Energizing Brazilian Breakfast Smoothie with Acai

I am sitting here with an elephant-sized to do list. One slight problem: My two and a half year old son Jake does not seem to understand why paying bills, writing, taking and editing photos, cleaning the house, and making his breakfast takes precedence over reading a skyscraper high pile of books he just built. Should I read two books, then turn on Thomas The Tank Engine or Curious George and get on with the list? He is one smart cookie, and two books just won’t do. Another point, I start to cringe with guilt as I watch him staring into boob tube for more than 15 minute intervals. So the plan today while my freelancing husband is working, is to go back and fourth between entertaining Jake and chipping away at the daily business. Then a major push when he takes has his nap. Motherhood never looked more glamourous, non? On days like these, I need a quick, easy, and nutritious breakfast. Something that gives me the rocket fuel to get through the first few hours of the day. Brazilian Breakfast is like having toast, cereal, and oatmeal all in one. Where’s the caffeine you ask? Once you get over the [...]

The Food for Vitality Grocery List

I was a little overwhelmed when I discovered the world of healthy eating. It felt like there were a million things to learn, and health food stores looked so foreign to me. Then I discovered how helpful the staff were. What a breath of fresh air to ask questions and be met with knowledgeable answers! More often than not, the employees live a healthy lifestyle and have a keen interest in helping you. Go figure.   With the growing cost of health care in this country, knowing how to stay healthy day to day is key. While it is important to have a good relationship with your doctor, eating well and light exercise are the best ways to prevent unnecessary doctors visits. This does not mean swearing off all the fun stuff. My life would be totally annoying without a nice ‘lil hunk of soft and squidgy brie accompanied by a delicious glass of red wine once in a while. As long as this isn’t an every day occurrence, you’re good to go. It’s all about balance.   An idea to consider: Using organic products. Organic fruits and vegetables have not been sprayed with harmful pesticides. These pesticides are literally [...]

Blueberry Banana Muffins

I have a dirty little secret to share with you. So soon you ask? Admittedly, it is innocent enough: I go to bed fantasizing about what I’ll eat for breakfast. I’m one of those women who finishes a meal, then starts plotting the next acceptable time for a snack. My eating habits are comparable to that of a shameless grazing cow. Taking my slavish food habits into consideration, I have idiot proofed my meals. They are tasty and filling, but if the scale tips in the wrong direction, I am only a day or two away from snapping my body back into shape. Wondering how many miles I run or what latest booty-shaking dvd I use? Nonsense people. If I can get to a yoga class once or twice a week, I’m lucky. I eat to my heart’s content, but I eat consciously. Bo-ring, you say? Try my Blueberry Banana Muffins. They are great for breakfast or a snack without any guilt attached. These babies are to die for: Light, moist, and fruity without being overly sweet. I take them to the playground for my son Jake’s snack, and when I give kids a piece, they come back and snatch [...]