Basta Pasta | A GLUTEN-FREE, VEGAN AMATRICIANA TO DIE FOR

By Katie G.

If I could write a love song to Italian food, I would. Growing up in an Italian household, pasta was basically a food group. So, when I made the switch a clean eating lifestyle, I had to say goodbye to many of the things I was accustomed to eating: prosciutto, pasta, bread, mozzarella, you name it.  I have been on the quest to discover and create Italian dishes that are vegan-friendly, gluten-free, and dairy-free. Phew, do I sound like a cliche or what? Luckily, there are so many delicious alternatives out there. And, with a little creativity and playfulness, you can create meals that taste just as good as the "real thing." Like my Vegan Pasta All'Amatriciana. Which is super-delicious and easy to make. So, as they say in Italy, andiamo!

Abundant Energy | FOUR WAYS TO LIVE A FULLER LIFE AND BEAT FATIGUE

By Katie G.

Recently, I had the good fortune of being invited to an IVY Connect panel discussion with Dr. Holly Phillips, a contributor to CBS News and author of the new book The Exhaustion Breakthrough. I have  always been intrigued by the idea of energy in the body: where it comes from and how it affects our everyday lives. During this event, I had an a-ha moment. I realized that many of the behaviors viewed as "normal" are actually telltale signs that we need to take a step back and be honest with ourselves. For example, do you find yourself yawning uncontrollably at 3:00 pm when you're in the umpteenth meeting of the day? Do you make excuses not to exercise or socialize because you're just not feeling up to it? Are you nodding out every night on the couch at 9:00 pm? Do you just wish you had a little extra oomph? Do you feel like you're in a fog when you wake up in the morning? Are you drinking more than one cup of coffee and/or eating sugary foods to keep your energy "up?"

If the answer is yes to any one of these questions, then you, my friend, need to read on.  The secret to energy isn't found solely in sleep (although don't get me wrong, it's important), but in various lifestyle choices and patterns that you can control.

Black Mass | WHY ACTIVATED CHARCOAL MIGHT BE THE SECRET TO BETTER HEALTH & SKIN

By Katie G.

You might see it in your juices and you might see it in your skincare products. You might even see it in your teeth whiteners. As of late, activated charcoal seems to be everywhere. Its gritty texture gives juices a tint of blackish-grey and turns skin coal-black when used as a face mask. You might wonder how something that looks so off-putting can be good for you. But, after doing some research (and much first-hand trial), it turns out that activated charcoal is less of something that's a passing fad and more of something that has real long-term health and beauty benefits. So, how does it actually work?

Side Dish | GIVE THANKS WITH THREE RECIPES THAT ARE DAIRY-FREE, GLUTEN-FREE, AND OH-SO-DELICIOUS

by Katie G.

I always look forward to Thanksgiving; it's one of my absolute favorite holidays of the year. Not only is it a time to gather with family and friends, but it's the ideal moment to reflect on what it is we're truly grateful for. It's also the holiday that's most intrinsically linked to food. Our forefathers celebrated a successful harvest with a feast, inviting both Pilgrims and Native Americans to break bread together. It's actually a beautiful sentiment when you think about it. Today, we mark the holiday with a feast of our own – whether it's Friendsgiving or an all-out family meal.

With a feast, comes indulgence. I'm sure our forefathers were happy with a little corn and fowl. But these days, in a time of abundance, just think of that buttered-up turkey or those biscuits with gravy, or, if you're like me, my mom's "gut-buster" stuffing. And don't get me started on the pecan and pumpkin pies. This holiday is pretty much defined by butter, oil, and sugar. 

However, this year, I'm determined to do things a little differently. I've discovered (and taste-tested) three super-delicious recipes that are savory, easy to make – oh, and did I mention, vegan? Go ahead, give them a try.  They won't disappoint.

Superfood Sunday | THE MIGHTY BLACKBERRY

By Dominick H.

Superfood Sunday is a weekly series where project: CLEAN FOOD features the absolute best foods to nourish – and naturally heal – your body.  To help you start each week right, we reveal the one must-have food to add to your diet. Enjoy, and share your inspiration with us by tagging #projectCLEANFOOD on Instagram. 

Ah, blackberries. This amazing fruit is well-known as a superfood around the world. Not only is it super-nutritious, but it's also filled with so many vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that peg it up as a healing food. So how can it benefit you?

Lovely Lavender | RELAX AND RECHARGE FOR THE WEEK AHEAD

By Dominick H.

As the last weekend of the summer comes to a close, we're often faced with pre-work jitters – that looming sense of anxiety mixed with a touch of melancholy. Our mind races, deadlines seem to pile up, and we just can't let go of those lazy summer days. Luckily for us, there's an amazingly simple (and beautiful) cure for those end-of-summer blues. Aren't you ready to feel refreshed and ready to take on the fall?

DIY Beauty | SOOTHE YOUR SUMMER SKIN WITH THESE SIMPLE INGREDIENTS

By  Katie G.

 

Ah, summer. We're down to the last two weeks where we get to fully enjoy the great outdoors. But between sun worshiping, salt water, chlorine – and let's face it, drinking– your skin suffers. Do you find yourself hot, flaky, or peeling after what seems like an amazing beach day? Yeah, me too.

Luckily for us, there are some easy fixes for your skin that you can find right in your kitchen.

The Reboot | KICK-START THE FALL WITH THESE SIMPLE HABITS

By Katie G.

The summer is such a beautiful time of the year for many of us. We laugh, we play, we tan, we relax, and we vacation. And, even though it seems counter-intuitive, many of us become more lax with our diet and workout regimens (hello, Italy). Who can say no to that ice cream or that extra glass of rosé?

So, as we close in upon the last holiday of the summer season, I can't help but think that it's time to get back on track. It's time to prepare our bodies for a reboot by making some simple tweaks to our everyday habits. 

I know I’m ready. Are you?