Food for Thought: Mindful Eating

This month let’s start the discussion with mindful eating—an approach that goes beyond what you eat to how you experience food. Mindful eating is about slowing down, engaging all your senses, and being fully present with your meal. It’s not about rules or restrictions; it’s about cultivating a deeper connection with your food and your body.

Eating mindfully deepens our appreciation for the effort, resources, and care that went into every ingredient. We chew slower, savor the flavors, and notice how each bite makes us feel. It’s a practice that transforms eating from a mindless activity into an intentional moment of gratitude and self-care.

Here are a few ways to start practicing mindful eating:

1. Set the Scene: Eat in a calm environment, free from distractions like phones or TV. Put your phone in a separate room if you need to. Let mealtime be a moment to reset.

2. Engage Your Senses: Notice the colors, textures, and aromas of your food before taking the first bite. Take time to plate your food in a way that appeals not only to your stomach but to the eyes as well. We eat with our eyes first.

3. Chew Slowly: Take your time with each bite, allowing the flavors to fully develop and your body to signal when it’s satisfied.

4. Reflect: Pause before eating to acknowledge your food’s journey—from the farm, the kitchen, and then finally to your table.

Mindful eating isn’t about following rules or restrictions—it’s about creating moments of presence and gratitude. As you explore these recipes, take your time. Enjoy the process, the flavors, and the nourishment each bite brings.

How will you make space for mindful eating this month? Let me know—I’d love to hear your thoughts and ideas! 💚

Ultimate Kale Salad: Back to Basics

It’s no secret—I’m a vegan foodie straight to the heart. After my birthday in November, I accepted that I tend to overbuy fresh produce with the best intentions (wink). Some weeks get busy, and between working on my cookbook and just feeding myself daily, I end up with more than I can manage.

So, I decided to go back to my foundational meals: fresh green salads, beans, legumes, and grains. First up is my ultimate go-to—the kale salad. Let’s talk about massaging kale. Why do we massage kale? This step is essential and cannot be skipped. Here’s why:

1. Improves Digestibility: Massaging kale helps break down the tough fibers, making it easier on your stomach.

2. Enhances Flavor: The process softens the kale and allows the oil, lemon juice, and salt to penetrate, infusing every leaf with flavor.

3. Transforms Texture: Kale goes from tough and fibrous to tender and enjoyable, making your salad more satisfying.

   
   

Now that we’ve given kale the love it deserves, let’s build the salad. See the recipe below:

Kale Salad Recipe

Ingredients:

• Kale (washed, de-stemmed, and chopped)

• Olive oil

• Lemon juice and lime juice (1/2 each)

• Sea salt

• 1/4 cup - nutritional yeast

• 2 tsp - smoked paprika

• Toppings: roasted nuts, dried cranberries, shredded carrots, or your favorites

  
  

  The recipe above is your starting point. Now let me tell you what I added in my signature kale salad. I will do a light second massage with the remaining items, except for the avocado.  

  red cabbage, olive salad, sundried tomatoes, green and red onion, chopped fresh garlic, dried herbs, crushed red pepper

  
  

See the full Kale Salad Video

Instructions:

1. Place kale in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, a squeeze of lemon juice, and a pinch of sea salt.

2. Massage the kale with your hands for 1-2 minutes until it softens and darkens in color.

3. Add your favorite toppings for texture and flavor.

4. Serve as a base for your meal or enjoy it on its own.

   
   

This salad is a reminder that simple or not-so-simple, intentional meals can be both delicious and nourishing. 💚

The Power of the Great Chickpea

(recipe below)

How do you feel about beans? I’ve found that people either love them or hate them—there’s rarely an in-between. But let me introduce you to a bean that I believe can win over even the most skeptical hearts: the chickpea.

There’s possibly no other bean doing the Lord’s vegan work quite like the mighty chickpea. This humble legume has versatility on its side—it’s a protein-packed powerhouse that can transform into nearly anything your imagination (or cravings) desires.

Here’s just a taste of what the chickpea can do:

• Hummus: Blend chickpeas with tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil for a creamy, savory spread.

• Falafel: Mash chickpeas with fresh herbs and spices, shape into patties, and fry or bake until crispy.

• Stews: Toss chickpeas into soups or curries for a hearty, satisfying boost.

• Desserts: Believe it or not, chickpeas make incredible bases for sweet treats like cookie dough or brownies.

• Aquafaba (Chickpea Juice): The liquid from canned chickpeas can be whipped into meringue, used as a vegan egg substitute, or added to cocktails for a frothy finish.

  
  

Chickpeas are proof that one ingredient can wear many hats. Packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, they’re not only versatile but a nutritional powerhouse.

I’ve got even more ideas for these magic beans, so keep an eye out for my upcoming blog post, where I’ll explore their endless possibilities further.

Tell me—what’s your favorite way to enjoy chickpeas? Check out a few of my favorite chickpea recipes below. Let’s keep the bean love going!

Recipe Connection:

Check out my chickpea “tuna” here on my YouTube Channel -

The Best Chickpea Vegan Tuna

Roasted Campari Tomato Hummus

Have you Joined the Revolution?

The Kitchen to Closet Revolution is a 21-day challenge designed to help you reconnect with your true self through intentional living. It’s more than a program—it’s a transformative journey. Starting, January 6, 2025. READ MORE