I recently discovered Peeled, a juice shop here in Chicago.  Whenever I feel sick or tired, I stop in and after the first sip I start feeling better.  For a few years now I have been curious about trying a juice cleanse. I’ve heard promises that consuming only freshly squeezed organic fruit and vegetable juice [...]

I have a confession to make: I like fat. Let me qualify that statement: I like healthy fats. I’ll happily consume bacon and whole milk and butter from pasture-raised cows (balanced out, of course, with lots of vegetables).  As far as I’m concerned, traditional foods in their natural state are far, far better for me [...]

When we were married more than six years ago, we were gifted with a sturdy cast iron skillet.  For years, I was so intimidated by the thing.  It was so heavy.  And I was pretty sure it required special care and washing.  And what was I supposed to cook in it, anyway? But a few [...]

A couple months ago I wrote about a new semi-homemade meal service here in Chicago called Meez Meals.  The nutritious meals are prepped and ready for assembly, saving me time on shopping and chopping.  Every now and then, depending on the busyness of the week ahead, I place an order.  A few weeks ago a [...]

Chris joined a cross-fit gym several months ago.  Cross-fit is a professional, challenging and evidence-based work-out program that is designed to push users to the limit through encouragement and teamwork.  Chris really likes the competitive atmosphere of cross-fit, and his body is now fitter and healthier than its ever been.  In my humble opinion, he [...]

I am always trying to come up with recipes that use the standard ingredients I always keep in the house.  Keeping a stash of regular and reliable items in the pantry and fridge ensure that a healthy, simple and economical meal is never far off. For lunch yesterday I came up with a delicious meal [...]

I’ve been interested in making homemade bread for a while now.  I’ve tinkered with different recipes and tried my hand at new techniques, but my results are inconsistent and sometimes disappointing.  Earlier this month I was thrilled to try out the Average Joe Bread Kit, which  requires no kneading and surprisingly minimal effort.  The delicious [...]

I really love the farmers co-op we belong to.  Every two weeks our friendly farmers bring fresh and wholesome food from their Michigan farm to Chicago, and my family and I are healthier and happier because of it. I almost always order delicious eggs with marigold yolks, juicy whole chickens that roast up perfectly, earthy [...]

My husband is striving to live a healthier lifestyle and lose a few pounds. He’s always been a very active and fitness-focused person, so his latest efforts are really a refinement of what he’s always been doing. I’m so proud of his willpower, dedication and focus.  He inspires me! Processed white sugar was one of [...]

I was recently asked to try out Salba, a form of the ancient whole grain chia.  It might have the same name as the ch-ch-ch-chia that I spread on terra cotta animals as a kid, but this time around my family and I consumed the chia, and much to my surprise I believe we are [...]