The Encinitas Half Marathon: My Toughest Race Yet

Encinitas Half Marathon warm up 2019

On March 31st, I ran the Encinitas half marathon for the third year in a row. I have a strong connection to Encinitas, so when they started half marathons three years ago, I couldn’t resist. My first two races were euphoric but this year was a bear!!! I struggled not only with the training, but failed to get that race day “adrenaline”. I broke the cardinal rule and started out too fast only to lose steam around mile 8. By mile 10, my mental energy plummeted and I feared my body would collapse. I was really struggling!!! What happened??? These races were always a high point of my year.

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From Meh to Yeah: Show Stopper Salad Toppers

There was a time when I’d get deja vu browsing a restaurant menu and seeing the SAME grilled Romaine wedge with blue cheese dressing every place we went!! Ugghh..it was like salad groundhog day!! I was frustrated by the complete lack of inspiration.…and missed the times when I’d order a salad that was so inventive I couldn’t wait to replicate it at home!

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How to Start a Plant Based Diet

People ask me many questions about eating a plant based diet because they are intrigued! Some smile and say they could never do it while others seem genuinely interested. Then there are those who actually want to start a plant based diet, but don’t know how. In this post, I’m sharing ways to get mentally prepared to start a plant based diet along with my favorite resources that take the mystery out of plant based cooking  to make this a fun, empowering and easy experience. If you, or someone you know, is considering a plant based diet, then please continue reading…

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Decadent Tahini Chocolate Chip Cookies (Vegan and Gluten-Free)

I’m always excited to try a new cookie recipe. Especially ones that are vegan and gluten free…so, when I came across this Tahini Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe by Blissful Basil I HAD to try it!!!! Just looking at her photos made me want to dive into the computer screen!! However, the recipe calls for a full cup of tahini which is a lot for someone like me who covets tahini. What if this failed miserably? Would I waste an entire cup??? Not only has tahini gotten so expensive, but running out of it would constitute a domestic crisis.

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Costa Careyes Mexico

Costa Careyes captivated my interest years ago when browsing through drool worthy photos of a book called The Castles of Careyes. Impressive villas perched on cliffs above of the Pacific Ocean designed to blur the lines between land and sea. These beauties whose rounded walls mimic Caracol shells are surrounded by 180⁰ infinity pools so they appear to be floating on water. I was struck by the sheer splendor of these architectural masterpieces.

So, when our friends suggested a trip there, I instantly agreed!

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Warming Red Lentil and Spinach Stoup (Soup/Stew)

Do you ever go through food infatuations where you want to eat the same thing every day? Well, for the past 4 months, I’ve been obsessed with this nourishing red lentil and spinach soup!! It’s cozy, warm and comforting but also delivers a hearty serving of iron rich spinach (or other dark leafy greens). On Sundays, I prepare a batch that I can re-heat throughout the week. I serve it alone or accompanied by a salad for a highly satisfying and healthy meal.

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My Top Five (captivating) Podcasts of 2018

top podcasts of 2018

Podcasts are a great source of information and entertainment. Some are life changing!! I play them in the car, on a hike, at the beach, while traveling, and when I cook. I also find listening to a good podcast before bed is great alternative to watching television since the flickering light of the TV can interfere with a sound sleep. Lucky for me, my husband is a podcast aficionado and passes along his favorites to me. Great podcasts stretch the mind and impart powerful ideas. So, I’ve compiled a list of my favorite podcasts of 2018.

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Homemade Vege Broth Fast

During the holidays, it’s pretty easy to increase your sugar intake with all the parties, cocktails, and extra chocolate. You may notice your clothes fitting tighter or heightened sugar cravings…hello Chestnut Praline Chai Latte!!! To keep my weight and sugar cravings in check, I’m fasting one day a week on homemade vege broth. At first I thought fasting a whole day would be unbearable, especially with all the sweet temptations around, but actually, it’s not that hard once you get over the mental hurdle of “wanting to eat”. In fact, it actually feels good.

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Kale Chip Anyone???

I love kale!!! I always keep two bunches in the fridge at ALL times (you’d think it was a fire extinguisher!!) Kale gets a bad rap because it can taste bitter and tough which is result of not being massaged to perfection. Once you know how to massage kale to tender glory – you will LOVE it. Aside from being a super-food, kale holds up to strong conditions (unlike other greens). For example, add it to soup, and it stays vibrant and green rather than turning into a sad sap, wilty mess the next day. Even dressed up kale salads hold their perk in the fridge. Turns out kale does well in the oven too. Have you tried kale chips? I mean who ever thought to roast leafy greens???

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Holiday Cranberry Sauce

easy cranberry sauce

When I was growing up, I only wanted canned cranberry sauce to accompany my mashed potatoes and stuffing. I loved watching it wiggle out of the can keeping the exact same shape. Who even knew it was fruit???? In my case, older IS wiser!! I’ve learned how much better it is to serve freshly made cranberry sauce on your holiday Thanksgiving or Christmas table!!!

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