Holistic in a Heartbeat

11/11/2025

I recently just heard about pigeon peas and wanted to try them so I looked up a recipe for pigeon pea soup with pumpkin since it's pumpkin season! I love the texture and flavor of pigeon peas. They have somewhat of a nutty flavor and are more firm. They have numerous health benefits including high in protein and fiber and packed with nutrients such as iron, potassium, magnesium, folate, and b vitamins. They contain antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress. The recipe is from vegancaribbeankickstart.com/pigeon-peas-and-pumpkin/

I also made some healthy cornbread to pair with it. Yum!

1 1/2 cups oat flour (ground fresh from oats in my blender)
1 1/2 cups cornmeal
1 TBS baking powder
1 TBS maple syrup
1 cup plant milk
1 1/4 cup water
1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce

Mix all dry ingredients in a bowl then mix all wet ingredients in a separate bowl. Mix dry and wet until combined stirring with a whisk. Line a 9x13 pan with parchment paper and pour batter in. Bake at 400 for 30 minutes. Let sit for 10-15 minutes before slicing.

10/31/2025

This pumpkin hummus tastes just like pumpkin pie filling! You wouldn't even know it was made with chickpeas. A healthy treat this fall season! Did you know that pumpkin is nutrient rich, high in fiber, and aids in immune function?! Serve with apple slices or tortillas!

1 can chickpeas (drained)
1 can pumpkin
1/4 cup maple syrup
2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1 tsp vanilla extract

Blend until smooth!

10/03/2025

Keeping it simple with chickpea salad in a farm fresh tomato! Chickpea salad is easy and delicious! Mash 1 can of chickpeas. Add either vegan mayo or for a healthier option hummus. Add seasoning such as Italian and Kirkland no salt seasoning. I added diced onion, cucumber, and pickle. Enjoy!

10/02/2025

It's a mix between a taco salad and a Mexican grain bowl! Quick and easy 30 minute meal. So flavorful and filling and all whole foods! I sauteed onion and garlic, then added green, yellow and red pepper. Tossed in some cooked brown rice (ok, microwavable brown rice!), then added a can of black beans. Seasoned with cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and chili powder. Put it on top of lettuce, then added store bought fresh salsa and avocado. Optional: bake or air fry corn tortillas to make chips!

Dinner doesn't have to be complicated and it can be healthy and satisfying!

09/26/2025

It's a soup and sandwich kind of a day. On a dreary, rainy day there's nothing better than a warm bowl of soup. The soup is a clean out the fridge veggie soup with green beans, squash, carrot, corn, cabbage, onion, tomato, Lima beans, and cannelloni beans. What a great way to use up leftovers! Even better is that most of it came from the farmers market. During the season change our bodies do best with local, seasonal food to help make the transition. I made a TLT to go with it, tempeh, lettuce and tomato. Tempeh bacon done in the air fryer to crispy! Mayo options are vegan mayo, tofu mayo, or hummus!

09/25/2025

I had a request from my mom for a vegan peanut butter pie. It came out creamy and just the right ratio of peanut butter to sweetness. I used a store bought crust, but for a healthier option you can make your own.

Pie filling:
16 oz silken tofu (firm)
1 cup all natural peanut butter (sugar and oil free)
3/4 cup pure maple syrup
2 tsp vanilla extract

Blend until combined. For the topping, melt around 1/2 cup dairy free dark chocolate chips and drizzle over pie. Chop about 1/2 cup of dry roasted peanuts and add around rim of pie. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set up. Enjoy!

09/18/2025

09/18/2025

This has been one of my favorite meals over the summer while there's been an abundance of zucchini. Steamed kale, grilled zucchini and yellow squash seasoned with Kirkland no salt seasoning, chickpeas seasoned with Za'attar, with tahini dressing drizzled over it. Such an amazing flavor combo!

09/16/2025

Bringing in some fall flavors to my salad. Sweet potatoes, air fried tofu, candied almonds, cranberries and a maple tahini dressing. Eating seasonal food helps my mind and body transition through the season change.
Air fryer tofu:
Marinate for 10-15 minutes in soy sauce, veggie broth, dill w**d, and sesame oil. Air fry for 15-20 minutes until crispy.

09/09/2025

Join me for The Lift Project! I'll be your facilitator.

08/30/2025

Join me for the Lift Project! Starts Thursday 9/11. We meet for 1 hour a week over 10 weeks. Reduce your stress and Lift your mood.

Join us (via Zoom) on an uplifting 10-week journey to improve your mood and overall well-being using the latest science-backed insights.