I got the best, coolest new kitchen toy: The NutriPro Juicer. I love juicing, and I couldn’t wait to share this recipe for Feel Good Green Juice. It’s so good that even my youngest son, Zachary liked it. The BELLA NutriPro Cold Press Juicer utilizes a two-stage cold press juicing technology that operates via a chewing (mastication) method to produce high-quality juice from each fruit and vegetable. With the no-blade, cold press technology, oxidation is minimized, no heat is used, and more nutrients and enzymes are preserved. (Most traditional juicers and blenders that claim to juice use blades that shred the cell walls of the produce, exposing it to oxygen and therefore affecting the integrity of the nutrients and enzymes)  So why is juicing so popular these days?

Here are 10 Reasons Juicing is Healthy: 

1. It’s an easy way to meet your fruit and veggie quotient-Many Americans don’t consume enough produce, so juicing those fresh ingredients is a quick, easy way to meet your recommended daily needs. Cold press juice is healthy fast food—a meal on the go that’s good for you.

2. It boosts your brain. Researchers have found that beetroot juice can increase blood flow to the brain, which can lead to better brain health and help ward off dementia and cognitive decline

3. It gives you energy. Low-pulp juice delivers nutrients that your body is able to absorb almost instantaneously. Because your body doesn’t have to do the work of breaking down solid food, you’re left with energy to spare.

4. It reduces inflammation. Antioxidants and other nutrients in cold press juice help combat inflammation caused by a diet rich in acidic, high-fat, or processed foods, which helps protect your body from deadly diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer

5. It detoxifies your system. Environmental toxins can enter your body through your mouth, nose, and skin. Nutrients found in low-pulp juice help sweep these pollutants out of your system, keeping you healthier

6. It hydrates your body-Water isn’t the only way to replenish the fluids your body needs. Cold press juice is a savvy way to quench thirst and keep your organs functioning properly—it’s like nature’s first vitamin water.

7. It helps you sleep better-Cold press juice made from leafy green vegetables provides high levels of magnesium, the relaxation mineral with a mellowing effect that can help improve the quality of your sleep.

8. It wards off stress-Nutrients in juice including vitamin C and magnesium will help your body better combat the effects of the stress hormone cortisol.

9. It builds bones-Greens such as kale, collards, and broccoli are high in the nutrients calcium and magnesium, both of which are crucial for a strong, healthy skeleton

10. It helps you live longer- Studies show that nutrients often found in cold press juice, like resveratrol, keep cells from prematurely dying.

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Last week was so busy! I went to Los Angeles for a national television segment on CBS Los Angeles KCAL talking about frozen foods and the benefits to using them more in your cooking for the NFRA and Easy Home Meals. Read all about the segment and take a few minutes to watch the video here.  It was a blast, and the thank you to the amazing staff at CBS Los Angeles for your wonderful hospitality!  Hope to see you again soon

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Whether it’s family or work, life can be stressful no matter what stage you are in. Being that I am a single mom of three active children and experiencing the everyday challenges of living with an ill parent, I have been searching for various ways to help me relax. Below are a few of my favorite tips that have helped to relieve my stress. If you have any others, please share!

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I have a great idea for summer travel! The St. Regis Aspen introduces a unique Family Traditions program, offering thrilling, adventure-packed family “experiences”, and a variety of family-friendly amenities and services. The St. Regis Aspen’s Family Traditions summer program features three seasonal “experiences”, comprised of captivating outdoor activities and adventures in the breathtaking beauty of the Colorado wilderness, to engage children and parents alike and creating everlasting memories and traditions to come. I want to go!

Summer Family Traditions Experiences Include:

• Backcountry Sunset Jeep Dinner: Explore the great outdoors on a four-hour, off-road Jeep tour to the historic Burlingame Cabin on Snowmass Mountain, featuring a fun-filled campfire BBQ with live music and singing at the destination.
• Fly Fishing: Escape to the valley’s gold medal trout waters for a day of private fishing, equipped with Aspen Outfitting Company’s extraordinary certified guides and gear.
• Rafting: Experience the thrill of white water rafting on the Colorado, Roaring Fork and Arkansas rivers—from float trips to Class V rapids, half days and whole days. YES PLEASE! This is summer travel at its best!

Upon arrival, each child is greeted with a tasty welcome amenity, such as fresh fruit and gummy worms hidden in chocolate “dirt”, as well as housemade lollipops. Turndown amenities prior to departure include rich hot cocoa, marshmallows, chocolate coins and cookies. My kids would love this!

During their stay, children can enjoy special access to The St. Regis Aspen’s esteemed culinary team, as well as access a newly-created children’s library. I love this idea!

Children’s Programs Include:

About The St. Regis Aspen Resort

The St. Regis Aspen Resort has been recognized by Condé Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure as a leading destination resort and has been named aPlatinum Choice Award Winner by Smart Meetings magazine. With elegant décor, unrivaled luxury and the trademark bespoke service for which The St.Regis group of hotels is known, guests enjoy an unparalleled experience at this quintessential mountain retreat. Resort amenities include the newly opened Trecento Quindici Decano restaurant, Shadow Mountain Lounge, Chefs Club by FOOD & WINE, Remède Spa, an outdoor heated pool, fitness center, world class resort concierge services and 25,000 square feet of meeting space.  For reservations or more information, call 1.888.454.9005 or 970.920.3300 or visit the website at www.stregisaspen.com.

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Looking for a breakfast or afternoon snack recipe? My daughter, Leigh was at it again in the kitchen and made this Banana Smoothie recipe for my son, Zachary. Zachary will eat pretty much any cuisine and even drink kale smoothies. Believe it or not, he doesn’t like berries (who doesn’t like berries?).  Anyway, this smoothie tasted awesome, and I ended up drinking the entire thing. With only 3 ingredients, this banana smoothie is effortless, fabulous and gluten free. Feel free to add 1 (6 ounce) container of nonfat plain greek yogurt to increase the protein. Enjoy

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For the Leading Lady cocktail, combine  1.5 oz. Smirnoff Sorbet Light Raspberry Pomegranate, 2 oz. Diet ginger ale, 1 oz. Cranberry juice.  Garnish: Lime wheel and/or raspberry. Prepare in a highball glass over ice, squeeze in lime and stir. Garnish with lime wheel and/or raspberry.

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So many friends are on a a gluten free diet for health or other reasons. This recipe for  Sandwiches on a Stick are the perfect gluten free sandwich recipe idea. These also make great  lunch ideas for the kids or even appetizers for a spring, summer, or fall tailgating party. Get your kids to help choose the ingredients and assist with preparing them. They are so cute, and adults and kids will love them! See some of my other favorite gluten free recipes here.

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I can’t believe Mother’s Day is this weekend. Last year was a rough, emotional mother’s day with my mom passing away the week before. It has been a tough year to say the least, but being a mom with 3 kids makes everything in life worth it. A good friend of mine tells me often to “Roll with the punches”. This is the best advice I can give to anyone, especially moms. I love the idea of a having a special Mother’s Day breakfast or “breakfast in bed, so heres 5 great looking recipes including my recipe for Blueberry Muffins with Greek Yogurt. Here’s to a terrific Mother’s Day to all of you!

Homemade Granola via Fork Spoon Knife 

Lemon Ricotta Pancakes via Sugar and Charm 

Breakfast in Bed via Spoonful

Carrot Mango Smoothie via Whole Living

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The Ranch at Live Oak/Malibu, the acclaimed week-long results-oriented fitness and wellness retreat, now offers their guests cholesterol testing. The Biomarkers tested are total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), triglycerides, and glucose. Guests are tested upon arrival and departure so that they can see the change in their Lipid Profile, a detailed measure of the amount of fat in the blood. With a 1500/day calorie restricted vegetarian diet, four hours of morning mountain hiking, and afternoons full of core and ab work, weights, body toning and daily yoga sessions, most guests leave with higher HDL and lower LDL cholesterol levels.

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Turmeric, an culinary spice relative to ginger, is most often used in curries and the source of the yellow color in mustard. Lately turmeric is getting the latest health buzz, being called “the new “kale”. Turmeric is a great source of vitamin B6, essential for maintaining your blood vessels and preventing heart disease. This spice is also a great source of iron, manganese, potassium and fiber. Turmeric has been called a “magical healing substance”.  It contains curcumin which is a powerful anti-inflammatory. Because inflammation is a contributor to so many diseases, including Alzheimer’s and arthritis, the curcumin in turmeric is a precious find. Here are a few of my favorite health benefits of turmeric.

3. Turmeric and Alzheimer’a-Studies with turmeric have shown that one of the major turmeric health benefits is helpings to prevent Alzheimer’s disease. Turmeric antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties might help to prevent or delay the onset  because it’s believed that turmeric blocks the production of IL-2 protein, which is known to destroy the protective sheath found around the nerves.

Carrot, Orange and Turmeric Juice from Yummy Mummy

Spiced Oatmeal Smoothie from Kitchen Konfidence

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