Tips For Eating Healthy During The Holidays

Written by Kari @ Kari Newsom Contributing Writer  It’s that time of year again. As a Health and Nutrition Coach, I always have people ask me for some tips on how to successfully celebrate special occasions without completely going off the deep end when it comes time to eat. The first and most important thing I always tell people is this: ENJOY THE CELEBRATION!!! All to often we try so hard to do ‘the right thing’ about the whole ‘eating during the holiday’ issue, that we actually … [Read more...]

Spiced Pumpkin Pie with Flaky Pastry Crust

Written by Kari @ KariNewsom.com, Contributing Writer Autumn is officially here! At least in Colorado! We are having beautiful and warm days (high 70's to low 80's), but the nights are cool and crisp! Leaves are turning bright yellow, orange and red - and the morning has brought a slight haze these past few days. Typically I am more of a warm-weather person. I'm all about the sun, flip flops and being outside. That being said, I'm still a Colorado girl at heart. I like to get bundled up in … [Read more...]

Tropical Delight Smoothie

Written by Kari, Contributing Writer   There is something about summer that brings with it the need to make me feel like I live near the ocean, palm trees and an abundant supply of coconuts. The truth is, I live in the foothills of Colorado - which I absolutely love - but it doesn't bring with it the euphoria of ocean waves and coconut beverages!   This is where I use our love of smoothies to fulfill this need for all things tropical. Everyday during the hot months of Colorado, we … [Read more...]

Quick and Easy Homemade Brown Sugar

Written by Contributing Writer, Lisa @ This Pilgrim Life It's true that too much sugar isn't good for you, but I'm not likely to completely give up on the occasional sweet treat.  Instead, we focus on limiting sugar in our day to day diets and choosing healthier alternatives to processed desserts.  Making our own treats is healthier and it saves us money to boot. I've also found that I can simplify my grocery shopping and save more money by learning to make own of the basics … [Read more...]

Protein Packed Nut Butter Bites

Written by Contributing Writer, Kari at Living Strong, Health & Wellness Snack time! Personally, I'm not a big "snacker". I can go meal to meal without needing any extra food to keep me going. Although, having a family, I need to have a plan on hand for our meals and snacks and then I need to make sure they are ready and available to eat! My kids, on the other hand, seem to need a snack every 30 minutes. I can understand why since they are on the go, non-stop, active kids. This can … [Read more...]

What It’s Like to Afford Fresh Organic Produce and How You Can Do It Too

Written by Reelika @ Financially Wise On Heels, Contributing Writer **Please meet Reelika, a new contributor... she would love to hear from you! -Rachel You are a great mommy. You want the best for your kids and family. It is the hope of many families to be able to provide organic veggies, fruits and berries to their family and especially to the kids. Unfortunately the downside of organic produce is the cost. But what if I told you there are ways that you can still provide the best … [Read more...]

Chicken Tortilla Soup With A Kick

  Written by Kari @ Living Strong, Health & Wellness, Contributing Writer It is October and it's officially cooling down enough to try this great recipe, which is perfect for any chilly weather you might experience over these next few months! This belly warming soup is simple, quick and so delicious! All you need is a blender and a stock pot (or slow-cooker) and you're set to make the most amazing tortilla soup you have ever had! You can keep this a mild meal or add some … [Read more...]

Reinventing the Cold Lunch

Written by Kari, Contributing Writer With school starting soon and routines getting back in order, if your child attends school, packing a lunch is a part of that routine. I’m not sure about where you live, but the choices for ‘hot lunch’ are not acceptable at my daughter’s school, so everyday is a ‘cold lunch’ day. I understand the convenience of your child eating hot lunch at school, but the overall consequences are nothing short of disastrous. {photo credit} And no, I’m not … [Read more...]

Jazz Up Your Summer BBQ Menu With Real Food Recipes

Written by Kari @ Living Strong, Health and Wellness, Contributing Writer With summer in full swing and the Fourth of July right around the corner, we all know that this means a lot of picnics, bbq's and get togethers are on the calendar. This also means that this will involve a lot of, you guessed it, food! Is it possible to eat healthy during all these summer festivities? Yes, yes and yes! Eating healthy doesn't mean that these celebrations have to be boring! In fact, I believe that you can … [Read more...]

Real Food on a Real Budget

Written by Kristen @ Smithspirations, Contributing Writer With it being January, you may very well be trying to cut out the processed foods in your diet and take a more whole foods approach to eating. I don't think anyone denies that eating well is a great way to boost health, but often finances get in the way of making positive changes. Does eating real, whole, healthy foods have to break the bank? I'm convinced that it doesn't!  Our family lives on a moderate income. My husband is a … [Read more...]