into a mortar or coffee grinder and pulse until blended.

Notes

Delicious on desserts, especially if they are chocolate (just a pinch though)

I don't drink coffee but for those who do this apparently is a delicious addition to your cup

Crockpot Nut Mix

When looking for tasty snack ideas you don't have to go any further than these Crockpot Nut Mixes.You can make any flavor combination you, or the person you're giving them to, likes.

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Ingredients

4 c. raw soaked nuts
1/2 C. melted coconut oil
seasonings

Instructions

Cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring every 30 minutes, with the lid off
When done turn off the crockpot and let the mixture cool completely in the crock before jarring up
How you season them is up to you. I have a couple of mixes that I like but feel free to go ahead and make up your own.
1 T. Penzey's taco seasoning + 1/2 t. hot sauce or 1 t. red pepper flakes
1 T. tamari sauce + 1/2 t. garlic powder + 1/4 t. sea salt
1 T. curry powder + 1/2 t. ground cinnamon
1 T. sucanat + 2 t. ground cinnamon + 1/4 t. nutmeg
2 t. vanilla + 2 t. sucanat + 1/2 t. pumpkin pie spice

Flourless Brownies

These Flourless Brownies are sure to be a hit. You can either make them and gift them right away, or put together a gift box with all the ingredients and the instructions so your giftee can make them later after the holiday sugar overload has come and gone.

If you're really in a hurry, is to purchase mulling spices at the grocery store. If you get them in the bulk food section they're very reasonably priced. Placed into tea pockets, or into cut squares of cheesecloth tied up with kitchen twine, and delivered with a container of cider the recipient can easily make mulled cider whenever they wish.

I'm not the only one who has some fabulously delicious food gifts that are just right for the holidays. Here are some of my favorite recipes created by friends that are also wonderful tried and true options for gift giving.

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Ingredients

1 ½ C. black beans
2 eggs
1 heaping T. ground flax seed
3 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1 pinch sea salt
½ t. baking powder
1 teaspoon almond extract
3/4 cup evaporated cane juice crystals
2 t. instant espresso powder
1 C. dark Belgian chocolate w/almonds, chopped

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F
Lightly grease an 8x8 square baking dish
Add remaining ingredients (except chocolate); blend until smooth; pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish
Top with chopped chocolate
Bake in the preheated oven until the top is dry and the edges start to pull away from the sides of the pan, about 30 minutes
Enjoy!

Other recipes

Peanut Blossom Bites from Theresa Houghton – So delicous, they're fabulous any time of the year, not just for the holidays
Pumpkin Mousse from Karen Brennan – A wonderful way to enjoy the flavors of the season
Creamy Turmeric Latte from Kirstin Nussgruber – This one is great to assemble as a gift in a basket, be sure to include the instructions so they can make it themselves
Holiday Nut Mix from Margaret Floyd – Highly addictive. You've been warned.
Avocado Chocolate Mousse from Kerry McClure – Because who doesn't love chocolate mousse?
Grain Free Thumbprint Cookies by Julie Matthews – Everyone loves this holiday favorite and this is a wonderful way to enjoy them
Quick and Easy Almond Butter Coconut Balls by Dr. Keesha Ewers – These things are seriously addictive

Whatever you celebrate, whatever your reason for the season, I hope that it is filled with warmth, laughter, love, and joy. Happy Holidays!

Word Of The Year: Focus

by Mirachange, habits, holidaysword of the year

New day, new year, new word. Each year I pick a word of the year. One word that I use to help me pay attention to my goals and to give me a touchpoint to refer to throughout the year. It sounds simple but it's harder than you think to pick just one word. To think about the overall goals for the year ahead, to find something meaningful that resonates within me as my inspiration.

This year I've chosen the word focus. Last year's word was balance and I certainly put a lot of thought and effort into staying mindful with that word. I feel like I did better with the whole work-life-spirit-me-others balancing act (although there is always room for improvement). But being in balance and being focused are two very different things.

When I chose the word focus I had not really thought about all of the different meanings. I was concentrating on the verb, to become more focused. I meant it to be more attentive to things and to narrow down on what's important. To try to winnow through some of the distractions and what I call "The Octopus." You're probably familiar with it. The Octopus is where you feel like you have everything under control, then you get distracted by other things but you fold them in to what you're doing. Then you start spinning another plate or two and the next thing you know you're overwhelmed, trying to figure out how to corral everything back under control.

But it's a noun as well, bringing something into focus and I like that idea as I begin on the path that is this delicious new adventure of a new year. And it turns out I also like another definition as well. To become a central point. I see that as being your resource, your go to person for reliable information about ingredients, food, nutrition, and health. That loops back to the first time I did the word of the year challenge and chose the word inspire (you can read about that word here).

If you'd like to pick a word of the year consider writing it down. You can even go online to OneWord365.com and find others who are using the same word as you are. Whatever your goals are for this new year I wish you many good things along the journey.

focus

[foh-kuh s]

noun, plural focuses, foci

1. a central point, as of attraction, attention, or activity: The need to prevent a nuclear war became the focus of all diplomatic efforts.

2. Physics. a point at which rays of light, heat, or other radiation meetafter being refracted or reflected.

3. Optics.

the focal point of a lens, on which rays converge or from which they deviate.
the focal length of a lens; the distance from a focal point to acorresponding principal plane.
the clear and sharply defined condition of an image.
the position of a viewed object or the adjustment of an opticaldevice necessary to produce a clear image:
in focus; out of focus.

4. Geometry. (of a conic section) a point having the property that the distances from any point on a curve to it and to a fixed line have a constant ratio for all points on the curve.

5. Geology. the point of origin of an earthquake.

6. Pathology. the primary center from which a disease develops or in which it localizes.

verb (used with object), focused, focusing or (especially British)focussed, focussing.

7. to bring to a focus or into focus; cause to converge on a perceived point: to focus the lens of a camera.

8. to concentrate: to focus one's thoughts; to focus troop deployment in the east.

verb (used without object), focused, focusing or (especiallyBritish) focussed, focussing.

9. to be or become focused: My eyes have trouble focusing on distant objects.

10. to direct one's attention or efforts: Students must focus in class.

One Word: Inspire

by Mirachange, habits, holidaysword of the year

It's that time of year...the time we arbitrarily close the cycle of days that has come before and look forward to a New Year. One filled. one hopes, with promises, joy, and many good things. As I've written about before, I'm not much of a one for resolutions, I prefer goals. Each year I do sit down and think about what I would like to accomplish for the upcoming months. To set out a roadmap that I can at least use as a guide to moving forward.

This year, a random post by my friend Trudy Scott posed the question what would you pick as your defining word for the upcoming year. She heard about it over at Intent.com. I was immediately struck by how powerful this could be. The idea of focusing in on just one word. One defining concept and trying to achieve the goals set by that word. After much thought, writing and crossing out, saying aloud, and defining, I've hit on a word. Inspire.

The dictionary defines this as:

inspire - verb (used with object)

1. to exert a stimulating or beneficial effect upon
2. to produce or arouse (a feeling, thought, etc)
3. to guide, influence, or impel
4. to take or draw (air, gas, etc), into the lungs; inhale
5. archaic to breathe into or upon

I find myself motivated by this one word. I see so many permutations of how it might be used as a focal point over the next 12 months.

As a nutrition educator and real food advocate I am always seeking to help those around me. To support them so they can make educated choices for themselves and their loved ones when it comes to their food and health. Through my work, my writings, lectures, and connections I hope to inspire people to make those choices for health.

I frequently 'shout out' about a wide range of topics all related to food, nutrition, and holistic health in an effort to motivate others. [An example is all those who are now aware (and disgusted) about the use of chicken poop as cow feed - if this bothers you please tell the FDA how you feel by signing this petition]. While it's often upsetting information, I am very sincere in my desire to share this not as a means of upsetting people but in the hopes that they will be, indeed, inspired to make different choices and to speak out in their turn, to have an impact.

Inhaling, breathing, is a good thing. I believe we all need to do more of that. Especially deep breathing. Taking a moment in time to draw air deeply into our lungs has a beneficial effect when it comes to lowering stress. We should all do more of that, myself included. Breathing in sharply can be a sign of surprise, of interest, an aha! moment. I hope to find, and share, more of those moments throughout the year ahead.

But inspire is a word that I chose not only because of how I hope to use it to connect with those around me, but because of what I hope that focus can mean for me. I want to be inspired. I want to find that surprise, those guiding, influencing moments that I know lie ahead. To do that means I need to be aware, open to the possibility, to the gifts that bring those moments of inspiration. I also need to be open to the opportunity to share, to give, to be inspired.

It turns out that other people are interested in the idea of a one word focus. You can connect with them through the OneWord365 website. You can find a word that speaks to you, connect with others who share your word, or just set your intention for the year. I'd love to hear your word and why you chose it, leave a comment below and share.

Wishing a healthy, happy, peaceful and joyous New Year to you all.

Be well.

I Love Latkes!

by Mirafamily, holidays

Hanukkah and pancakes!

It's that time of year again. Hanukkah! The festival of lights. Part of the holiday celebration calls for eating foods fried in oil to celebrate the miracle of the oil the burned for eight days. Latkes, or potato pancakes, are a favorite. Everyone loves them and everyone has their own recipe.

I only make them once a year (although they're great anytime). Mostly because we don't tend to eat a lot of fried foods in our house. Every year my husband asks me not to make latkes because they're so greasy. And every year, as we're eating them, he says, “I'm so glad you made latkes, they taste so good!”

A special treat

Latkes taste amazing. I actually think they taste better because we only get them once a year. If we ate them all the time it wouldn't be that special. Or that healthy. They're a treat and we enjoy them fully. And at the end of the day, that's a part of what really matters when it comes to our food. Yes, we want to make healthy choices, yes we need to get rid of the chemicals and additives in our food, but yes, we also need to celebrate with special foods. And in my book latkes falls into that category.

Cooking with friends

This year I got together with a bunch of friends and we made latkes together. Four different kinds! That kitchen smelled a-m-a-z-i-n-g when we were done — potatoes, potatoes with carrots, potatoes with zucchini, and sweet potatoes. I have learned from past experience that you can't mix regular potatoes with sweet potatoes because they cook at different rates. It's also important to note that when you add things into the potatoes it changes the cooking time and sometimes requires you to turn down the heat a bit so you don't burn the latkes.

You can make latkes however you like. I've seen recipes that call for green apple to be shredded into the mix, I've heard of adding jalapenos, using herbs, making them with other root vegetables, it's all a matter of personal preference.

In our family we tend to be traditionalists and prefer the plain potato latkes served with organic sour cream and unsweetened apple sauce. Here's my favorite latke recipe. And may there always be light in your home and your life.

Mira's Favorite Latkes

2016-12-20 16:35:11

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Ingredients

3 pounds of russet potatoes, scrubbed, peeled and shredded
1 large vidalia onion peeled and shredded
1 large egg
1/4 C. gluten free flour
sea salt to taste
grapeseed oil (enough for frying)

Instructions

Mix ingredients together
Heat oil in a pan
Drop mixture by very large tablespoons into pan
After 2-3 minutes flip to other side and cook another 2 minutes
Remove from pan and drain on paper towels

Notes

I use grapeseed oil for frying as it has a higher smoke point. Normally I might use coconut oil but in this particular instance I do not care for the flavor when mixed with the latkes. For those of you who have The Pantry Principle, the chart of oil smoke points is on pages 72-73.

By Mira Dessy

The Ingredient Guru, Mira Dessy https://theingredientguru.com/

Halloween Treats – An Alternative Viewpoint

by Miraholidays, substitutions, Uncategorized

In just a few days it will be Halloween. It's a fun holiday, I admit. After all who doesn't like playing dress up and running around collecting treats. When the kids were little it was a month-long anticipation-fest. Deciding what to be, making costumes, participating in the neighborhood Boo Bag festivities, choosing which treats we would give out and then ::drumroll please:: the big night.

How many kids?

For whatever reason over the last couple decades we wound up living in areas where our house was part of the local Halloween central. I'm talking, literally, hundreds of kids. In a wide variety of diverse settings:

A small, rural town in Vermont where the houses on Main Street were hard hit by the hordes that came from all over town, and I mean the entire town
A high density Texas suburb where kids pretty much stuck to their own neighborhood but there sure were a lot of them — when your houses are on 7,00-10,000 square foot lots with 2-3 kids in most of the houses, well, you get the picture
A small rural Connecticut town where our street was THE place to be. Van-loads of children from our town as well as van-loads of children from surrounding towns all descending on our doors — some of the kids employed a technique called ‘double masking' where they wore one mask on the way down the street and the other mask on the way back, hitting all the houses both ways to try and get EVEN MORE candy

But it's always fun to see all of the kids and their costumes and their excitement. I love this time of year and have so much fun with it. However as the years went on and I learned more about what's really in our food I became less and less enthusiastic about what is, after all, the main purpose of Halloween for many kids. The sugar fest. I began to look for alternatives that did not add carcinogenic chemicals to their little bodies, no artificial colors, flavors, or other additives which, after all, are not real food.

Alternative treats

Over the years I spent a fair amount of money on organic, natural treats but the year we hit over 300 kids I stopped. It just got to be more than our budget would allow. So I started handing out treats of a different kind. And the funny thing is… the kids loved them. I had thought that they might prefer their candies and sweets. But really they got so much of that at other houses. Plus due to the sheer volume of trick-or-treaters, everyone was braced for the onslaught and the neighbors mostly purchased small candies. There's also only so many different kinds of snack-size or fun-size treats available, so the contents of the bag looked very similar from house-to-house. At our house, rather than getting the same thing that they got everywhere else, we were giving them something fun and new.

What sorts of things did we give out? It's amazing what you can find:

glow in the dark bracelets
glow in the dark rubber duckies (these were very popular surprisingly)
Halloween themed hacky sacks
fake creepy things – bugs, spiders, bats, and snakes
Halloween frisbees

There's also a number of strategies for swapping out the candy once the kids have collected it. Here's a great list from the Holistic Mom's Halloween Roundup.

The real food philosophy

Alternative treats and swapping out can be a great way to be able to participate in the holiday without compromising the health of the kids.

I love the dress-up part, and admiring all the costumes that come to my door. With the bigger kids I always ask them to do a trick to “earn” their treat. I've had kids tell me jokes, do hand-stands, make silly faces, it's hilarious. One time I asked a young man, “What do you say?” He looked at me rather puzzled and softly said, “Please?” To which I laughinly replied, “What about Trick-or-Treat, smelly my feet?” He laughed and I gave him a double helping.

I love the excitement and the fun of being outdoors at night. It's a special time of year. But when it comes to the sugar overload and the negative ingredients I'm no longer a fan. I want to to be as true to my real food philosophies as I can.

In the meantime, if you have any alterntive suggestions or know of a place selling great Halloween swag, let me know, there's still time to swap out the sweets or to plan for the year ahead.

Christmas Tree Facts

by Miraenvironment, holidays

The winter holidays are here. Decorations are going up. The wreaths, the lights, the garlands, lots, and lots of tinsel. And let's not forget the tree. The Christmas tree, centerpiece of the holiday celebration. With ornaments and bows up top, presents and goodies below. The primary symbol of the holiday gathering for many families all across the country. And every year there is a dilemma; people struggle with the choice for their tree. Fresh or artificial?

There are a small percentage who use living trees, brought inside in a tub or burlap. They often plant their tree in the yard after the season. For them there is not usually a dilemma as they will continue to purchase and plant living trees. For everyone else there's a choice to be made year after year.

Live cut or artificial? With tens of millions of trees sold every year that decision has an amazing impact.

According to the Arbor Day Foundation and the National Christmas Tree Association (NCTA), a live Christmas tree outweighs an artificial one due to its many environmental and economic benefits. It goes without saying that our personal environmental stance would include a live cut tree which does not expose you to pesticides and chemical fertilizers.

Environmentally friendly, fresh cut trees are a sustainable resource.
The trees help clean the air, protect the soil, and provide wildlife habitat.
Planting of natural Christmas trees increases the greenery on the planet. The Christmas tree growers plant one to three new seedlings for every tree that is harvested during the season.
The trees are biodegradable; that means they can be reused or recycled for mulch and other purposes. Nothing is wasted even when these trees are discarded or disposed. By contrast, an artificial tree may contain lead and non-bio-degradable plastics.
The industry employs more than 100,000 Americans.

Learn how to care for your fresh cut tree at the NCTA so it will last all season long.

Christmas Tree Facts - An Infographic by CouponRefund.com

Christmas Tree Facts by CouponRefund.com

photo: Lotus Head

Going Walden

by Miragratitude, health, holidays

I spent the weekend in the woods. Maybe not really “going walden” but certainly headed in that direction. It was a holiday of sorts, a get-away from my often hectic and over-scheduled life. It was amazing, restorative, thought-provoking, and, most importantly, fun. I disconnected from technology leaving behind my laptop, connectivity tools, news feed, and all social media. While I did bring my cell phone that was for practicality reasons and I chose not to take or make any calls all weekend. What did I do?

I laughed more in those 48 hours than I believe I have laughed in the last three months. We're not talking polite chuckles or giggling either. We are talking deep belly laughs, huge guffaws with a group of women all similarly roaring with laughter. We were the noisiest campsite there and we were not constrained.

I reconnected. Many of the women on this trip are friends who I adore. They are fascinating, interesting, vibrant, intelligent, amazing people. But we are all so busy with the demands of our modern lives that we promise ourselves in passing we will get together for that lunch or tea or whatever. And yet somehow we don't manage to find the time. This weekend we had nothing but time.

I ate very well. Hats off to Colleen, our organizer and her sous chef, Natalie. With four gluten-intolerant campers and one vegetarian out of nine women they pulled off a tasty, delicious, satisfying menu for everyone. They did it without going overboard either. It was simple, delicious, and unfussy. While we all know food tastes much better around a campfire, I am a firm believer that it also tastes much better when it comes from whole foods. Our menu was dinner: taco bar, breakfast: scrambled eggs and fruit, lunch: veggies and dips with fruit and gluten free cookies, dinner: cuban beans and cornbread with gluten free smores (gotta have those), breakfast: leftovers and fruit. Yes, there were M&M's and chips and other foods there as well, but the menu was predominately simple, whole foods.

I reconnected with nature. I had forgotten how restorative this is for the soul. Yes, I go out in my garden, yes I take my dogs for walks through the woods, yes I look for opportunities to put my feet in the dirt. But this was in the middle of a gorgeous state park with no distractions, hardly any traffic, and a quietude that just does not exist in my backyard. There was wildlife all around us (we were fortunate to have Helen with us who is a birder and quite knowledgeable) and we saw deer, turtles, alligators, birds, bunnies, interesting bugs and more. There was a lot of tree hugging (literally and figuratively) going on; I even had the opportunity for a most delicious, restful nap under a sprawling tree with a light breeze.

I remembered my appreciation for the basics. Sleeping on a mat on the floor reminded me that I am fortunate enough to have a bed at home (and a quite comfy, large, well decorated one at that). Having a public restroom available I was appreciative for the running water in the toilets, the sinks and the showers. I was appreciative for all of the tax dollars and use-contributions that pay to maintain the state park system. I also appreciated the quiet, the lack of distractions and the ability to slow down, even if just for that moment.

This is part of holistic living. We need to find that balance; to find those moments in our lives that speak to us. To be more than a particular aspect of our being — wife, mother, daughter, committee-member, professional, caregiver, insert-your-hat-here. To let go of some of that, even if just for a short while, and plainly be ourselves.

And how was your weekend?

Healthy Super Bowl Snack Ideas

by Miraholidays, snacks, substitutions

Super Bowl Sunday

It's right around the corner; this one day of the year that is almost an unofficial national holiday. In fact, the NFL would very much like this to be a 3-day weekend in order to accommodate their fans and the parties.

While I don't follow football very closely I do find myself curiously swept up in the party that accompanies this last game of the season. And I admit to wanting to watch the half-time show and the, usually, creative commercials. I find it curious that this is one day of the year when companies spend millions of dollars and put forth extra effort to make sure their commercials are smart, funny, creative, or interesting. It's the only time I usually enjoy watching them.

This day, Superbowl Sunday, is a time when many people make elaborate plans for parties and food. This is one of the few traditional gatherings where the menu doesn't usually include an entree or side dishes; it's a smorgasbord of snacks.

The tradition

If you're hosting or attending a Super Bowl Party you're probably familiar with the traditional lineup of foods: loaded nachos smothered in queso, buffalo wings, cheesy spinach dip, chili, and sausage-laden pizza and more.

Depending on the teams (and who you're rooting for) the menu changes somewhat to accommodate the event. It's like rooting for your favorite team, just with food. Unfortunately, many of these traditional party/snack choices won't leave you in good shape. The temptation is to overindulge on these energy-dense choices, often leaving you with heartburn, bloating, interrupted sleep, headaches, or worse.

Seven Super Snacks

Super Bowl Sunday doesn't have to be a day of overindulgence in fatty foods and unhealthy choices. Here are my Seven Super Bowl Snacks that will still allow you to enjoy the spirit of the celebration without regret:

Instead of buying cheesy popcorn or sugary kettle corn consider making your own. Hot air-popped popcorn with a modest amount of melted butter or coconut oil, salt and spices to taste is a crunchy delicious treat. Try chili powder, onion powder, or my personal favorite, ground-up noosh and nori.
Instead of caramel popcorn or people chow try making a healthy trail mix in your slow cooker. It's extremely tasty, and with four different options to choose from you can make something for everyone.
Add a fruit platter with a yogurt dip for a healthy, delicious treat. To make the yogurt dip take 1 cup plain organic yogurt and mix it with 1 heaping tablespoon of your favorite flavor of jam or with honey. Much less sugar than already sweetened yogurts and it's your choice of flavors.
Cut a selection of veggies into strips and rounds to use as dippers instead of chips and crackers. These go well with bean dips and even cheese spreads. You can also serve them with a tasty guacamole or a healthy homemade salsa. Less simple carbs, more veggies, that's always a win.
Instead of ordering giant super subs consider setting out an assortment of preservative-free healthy lunch meats and a selection of gluten-free wraps, romaine lettuce for roll-ups, or even nori sheets. Let your guests make their own winning combination.
Homemade meatballs served in a marinara sauce in the slow cooker make a great snack without all the grease and fuss of sausages or wings.
If you're going to serve pizza consider getting a pre-made cauliflower crust and topping it with lots of heart-healthy veggies, light on the cheese. Avoid preservative-laden processed meats choosing grilled chicken breast instead (or add your own after delivery).

Here's to healthy snacking and a day when we gather for fun.

photo credit: kakisky