As I arrive in NYC for work this morning, waiting patiently on the jetway since we arrived ahead of schedule, I think about food. So much good food in this town, I'm even attending a show on the future of food; but I sit here in awe of the lack of real food the every day consumer has access to...especially when traveling!

Based in my experiences, here is a short list of must haves when on the go or traveling:
1. Water bottle - take your own empty one, you never know when you will be able to get one or how much it may cost (literally $5+ in many airport kiosks).
2. Fruit - apples are my fave travel fruit, but bananas, grapes, berries are also easy on the go.
3. Granola bars or nuts - whatever your preference, throw some packs of prepacked, solid protein sources in your bag. You won't regret it!
4. Chocolate - my fave travel snack. One good 70%+ bar of chocolate will last a week when you have those sugar cravings or need a pick me up.
5. Tea - this is one I seem to forget, and miss, the most when traveling. Any restaurant will gladly give you or cup of hot water for minimal cost, easy to get on the plane or in the hotel...it's a great way to unwind and feel at home with a cup of your favorite hot tea.

Summertime trips are memories in the making, enjoy every moment! But don't forget your self care should still come first. Happy travels!!

The best $10 I spend each week at the grocery is for a loaf of gluten free bread/raisin bread and a bag of avocados.  Use half an avocado on a piece of toast and top with a little pink salt and red pepper flakes, if desired.  This yields at least 8 meals or snacks - that's $1.25 each!  It's the fastest, cheapest and healthiest breakfast out there.  

Why avocado for breakfast?  According to Dr. Axe, avocados make a filling addition to any meal or snack, while providing nutritious heart-healthy fats, about half your day’s fiber, folate, vitamin A, potassium and more. It's packed full of essential nutrients, avocado benefits include improved heart health, hormone balance, better digestive health and so much more.  (read more here: https://draxe.com/avocado-benefits/)

No doubt you've dieted or are on a diet right now.  We all have!  The thing about diets is that you and me, we are not a diet, we are real people living real lives.  We do not fit in someone else's bubble of what may work for their body, we are not meant to fit there.  So stop the diet roller coasters and start deciding to eat real food.  

What is REAL FOOD?  One of my fave real food authors is Michael Pollan.  He says, "If it came from a plant, eat it; if it was made in a plant, don't."  So simple!  Eat real foods like broccoli and bananas.  Don't eat processed chemical cocktails like soda and cereal.  Now, I am a realist and know you cannot always have and don't always want fresh produce. Next step, read labels!  If you cannot pronounce more than three ingredients, don't buy it.  Don't even bring it home where you and your family will be tempted to eat it.

Chemical addiction is real, and it's not just in illegal drugs...it's in our food.  Big agriculture is not out to keep you healthy, it's out to make a profit - unfortunately, it's at your demise.  Recognize it, accept it, and choose not to support it.  You will feel and look better once you choose to add in real food.  Your body will thank you, I guarantee!

Gratitude is the knowing that you have much to be thankful for.  

When you walk through life with a confident faith and unwavering hope, who can be against you?  Struggles and storms are opportunities to learn and share your knowledge with others. Gifts and "luck" show up in your life as a gentle reminder of the protective hand that guides you.

This is why, at the beginning of the day, I ask for guidance and endurance to drop the "self," walk through storms, speak boldly, and live in truth.  And at the end of the day, I give thanks for the help I was given, the gifts and blessings that were delivered and am generous to those in need and those who supported me along the way.

Tip: Keep a notebook under your bed and title it "Gratitude Journal." Spend a few minutes at the end of each day writing what gifts, blessings and struggles you have to be thankful for.  Go to sleep focused on the good in your life, it will change you.