As a holistic health coach and someone who's super conscious about what I eat (hello, gluten free and vegan, a restaurants nightmare), my biggest downfall is portion control.  The thing is, I know better, but often times, can't help it.  No matter what your eating habits or weight loss goals are, here are eight tips for better portion control.

A month or so ago, I attended a summit by the Global Wellness Institute where the medicinal properties of mushrooms was a super hot topic.  Turns out, research is being done to prove that magic mushrooms could be “better than existing treatments” for anxiety, depression and addiction.  Today, we’re seeing mushroom infused coffees, chocolates and skincare products.  Here, I investigated their benefits when ingested and applied topically. 

When I coach clients into healthier lifestyles, I always emphasize eating clean – minimal processed foods that offer maximum nutrition.  It's not a diet, but a lifestyle. Personally, when I decided to go vegan over ten years ago, it's because I wanted to eat as clean as possible.  Here's what that really means and how eating clean will help you jumpstart weight loss, clear up your skin, increase energy and get better sleep.  It's a sustainable lifestyle shift and once you reap the benefits, you'll never go back.

If you haven't heard of Sakara Life yet, let me introduce you.  The vegan meal delivery service encourages a lifestyle that goes way beyond food – think physical, mental and spiritual enhancement.  After trying the service out for a few weeks, I have to tell you, I can't contain my excitement each time it shows up at my doorstep.  And when I finish a meal, I legit get upset that it's gone.  The food is that good.  

How do you guys feel about eating your skincare?  Into it or pass?  As with most nutraceuticals, the ingestible collagen trend has me skeptical of its efficacy, yet intrigued.  I've been receiving pitches from publicists about the hot topic for a while now and after getting hooked on Sakara Life's Beauty Chocolates, decided it was time to dig in and find out they really work.  Here, Dr. Mona Gohara gives an honest answer.  

Last week, I wrote about my experience of learning to eat for my dosha type and how the practice changed my life.  Many of you were intrigued by the idea and wanted to learn more about the dosha types and ayurveda so here, I talk to Judy Deutsch, MS, RD, LDN, who helps to further break down the concept.  Once you find out your dosha type, I'd encourage you to take her up on her advice!

This summer during a visit to Canyon Ranch, I met with a nutritionist who introduced me to the idea of eating for your dosha type.  As a yogi, I was famliar with my dosha type (Vata-Pitta) and the chacteristics, but never really looked into lifestyle decisions I should be making because of it.  Now, I practice living according to the needs of my dosha type in order to feel my best.  Here's why.

When we think of aloe vera, the first thing that comes to mind is the plant’s power to soothe our skin after we’ve spent too much in the sun. That is just one of many health benefits our body gets from the medical plant.

SOLE, salt water made with super concentrated HIMALAYAN PINK SALt, IS know for it's detoxing properties. However, drinking it daily can also HELP WITH DIGESTION and SLEEP DEPRIVATION. Here's why you should get involved.

Just as the leaves on the trees are about to change, it's time for our palettes to adjust as well. Fall is here! And that means it's time to try something new. With the help of some of our favorite food bloggers, we're rounding up the most delicious vegan dishes to whip up at home. 

If you're anything like us, you have a sweet tooth and baked goods are hard to pass up!  Martha Stewart shows us how replacing the gluten in wheat flour for cornstarch will still give you the same irresistible taste.

For the past two weeks, Joe and I ate our way through Italy.  Literally.  We visited Sorrento, Capri, Florence, Rome and everywhere in between – eating.  As a gluten-free vegan, eating in Italy is always challenging.   My coveted smoothies, acaí bowls and salads are nowhere to be found abroad.  Here, I share the challenges I faced when flirting with gluten and some go-to Italian meals that I put together off of restaurant menus.  While it's not easy for me to eat anywhere but in NYC or LA (they just get me!), it's doable.  If I can do it in Italy, you can do it anywhere.

Turmeric is more than a flavorful cooking spice. It's also a powerful nutritional supplement, containing bioactive compounds with effective medicinal benefits. For starters, Curcumin, the most desirable extract of turmeric, has major anti-inflammatory benefits.  Here are seven health benefits of turmeric. Get ready to sprinkle.

Summer is in full swing! The days are longer and there's an abundance of sunshine, which makes the perfect recipe for summer adventures. Whether you're lounging in the sand, hiking some trails or just taking a walk on your lunch break, make sure you're setting yourself up for success in the snack department.  After all, we work hard for our summer bodies!  These five vegan-friendly snacks have been our go-tos.

Pair this with gluten free bread and it's a dream appetizer for us.  Full of vegetables and flavor, this white bean hummus and mushroom bruschetta is easy to make and a healthy appetizer for any summer bar-b-ques.

Piná Coladas are a summertime fan favorite and we've found an even better and healthier way to enjoy them.  Condensing what would normally be a 425 calorie drink down to just 115 calories by the substitution of coconut water.  And we think they taste even better this way!  Here's the how-to:

Since receiving my health coaching certification, friends and family are constantly asking me about healthy breakfast ideas.  It seems all anyone eats are eggs!  If you follow me on Insta, you already know that I love making bowls and smoothies that are full of nothing but nutrition.  Here are five well-balanced breakfast ideas (including my yogurt bowl and chocolate, banana smoothie) to begin incorporating into your mornings.  

Teaching people how to navigate the grocery store in order to eat their healthiest is one of the most rewarding parts of being a health coach.  Once you show someone once, they'll never look at the food store the same again.  In honor of National Nutrition Month, here are 5 simple tips for success at the grocery store.

In need of a re-energizing, midday snack or a morning pick me up? You're going to want to try these bite sized protein balls. Delicious, healthy and great for on-the-go!

Here in NYC, we don't exactly have "margarita weather" today, but the sun is shining somewhere, so to celebrate National Margarita Day, here's my favorite recipe.  And yes, of course it's healthy!  Haven't you ever heard of the tequila diet?

Quick, flavorful and super healthy. This chili is our spin on the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine's delectable recipe and perfect for cold winter nights.

Looking for a simple, yet deliciously warming recipe?  Look no further than Dr. Frank Lipman's butternut squash and root veggie soup.  

The holidays are clearly the hardest time of year to eat clean.  Dinner parties often don't provide a ton of healthy options (Finger foods? I'll pass.) and martinis tend to go down like water (for me, anyway).  Here's a juice recipe that I've tried by Dr. Taz that'll help to quickly reduce bloating so you can continue to party on without feeling gross.

It wasn't until I studied nutrition at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition and became a Holistic Health Coach that I realized the importance of probiotics.  It's the one supplement I recommend all of my clients take as I truly believe that it's beneficial for balancing gut bacteria and keeping your digestive system healthy amongst other things.  As a health coach and yoga teacher, my lifestyle is dedicated to finding balance, health and internal peace and helping others do the same.  When it comes to taking probiotics, that part of my regimen just got easier.  Enter: The morning routine.

Trader Joe's is a health food haven.  If you're trying to stick to a healthy eating regimen, the store offers a huge array of guilt-free snacking options with loads of benefits.  Here are five must-try healthy snacks that are sure to become a staple in your household.

I know, you've been seeing kombucha everywhere lately; so here's what all the hype's all about.  Health benefits such as detoxification, joint health, digestion and immune boosting properties are helping to fuel the Kombucha trend and popularity.  According to Alex Galindez, General Manager of BluePrint®, the carbonated alternative to soda has been in high demand.

Last week, my Sister-in-Law, Elizabeth, surprised me by making me the best brownies I've ever had.  Being vegan and gluten free with a serious sweet tooth, she knew just how to cheer me up after a rough week.  They're fudgey and practically melt in your mouth.  Seriously, covet this recipe.

Nothing says fall like delicious apple and pumpkin recipes. If you're like us, then you're probably trying to incorporate these fall staples into your diet asap.  Here are some super simple and healthy fall recipes for each meal of the day.

Earlier this week I had the pleasure of attending a media launch party for Deepak Chopra and Kimberly Snyder's new book, Radical Beauty.  As an avid follower of both, the spiritual leader and nutritionist, I was excited to hear what they had to say and cannot get enough of the book.  It's by far the most scientifically comprehensive beauty book that's landed on my desk (and trust me, I've seen a ton). Here,  Kimberly dishes on her inspiration behind the book, food diary and finding balance.

Whenever Joe and I attend a party, I always bring guac.  One, because it's healthy and two, because it's the only app I know how to make.  I've been playing with different recipes and used to blend it in my Ninja, but have been smashing it instead and like the consistency better.  Here's my super healthy guac recipe.  Enjoy!