I’m not going to lie, this is LITERALLY my favorite vegetable recipe and one of the most popular ones in my Living Fully {Spring & Summer} E-Cookbook (to purchase and get the bonus clean cocktail guide, click HERE). Every spring + summer, when the asparagus, carrots and snap peas are in season, this recipe goes on repeat. It’s so easy to make, holds up well in the fridge, is great with the addition of fresh greens underneath, eggs or smoked salmon over top, with a touch of quinoa or even in a Pho soup. I highly recommend doubling the recipe and planning to eat it all week! And note for new mommas: the soft carrots and asparagus tops are great for baby led weaning!

 

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 bunch organic carrots, peeled and cut in half lengthwise then horizontal
• 1 lbs. organic snap peas, ends trimmed
• 1 bunch organic asparagus, woody ends broken off, cuti n half horizontal/at diagonal
• 3 Tbsp. organic grass-fed butter (or organic, cold-pressed avocado or olive oil)
• 1 Tbsp. minced garlic
• 2 Tbsp. fresh dill, chopped
• 1 small jar of peppadew peppers, sliced into rings (okay to omit) OR Mama’s Lil Peppers
• 1 jar/can of oil soaked artichoke hearts, liquid drained
• 1 small jar of green (manzanilla) olives, sliced
• Sea salt + pepper to taste

 

DIRECTIONS:

1. Fill a large pot half full with water and bring to a boil. Also, prepare a large bowl with ice water in the sink. In the meantime, prepare the vegetables – peel + chop carrots, trim snap peas and chop asparagus. Slice the peppadew peppers + olives, set aside.
2. Once boiling, add carrots to water and blanch for 5 minutes (set a timer for 2 minutes). When timer goes off, add snap peas and asparagus, then reset timer for another 2 minutes. {If you like your asparagus less al dente – recommended for babies – add asparagus first for 2 minutes, set timer, then when it goes off, add snap peas for another 2 minutes). Remove all from water and add to ice bath to cool.
3. While vegetables are cooling, add butter or oil to a skillet to melt. Then add garlic and dill, sautéing for 1 minute (until garlic is golden brown). Season with sea salt + pepper.
4. Strain the vegetables then add to a large serving bowl. Add garlic dill sauce, peppers, olives and artichokes. Add more dill and lemon wedges for a garnish.

 

If you like this recipe, please share the love! And to make sure you never miss a recipe, signature workout, healthy living tips or motherhood support + inspiration, be sure to sign up for my newsletter HERE.

In celebration of Summer coming just around the corner, I’ve got a special gift for you today: a free 7-day meal plan, complete with grocery list AND 12 mouth-watering recipes {like my famous Bon Dia Muffins, Chicken Lettuce Wraps With A Drinkable Peanut Sauce, Spicy Vegetable Noodles With A Cilantro-Jalapeno Pistou & more!}. I’m so excited for you to try it.   DOWNLOAD THE FREE MEAL PLAN HERE! And the Grocery List here.   All of the recipes included within this meal plan come straight from my Living Fully E-Cookbook, that contains over 50 seasonal spring + summer recipes for breakfast, lunch, brunch, and dinner. All a perfect fit for enjoying on your patio or taking to whatever BBQ’s + social events you have planned (because we can start to do that again, yay!).  If you love the recipes in the free meal plan, you can purchase the FULL E-COOKBOOK HERE. Here’s a sampling of recipes that are included: Shaved Fennel + Radish Salad with Quinoa, Avocado + Pumpkin Seeds New Age Cobb Salad Cold Soba Noodle Salad with Julienned Cucumber, Radish + Carrot Garlic-Dill Vegetable Anti-Pasto Salad Lamb Meatballs with Fresh Mint + Feta Salty + Satisfying Smoked Salmon Brunchin’ Salad Caramelized Grapefruit with Ginger-Pistachio Crumble Hearty Potato + Summer Vegetable Frittata Vegetable Noodles with to-die-for fresh sauces like Cilantro-Jalapeno Pistou, Fresh Pesto, Creamy Beet Pesto and a Basil + Pea Puree Summer Glow Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing Broccoli Waldorf Jasmine Rice with Toasted Pine Nuts + Chives Homemade, Rich Bone Broth Creamy Coconut Cream + Pumpkin Soup Swiss Chard, Bell Pepper and Caramelized Onion Quesadilla Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Drinkable Peanut Sauce Choco-Banana Cookie Bites MOjo Coffee: my version of bulletproof coffee (an amazing morning ritual) “Cous-Cous” Salad with Mint + Radish All recipes in the e-cookbook are gluten-free and adjustable to be dairy-free + vegetarian. They’re designed to be simple and are loaded with seasonal vegetables that energetically lighten you and nourish your body from the inside-out.   Grab your copy of the Living Fully E-Cookbook HERE! Let’s be real – summer is one of the BEST times of year. It’s also one of the easiest times to let all the social events, trips and long sun-soaked days interfere with your best intentions to eat healthfully and feel your best. So if you LOVED the convenience of the done-for-you meal plan & grocery list, I have even better news – to simplify and energize your summer cooking, I’ve created a 6-week meal plan that includes the Living Fully E-Cookbook, grocery plans for every week that utilize the cookbook magic and serves up some bonus high-mileage PDFs (including: upgraded comfort food recipes, healthy bridge snack recipes, clean cocktails and pantry basics).  It’s what you got with the sample meal plan + grocery list, but 6 full weeks of that goodness, so you can think less & enjoy more.   Grab your 6-week Living Fully Meal Plan HERE. And do me a favor? I would LOVE to hear how much you loved the 7-Day Meal Plan and Recipes. Once you try it, shoot me an email (whitney @ macksmo.com) and let me know how impactful (and delicious 🙂 it was for you!

Psssst, did you hear? I’m launching my Workout Like A Woman Fitness Program {Beta Testing Group} later this month. It’s a full fitness program that includes: 35+ workouts created for YOUR FEMALE BODY & the major life seasons you go through – that make you feel damn good, every time, because they match your innate energy and capitalize on your female advantage (unlike other fitness programs out there that center male physiology). These workouts were designed to match the four different hormonal “seasons” of your female cycle during your reproductive years, plus variations for life seasons like peri- & menopause, post-menopause and when you’re on birth control. 80+ exercise video tutorials that educate you on muscles used & how to activate more effectively, video follow along workouts to help get you through harder workouts & find your flow during the seasons that need it, plus full written workout programming in PDF form. Videos that detail how to begin tracking your cycle and matching the physiologically-appropriate workouts to what your hormones are doing so that you can increase your energy, strength, radiance & body confidence. Calendar to map out & track your workouts for each cycle // month. Mantras for each workout that help you embody your feminine power and feel deeper. A great practice that allows for a more present & intuitive life. … and more!   CLICK HERE to get on the beta testing waitlist!

Happy Easter + Passover, my love!
(if you celebrate these)

I’ve written some thoughts + wishes for you around this holiday over on Instagram. I’d love for you to read them HERE.

I’m beaming in this weekend to introduce you to one of my favorite self-love practices – a Gratitude Massage – something you’re definitely going to want to incorporate – this week, and always.

This upcoming week we experience the energy of the waning moon, culminating in a New Moon in Aries on Sunday, April 11th. The waning moon is the same energy as Fall – both the outer Earth season and your inner hormonal season (the luteal phase of your cycle).

You may find yourself a bit more emotional, critical, irritable or fatigued this week as your body + spirit intentionally bring into your awareness that which may need “shedding” (like the leaves falling from the trees). Shedding is not an easy process to be sure; and it’s natural to feel resistance towards releasing habits, patterns, ways of being, relationships or thoughts that aren’t serving your highest good (but can feel more safe & like “home” than the unknown of change).

The emotions you feel are usually symptoms pointing you towards a root cause that needs examining. This could be the way you’re incorporating movement (or not), the food you’re eating, how you’re spending your time + energy, your emotional or mental landscape, where you’ve overextended yourself or things that are out of alignment with your true desires (to name a few).

We can then use the energy of the new moon to release what must be shed to aid your expansion + growth (stay tuned for a juicy, sacred intentional ritual I’m sharing later this week to do this!).

As the energy of the waning moon can intensify or bring up emotions + feelings, I’ve often found this can turn into a deeper criticism towards oneself, ones performance or one’s body. As such, this GRATITUDE MASSAGE serves as a wonderful antidote for this natural inclination.
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Most of us woman grow up having a negative relationship with our bodies. We’re taught at a very young age that they should look one specific way (skinny & small), otherwise they must be manipulated & changed by any means possible.

This creates a relationship rooted in self-loathing and/or the constant evaluation of your worth based on HOW your body looks (versus how you feel IN it). It makes you look upon your body with dissatisfaction and perpetuates low self-esteem, “never enoughness” and often keeps you stuck (because you can become hyper focused on changing your body versus living your life fully, seeking pleasure + joy and figuring out what personally & uniquely lights you up).
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I say no more, first of all. Second, beloved – you are so much more than your body (and how it looks) AND your body is your sacred home (?? @sarahjenks). If you acted on THESE beliefs, what different actions would you take to care for it? How would it change the way you speak or think about it?
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For me, this Gratitude Massage became particularly potent during my postpartum with Felix, when I began implementing it more regularly.
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It’s a powerful way to embody appreciation (a, extremely transformative emotion) for your sacred home, while standing for her worth – as she is now – and for all years & ways she (your body) has been there for you, held you up (literally) & carried you throughout your life.
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✨ Gratitude Massage ✨

WHEN: do this any time you’re putting on lotion, body oil or body butter. You can also use a luxurious salt or sugar scrub in the shower, doing this ritual then instead.

HOW:

• Start at the feet, taking your time to massage the lotion/oil in, expressing gratitude. Ex: “thank you feet for walking me thru every moment of my life”.
• Continue up the body, taking time to massage appreciate each limb // joint.

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Other Examples:
– “Thank you belly for housing my creativity & intuition.”
– “Thank you arms for holding my babies.”
– “Thank you legs for carrying me.”
– “Thank you face for expressing my joy.”

It can also be as simple as, “Thank you. I love you. I appreciate all you’ve and continue to do for me” for each body part you touch.
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When you offer appreciation in place of criticism (especially to your most “hated” places), you’ll notice the feelings you experience IN your body shift drastically. And this, quite frankly, can be the beginnings of change that ripples into every other area of your life. Cheers to that!

 

Sending you love & appreciation for your amazing body + spirit. xoxo. – W

Here are my absolute FAVORITE lotions, body oils + butters and sugar scrub:

• My All-Time Fave Body Butter: Primally Pure Almond & Vanilla Body Butter. Be sure to use my discount code (LINK HERE).
• My All-Time Fave Lotion (super light): Beauty Counter Countermatch Adaptive Body Moisturizer
• Beauty Counter Melting Body Balm
• Beauty Counter Luminous Hydrating Body Oil
• Primally Pure Body Oils – Jasmine or Blue Tansy (I like this better in the summer and/or on my arms & chest).
• Beauty Counter Sugarbuff Body Polish

*If you’re new to Beauty Counter, get 20% off your first order using the code CLEANFORALL20 and select me as your consultant!

Goal setting is a hot topic around the New Year, to be sure. And it might not surprise you to know that I’m not a big fan of the way the health, fitness or nutrition industry approach goal setting or New Year’s “resolutions”.

Here’s why:

As a woman, you’ve been brainwashed to believe that the change you desire to FEEL happens ONLY *after* you’ve reached your goals – AKA once you’ve lost that extra 10 lbs., started working out regularly, are eating right, getting enough sleep, have balanced hormones and added in more self-care…

But that’s patriarch bullsh*t designed to keep you stuck, feeling “never enough” (no matter how you look, what amount of money you make or the children // partner // home you’re blessed with) and distracted by the never-ending cycle of seeking that “perfect” body or life.

But did you know that especially when it comes to goals concerning your body, as a woman, setting linear goals just doesn’t work long-term. Why? Because physiologically, your hormones are cyclical over the course of a month and NOT the same every day (like men)!

And your hormones literally affect E.V.E.R.Y. system of your body – including energy, brain function and what we perceive as “motivation” or “progress”. So when your goals aren’t coming along as intended, the tendency is to believe there’s something wrong with YOU.

 

When the truth is, the problem lies in HOW you’re setting goals
(aka the paradigm // expectations you’re operating from).

 

FACT: as a woman, you have two distinct hormone phases of your cycle – low & high. Your low hormone phase is when you may feel momentum & energy building towards a linear goal, but come your high hormone phase, your body PHYSICALLY and MENTALLY requires a shift in how you exercise, work, eat, sleep, mother & live. Meaning: you can *still* work towards your goals, but the WAY in which you do it must adjust to your hormones in order for your motivation, progress & energy to not wane.

This shift also requires goals that are connected to something more MEANINGFUL than aesthetics or materials. You can desire to shift these areas of your life 100%, but if there’s no deeper meaning attached, you’ll soon lose “motivation” because half of your hormone cycle calls you into discernment of that which matters most and is in line with your true desires.

So instead of setting a goal like “I want to lose 10 lbs.”, TRY THIS: imagine what being 10 lbs. lighter FEELS like.

• What do you imagine you’d be doing?
• How would you adorn yourself?
• What self-image // beliefs would shift or be different?

That FEELING is your real goal. And once you are clear on the feeling, you can start taking small actions to feel that way RIGHT NOW, not after you’ve lost the weight.

No strings or New Year, New You // Whole30 // 30 Day Workout Challenge attached. ??

And that’s the WHOLE point, isn’t it? To FEEL amazing – and specifically, how you deeply desire, in all areas of your life

Focusing on the feeling also allows for flexibility and redirection when something you’re currently doing isn’t working. It makes space for grace and truly tuning into your cyclical body’s changing needs.

Want to learn more about goal setting for your female physiology so you can begin to feel how you desire RIGHT. NOW?

I’m hosting a free online workshop TOMORROW, Monday, 1.11 at 11am PST, that will walk you through this process, step-by-step {join here!}.

In this workshop, you’ll learn a new way of goal setting that is designed
to work WITH the needs & hormones of your female body, not against them.
And the best part, it’s FUN, simple and it WORKS –
no matter what life or hormone season you’re in.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN
(details on how to join via Zoom will be emailed to you).

OH! And one more thing – there’s a NEW MOON on Tuesday that perfectly supports this revolutionary way of setting goals. WHY? New moons signify new beginnings. They’re the perfect time to set intentions and plant seeds of desire for the upcoming cycle.

So you’ll be energetically supported in gaining clarity AND taking action. When you sign up, you’ll also receive a FREE handout on Creating The Life You Desire which breaks down this process step-by-step for future use. If you’re IN (for the LIVE or recorded workshop), click HERE.

Have you been feeling the “extra” this week? A little extra tired and emotional? Or that everything in your life and around you is feeling extra too – a little heavier, a little more overwhelming or “too much”? While this “season” of life certainly lends itself to these feelings, the Super New Moon in Libra happening today is amplifying all of it (plus we have 5 planets in retrograde adding fuel to this fire).

As women, we’re taught to keep it all together, all the time. To not be too emotional and not rest when we feel tired, or until our to-do list is complete (which, by the way is like never, right?!). We’re also taught that when things get hard or overwhelming to just put our heads down & keep going (generally at the expense of our own health, mental & well-being). But culminating with this new moon and continuing for the rest of 2020, you are being called to actually FEEL what’s coming up and WITNESS it. No more pretending you can do it all or that you are “fine”. No more pushing through or pushing stuff down.

Truth be told, we are at a reckoning. And I’m not just talking in the realms of political, social justice or health. ALL of your toxic beliefs, patterns, traumas and ways of being + doing are being brought to the surface because it’s time to decide if the way you’re living & working, the thoughts you have and actions you’re taking are in alignment with who you want to BE and in service to your highest, true self.

We – you and me – are being called to get in right relationship with OURSELVES so that we can change the world. It starts with me, starts with you, then moves outwards to our families, then our communities and into the world. Because TRUTH: if we don’t look at our own shit, we honestly can’t make the impact that we were born to; and we are unable to stand in our full power (which is exactly what’s needed if we hope to change the world). That’s just how it works. It’s hard, it’s necessary for growth and rebirth and – never forget, you can do hard things.

The thing I love about new moons is that they signal beginnings (it’s the start of a new moon cycle) and bring us “the medicines of darkness“. I want you to remember that while we are certainly moving toward a place of culmination in our world (at least politically speaking), new beginnings are happening all the time. And you always possess the ability to decide where & what you put your energy + attention towards.

And so today, or sometime this weekend, I am calling you inwards. Asking you to take this potent opportunity of necessary shedding of “the old & no longer needed” (remember: the new moon is the same energy as bleeding within our menstrual cycle) and then set an intention for the upcoming month cycle that directs your energy and attention towards expressing your true self & stepping into your highest power.

xoxo. – W

{For more information on this particular Libra New Moon, I highly, HIGHLY recommend reading THIS blog post by the Moon Deck. Reading the insight this new moon sheds on our feelings is like taking a big breath of fresh air & knowing that you’re not alone, you’re not crazy AND you deserve tending. It also has a great NEW MOON RITUAL to do for the next two weeks}.

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – 

MOON MEDICINE: Every new and full moon, I pull a card from my Moon Deck oracle set. Each card has a mantra and ritual that I journal on and practice for the next two weeks. The deck is so beautiful and inspires me to consistently turn inward, in small & intentional ways. Today, I felt called to full a card for YOU, my community. I asked the question, “what medicine does my community need right now?”

The card I pulled was SUCH an amazing answer, totally not what I expected and truly, the medicine we are craving. The card was “When I let others shine, I shine too”. It centered on our need, as women to LIFT EACH OTHER UP and the “charge” (the ritual) was that for the next seven days, you vocally share your admiration for another woman – a stranger, friend, family member or colleague. Are you inspired by her style, her art, her smile, her beauty, her words, her vibe or her achievements? Tell her gracefully and while grounded into your own heart space. 

Why is this important medicine right now? Because with so much divisiveness within our communities and world, we need to remember that CONNECTION is what drives change and initiates compassion + understanding. We are all struggling right now; and we could all use the uplifting boost of being SEEN.

Will you join me in this ritual over the next week?

At some point during our work, all of my health coaching clients ask me the same question… “What should I be doing to lose weight // feel better in my skin // get results?” And while it’s super tempting to answer their questions with a laundry list of suggestions, I know better. There comes a point for all of us in our journey where we need to stop looking outside ourselves for the answers on what is going to make us feel {and look} our best and start FEELING the wisdom that’s already inside us.
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So instead, I have them take a moment, close their eyes and turn inward – feeling their breath & body and ask what answers come up if they ask themselves a simple question… “What do I need right now?”
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I know…it’s not the “easy” answer you want and it’s so simple it seems almost stupid, right? It’s definitely NOT a follow-along blueprint that you can immediately execute and feel like you’re making progress because you’re doing all the things you think you *should* to doing to “be healthy”. But seriously, when has that EVER worked for you LONG-TERM? Like beyond the “diet” or before you burned out on that exercise binge? 
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Following someone else’s diet or plan for your body & life isn’t a lifelong, REAL LIFE strategy because as women, we are cyclical, not linear beings and we are both unique and ever-changing. This is one reason why it’s so important for us to have a daily practice that matches our nature and allows us to tap into signs & signals our body is sending us {that we usually ignore}.
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This overly simple, yet life-changing question will actually get you where you want to go (intuitively!), and here’s a great way to start putting putting it into practice…
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What if for every meal (when choosing to eat) and every workout (when deciding/scheduling what type of workout to do), you asked first, “what do I need right now, today, right now, in this moment?” In other words, what if you led with CURIOSITY, versus engaging in a dictatorship with your body?
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This in-the-moment check-in allows you to adjust to how you’re feeling ✨right now ✨ – which is key to a healthy life & body you ❤️ – because how you feel {physically, mentally, emotionally, energetically} changes DAILY. What you *need* on all levels, CHANGES daily. And it’s impacted by food, sleep, hormones, your thoughts, habits, your cycle and so much more).
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We all have a lot on our plates. We plan meals and schedule workouts because our lives are full. Even that though, doesn’t inhibit our ability to be inquisitive, CHOOSE and engage in a loving, mutual relationship with body & mind.
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If I’m feeling depleted and exhausted, anything high intensity or heavy is going to make that worse (affecting hormones in particular – which drives all weight loss and how we feel on a physiological level). In these moments, checking in with what I *need* would likely tell me that I instead need things like sleep, nourishing + whole foods, time spent outside, a bath, or some restorative/gentle yoga + stretching (even barre, lighter/muscle endurance-based strength training or Pilates).
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Likewise, it’s equally important – when I have the energy and *feel* like it – for me to feel the depth of my strength, to push my edge to understand my capabilities and feel the aliveness that comes from growth (in muscle & spirit) when I challenge myself to a workout that demands more from me physically (and mentally ?).
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The point is – your body will work FOR you, you will feel better and in alignment with your desires if you LISTEN to your body’s needs on a daily basis versus dictating how it will move & what it will eat, in disregard for what you actually need and/or feel. Be curious to uncover what feels best on the daily and you WILL feel better, on the daily. The biggest little gift you can give yourself this year, I promise. ✨

Are you ready for the ultimate pantry soup and the savior to your “what the heck do I cook for dinner?” woes that doubles as the easiest-to-make AND one of the best soups you’ve ever tasted? I’ve got you, sister. Because everyone needs quickies they can make from pantry staples. This is such a great one to make after you’re away from home for a weekend from said pantry without having to go to the store. I promise this guy won’t disappoint – I could eat this soup every week and often make a big batch at the beginning of the week, separating into mason jars for ease (freezing extras too!). Seasoned with lemongrass and ginger, this soup also doubles as an all-natural anti-inflammatory wonder for your gut. If you’re looking to beef up this recipe, I recommend adding 1/2 cup pre-cooked quinoa {secret, insider recipe below} and/or tossing 1 chopped sweet potato or yam to cook right into the soup {add in Step #5 below}.

 

Creamy Pumpkin + Coconut Soup:

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 (15 oz.) cans of organic pumpkin puree
• 1 (15 oz.) can organic coconut cream
• 1 sweet onion, diced
• 3 tsp. minced garlic
• 1” knob of fresh ginger, minced or grated using Microplane grater (more if desired), can also use 1-2 tsp. ground ginger
• 1 lemongrass stalk, chopped in half (optional)
• 1 Tbsp. organic, cold-pressed coconut oil
• 2 tsp. cumin
• 1 tsp. corriander
• 2-3 cups stock (vegetable, chicken or homemade bone broth are all great)
• Depending on desired spiciness: ¼ to ½ tsp. cayenne pepper
• Sea salt to taste

OPTION TO GARNISH WITH: organic full-fat Greek yogurt, toasted coconut flakes and pumpkin seeds, ½ cup pre-cooked quinoa and/or fresh sprouts. And two other very pretty & seasonally appropriate toppings are pomegranate seeds or crispy kale chips {preheat oven to 250 degrees, rip off kale leaves, massage with olive oil + sea salt, then put on baking sheet with parchment paper and cook for 10-15 minutes – edges brown, not burnt}. To add some freshness, I love to add a dollop of my Fresh Pesto {recipe below!}, Cilantro-Jalepeno Pistou {to die for, from my cookbook} or store-bought harissa. 

DIRECTIONS:

1. Prep all vegetables (chopping + mincing) first.
2. Sauté onion in coconut oil until softened, about 3 minutes.
3. Add garlic, lemongrass + ginger, sautéing for another 2 minutes.
4. Next add spices, cooking for a final 2 minutes.
5. Add pumpkin and coconut cream, stirring until blended. Then add the stock.
6. Let all ingredients simmer together for 10 minutes. Add salt + cayenne, taste and decide if you’d like more.
7. Remove the lemongrass. Then carefully transfer soup to a blender (or if you have an immersion blender, you can use that). Puree to smooth consistency.
8. Garnish individual servings as desired.

 

BONUS RECIPES:

Fresh Pesto: {Note: You can really use any nut in this or any pesto – pecan, cashew, almond, walnut, pine nut – and can make this dairy-free by substituting 1 Tbsp. nutritional yeast for Parmesan}.

INGREDIENTS:

• Large handful spinach leaves
• 4 oz. package fresh basil leaves, stems discarded
• 1 handful fresh parsley leaves (some stems okay)
• ½ cup pistachios
• 1/3 cup of raw-milk, organic, grass-fed Parmesan shavings OR 2 Tbsp. nutritional yeast
• ½ cup olive oil
• 1 tsp. lemon juice
• 1 garlic clove or ½ tsp. minced
• Sea salt + pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS: Add all ingredients to food processor and process until smooth. Feel free to add 1 tsp. of extra olive oil at a time if needed to blend smooth; can also use water.

 

The Fluffiest {and Best} Quinoa: “What’s the trick to cooking quinoa?” is one of the questions I get asked most frequently in my coaching practice (no joke!). And believe it or not, there is an art to it – and a few tricks I’ve mastered to make this quinoa the fluffiest and best you’ve ever had – every time! First, you must soak the quinoa {this helps break down anti-nutrients that interfere with digestion and soften the quinoa’s texture and flavor}. Second, leave the lid off until all the liquid is absorbed! Now consider yourself “in the know”.

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 cups quinoa
• Water
• 2 cups water or broth {vegetable or homemade bone broth}
• 1 tsp. apple cider vinegar

DIRECTIONS:

1. Add 2 cups of quinoa to a bowl with vinegar and pour enough water over to cover.
2. {Trick #1}: Soak for at least 12 and up to 48 hours.
3. Drain and rinse.
4. Add quinoa and 2 cups water or broth {using homemade bone broth makes this the ultimate quinoa} to a saucepan and bring to a boil, then reduce heat and {Trick #2} cook until all the water is absorbed.
5. Cover and remove from heat, letting stand for 5 minutes.

 

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And be sure to get goodness and inspiration like this each week by signing up for my newsletter {click here!}. Searching for inspiration in the kitchen? Check out my Living Fully E-Cookbook too {Spring + Summer Edition} or the Fall + Winter Seasonal Meal Plan {8 weeks of grocery lists, recipes and meal plans and themes to keep your holiday season inspired and healthy living simple! Email me to get more information!}. 

SPRING & SUMMER E-COOKBOOK :

Do you desire to enter spring & summer feeling lighter and more energized? Have fresh and mouth-watering recipes that are also simple and easy to cook? I’ve got you, sister. Check out my {first ever} digital cookbook of spring and summer recipes.

 

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WHAT YOU’LL BE EATING ON IN
THE LIVING FULLY THE DIGITAL COOKBOOK:

 

You might be wondering — what kind of recipes would you be eating? Again, all recipes are naturally gluten-free, mostly dairy-free (with options to adjust based on your needs) and vegetarian-friendly. They are loaded with seasonal + fresh vegetables and rooted in real, whole foods created to energetically lighten you from the inside-out. First, expect simplicity. Meals that light up your taste buds, just so happen to be healthy AND make you feel amazing.

Expect lots of fresh, flavorful and satisfying salads, simple meals with multiple variations so you can make tiny shifts and never get bored, plus dishes that are great for eating on the porch or rocking a BBQ.

 

To get your tastebuds watering, here’s a sample of a few recipes:

• Shaved Fennel + Radish Salad with Quinoa, Avocado + Pumpkin Seeds
• New Age Cobb Salad
• Cold Soba Noodle Salad with Julienned Cucumber, Radish + Carrot
• Colorful Veggies in a Garlic Dill Butter Sauce
• Lamb Meatballs with Fresh Mint + Feta
• Salty + Satisfying Smoked Salmon Brunchin’ Salad
• Caramelized Grapefruit with Ginger-Pistachio Crumble
• Hearty Potato + Summer Vegetable Frittata
• Vegetable Noodles with to-die-for Fresh Sauces like Cilantro + Roasted Jalapeno Pistou, Fresh Pesto, Creamy Beet Pesto and Basil + Pea Puree
• Summer Glow Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing
• Creamy Broccoli Waldorf
• Jasmine Rice with Toasted Pine Nuts + Chives
• Homemade, Rich Bone Broth
• Creamy Coconut Cream + Pumpkin Soup
• Swiss Chard, Bell Pepper and Caramelized Onion Quesadilla
• Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Drinkable Peanut Sauce
• Choco-Banana Cookie Bites
• MOjo Coffee: my version of bulletproof coffee (an amazing morning ritual)
• “Cous-Cous” Salad with Mint + Radish

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DIGITAL SUMMER RECIPE BOOK: An online cookbook with over 50 seasonal summer recipes for breakfast, lunch, brunch, and dinner. All a perfect fit for enjoying on your patio or taking to whatever BBQ’s + social events you have planned. All recipes are gluten-free and adjustable to be dairy-free + vegetarian. Recipes are simple, fresh and real-food based to create vibrancy that radiates from the inside-out. 

CLICK HERE TO BUY THE RECIPE BOOK NOW!

Then be sure to sign up below to receive your recipe book (sent Friday, June 9)!

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{CLOSED} LOOKING FOR MORE THAN JUST NUTRITION?

Create a more joyful, healthful + soulful life, nourished on all levels with my new Living FULLy Group Coaching Program.

*This program is full. To get on the waitlist for the next round, email me: whitney@macksmo.com*

You were made to thrive. To experience outrageous joy. To feel good in your own skin and be excited about both your body and life in a healthful and vibrant way. And to have that without feeling guilty, deprived, exhausted or overwhelmed.

It sounds too good to be true, right? Especially when elements of feeling good for you have always involved the hustle: never-ending to-do’s (that don’t really involve taking care of you) with never enough time and feeling like no matter what you do, it’s not quite right and doesn’t last.

And that’s exactly why what you’ve done never worked before (for the long haul). Because it hasn’t been about YOU. It’s been about what you “should” be doing or what you’ve been told is the “best way” to move, eat and “be healthy” instead of focused on what you really need, desire and crave, on a personal and meaningful level. It’s been externally focused instead of soulfully focused.

And that’s both how this program is different and will change your life: you’ll learn what it means and looks like to tune in to your inner knowing so that you can begin trusting yourself and listening to your body’s wisdom. Ultimately, it’s about thriving without the pushing.

It’s about choosing (self-) love over (self-) loathing. Nourishment over starvation. Grace over exhaustion. The path towards Living Fully involves taking yourself off autopilot and into mindful awareness, learning the standards you’ve set for yourself that are keeping you stuck and being honest about what you’ve been avoiding + stuffing down. Because at the end of the day, there are two approaches: effective ones (where you love yourself forward to be nourished on all levels) and destructive ones (where you self-loathe yourself into change that doesn’t stick).

Are you one of my ladies? Get the week-by-week details of this program – and all you can expect from it by CLICKING HERE!

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WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT WHITNEY’S MEAL PLANS + HEALTH COACHING

“When I first started meeting with Whitney, I thought health coaching would teach me more about clean eating, nutrition, and how to integrate cooking real foods in to my daily lifestyle. And while I certainly did learn a lot about those things, I got so much more out of our sessions. I quickly learned that health coaching done properly is more like life coaching, because our health IS life, isn’t it? Living a healthy life is so much more than just the foods we eat. During our sessions, I was able to really look closely at the habits I had formed and the decisions I was making and decide what was working for me and what can/should change. Whitney opened up a space for me to explore a life path I had never even considered, and gave me the encouragement to pursue it. The best way for me to describe Whitney is that she became one of the best relationships I never knew I needed. Whitney has an incredible skill for connecting with people and intuitively knowing not only what they need, but how she can help them get it. Whitney helped me get “unstuck” in my life, in my relationships, in my career, all in an incredibly supportive, nonjudgemental way. I can honestly say that my life was drastically changed because of Whitney, and I’m so grateful for her.” – Kate B.

“I have participated in the majority of Whitney’s nutrition programs and have also been a personal training + health coaching client for almost six years and every piece has been truly been life changing. The materials that go with them (recipes and all the written information) have completely changed my relationship with not only food, but my body. In the past, I essentially would go from one trendy diet to the next with results that did not last. What I learned through her programs is to eat whole foods that nourish the body. To enjoy food and how it can fuel our bodies. I have been a consistent size for the past several years utilizing the programs and information she’s provided me. I strongly encourage anyone to take advantage of her program and the knowledge she provides with zero judgment!” – Jacque M.

“Whitney is a one of a kind health coach.  She brings expertise and intuition to each session and has helped me look deeply at my overall health choices and how I can reach my goals.  The focus on “soul food” and strategies – including amazing, easy to use recipes that I can make time for even with two little ones and work – has put me on a wonderful path.  I’m so thankful to work with Whitney!” – Amy N.

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Whitney Mack is a holistic nutrition health coach, fitness and movement specialist, feel good fanatic and mother, who empowers busy women and mommas to connect to their desires and how they want to feel daily in order to create more vibrancy, energy, freedom, joy and ease in their lives. In every program and service offered, she uses real food, movement and health coaching strategies to help you create a more soulful and purpose-driven life through nourishment and love. Because it turns out, as your love (for your life, for yourself, for your spirit) grows, your body intuitively sheds the emotional + physical weight holding you back from a life and body you’re excited about. This effectively creates a health momentum that’s inspired by feeling good and guided by a more intuitive and mindful approach to a healthy life you love. {www.macksmo.com // whitney@macksmo.com}.

Big thanks to Heather Brincko, Kate Porter and Sarah Heitman – whose photos are featured here.

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