Valentine’s Day. An oft-deemed “Hallmark holiday” that for many, inflicts feelings of anxiety, profound loneliness, or simply a sense of nausea coupled with give-me-a-break’s and an eye-roll or two. Yes, I understand that the historical significance of Valentine’s Day has been lost on most, or that the socially constructed pressure of one little day in February seems ridiculous, but what if we shifted our paradigm? What if we see February 14th as an invitation to honour and celebrate LOVE...
Read moreCreamy Roasted Beet Dip
Beets are one of the most incredible vegetables. They contain a number of important substances, including betaine, fibre, iron, betacyanin, folate, and pectin, all of which aid in detoxification and digestion. For example, pectin helps clean the toxins that have been removed from the liver, allowing them to be flushed out of the system instead of reabsorbed by the body, and betaine is the substance that encourages the liver cells to get rid of toxins...
Read moreSimple Seasonal Dark Chocolate Mousse, Four Ways
Enter the following incredibly simple, and seriously tasty delight that, with an All-Clad immersion blender, takes only a few minutes to make. Plus, it’s free of grains and gluten, dairy, refined sugar, eggs, and is completely paleo and vegan friendly. Best part of all, you can whip it up the day before so that it’s all ready to go when the dessert course arrives and you’re a rummy eggnog or two deep...
Read moreDecadent Dark Chocolate Espresso Cashew “Cheesecake”
This decadent dark chocolate espresso cake is grain/gluten-free, refined-sugar free, dairy-free, egg-free (in fact it’s totally plant-based), and therefore hopefully pleasing to a number of your brunch guests with dietary considerations. And the mocha flavour goes smashingly with a latte, espresso shot, or even Bailey’s and coffee (hey, this is a no-judgement zone), as the feasting comes to a close. Best part of all, you can make it the day before and let it set in the fridge overnight so it’s ready to go without a fuss as the stunning centrepiece of your sweet-treat side table...
Read moreChai Spice Coconut Cream Rice Pudding
Another one of my favourite ways to "rice-ycle" is with a creamy rice pudding. Thick coconut cream, and a number of anti-inflammatory and immune boosting spices make it the perfect weeknight dessert, especially when the colder weather moves in. And the best part is it seems to only get better with time, reheating easily, and satisfying many hungry mouths (tip for all you family folks out there).
Read moreCoconut Cilantro Lime Baked Chicken Breasts
This right here, is one of my faves, and evidently, is one of my clients’ faves too. With just a few ingredients, and even fewer steps, you turn an otherwise bland chicken breast into a tasty and satiating topper for your veggies, salad, and bowls...
Read morePurple Power Smoothie
Purple hued fruits and veggies are some of the most nutrient-dense foods available to us! Purple foods contain important nutrients called anthocyanins, which are responsible for the blue, red, and of course purple colours of some fruits and vegetables. As an antioxidant, anthocyanin protects against cell damage from free radicals, and has also been shown to protect against H. Pylori, the bacteria that promotes the formation of stomach ulcers and urinary tract infections...
Read moreLemon Blueberry Muffins
There’s just something so fresh and summery about blueberry and lemon. And this classic combo goes so beautifully in a big old fluffy muffin! But if that muffin makes you feel sick, tired, grumpy, and bloated, well all of a sudden blueberry and lemon doesn’t seem so “fresh," does it? Well, like all my recipes, I aim to find alternatives that satisfy various wellness considerations and dietary restrictions. This particular recipe is gluten-free, dairy-free, and nut-free for anyone avoiding those common allergens and irritators. And of course, like ALL the recipes on the Whole Happy blog, it’s 100% refined-sugar free. Best of all, it’s foolproof!..
Read moreStrawberry Rhubarb Compote with Lemon-Vanilla Whipped Coconut Cream
One of my favourite markers of this time of year is the first rhubarb harvest. In addition to the delightfully tangy taste, rhubarb has been linked to weight balance, cardiovascular health, digestive ease, bone strength, cancer prevention, improved circulation, and even prevention of diseases such as Alzheimer’s due to its high levels of vitamin K...
Read moreThe Dairy Debate: Is Dairy Good or Bad for You?
With so much focus on vegan and dairy-free these days, you might think that it’s a terrible food. But that’s not necessarily the case. When eaten in the right way - and of course if there isn’t any existing dairy sensitivity or other wellness consideration - dairy can be a healthful part of your diet...
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