Morning citrus fruit is a bright and beautiful way to begin the day.  Just the smell alone is worth waking up for.  Selections may include most any combination you have on hand or a  trip to a your local farmer market or grocery store for fresh natural nutrients. Pictured here are a few favorites, Pineapple, oranges joined by pear and more.

On this day I chose to give it a light toss of balsamic vinaigrette  reduction to get rid of excess ingredients found in most dressings helping keep processed sugar intake to an absolute minimum along with  preservatives and a long list of  unpronounceable​ ingredients.

​Balsamic Vinegar Reduction may be found in specialty shops, markets, online and more, our favorites come from Modena Italy.
 
​Plan to do your own testing, check back soon, specialty sizes to order soon from REAL FOOD ADVOCATE, stay tuned. 

Options will include: Lavender, Blackberry/Ginger, Green Apple, Mango, Huckleberry & Traditional Aged.
                                                             www.realfoodadvocate.net

Ever wonder what in the world to do with all the colored squash? The extra oversized from  friends garden or the really cool mound displayed at the market. 

​We played around with the shredder and cooked up some "squash cakes" similar to crab cake, these play well to the vegetarian, or paleo to grab the extra nutrition in the color spectrum. ​

• ​2 cups Grated/Shredded Squash...without seeds of course
• ​Add 2 eggs
• 1/2 Teas Herb combo of your favorites  to create; Basil, Chives,  Dill, Parsley, Italian Mix
• 2 Minced Garlic Cloves
• ​1/4 Teas Red Pepper Flakes
• Stir and cook in coconut oil
• ​Sprinkle with Sea Salt
• ​Serve with Fresh Avocado, tomatoes or salsa

Traveling to commitments offers a very real snack adventure.  In the Pacific Northwest Natural Grocers has become a favorite stop to quench the thirst, grab some munchies, while staying on the healthier track. The brand is nationwide with a lovely selection of organic fruits and vegetables. We recently hit the trail from Spokane Washington where the selection slightly varies to Whitefish Montana and even has a beautiful demo classroom kitchen. 
We often search for a few specific ingredients to be included in our snacks, Turmeric, Ginger, Lemon, Sea Salt, Fresh Fruit, , raw nuts and something that may trigger personal growth or learning.

This visit a book nearly jumped off the shelf as I walked by called "The Myth of Stress" by Andrew Bernstein, his title focus  "Where Stress Really comes from and how to live a happier & healthier life."  The back cover includes praise comments by Mark Hyman M.D.; Aaron T beck MD, founder of Cognitive Therapy, Kathleen DesMaisons Ph.D author of "Potatoes Not Prozac".

Well, with many life challenges we all go through, who doesn't have stress in their daily life, I certainly am not exempt..so the book went in the bag and joined my lovely collection to enjoy more then once. Thank you; Natural Grocers for being a well rounded store.