Herbed Tomato & Cucumber Salad

Carrie Sink Recipes , , , , , , , , , , , 0 Comment
Fresh Summertime Veggies-the “Greek” Way

There’s just nothing like FRESH tomatoes from the garden,  juicy red, full of FLAVOR…YUM!

This salad is so refreshing in the summer. It makes a great addition to a meal and is very refreshing as a snack.

Olive oil is a wonderful healthy fat so drizzling it over your fresh vegetables helps get your fat intake for the day! Fresh oregano tastes amazing on this dish, however you can use dried. (Did you know oregano is the BEST anti-fungal we have on this earth?!)

Smooth Cool Tropical Delight “Ice Cream”

Carrie Sink Holistic Nutrition, Recipes , , , , , , , , , , 0 Comment
Looking for a cool, delicious summertime treat?!

This one is dairy free, reminds you of a tropical island and is so so refreshing!  I made this for guests one evening and it was a hit!

This dish contains NO ADDED sugar making it a great option for a snack or dessert or even a breakfast treat!

Bonus tip: add chia seeds and a handful of greens for extra health benefits! (However if you do add greens, it will loose the pretty color.)

*You can also freeze this in a container to eat later.

RECIPE UPDATE: I used strawberries in place of the pineapple and boy was it good!

10 Things To Do When You’re Having A Rough Day

Carrie Sink Gut Health, Healthy Lifestyle, Holistic Nutrition , , , , , , 0 Comment

Bad days. Hard days. Rough days. We ALL have them. Sometimes there are seasons of life that they seem to appear more than we would like.  On some of those days, we handle it like a pro. Practicing our grateful attitude, staying on track and making choices that benefit us. Then there are those days that we just can’t seem to get it together.

What I’ve learned through a difficult season of my life is that we HAVE TO acknowledge where we are at and we MUST give ourselves grace during this period. Chances are the rough patch will pass and we will come through it with new growth.

So for this one particular day when you’re finding it hard to keep a positive mindset, read through this list. Pick one (or more) things and DO IT. It’s not a guarantee to fix things BUT it will give your mind a break and you will possibly find yourself just a little bit happier! 🙂

  1. Turn happy music on, loud.
  2. Let the sun from a window pour over you.
  3. Make yourself a fancy drink.
  4. Only speak in a pleasant tone. Sarcasm is OK.
  5. Take a break from social media.
  6. Laugh. A lot. Laugh really loud.
  7. Take a walk. Run outside through the sprinkler. Blow bubbles.
  8. Smile big for no reason. Even if it feels annoying.
  9. Read a story. Play with your kids.
  10. Make something. Bake. Get crafty.

I want to hear from YOU!! What things do you do when you’re having a rough day? 

Blueberry Baked Oatmeal {Gluten Free}

Carrie Sink Recipes , , , , 0 Comment

One of my favorite old time breakfast meals. A twist on the traditional bowl of oatmeal.

I have been loving oats lately. They are a great source of fiber, B vitamins, protein (5-7 grams in 1/2 cup) and antioxidants. Plus it is very filling. I get on my egg and smoothie kick and tend to forget about oatmeal which is a great breakfast choice. (Or a snack like these delicious cookies)

To make this DAIRY FREE:

  • replace butter with coconut oil, melted.
  • replace raw milk with your favorite dairy alternative: almond, cashew or coconut

*Use CERTIFIED GLUTEN FREE OATS to ensure your oats are gluten free. (Naturally oats are but they are usually processed in a facility with wheat which can result in cross contamination).

*Avoid using quick oats which are highly processed, loosing vitamins, fiber and minerals. Rolled oats are your best option here.

If you practice food combining, this recipe is still delicious without the blueberries. You can also add bananas as well.

3 Healthier Drink Options To Buy At Your Grocery

Carrie Sink Holistic Nutrition , , , , , , , , 0 Comment
Healthier Drink Options To Go!

Today we are talking about drink options when you’re out and about.

One of the important things to look at when buying a bottled drink is the sugar content.  Most contain WAY more than we need. Growing up as a Pepsi girl, when I started my health journey I had to say bye-bye to that one. Nowadays when I drink something besides water it could be coffee, healthy lemonade, green juice or kombucha. (Although still working on loving the last one;) It works great if you can make your drinks at home and take with you, however that is not always an option, so today I am sharing three drinks you can pick up at your grocery that I have personally tried and liked.

Suja juices: these are fantastic. Organic, cold pressed. This is a brand I recommend if you can’t make your own. They have different flavors and I personally love the green ones. This company has also come out with many new varieties recently. Side note: The thing about juicing is while it is a great nutrient boost, relief for our digestive system, etc;  it can also be unhealthy. If you juice mostly fruit, the sugar content will be high. Much more than we need. Since the fiber from the fruit is not there, it will be a sugar rush to our system. (Which is why I prefer smoothies or blending the fruit) Look at your ingredients and choose wisely. Click to learn more.

Bolthouse Farms-1915 Organic: This brand can often times be on sale at our grocery and I will occasionally pick one up. Although I prefer the Suja, this one is another good choice. Once again, check the sugar content.

Kombucha: This is a drink I have had a hard time coming to really like. It is a great option if you are craving something fizzy & carbonated. It also contains probiotics which are good for our gut. Kombucha can also contain high amounts of sugar. The one pictured above has 2 grams per serving, which is super!

There are many bottled drink options available. Just remember when you are buying them to check your labels. Stay away from the ones filled with sugar, artificial flavors & colors, preservatives and other unnecessary crap. 

I want to hear from you: WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE BOTTLED DRINKS?!

Healthy Oatmeal Breakfast Muffins

Carrie Sink Recipes , , , , 1 Comment
Nutritious Oatmeal Muffins-Perfect to grab and go!

Who wants something nutritious AND delicious to grab as they are on their way out the door?! Whether you want to eat them for breakfast, or take them to a brunch, or snack on one in the afternoon, whatever your hearts desire may be: These muffins are a wonderful choice!

Rolled oats, ground flax & the applesauce provide an excellent source of fiber which is essential in keeping your digestive system moving. You can change up the flavor by adding different little things to your mixture. Chocolate anyone?

One of the more common things I hear with people is not having/making the time to eat breakfast. Having these in the refrigerator to grab and go is perfect!

Notes:

  • These muffins with coconut cream & blueberries on top are yummy!
  • Check your oats to make sure they are certified gluten free. Naturally oats are, but they usually are packaged in a facility that also processes wheat and can have some cross contamination.
  • Cinnamon sprinkled on top is absolutely delicious.
  • If you let these cool in the fridge overnight, they will be less likely to stick to the liner.
  • You can add a handful of chocolate chips as a treat. I like this brand.
  • I think you could add some protein powder in place of the oats but I have not personally tried this.

 

My Favorite Digestive Supplements + A GIVEAWAY!

Carrie Sink Constipation, Gut Health, Healthy Lifestyle, Holistic Nutrition , , , , , , , 8 Comments
Digestive Supplements + A GIVEAWAY

Today I am talking to you about supplements that I personally use to amp up my digestion! I’m also excited to host a giveaway of 2 products I use and love!  But first I would like to define the meaning of the word supplement as I am using it in this particular blog post. That definition is: “something that enhances something else when added to it.” 

As you know, digestive health is a big focus in my health coaching practice. Time and time again it is proven to us that having a healthy gut is crucial to our well being. As Hippocrates once said, “All disease begins in the gut.”

Now while I am a big believer in keeping your gut in tip top shape by nourishing it with proper foods, I also know that sometimes we need a little extra help and most everyone can benefit from taking a probiotic on a regular basis. {This post is specifically talking about supplements, not the food/nutrition side of a healthy gut.}

Here are 3 of my favorites digestive aids:

  • Probiotic: Our gut needs “good bacteria” to thrive. Probiotics can be consumed as fermented foods. That being said, most people do not get enough of these foods in their diet which is why I recommend taking a probiotic. Daily if you are in the healing stage; every other day if you are in the maintenance stage. This is a brand I have tried and like.
  • Essential oils: Ginger, peppermint, fennel, lavender & coriander are a few that benefit your digestion. For the days when maybe you have overindulged, or accidentally ate something that doesn’t agree with you. I carry a blend with me when I travel that really helps soothe my belly. It’s easy for your stomach to get “off” when you travel and this oil helps with that. (Side Note: I do not sell or advocate for just one brand of oils. There are several good companies that I trust and personally use a variety of brands. Find one that works for you. Research it and buy from a local distributor if possible.)
  • Ginger Tea: has soothing properties which are good for an upset stomach and can help relieve nausea.

GIVEAWAY TIME:

What: 1 bottle of PB8 Probiotic and 1 bottle of DigestZen from doTERRA

How to enter: Comment & Share! Share your favorite color in the comment box below and send a copy of this blog post to a friend who you think could also benefit from these 2 amazing products!

Deadline: sweepstakes end Thursday (23rd) at 6:00 p.m. (CST)

Winner: CONGRATULATIONS LINDSEY WOLF!! Your name was chosen! Please contact me via email to claim your prize!

 

Smoothie Cups {Recipe}

Carrie Sink Recipes , , , , , , , , , , , , 0 Comment
“I need an easy, delicious, healthy & quick recipe.” Sound familiar? Smoothie cups to the rescue!

The Greek yogurt in the fridge was needing to be used and my freezer contained no healthy snacks. I decided to combine my Creamy Fruit & Yogurt Bowl recipe with a smoothie to create a frozen yogurt dessert.  It turned out delicious!

Read more

Chocolate Pudding Made With Real Food Ingredients

Carrie Sink Recipes , , , 0 Comment

I had a craving for chocolate pudding. From scratch. Using real food ingredients. That tasted delicious. I made this recipe, waited patiently for it to cool and sighed with delight when I tasted it! It was wonderful and tasted exactly how I hoped it would. SCORE. Now this recipe is mostly dairy free, minus the butter. However, you probably could replace the butter with coconut oil. I personally have not tried it. If you do, let me know how it turns out!

You can add whipped cream on top (use coconut cream to make it dairy free), berries, mini chocolate chips, granola, or just eat it!

 

*inspired by http://heavenlyhomemakers.com/

Thanksgiving Day Tips

Carrie Sink Gut Health, Healthy Lifestyle, Holistic Nutrition , , , , 1 Comment
Thanksgiving! Family, friends, food, laughter.
vegetables-1695831_1920

Love this time of year! Our Thanksgiving day usually consists of a big family get together with lots of eating, laughing, games & fun. It is so easy to over indulge on this day but I’ve got a few tips for you!  For me, it’s important to enjoy the day without feeling guilty about what I should or shouldn’t be eating. Use that day as your “moderation” and enjoy it to the fullest. That being said, consider taking smaller portions and pass on the foods that you don’t really love. It’s just not worth it to be super full! Being the guest, you can’t control what’s being served. However, if you are participating in the menu, plan to bring a dish that is healthy but still delicious. I love making a healthy cranberry sauce or this fall apple salad as a side dish.

Tips for a successful Thanksgiving for you and your body!
  • Eat plenty of leafy greens, broths & veggies during the week. Skip the sugar, you will probably get enough of that on Thursday. 🙂
  • Eat a balanced breakfast & snacks leading up the the “feast”. Include protein & healthy fats. This will help you balance those blood sugar levels which will in turn keep you from reaching that crazy hunger and ultimately keep you from overeating.
  • Take a 20-30 minute walk or include some sort of movement after your meal.  This will stimulate digestion and make you feel better especially if you ate just a little too much.                                                                           
  • Chew Your Food. Put down your fork after each bite.  Chewing breaks your food down from larger particles into smaller ones that are more easily digested. This will help our digestive system out tremendously.
  • Drink plenty of water or hot herbal tea throughout the day. 
  • Take a digestive enzyme  before your meal with some water. An enzyme will assist the body in breaking down proteins and sugars. I use this one.
  • Have fun, be thankful, enjoy!! This day is about thanksgiving, love, family, gratefulness. Enjoy!

Happy Thanksgiving!