Content & recipe courtesy of Pam Higgins, Certified Health Coach
When we think of slimming down for the summer months, isn’t it always about dieting and deprivation? Many of us turn to counting calories as a first step to losing weight. For some reason, that leads us to eating the “packaged food label” diet — no sugar, fat free, no carb. Call it law of attraction, I’ve done this myself and I’ve seen many clients follow this exact path.
It doesn’t have to be that way. By eating simple, real whole foods in delicious combinations, you won’t feel deprived one bit… or one bite. You will be thinking, why haven’t I have been doing this my whole life?!
When we think about what nature gives us, there are no labels — because they aren’t needed. The body knows exactly how to process and assimilate those nutrients. With that said, there is no one way of eating for everyone. We all have a specific blueprint of what foods work best for our body to feel nourished, balanced, and our very best.
If you are struggling with:
- unwanted weight gain and belly bloat
- headaches and brain fog
- lack of energy
Your body is trying to tell you something and it’s time to listen. All of these are signs of inflammation and could be from hidden food allergies, intolerances or eating foods that just don’t work for your unique body.
When you eat the foods that work for your body + mind, you will feel and enjoy:
- endless energy
- more clear thinking
- lighter + brighter
- less cravings
- better moods
- better sleep
I’m a total foodie, a sensitive one at that, and I love creating meals that taste amazing and make me feel great too! One of my favorite recipes for the summer months includes fresh berries and of course, avocado.
Strawberry Avocado Summer Salad
You’ll need:
2 cups organic spinach (or your favorite leafy greens)
1/4 cup baby carrots, cut in half
1/2 cup strawberry, stems removed and cut in half
1/2 avocado, diced
1/2 English cucumber, cut into strips
Dressing: 1 teaspoon each raw apple cider vinegar + organic dijon mustard
Optional: Add your protein of choice.
Directions:
Chop carrots, cucumber, avocado and strawberries. You can do this ahead of time so your salad comes together in 2 minutes flat! Plate spinach and top with veggies and strawberries. Vigorously mix raw apple cider vinegar with dijon mustard, then drizzle over salad. Enjoy with your favorite protein.
Sit down with a glass of iced herbal tea, or filtered water with lemon/lime and enjoy this colorful and satisfying meal.