French toast was always something I enjoyed as a kid. Whether my mom made it at home or ordering it out to breakfast, it was always a treat! Being a health coach & having been on my own wellness journey, I always try to make my favorite recipes healther. Here is my take on traditional french toast that has less sugar, sprouted bread & more fruit! It's sure to be a weekend favorite! Enjoy :) Sprouted Superfood French Toast serves 3 people-2 pieces each ingredients -6 slices of

As we kick 2015 into full throttle, many of us are making new years resolutions & talking about what we want to do different this year. The NEW year is a great time for change, a great time for rebirth, and a great time to get into a new groove. Many people, including myself get amped up in the resolution-making and end up with goals that are too lofty to achieve. Knowing that everything is a process and that small victories lead to large goals, I invite you behind the scenes

I don't know about you, but from time to time I get burnt out on smoothies. I love the way they make me feel, but sometimes I'm looking for more excitement on the home-front. I recently had fresh juice at my friend Annette's while preparing for our Gypsy Sisters 7-day detox this Sunday & it had organic orange juice, kale, ginger & strawberries. It made me feel alive! I've adapted it into a tasty smoothie that is velvety, tasty, high in vitamin c & will get some pep in your st

My journey as a health coach as been amazingly fulfilling in so many ways. I am filled with pride and great joy as I watch my clients set & achieve their goals of health and happiness. I few months ago I received a message from my friend Kimo, owner of True Body Fitness, letting me know there was a couple that he wanted to refer. This wonderful couple became my clients & I am ecstatic with the progress they are making. I believe they are able to make this progress because the

This simple and delicious recipe is perfect for fall. I was brainstorming about exciting toppings and spreads for toast while walking around Whole Foods one day. I really enjoy both of these flavors separately, so I decided to try the together. The end product is a winner friends! I've served this Pumpkin Peanut Butter Toast at a few breakfast pop-ups and guests loved it! I hope you do too! ingredients: pumpkin puree peanut butter raisins shredded coconut directions: 1) mix e

Use what you have in the fridge or garden to make this healthy, refreshing & cool soup! Be creative and use heirloom tomatoes. Your soup will take on a brand new hue. Kitchen Sink Gazpacho I created the recipe below for a cooking class I did for Keep Growing Detroit's Garden Resource Program. The topic was how to get the most out of your garden, especially what we get an abundance of. Gazpacho is quick, delicious & uses up a lot of the veggies we usually have so much of that

Over the weekend I offered a talk on sugar, aptly named SUGAR HIGH! It was at the lovely D:HIVE down town. We talked about history, science, cravings, other names for sugar, how to curb the craving and more. I gave a handout that I would be happy to email to you if you ask here: iamnaturallyempowered@gmail.com ---------------------------------------- Here are some other interesting articles, infographics, etc. that I pulled from for the lecture. SUGAR- National Geographic SUG

Last month I began a collaboration with Naomi Gold of Midtown Yoga Shelter. BE WELL (whole, empowered & loving life). Our aim with this workshop was to bridge the gap between the mind and body, to find the wholeness inside of ourselves & allow our joy to radiate out. It starts out with an hour long session of empowering yoga du jour, followed by healthy snacks & a 75 minute fun & interactive lecture about health & wellness both by yours truly. With 3 sessions down and one to

I recently had the chance to share my story with a lovely friend & photographer, Ksenija Savic, who does such a beautiful job capturing the essence & passion of life through her lens & blog ( i want to know YOUR story). I shared my story with Kesn & this talented lady helped me bring it to you. When we share our stories, it makes us vulnerable. It opens our hearts, makes us more compassionate & relatable. It breaks down barriers. See Kesn's beautiful website, her blog post ab

Many salsa recipes call for canned tomatoes, so winter is a perfect time to experiment with these 2 recipes. Salsa is a creative way to spice up any meal. Put it over rice and veggies, on your breakfast scramble or sandwich, mix it into soups, use as dressing for a protein-rich salad. If you make it and share it, people will talk about it and ask for more! SALSA PICANTE ingredients 1 large tomato 1 can of crushed tomatoes (28oz) 1/2 c chopped onion 1 fresh jalapeno (seeds and

CARROT CAKE TRUFFLES My friend Marta brought a version of these over for a ladies potluck we do once a month. They are a decadent treat that is packed full of whole foods & nutrients. Quick & fun to make. Great recipe to make with kids! ​ ​ingredients 1/2 c chopped carrots 1/2 c chopped figs, dates, prunes, raisins 1/4 c pumpkin seeds 2 tbs shredded coconut 2 tbs oats 1/2 tsp cinnamon ​directions 1) Chop carrots & dried fruit (so it's easier for the food processor to blend)

MOCK SALMON PATE About a year ago, I had a mock salmon test kitchen. I tried a handful of different recipes and took the best of all of them to make this one. It's delicious, filling and packed with nutrients. I have a hard time planning what I will eat the next day, but this recipe is much better if the almonds are soaked overnight. Spoon the pate onto crackers or cucumbers, on top of salad or in a sandwich. Super versatile. Let me know your ideas! ​ ​ingredients 1tsp salt

Since we've started Detroit Gypsy Kitchen, we've done many pop-ups. MANY. We've been in bars, museums, yoga studios, office buildings & more. But office buildings have been the most interesting because not only because we meet so many interesting people but because there is a platform for learning and education. The higher-ups know that a healthy team not only means more efficient work but lower health care costs & a happier work place. We recently blogged about a cooking dem

A HOME AND A NEW FAMILY!!! We've been working on this space for a long time and finally, finally we're in! But we're not in alone. We have a new family called Detroit Cooks! We've moved into the Hannan Cafe @ The Hannan House in Detroit: 4750 Woodward. We will be having events, dinner for pick-up, cooking classes and workshops too! Check out the facebook page and meet the rest of the fam! We're having an open house at the end of the month. Check back for all the yummy details

Puerta Verde Retreat, Costa Rica, May 2014...let's go! Although okra stew is really exciting when it's THIS cold out, even more exciting is retreating to Costa Rica. As some of you know, in addition to cooking & health coaching I am also a yoga teacher. I have been invited to teach yoga & wellness workshop with some of the regions most influential health leaders and natural practitioners in one of the best places in the world! The question is...whose coming with me?! ADD PURA

I have used this recipe many times for brunches with friends & around detroit for pop-ups and catering. Every time, rave reviews. These patties are pretty easy, packed with protein & have a really intricate flavor profile. The mesquite powder really takes them to the next level. Great as a side or (my fav) in a breakfast sandwich. TEMPEH BREAKFAST PATTIES ingredients 8 ounces tempeh, cut in half enough water to cover tempeh in pan (save water for mixing) 1 tsp better than

I was recently featured as a guest blogger on the WELLNESS WONDERLAND & I shared my tried and true PESTO recipe. It is one of the most versatile items you can keep in your kitchen, especially when you want to throw something together really quick. It keeps for a week and if I can be frank, when it's on hand, I use it with every meal! To read my guest blog click here. If you want the quick version, read on! Some news! I'm so excited to announce that I've started my journey as

Let me introduce you to Naturally Empowered. The health coach in the family. DGK loves to feed you and be social and bug you to come to events on facebook. Naturally Empowered is here to feed you in a different way. To give you the tools you need to feel your very best. To help you nourish yourself from the inside out. This type of health coaching goes beyond food and touches on the mind and body for the most holistic approach to wellness. Naturally Empowered exists because w

Instead of a resolution, how about an intention? Instead of a diet, how about a lifestyle change? We don't need to set ourselves up for failure, but be supportive of our nature. Let's get to know ourselves. If we've broken a 'resolution', we haven't given up. Tomorrow is for getting up & trying again. Let's resolve to live with intention. Intention will never fail, because each new moment, breath, pulse, is another chance to be what we seek. Go get 'em. ​DELICIOUS LENTIL SOUP

Last week I did a cooking class for Detroit Venture Partners as a team building exercise. We tried out the 3 dishes below which were received well by the mostly omnivore crowd. We talked health, food & nutrition. About not having time to cook, eating the unhealthy food our kids eat & not having inspiration to cook for one. We discussed how when we cook our own food is it more nourishing, that we know exactly whats in it & how it can be fun and relaxing. In the hour & a half