Category: Paleo

Sweet Potato Pecan Muffins (Gluten Free, Paleo, Grain Free, Low Sugar)

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Sweet potatoes are a regular in my house. You can mash them, roast them, bake with them and combine them with a variety of herbs or spices. Lately, I’ve been on a sweet potato kick as you might notice from this recipe below!

If you haven’t made these muffins yet, I encourage you to try them out asap. They’re sooooo good!

Sweet potatoes are rich in fibre, vitamin B6 and iron – all good things we need more of, especially the fibre. 

If you’re dealing with any digestive issues or constipation, I highly encourage you to start increasing your vegetable intake as well as getting in more water. I can’t tell you how many of my clients experience complete digestive relief by simply applying these 2 strategies. 

 

I ordered most of the ingredients for this recipe from NaturaMarket.ca 

  • The coconut flour
  • Baking Spices
  • Coconut Oil
  • Monk Fruit Sweetener (I love Lakanto for baking!)

 

 

I LOVE that NaturaMarket is a one-stop-shop for all things Gluten-Free, Paleo, Allergen Free and so much more. They have so many goodies on there, I pretty much shop with them weekly. So much so, that I reached out to see if my community can get a discount so you can try them out for yourself!

    • Never ordered from NaturaMarket before? SHOP HERE + get 15% off your first order with the coupon code HEALTHYHORMONES2020
    • Already a customer? SHOP HERE + save 10% off your very next order with the coupon code HEALTHYHORMONES10 (one time use only)

Now onto the recipe for these amazing muffins! 

Ingredients:

  • ½ cup coconut flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  • ¼ teaspoon sea salt
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 cup sweet potato, cooked and mashed
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup coconut oil, melted
  • ¼ cup monk fruit sweetener – alternatively you can you coconut sugar or maple syrup
  • ⅓ cup pecan, roughly chopped
  • 3 tbsp shredded coconut
  • 12 pecans for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 375 F. Grease or line a muffin pan. In a medium bowl whisk together coconut flour, baking powder, baking soda and spices.
  2. In a large bowl beat together eggs, mashed sweet potato, vanilla extract, lakanto and coconut oil.
  3. Add the dry mix into the wet mix and stir until all lumps are gone.
  4. Fold in chopped pecans and shredded coconut. Divide batter into 12 muffin cups and top each with a pecan.
  5. Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the centre comes out clean.

Enjoy & happy baking! Tag me in your delicious creations @holisticwellnessfoodie 👈

P.S. If you’re looking for more delicious and easy recipes, come join me inside my Healthy Hormones Recipe Club! Are you confused with all the information out there about how to balance your hormones, lose weight + support your immunity? Can’t keep up with all the different diets; Paleo, Keto, Intermittent Fasting, or which one is even right for you Get a monthly meal plan + shopping list + recipes that will help you to support your body, balance your hormones, detoxify and shed some inches in the process! Each month has a different theme (click here to read what I’ll be sharing over the next few months!) This Recipe Club is available for a super affordable price, so you can easily say YES to putting yourself first, without breaking the bank. Delicious food & zero deprivation, I promise! 

 

Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. However, this does not impact our reviews and comparisons. We try our best to keep things fair and balanced, in order to help you make the best choice for you.

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Pantry & Baking Essentials for Grain-Free + Gluten Free Cooking

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We’re in full on Autumn mode here in Southern Ontario and the weather has turned cold and a little dreary….which means it’s the perfect time to hunker down, get cozy in the kitchen and try out some new recipes!

Today’s video is all about the main ingredients you’ll need to cook your way through my book The 30 Day Hormone Solution (if you have your copy, get it out and let’s dive in!!)

But this is also an awesome checklist of ingredients is for ANYONE who wants to stock up on…

  • Foods to support immunity, gut health & overall health, each and every day
  • Grain-free + Gluten-free options to help keep your blood sugar stable, and also to help if you’re suffering from any level of autoimmunity (grains can trigger inflammation for some people)
  • Staples + dried goods to always have on hand for cooking and baking

Let’s dive in…

Staple Foods Checklist

  • Variety of vegetables – cauliflower, kale & leafy greens, sweet potato, etc — variety is key. Right now, if fresh veggies aren’t available to you, try to source & keep some frozen veggies on hand
  • Variety of protein sources Meats, poultry, grass fed beef, free range eggs, wild caught fish (I didn’t mention beans & legumes in this video, but especially right now — these would be EXCELLENT choices to have on hand. In fact, I have a delicious recipe for Moroccan Chickpea Soup over on the blog that would be super filling and affordable to make)
  • It’s important to have a variety of protein sources because protein breaks down into amino acids, and those amino acids go onto to support your body & optimize your hormonal health
  • Variety of healthy fats, which include avocado oil, olive oil, grass fed butter, coconut oil, ghee, avocados, coconut milk, etc
  • Gluten-free & Grain-free flours – almond flour, cassava flour, coconut flour, tapioca starch, arrowroot flour (most of which can be ordered off of an online market like NaturaMarket — you can use the code HEALTHYHORMONES2020 to save 10% off your first order)
  • Nutrient dense seeds – hemp, flax and chia, which are great for your hormonal health, plus they’re high in fibre and therefore support detoxification
  • Cacao Powder – for baking — hello baking enthusiast over here!
  • Monk Fruit Sweetener – I like to keep my baking low to no sugar, so this helps me make that happen. I like the brand Lakanto (again, it can be ordered off an online market like NaturaMarket — you can use the code HEALTHYHORMONES2020 to save 10% off your first order)

  • NutPods — the most delicious dairy-free creamers OF LIFE! I use them in coffee’s and elixirs (again, it can be ordered off an online market like NaturaMarket)
  • Nut & Seed Butters – Cashew butter, tahini, sunflower seed butter, almond butter, etc
  • Lily’s sugar free chocolate chips — (again, it can be ordered off of NaturaMarket — you can use the code HEALTHYHORMONES2020 to save 10% off your first order.)
  • A real good quality sea salt (I love redmond real salt) sea salt is crucial for your adrenals. A great way to support your adrenals is with water + a pinch of sea salt + freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • Lastly, Bone Broth. I make my own! I have a 10-step process which can be found inside my book.

Almost everything I mentioned in this video can be ordered off of NaturaMarket — as you can probably tell by now, I pretty much order from them every week! They have all of my favourites, including NutPods (for elixirs) and Siete Chips…for snacking!

 
You can order from NaturaMarket HERE and you can use the code HEALTHYHORMONES2020 to save 10% off your first order.
 
P.S. If you’re looking for more delicious and easy recipes, come join me inside my Healthy Hormones Recipe Club! Are you confused with all the information out there about how to balance your hormones, lose weight + support your immunity? Can’t keep up with all the different diets; Paleo, Keto, Intermittent Fasting, or which one is even right for you Get a monthly meal plan + shopping list + recipes that will help you to support your body, balance your hormones, detoxify and shed some inches in the process! Each month has a different theme (scroll below to read what I’ll be sharing over the next few months!) This Recipe Club is available for a super affordable price, so you can easily say YES to putting yourself first, without breaking the bank. Delicious food & zero deprivation, I promise! READ MORE ABOUT THE RECIPE CLUB HERE
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Sneak Peak Recipe: Protein Packed Crepes (Grain-Free, Gluten-Free)

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This delicious recipe is one of the 60 grain-free recipes that can be found inside my book The 30-Day Hormone Solution. You can get your copy at hormonesolutionbook.com

Breakfast is hands down my favourite meal of the day. Often times I eat leftovers for breakfast. From salmon to chicken to beef, my morning meal is always protein packed. 

I often find that many of my clients eat too many ‘breakfasty’ type foods in the morning. I mean, I get it. This is what we were taught to eat. From cereals, to bagels to muffins and and drive thru breakfast sandwiches, these types of foods, do not fill you up, but instead fill you out!

Your body craves protein in the morning. It will help to stoke your metabolism plus balance your blood sugar which is key for weight loss, satiety between meals, managing PMS symptoms, headaches… and well, let’s just say that insulin is important in many (like hundreds) of important processes in the body. The more you manage it with food, the healthier you’ll feel overall. 

Managing insulin and blood sugar levels is at the core of everything I do with my clients. This is why women lose weight effortlessly and my clients have easier breezier cycles. 

So where do crepes fall into all of this?

Well, let’s face it. From pancakes, to waffles, to crepes, we all want a delicious breakfast, especially on the weekends when we can spend more time cooking in the morning and not feeling like we have to rush off to work. 

And as for crepes, it was my fiancé who really got me loving them. His family used to enjoy them regularly and for years now we’ve been trying to master the perfect gluten free crepe recipe. 

Trust me, there have been many fails, until this one!

This is the perfect crepe recipe ever! It’s so easy to make, it’s packed with protein from eggs and best of all, it’s gluten free! Now that’s the kind of crepe I want to indulge in. 

You can enjoy these crepes sweet or savoury. On the sweet side, I like to warm fresh berries and gently mush them, making a simple homemade jam or smearing on grass fed butter, almond butter and filling my crepe with fruit. 

On the savoury side you can make some scrambled eggs, sauté some spinach and roll it up in your crepe. 

The possibilities are endless! Hope you enjoy these crepes as much as we do 😉 

Protein Packed Crepes (Grain-Free, Gluten-Free)
Yields 5
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Ingredients
  1. 4 eggs
  2. 1 cup unsweetened coconut milk
  3. 1/2 cup tapioca flour
  4. 1/2 cup almond flour
  5. 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  6. 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  7. Pinch of sea salt
  8. Coconut oil, for oiling pan
Instructions
  1. Combine all ingredients into a large bowl (minus the coconut oil) and whisk together until smooth. A few lumps may remain, that's ok.
  2. Heat a small amount of coconut oil in a skillet or crepe pan over medium heat.
  3. Add the batter to the pan using a soup ladle or 1/4 cup measuring cup, tilting the pan gently to evenly spread out the batter. You want a thin layer covering your pan. It's like making a pancake, but a thin and large pancake!
  4. Cook until the edges start to set, then gently flip and cook on the other side for about 1-2 minutes.
  5. Transfer the fresh crepe onto a plate or wire rack to cool and or eat right away, while still warm. Make remaining crepes with batter and spread on your favourite toppings!
Notes
  1. *We use a fairly large crepe pan which gives us approximately 5 crepes. Depending on the size of your pan, you can make smaller ones and more of them.
  2. *You can refrigerate any leftovers and keep in the fridge for 2-3 days.
Holistic Wellness https://holisticwellness.ca/

 

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Gluten Free Mongolian Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry

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As we approach summer, I think we’re all craving no-fuss weekday meals that can easily be thrown together and that don’t have us in the kitchen all night long. 

It’s all about capitalizing on that extra bit of daylight at the end of our work day and soaking up that sunshine. I mean…here in Ontario, we’ve waited for it all winter long, right? 

This one pan meal is not only simple and convenient but it’s also nutritious, hormone balancing and loaded with flavour. I think it makes the perfect no-fuss weekday meal! 

Enjoy it on its own or as a side dish, or my personal favourite, over cauliflower rice.

Did you know that cruciferous veggies such as broccoli actually help us to balance out our  hormones? It’s true. These foods help us to clear excess estrogen from our body. So, eat your broccoli ladies because it’s truly one powerhouse of a vegetable. 

Speaking of our hormones, we’re launching another round of our Metabolic Reset this summer. It’s going to be 8 weeks and we’re including tons of updated information, recipes and other goodies for you! 

As with most women, you might be suffering with hormonal imbalances such as low thyroid function, PMS, PCOS or menopause. Our 8 week high fat, low carb weight loss program is designed specifically for women so you can lose weight with ease and balance your hormones with delicious foods. 

It’s meals like this that you can enjoy in the Metabolic Reset program. One of the questions we’re often asked is, “what will I be eating?” Our answer? Food just like this! Delicious food. Easy to prepare food. Food that the entire family will love. 

So if you’ve been wanting to balance out your hormones and lose weight all without deprivation then get on our wait list here. 

This Mongolian Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry is gluten-free, grain-free and paleo-friendly. It’s a savoury dish with tender strips of beef and stir fried broccoli with a rich umami sauce with garlic, ginger and just a hint of sweetness. 

Mongolian Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry
This Mongolian Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry is gluten-free, grain-free and paleo-friendly. It’s a savoury dish with tender strips of beef and stir fried broccoli with a rich umami sauce with garlic, ginger and just a hint of sweetness.
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Ingredients
  1. 1 large grass-fed steak
  2. 3 Tbsp olive oil, divided
  3. 2 garlic cloves, minced
  4. 2 tsp ginger, grated
  5. 2 Tbsp Bragg’s all purpose seasoning (or extra Tamari)
  6. 1 Tbsp tamari
  7. 1.5 Tbsp coconut sugar
  8. 1/4 cup water
  9. 1 head of broccoli, cut florets
  10. 2 tsp rice wine vinegar
  11. sprinkling of sesame seeds, for garnish
  12. 1-2 green onions, thinly sliced
  13. pinch crushed red pepper, optional
  14. 2 cups cauliflower rice, optional
  15. sea salt
  16. black pepper
Instructions
  1. Remove steak from the fridge and let it come to room temp (about 30 min). Get a cast iron pan on the stovetop over medium heat.
  2. Pat the steak dry using paper towel and season generously with sea salt and pepper. Add 1-2 Tbsp olive oil to the pan.
  3. Sear steak in cast iron pan, about 3-4 minutes per side for medium cook (depending on the thickness of your steak).
  4. Remove steak from pan and allow it to rest.
  5. In the same pan, lower the temp and add 1 Tbsp olive oil. Add minced garlic, grated ginger and cook out for about 1 minute.
  6. Add Bragg’s all purpose seasoning, tamari, coconut sugar and water. Bring to a simmer for 4-5 minutes or until thickened.
  7. Add broccoli florets, cover pan and cook until bright green and slightly tender.
  8. Slice beef and add it back to the pan with 2 tsp rice wine vinegar for about a minute to coat it in the sauce.
  9. Portion out beef and broccoli and garnish with sesame seeds, green onion and pinch of crushed red peppers.
  10. Optional: serve over whole grains or cauliflower rice.
Holistic Wellness https://holisticwellness.ca/
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Paleo Brownies

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Don’t let the ‘paleo’ in the title of this recipe throw you off! These brownies may be health conscious but they’re still rich, chocolate-y and decadent – everything a brownie should be. No compromising on flavour here!

Lately, I’ve been drawn to recipes with fewer ingredients and steps because they feel less fussy. For me, it’s totally a mental thing. But, when I see a simple recipe, I feel like I can easily incorporate that into my already busy day.  I know so many of you can relate to this as well and that’s why I’ve really been striving for less ingredients, fewer steps and just real, whole foods when I’m in the kitchen recipe developing.

I can totally understand how recipes with too many ingredients or steps can be a deterrent for a lot of people. They can feel complicated and overwhelming. Trust me, I get it! I’m hoping that by providing you with simple recipes like these Paleo Brownies that they entice you to get back into the kitchen and to create more home cooked foods.

It’s only been recently that I’ve been playing around with cassava flour as a grain-free option in my baked goods and I have to say, I’m really impressed. I think it’s a fantastic grain and nut free alternative. It’s very mild and neutral in flavour. When I first started experimenting and saw the price tag for a bag of it, my jaw nearly dropped! It’s definitely a pricey option. What I did initially, was to find it in bulk and only purchase what I needed. Obviously, now that I’m using it more regularly and with confidence, I have invested in a larger bag. If you’re curious about this flour but like me, scared off by the price tag I suggest starting small. Look for cassava flour in bulk and use it in a recipe to see what you think of it first.

For those of you who aren’t familiar, cassava is a tuber. It’s in the same family as yams and potatoes. Cassava flour is actually produced from the entire root, peeled, dried and ground. It is NOT the same as tapioca flour. Cassava flour contains more dietary fibre. You can use cassava flour in any recipe calling for all-purpose, whole wheat or even gluten-free flour. Like most grain-free and gluten-free flour options, cassava flour can be temperamental. It absorbs more liquid which means you don’t always need as much when making substitutions. It’s definitely a bit of trial and error to find the right balance when you’re experimenting with grain-free options. But these brownies have been tried and tested. No experimentation necessary! They are a delicious, grain-free, gluten-free and soy-free dessert.

If you’d like to make them dairy-free as well, simply use coconut oil in place of grass-fed butter. As far as paleo goes, maple syrup shouldn’t be a staple item but given that this is a dessert recipe, there’s nothing wrong with it as a treat every now and again 😛 So go ahead and enjoy – guilt free!

Paleo Brownies
These brownies have been tried and tested. No experimentation necessary! They are a delicious, grain-free, gluten-free and soy-free dessert.
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Ingredients
  1. 1/2 cup cassava flour
  2. 4 eggs
  3. 2/3 cup monk fruit sweetener
  4. 1/4 cup maple syrup
  5. 3/4 cup grass-fed butter, melted
  6. 1/2 cup cacao powder, sifted
  7. 2 tsp vanilla extract
  8. 1/2 tsp sea salt
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 300F. Grease and flour an 8 inch square baking pan.
  2. In a large bowl, beat eggs until fluffy and yellow.
  3. Add monk fruit and maple syrup to the eggs and whisk.
  4. Add all remaining ingredients to the mixture and ensure that everything is fully incorporated. 5. Pour brownie batter into the pan and bake for 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes
  5. out clean.
  6. Let the brownies cool completely before cutting into squares.
  7. Optional: top with homemade coconut whip or dairy-free ice cream before serving.
Notes
  1. These will keep stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  2. Tell us, have you experimented with cassava flour? What was your experience like?
Holistic Wellness https://holisticwellness.ca/
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Raspberry Coconut Cream Parfait – Low Carb, Paleo, Grain Free, Gluten Free, Dairy Free

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Valentine’s day is fast approaching and I don’t know about you but what’s more romantic than a home cooked meal?

These days, our lives are so fast paced that we seldom have the opportunity to slow down for dinner. I mean really slow down: light some candles (non-toxic, of course :P), set the table, break out the organic wine, really connect and make it a special event.

I mean, of course it’s nice to get out of the house and have someone cater to you and even nicer to have someone do the dishes (right?!). So I get dining out. But I honestly think it’s far more romantic to make something yourself. It’s the thought, the effort and the gesture behind it. Maybe just get your partner to do the dishes since you did all of the cooking 😛

After a delicious Valentine’s day meal you HAVE to have dessert! Here’s where we have you covered! This Raspberry Coconut Cream Parfait is a fantastic option if you’re looking for a simple, healthy and low-sugar recipe. It’s also whimsical, light and in Valentine’s Day appropriate colours. It may not be chocolate covered strawberries but it does have whipped coconut cream, which is totally sexy in our opinion 😛

And don’t worry, this dessert is NOT time consuming. Just remember to refrigerate your can of coconut milk the night before. I actually like to keep 1-2 cans on hand, in the fridge for when I spontaneously feel like whipping up something like this 😛 Because isn’t it such a bummer when you’re in the mood to bake and you pull out a recipe and something needs to be soaked or refrigerated for 24 hours? UGH! Preparation is key!

This dessert is perfect because it looks sooooo sinful and yet it’s low in sugar, paleo & keto friendly, gluten, dairy and grain-free. Happy Valentine’s Day!

Raspberry Coconut Cream Parfait

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Keyword: cleaneating, gluten free, grain free, high fat, highfatlowcarb, holisticwellness, low carb, low sugar, paleo, paleodesserts, raspberry coconut cream parfait, refined sugar free, treats
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 2

Ingredients

CRUMBLE

  • 1/2 cup almond flour
  • 1/2 cup shredded unsweetened coconut flakes
  • 1/2 cup raw pecans chopped
  • 1/2 cup raw almonds chopped
  • 1/3 cup Lakanto sweetener or coconut sugar
  • 4 Tbsp coconut oil gently melted over the stovetop pinch of sea salt

RASPBERRY LAYER

  • 1 cup frozen raspberries thawed
  • 2 tsp Lakanto sweetener or coconut sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

COCONUT CREAM WHIP

  • 1 can full fat coconut milk chilled in the refrigerator overnight
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tsp Lakanto sweetener or coconut sugar
  • 70 % dark chocolate shaved or grated (garnish)

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 375F.
  • Mix all of the crumble ingredients: almond flour, shredded coconut, chopped pecans & almonds, Lakanto sweetener, melted coconut oil & sea salt. Spread out onto a baking sheet & bake for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through.
  • While the crumble bakes, prepare your raspberry layer by mixing together raspberries,Lakanto & vanilla and set aside for now. (I like mine to have a bit of texture, but if you want it to be more of a jam-like consistency then place it in your food processor for a smoother texture).
  • Remove coconut milk from refrigerator and flip upside down. Scoop out the cream only (refrigeration helps separate the cream from the liquid) and using a hand mixer blend the coconut cream, vanilla & Lakanto together until it looks smooth, creamy and whipped.
  • To assemble, portion a bit of the crumble into individual serving bowls and layer with raspberry jam, then a generous amount of coconut cream whip & if you have some good quality dark chocolate, shave or grate some overtop for garnish.

 

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Celery Root Soup (Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Paleo, AIP)

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Are you familiar with celery root? It’s also called celeriac and it tastes like a cross between celery and parsley. It’s starchy like other root veggies and makes a really fantastic substitute for mashed potatoes (no, really!). So if you’re looking for a low carb alternative, celery root is it! 
 

Although this amazing vegetable offers a lot to write home about in terms of taste and nutrition, it’s one of the less attractive veggies at the market and for that reason, it’s often overlooked. This vegetable gives new meaning to the phrase, ‘don’t judge a book by its cover.’ It’s shaped like a globe and has this gnarly, uneven and brown appearance – it reminds me of something straight out of Harry Potter 😛 (take a look at the photo and you’ll see what I mean!).

 
On the inside however, this veggie is creamy, white and aromatic – just beautiful. Once you’ve tasted it, you’ll kick yourself for not having tried it sooner. 
 
Celeriac is rich in dietary fibre which is essential for maintaining proper digestion. It helps keep everything moving, if you know what I mean 😛 It’s also a good source of Vitamin C and fantastic for helping to strengthen the immune system, especially this time of year (hello cold n’ flu season and cold weather!). 
 
Ok, back to the mashed potatoes talk! When you’re on an AIP diet, the comfort of the white potato is off limits to you. White potatoes are part of the nightshade family and many people who have autoimmune conditions have trouble with them. That’s why it’s invaluable to have substitutes like celery root to lean on when you have these dietary restrictions. You can turn this unassuming veggie into a gorgeous puree or mash to help satisfy that carb craving. 
 
Let’s talk about this soup now. It’s rich and savoury. Luxurious in texture. And adding the cooked bacon bits on top just adds some much needed crunch. Enjoy!
 
We want to know –> what’s the most challenging part of following an AIP protocol for you? Share with us in the comments below. 
 
We love seeing what you’re cooking up! Don’t forget to share your recreations with us on Instagram @holisticwellnessfoodie  @valeriepiccitto
Celery Root Soup
Serves 4
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Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
35 min
Total Time
45 min
Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
35 min
Total Time
45 min
Ingredients
  1. 4 slices bacon, cooked & chopped
  2. 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  3. 1 large leek, sliced
  4. 2 1-pound celery roots, cut into 1 inch pieces
  5. 1 cup celery, chopped
  6. 2 garlic cloves, minced
  7. 5 cups vegetable stock
  8. 1/4 cup full fat coconut milk
  9. 2 Tbsp fresh chives, chopped
  10. sea salt
Instructions
  1. Cook bacon as you normally would. Drain on a paper towel lined plate. Chop & set aside.
  2. In a large soup pot, warm olive oil over medium heat, add sliced leeks, celery root and celery. Cover and cook for 20 minutes.
  3. Add garlic and sauté for a minute until fragrant.
  4. Stir in broth. Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer for 10-15 minutes or until celery root is fork tender.
  5. In batches, carefully blend soup mixture (you can use a hand immersion blender or your blender).
  6. Add the blended soup back into the pot and stir in coconut milk. Season with sea salt.
  7. Portion out soup and garnish with chopped chives and bacon.
Notes
  1. *If you are NOT on the AIP protocol, feel free to add in some fresh black pepper.
Holistic Wellness https://holisticwellness.ca/
 
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No-Bake Almond Butter Trail Mix Bars (Gluten Free, Vegan, Paleo, Dairy Free, Refined Sugar Free)

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It’s almost the holiday season! Which means I’m going to be getting my baking on REAL soon. I LOVE cooking and baking for friends and family and these trail mix bars are going to be a hit. 

They took only minutes to whip up and the best part, they are no-bake! I love me some no-bake recipes. It means I can dirty less pots and pans in the process. 

Meet my Almond Butter Trail Mix Bars.

Back in the day when I didn’t care about ingredients and sugar, I ate trail mix and granola bars like they were no ones business. Food companies do a great job marketing their products, leading you on to believe that their bars are healthy. 

And well, I got sold. Over and over again. And so did my parents.

Of course now it’s a different story. I read labels and look out for gluten, gmo ingredients, high sugar content and so on. In fact, it’s not often that I buy packaged foods, unless I know they are from trusted paleo and keto companies. 

Now let’s get real for a minute though. These trail mix bars aren’t meant to be something you chow down on and eat like 10 (although, it’s easy to do that!). They are dipped in chocolate and even though I choose the best organic ingredients and dairy free chocolate, they are a treat. Mind you, a MUCH healthier treat and bar than something you’d pick up at the grocery store. 

They are loaded with healthy fats and omega 3’s, gluten free, dairy free and refined sugar free. Get creative with this recipe and use your favourite trail mix ingredients. I used up what I had on hand and for a little sweetness, added in some dried cherries. Cherries and chocolate together are one of my favourite combos! Try my Chocolate Chip Cherry Muffins here. 

Onto the baking! Hope you enjoy these delicious gems as much as we did 🙂

P.S. If you’re looking for more delicious and easy recipes, come join me inside my Healthy Hormones Recipe Club! Are you confused with all the information out there about how to balance your hormones, lose weight + support your immunity? Can’t keep up with all the different diets; Paleo, Keto, Intermittent Fasting, or which one is even right for you Get a monthly meal plan + shopping list + recipes that will help you to support your body, balance your hormones, detoxify and shed some inches in the process! Each month has a different theme (CLICK HERE to read what I’ll be sharing over the next few months!) This Recipe Club is available for a super affordable price, so you can easily say YES to putting yourself first, without breaking the bank. Delicious food & zero deprivation, I promise!

 

No-Bake Almond Butter Trail Mix Bars

A no-bake delicious low sugar trail mix bar that is free from gluten, diary and refined sugar. 
Print Rate
Course: Dessert, Treats
Keyword: baking, dairy free, gluten free, healthy fats, holisticwellness, low sugar, paleo, paleodesserts, paleotreats, refined sugar free, treats
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 8
Author: Samantha Gladish

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp maple syrup
  • 3/4 cup almond butter
  • 1 tbsp coconut oil
  • 1 cup crispy rice cereal I used GoGo Quinoa Chocolate Puffed Cereal
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt
  • 1/4 cup dried cherries or other dried fruit
  • 3/4 - 1 cup mixed seeds I used pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds

CHOCOLATE COATING:

  • 3/4 cup dark chocolate chips
  • 1 tbsp coconut oil

Instructions

  • Line a baking try with parchment paper. Melt together, over medium-low heat, maple syrup, almond butter and coconut oil. Be sure not to boil the mixture, otherwise, the almond butter will start to burn the bottom of your pot.
  • Once mixture is melted, add in crispy cereal, sea salt, dried fruit, seeds (leaving out the chocolate chips and coconut oil for coating).
  • Combine the mixture well in your pot. Once well mixed, scoop out onto parchment paper and using a spatula, spread it out evenly, making sure to press down firmly. It won't take up the entire baking tray. Just spread it out into a square or rectangular shape. Then place it in the freezer to set.
  • Meanwhile, over a double boiler, melt together chocolate chips and coconut oil.
  • Remove bars from the freezer and using a sharp knife, cut them into 12 individual bars.
  • Dip one side of the bars into the melted chocolate and place chocolate side up, back onto the parchment paper. Once all bars have been dipped (feel free to cover the entire bar in chocolate), place it back into the freezer for 20 minutes to set.
  • Remove from the freezer and enjoy! Store bars in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or keep in the freezer.

Notes

Links to Products used in this Recipe:
Amazon:
Go Go Quinoa Cereal
Eden Organic Dried Cherries
PureFeast: (use code HOLISTICWELLNESS to save 10% on orders over $75)
Raw Almond Butter
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BBQ Chicken & Sweet Potato Casserole (Paleo, AIP)

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Casseroles are by far the best and easiest dinners to whip up. Plus, you can make a massive one, enjoy the leftovers for lunch the next day and basically meal prep like a BOSS! This BBQ Chicken and Sweet Potato Casserole will definitely win your heart over, and your family too! 

Nothing says fall like sweet potato and although I’m not quite ready to let go of the hot summer weather, I don’t have a choice. I live in Canada and the coldness is approaching – UGH! (I swear I was born in the wrong Country). 

But with fall comes delicious soups and stews, casseroles and all things pumpkin. Like these Pumpkin Almond Butter Bars. They are my favourite and I can’t wait to bake them up again. 

So back to casseroles…

This casserole is quite versatile. Instead of sweet potato, you could use mashed cauliflower, regular white potato, mashed parsnips and carrots, or even cauliflower rice. And to keep this recipe AIP friendly, use an AIP approved BBQ sauce, like this one here. 

You guys might think this dish looks super fancy and time consuming, but trust me it’s not. And when it comes to cooking, I prefer taking the quick and easy route. If I have the time, I’ll make something a little more fancy, but trust me guys – most of the meals that I cook might ‘look’ gourmet but ANYBODY can make them. 

A few notes about this recipe:

  1. I cooked my sweet potato in the instant pot. I placed the rack on the bottom of the instant pot, added in 1 cup of water, then placed 2 large sweet potatoes on top of the rack. I set the timer for manual – 15 minutes and viola. Mashed sweet potato in NO TIME! You can use this method, or boil your sweet potato or roast in the oven. Your call.
  2. The chicken – we bought an organic whole roasted chicken and shredded it up. We used this for lettuce tacos, this recipe of course and for breakfast scrambles. It’s a time saver, but you can roast your own chicken if you prefer.

P.S. If you’re looking for more delicious and easy recipes, come join me inside my Healthy Hormones Recipe Club! Are you confused with all the information out there about how to balance your hormones, lose weight + support your immunity? Can’t keep up with all the different diets; Paleo, Keto, Intermittent Fasting, or which one is even right for you Get a monthly meal plan + shopping list + recipes that will help you to support your body, balance your hormones, detoxify and shed some inches in the process! Each month has a different theme (scroll below to read what I’ll be sharing over the next few months!) This Recipe Club is available for a super affordable price, so you can easily say YES to putting yourself first, without breaking the bank. Delicious food & zero deprivation, I promise!

Ok, let’s get cooking. I hope you enjoy this deliciousness as much as we did! Be sure to leave your comments below and let us know how you liked it. We love to hear from you. 

BBQ Chicken & Sweet Potato Casserole
Serves 4
A Paleo and AIP friendly casserole dish that is loaded with beta-carotene, healthy fiber and satiating protein.
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Prep Time
20 min
Cook Time
25 min
Total Time
45 min
Prep Time
20 min
Cook Time
25 min
Total Time
45 min
Ingredients
  1. 5-6 lbs sweet potato, roughly 2-3 large sweet potatoes, mashed (see notes above)
  2. 1/4 cup coconut oil or butter or other choice of fat
  3. Sea salt and pepper (omit pepper for AIP)
  4. 4-6lbs shredded chicken (thigh or breast)
  5. 1 cup BBQ sauce (choose AIP BBQ sauce - see notes above)
  6. 1/3 cup green onion, chopped, plus more for garnish
  7. Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350F and grease a lage casserole dish.
  2. Mixed mashed sweet potato with coconut oil, salt and pepper.
  3. Spread evenly into large greased casserole dish.
  4. In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, BBQ sauce and green onion. Spread on top of sweet potato layer.
  5. Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25 minutes. Serve topped with green onion and fresh parsley. Serve alongside a large green salad.
Notes
  1. See notes above for tips on cooking sweet potato and preparing chicken.
Holistic Wellness https://holisticwellness.ca/
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