Category Archives: Food

Health Coach…or Food Therapist?

Yesterday I was in the middle of telling someone what I do when she looked at me brightly, smiled, and said “Oh! You’re a Food Therapist!”

It hit me like a lightning bolt because while I’ve never called myself a food therapist, it’s a really descriptive title that I think explains itself. A lot of what I do as a health coach (or wellness coach) is to help people reconnect their head with their belly. I help to identify which recurrent thoughts or false beliefs may be standing in the way of a healthy relationship with food. And that sounds like just what a food therapist would do!

The people who seek me out for coaching or counseling (or therapy!), are people who aren’t satisfied with the way food is working in their life. Something needs to shift and food seems to be at the epicenter of their discontent. Often through our sessions we discover some other itch that needs scratching. Together, we connect the dots among issues that don’t appear to be related…until we discover what ties them together.

There are some common themes that emerge in coaching, but what I love most about what I do is that each and every person is unique. Each person has a story that unfolds as we come to trust one another, and through that story we’re able to find the roots of discontent and the path to peace.

Sometimes the path we walk is simply educational; there are lessons to be learned about calories and nutrients and portions and techniques. Sometimes it’s emotional; food has become the stimulant or anesthesia of choice to avoid authentic feelings. Sometimes it’s spiritual, with insights emerging from deep within. At its best it’s all three.

I can’t imagine loving any work more than this. I wake up energized and fall asleep fulfilled. Call me a health coach, a wellness coach, a food therapist, a teacher, or a guide – whichever resonates with you. But call me if you feel something nudging you to do so.

Years ago, I fell in love with this quote  – “When the student is ready, the guide will appear.”

If you’re ready, I’m here,

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Buffalo Chicken Wraps (a Healthy Superbowl Appetizer)

It’s almost game time, so here’s one more healthy idea for your Superbowl party! Everyone seems to love Buffalo Chicken ANYTHING so this wrap gives you all that goodness in a slightly healthier way than you’d get with, say, wings.

I think the key to getting through parties like the ones you’ll be attending on Sunday without feeling guilty and overstuffed is to make sure there’s something SUBSTANTIAL in the mix. You want one or more heartier appetizers that can serve as a meal (like this one) or else you want to anchor the party with a big pot of soup, or chili, or a slow cooker of pulled pork like I shared last week. Without those in the mix, it’s too easy to graze all afternoon on chips and dips and sweets and to end up feeling a little off kilter having consumed too many calories without any real nourishment.

This little number solves the conundrum for you because it’s hearty enough to be a meal, but still feels like fun finger food that you want at a party. You’re welcome.

 

Buffalo Chicken Wrap Appetizer

 

serves: 8

 

Ingredients:

2 teaspoons olive oil

1/2 cup onion, finely diced

1 clove garlic, minced

1/2 cup celery, thinly sliced

1 pound ground chicken

1 tablespoon ranch dressing mix

1/2 cup hot sauce (we like Frank’s Red Hot)

16 small (fajita size) whole grain wraps

light ranch dressing for dipping

 

Directions:

1. Heat olive oil over medium heat. Saute the onions and celery until soft, 3-5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more. Add ground chicken, ranch dressing, and a dash of salt and pepper. Cook chicken until no longer pink. Spoon off any grease.

2. Add hot sauce to pan. Reduce heat to low and simmer for a couple of minutes to allow the flavors to blend.

3. Spoon a couple of tablespoons of chicken into wraps and roll tightly. Wraps can be served at this point or you can heat for 10 -15 minutes on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray in a 375 degree oven until lightly browned and heated through.

4. Serve with ranch dressing and extra hot sauce for dipping.

Note: If you’re a bleu cheese person when it comes to buffalo chicken, then omit the ranch dressing mix and add a tablespoon of blue cheese instead when you’re making the wraps.  Serve with extra blue cheese dressing on the side instead of Ranch.

 

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Simple Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork

With the Superbowl fast approaching I thought you might appreciate a chili alternative. While it’s always safe to serve fan favorites, changing things up will make your party more memorable. On game day your guests will be looking for something hearty to go with all the snacks and this is a great option.

This recipe is ridiculously easy and actually quite lean. Your house will smell amazing and you won’t need to spend all day in the kitchen..unless of course you’re whipping up a full buffet of fancy snacks to go with this!

The pork shreds beautifully and is so moist you’ll never know it hasn’t been slow cooking in a smoker all day. (Just don’t tell my husband that because his smoker is his new favorite toy and I promise you he would swear that he could tell the difference).

Other party benefits? You can make this in advance and reheat it on the day you’re serving it and you can easily double the recipe for a bigger crowd.

 

Simple Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork

 

serves 8

 

Ingredients:

2 pounds pork tenderloin, trimmed of excess fat

1 – 12 oz. beer (or root beer if you’d prefer – really)

1 – 18 oz. bottle of your favorite barbecue sauce

 

 

Directions:

1. Place the pork tenderloin in your slow cooker and pour your beer over the pork. Cover and cook on the low setting for 6 hours or until the pork shreds easily with a fork.

2. Drain and discard the liquid. Using two forks, shred the pork and return it to the slow cooker. Add the barbecue sauce and stir well to combine. Serve immediately or keep warm in the slow cooker until ready to serve.

3. Serve on little whole what slider buns with coleslaw for an adorable party presentation. How cute is that photo??

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